Administrative Reforms: Lord Hastings Work in India

Besides major political changes between 1813–23, important reforms were also introduced in the internal administration of British India, especially in judicial and revenue matters.

The East India Company’s authority depended on Royal Charters that defined its rights and duties. In 1813, a new Charter was granted after a thorough inquiry into the Company’s administration.

This investigation concluded that both the Judicial and Revenue systems required improvement, and reforms were therefore recommended. Lord Hastings, energetic and practical, moved quickly to remove abuses and promote the welfare of the people.

Domestic policy differed in the three Presidencies of Bengal, Madras, and Bombay, each having separate governments and administrative systems.

Since British rule had existed longest in Bengal, older institutions and policies were deeply rooted there. As a result, sweeping reforms were harder to introduce and changes had to be gradual and cautious.

In Madras and Bombay, where British administration was newer, governments had greater freedom to act. They could also benefit from experience already gained in Bengal.

One urgent issue was the heavy backlog in Civil Courts. Because judges were too few, population and prosperity were increasing, and British courts were popular, legal business had accumulated seriously.