Charter Act of 1677 | UPSC Modern Indian History | political and Constitutional history of India

The Charter Act of 1677 is a topic covered in the UPSC Modern Indian History course, which explores India's political and constitutional history.

Charter Act of 1677

Table of Contents

1. What is the Charter Act of 1677?
2. Major Outcomes of the Charter Act of 1677
3. Exception 

What is the Charter Act of 1677?

The Charter Act of 1677 granted by King Charles II extended the Privileges of the Charter Act of 1661 and the Charter Act of 1669. It expanded the Company's Power by allowing it to mint Coin Money in Port Island and Bombay. The Charter also pardoned offenses and debts of the Company except for the Customs payable by it.

Major Outcomes of the Charter Act of 1677

• The Company can impose penalties for breach of Agreement or Covenant granted to it.
• It can stamp and coin money in Gold, Silver, copper, tin, Lead, or mixed compounds within the territory of Port and Island Bombay.
• The Governor shall determine the name of the minted coin, which can be Rupees, Pices, Budgrooks, or any other name.
• The Charter granted pardon to all Offences Committed by the Company before 16 September 1676.
• It extended the Pardon to all the members, agents, factors, and servants who were acting under the Orders of the Company.
• Any accounts, debts, duties, or demands payable before 16 September 1676 by the company by way of fine, penalties, or forfeitures were also granted pardon
• Any proceeding started against aforesaid offenses or debts shall be withdrawn.

Exception 

The Crown did not exempt any debts, duties, or demands payable by reason of customs.

Related Topics

1. Charter Act of 1600

2. Charter Act of 1661

3. Charter Act of 1669

4. Charter Act of 1683

5. Charter Act of 1686

MCQs

Which of the following Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth

A. Charter Act of 1609

B. Charter Act of 1600

C. Charter Act of 1661

D. Charter Act of 1669

Ans: B

2. Which of the following charter allowed East India Company to mint coins in Bombay

A. Charter Act of 1609

B. Charter Act of 1600

C. Charter Act of 1677

D. Charter Act of 1669

Ans: C

3. Which of the following charter granted the port and island of Bombay to East India Company

A. Charter Act of 1609

B. Charter Act of 1600

C. Charter Act of 1661

D. Charter Act of 1669

Ans: D

4. Which of the following charter established Court of Admiralty

A. Charter Act of 1683

B. Charter Act of 1600

C. Charter Act of 1661

D. Charter Act of 1669

Ans: A

5. Which Charter Act Pardoned the Offenses of the East India Company?

A. Charter Act of 1609

B. Charter Act of 1677

C. Charter Act of 1661

D. Charter Act of 1669

Ans: B