What change did the Regulating Act bring to the post of the Governor of Bengal?

Question

What change did the Regulating Act bring to the post of the Governor of Bengal?

1. A. He was required to report directly to the British Crown.
2. B. He was reduced to a ceremonial position.
3. C. His role was elevated to Governor-General with a council of four members. (Correct answer)
4. D. He was transferred to the Madras Presidency.

Correct Answer

Option C — His role was elevated to Governor-General with a council of four members.

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is His role was elevated to Governor-General with a council.

Key Points

• The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first British parliamentary attempt to control the East India Company's Indian administration.
• It designated the Governor of Bengal as the Governor-General of Bengal, assisted by an Executive Council of four members, and made the Governors of Bombay and Madras subordinate to him.
• Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General of Bengal under this arrangement.

Additional Information

• The Act also established a Supreme Court at Calcutta (1774) with one Chief Justice and three other judges, and barred Company servants from private trade and from accepting gifts.
• Its defects were addressed by Pitt's India Act, 1784, which created a Board of Control, introducing the system of dual government over Indian affairs.
• The chain worth memorising: Regulating Act 1773 → Pitt's India Act 1784 → Charter Act 1813 (ended the Company's Indian trade monopoly) → Charter Act 1833 (Governor-General of India, William Bentinck the first) → Charter Act 1853 → Government of India Act 1858 (Crown rule).

प्रश्न (हिन्दी में)

रेग्युलेटिंग एक्ट ने बंगाल के गवर्नर के पद में क्या परिवर्तन लाया?

1. A. उन्हें सीधे ब्रिटिश क्राउन को रिपोर्ट करना आवश्यक था।
2. B. उन्हें एक औपचारिक पद तक सीमित कर दिया गया।
3. C. उनकी भूमिका को चार सदस्यों की परिषद के साथ गवर्नर-जनरल तक बढ़ा दिया गया।
4. D. उन्हें मद्रास प्रेसीडेंसी में स्थानांतरित कर दिया गया।