1. Warren Hastings was the first:
A) Governor of Bengal
B) Governor-General of Bengal
C) Governor-General of India
D) Viceroy of India
Answer: B) Governor-General of Bengal
Explanation: He became the first Governor-General of Bengal in 1773 under the Regulating Act.
2. Warren Hastings became Governor-General in:
A) 1765
B) 1772
C) 1773
D) 1785
Answer: C) 1773
Explanation: He was appointed the first Governor-General of Bengal in 1773.
3. Which Act created the office of the Governor-General of Bengal?
A) Charter Act, 1813
B) Regulating Act, 1773
C) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
D) Charter Act, 1833
Answer: B) Regulating Act, 1773
Explanation: The Regulating Act created the post of Governor-General of Bengal with a council.
4. Warren Hastings served as Governor of Bengal before becoming Governor-General from:
A) 1760–1765
B) 1770–1772
C) 1772–1773
D) 1774–1776
Answer: C) 1772–1773
Explanation: He was Governor of Bengal (1772–73), then Governor-General (1773–85).
5. Warren Hastings’ early career in India began with the East India Company at:
A) Madras
B) Calcutta
C) Bombay
D) Cuttack
Answer: A) Madras
Explanation: He joined as a clerk in the Company’s service at Madras in 1750.
6. Before becoming Governor of Bengal, Hastings served as Resident at:
A) Lucknow (Awadh)
B) Hyderabad
C) Delhi
D) Surat
Answer: A) Lucknow (Awadh)
Explanation: He was Resident at the court of Shuja-ud-Daulah of Awadh in the 1760s.
7. Warren Hastings became a member of the Calcutta Council in:
A) 1758
B) 1761
C) 1763
D) 1769
Answer: B) 1761
Explanation: He joined the Calcutta Council in 1761.
8. Which body had the authority to control Hastings under the Regulating Act?
A) King-in-Council
B) Board of Control
C) Court of Directors of the Company
D) Parliament directly
Answer: C) Court of Directors of the Company
Explanation: The Court of Directors still supervised the Governor-General.
9. Under the Regulating Act (1773), the Governor-General was assisted by:
A) Three council members
B) Four council members
C) Five council members
D) Six council members
Answer: B) Four council members
Explanation: A council of four members was created to assist the Governor-General.
10. Which of the following members of the Council often opposed Warren Hastings?
A) Sir Elijah Impey
B) Philip Francis
C) John Macpherson
D) Richard Barwell
Answer: B) Philip Francis
Explanation: Philip Francis was Hastings’ strongest critic on the Council.
11. The conflict between Hastings and Philip Francis is known as:
A) Bengal Dispute
B) Impey–Hastings affair
C) Hastings–Francis feud
D) Calcutta Council quarrel
Answer: C) Hastings–Francis feud
Explanation: They clashed over policy, ending in a famous duel.
12. Hastings fought a duel in 1780 with:
A) Philip Francis
B) Elijah Impey
C) Richard Barwell
D) Robert Clive
Answer: A) Philip Francis
Explanation: Hastings wounded Francis in a duel (1780).
13. Hastings’ first major administrative role in Bengal (1772) was:
A) Governor of Bengal
B) Governor-General of Bengal
C) Collector of Revenue
D) Chief Justice
Answer: A) Governor of Bengal
Explanation: He reorganized revenue and administration in 1772.
14. Warren Hastings abolished the system of:
A) Zamindari settlement
B) Farming of revenue (auction system)
C) Ryotwari settlement
D) Permanent Settlement
Answer: B) Farming of revenue (auction system)
Explanation: He replaced revenue farming with settlement through Company officials.
15. Hastings is often credited with laying the foundation of:
A) Judicial reforms in India
B) Doctrine of Lapse
C) Permanent Settlement
D) Indian Penal Code
Answer: A) Judicial reforms in India
Explanation: He introduced judicial reforms such as civil and criminal courts in Bengal.
16. The Governor-General of Bengal was directly responsible to:
A) The British Crown
B) Board of Control
C) Court of Directors of the Company
D) British Parliament
Answer: C) Court of Directors of the Company
Explanation: Till Pitt’s India Act (1784), authority remained with the Court of Directors.
