Cornwallis Code
The Cornwallis Code refers to a set of forty-eight regulations and a governance system established by Great Britain in India during the late eighteenth century, named after the Marquis of Cornwallis, who served as governor-general. Implemented in 1793, the code aimed to enhance British control over Indian territories and to streamline the operations of the East India Company, which had increasingly involved itself in local governance. Cornwallis recognized the importance of understanding local customs, leading to a blend of British regulations with existing Hindu and Muslim laws.
One notable aspect of the Cornwallis Code was the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, which fixed land and rent prices and favored wealthy Indian landlords who aligned with British interests. While the code aimed to bring stability and order, it significantly marginalized less powerful Indian populations and vested more authority in the East India Company, allowing its members to act as magistrates for low-level crimes. The code remained in effect until 1833, highlighting the complexities of colonial governance and its lasting impacts on Indian society.
Cornwallis Code
The Cornwallis Code referred to a series of forty-eight regulations and a system of governance implemented by Great Britain in India in the eighteenth century. The codes were named after the Marquis of Cornwallis, who served as governor-general of India in the late eighteenth century. The regulations included in the code were intended to give the British more power and influence in parts of India.
Overview
Great Britain was one of the many European powers exploring and colonizing lands around the world in the seventeenth century. British explorers landed in India for the first time in 1608 and soon began to colonize the nation. The British formed the East India Company to exploit trade with India and other parts of Asia. The company became involved in politics and government and eventually acted as an agent of British imperialism in India by the eighteenth century. As the century progressed, British influence and control spread as Indian landowners made pacts with the British. Their relationship with the British increased their wealth and influence; however, most Indians did not realize any benefits from the British involvement in the country.
Charles Cornwallis, Marquis of Cornwallis was a member of the military and commanded the British army in the American Revolution. After Cornwallis and his troops were defeated in 1781 and the American colonies gain their independence two years later, Cornwallis went to India to become governor-general in 1786. In that position, he oversaw the restructuring of the East India Company, emphasizing the need for the British to understand local languages and customs.
Cornwallis determined that the British should take more control over the rule of law in India. The East India Company also wanted to expand its authority to police the Indian people in order to gain more control. To accomplish this, in 1793, Cornwallis added new regulations in addition to other statutes the British had previously implemented. He then created his code by combining British regulations with Hindu and Muslim laws and traditions.
The effects of the code were far-reaching and affected much of India’s society. The code favored wealthy Indian landowners who were allied with the British. For example, the code helped implement a system called Permanent Settlement in Bengal. This system created an agreement between the East India Company and Bengali landlords that fixed land prices and rent prices. The system also greatly affected agricultural productivity as it changed who was able to use land and how they were able to use it. The code also changed the process for dealing with people suspected of crimes. Members of the East India Company began acting as magistrates, dealing with low-level crimes. This policing power greatly increased the dominance of the company.
By the time Cornwallis left his post in India later in 1793, he had successfully developed a system of governance that combined traditional laws and British regulations. The code helped create stability in Bengal and nearby regions. However, it continued to favor wealthy Indians and the British, and it denied rights to less powerful Indians. The code remained in effect until 1833, when it was superseded by a new governing act from the British Parliament.
Bibliography
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“Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis (1738-1805).” The University of Nottingham, www.nottingham.ac.uk/manuscriptsandspecialcollections/learning/biographies/charlescornwallis,1stmarquesscornwallis(1738-1805).aspx. Accessed 20 Jul. 2020.
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