Published on 12 Nov 2025
Administrative Reforms
Permanent Settlement (1793): Introduced the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, fixing land revenue and recognizing zamindars as landowners.
Impact: Established a class of landed aristocracy loyal to the British, but also resulted in the exploitation and dissatisfaction among peasants which fuelled early resistance movements.
Cornwallis Code: Overhauled the civil and criminal justice systems, introducing the Cornwallis Code which reformed judicial procedures.
Impact: Established a more structured and efficient judicial system, emphasizing merit-based appointments and reducing corruption.
Bureaucratic Reforms: Introduced significant reforms in the civil service, focusing on the selection and training of officials.
Impact: Professionalized the civil service, promoting efficiency and integrity but also increasing racial discrimination by reserving higher posts for the British
Economic Policies
Land Revenue System: Implemented the Permanent Settlement in Bengal.
Impact: Stabilized revenue collection, though it led to zamindari exploitation, which sowed seeds of discontent.
Trade Regulations: Implemented policies to regulate trade and revenue collection, ensuring better control over economic resources.
Impact: Increased revenue for the British but also led to economic hardships for local traders and artisans.
History & Culture
Lord Cornwallis
governor general
British administration
Permanent Settlement
Cornwallis Code
judicial reforms
civil service reforms
General Studies Paper 1
Modern Indian History
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