Q. Which one of the following acts strengthened the unitary character of the government of India by establishing a general control over the finances of India by the Governor-General?
(a) The Regulating Act of 1773
(b) Pitts India Act of 1784
(c) The Charter Act of 1813
(d) The Charter Act of 1833
Ans: (b) Pitts India Act of 1784
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) Pitts India Act of 1784.
The Pitts India Act of 1784, also known as the East India Company Act 1784, was enacted by the British Parliament and introduced significant reforms in the governance of British India. One of the key provisions of this act was the establishment of a Board of Control in England to oversee and regulate the affairs of the East India Company.
The Board of Control was a committee of six members appointed by the British government, with the Chancellor of the Exchequer being the head of the board. It was given the authority to supervise and control the actions of the East India Company, particularly in matters related to finance and administration.
By creating the Board of Control, the Pitts India Act of 1784 aimed to strengthen the unitary character of the government of India. It established a system of general control over the finances of India by vesting powers in the Governor-General and the board to regulate the financial affairs of the East India Company’s Indian territories.
This act marked a significant shift in the British government’s oversight of the East India Company and laid the groundwork for subsequent acts that further consolidated the control and governance of British India by the British Crown.