17. Hastings’ administrative experiments in Bengal were mainly due to:
A) Pressure from British Parliament
B) Company’s financial crisis
C) French threat
D) Indian rebellion
Answer: B) Company’s financial crisis
Explanation: The Bengal famine (1770) and financial troubles demanded reforms.
18. Hastings’ judicial reforms were carried out in:
A) 1772 and 1780
B) 1772 and 1774
C) 1772 and 1781
D) 1772 and 1785
Answer: C) 1772 and 1781
Explanation: The first in 1772, revised in 1781.
19. Which Act established the Supreme Court at Calcutta in 1774 during Hastings’ tenure?
A) Regulating Act, 1773
B) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
C) Charter Act, 1813
D) Charter Act, 1833
Answer: A) Regulating Act, 1773
Explanation: It set up the Supreme Court at Calcutta in 1774.
20. The first Chief Justice of the Calcutta Supreme Court was:
A) Sir Elijah Impey
B) Philip Francis
C) Henry Russell
D) Charles Cornwallis
Answer: A) Sir Elijah Impey
Explanation: He became the first Chief Justice of the Calcutta Supreme Court.
21. Hastings was accused of misusing his influence over:
A) Philip Francis
B) Richard Barwell
C) Elijah Impey
D) Robert Clive
Answer: C) Elijah Impey
Explanation: Impey was said to support Hastings politically.
22. The impeachment trial of Warren Hastings in Britain lasted from:
A) 1788–1795
B) 1788–1799
C) 1787–1795
D) 1787–1799
Answer: D) 1787–1799
Explanation: His impeachment lasted 7 years of trial, but he was acquitted.
23. Hastings resigned from the post of Governor-General in:
A) 1780
B) 1782
C) 1785
D) 1788
Answer: C) 1785
Explanation: He resigned and returned to England in 1785.
24. Warren Hastings is often called:
A) The Maker of Modern India
B) The Builder of British India’s administration
C) The Architect of the British Empire in India
D) The Father of Indian Civil Service
Answer: B) The Builder of British India’s administration
Explanation: His reforms laid the base for future administration.
25. Hastings’ early reforms aimed mainly at:
A) Reducing Mughal influence
B) Financial stability of the Company
C) Expanding British territories
D) Encouraging missionary work
Answer: B) Financial stability of the Company
Explanation: His primary goal was to secure revenue for the struggling Company.
26. In 1772, Warren Hastings shifted the treasury and revenue headquarters from Murshidabad to:
A) Dacca
B) Patna
C) Calcutta
D) Cuttack
Answer: C) Calcutta
Explanation: To centralize power, Hastings moved treasury and revenue functions to Calcutta.
27. Hastings abolished the system of revenue farming in Bengal and replaced it with:
A) Zamindari settlement
B) Ryotwari settlement
C) Annual settlement with zamindars and cultivators
D) Permanent Settlement
Answer: C) Annual settlement with zamindars and cultivators
Explanation: In 1772, he abolished revenue farming and introduced annual settlements.
28. The primary objective of Hastings’ revenue reforms was:
A) Expansion of British territory
B) Maximizing agricultural productivity
C) Ensuring regular income for the Company
D) Protecting peasants from zamindars
Answer: C) Ensuring regular income for the Company
Explanation: The Company was in financial crisis, and revenue reforms aimed at stable income.
29. Hastings introduced the system of revenue collection through Company officials known as:
A) Collectors
B) Settlement Officers
C) Amins
D) Supervisors
Answer: A) Collectors
Explanation: In 1772, Hastings appointed Company “Collectors” to collect land revenue.
30. Hastings’ collectors were supervised by:
A) Provincial Councils
B) Board of Revenue
C) Governor-General’s Council
D) Nawab’s officials
Answer: B) Board of Revenue
Explanation: The Board of Revenue was set up at Calcutta to supervise collectors.
31. Hastings’ judicial reforms of 1772 introduced two main courts at the district level:
A) Mofussil Diwani Adalat (civil) and Faujdari Adalat (criminal)
B) Supreme Court and High Court
C) Sadar Diwani Adalat and Sadar Nizamat Adalat
D) Collector’s court and Magistrate’s court
Answer: A) Mofussil Diwani Adalat (civil) and Faujdari Adalat (criminal)
Explanation: These were the basic courts for civil and criminal justice.
