Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The British East India Company’s journey from a trading entity to a ruling power in India was a gradual process, marked by the contributions of several key figures. Robert Clive, through his military prowess and strategic victories in the mid-18th century, is often credited as the founder of the British Empire in India, particularly after the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the acquisition of the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa in 1765. However, the initial gains were chaotic and required systematic organization. This is where Warren Hastings, appointed Governor of Bengal in 1772, stepped in. The question of whether Hastings was merely an ‘administrative organiser’ or played a more significant role requires a detailed examination of his contributions in relation to Clive’s foundational work.
Clive: The Founder – Laying the Foundation
Robert Clive’s significance lies in establishing the initial foothold for British power. His military victories, most notably at Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1764), were pivotal. Plassey, though strategically not a decisive battle, established British dominance over Bengal’s Nawab, Siraj-ud-Daulah. The subsequent Treaty of Allahabad (1765) granted the East India Company the Diwani rights – the right to collect revenue – in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This was a watershed moment, transforming the Company from a trading entity into a territorial power with significant financial resources.
- Military Conquests: Clive’s victories opened the door for British expansion.
- Diwani Rights: The acquisition of Diwani provided the financial muscle to sustain and expand British influence.
- Dual System of Governance: Clive implemented a ‘Dual System’ where the Company controlled revenue collection while the Nawab retained administrative responsibilities. This system, while initially profitable, proved inefficient and corrupt.
Warren Hastings: The Administrative Organiser – Consolidating Power
Warren Hastings inherited a chaotic situation in Bengal. The Dual System had led to widespread corruption and economic hardship. His tenure (1772-1785) was dedicated to establishing a more centralized and efficient administrative structure.
- Abolition of the Dual System (1772): Hastings abolished the Dual System and assumed direct control of revenue administration.
- Establishment of Boards of Revenue: He established Boards of Revenue to oversee revenue collection and administration in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
- Judicial Reforms: Hastings introduced a new judicial system with the establishment of civil and criminal courts, including the Supreme Court at Calcutta (1773). This aimed to provide a more equitable legal framework.
- Military Reforms: He reorganized the Company’s army, improving its efficiency and discipline. He established the Regimental system and introduced better training methods.
- Regulating Act of 1773: While initiated by the British Parliament, Hastings implemented the provisions of the Regulating Act, which brought the Company under greater parliamentary control and established a Governor-General in Bengal.
- Pitt’s India Act (1784): Hastings’s administration also saw the enactment of Pitt’s India Act, further strengthening parliamentary control over the Company’s affairs.
Comparative Analysis: Founder vs. Organiser
While Clive laid the foundation, Hastings built the structure upon it. Clive’s contributions were primarily military and political, securing territorial control and financial resources. Hastings’s contributions were primarily administrative, establishing a system of governance that allowed the British to effectively rule and exploit their newly acquired territories.
| Robert Clive | Warren Hastings |
|---|---|
| Focus: Military conquest and acquisition of Diwani rights. | Focus: Administrative consolidation and revenue reforms. |
| Method: Primarily through warfare and political maneuvering. | Method: Through establishing administrative institutions and legal frameworks. |
| Impact: Established British presence and financial base in India. | Impact: Consolidated British rule and laid the groundwork for future expansion. |
| System Introduced: Dual System of Governance (initially). | System Introduced: Centralized administrative and revenue system. |
However, it’s crucial to note that Hastings’s reforms were not without flaws. His policies were often driven by the need to maximize revenue for the Company, leading to exploitation and hardship for the Indian population. His impeachment trial (1787-1795), though he was eventually acquitted, highlighted the ethical concerns surrounding his administration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the statement that Clive was the founder and Hastings the administrative organiser holds considerable truth. Clive provided the initial impetus and secured the necessary resources for British expansion, while Hastings transformed the Company’s rule from a chaotic system of exploitation to a more organized, albeit still exploitative, administrative structure. Hastings’s role was not merely organizational; he actively shaped the nature of British rule in India, laying the foundations for the future British Raj. Both figures were instrumental in the establishment of British power, and their contributions should be viewed as complementary rather than mutually exclusive.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.