Understanding the Dual System of Government in Bengal

The question asks about the Governor-General who was the mastermind behind the policy known as the dual system of government of Bengal. This system was a significant administrative arrangement implemented in Bengal following a crucial historical event.

What was the Dual System of Government?

The dual system of government, also referred to as 'Diarchy', was put in place in Bengal after the Battle of Buxar in 1764 and the subsequent Treaty of Allahabad in 1765. Under this system, the administration of Bengal was divided into two parts:

• Diwani: This referred to the collection of revenue and civil justice. The British East India Company obtained the rights to the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha from the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.
• Nizamat: This encompassed criminal justice and maintenance of law and order, along with military defence. These responsibilities were theoretically left with the Nawab of Bengal, though his powers were significantly curtailed and he relied heavily on the Company.

In essence, the British East India Company held the real power and control over resources (Diwani), while the responsibility for administration (Nizamat) remained with the Indian ruler (Nawab), who lacked the necessary resources and authority to effectively govern.

Lord Clive and the Implementation of the Dual System

The policy of the dual system of government of Bengal is strongly associated with Lord Clive. Robert Clive, often known as Lord Clive of Plassey, served as the Governor of Bengal for the British East India Company. He was instrumental in securing the Diwani rights after the Battle of Buxar and designed this system to maximize the Company's profits from Bengal while minimizing their direct administrative responsibility and expenditure.

By holding the Diwani, the Company gained control over the vast revenues of Bengal, which it used to purchase Indian goods for export, maintain its army, and manage its affairs, without having to bring large sums of money from England. The Nawab was left with the burden of administration but lacked the financial means or real authority, leading to misgovernance and distress for the people of Bengal.

Features of the Dual System of Government

Here is a summary of the key features of the dual system introduced by Lord Clive in Bengal:

Impact and Criticism of the Dual System

The dual system of government of Bengal proved highly beneficial for the British East India Company in terms of revenue extraction but was disastrous for the people and economy of Bengal. It led to widespread corruption, exploitation, and neglect of public welfare. The famine of 1770, which devastated Bengal, is often cited as a severe consequence of the administrative breakdown under this system.

The system was eventually abolished by Warren Hastings in 1772, who brought Bengal directly under the Company's administration, appointing Company officials as collectors and taking over the Nizamat functions.

Examining the Options

Let's consider the options provided:

• Lord Hastings: There were two prominent Governor-Generals named Hastings. Warren Hastings succeeded Clive and abolished the Dual System, bringing Bengal under direct Company rule. Francis Rawdon-Hastings (Lord Hastings) was Governor-General much later (1813-1823) and was involved in different policies like the Ryotwari system and suppressing the Pindaris. Neither is credited with initiating the Dual System.
• Lord Clive: Robert Clive was the Governor of Bengal when the Treaty of Allahabad was signed and the Dual System was introduced. He is widely recognized as the architect of this policy.
• Lord Lytton: Lord Lytton was Viceroy of India much later (1876-1880), known for the Vernacular Press Act and the Arms Act. He was not associated with the administration of Bengal in the 1760s.
• Lord Dalhousie: Lord Dalhousie was Governor-General from 1848 to 1856, famous for the Doctrine of Lapse and the annexation of various Indian states. He was not connected to the Dual System introduced in the 18th century.

Based on historical facts, the policy of the dual system of government of Bengal was the brainchild of Lord Clive.

Revision Table: Key Events and Governors in Bengal History

Additional Information: Significance of Diwani Rights and Dual System

The acquisition of Diwani rights was a turning point in the history of British rule in India. It transformed the British East India Company from a mere trading entity into a territorial power with control over the revenues of a vast and rich province like Bengal. This financial control provided the Company with the resources needed to expand its political and military influence across India. The revenues collected from Bengal funded the Company's army, its administrative expenses, and the purchase of goods for trade back to Britain. This system allowed the Company to exploit the resources of India without sending wealth from Britain, effectively facilitating the drain of wealth from India. While the Company enjoyed the benefits of revenue, the responsibility of administration and welfare was left to the Nawab, who was powerless and resource-starved, leading to immense suffering and administrative chaos in Bengal. The Dual System highlights the Company's initial strategy of exercising power without assuming direct responsibility.