32. The Sadar Diwani Adalat (civil appeals court) at Calcutta was presided over by:
A) Indian judges only
B) Governor and members of Council
C) Supreme Court judges
D) Nawab of Bengal
Answer: B) Governor and members of Council
Explanation: The Governor-General and Council acted as judges in the Sadar Diwani Adalat.
33. The Sadar Nizamat Adalat (criminal appeals court) was headed by:
A) Governor-General
B) Nawab’s deputy (Naib Nazim)
C) Supreme Court
D) Collector
Answer: B) Nawab’s deputy (Naib Nazim)
Explanation: The Nawab’s deputy presided, but it was controlled by Company-appointed Indian judges.
34. In Hastings’ judicial system, Hindu law was applied in matters of:
A) Criminal cases
B) Civil disputes among Hindus
C) Revenue disputes
D) Trade disputes
Answer: B) Civil disputes among Hindus
Explanation: Hindu law was applied to Hindus in personal and civil matters.
35. In Hastings’ judicial system, Muslim law was applied in matters of:
A) Civil disputes among Hindus
B) Criminal law and Muslim personal law
C) Trade and commerce
D) Land revenue
Answer: B) Criminal law and Muslim personal law
Explanation: Shariat law governed Muslims and all criminal cases.
36. Hastings employed which group as law officers in his courts?
A) British barristers only
B) Indian pundits and qazis
C) French missionaries
D) Zamindars
Answer: B) Indian pundits and qazis
Explanation: Pundits interpreted Hindu law, and qazis interpreted Muslim law.
37. In 1781, Hastings reformed his judicial system to:
A) Transfer revenue collection back to zamindars
B) Reduce Supreme Court interference
C) Introduce Permanent Settlement
D) Introduce jury trials
Answer: B) Reduce Supreme Court interference
Explanation: The Act of Settlement (1781) reduced conflict between the Supreme Court and Company’s courts.
38. The Act of Settlement (1781) clarified that the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction applied only to:
A) All Indians
B) Company’s servants and Calcutta residents
C) Zamindars across Bengal
D) Nawab’s officials
Answer: B) Company’s servants and Calcutta residents
Explanation: It excluded revenue matters and mofussil (rural) cases.
39. Hastings encouraged the codification of Hindu law by appointing:
A) William Jones
B) Sir Elijah Impey
C) Nathaniel Halhed
D) Charles Grant
Answer: C) Nathaniel Halhed
Explanation: Halhed translated Hindu law (Gentoo Code) under Hastings’ orders.
40. Hastings founded the Calcutta Madrasa in 1781 to:
A) Train Muslim law officers
B) Promote Persian literature
C) Educate zamindars’ children
D) Counter missionary activities
Answer: A) Train Muslim law officers
Explanation: The madrasa aimed to study and train in Muslim law.
41. Hastings is credited with starting which institution for higher learning of oriental languages and culture?
A) Hindu College, Calcutta
B) Asiatic Society of Bengal
C) Calcutta Madrasa
D) Sanskrit College, Varanasi
Answer: C) Calcutta Madrasa
Explanation: Founded in 1781 for Arabic and Persian studies.
42. Hastings introduced judicial reforms mainly to:
A) Please the Nawab of Bengal
B) Bring uniformity in administration
C) Remove Mughal officials completely
D) Promote Western law only
Answer: B) Bring uniformity in administration
Explanation: He wanted systematic administration of justice under Company supervision.
43. Hastings’ revenue reforms were partially successful because:
A) Peasants gained full protection
B) Collectors often became corrupt
C) Zamindars were given hereditary rights
D) Revenue was reduced
Answer: B) Collectors often became corrupt
Explanation: Company’s inexperienced collectors abused power, harming peasants.
44. Hastings abolished which dual system of government in Bengal?
A) Nawab–Company dual control
B) Mughal–British rule
C) Zamindar–Ryot system
D) French–British administration
Answer: A) Nawab–Company dual control
Explanation: He ended the dual system introduced by Clive (1765), making Company supreme.
