Home > Indian History > History of India > Charter Act of 1833
Charter Act of 1833
Charter Act of 1833 was the result of Industrial Revolution in England, which transformed the British East India Company’s commercial activities into administrative body of India.

Share this Article:

Charter Act of 1833Charter Act of 1833 or Saint Helena Act 1833 was the result of Industrial Revolution in England. This act allowed wider space to the British in the India"s administration. It ended the British India Company`s commercial activities and transformed into the British Crown"s trustee in administering India. Charter Act of 1833 was passed by the British Parliament to renew the charter of East India. This act considered that Indian"s had to function as market for the English mass production on the basis of "Laissez Faire". The Charter Act of 1833 also made the Governor General of Bengal the Governor General of India.

Birth of Charter Act of 1833
Charter Act of 1833 was institutionalised on the basis of liberal concept. It was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which gave East India Company the right to rule India for another 20 years. The act legalized the British colonization in India and the territorial possessions of the company.

Features of Charter Act of 1833

•The Governor General of Bengal was made the Governor General of India by the Charter Act of 1833 and he was given all civil and military powers. Thus, this act created a Government of India having all power and authority over the entire nation, which was possessed by the British in India. Lord William Bentinck was the first Governor General of India.


•The Governors of Bombay and Madras were deprived of their legislative powers. Instead, the Government General of India was given some exclusive legislative powers for the entire British India.


•New laws were made under this act, all of which were called Acts. The laws made under previous acts were started to be considered as Regulations.


•Charter Act of 1833 made East Indian Company a purely administrative body ending all the activities of it as a commercial body. It was provided by the act that the company"s territories in India were held by it "in trust for His Majesty, His heirs and successors".


•This act tried to introduce a system of open competition for selection of civil servants. And this act stated that Indians should not be debarred from holding any place, office and employment under the Company. However, this provision was refused after opposition from the Court of Directors.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.