Part of: West Bengal Gk set 22

Under the system of Dual Government in Bengal the nawab had powers of .....

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the division of powers between the Nawab and the British East India Company.

Correct Answer: B) Military and Criminal jurisdiction.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Dual Government system in Bengal was a unique arrangement established in 1765 after the Battle of Buxar. This system was a result of the Treaty of Allahabad, which gave the British East India Company the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. Under this system, the Nawab of Bengal, Mir Qasim, was retained as the nominal ruler, but his powers were significantly curtailed.

The British East India Company took over the administration and revenue collection, which were the most crucial aspects of governance. The Nawab, on the other hand, was left with limited powers, primarily over military and criminal jurisdiction. This division of powers was a strategic move by the British to consolidate their control over the region while maintaining a facade of local rule.

The military powers of the Nawab included the command over the army and the ability to maintain a certain level of military presence. However, the actual strength and control of the army were significantly reduced, and the Nawab's ability to use military force was often constrained by the British. The criminal jurisdiction allowed the Nawab to handle criminal cases and maintain a semblance of judicial authority, but the civil administration was largely under the control of the British.

It is important to understand that the Dual Government system was not a balanced partnership but rather a mechanism for the British to gradually increase their control over Bengal. The Nawab's powers were symbolic and limited, and the system was designed to ensure that the British East India Company could effectively govern the region while maintaining the appearance of local rule.

Therefore, the correct answer is that under the Dual Government system in Bengal, the Nawab had powers of military and criminal jurisdiction. This arrangement reflects the broader strategy of the British East India Company to establish and maintain control over Indian territories through a combination of direct and indirect rule.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. The Nawab did not have powers over revenue and administration; these were controlled by the British East India Company under the Dual Government system.
  • Option B: Correct. The Nawab retained powers over military and criminal jurisdiction under the Dual Government system in Bengal.
  • Option C: Incorrect. While the Nawab had military powers, law and order was not exclusively under his control; the British East India Company had significant influence over civil administration.
  • Option D: Incorrect. The Nawab did have specific powers under the Dual Government system, namely military and criminal jurisdiction.

Mnemonic: Nawab's Niche: No Revenue, No Civil, Just Military Might and Criminal Control

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