GOVERNOR OF BENGAL (BEFORE 1773)
The Bengal Presidency, later named Bengal Province, constituted a part of the British Empire in India, encompassing a vast area across South and Southeast Asia during its zenith. Bengal proper denoted the Bengal ethnolinguistic region, comprising present-day Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. Calcutta, the metropolis developed around Fort William, served as the capital of the Bengal Presidency. This article will delve into the historical role of the Governor of Bengal (Before 1773), offering valuable insights for UPSC exam preparation
Before 1773, Bengal was administered by officials of the British East India Company rather than governors in the formal sense. However, notable figures played significant roles in the administration of the region. Here are some key individuals who held influential positions in Bengal before 1773:
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Robert Clive (1757-1760, 1765-1767): After the Battle of Plassey in 1757, Clive became a prominent figure in Bengal, effectively taking control on behalf of the East India Company. He played a crucial role in shaping British influence in the region.
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Henry Vansittart (1760-1765): Vansittart served as the Governor of Bengal during a critical period, succeeding Robert Clive. He faced various challenges, including the aftermath of the Battle of Plassey and the management of the growing influence of the East India Company.
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Harry Verelst (1767-1769): Verelst succeeded Clive and faced challenges related to the internal administration and the Company's policies in Bengal.
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John Cartier (1769-1772): Cartier served as the acting Governor of Bengal during a transitional period. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the administration and address issues in the region.
Robert Clive (1957-1967)
Image Source: National Army Museum
Robert Clive served as the Governor of Bengal rather than the Governor-General. The title "Governor-General of India" was later introduced, and the first person to hold that position was Warren Hastings in 1773.
Robert Clive's significant roles in Bengal were before the formal establishment of the Governor-General position
Robert Clive (1725-74) commenced his initial professional endeavor as a Writer (clerk) in the civil service of the East India Company in Madras. This occupation concluded in 1746 when it was seized by the French.
In the subsequent year, Clive assumed the role of an ensign in the Company’s service. After a brief return to the civil service in 1749, he re-entered the military as a brevet captain in 1751, devoid of any formal military training. Clive gained prominence for his courageous defense of the Carnatic’s capital, Arcot, in October 1751 against the French, thereby contributing to the establishment of British influence in southern India.
Subsequently, as a lieutenant-colonel, Clive led the expedition dispatched to reclaim Calcutta from Nawab Siraj-Ud-Daulah in December 1756. The capture of the fortress of Baj-Baj ensued swiftly with minimal British casualties. Shortly thereafter, on January 2, 1757, Calcutta itself was seized. Clive's most significant triumph occurred at Plassey on June 23, 1757, where, despite the Nawab's superior forces, Clive's strategic alliances, including with Mir Jafar and the Jagat Seths, played a crucial role. Mir Jafar, commanding the Nawab's cavalry, chose not to engage, secretly backed by promises of becoming the new Nawab in the event of Siraj's defeat. By day's end, Clive had the advantage, and Mir Jafar was appointed Nawab, albeit as a puppet ruler.
Clive served two terms as the Governor of Bengal (1758-60 and 1764-67). His initial administration witnessed accusations of the virtual pillaging of the province, leading to denouncement in the British Parliament as a corrupt 'nabob'. Despite political censure, he was granted the title Baron Clive of Plassey in 1762 and knighted in 1764. During his second term, Clive solidified Company rule in Bengal, skillfully obtaining from Emperor Shah Alam II the authority to levy land taxes and customs duties in 1765. This secured British military supremacy in the region, establishing the Company as the ruler of India’s wealthiest province.
In the course of tax collection and territorial governance, the Company established an extensive civil and military administration. Clive, serving as Commander-in-Chief Bengal with the local rank of major-general, played a pivotal role in organizing and training the Company’s army along European lines, transforming it into a formidable force.
Clive as a governor of Bengal
Robert Clive served as the Governor of Bengal during two separate terms: from 1758 to 1760 and then from 1764 to 1767.
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First Term (1758-1760): During his initial term as Governor of Bengal, Clive faced significant challenges and accusations of corruption. His administration was marked by the contentious issue of the Company's control over Bengal and the subsequent allegations of financial irregularities and exploitation. The period saw economic exploitation and corruption, leading to criticism in the British Parliament, where Clive was denounced as a corrupt "nabob." Despite the controversies, he returned to Britain during this period.
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Second Term (1764-1767): Clive returned to Bengal for a second term as Governor in 1764. During this tenure, he focused on stabilizing and consolidating British control in the region. He implemented measures to streamline administration and address some of the issues that had arisen during his first term. Clive's political acumen came to the fore as he negotiated with Emperor Shah Alam II, securing the diwani rights in 1765, granting the East India Company the authority to collect land revenue and customs duties in Bengal.
Despite the controversies and criticism, Clive's second term as Governor of Bengal is often viewed more positively, as he played a key role in establishing the foundation for British rule in Bengal and strengthening the East India Company's position in India. His efforts during this period contributed to the Company's long-term dominance in the region
