The early administrative structure; From diarchy to direct control;
The Regulating Act (1773); The Pitt’s India Act (1784); The Charter Act (1833);
The voice of free trade and the changing character of British colonial rule;
The English utilitarian and India.
PYQs: Early Structure of the British Raj [1985-2024]
- Discuss the basic features of the judicial administration under the East India Company. Did the British introduce the modem concept of the rule of law in India? (1986)
- ‘The national democratic awakening of the Indian people found expression of white racism.’ Comment in about 200 words. (1987)
- Assess the impact of the utilitarian ideas in moulding the British attitude towards India. How did the utilitarian try to solve the problem of land revenue? (1992)
- What kind of administrative change were introduced in India under the East India Company? (1993)
- The British Indian State experienced the wind of change with the arrival of Lord William Bentinck. Comment. (1999 )
- ‘The object of the Act (Regulating) was good, but system that it established was imperfect.’ Comment. (2004)
- “Sprung from paternalism, the English Utilitarian philosophy as introduced in India rejected its human warmth between rulers and the ruled”. Comment. (2008)
- “The Charter Act of 1833 rung down the curtain on the Company’s trade and introduced a new concept of government in India.” Substantiate. (2011)
- “The Dual System of Government was a complete failure from the outset. In the first place, the abuse of the private trade reached a greater height than ever. In the second place, the demands of the Company for the increase led to gross oppression of the peasantry.” Examine. (2014)
- Critically examine: The Regulating Act (1773), the Pitt’s India Act (1784) and eventually the Charter Act of 1833 left the East India Company as a mere shadow of its earlier political and economic power in India.” (2015)
- “James Mill, the apostle of utilitarian philosophy, proposed a revolution of Indian society through the‘weapon of law’ solely. But in actual policy framing, other influences and considerations weighed much more than the colonial State.” Elucidate. (2015)
- “Peace hath her victories no less renowned than war.” Examine this statement with reference to Lord William Bentinck. (2016)
- How far is it correct to say that if Clive was the founder of the British Empire in India, Warren Hastings was its administrative organiser? (2016)
- “The need to impose greater parliamentary control over the Company’s affairs increased during the decades (1773-1853) after Plassey”. Elucidate. (2016)
- How did the English utilitarian thinking impact India in the British era? (2021)
- Can you explain how, after acquiring Diwani, the government of the East India Company functioned like ‘an Indian ruler’? (2022)
- The values of utilitarianism prompted the Company administration to attempt reform of Indian society. (2024)