SS- the establishment of the company rule ( Reforms )

Administrative Reforms by the English East India Company in India

  • The English East India Company, established in 1600, played a significant role in shaping the administrative structure of India during their rule.

  • The company introduced several administrative reforms to streamline governance and enhance their control over the Indian territories.

Judicial Reforms:

  • The English East India Company established a dual system of justice in India, consisting of both English and Indian laws.

  • They established Adalats or courts to administer justice based on Indian laws, while the Sadr Diwani Adalat and Sadr Nizamat Adalat were established to deal with civil and criminal cases based on English laws.

Administrative Structure:

  • The company established a Governor-General in Calcutta, who held supreme authority over the company's territories in India.

  • The Board of Control was established in London to oversee and control the company's activities in India.

  • The company divided its territories into Presidencies - Bengal, Madras, and Bombay - each headed by a Governor.

  • Districts were further divided into Collectorates headed by Collectors who were responsible for revenue collection, law and order, and administration.

Lord Cornwallis introduced several civil administrative reforms in India during his tenure as Governor-General. Some of the key reforms implemented by Cornwallis include:

  1. Judicial Reforms: Cornwallis implemented significant changes in the judicial system. He established separate civil and criminal courts and introduced the concept of a professional judiciary. The courts were made more accessible to the common people, and the legal procedures were simplified.

  2. Police Reforms: Cornwallis established a modern police force known as the "Thanas" or "Thannahs." The police force was organized, trained, and equipped to maintain law and order, prevent crime, and protect the rights of the people.

  3. Administrative Reorganization: Cornwallis reorganized the administrative structure by dividing the British territories into administrative units called districts. Each district was headed by a Collector, responsible for revenue collection, law and order, and general administration.

  4. Codification of Laws: Cornwallis initiated the process of codifying laws in India. He appointed a committee to compile and codify laws, resulting in the creation of the Bengal Regulations, which formed the basis of the legal system in British India.

These reforms aimed to bring stability, efficiency, and accountability to the administration in India. However, it is important to note that these reforms also had their limitations and impact on various sections of society.