45. Hastings’ dual system abolition meant that:
A) Nawab retained judicial authority
B) Company took over both revenue and administration
C) Mughals regained power in Bengal
D) Zamindars collected revenue directly
Answer: B) Company took over both revenue and administration
Explanation: The Nawab became a pensioner; Company became de facto ruler.
46. Hastings introduced the system of “Diwani Adalat” to deal with:
A) Criminal justice
B) Civil cases relating to property, inheritance, contracts
C) Religious disputes only
D) Appeals to the Nawab
Answer: B) Civil cases relating to property, inheritance, contracts
Explanation: Diwani Adalat dealt with civil law under Hindu/Muslim principles.
47. Hastings introduced “Faujdari Adalat” to deal with:
A) Civil disputes
B) Criminal justice
C) Revenue disputes
D) Trade and commerce
Answer: B) Criminal justice
Explanation: Faujdari Adalat dealt with criminal cases, with Muslim law applied.
48. Hastings’ revenue reforms laid the foundation for later settlements like:
A) Permanent Settlement (1793)
B) Ryotwari Settlement
C) Mahalwari Settlement
D) All of the above
Answer: A) Permanent Settlement (1793)
Explanation: Cornwallis later formalized revenue policy on Hastings’ foundations.
49. Hastings was a patron of Indian learning and culture. He supported:
A) Translation of Bhagavad Gita into English
B) Sanskrit College at Varanasi
C) Asiatic Society of Bengal
D) All of the above
Answer: A) Translation of Bhagavad Gita into English
Explanation: Under Hastings, Charles Wilkins translated the Bhagavad Gita (1785).
50. Hastings’ administrative reforms overall aimed at:
A) Maximizing Company’s profits while creating a workable government
B) Empowering Nawabs of Bengal
C) Reducing Company’s power
D) Promoting democratic governance
Answer: A) Maximizing Company’s profits while creating a workable government
Explanation: His reforms balanced Company interests with creating stable administration.
51. Warren Hastings’ foreign policy is generally described as:
A) Forward Policy
B) Ring Fence Policy
C) Subsidiary Alliance
D) Doctrine of Lapse
Answer: B) Ring Fence Policy
Explanation: Hastings followed the “Ring Fence” policy — protecting British possessions in India by supporting strong neighboring states.
52. The main principle of Hastings’ Ring Fence Policy was:
A) Annexation of Indian states
B) Creation of buffer states around British territories
C) Establishing British paramountcy everywhere
D) Subsidizing Indian princes for missionary activities
Answer: B) Creation of buffer states around British territories
Explanation: Hastings aimed to protect Bengal from external threats through defensive alliances.
53. Warren Hastings’ foreign policy was largely driven by:
A) French threat in Deccan
B) Maratha and Mysore power
C) Financial crisis of the Company
D) Mughal weakness
Answer: C) Financial crisis of the Company
Explanation: He avoided wars as much as possible due to lack of funds.
54. Which Mughal Emperor gave the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the Company (retained under Hastings)?
A) Bahadur Shah I
B) Farrukhsiyar
C) Shah Alam II
D) Aurangzeb
Answer: C) Shah Alam II
Explanation: By the Treaty of Allahabad (1765), Shah Alam II granted the Diwani rights.
55. Hastings’ dealings with Shah Alam II resulted in:
A) Restoring him to Delhi
B) Reducing his pension
C) Allowing him to join Marathas
D) Bringing him under French influence
Answer: B) Reducing his pension
Explanation: Shah Alam’s pension was often withheld due to Company’s financial strain.
56. Warren Hastings allied with which state against Mysore during the Second Anglo-Mysore War?
A) Hyderabad (Nizam)
B) Awadh
C) Marathas
D) Both A and C
Answer: D) Both A and C
Explanation: Hastings secured alliances with the Nizam and Marathas against Haidar Ali.
57. The Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780–1784) began due to:
A) French intervention
B) British attack on Mahe, a French possession under Haidar Ali’s protection
C) Maratha alliance with Haidar Ali
D) Bengal famine
Answer: B) British attack on Mahe, a French possession under Haidar Ali’s protection
Explanation: Mahe was under Haidar Ali’s protection; British attack provoked the war.
