Write a note on Fox’s India Bill.

Answer

Provide a brief analysis of the objectives behind the “East India Bill.”

Or, Write a note on “Fox’s India Bill.”

Or, What was the aim/intention of the “East India Bill?” 

The East India Bill was made to fix the bad rule of the East India Company. It was brought in 1783 by Charles James Fox (1749-1806) with full support from Edmund Burke (1729-1797). The Company was ruling India without care. So, the bill wanted to stop its power. Burke called this bill the “Magna Charta of Hindostan.”

Need for Reform: India had no clear status at that time. It was not yet a full British colony. The French were also trying to gain power in India, so the British rushed in. But the Company ruled India very rudely. Burke calls for quick reform as follows:

“It is now to be determined whether the three years of laborious parliamentary research, whether the twenty years of patient Indian suffering, are to produce a substantial reform in our Eastern administration.”

Answerable to Parliament: Before the Bill, the Company ruled India without control. There was no one to check their actions. The Bill wanted a new system where the rulers of India would report to Parliament. This meant India would be under British law and not under the Company’s greed. The commissioners would work for the people, not for profit.

A Charter for India: Burke called this Bill the “Magna Charta of Hindostan.” It was meant to protect the rights of Indians. The Bill tried to give India a good and honest government. It was made to end cruelty and bring peace. Burke and Fox wanted India to be treated with care and respect. It is evident in the following quote.

“This bill, and those connected with it, are intended to form the Magna Charta of Hindostan.”

In short, “The East India Bill” had a clear goal. It wanted to stop the Company’s bad rule and give India fair treatment. Though the Bill failed,