Pitt’s India Act of 1784: Governance Reforms & Amending Act of 1786

Pitt’s India Act of 1784: Transforming British Governance in India

The Pitt’s India Act of 1784, alternatively known as the East India Company Act of 1784, represents an important moment in British governance of India. It was enacted by the British Parliament with the aim of addressing the shortcomings of the earlier Regulating Act of 1773.

The Pitt’s India Act of 1784 derives its name from William Pitt the Younger, who served as Britain’s Prime Minister at the time of its enactment.

Important Provisions of Pitt’s India Act of 1784

• Separation of Functions: It distinguished between the commercial and political functions of the Company.
• Double Government: It established a system of Double government. 
  • Board of Control: A new Board of Control to manage the political affairs, also supervise and direct all operations of the civil and military government or revenues of the British possessions in India. 
  • Court of Directors: It is entrusted with managing the commercial affairs; hence distinguishing between its commercial and political functions.
  • However, the ultimate authority rested with the British government. This arrangement remained in force until 1858.
• Supreme Control Over Company Affairs in India: The company’s territories in India were, for the first time, called the ‘British possessions in India’. 
  • So, the British Government was given supreme control over the Company’s affairs and its administration in India.

Amending Act of 1786 

• Objective: The main aim was to boost the authority of the Governor-General, while another goal was to outline specific rules for handling situations when there was a lack of agreement between the council and the Governor-General.
  • It merged the roles of Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief.
  • Lord Cornwallis: He was appointed as the Governor-General of Bengal and also Commander-in-Chief. 
• Power to Override: The Governor-General gained greater authority in exceptional situations, able to override the council.
• The King’s approval was no longer needed for appointing the Governor-General.
• The Amendment Act affirmed the Court of Directors’ powers in appointing the Commander-in-Chief, Governor-General, and Council members.
  • In cases where the Governor-General or Governor used their extraordinary powers to override the council, both sides had to provide their written viewpoints on the matter.
  • If the Governor-General or Governor decided to act independently, they would be personally responsible for their actions without council approval.

Conclusion 

• The Pitt’s India Act of 1784 revolutionized British governance in India, establishing dual authority and British oversight. The 1786 Amendment further empowered the Governor-General, reshaping leadership dynamics and reducing the need for royal approval.