Charter Act of 1813

Features and Objectives of Charter Act of 1813

The East India Company Act 1813, also known as the Charter Act 1813, was an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which renewed the charter issued to the British East India Company, and continued the Company’s rule in India. However, the Company’s commercial monopoly was ended, except for the tea and opium trade and the trade with China.

Objectives of the Charter Act of 1813:

• To propagate and preach the Christian missionaries

• To continue policy of territorial expansion.

Features of the Charter Act of 1813:

• It expressly asserted the Crown’s sovereignty over British India.

• This act permitted Christian missionaries to propagate and preach their religion.

• The monopoly of the Company to trade with India was abolished and were thrown open to all British traders. However, the monopoly of the Company to trade with China in opium and tea remained secured.

• The company was allowed to increase its dividend to 10%.

• The legislative powers of the Governor-General and Council were confined both by its constitution and in practice to the presidency of Bengal.

• The Council members were fixed, third and fourth member known as law member ware added to the Council. Law members were not servant of the company but has to act only for legislative purpose.

• A provision was made for the appointment of the law Commission.

• The power of the provincial governments and courts in India over European British subjects was also strengthened by the act.

• Financial provision was also made to encourage a revival in Indian literature and for the promotion of science. The Company must spend rupees one lakh annually for religious and educational learning of Indians.

The company’s charter had previously been renewed by the Charter Act 1793, and was next renewed by the Charter Act of 1833.