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List of Committees and Commissions in India before Independence

During the Colonial rule in India, the British government established numerous committees and commissions across various fields such as education, law enforcement and administration. These initiatives aimed to implement reforms, streamline administration and modernize different sectors of governance. The formation of these significant committees and commissions played a crucial role in shaping the legal, administrative and social structures of British India.

Committees and Commissions Established by the British in India

The following is an overview of some of the prominent committees and commissions instituted by the British, primarily focused on judicial reform, administrative reform, and social reform:

Judicial Reforms: Various committees were established to standardize and reform the legal and judicial framework in British India, seeking to implement a structured legal system based on British principles.

Administrative Reforms: To enhance the efficiency of the colonial administration, several commissions were set up to assess and reorganize governance structures, ensuring a smooth functioning of the British government in India.

Social Reforms: In response to changing social dynamics and the need for modernization, committees on social reforms were introduced, addressing issues like education, health, and welfare.

This list provides a summary of the key British Indian committees and commissions, highlighting their contributions to judicial, administrative, and social sectors and their role in shaping the course of Indian history.

List of Committees and Commissions in India before Independence

The below list consists of Committees and Commissions, which were constituted by the British during colonial period for administrative reforms, judicial reforms and social reforms.

Name of Committees/ Commissions Year Governor-General/Viceroy Subjects of the Committees/ Commissions
Charles Wood Despatch 1854 Lord Dalhousie Education
Hunter Commission 1882 Lord Ripon Education
Raleigh Commission 1902 Lord Curzon Education (Indian Universities Act)
Sadler Commission 1917 Lord Chelmsford Education
Hartog Commission 1929 Lord Irwin Education
Sargent Plan 1944 Lord Wavell Education
Campbell Commission 1866 Sir John Lawrence Famine
Stratchy Commission 1880 Lord Lytton Famine
Lyall Commission 1886 Lord d Elgin-II Famine
MacDonnell Commission 1900 Lord Curzon Famine
Mansfield Commission 1886 Lord Dufferin Currency
Fowler Commission 1898 Lord Elgin-II Currency
Hilton Young Commission 1926 Lord Linlithgow Currency
Fraser Commission 1902 Lord Curzon Agriculture
Scott-Moncrieff Commission 1901 Lord Curzon Irrigation
Babington Smith Commission 1919 Lord Chelmsford Currency
Hunter Committee Report 1919 Lord Chelmsford Punjab Disturbances
Muddiman Committee 1924 Lord Reading To examine the working of Diarchy of the Montague-Chelmsford reforms
Butler Commission 1927 Lord Irwin Indian States
Whitley Commission 1929 Lord Irwin Labour
Simon Commission Lord Irwin To investigate the progress of the governance scheme and suggest new steps for reform
Sapru Commission 1935 Lord Linlithgow Unemployment
Chatfield Commission 1939 Lord Linlithgow Army
FIoud Commission 1940 Lord Linlithgow Tenancy in Bengal

 

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FAQs

What was the purpose of the committees and commissions established by the British in India?

The purpose of these committees and commissions was to implement reforms, streamline administration, and modernize various sectors of governance in British India.

Which commission was set up in 1854 to focus on education?

The Charles Wood Despatch was established in 1854 to focus on education.

What was the main focus of the Hunter Commission established in 1882?

The Hunter Commission, established in 1882, primarily focused on education.

Which commission investigated the Punjab disturbances in 1919?

The Hunter Committee Report investigated the Punjab disturbances in 1919.

What did the Simon Commission aim to achieve?

The Simon Commission aimed to investigate the progress of the governance scheme in India and suggest new steps for reform.