The Regulating Act of 1773 was a law passed by the British Parliament. It was made to control the East India Company, especially in Bengal. The company was not ruling properly. There was mismanagement, corruption, and famine. The British government had to take action to regulate the company.

This Act is very important for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other exams. If you are looking for Regulating Act 1773 Notes or a Regulating Act 1773 PDF, this article will help you. You can also learn who introduced the Regulating Act and what changes it made.

Background of Regulating Act 1773

  • The company was in deep financial trouble.
  • It asked the British government for a loan in 1772.
  • Corruption and bribery were common among officials.
  • A deadly famine happened in Bengal.
  • The administration system was very confusing.
  • The company had both tax collection (Diwani) and law powers (Nizamat), but only cared about money.
  • People in Bengal were suffering.
  • The company also lost a war to Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1769.

Who Introduced Regulating Act 1773?

The British Parliament passed this Act in June 1773. It was the first step to control the East India Company in India. It gave the British Parliament some control over Indian matters.

Main Features of Regulating Act 1773

  • The company could keep its Indian lands, but its powers were now under control.
  • A Governor-General was appointed in Calcutta (Fort William).
  • Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General under this Act.
  • A Council of four members was also appointed to help him.
  • The Governors of Bombay and Madras had to follow Calcutta’s orders in foreign matters.
  • They could not make war without permission.
  • Company directors were to be elected for five years. One-fourth had to retire every year.
  • Directors could not be re-elected.
  • The company had to share all official letters with the British government.
  • A Supreme Court was set up in Calcutta.
  • The Chief Justice was Sir Elijah Impey.
  • The court had power over British people in India, but not Indians.

Problems in the Regulating Act of 1773

  • The Governor-General had no power to stop the Council’s decisions (no veto power).
  • It did not help the Indian people who were paying heavy taxes.
  • It failed to end corruption.
  • The powers of the Supreme Court were not clearly written.
  • Parliament could not fully control the company. There was no system to check reports from India.

Importance for Exams

This Act is a key part of Indian history and Polity syllabus for UPSC. It shows how the British started controlling the East India Company. It is useful for those searching for:

  • Regulating Act 1773 UPSC notes
  • Regulating Act 1773 summary
  • Who was the Governor-General in the Regulating Act 1773

You can also download a detailed Regulating Act 1773 PDF for revision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What was the main purpose of the Regulating Act of 1773?
Ans: The main purpose of the Regulating Act was to bring the East India Company under the control of the British government. It aimed to stop corruption, improve administration, and regulate company rule in India, especially in Bengal.

Q2. Who was appointed as the first Governor-General under the Regulating Act of 1773?
Ans: Warren Hastings was appointed as the first Governor-General of Bengal under the Regulating Act of 1773. He was assisted by a Council of four members