The Dual Government in Bengal was administrative system introduced by the British East India Company in 1765. This system arose following the Battle of Buxar. It marked a very important shift in governance, impacting the socio-economic landscape of Bengal.
Background of the Battle of Buxar
The Battle of Buxar occurred on October 22, 1764. It was fought between the forces of the British East India Company and a coalition of Indian rulers – Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, and Shah Alam II. The British victory established their dominance in Bengal. This battle led to the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, granting the British control over revenue collection in Bengal.
Establishment of Dual Government
Robert Clive, the Governor of Fort William, implemented the Dual Government system in 1765. The governance was split into two parts – Diwani and Nizamat. The Diwani was responsible for revenue collection, while the Nizamat dealt with law and order. The Nawab retained nominal control, but real power lay with the Company.
Structure of the Dual Government
The Dual Government was characterised by a division of responsibilities:
- Diwani: Managed by the British East India Company, focused on tax collection.
- Nizamat: Controlled by the Nawab, responsible for law enforcement.
To facilitate this system, Clive appointed deputies known as Naib Diwan and Naib Nazim. Muhammad Reza Khan served as Naib Diwan for Bengal, while Naib Nazim oversaw judicial matters.
Role of the Nawab
The Nawab of Bengal retained his title but became a puppet ruler under British supervision. His authority was nominal, as the Company controlled essential functions of governance. The Nawab’s administrative failures were often attributed to him, despite lacking real power.
Benefits to the British East India Company
The Dual Government allowed the Company to exert control without direct accountability.
- The Company collected revenues while the Nawab appeared to govern.
- Administrative actions were carried out in the Nawab’s name, shielding the Company from blame.
This arrangement was financially advantageous for the Company, as it reduced its administrative costs while maximising profits.
Economic Exploitation
The system led to severe economic exploitation of the Bengali populace. The Company prioritised revenue collection over welfare.
- Land was allocated to the highest bidders, burdening peasants.
- Many peasants abandoned their lands, contributing to the Famine of 1767-69.
The misuse of Dastaks (passes) by Company employees further damaged local industries, harming merchants and craftsmen.
Administrative Failures
The Dual Government resulted in administrative failures.
- Neither the Company nor the Nawab focused on effective governance.
- Corruption and mismanagement flourished due to divided responsibilities.
The lack of coherent policy led to widespread discontent among the populace.
District Administration
In 1769, Bengal was divided into thirty districts for better administration. Each district had an English Supervisor. However, this measure did not improve governance.
- Supervisors prioritised Company profits over peasant welfare.
- This further alienated the local population and worsened living conditions.
Abolition of the Dual Government
In 1772, Governor-General Warren Hastings abolished the Dual Government. The system had failed to provide effective governance, leading to widespread unrest.
- Hastings recognised the confusion caused by the dual administration.
- He consolidated both revenue and judicial powers under the Company’s direct control.
The Nawab received an annual pension of 16 lakh rupees as compensation for the loss of power.
Impact on Society
The Dual Government had deep social implications. The economic burden on the peasantry led to widespread suffering.
- Public welfare was neglected, leading to increased poverty.
- Social unrest grew as the populace faced exploitation and famine.
The administrative breakdown created a vacuum of authority, further complicating governance.
Historical Significance
The introduction and subsequent abolition of the Dual Government marked important phase in British colonial administration.
- It illustrated the complexities of colonial rule.
- This period set the stage for future administrative reforms in British India.
The failures of the Dual Government brought into light the limitations of indirect rule.
Legacy of the Dual Government
The legacy of the Dual Government in Bengal is multifaceted.
- It exposed the flaws in the British administrative approach.
- The experience informed future policies and governance structures.
The system’s failure contributed to a growing awareness of the need for reform in colonial administration.
Conclusion of Events
The abolition of the Dual Government was a critical turning point.
- It marked the beginning of more direct British control over Bengal.
- This shift had lasting impacts on Indian society and governance.
The lessons learned from this period continue to resonate in discussions about colonialism and its effects.
Key Figures
Several key figures played vital roles during the Dual Government period.
- Robert Clive: Instrumental in establishing British control in Bengal.
- Warren Hastings: Abolished the Dual Government and sought to reform administration.
- Muhammad Reza Khan: Naib Diwan who managed revenue collection.
- Raja Sitab Roy: Held similar roles in Bihar.
