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.
