The
Regulating Act of 1773 was the first big step by the British
Parliament to control the corrupt and collapsing East India Company.
It created the Governor-General of Bengal (Warren Hastings), set up
a four-member council, and established the first Supreme
Court in Calcutta. This Act began centralized British rule in India,
but also caused frequent clashes between the Governor-General
and the Court.
✨ Key Points (Super Short &
Clear)
- 🎯 Centralization Begins: Governor-General of Bengal
+ Executive Council formed.
- ⚖️ Judicial Setup: Supreme Court at Calcutta (1774)
established.
- 🚫 Anti-Corruption: Company officials banned from
private trade & bribery.
- 🏛️ Parliament Watches: Company must report finances
& administration to Britain.
- 📉 Control on Directors: 4-year terms + dividend
capped at 6%.
📌 Why It Matters
- It was the first major British check on the
Company.
- Laid the foundation of centralized administration in
India.
- Started formal British judicial structure in
India.
⚠️ Drawbacks (Very Short)
- ❗ Power Conflicts: Governor-General vs Supreme
Court.
- ❗ Not Enough Reform: Problems continued → Pitt’s
India Act (1784) needed.
🔗 Sources
- British Parliament Archives – Regulating Act 1773
https://www.parliament.uk - National Archives UK – East India Company Records
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk - Encyclopaedia Britannica – Regulating Act
https://www.britannica.com/event/Regulating-Act