58. The chief antagonist of the British in the Second Anglo-Mysore War was:
A) Tipu Sultan
B) Haidar Ali
C) Nizam Ali Khan
D) Maratha ruler Madhavrao
Answer: B) Haidar Ali
Explanation: Haidar Ali led the Mysore forces until his death in 1782, after which Tipu continued.
59. Haidar Ali died in:
A) 1780
B) 1781
C) 1782
D) 1784
Answer: C) 1782
Explanation: He died during the Second Anglo-Mysore War; Tipu Sultan succeeded him.
60. Which treaty ended the Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780–1784)?
A) Treaty of Srirangapatnam
B) Treaty of Madras
C) Treaty of Mangalore
D) Treaty of Salbai
Answer: C) Treaty of Mangalore
Explanation: The Treaty of Mangalore (1784) restored conquered territories to pre-war status.
61. The Treaty of Mangalore was signed between:
A) British and Marathas
B) British and Haidar Ali
C) British and Tipu Sultan
D) British and Nizam
Answer: C) British and Tipu Sultan
Explanation: After Haidar’s death, Tipu Sultan signed the treaty with the British.
62. The Treaty of Mangalore (1784) was significant because:
A) It was the last treaty signed on equal terms between British and an Indian ruler
B) It annexed Mysore to the British
C) It gave French territories to the British
D) It restored Shah Alam II’s authority
Answer: A) It was the last treaty signed on equal terms between British and an Indian ruler
Explanation: Tipu Sultan forced the British to negotiate as equals.
63. Warren Hastings’ involvement in Rohilla War (1774) was due to his alliance with:
A) Marathas
B) Nizam of Hyderabad
C) Nawab of Awadh
D) Mughal Emperor
Answer: C) Nawab of Awadh
Explanation: Hastings supported Shuja-ud-Daulah of Awadh against the Rohillas.
64. The Rohilla War (1774) resulted in:
A) Complete annexation of Rohilkhand by the British
B) Rohillas defeated and territory annexed by Awadh
C) Rohilla victory over Awadh and British
D) Creation of a buffer state under Mughal protection
Answer: B) Rohillas defeated and territory annexed by Awadh
Explanation: Rohillas were crushed, and their territory was annexed to Awadh.
65. Hastings was criticized for the Rohilla War because:
A) He acted against the British Crown
B) He hired British troops to Awadh for money
C) He tried to annex Rohilkhand himself
D) He allied with Tipu Sultan
Answer: B) He hired British troops to Awadh for money
Explanation: He received financial compensation from Awadh, seen as immoral.
66. Hastings faced criticism in Britain particularly from:
A) Robert Clive
B) Lord Cornwallis
C) Edmund Burke
D) Philip Francis
Answer: C) Edmund Burke
Explanation: Burke led Hastings’ impeachment in Britain for corruption and misrule.
67. Hastings’ dealings with Begums of Awadh involved:
A) Annexing Awadh
B) Confiscating their treasures to fund wars
C) Restoring their jagirs
D) Helping them against the Nawab
Answer: B) Confiscating their treasures to fund wars
Explanation: He seized Begums’ wealth, leading to controversy and charges of oppression.
68. The First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782) took place during Hastings’ tenure. Which treaty ended it?
A) Treaty of Salbai
B) Treaty of Purandar
C) Treaty of Bassein
D) Treaty of Mangalore
Answer: A) Treaty of Salbai
Explanation: The Treaty of Salbai (1782) ended the First Anglo-Maratha War.
69. The Treaty of Salbai (1782) was signed between:
A) British and Tipu Sultan
B) British and Madhavrao I
C) British and Mahadji Scindia
D) British and Peshwa Baji Rao II
Answer: C) British and Mahadji Scindia
Explanation: Mahadji Scindia, representing the Marathas, signed the treaty with Hastings.
70. Under the Treaty of Salbai, the British recognized:
A) Haidar Ali’s sovereignty
B) Madhavrao II as Peshwa
C) Shah Alam II’s authority
D) Tipu Sultan’s expansion
Answer: B) Madhavrao II as Peshwa
Explanation: The treaty recognized Madhavrao II as the legitimate Peshwa.
71. The Treaty of Salbai resulted in:
A) 20 years of peace between British and Marathas
B) Annexation of Maratha territories
C) Defeat of Marathas
D) Complete withdrawal of British from Deccan
Answer: A) 20 years of peace between British and Marathas
Explanation: It ensured peace and stability in western India till the Second Anglo-Maratha War.
