Warren Hastings and Cornwallis — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

For Prelims, a strong factual grip on the specific reforms, acts, and events associated with Warren Hastings and Lord Cornwallis is crucial. Create a timeline of key events (e.g., Regulating Act 1773, Rohilla War 1774, Pitt's India Act 1784, Permanent Settlement 1793, Cornwallis Code 1793).

Focus on distinguishing their individual contributions: Hastings (abolition of Dual Government, farming system, district courts, Supreme Court conflicts, Rohilla War, impeachment) versus Cornwallis (Permanent Settlement, judicial separation, Cornwallis Code, police reforms, civil service professionalization, exclusion of Indians).

Pay attention to specific terms like 'Sunset Law', 'Daroga', 'Diwani Adalat', 'Faujdari Adalat'. Practice MCQs that test direct attribution of policies to the correct Governor-General and those that require identifying correct statements about their reforms.

Memorize the years of key acts and policies. A comparative table is an excellent tool for quick recall of differences. Also, understand the immediate outcomes of their policies, such as the impact of the Permanent Settlement on Zamindars and peasants.