The India Act, 1784

What was the India Act of 1784?

The India Act of 1784 was an important piece of legislation, as it had a major impact on the administration of India in the British Empire.

When was the India Act?

The India Act was passed in 1784.

Why was the India Act passed?

After many complaints about the way the East India Company was managing its territories in India, and after the trials of Robert Clive and Warren Hastings, the government decided that the EIC needed to be controlled more closely.

Why was the India Act significant?

The India Act was a significant piece of legislation.

• ❖ Under the India Act, the British government took joint control of British India, alongside the East India Company.
• ❖ After 1784, the British government appointed Governor Generals to India. This meant that the British government, rather than the EIC, would set policy in India.
• ❖ The India Act therefore laid the groundwork for total government control over India, which occurred after the Great Rebellion of 1857-8.