British Colonial Administration

Step 1: Background of Bengal Army.
The Bengal Army was one of the three Presidency Armies of the East India Company (along with Madras and Bombay Armies). Soldiers were mostly recruited from North India.
Step 2: Why Awadh was important.
Awadh (Oudh) was rich in manpower. The British recruited large numbers of peasants and soldiers from Awadh into their army. Because of this, Awadh was described as the “Nursery of the Bengal Army.”
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the region of Awadh became the primary recruiting ground for the Bengal Army.

Step 1: Background.
The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first step to control the East India Company, but it was found insufficient. Hence, the British Parliament introduced another law to increase government control.
Step 2: Pitt's India Act.
The Pitt’s India Act was passed in 1784 under Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger. It established a system of dual control: the Company’s commercial affairs were left with the Court of Directors, while political affairs were overseen by a Board of Control appointed by the British Crown.
Step 3: Elimination.
- (A) 1774: Incorrect, this relates to the Regulating Act timeline.
- (B) 1784: Correct year of Pitt’s India Act.
- (C) 1793: Relates to Cornwallis Code.
- (D) 1813: Charter Act of 1813.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the Pitt’s India Act was passed in 1784.

Step 1: Identity.
Francis Buchanan (later known as Francis Buchanan-Hamilton) was a Scottish physician, botanist, and geographer.
Step 2: Contributions.
He served as a doctor in the East India Company and conducted extensive surveys in Bengal, Mysore, and other regions of India. His surveys included geography, agriculture, flora, fauna, and social practices.
Step 3: Elimination.
- (A) A doctor: Correct, as he was primarily a physician by training.
- (B) A landlord: Incorrect.
- (C) A businessman: Incorrect, though he worked under the Company.
- (D) Governor: Incorrect, he was never a political governor.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, Francis Buchanan was a doctor by profession and a surveyor by contribution in India.

Step 1: Background of the Fifth Report.
The Fifth Report was presented to the British Parliament by the Select Committee on Indian affairs. It contained detailed accounts of the revenue system and administration of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
Step 2: Year of presentation.
The report was presented in 1813, and it became an important source for historians studying colonial administration in India.
Step 3: Elimination of options.
- (A) 1793: Incorrect, this was the year of Permanent Settlement.
- (B) 1774: Too early, before Cornwallis reforms.
- (C) 1813: Correct, the year when Fifth Report was presented.
- (D) 1833: Year of the Charter Act, unrelated.
Conclusion: The Fifth Report was tabled in 1813.

Step 1: Understanding the Permanent Settlement.
The Permanent Settlement of Bengal was introduced in 1793 as a revenue system by the British. It fixed the land revenue to be paid by zamindars to the British government permanently.
Step 2: Role of the Governor General.
Lord Cornwallis, the Governor General of Bengal from 1786 to 1793, implemented this system in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. He is often remembered for his role in administrative and judicial reforms.
Step 3: Elimination of options.
- (A) Warren Hastings: Earlier Governor General, but Permanent Settlement was not introduced under him.
- (B) Cornwallis: Correct — he introduced the system in 1793.
- (C) Buchanan: Not related to this policy.
- (D) Ripon: Came much later (1880s).
Conclusion: The Governor General at the time was Cornwallis.