History of the Constitution of India
Basic Overview 1600- Arrival of the British : The British East India Company (EIC) arrived in India in 1600 as traders with exclusive trading rights granted by Queen Elizabeth I. 1764- Battle of Buxar : Transition to Power: Initially focused on trade, the EIC gained political power after winning the Battle of Buxar in 1764, securing Diwani rights (revenue collection) in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. 1857- British Crown Control: Following the Revolt of 1857, the British Crown took direct control of India from the EIC and ruled until India gained independence on August 15, 1947. 1950- Constitution of India: Formation of the Constitution: After independence, the Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 to draft the Indian Constitution. Adoption of the Constitution: The Constitution of India was adopted on January 26, 1950. Full Concept History of the Constitution of India Regulating Act of 1773 Background: The British Parliament passed the Regulation Act of 1773 due to the inefficiency of the dual system introduced by Robert Clive in 1765. Purpose: This was the first step to regulate and control the East India Company’s affairs. Centralised Administration: It established a centralised administration in India. Hierarchy: Made the Governors of Bombay and Madras presidencies subordinate to the Governor-General of Bengal. Official Recognition: The political and administrative functions of the East India Company in India were officially recognised for the first time. Pitt’s India Act of 1784: Created a dual system of control with the British government having supreme control over the company’s affairs. Established the Board of Control to oversee the East India Company’s civil, military, and revenue affairs. Charter Act of 1793: Renewed the East India Company’s charter for 20 years. Allowed the company to continue trade and administrative functions in India. Extended the company’s monopoly on trade with India. Charter Act of 1813: Ended the East India Company’s monopoly on trade with India, except for trade in tea and trade with China. Allowed missionaries to come to India and promote education. Charter Act of 1833: Centralised the administration of India under the Governor-General. Ended the East India Company’s commercial activities, making it an administrative body only. Provided for the establishment of a law commission to codify Indian laws. Charter Act of 1853: Renewed the company’s charter but did not specify a time limit. Introduced a competitive examination for the recruitment of civil servants. Created a separate legislative council for India. Government of India Act, 1858: Transferred control of India from the East India Company to the British Crown. Established the office of the Secretary of State for India. Created the Indian Civil Service under the direct control of the British government. Indian Councils Act 1861: Introduced Indian representation in the legislative process. Allowed the Viceroy to nominate Indian members to his expanded council. Indian Councils Act 1892: Expanded the powers of legislative councils and increased the number of Indian members. Introduced indirect elections for the legislative councils. Indian Councils Act 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms): Introduced separate electorates for Muslims. Expanded legislative councils at both central and provincial levels. Increased Indian participation in governance. Government of India Act 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms): Introduced dyarchy in the provinces, dividing subjects into transferred and reserved categories. Expanded the central and provincial legislative councils and increased Indian representation. Indian Independence Act of 1947: Granted independence to India and Pakistan. Ended British rule in India. Provided for the partition of India and the establishment of two independent dominions, India and Pakistan.