Question

Under Pitt's India Act, what restriction was placed on the Governor General and Council?

• A. They could not pass any civil law without Queen's consent.
• B. They could not issue orders without majority support.
• C. They were forbidden to declare war or make treaties without approval
• D. They had to resign after 5 years in office.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. They were forbidden to declare war or make treaties without approval

Restrictions Under Pitt's India Act of 1784

• Prohibition on War and Treaties: The Governor-General and his Council were explicitly forbidden from declaring war or negotiating treaties with Indian princes and native states without the express permission of the Board of Control or the Court of Directors.
• Mandate for Peace and Non-Intervention: Section 34 of the Act declared that pursuing schemes of conquest and extension of dominion in India were measures repugnant to the wish, honor, and policy of the British nation.
• Exception for Defensive Action: The Governor-General could engage in hostilities or enter into defensive treaties only if an Indian power had actually begun hostilities or made formal preparations to attack British possessions or allies.

Key Provisions & Administrative Changes

• Dual System of Control: The Act established a dual government system, separating the East India Company's political functions from its commercial operations.
• Creation of the Board of Control: A six-member body comprising British government ministers (including the Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Exchequer) was set up to oversee political, civil, military, and revenue affairs.
• Court of Directors: The Court of Directors retained control exclusively over the Company's commercial activities.
• Council Strength Reduced: The membership of the Governor-General’s Executive Council was reduced from four to three (including the Commander-in-Chief of the army) to make decision-making easier and prevent stalemates.
• Subordination of Presidencies: The Bombay and Madras Presidencies were placed under the direct control and authority of the Governor-General of Bengal regarding war, peace, and revenue matters.
• British Possessions in India: For the very first time, the Company’s territories in India were officially designated as the 'British possessions in India'.