72. Hastings’ foreign policy in relation to Indian states can be best described as:
A) Annexationist
B) Defensive and pragmatic
C) Subsidiary alliance-based
D) Aggressive forward policy
Answer: B) Defensive and pragmatic
Explanation: He avoided expensive wars and focused on diplomacy due to financial crisis.
73. Hastings’ role in Indian wars was often criticized in Britain as:
A) Wasteful and aggressive
B) Too defensive
C) In favor of Indian rulers
D) Weak and indecisive
Answer: A) Wasteful and aggressive
Explanation: Critics like Burke accused him of corruption and misuse of power in wars.
74. Hastings’ foreign policy was ultimately aimed at:
A) Expanding the British Empire
B) Protecting Bengal’s frontiers and revenues
C) Defending the Nawab of Awadh
D) Countering Mughal influence
Answer: B) Protecting Bengal’s frontiers and revenues
Explanation: His main goal was safeguarding Company’s financial base in Bengal.
75. Which war during Hastings’ tenure demonstrated the strength of Mysore under Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan?
A) First Anglo-Mysore War
B) Second Anglo-Mysore War
C) Third Anglo-Mysore War
D) Fourth Anglo-Mysore War
Answer: B) Second Anglo-Mysore War
Explanation: The Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780–84) proved Mysore as a formidable enemy.
76. Warren Hastings resigned from the post of Governor-General in:
A) 1780
B) 1782
C) 1785
D) 1787
Answer: C) 1785
Explanation: He resigned in 1785 after 12 years as Governor-General.
77. Hastings was succeeded as Governor-General by:
A) Lord Cornwallis
B) John Macpherson (Acting)
C) Philip Francis
D) Richard Wellesley
Answer: B) John Macpherson (Acting)
Explanation: Macpherson acted as Governor-General until Cornwallis arrived in 1786.
78. Warren Hastings faced impeachment mainly due to the efforts of:
A) Robert Clive
B) Edmund Burke
C) William Pitt
D) Charles James Fox
Answer: B) Edmund Burke
Explanation: Burke led the charges against Hastings in the House of Commons.
79. Hastings’ impeachment trial began in the British Parliament in:
A) 1785
B) 1787
C) 1788
D) 1790
Answer: B) 1787
Explanation: The impeachment process began in 1787.
80. The impeachment trial of Warren Hastings lasted until:
A) 1790
B) 1792
C) 1795
D) 1799
Answer: D) 1799
Explanation: The trial dragged on for 7 years (1788–1795 in hearings, formally closed in 1799).
81. The main charges against Hastings included:
A) Oppression of Indian rulers and corruption
B) Misuse of Company’s funds
C) Arbitrary rule and cruelty in Rohilla and Awadh affairs
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: His critics accused him of corruption, oppression, and misrule.
82. Which incident involving Awadh was a major charge in Hastings’ impeachment?
A) Treaty of Salbai
B) Confiscation of Begums’ treasures
C) Annexation of Rohilkhand
D) Treaty of Allahabad
Answer: B) Confiscation of Begums’ treasures
Explanation: He seized the Begums’ wealth to fund Company wars, seen as unjust.
83. Which affair was another major charge against Hastings?
A) Rohilla War (1774)
B) Treaty of Mangalore
C) Treaty of Sugauli
D) Charter Act of 1813
Answer: A) Rohilla War (1774)
Explanation: He was accused of selling British troops to the Nawab of Awadh for money.
84. Warren Hastings was finally:
A) Convicted and jailed
B) Convicted but pardoned
C) Acquitted of all charges
D) Executed
Answer: C) Acquitted of all charges
Explanation: He was acquitted in 1795 after the long trial.
85. Despite acquittal, Hastings:
A) Never held office again
B) Returned as Governor-General
C) Became Viceroy
D) Was knighted by the King
Answer: A) Never held office again
Explanation: Though acquitted, his political career ended.
86. Hastings is remembered for laying the foundation of:
A) Doctrine of Lapse
B) Subsidiary Alliance
C) British administrative system in India
D) Partition of Bengal
Answer: C) British administrative system in India
Explanation: His reforms in revenue, judiciary, and administration were foundational.
