Question 3Discuss and critically examineGS1GS2

Discuss the contributions made by Lord William Bentinck as Governor General of India and critically examine the limitations of his reforms.

Introduction

Lord William Bentick served as the Governor General of India from 1828 to 1835. His tenure laid groundwork for modern colonial state apparatus.

23 words

Main Body

Contributions made by Lord William Bentick:

1. Social reforms - abolition of Sati via Bengal Regulation XVII (1829). Discouraged infanticide & human sacrifices.

2. Educational reforms - Macaulay's minute on Education (1835) advocated for English education. This led to establishment of English medium schools & created English educated Indians who later became torchbearers of Indian nationalism.

3. Administrative reforms - laid foundation for codification of laws, this led to Indian Penal Code of 1860. Promoted efficiency in civil services.

4. Economic reforms - reduced military expenditure and supported commercial agriculture, paving way for later colonial economic policies.

Limitations:

Selective social reforms, politically calculated & result of extensive lobbying from Indian social reformers such as Raja Rammohan Roy.

English education aimed at creating 'Brown Sahibs' & cost cutting effort, neglected mass education & vernacular systems alienated.

Cash crops & commercial agriculture promoted by him contributed to food insecurity & famines.

— Disha Dhankhar · AIR 235

152 words2 paragraphs3 bullet points

Conclusion

Bentinck's tenure was followed by others such as Dalhousie who built upon his efforts. While he contributed towards social reforms, his policies were in the interest of British East India Company & strengthened their hold over India.

37 words

Examiner score

1.6/10

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Disha Dhankhar

AIR 2352025

Subject & Paper

GS1GS2

Topic

Modern Indian History

Governor Generals of India

Lord William Bentinck's Reforms

Writing Stats

212

Total words

Paragraphs

Bullets

analytical

Tone

Linked PYQ

(a) Mrs. Y (59 years) receives Rs. 7,90,000 as basic pay and Rs. 1,18,000 as bonus during the previous year 2023-24. Besides, she gets Rs. 52,000 as Dearness Allowance (forming part of salary) and 4 percent commission on turnover achieved by her. During the year, turnover achieved by her is Rs. 90 lakh. The employer contributes Rs. 2,24,240 towards recognised provident fund. The amount of interest credited to provident fund on 30 November, 2023 at the rate of 10 percent comes to Rs. 40,000. She also gets child education allowance of Rs. 450 per month (for daughter) and Rs. 80 per month (for son). Cost of education is approximately Rs. 1,80,000 for two children (out of which Rs. 1,10,000 is tuition fees paid by Mrs. Y). The employer company provides 1800 cc car to her for official and private purpose and incurs the entire expenditure on running and maintenance of the car. Personal use of the car as per log book is approximately 65 percent. With effect from 1 November, 2023, she gets a driver to whom the company pays Rs. 6,000 per month. Her income from house property is Rs. 1,65,000. During the year she makes the following contributions and investments: (i) Own contribution towards provident fund Rs. 3,36,360. (ii) Insurance premium on own life Rs. 9,000 (sum assured Rs. 80,000, policy taken in December 2018). (iii) Contribution towards NSC VIII issue Rs. 11,000. (iv) Insurance premium on the life of major son (not dependent on her) Rs. 4,000 (sum assured Rs. 1,00,000). (v) Insurance premium on the life of her mother (age 80 years) dependent on her Rs. 2,000. (vi) Repayment of loan taken to purchase house property Rs. 21,000. Determine the taxable income of Mrs. Y for the assessment year 2024-25 under regular tax regime. Also calculate Gross Qualifying amount under Section 80 C.

20M2024