Estimate of Cornwallis:
Cornwallis; a blue-blooded aristocrat, was an ardent patriot, he discharged his duties fearlessly and jiis wife was an embodiment of duty and sacrifice. He perceived the danger of Tipu’s growing power and curtailed it by boldly discarding the policy of non-intervention. As an administrator, he consolidated the company’s position in India and started the tradition of efficient and pure administration. Although there were defects in his permanent settlement of Land Revenue, his administrative and judicial reforms were solid achievements. He may be regarded the parent of the Indian Administrative Service and founder of an efficient and clean system of administration.