Consider the following statements about ‘the Charter Act of 1813’:

1. It ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade with China.
2. It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Indian territories held by the Company.
3. The revenues of India were now controlled by the British Parliament.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

• The Charter Act of 1813 ended the East India Company’s trade monopoly with India, except for tea and trade with China, which lasted for 20 more years. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
• It granted one lakh rupees per annum for the promotion of education in India and gave power to local governments to impose and collect taxes.
• The Act also asserted the Crown’s sovereignty over all of the Company’s territories and mandated the opening up of India to Christian missionaries. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
• The Pitt’s India Act of 1784 established the Board of Control, consisting of six members, to oversee the company’s affairs in England and granted the British Parliament control over the revenues of India. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.