The historical background of Indian polity is a rich tapestry woven through

centuries of civilization, conquests, and socio-political transformations. Here’s

a broad overview:
Ancient Period (Pre-6th Century BCE to 1206 CE): India’s ancient polity
was marked by a diverse array of kingdoms, republics, and empires. The
Vedic period (around 1500 BCE to 500 BCE) saw the emergence of early
political structures and governance systems, often organized around tribal
units or Janapadas. The Maurya Empire (circa 321 BCE – 185 BCE), es-
tablished by Chandragupta Maurya and expanded by his grandson Ashoka,
was one of the earliest centralized states in Indian history. Post-Mauryan
period saw the rise of regional kingdoms such as the Gupta Empire (circa
320 CE – 550 CE), known for its advancements in art, science, and political
administration.
Medieval Period (1206 CE – 1757 CE): This era was characterized by the
influx of Islamic rulers starting with the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 CE. The
Mughal Empire, founded in 1526 by Babur, reached its zenith under Akbar
the Great (1556–1605) and represented a fusion of Persian, Indian, and Cen-
tral Asian cultures. Alongside the Mughals, several independent kingdoms
and sultanates flourished in different parts of the Indian subcontinent.
Colonial Period (1757 CE – 1947 CE): British colonial rule in India be-
gan with the Battle of Plassey in 1757, leading to the establishment of
British East India Company’s control over parts of India. Following the
Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, the British Crown took direct control of India, lead-
ing to the British Raj. The Indian National Movement, led by figures like
Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose, fought for
independence from British rule, leading to India’s independence in 1947.
Post-Independence Period (1947 CE – Present): India adopted a repub-
lican constitution in 1950, becoming a federal, parliamentary, democratic
republic. The Constitution of India, drafted under the chairmanship of Dr.
B.R. Ambedkar, provides the framework for India’s political system, defining
the roles and powers of various institutions. India’s political landscape has
been shaped by various factors including linguistic and regional diversity,
socio-economic challenges, and ongoing debates over federalism, secularism,
and social justice.
Timeline
During the colonial period in India (1757 CE – 1947 CE), Indian polity
underwent significant transformation under British rule. Here’s a closer look
at the historical background of Indian polity during this era:

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 British East India Company (1757 CE – 1858 CE): The colonial period
began with the Battle of Plassey in 1757, where the British East India Com-
pany gained control over Bengal after defeating the Nawab of Bengal. The
East India Company gradually expanded its control over various parts of In-
dia through a combination of military conquests, alliances, and treaties with
local rulers. The company established administrative structures to govern
its territories, introducing the system of ”presidencies” in Bengal, Madras,
and Bombay, each headed by a Governor.
Company Rule and Early British Administration: The period between
1757 and 1858 saw the consolidation of British control over India under
the East India Company. The Company’s policies, such as the Doctrine
of Lapse and the Subsidiary Alliance, aimed at annexing Indian states and
consolidating British authority. The introduction of land revenue systems,
such as the Permanent Settlement in Bengal and the Ryotwari System in
Madras and Bombay presidencies, transformed agrarian relations and led to
widespread discontent among Indian peasants.
Sepoy Mutiny and British Raj (1857 CE – 1947 CE): The Indian Rebellion
of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence,
marked a turning point in Indian history. The rebellion was sparked by var-
ious factors, including discontent among Indian soldiers (sepoys), economic
grievances, and resentment against British policies. The British Crown as-
sumed direct control over India in 1858 after the suppression of the rebellion,
leading to the establishment of the British Raj. The Government of India
Act of 1858 abolished the East India Company’s rule and vested governing
authority directly in the British Crown through the Secretary of State for
India and the Viceroy of India.
Institutional Reforms and Indian Response: The British introduced var-
ious institutional reforms aimed at modernizing Indian administration, such
as the establishment of legislative councils and the introduction of English
education. Indian responses to British rule varied, ranging from collabora-
tion and cooperation to various forms of opposition, including the Indian
National Movement, which sought independence from British colonialism.
The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, emerged as a major politi-
cal force advocating for Indian self-governance and eventually independence.
Regulating Act of 1773:
The Regulating Act of 1773 was a significant piece of legislation enacted
by the British Parliament to address the growing concerns about the gover-
nance and administration of British territories in India under the East India

