Constitutional and Administrative Developments, 1773–1858
BPSC demand
Build a date–act–institution chain. The central question is how British parliamentary control over the East India Company increased, ending in direct Crown rule after 1858.
Timeline
Acts at a glance
Act
Safe clue
Regulating Act, 1773
Governor of Bengal becomes Governor-General of Bengal; Warren Hastings first; Supreme Court at Calcutta.
Pitt’s India Act, 1784
Board of Control; dual control of Company affairs.
Charter Act, 1813
Company’s trade monopoly ended except trade in tea and with China.
Charter Act, 1833
Governor-General of Bengal becomes Governor-General of India; William Bentinck first.
Charter Act, 1853
Separated legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General’s council.
Government of India Act, 1858
Company rule ended; Secretary of State for India; Canning first Viceroy.
Do not confuse
Term
Correct meaning
Governor-General of Bengal
Office created under 1773 Act.
Governor-General of India
Title under 1833 Act.
Viceroy
Crown’s representative after 1858; first was Canning.