The Cornwallis Code, introduced in 1793, is known for ______.

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (D) establishing uniform police and judiciary reforms

• The Cornwallis Code of 1793 was introduced by Lord Cornwallis, the then Governor-General of India, and aimed to streamline and reform the administration, especially the judicial and police systems.

• It laid the foundation for a structured and uniform system of civil and criminal courts, clearly separating revenue and judicial functions.

• The code introduced a hierarchy of civil and criminal courts, made judges salaried officials, and restricted their engagement in private trade to curb corruption.

• It also reorganized the police system, making district magistrates responsible for law and order.

• Lord Cornwallis served as Governor-General from 1786 to 1793.

• He is known as the "father of civil services in India" for introducing merit-based appointments.

• The Cornwallis Code included three main components: administrative, revenue, and judicial reforms.

• He excluded Indians from higher judicial posts, introducing racial discrimination in appointments.

• The code formed the basis for British legal and administrative practices that persisted through colonial rule.

• Option A (promoting native Indians in judiciary): Incorrect. In fact, Cornwallis barred Indians from higher judicial offices, considering them unfit for such roles.

• Option B (introducing English as the court language): English was not introduced as the court language in 1793; Persian continued to be used at the time. English became prominent only after 1835, following Macaulay’s Minute.

• Option C (abolishing the zamindari system): Incorrect. Cornwallis actually introduced the Permanent Settlement (1793), strengthening the zamindari system in Bengal and Bihar.

• The Cornwallis Code was a key step in establishing colonial control through codified governance, influencing later reforms by Bentick and Macaulay.