The following Governor submitted a detailed ‘Report on the Territories Conquered from the Peshwa’ in October 1819 :

The correct answer is - Mountstuart Elphinstone

Key Points

• Mountstuart Elphinstone was an eminent British administrator and historian in India during the early 19th century.
• He served as the Governor of Bombay from 1819 to 1827.
• Elphinstone is particularly noted for submitting the "Report on the Territories Conquered from the Peshwa" in October 1819, a significant document detailing the administration and governance of the Peshwa territories post-annexation.
• The report played a crucial role in establishing British administrative policies in the newly acquired regions, emphasizing reforms in revenue collection, justice, and education.
• His governance marked the beginning of an era of progressive reforms in Bombay Presidency.

Additional Information

• Peshwa Territories
  • The Peshwa territories were annexed by the British East India Company after the defeat of the Peshwa, Baji Rao II, in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818).
  • This marked the end of the Maratha Empire and the beginning of British dominance in western India.
• Elphinstone's Contributions
  • He is regarded as a pioneer of modern education in India, laying the foundation for several educational institutions.
  • Elphinstone College in Mumbai is named after him, commemorating his efforts in promoting education.
  • He emphasized the importance of using local languages in administration and education to engage with the local population effectively.
• Other Key Figures Mentioned
  • Sir Evan Nepean: Served as Governor of Bombay from 1812 to 1819 but was not associated with the report in question.
  • Sir John Malcolm: A British administrator and diplomat, known for his contributions in central India but unrelated to the mentioned report.
  • Sir Thomas Sidney Beckwith: A British general, notable for his military services but not connected to administrative reforms in the Peshwa territories.