Q. What was the objective of the Pitts’s India Act 1784?
(a) It sought for establishing some parliamentary control over the East India Company
(b) It sought for reducing the armed forces of the East Indian Company
(c) It sought for reduction in the trading rights of the company
(d) It sought to make the company a business firm.
Ans: (a) It sought for establishing some parliamentary control over the East India Company
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) It sought for establishing some parliamentary control over the East India Company.
The Pitt’s India Act of 1784, officially known as the East India Company Act 1784, aimed to establish parliamentary control over the affairs of the East India Company.
Prior to the passing of this act, the East India Company had enjoyed considerable autonomy in its operations in India, with limited oversight from the British government. However, growing concerns over the Company’s governance, corruption, and abuses of power led to calls for increased regulation and accountability.
The Pitt’s India Act of 1784 introduced several measures to address these concerns. It established a Board of Control in Britain, consisting of six members appointed by the British Crown. This board was responsible for overseeing and regulating the Company’s activities in India. It provided a means for parliamentary control over the Company by granting the Board the power to supervise and direct the Company’s affairs, including the appointment of the Governor-General of Bengal.
The act also required the Company to submit regular reports and documents to the British government, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
Overall, the objective of the Pitt’s India Act of 1784 was to establish parliamentary control over the East India Company and introduce measures to address the issues of governance and corruption within the Company.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
