Consider the following events:1. Abolition of the provincial courts of...
- Lord William Bentinck was Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835. During his tenure of seven years as the Governor-General of India, many reforms were introduced by him in the field of finance, education, and social reforms.
- He is credited with significant social and educational reforms in India, including the abolition of sati and the prohibition of women from witnessing cremations on Varanasi's ghats, as well as the suppression of female infanticide and human sacrifice. There was little opposition to Bentinck's Bengal Sati Regulation, 1829, which he passed after consulting with the army and officials. The most admirable measure taken by Bentinck, which contributed to the material well-being of the people, was the suppression of the 'thugs.'
- He, along with Thomas Babington Macaulay, pioneered the use of English as a language of instruction in India. English was made the official language of India under his tenure in 1835.
- The famous Lord Macaulay’s Minute settled the row in favour of Anglicists—the limited government resources were to be devoted to the teaching of Western sciences and literature through the medium of the English language alone.
- ord Macaulayheld the view that “Indian learning was inferior to European learning”—which was true as far as physical and social sciences in the contemporary stage were concerned.
- The government soon made English as the medium of instruction in its schools and colleges and opened a few English schools and colleges instead of a large number of elementary schools, thus neglecting mass education.
- Lord Cornwallis had set up four Circuit Courts as provincial courts of appeal. But, Lord Bentinck abolished four Circuit Courts and their functions were transferred to collectors under the supervision of the commissioner of revenue and circuit.
- Sadar Diwani Adalat and Sadar Nizamat Adalat were set up at Allahabad for the convenience of the people of the upper Provinces. Abolition of the provincial courts of appeal and circuit setup by Cornwallis, the appointment of commissioners of revenue and circuit.
- During his tenure annexation of Mysore, Coorg, and Central Cachar happened. The Treaty of Roopnagar was signed with Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1931.
- Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
Consider the following events:1. Abolition of the provincial courts of...
Lord William Bentinck was associated with the events mentioned above. Let's discuss each event in detail:
1. Abolition of the provincial courts of appeal:
- The provincial courts of appeal were established by the East India Company to maintain a judicial system in India.
- However, these courts were criticized for their inefficiency, high costs, and delays in delivering justice.
- Lord William Bentinck, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835, introduced sweeping reforms in the judicial system.
- He abolished the provincial courts of appeal and introduced a new system of district courts to improve the administration of justice.
2. Introduction of English as the official language:
- Lord William Bentinck was known for his efforts to promote Western education and modernization in India.
- He believed that the English language was essential for administrative efficiency and communication.
- In 1835, Bentinck issued a famous Government Resolution, which declared English as the official language of the British administration in India.
- This decision had far-reaching consequences and eventually led to the spread of English education in India.
3. Annexation of Mysore and Coorg by the British:
- Lord William Bentinck played a significant role in the annexation of Mysore and Coorg.
- Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty, and Coorg was an independent state in southern India.
- Bentinck believed that the British rule would bring stability and progress to these regions.
- In 1831, the British East India Company annexed Coorg, and in 1834, Mysore was also annexed and brought under direct British control.
- These annexations were part of the British expansionist policies in India.
In conclusion, Lord William Bentinck, as the Governor-General of India, was associated with the abolition of provincial courts of appeal, the introduction of English as the official language, and the annexation of Mysore and Coorg. His reforms and policies had a significant impact on the judicial system and the cultural and linguistic landscape of India.
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