British East India Company

Warren Hastings and the foundations of company rule in India

Warren Hastings was a pivotal early administrator of British India who strengthened the rule of the British East India Company through major revenue, judicial, and administrative reforms. He abolished the Dual System, reorganized courts, and centralized governance in Bengal, laying the foundation of structured colonial administration. However, allegations of corruption and abuse of power led to his historic impeachment trial in Britain, which—despite ending in acquittal—sparked enduring debates about imperial ethics and the accountability of colonial officials.