Question

Which of the following are among the provisions of the Act of 1858?
1. The administration of India and the Indian territories was transferred to the Crown.
2. The rule of East India Company was abolished.
3. The Governor-General of India was to be known as the Viceroy of India and a Secretary of State for India was also appointed.
4. The administrative power of India was to be shared between the East India Company and the Crown of England.

• A. 1, 3 and 4
• B. 1, 2 and 3
• C. 2, 3 and 4
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

1, 2 and 3

The Government of India Act of 1858 provided that India henceforth was to be governed by, and in the name of, Her Majesty and abolished the rule of East India Company. It changed the designation of the Governor-General of India to that of Viceroy of India. He (viceroy) was the direct representative of the British Crown in India. Lord Canning thus became the first Viceroy of India. It created a new office, Secretary of State for India, vested with complete authority and control over Indian administration. The secretary of state was a member of the British cabinet and was responsible ultimately to the British Parliament.