London passed the Pitt’s India Act in August 1784 to fix flaws in the earlier Regulating Act of 1773. It created a formal structure for the British government to control political affairs in India while allowing the East India Company to continue trade. This Act laid the foundation for dual governance and tighter state oversight of British possessions in India.

BulletsIn

• Passed in 1784 to correct Regulating Act 1773’s shortcomings
• Created Board of Control with 6 members, 2 from British Cabinet
• Gave British govt direct control over political matters in India
• East India Company retained commercial control via Court of Directors
• Introduced dual government: trade vs political administration
• Governor-General got veto power, needed only 1 council member’s support
• Bengal Presidency made superior to Bombay and Madras
• Civil, revenue, and military affairs controlled by Board of Control
• First Act to define Indian territories as “British possessions”
• Lasted until 1858 when British Crown took full control after Revolt