History of Indian constitution
Under British rule
prepared by:
Jatin halankar-200280116014
Abhishek Thesiya-200280116015
Jenish Devmurari-200280116016
Dhaval Gadhiya-200280116013
Introduction
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Constitutional Development of India is a
detailed analysis of how the Constitution of
India has evolved from the past to the current.
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This article helps one to briefly understand the
Development of Indian Constitution starting
from Regulating Act of 1773 till the time when
the Constitution of India came.
GROWTH OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
o The origin and growth of the Indian Constitution have its roots in Indian history during the
British period. From 1773 onwards, various Acts were passed by the British Government for
the governance of India. None of them, however, satisfied Indian aspirations mainly
because they were imposed by the alien rulers.
o The period of historical British Constitutional experiments in India can be divided into two
phases:
o Phase 1- Constitutional experiment during the rule of the East India Company (1773-1857)
o Phase 2 – Constitutional experiments under the British Crown (1857-1947)
o Constitutional Development – East India Company Rule (1773 – 1857)
The Company Rule In India (1773-1857)
 Beginning of Rule : The British East India Company was established as a trading company in 1600 and
transformed into a ruling body in 1765.
 Interference in Internal Affairs: After the Battle of Buxar (1764), the East India Company got the
Diwani (right to collect revenue) of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa and gradually, it started interfering in
Indian affairs.
 Exploitation of Power: The period from 1765-72 saw duality in the system of government where the
Company had the authority but no responsibility and its Indian representatives had all the
responsibility but no authority. This resulted in:
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Rampant corruption among servants of the Company.
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Excessive revenue collection and oppression of peasantry.
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The Company’s bankruptcy, while the servants were flourishing.
 Response of British Government: To bring some order into the business, the British government decided
to regulate the Company with a gradual increase in laws.
Acts Introduced by British Government
 Regulating Act, 1773
 Pitt’s India Act, 1784
 Charter Act, 1793
 Charter Act, 1813
 Charter Act, 1833
 Charter Act, 1853
 Government of India Act, 1858
 India council act of 1892
 Indian independence act of 1947
Regulating Act, 1773
1. This is the first Act passed by the British Parliament to control and manage the undertakings of the
East India Company in India.
2. According to this Act, the Governor of Bengal was renamed to the Governor-General and
Governors of Bombay and Madras brought under control of Governor of Bengal. Warren Hastings
was the first Governor-General. The Governor-General was enabled to make rules and guidelines.
3. A Supreme Court was set up at Calcutta in 1774, according to the arrangements of Regulating Act
1773.
Pitts India Act of 1784
1. According to this Act of 1784, the regions of East India Company was called as the “British Possessions in India” and a
joint Government of British India run by the Crown and Company was set up. The government had a definitive force and
authority.
2. Governors Councils were set up in Bombay and Madras.
Charter Act, 1793
1. The British Parliament passed the Charter Act 1793 or the East India Company Act 1793 aimed
at renewing the company’s charter for the next 20 years which was first given by the Regulating
Act of 1773.
2. With this company’s monopoly in trade with India continued and was given the right to trade with
India for the next 20 years
Charter Act of 1813
It brought an end to the monopoly of East India Company, in the sector of trade with India. Trade with India was opened for
all Britishers except the Tea Trade.
Charter Act of 1833
1. Governor General of Bengal turned into the Governor-General of India. Lord William Bentick was the first GovernorGeneral of India.
2. East India Company set up as a simple administrative body. And the Governor-General was given full power over
income, common and military.
3. Charter Act of 1833 was the last advance in the Process of Centralization in India, an interaction that started with the
Regulating Act of 1773.
Charter Act of 1853
1. Civil Service Examination was introduced.
2. As per the Charter Act of 1853, Governor General’s Legislative Council came to be known as the Central Legislative
Council.
Government of India Act, 1858
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Also known as “Act for the Good Government of India”.
Abolished the Company Rule, British Crown assumes power.
Designation of Governor General of India was changed to Viceroy of India.
Lord Canning was first one to hold this title.
Ended the system of double government. Created new office of “Secretary of State” for India.
15 member advisory body called Council of India was created to assist Secretary of State.
This act was largely confined to improvement of administrative machinery. That was of no benefit to
Indians!
India council act of 1892
1) Introduced indirect elections.
2) Enlarged the size of the legislative councils.
3) Enlarged the function of the legislative councils and gave them the power of discussing
the budget and addressing questions to the executive.
Indian independence act of 1947
1) It declared india as an independent and sovereign state.
2) Established responsible goverments at both the centre and the provinces….
Thank you !!!
By
Jatin halankar-200280116014
Abhishek Thesiya-200280116015
Jenish Devmurari-200280116016
Dhaval Gadhiya-200280116013