UPSC Prelims 2010 Q82: Modern History – British Administration & Economic Policies
Who among the following Governor Generals created the Covenanted Civil Service of India
which later came to be known as the Indian Civil Service?
- (a) Warren Hastings
- (b) Wellesley
- (c) Cornwallis
- (d) William Bentinck
Answer: (c) Cornwallis
Explanation
Who created the Covenanted Civil Service of India
This foundational administrative service later evolved into the modern Indian Civil Service (ICS).
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Warren Hastings | Incorrect | Hastings laid early administrative groundwork, but not specifically this Covenanted Civil Service structure |
| (b) Wellesley | Incorrect | Wellesley is known for expansionist policy (subsidiary alliance), not creating this specific civil service structure |
| (c) Cornwallis | Correct | Lord Cornwallis created the Covenanted Civil Service of India, formalizing a cadre of British officials bound by a 'covenant', which later became the Indian Civil Service |
| (d) William Bentinck | Incorrect | Bentinck is known for social reforms (abolition of Sati, etc.), not creating this civil service |
Covenanted Civil Service facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founder | Lord Cornwallis |
| Nature | A formal, covenant-bound cadre of British administrators |
| Later became | The Indian Civil Service (ICS) |
Answer: (c) Cornwallis.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Warren Hastings laid earlier groundwork but did not create this specific service structure.
- (b) Incorrect. Wellesley is known for expansionist policy, not this administrative reform.
- (c) CORRECT. Lord Cornwallis created the Covenanted Civil Service of India, the precursor to the Indian Civil Service.
- (d) Incorrect. William Bentinck is known for social reforms, not this administrative creation.
Key point
Lord Cornwallis created the Covenanted Civil Service of India, the formal British administrative cadre that later evolved into the Indian Civil Service (ICS).
Remember
Lord Cornwallis created the Covenanted Civil Service of India, later known as the Indian Civil Service.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Cornwallis's administrative reforms with Wellesley's expansionist policies or Bentinck's social reforms.
- Not knowing the specific 'Covenanted' terminology tied to this civil service's founding.
- Mixing up early Governor-Generals' distinct legacies (Hastings, Wellesley, Cornwallis, Bentinck).
Exam tip
Cornwallis = administrative/judicial reforms (Permanent Settlement, Covenanted Civil Service). Wellesley = expansion. Bentinck = social reform. Keep each Governor-General's legacy distinct.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India (NCERT textbook for Class XII)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Indian Civil Service