Bengal’s Dual System

India Before 1857: Coexistence and the Emergence of Dual System

Before 1857, India was primarily under the control of the British East India Company, which gradually expanded its influence over various regions. The administration of the British East India Company coexisted with the existing socio-political systems in place in different parts of India. However, it’s important to note that the term “dual system” is not commonly used to describe the situation in India before 1857.

Buxar’s Impact: British Rule and the Dual System in Bengal

• The aftermath of the Battle of Buxar: The British became the supreme power in Bengal and tried to establish administration according to their requirements.
• Main objectives: to enhance the profitability of its Indian possessions to Britain and to maintain and strengthen the British hold over India.

Dual System in Bengal: Clive’s Governance and Its Impact

• Robert Clive founded the infamous dual system of governing Bengal after the Treaty of Allahabad (1765).
• The Company obtained the “Diwani” (revenue) and “Nizamat” (civil administration) powers of Bengal from two distinct sources under the “dual” government system:
  • Diwani from the Mughal emperor.
  • Nizamat from the Nawab of Bengal.
• ‘Diwan’ of Bengal: authorized to collect revenues from the province, and nominate the deputy subahdar to control the Nizamat or the police and judicial powers. Without the approval of the Company, the deputy subahdar could not be removed.
• Instead of receiving a fixed payment from the Company, the Nawab continued to manage the real administration of the criminal, civil, and police systems.
• While the British possessed power, the native administrators maintained accountability.
• Dual Government in Bengal: destroyed the trade, industry, and agriculture of Bengal and also affected the Company’s income both from revenue and trade.

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Conclusion

Although the Dual Government recognized the nominal authority of the Nawab, the British East India Company effectively controlled both the Diwani and the Nizamat administrations. Over time, the Company’s control expanded, and the Nawab’s role diminished, leading to the eventual assumption of direct British rule in 1858 after the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Administration Before 1857: Dual System FAQs

Q1. The infamous dual system was introduced by whom?

Ans. Robert Clive

Q2. What was the drawback of the dual system introduced by the British?

Ans. Nawab struggled to manage Bengal’s administration, leading to lawlessness, increased theft, and apathy towards agriculture. Poor administration led to increased private trade and a decline in local commerce.

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