Government of India act 1858 UPSC short notes
Here we will study the Government of India act 1858 (UPSC) from the viewpoint of Civil services exam and other State PSC exams. British Parliament passed this act in 1858. One of the most important effects of Government of India act 1858 is that it transferred the sovereignty and control over India from East India Company to the British crown.
Here we will cover the important point of Government of India act 1858 which will be useful for your UPSC exams and other State PSC exams.
For topic wise complete Indian Polity video lectures- Click Here
For UPSC video lectures you can subscribe our YouTube channel also. Subscribe Here
Why was the Government of India act 1858 introduced?-
1857 revolt revealed the company’s inability to administer during complex situations. So British Crown decided to take over the sovereignty and control over India from East India Company. so for this purpose British parliament passed this 1858 act.
Salient features of Government of India act 1858 (UPSC)-
Here we will discuss the salient features of Government of India act 1858 which is also known as the Act for the good government of India. The viceroy during Government of India act 1858 was Lord Canning. let’s study this act in detail.
- This act abolished East India company and transferred the powers of government, territories and revenues to British crown.
- It provided that India from now onwards to be governed by British crown.
It renamed the designation Governor General of India to Viceroy of India and He became the direct representative of British Crown in India.
- Lord Canning became first viceroy of India.
It abolished the dual bodies of governance- Board of Control and Court of Directors. Thus it ended dual system of control (double government).
- It also established a new post of Secretary of state which was assisted by a 15 member Council.
- Secretary of state had complete authority and control over Indian Administration.
- He had the authority to take final decision and council was just advisory in nature.
- Secretary of state was a member of British cabinet so he was responsible to British Parliament.
Lord Stanley was first secretary of state in India.
Overall this act was largely confined to the improvement of Administrative machinery in India. It did not change in any substantial manner the system of government that was present in India.
These are the Main features of 1858 Act. These points are very important from the viewpoint of our UPSC and other state PSC exams.
Have a Glance-
To Further enhance your UPSC exam preparation and take it to the next level, go through these direct links given below.
- For Topic wise free UPSC MCQ questions practice sets of UPSC exam- Click here
- For Topic wise crisp UPSC notes (free UPSC material) of UPSC exam- Click here
