History & Civics
Discuss the changes introduced in the administrative set-up of the British territories in India following the Great Outbreak of 1857.
Answer
The most significant result of the uprising of 1857 was the end of the rule of the East India Company and assumption of the Government of India directly by the Crown. This was done by the Government of India Act of 1858 which had the following provisions-
- It transferred the power to govern India from the East India Company to the British Crown.
- The Company's Board of Control and Court of Directors were abolished. The power was to be exercised by the Secretary of State for India, aided by a Council. The Secretary of State was a member of the British Cabinet and was responsible to the Parliament. Thus, the ultimate power over India remained with the British Parliament.
- Actual governance was to be carried on, as before, by the Governor-General who was also given the title of Viceroy or Crown's personal representative.
- Appointments to the Civil Service were to be made by open competition under rules made by the Secretary of State.
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