87. Which later Governor-General built upon Hastings’ judicial and revenue reforms?
A) Lord Cornwallis
B) Lord Wellesley
C) Lord Bentinck
D) Lord Dalhousie
Answer: A) Lord Cornwallis
Explanation: Cornwallis (1786–93) introduced the Cornwallis Code and Permanent Settlement.
88. Hastings supported the translation of the Bhagavad Gita into English by:
A) Charles Wilkins
B) Nathaniel Halhed
C) William Jones
D) Brian Hodgson
Answer: A) Charles Wilkins
Explanation: Hastings patronized Wilkins’ English translation of the Bhagavad Gita (1785).
89. Hastings also supported the translation of Hindu law into English by:
A) Charles Wilkins
B) Nathaniel Halhed
C) William Jones
D) Philip Francis
Answer: B) Nathaniel Halhed
Explanation: Halhed translated the Gentoo Code under Hastings’ guidance.
90. Hastings founded which institution for training in Muslim law?
A) Asiatic Society of Bengal
B) Calcutta Madrasa
C) Sanskrit College at Varanasi
D) Fort William College
Answer: B) Calcutta Madrasa
Explanation: Founded in 1781 to promote Arabic and Persian studies for law officers.
91. Hastings patronized which great Orientalist scholar, who later founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal?
A) Charles Grant
B) William Jones
C) Elijah Impey
D) Henry Dundas
Answer: B) William Jones
Explanation: Hastings encouraged Jones, who founded the Asiatic Society in 1784.
92. Hastings’ reforms emphasized:
A) Imposing English law only
B) Blending Company rule with Indian traditions
C) Removing all native institutions
D) Missionary education
Answer: B) Blending Company rule with Indian traditions
Explanation: He used Hindu and Muslim laws in civil and criminal justice.
93. Hastings’ administrative style was criticized because:
A) He spent too much on Indian culture
B) He was arbitrary and autocratic
C) He ignored military security
D) He avoided revenue collection
Answer: B) He was arbitrary and autocratic
Explanation: His strong control led critics to accuse him of despotism.
94. Hastings is often regarded as:
A) The true founder of British rule in India
B) The last Company ruler
C) The first Viceroy
D) The founder of the Indian National Congress
Answer: A) The true founder of British rule in India
Explanation: His reforms laid the institutional framework for British rule.
95. Hastings’ policies in general were more:
A) Expansionist and annexationist
B) Defensive and consolidation-oriented
C) Focused on missionary activities
D) Focused on trade only
Answer: B) Defensive and consolidation-oriented
Explanation: He aimed to safeguard Bengal, not aggressively expand.
96. One of Hastings’ key administrative achievements was:
A) Abolishing the dual system of government in Bengal
B) Introducing Permanent Settlement
C) Establishing Indian Civil Service exams
D) Annexing Punjab
Answer: A) Abolishing the dual system of government in Bengal
Explanation: He ended Clive’s dual system, making the Company supreme.
97. Hastings is remembered in Indian history as:
A) The last Mughal governor of Bengal
B) The first effective builder of British Indian administration
C) The founder of Indian universities
D) The first Governor-General of independent India
Answer: B) The first effective builder of British Indian administration
Explanation: His 12-year rule gave shape to Company administration.
98. The impeachment of Hastings is significant in British history because:
A) It was the first impeachment of a colonial administrator
B) It was the longest trial in British parliamentary history
C) It exposed corruption in the East India Company
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Hastings’ trial combined all these features.
99. Which later historian praised Hastings for his vision and administrative skill despite controversies?
A) Macaulay
B) James Mill
C) R.C. Majumdar
D) Dadabhai Naoroji
Answer: A) Macaulay
Explanation: Macaulay admired Hastings’ administrative genius.
100. In summary, Warren Hastings’ rule is best described as:
A) Purely exploitative with no reforms
B) A phase of administrative foundation and cultural patronage, despite controversies
C) A period of aggressive expansion of Company rule
D) A failure in both administration and diplomacy
Answer: B) A phase of administrative foundation and cultural patronage, despite controversies
Explanation: He laid the foundations of British administration, but his controversial wars and financial policies led to impeachment.