Sir Warren Hastings

Who was Warren Hastings?

Warren Hastings was an employee of the East India Company, and became the Governor of Bengal. He was an admirer of India and its customs. He was impeached by Parliament for corruption, but was cleared of all charges.

When was Warren Hastings active?

Warren Hastings first arrived in India in 1750. He became Governor of Bengal in 1773, but returned to England in 1784, when he was tried for corruption - a trial that lasted for nine years.

Where did Warren Hastings' career take him?

Warren Hastings served the East India Company in India. He returned to England twice, and remained in England until his death.

What were Warren Hastings' achievements?

Warren Hastings had a varied career in India and England.

• ❖ He first arrived in India in 1750, to work for the East India Company.
• ❖ He served with Robert Clive at the Battle of Plassey, but later resigned from the EIC over the Company's harsh treatment of the Bengalis.
• ❖ He returned to India in 1769, and by 1773 he was Governor General of Bengal - effectively the ruler of British India.
• ❖ In India, Hastings was an admirer of Indian religion and culture. He built a Muslim school in Calcutta, and encouraged people to study Indian languages and literature.
• ❖ Hastings finally returned to England in 1784, having amassed a fortune of £220,000. This made him one of the wealthiest men in England.
• ❖ He was accused of mismanaging the EIC's finances, and put on trial in 1784. He was cleared of all charges, but his trial led to the passing of the India Act.

What was the significance of Warren Hastings?

There are three key ways Warren Hastings was significant:

• ❖ He was significant in helping the East India Company to increase its control in India. He firmly believed in using the Company's army to take over more Indian states.
• ❖ He played a major role in increasing people's interest in Indian language and culture, by sponsoring a Muslim school, and encouraging people to study Indian language and literature.
• ❖ His trial for corruption, as well as his conspicuous wealth, led to the passing of the India Act in 1784, which increased the government's involvement in the rule of India. This eventually led to the incorporation of India into the British Empire.