The question asks about the British Governor-General who introduced the specific police system known as the daroga system, which replaced the previous system of policing under zamindari thanedars and brought police administration under the direct control and payroll of the district head.

Understanding the Daroga System

Before the introduction of the daroga system, law and order in rural areas were largely the responsibility of the zamindars. They maintained police forces headed by officials called thanedars. This system was often inefficient, and zamindars sometimes misused their authority.

To reform the police administration, a new system was needed. The daroga system aimed to centralize police control under the British administration.

Introduction of the Daroga System by Lord Cornwallis

Lord Cornwallis, during his tenure as Governor-General (1786-1793), implemented significant administrative reforms, including changes to the judicial and police systems. As part of these reforms, he introduced the daroga system in 1793.

Key features of the daroga system introduced by Lord Cornwallis:

• It abolished the police duties of the zamindars.
• The country was divided into police circles (thanas), each covering approximately 20 square miles.
• Each thana was placed under the charge of a daroga, who was assisted by a few constables.
• The darogas were appointed and paid by the government.
• They were under the direct control and supervision of the district magistrate (the district head).

This reform aimed to create a more professional and accountable police force directly controlled by the state, rather than the semi-feudal control exercised by the zamindars.

Analyzing the Options

Let's consider the given options:

• Lord Hastings: Served as Governor-General much later (1813-1823). While he undertook many reforms, the introduction of the daroga system predates his time.
• Lord Wellesley: Served after Cornwallis (1798-1805). He was known for his expansionist policies and the Subsidiary Alliance system, not the initial introduction of the daroga police system.
• Lord Minto I: Served after Wellesley (1807-1813). His tenure saw important diplomatic relations and preparations for war, but the daroga system was already in place.
• Lord Cornwallis: Served 1786-1793. He is credited with major reforms, including the Permanent Settlement, judicial reforms, and police reforms like the introduction of the daroga system.

Based on historical facts, Lord Cornwallis was the Governor-General who introduced the daroga system.

Therefore, the person who introduced the daroga system, replacing zamindari thanedars under the direct control of the district head and on its payroll, was Lord Cornwallis.

Revision Table: Key Police Reforms

Additional Information: The Cornwallis Code

The introduction of the daroga system was part of a broader set of administrative and legal reforms implemented by Lord Cornwallis, collectively known as the Cornwallis Code of 1793. This code is significant because it attempted to separate revenue administration from the administration of justice. While the Permanent Settlement dealt with land revenue, the code also included reforms in the civil and criminal justice systems and the police administration. The daroga system was a direct outcome of these police reforms, aimed at establishing a more effective mechanism for maintaining law and order under direct British control.