The East India Company which came to India in 1600 managed to capture substantial administrative power in 1765 (in the aftermath of Battle of Buxar when British got revenue and civil justice rights for Bengal, Bihar and Odisha). The trading company since then consolidated its power in such a way so as to reach the nooks and corners of our country. This reach and consolidation of administrative power was hitherto seen in ancient and medieval empires such as Mauryas, Gupta and Mughal empires. The success of the British in India was primarily due to the administrative system they put in place.
In this section, we shall look into various acts that enabled the British to sustain their empire. Additionally, focus will be emphasized on how these acts laid a foundation for various provisions in our constitution.
What is a constitution?
- It is the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it.
- MN Roy was the first Indian to advocate for a constitution for India in 1934.
