UPSC Prelims 2010 · General Studies
Question 82: History and Culture
Who among the following Governor Generals created the Covenanted Civil Service of India which later came to be known as the Indian Civil Service ?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Lord Cornwallis (Governor-General 1786-93) organised the Company's service into a covenanted civil service. He raised salaries sharply and banned private trade and gifts by officials to end corruption, and is called the father of the civil service in India; it was later known as the Indian Civil Service. Warren Hastings is linked with revenue and judicial reforms, Wellesley with the subsidiary alliance and Fort William College, and Bentinck with social reforms. Remember: Cornwallis = civil service and the Permanent Settlement.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Hastings is linked with revenue and court reforms and early administration.
- (b) Wellesley is linked with the subsidiary alliance and Fort William College.
- (c) Right: Cornwallis created the covenanted civil service.
- (d) Bentinck is linked with social reforms such as the abolition of sati.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2010, General Studies, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.