Which of the following Acts marked the beginning of British parliamentary control over the East India Company?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Regulating Act of 1773

Explanation:

• The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first step by the British Parliament to regulate the affairs of the East India Company in India.

• Before this, the Company enjoyed considerable autonomy in administration and trade.

• This Act:

 – Designated the Governor of Bengal as the Governor-General of Bengal (first was Warren Hastings)

 – Created an Executive Council of 4 members to assist the Governor-General

 – Established a Supreme Court at Calcutta in 1774

 – Prohibited company servants from engaging in private trade

Information Booster:

• The Act revealed Parliament’s intent to supervise and control the political and administrative affairs of the Company.

• It laid the foundation for future Acts that increased the Crown’s role in Indian governance.

Additional Knowledge:

(a) Pitt’s India Act of 1784

. Strengthened control through a Board of Control

. Introduced a dual system of control (Company and Crown)

. But not the beginning—follow-up to the 1773 Act

(c) Government of India Act, 1858

. Abolished the East India Company altogether

. Transferred rule to the British Crown

. Marked the end—not the start—of Company rule

(d) Charter Act of 1813

. Ended the Company’s trade monopoly in India

. But did not initiate political control by Parliament