| Formation | 1773 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Calcutta, British India |
| Location | |
Official languages | English |
The Supreme Council of Bengal,[1][2] also known as Council of Four, was the highest level of executive government in British India from 1774 to 1833: the period in which the East India Company, a private company, exercised political control of British colonies in India. It was formally subordinate to both the East India Company's Court of Directors and to the British Crown.[3]
The Council was established by the British government, under Regulating Act 1773. It consisted of four members. The Governor General was given a casting vote but no veto.[4] It was appointed by the Court of Directors (board) of the East India Company. At times it also included the British military Commander-in-Chief of India (although this post was usually held concurrently by the Governor General). Hence the council was also known as Governor-General in Council.
The Government of India Act 1833 formally separated the East India Company from political control, and the governor-general of Bengal became the governor general of India. Since the Government of India Act 1858, the council was known as the Viceroy's Executive Council.
- ^ (capt.), Joseph Price; Francis, sir Philip (1783). A letter ... to P. Francis ... late member of the Supreme council at Bengal [vindicating J. Price's character and conduct from the charges made against him by P. Francis in the minutes of the East India company]. Archived from the original on 2024-01-17. Retrieved 2020-11-03.
- ^ The Monthly Review. R. Griffiths. 1781. Archived from the original on 2024-01-17. Retrieved 2020-11-03.
- ^ Webster, Anthony (2007). The Richest East India Merchant: The Life and Business of John Palmer of Calcutta, 1767-1836. Boydell & Brewer. pp. 8–. ISBN 978-1-84383-303-1. Archived from the original on 2024-01-17. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
- ^ "Regulating Act | Great Britain [1773]". Encyclopedia Britannica. Archived from the original on 2017-10-08. Retrieved 2017-12-11.