Question map
The significance of the Bengal Regulation of 1793 lies in the fact that
Explanation
The Bengal (Cornwallis) Regulation of 1793 reinforced the principle that personal laws should govern civil matters: the judicial reorganization created a graded civil court system to adjudicate cases according to Hindu and Muslim laws, preserving their personal law spheres while separating revenue and judicial functions [1]. Historical accounts note that Warren Hastings’ earlier approach—applying shastras to Hindus and Quranic law to Muslims—was reaffirmed in the Cornwallis Code/Regulation of 1793, ensuring that personal laws of Hindus and Muslims were accommodated within the colonial judicial framework [2]. Thus the regulation’s significance lies primarily in institutionalizing administration of personal laws rather than establishing the Supreme Court or an Indian Law Commission.
Sources
- [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 26: Constitutional, Administrative and Judicial Developments > Reforms under Cornwallis (1786-1793)— Separation of Powers > p. 522
- [2] https://www.ipf.org.in/encyc/2020/11/13/2_02_27_53_History-of-Personal-Laws-in-India-Papers_1.pdf