Modern Indian Historical Figures

A separate Public Works Department was set up under the rule of Dalhousie. Irrigational works were undertaken on an extensive scale. The constructional work of Ganga canal was completed and was inaugurated on April 8, 1854. 

Bengal Sati Regulation, 1829. A Regulation for declaring the practice of Sati or of Burning or Burying alive the Widows of Hindus, illegal, and punishable by the Criminal Courts.

Lord Dalhousie, who was the governor-general of India from 1848 to 1856, started the Public Works Department in 1848, and irrigation projects were among the earliest to be launched by this department.

The East India company failed to pay its dues to Government to maintain its monopoly. On the other hand the officials of east India Company were getting richer by their private trade and by receiving gifts. Having observed these things, Lord North decided to overhaul the management of the East India Company with the Regulating Act.

Governors of Madras and Bombay presidencies were brought under the control of Governor General of Bengal. Under the Regulating Act.

Governor General-in-Council was created with Governor General as head and with four members of the Council to control Legislative and Executive functions.

By a supplementary act passed in 1786 lord Cornwallis was appointed as the second Governor-General of Bengal, and he then became the effective ruler of British India under the authority of the Board of Control and the Court of Directors.

Sir Ellijay Impey was appointed as chief Justice of Supreme Court of Calcutta in 1771.

In suppression of Thugs, along with William Bentinck, one more name is cherished. This able officer was William Henry Sleeman. Initially he was a soldier and later became the administrator. In 1835, the 'Thuggee and Dacoity Dept' was created by William Bentinck and William Henry Sleeman was made its superintendent.

The Provincial Courts of appeal and circuit had been largely responsible for the huge arrears of cases. The judicial procedure followed in these courts often resulted in delays and uncertainties. Bentick abolished these courts.

Lord William Bentinck is known for administrative reforms, including the separation of judicial and revenue functions, but the combination of Collector and Magistrate functions was a hallmark of his administrative restructuring.

Lord Macaulay in his "Minute Upon Indian Education" argued that publication of books in Sanskrit and Arabic should be withdrawn, and support for religious institutions like madrassas should be reduced. Instead, the funds should be used to introduce western education. Lord William Bentinck's English Education Act of 1835 endorsed this minute.

John Macpherson, who served as acting Governor-General, is often credited with formalizing the designation of the district head as the Collector.

While Cornwallis is often called the father of the Indian Civil Service, Lord William Bentinck is frequently associated with the expansion and structural changes in the civil service system during his tenure.

Lord Dalhousie came to India in 1848 to serve as Governor General of India. He annexed many states like Satara, Sambhalgarh, Nagpur and Jhansi under 'Doctrine of Lapse'. He introduced railways in India and the first railway line from Mumbai to Thane was opened in 1853. In the same year, Calcutta and Agra were connected by Telegraph.