Warren Hastings

Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of Bengal (1772-1785). He played a crucial role in shaping colonial India. The Regulating Act of 1773 marked a shift in governance, centralizing control under Bengal. Administrative, judicial, revenue, and social reforms transformed the colonial India. The creation of the Supreme Court, revenue control by the Company, and judicial changes were pivotal. Military conflicts like the First Anglo-Maratha War and Second Anglo-Mysore War occurred during his reign. His resignation over the Pitt's India Bill led to accusations and a seven-year impeachment process against him.

Warren Hastings was a British administrator in Colonial India. He served as the first Governor of the Presidency of Fort William (Bengal) and the head of the Supreme Council of Bengal. He began his career as a clerk with the East India Company(EIC) in Calcutta in 1750. The Regulating Act of 1773 elevated him from Governor to being the first Governor-General of Bengal from 1772 to 1785, overseeing not only Bengal but also the presidencies of Madras and Bombay. Throughout his term, pivotal conflicts like the First Anglo-Maratha War and the Second Anglo-Mysore War occurred. Hastings is acknowledged for laying the groundwork for the British Empire in India.

Warren Hastings was born on December 6, 1732. He was a prominent British statesman and the first Governor-General of Bengal. His tenure, from 1772 to 1785, was marked by significant administrative and legal reforms. His influential tenure was marked by administrative, legal, and diplomatic changes. Hastings played a pivotal role in the early governance of British India, contributing to its institutional and judicial framework.

• The passage of the Regulating Act of 1773 resulted in the centralization of colonial administration in India, with Madras and Bombay Presidencies being made subservient to Bengal.
  • The Act created the position of Governor-General of Bengal, who was appointed by the British Crown and vested with significant powers.
  • The Act established a Council of four members in Bengal, consisting of the Governor-General and three members of the Council, to assist in the administration of Bengal.
• The Dual System, where the company held revenue collection rights and Indian rulers retained administrative authority, was abolished in 1772. This reform aimed to centralize control over revenue collection under the Company.
• The establishment of the Supreme Court in Calcutta occurred.

• Company assumed control of revenue collection, with each district assigned an English Collector and an Accountant General. These collectors were appointed by the Company to ensure efficient and transparent revenue administration.
• The treasury was relocated from Murshidabad to Calcutta for better management.
• In Calcutta, a Board of Revenue was instituted to manage tax collection and management. This Board was responsible for formulating and implementing revenue policies.
• Hastings stopped the annual payment of 26 lakhs to the Mughal Emperor. This reform aimed to reduce financial burden and assert Company's control over revenue resources.
• Hastings abolished the system of Dastaks(Trading Permits) as it was misused by company officials. Hastings regulated the activities of East India Company officials to curb corruption and abuse of power. He established stricter rules and procedures for the conduct of company employees.
• A uniform tariff of 2.5% for both Indian and foreign goods was enforced.

• Abolition of judicial powers held by zamindars.
• Establishment of Civil and Criminal Courts in each district.
• District Diwani Adalats:
  • Introduction of District Diwani Adalats for civil disputes.
  • It was placed under the collector, applying Hindu law for Hindus and Muslim law for Muslims.
• Appeals to Sadar Diwani Adalat:
  • Appeals from District Diwani Adalats were directed to the Sadar Diwani Adalat.
  • It functioned under a president and two members of the Supreme Council.
• District Faujdari Adalats:
  • Establishment of District Faujdari Adalats for criminal disputes.
  • Oversight by an Indian officer, assisted by qazis and muftis, under the general supervision of the collector.
  • Administration of Muslim law in Faujdari Adalats.
• Sadar Nizamat Adalat:
  • Approval for capital punishment and property acquisition rested with the Sadar Nizamat Adalat at Murshidabad.
  • Headed by a Deputy Nizam (Indian Muslim) and assisted by Chief Qazi and Chief Mufti.
• Supreme Court at Calcutta (Regulating Act of 1773):
  • It was competent to try all British subjects within Calcutta and subordinate factories, including Indians and Europeans.
  • It held original and appellate jurisdictions, occasionally conflicting with other courts.
  • Controversies arose due to arbitrary decisions and lack of prescribed procedures.

• In 1781, he established the Calcutta Madrasa to advance Islamic studies which marked the first educational institution initiated by the Company’s government.
• Alongside Sir William Jones, Warren Hastings co-founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784. This society promoted the study of Indian culture, languages, and history, fostering mutual understanding between the two cultures.

• First Anglo Maratha War (1775-1782) - This conflict erupted between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire led by Mahadji Shinde and the Peshwa Madhavrao I. Although the British initially faced setbacks, they ultimately secured victories, leading to the Treaty of Salbai in 1782, which restored status quo.
• Second Anglo Mysore War (1780-1784) - The war was a result of the Company's expansionist policies and Tipu Sultan's ambition to consolidate power in the region. The war ended with the Treaty of Mangalore in 1784, which restored the status quo.
• Rohilla War (1774) happened during his tenure. Warren Hastings became embroiled in a conflict between the Rohilla Afghans and the Nawab of Oudh, Shuja-ud-Daula. The British supported Shuja-ud-Daula against the Rohillas, resulting in the annexation of Rohilkhand by Oudh.
• Between 1779 and 1784, he commanded East India Company forces in opposition to native states and the French. Ultimately, France's influence waned in India, while the efficiently organized British forces emerged victorious.

He submitted his resignation in objection to the Pitt’s India Bill of 1785. Accusations against him included involvement in the Rohilla war, the murder of Nand Kumar, the Chet Singh case, and bribery. The impeachment proceedings extended for seven years, spanning from 1788 to 1795. Ultimately, he was acquitted of all charges.

Warren Hastings' tenure as Governor-General witnessed a transformative era in colonial India. His reforms in administration, judiciary, and revenue laid the foundation for British governance. The establishment of key institutions like the Supreme Court and initiatives such as the Calcutta Madrasa marked milestones. Military successes and challenges showcased the complex dynamics of the time. His legacy reflects a period of dynamic change, setting the stage for the evolving history of British India.