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Company (EIC). Here’s a breakdown of its key provisions:
Control and Regulation of EIC Affairs: The Act aimed to control and
regulate the affairs of the East India Company in India. It marked the first
major attempt by the British government to assert its authority over the
company’s activities in the subcontinent.
Political and Administrative Functions: For the first time, the Act rec-
ognized and delineated the political and administrative functions of the East
India Company. It established a framework for the governance of British
territories in India under the company’s administration.
Governor-General of Bengal: The Act elevated the position of the Gov-
ernor of Bengal to that of the Governor-General of Bengal, consolidating
executive authority over British possessions in India under a single individ-
ual.
Executive Council: It created an Executive Council consisting of four
members to assist the Governor-General in the administration of British
territories. This council provided institutional support for decision-making
and governance.
Establishment of Supreme Court: The Regulating Act mandated the es-
tablishment of a Supreme Court in Calcutta, comprising a Chief Justice and
three other Judges. This judicial institution aimed to uphold the rule of law
and administer justice in British India.
Prohibition of Private Trades and Bribes: The Act prohibited East India
Company servants from engaging in private trades and taking bribes from
natives. This provision aimed to curb corruption and ensure the integrity of
the company’s officials.
Reporting to the Government: The Act required the Court of Directors
of the East India Company to report on the functioning of the company to
the British government. This measure increased transparency and oversight
of the company’s activities.
Overall, the Regulating Act of 1773 laid the foundation for British gov-
ernment intervention in Indian affairs and established mechanisms for the
governance and administration of British territories under the East India
Company’s control.
Amending Act of 1781:
The Amending Act of 1781, also known as the Act of Settlement or
Declaratory Act, introduced amendments to the Regulating Act of 1773.
Here are the key changes brought about by this Act:
Exemption from Supreme Court Jurisdiction: The Amending Act ex-

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empted the Governor-General and the council from the jurisdiction of the
Supreme Court established under the Regulating Act. This provision aimed
to maintain the autonomy of the Governor-General’s administration from
judicial interference.
Revenue Matters Exclusion: It excluded revenue matters from the juris-
diction of the Supreme Court. This measure ensured that disputes related to
revenue administration would be resolved through administrative channels
rather than judicial intervention.
Extension of Supreme Court Jurisdiction: The Act extended the juris-
diction of the Supreme Court to cover the entire area of Calcutta. This
expansion aimed to strengthen the authority of the Supreme Court in ad-
ministering justice within its territorial jurisdiction.
Appeals Procedure: It stipulated that appeals from provincial courts
could be taken to the Governor-General-in-Council rather than directly to
the Supreme Court. This procedural change aimed to streamline the appeals
process and centralize decision-making authority.
Empowerment of the Governor-General: The Act empowered the Governor-
General to frame regulations for provincial courts and councils, enhancing the
Governor-General’s administrative authority over British territories in India.
Overall, the Amending Act of 1781 aimed to refine and clarify certain
provisions of the Regulating Act of 1773, particularly regarding judicial ju-
risdiction and administrative authority in British India under the East India
Company’s governance.
Pitt’s India ACT 1784
The Pitt’s India Act of 1784, named after British Prime Minister William
Pitt the Younger, was a significant piece of legislation that reformed the gov-
ernance structure of British India. Here’s an explanation of its key provisions
and historical significance:
Distinguishing Commercial and Political Functions: One of the central
features of the Pitt’s India Act was the separation of commercial and polit-
ical functions within the East India Company (EIC). Prior to this act, the
company had both trading interests and political authority in India, lead-
ing to conflicts of interest and inefficiencies. The act aimed to streamline
governance by assigning different roles to different bodies.
Creation of Board of Control: The Act established a new governmen-
tal body called the Board of Control, which was responsible for overseeing
the political affairs of British India. This board consisted of six members
appointed by the British Crown, and it was tasked with supervising and

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regulating the activities of the East India Company.
Role of the Court of Directors: While the Board of Control took over the
political functions of the EIC, the Court of Directors retained responsibility
for the company’s commercial activities. This division of labor created what
came to be known as the ”dual system of government,” where political de-
cisions were overseen by the British government while commercial matters
remained under the purview of the EIC.
British Possessions in India: The Pitt’s India Act also introduced the term
”British possessions in India” to refer to the territories under the control of
the East India Company. This terminology emphasized the sovereignty of
the British Crown over Indian territories, signaling a shift away from the
company’s quasi-independent status.
Impact on Governance: The Act marked a significant step towards cen-
tralizing control over British India under the British government. By estab-
lishing the Board of Control and delineating the roles of the EIC and the
British government, the Act aimed to improve governance, increase account-
ability, and reduce corruption within the administration of British territories
in India.
Long-term Legacy: The Pitt’s India Act laid the foundation for subse-
quent reforms in British India, including the gradual transition from com-
pany rule to direct British Crown rule. It also set a precedent for greater
government intervention in colonial affairs and contributed to the evolution
of British colonial policy in the 19th century.
Overall, the Pitt’s India Act of 1784 represented a significant restructur-
ing of the governance system in British India, aimed at improving efficiency,
accountability, and central control over colonial administration.
The Act of 1786 is not a standalone legislative measure but is often re-
ferred to as part of the broader context of reforms during British rule in India.
It’s closely associated with the governance structure established by the Pitt’s
India Act of 1784 and subsequent developments in colonial administration.
While there isn’t a specific Act from 1786 that is universally recognized by
that name, it’s possible that references to the ”Act of 1786” may pertain to
various regulations, orders, or amendments enacted during that period.
However, within the context of British colonial rule in India during the
late 18th century, several significant events and reforms took place:
Governor-Generalship of Lord Cornwallis: In 1786, Lord Cornwallis was
appointed as the Governor-General of Bengal. His tenure marked a pivotal
period in the consolidation and reform of British administration in India.

