Question

Why was Pitt’s India Act Passed?
A.To solidify East India Company rule in India
B.To remove the Governor General of Bengal
C.To remove the defects of the Regulating Act
D.To appoint the Viceroy of India

Answer 1

Hint: Pitt’s India Act is also known as the East India Company Act of 1784. It established a double government system in India. The East India Company’s territories were for the first time called the ‘British possessions in India’ and the British Government was given supreme control over Company’s affairs in India.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
Option A: East India Company rule in India effectively began in 1757. Hence Pitt’s India Act was not passed to solidify Company rule. This is an incorrect option.
Option B: Charter Act of 1833 removed the designation of Governor General of Bengal and replaced it by Governor General of India. Lord William Bentick was the first Governor General of India. Hence this is an incorrect option.
Option C: Pitt’s India Act was passed to remove the defects of the Regulating Act of 1773. It established a double government in India. Hence this is the correct answer.
Option D: The Viceroy of India was appointed by the Government of India Act of 1858. It changed the designation of the Governor General of India to that of Viceroy of India who was the direct representative of the British Crown in India. Lord canning was the first Viceroy of India. Hence this option is incorrect.
The correct answer is option C because the purpose of introducing Pitt’s India Act was to remove the shortcomings of the Regulating Act of 1773.

Note: Dyarchy which is also known as Double government was introduced for the first time by the Government of India Act, 1919 for the provinces. Dyarchy at centre was introduced by Government of India Act, 1935.