Explanations:The dual system of governance in Bengal was a significant aspect of the British colonial administration in India. This system was established after the Battle of Buxar in 1764, where the British East India Company defeated the combined forces of the Nawab of Bengal, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Mughal Emperor. The outcome of this battle led to the British gaining control over the revenue collection in Bengal, while the Nawab continued to hold the title and some administrative responsibilities.
Under the dual system, the Nawab of Bengal was nominally the ruler and was responsible for the administration of the state. This included maintaining law and order, managing the civil administration, and overseeing the judicial system. However, the real power lay with the British East India Company, which had gained the right to collect revenue from the land. The Company appointed its own officials to manage the revenue collection, and the Nawab had little say in this process.
The dual system was a strategic move by the British to maintain a facade of local rule while consolidating their control over the economic resources of Bengal. This arrangement allowed the British to collect revenue without directly governing the state, which helped to avoid immediate resistance from the local population. However, the system was short-lived and was replaced by the Permanent Settlement in 1793, which further entrenched British control over Bengal's resources.
Understanding the dual system of governance is crucial for comprehending the complex dynamics of British colonial rule in India. It highlights the intricate balance of power between the British and the local rulers, and the gradual erosion of the latter's authority. This system also underscores the economic motivations behind British colonial policies, as the control over revenue collection was a key factor in the expansion of British power in India.