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Warren Hastings was India's first Governor-General (1732-1818) tried to consolidate the East India Company business model and unfortunately during his administration corruption and unscrupulous money dealings were so blatant and continued unchecked, the British Government went to the extend of ordering his impeachment.
Hastings, who deferred from other British officials, did consolidate the British rule and at the same time had keen interest in India's ethos and heritage. He fostered education, encouraged the codification of Hindu law, stimulated the study of Sanskrit by European scholars along with Jones, founded a Mohammedan college in Calcutta and an Indian institute in London, opened a trade route to Tibet, sponsored a survey of Bengal, and organized expeditions to explore the seas. He established the system of civil administration that was the basis of Anglo-Indian security and prosperity. In 1781, Hastings founded Madrasa 'Aliya; in 2007, it was transformed into Aliah University by the Government of India, at Calcutta. In 1784, Hastings supported the foundation of the Bengal Asiatic Society, now the Asiatic Society of Bengal, founded by the oriental scholar Sir William Jones. Indians are always grateful to him for his vision, inspiration and interest in the betterment of native Indians who were stoic victims of colonial exploitation and discrimination.
He was impeached by Parliament in 1786, but the trial opened two years later and lasted for 7 years. The House of Lords found him not guilty.
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Originally Posted by Daco Celtic
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