NITI Aayog: The Institutional Structure

NITI Aayog: The Institutional Structure

NITI Aayog (Policy Commission) or National Institution for Transforming India was established via a Union Cabinet resolution on January 1, 2015 as a premier Policy Think Tank of the Union Government. It’s an extra-constitutional, non-statutory and advisory body.

Warren Hastings

Warren Hastings

From 1772, Warren Hastings served as Governor General of Fort Williams and the regulating act was passed after his arrival. Important events under his rule include Trial of Nandkumar and Raja Chait Singh of Banaras; codification of Hindu and Muslim laws; First and second Anglo-Maratha wars, Second Anglo-Mysore war, Abolition of Dual System and quinquennial settlement of land revenue, foundation of Madarasa Aaliya  (1781) and Asiatic Society (1784). He implemented several reforms in all walks of administration. The Regulating Act 1773 and Pitts India Act, 1784 were important acts passed during his tenure.

First Anglo Mysore War

First Anglo Mysore War

From 1734 to 1766, Mysore was under Krishnaraja Wodeyar II. His commander in chiefs dominated his reign and among them; Hyder Ali came to prominence from 1760 onwards. When Krishnaraja died, Hyder Ali became the de facto ruler of Mysore in 1763, though Nanjaraja was placed on the throne of Mysore as nominal head.

Robert Clive

Rovert Clive

Robert Clive (born 1725) was appointed as Clerk in the service of the East India Company in 1743. The Seize of Arcot (1761) during Second Carnatic War gave a major boost to his career and he became deputy governor of Fort St. David at Cuddalore in 1755. From 1758 to 1760 and then 1765 to 1767, he remained Governor of the Presidency of Fort William.

During his tenure, British East India Company won battle of Plassey, Battle of Chinsura and Battle of Buxar. These battles paved the way for British conquest of Northern India. Clive also imposed Dual system of administration in Bengal which ruined its economy.

Carnatic Wars

Carnatic Wars

In the 18th century, three Carnatic Wars were fought between various Indian rulers and British and French East India Company on either side. These wars resulted in establishment of political supremacy of British East India Company. The French company was reduced in the areas around Pondicherry only. Commercial and maritime rivalry between France and England was the primary reason behind these wars. The entire south India was divided into minor Rajas, Nawabs and petty chieftains who fought with each other for supremacy. British and French took opposite sides to support these rivals and increase their own dominance.

East India Company

East India Company

British East India Company was the First among various East India Companies formed and it was granted an English Royal Charter, under the name “Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East Indies” by Queen Elizabeth-I on 31 December 1600.

It was a joint stock company and initially had 125 shareholders with capital of 68,373 Pounds Sterling. The capital was raised to 429,000 Pounds Sterling when voyages were undertaken on the first joint-stock account.

The first governor of the company was Thomas Smith and commander of first voyage to India was James Lancaster {he commanded the ship called Red Dragon}.

The East India Company was also known as John Company in its initial days. It was established at a time when Portuguese had already monopolized the commercial activities in East Indies. Further, the Portuguese had also shifted the cradle of commerce from Mediterranean to Atlantics.

Dutch Empire and Colonies of India

Dutch Empire and Colonies of India

Dutch were the first to break through the Portuguese monopoly in the east. Netherland had got independence from Spanish Empire in 1581. Due to war of independence, the ports in Spain for Dutch were closed. This forced them to find out a route to India and east to enable direct trade. In 1565, they had opened up trade with Russia and tried to explore the land routes towards China and India, however, not much success came their way.