British Colonial Administration — Key Changes

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
Regulating Act	1773	First parliamentary intervention to regulate the East India Company's affairs in India. Established the Governor-General of Bengal and a Supreme Court in Calcutta.	Initiated parliamentary control over Company administration, introduced a rudimentary central authority, and laid the foundation for a formal judicial system, though with jurisdictional ambiguities.
Pitt's India Act	1784	Established the Board of Control in Britain for political affairs and strengthened the Governor-General's position by reducing his council and giving him a casting vote.	Created a dual system of control (Company and Crown), centralized political authority more effectively, and subordinated other presidencies to Bengal, enhancing administrative efficiency.
Government of India Act	1858	Abolished the East India Company and transferred all powers and territories to the British Crown. Created the office of Secretary of State for India and the Viceroy.	Marked the end of Company Rule and the beginning of Crown Rule, establishing direct imperial control. Centralized ultimate authority in London and made the Viceroy the direct representative of the Crown in India.
Government of India Act	1935	Proposed an All-India Federation, abolished dyarchy in provinces introducing provincial autonomy, and introduced dyarchy at the Centre (never implemented).	Significant devolution of power to provinces, giving Indians greater self-governance experience. Provided a blueprint for the future Indian Constitution, influencing its federal structure and parliamentary system, despite retaining British safeguards.