The concept of “dual government” in Bengal refers to a unique administrative arrangement implemented by the British East India Company during the late 18th century. It was introduced as a result of the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, which granted the Company the Diwani rights over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Under the dual government system, two distinct administrative bodies operated concurrently in Bengal. The first was the British East India Company’s administrative apparatus, which was responsible for revenue collection, administration, and the maintenance of law and order. This British administration was headed by a Governor-General and had its headquarters in Calcutta (now Kolkata).

The second entity was the Nawab’s court, which represented the remaining vestiges of the Mughal administration. The Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II, had granted the Diwani rights to the Company but retained the title of Nawab of Bengal. The Nawab’s court held ceremonial and titular authority, but its actual power and influence were significantly diminished.

The British East India Company exercised significant control over the administration and governance of Bengal. They appointed British officials, known as Collectors, to oversee the collection of revenue and the management of territories. The British administration also implemented policies and regulations to streamline revenue collection, improve governance, and exploit Bengal’s resources for their economic benefit.

However, the Company recognized the importance of maintaining the appearance of Mughal authority and legitimacy. They provided an annual stipend to the Nawab, allowing him to sustain a court and uphold ceremonial functions. The Nawab’s court retained certain symbolic privileges and maintained a presence in matters of protocol and customary rituals.
The dual government system effectively established the British East India Company as the de facto ruling power in Bengal while preserving the nominal authority of the Mughal Empire. It allowed the Company to exercise significant control over the administration and revenue collection while maintaining a semblance of Mughal legitimacy.

Over time, the British East India Company gradually consolidated its power and authority, leading to the decline of the Mughal Empire and the establishment of direct British rule in India. The dual government system was eventually replaced by a centralized British administration, which became the foundation for the British Raj.
In summary, the dual government in Bengal was an administrative arrangement where the British East India Company held significant power and control over the governance and revenue collection, while the Mughal Emperor retained a nominal authority represented by Nawab’s court. It was a transitional phase that played a crucial role in the British Company’s ascent to power in Bengal and the eventual establishment of British rule in India.