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 of 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 Charter Act of 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.