Why East India Company Act 1784 is also known as Pitt’s India Act of 1784?
The bill was introduced by the Prime Minister of Britain, William Pitt himself , that is why it is known as Pitt’s India Act.
What were the reasons behind introduction of Pitt’s India Act 1784?
The East India Company occupied a large part of India and was making a great profits by exploiting Indian resources. British government felt the need to take control of the Indian subcontinent and restrict the company’s monopoly over the trade. This was the main reason behind the introduction of Pitt’s India Act 1784.
Must read: Act of Settlement 1781 – the Amending Act of 1781
Why Pitt’s India Act of 1784 regarded as a significant act?
The, the act was significant for two reasons:
First, the Company’s territories in India were for the first time called the ‘British possessions in India’.
Second, the British Government was given the supreme control over Company’s affairs and its administration in India.
Must read: Regulating Act of 1773 – the foundation of central administration in India
What were the important features of Pitt’s India Act of 1784?
The important features of the Act were as follows:
(a) It distinguished between the commercial and political functions of the Company.
(b) It allowed the Court of Directors to manage the commercial affairs, but created a new body called Board of Control to manage the political affairs. Thus, it established a system of double government.
(c) It empowered the Board of Control to supervise and direct all operations of the civil and military government or revenues of the British possessions in India.
External link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitt%27s_India_Act#:~:text=The%20East%20India%20Company%20Act,control%20of%20the%20British%20Government.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
QUES . Which one of the following Acts provided the setting up of a Board of Control in Britain, through which the British Government could fully control the British East India Company’s civil, military and revenue affairs in India?
(a) Regulating Act of 1773
(b) Pitt’s India Act of 1784
(c) Charter Act of 1833
(d) Government of India Act of 1858
(b)
QUES . In which of the following Acts were the Company’s territories in India were for the first time called the ‘British possessions in India’?
(a) Regulating Act of 1773
(b) Pitt’s India Act of 1784
(c) Charter Act of 1833
(d) Government of India Act of 1858
(b)
