Pitt’s India Act of 1784 established which of the following bodies?

The correct answer is (B) Board of Control
Explanation:
· The Pitt’s India Act of 1784 was a major legislation passed by the British Parliament to bring the administration of the East India Company under the direct control of the British Government.
· The most important provision of this Act was the establishment of the Board of Control, also known as the Board of Commissioners for the Affairs of India.
· This body was created to supervise, regulate, and control civil, military, and revenue affairs of the East India Company in India.
· The Board consisted of:
· ✔ The British Chancellor of the Exchequer
· ✔ A Secretary of State
· ✔ And four other members appointed by the Crown
• Through this Act, the British Government created a system of “Dual Control”:
✔ The Company continued day-to-day administration in India.
✔ The British Government (Board of Control) supervised political and administrative matters.
· This Act strengthened the Crown’s authority and curtailed the autonomy of the Company.
Information Booster (Important for SSC Exams):
· Pitt’s India Act distinguished between commercial functions (done by the Company) and political functions (controlled by the British Government).
· The Act mandated the Governor-General in Council to follow directions from the Board of Control.
· This Act laid the foundation for centralised British administration in India.
· The Governor-General’s powers were increased, especially in diplomatic and military affairs.
Additional Knowledge (Option-wise):
(a) Indian Civil Services — Incorrect
• Established later under Lord Cornwallis (not by this Act).
(c) Supreme Court at Calcutta — Incorrect
• Set up earlier under the Regulating Act of 1773, not Pitt’s India Act.
(d) Dual Government in Bengal — Incorrect
• Introduced by Robert Clive in 1765, ended in 1772 by Warren Hastings.