Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumBritish Colonial Expansion, Economic Policies, and Administrative Systems

Consider the following statements regarding the early administrative and judicial reforms introduced under East India Company rule in India:

1. Warren Hastings abolished the Dual System of administration in Bengal and established District Diwani Adalats presided over by civil officers.
2. The Cornwallis Code of 1793 formally separated revenue collection from judicial administration.
3. Lord William Bentinck abolished the Provincial Courts of Appeal and Circuit, reassigning their duties to Commissioners of Revenue and Circuit.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A
    1 and 2 only
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2, and 3Answer

Answer

All three statements (1, 2, and 3) are correct.
All three statements describe historical facts correctly. Warren Hastings ended the Dual System in 1772 and laid the framework for civil courts. Lord Cornwallis institutionalized the separation of revenue management from judicial powers through the Cornwallis Code of 1793. Lord William Bentinck reorganized the judicial system by abolishing the cumbersome Provincial Courts of Appeal and Circuit and placing circuit duties under Commissioners.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding Warren Hastings's administrative actions in Bengal.
Statement 1 is correct.
In 1772, Warren Hastings terminated the Dual System of government created by Robert Clive and brought Bengal under direct Company control, setting up District Diwani Adalats for civil justice.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding Lord Cornwallis's judicial and revenue separation.
Statement 2 is correct.
The Cornwallis Code of 1793 established the separation of executive/revenue authority from judicial power, stripping District Collectors of judicial functions and creating dedicated District Judges.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding William Bentinck's rationalization of provincial appellate courts.
Statement 3 is correct.
Lord William Bentinck abolished the slow and inefficient Provincial Courts of Appeal and Circuit, delegating their responsibilities to Divisional Commissioners of Revenue and Circuit.

Key Concept

Evolution of Civil and Judicial Administration under British Rule
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Rate this question

Topics

British Colonial Expansion, Economic Policies, and Administrative Systems