Page 179 - General Knowledge

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 2019

INDIAN POLITY

A Brief Overview of Indian Polity

Before 1947, India was divided into two main entities – The British India which consisted of 11
provinces and the Princely states ruled by Indian princes under subsidiary alliance policy. The
two entities merged together to form the Indian Union, but many of the legacy systems in British
India is followed even now. The historical underpinnings and evolution of the India Constitution
can be traced to many regulations and acts passed before Indian Independence.

Indian democracy is a Parliamentary form of democracy where the executive is responsible to
the Parliament. The Parliament has two houses – Loksabha and Rajyasabha. Also, the type of
governance is Federal, ie there is separate executive and legislature at Center and States. We
also have self-governance at local government levels. All these systems owe their legacy to the
British administration. Let us see the historical background of Indian Constitution and its
development through years.

1. CONSTITUTION OF INDIA
 Constitution is a set of fundamental principles.
 The idea of constitution was given by MN ROY.
 The political culture is based on the values enshrined in the constitution.
 It is guided by the institutions established under the constitution.
 The modern political instructions are developed in India during the British rule.
 The origin and the growth of the Indian constitution has its roots in British period of Indian
History.
THE COMPANY RULE (1773-1857)
Our Constitution and polity are greatly influenced by events that happened during British rule.

The Regulating Act, 1773
 To regulate and control the affairs of East India Company by British Government.
 To govern the British ruled territories in India, Governor General was appointed.
 The governor of Bengal was nominated as Governor General of India.
 The first Governor-General was Lord Warren Hastings.

 A Supreme Court was established in Calcutta.
 It prohibited the servants of the company to engage in any private trade.
 It accepted presents or bride from natives.
 Sir Elijah Impey was the first chief Minister.

Pitt's India Act, 1784
 Formed the board of control.
 2 from British cabinet and 4 from Privy Council were the members of the board.
 A Company in India set-up to guide and supervise.
Charter Act, 1793

 Board members and staff are paid from revenue generated from India.

175 | P a g e shop.ssbcrack.com