HASTINGS, WARREN

(1732-1818), Brit. administrator; 6. at Church ill, Oxfords hire; entered East India Companys’ service, 1750; resident at court of Murshidabad, 1758; member of council, 1761; second in council at Madras, 1768; pres. of council and Gov. of Bengal, 1772. H. effected reforms in system of government; transferred centre of administration from Murshidabad to Calcutta; reformed military and police organisation. The consolidation of Ind. Empire was largely due to his administrative genius. He became Gov-.Gen. of India, 1773. Members of council were inimical te him, and condemned all his measures. He was accused by Brahmin. Nuncomar of receiving bribes; shortly afterwards Nuncomar was accused of forgery, found guilty, and hanged, a circumstance tending to alienate public sympathy from H. During these events H. sent in his resignation, but subsequently remained in office. Between 1777 and 1785 he conducted war against Mahrattas and against Hyder Ali; suppre ed insurrection of Chait Sing, Rajah of Benares, and deposed him; caused begums of Oude to give up land and treasure, 1780, some of which he afterwards restored. He returned to England in 1785, and was impeached by Burke in a famous speech, 1786, for oppre ion, maladministration, and corruption. Trial lasted seven years, after which he was acquitted, 1795. Costs of trial swallowed up his entire fortune, but he subsequently obtained pension from East India Co.