Governor-Generals & Colonial Reforms

What you'll learn

Learn the key Governor-Generals, their reforms, and the Charter Acts that turned Company rule into Crown rule in colonial India.

This chapter has

Governor-Generals & Colonial Reforms — solved practice questions

8 UPSC Modern Indian History questions with step-by-step solutions. Attempt each, then reveal the answer.

1. Q1easy

   Who was the first Governor-General of Bengal under the Regulating Act of 1773?

   • ARobert Clive
   • BWarren Hastings
   • CLord Cornwallis
   • DLord Wellesley
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   Correct answer: (B) Warren Hastings

   Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General of Bengal under the Regulating Act of 1773. Robert Clive had earlier served as Governor of Bengal but not as Governor-General.

2. Q2medium

   The Permanent Settlement of Bengal, introduced in 1793, is associated with which Governor-General?

   • ALord Cornwallis
   • BWarren Hastings
   • CLord Wellesley
   • DLord William Bentinck
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   Correct answer: (A) Lord Cornwallis

   Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement (Zamindari system) in Bengal, Bihar and Odisha in 1793, fixing land revenue permanently and recognising zamindars as landowners. He is also known for the Cornwallis Code and reforming the civil services.

3. Q3medium

   The Subsidiary Alliance system, used to expand British paramountcy in India, was devised by which Governor-General?

   • ALord Dalhousie
   • BLord Cornwallis
   • CLord Wellesley
   • DWarren Hastings
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   Correct answer: (C) Lord Wellesley

   Lord Wellesley introduced the Subsidiary Alliance system. Under it, Indian rulers accepted British troops and a Resident, surrendered control of foreign affairs, and paid for the subsidiary force, effectively becoming dependent on the British.

4. Q4medium

   The abolition of Sati in 1829 and the suppression of Thuggee are associated with which Governor-General?

   • ALord Dalhousie
   • BLord Auckland
   • CLord Hastings
   • DLord William Bentinck
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   Correct answer: (D) Lord William Bentinck

   Lord William Bentinck abolished the practice of Sati by Regulation XVII of 1829, aided by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. His tenure also saw the suppression of Thuggee and the adoption of English as the medium of higher education.

5. Q5medium

   The 'Doctrine of Lapse', an annexation policy under which several states were absorbed, is most closely associated with:

   • ALord Dalhousie
   • BLord Canning
   • CLord Wellesley
   • DLord Cornwallis
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   Correct answer: (A) Lord Dalhousie

   Lord Dalhousie aggressively applied the Doctrine of Lapse, annexing states such as Satara, Jhansi and Nagpur when rulers died without a natural heir. He also annexed Awadh in 1856 on grounds of misgovernance.

6. Q6medium

   Who was the Governor-General of India during the Revolt of 1857, and who became the first Viceroy of India thereafter?

   • ALord Dalhousie; Lord Canning
   • BLord Canning; Lord Canning
   • CLord Mayo; Lord Ripon
   • DLord Elgin; Lord Lawrence
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   Correct answer: (B) Lord Canning; Lord Canning

   Lord Canning was Governor-General during the 1857 Revolt. After the Government of India Act 1858 transferred power from the East India Company to the Crown, Canning became the first Viceroy of India.

7. Q7hard

   The Charter Act of 1833 is significant for which of the following provisions?

   • AIt introduced separate electorates
   • BIt created the office of Viceroy
   • CIt created the Governor-General of India
   • DIt abolished the East India Company entirely
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   Correct answer: (C) It created the Governor-General of India

   The Charter Act of 1833 made the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of India (Lord William Bentinck being the first), centralised legislative powers, and ended the East India Company's commercial functions, making it a purely administrative body.

8. Q8hard

   The Ilbert Bill controversy, which concerned the trial of Europeans by Indian judges, occurred during the viceroyalty of:

   • ALord Lytton
   • BLord Curzon
   • CLord Dufferin
   • DLord Ripon
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   Correct answer: (D) Lord Ripon

   The Ilbert Bill controversy (1883) took place under Lord Ripon. The bill sought to allow Indian judges to try European offenders; strong opposition from the European community forced its dilution, exposing racial discrimination in British rule.

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