Which of the following acts authorised the Governor General to override his council in matters affecting the interest of British empire in India?​

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (B) Charter Act of 1793

• The Charter Act of 1793 authorized the Governor-General to override his council in matters that affected the British Empire's interests in India.

• This act marked a shift toward centralized control in British India, giving more power to the Governor-General and reducing the influence of the council.

• Enhanced Authority of the Governor-General:

  • The act gave the Governor-General the power to overrule his council’s decisions on matters deemed crucial for the interests of the British Empire.

• Consolidation of British Control:

  • The act centralized authority in the hands of the Governor-General, especially regarding administrative and financial decisions.

• Renewal of East India Company’s Monopoly:

  • The act renewed the East India Company's monopoly on trade but with some restrictions on certain areas and goods.

• The Charter Act of 1793 was a significant step in formalizing British control over India. It empowered the Governor-General to act independently in the interest of the empire.

• This act laid the foundation for more direct control by the British over Indian territories, marking an important move toward establishing full colonial rule.

• Option A (Pitt’s India Act 1784): Incorrect. The Pitt’s India Act of 1784 did provide centralization of power, but it was the Charter Act of 1793 that specifically granted the Governor-General the ability to override his council.

• Option C (Regulating Act 1773): Incorrect. The Regulating Act of 1773 focused on regulating the East India Company but did not provide the Governor-General with the power to override his council in the same way.

• Option D (Charter Act of 1813): Incorrect. The Charter Act of 1813 did not address the Governor-General's authority to override his council, unlike the 1793 Act.