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Cornwallis initiated various measures aimed at improving governance, in-
cluding administrative and judicial reforms.
Overriding Decisions of Council: During his governor-generalship, Lord
Cornwallis gained the power to override decisions of his council in special
cases. This move strengthened executive authority and centralization of
power within the colonial administration.
Appointment as Commander-in-Chief: Cornwallis was also appointed as
the commander-in-chief, consolidating military authority under the governor-
general’s office. This integration of civil and military powers aimed to stream-
line decision-making and improve coordination in matters of governance and
defense.
Reforms and Policies: Cornwallis implemented several administrative and
legal reforms during his tenure, including land revenue reforms (the Perma-
nent Settlement in Bengal), the reorganization of the civil service, and the
establishment of a hierarchy of administrative officials.
The Charter Acts were a series of legislative measures enacted by the
British Parliament to regulate and govern the affairs of the East India Com-
pany and British India during the period of British colonial rule. The Charter
Acts played a crucial role in shaping the legal and administrative framework
of British India. Here’s an overview of the Charter Acts:
Charter Act of 1813: The Charter Act of 1813 marked a significant turn-
ing point in British colonial policy in India. It abolished the East India
Company’s trade monopoly in India, except for its monopoly over trade in
tea and trade with China. The Act asserted the sovereignty of the British
Crown over the East India Company and its territories in India. It allowed
Christian missionaries to enter and propagate their religion in India. The
Act also permitted the spread of Western education in India.
Charter Act of 1833 (Saint Helena Act): The Charter Act of 1833, also
known as the Saint Helena Act, introduced several reforms aimed at cen-
tralizing control over British India. It designated the Governor-General of
Bengal as the Governor-General of India, consolidating executive author-
ity over all British possessions in India under a single individual. The Act
deprived the Governors of Bombay and Madras of their legislative powers,
further centralizing authority in the Governor-General. It marked the end of
the East India Company’s activities as a commercial body, emphasizing its
role as an administrative and political entity. The Act attempted to intro-
duce a system of open competition for the selection and recruitment of civil
servants, although this provision was not fully implemented.

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 Charter Act of 1853: The Charter Act of 1853 introduced significant re-
forms in the legislative structure of British India. It separated the legislative
and executive functions of the Governor-General’s council for the first time,
establishing a separate legislative council known as the Central Legislative
Council. The Act introduced local representation in the Central Legislative
Council, allowing for broader participation in the legislative process. It also
introduced an open competition system for the selection and recruitment of
civil servants, aiming to improve efficiency and transparency in the adminis-
tration.
It seems like you’re referring to the ”Government of India Act,” which
was a series of legislations enacted by the British Parliament to regulate the
governance of British India. The Government of India Acts played a crucial
role in shaping the constitutional and administrative framework of colonial
India. Here’s an overview:
Government of India Act of 1858 (Act for the Good Government of India):
This Act was a direct response to the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known
as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence. It abolished the rule
of the East India Company and transferred the powers and responsibilities of
governance from the Company to the British Crown. The Governor-General
of India became the Viceroy of India, representing the British Crown’s au-
thority. The Act ended the ”system of double government,” which had pre-
viously divided authority between the British government and the East India
Company. It created the new office of the Secretary of State for India, who
was responsible for overseeing Indian affairs within the British government.
A 15-member Council of India was established to assist the Secretary of State
in governing India.
Government of India Act of 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms): This
Act was a significant milestone in India’s constitutional development and in-
troduced several reforms in response to Indian demands for greater participa-
tion in governance. It introduced the system of dyarchy, dividing the subjects
of administration into ”transferred” and ”reserved” categories. Transferred
subjects were to be administered by ministers responsible to the legislative
councils, while reserved subjects remained under the direct control of the
Governor-General. It expanded the powers of legislative councils at both
the central and provincial levels, allowing members to ask supplementary
questions, move resolutions on the budget, and participate in debates. The
Act provided for the association of Indians with the executive councils of the
Viceroy and provincial governors for the first time. It introduced communal

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representation for Muslims, which laid the foundation for separate electorates
based on religious identity.
Government of India Act of 1935: This Act was the most comprehensive
constitutional reform introduced by the British government in India before in-
dependence. It proposed the establishment of a federal system for India, with
separate legislative powers for the central government and the provinces. The
Act abolished dyarchy and introduced provincial autonomy, giving elected
Indian representatives greater control over provincial administration. It in-
troduced bicameralism in six out of eleven provinces and expanded separate
electorates to include depressed classes, women, and labor representatives.
The Act provided for the establishment of a Reserve Bank of India to con-
trol the currency and credit of the country. It also established Federal and
Provincial Public Service Commissions for recruiting civil servants.
These Government of India Acts, along with subsequent amendments
and reforms, laid the groundwork for India’s constitutional development and
governance structure during the colonial period. They shaped the trajectory
of Indian politics and administration leading up to independence in 1947.