Which Act is regarded as the first step toward centralized administration in British India?

Which Act is regarded as the first step toward centralized administration in British India?

Which Act is regarded as the first step toward centralized administration in British India? A) Regulating Act, 1773 B) Charter Act, 1813 C) Pitt's India Act, 1784 D) Government of India Act, 1858 Answer: A) Regulating Act, 1773 The Regulating Act of 1773 is regarded as the first significant step toward establishing a centralized system of administration in British India. Before this Act, the East India Company functioned primarily as a commercial organization whose main objective was to earn profits through trade. Although the Company gradually acquired political authority after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 and the Battle of Buxar in 1764, its administration remained disorganized, corrupt, and largely uncontrolled. Different Presidencies such as Bengal, Madras, and Bombay operated with considerable independence, often pursuing separate political and military policies. This lack of coordination created administrative confusion and raised serious concerns in Britain regarding the Company…