The Government of India Act (1858) was a landmark legislation. The British Parliament passed it to end the rule of the East India Company and transfer control of India directly to the British Crown. It was a response to the Revolt of 1857, which exposed the weaknesses in British administration.
1. Key Features of the Act
✔ End of East India Company Rule
- The British Crown took direct control of India.
- The Governor-General of India became the Viceroy of India (first Viceroy: Lord Canning).
✔ Creation of the Secretary of State for India
- A new office of Secretary of State for India was created in Britain.
- The Secretary of State was a British Cabinet Minister responsible for Indian affairs.
- He was advised by a 15-member Council of India (mostly former East India Company officials).
✔ Change in Administration
- The Governor-General became the direct representative of the British Crown.
- Indian territories were now under the British Parliament’s control.
- The Board of Control and Court of Directors of the East India Company were abolished.
✔ Policy of Non-Interference in Indian Religious & Social Matters
- The British government assured non-interference in Indian religious and social customs.
- Aimed at avoiding the mistakes that led to the Revolt of 1857.
✔ Indian Civil Services (ICS) Open to Indians
- The Act allowed Indians to enter British administrative services (though in reality, very few Indians were appointed).
2. Significance of the Act
🔹 Marked the beginning of direct British rule in India (British Raj).
🔹 Strengthened centralized control over Indian administration.
🔹 Created a more structured British bureaucracy in India.
🔹 Ensured more involvement of the British Parliament in Indian affairs.
🔹 Paved the way for future constitutional reforms (Indian Councils Act, 1861).
3. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Which Act transferred the administration of India from the East India Company to the British Crown?
- (a) Regulating Act, 1773
- (b) Government of India Act, 1858
- (c) Indian Councils Act, 1861
- (d) Charter Act, 1833
- Answer: (b) Government of India Act, 1858
- Who was the first Viceroy of India under the Government of India Act, 1858?
- (a) Lord Dalhousie
- (b) Lord Canning
- (c) Lord Curzon
- (d) Lord Wellesley
- Answer: (b) Lord Canning
- Which British government position was created under the Government of India Act, 1858?
- (a) Governor-General of India
- (b) Secretary of State for India
- (c) Prime Minister of India
- (d) Director-General of India
- Answer: (b) Secretary of State for India
- How many members were in the Council of India to assist the Secretary of State?
- (a) 10
- (b) 12
- (c) 15
- (d) 20
- Answer: (c) 15
- Which Act abolished the Board of Control and Court of Directors of the East India Company?
- (a) Charter Act, 1813
- (b) Charter Act, 1833
- (c) Government of India Act, 1858
- (d) Indian Councils Act, 1861
- Answer: (c) Government of India Act, 1858
4. Subjective Questions
- What were the main provisions of the Government of India Act, 1858?
- How did the Government of India Act, 1858 change British rule in India?
- Discuss the significance of the creation of the Secretary of State for India.
- Why was the East India Company’s rule ended in 1858?
- Analyze the impact of the Government of India Act, 1858 on Indian administration.
Conclusion
The Government of India Act, 1858 marked a major shift in Indian governance, bringing India under direct British rule. While it promised better governance and non-interference in Indian customs, it also strengthened British control, leading to increased centralization and bureaucracy.
Let me know if you need timeline, mind maps, or additional details! 🚀