Q. What was the reason that Clive had to introduce dual government in Bengal?
(a) He feared hostile reaction of the people of Bengal
(b) He wished to avoid the responsibility which may arise out of the establishment of de jure authority of East India Company in Bengal
(c) The Mughal emperor was opposed to the establishment of de jure authority
(d) The authorities of the East Company in England was against him
Ans: (b) He wished to avoid the responsibility which may arise out of the establishment of de jure authority of East India Company in Bengal
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) He wished to avoid the responsibility which may arise out of the establishment of de jure authority of East India Company in Bengal.
The introduction of dual government in Bengal by Clive was primarily driven by his desire to avoid the direct responsibility and legal complications that could arise from establishing the de jure authority of the East India Company in Bengal.
After the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the East India Company gained significant control over Bengal. However, rather than directly assuming the full responsibilities of governance, Clive introduced the system of dual government.
Under the dual government system, the East India Company recognized the nominal authority of the Mughal Emperor and his appointed Nawab of Bengal, while effectively exercising political and administrative control through its own officials. The Company officials, known as “diwans,” were appointed to manage the revenue and administration of Bengal under the supervision of the Nawab.
By maintaining a dual government structure, Clive sought to evade the legal complexities and direct obligations associated with establishing the de jure authority of the East India Company. This allowed the Company to exercise power without fully assuming the responsibilities of formal governance.
Therefore, the primary reason for Clive to introduce dual government in Bengal was to avoid the responsibility and legal complications that could arise from establishing the de jure authority of the East India Company in the region.
