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Who Was Lord Cornwallis?

Verified Answer

Lord Cornwallis (Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis) was the Governor-General of Bengal (1st term: 1786–1793; died in office during 2nd term, 1805).

  • Born: 31 December 1738, London
  • Died: 5 October 1805, Ghazipur, India
  • Known globally for surrendering to George Washington at Yorktown (1781) during the American Revolutionary War

Contributions in India:

  • Permanent Settlement (1793): Fixed land revenue permanently with zamindars in Bengal, Bihar, Orissa
  • Cornwallis Code (1793): Separated revenue, judicial, and commercial functions; prohibited British officials from private trade
  • Fought the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790–1792) against Tipu Sultan Treaty of Seringapatam (1792)
  • Called the "Father of Civil Services in India"