Bengal Presidency Notes

Bengal Presidency, also known as the Presidency of Fort William, was the largest presidency under the British in India. Until 1911 CE, Calcutta served as the capital of the presidency and also as the capital of Indian and South Asian territories under control of the British.

At its peak, the Bengal Presidency stretched from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in modern-day Pakistan in the west to Burma, Singapore, and Penang in the east. The head of the Government of Bengal also acted as the Viceroy of India for much of the colonial rule.

The Bengal Presidency was established in 1765 CE, after a decisive victory against the Nawab of Bengal in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 CE. Bengal became the hub for British administration, economics, culture, and education. It also became the centre for Indian cultural and social reforms and renaissance, and the Indian Independence Movement.

The free banking era between the late 18th century CE and 1861 CE saw a number of banks issue paper currency. The banknotes could be encashed into the current coin in circulation only.