UPSC Prelims 2005 Q24: Modern History – British Administration & Economic Policies
Consider the following statements :
1. Warren Hastings was the first Governor General who established a regular police force in India
on the British pattern
2. A Supreme Court was established at Calcutta by the Regulating Act, 1773.
3. The Indian Penal Code came into effect in the year 1860.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3
Explanation
Police, Supreme Court and IPC in British India
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Warren Hastings set up regular police on British pattern | False: Cornwallis (1791) established the regular police |
| 2. Supreme Court at Calcutta by Regulating Act, 1773 | True |
| 3. IPC came into effect in 1860 | True — drafted by Macaulay, effective 1860 |
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The police system on British lines was created by Cornwallis.
Answer: (b) 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 credits the wrong Governor General.
- (b) CORRECT. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
Key point
Cornwallis: police, Permanent Settlement, civil service. Wellesley: Subsidiary Alliance.
Remember
Cornwallis created the regular police on the British model.
Common mistakes
- Crediting Warren Hastings for the police system.
- Dating the IPC to 1857 or 1861.
- Mixing the Regulating Act with the Pitt's India Act.
Exam tip
Father of the Indian civil service and police: Cornwallis.
Sources
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India
- Bipan Chandra — History of Modern India (Orient BlackSwan)