Queen's Proclamation: the Crown takes over
· Allahabad (Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh
Company rule ended; India passed to the British Crown.
Key points for UPSC
- The Government of India Act 1858 ended the East India Company's rule and transferred power to the Crown.
- Lord Canning read Queen Victoria's Proclamation at Allahabad on 1 November 1858 and became the first Viceroy.
- A Secretary of State for India was created in Britain; the Proclamation promised no further annexations and non-interference in religion.
Test yourself
1. Who read the Queen's Proclamation at Allahabad in 1858?
- (a) Lord Canning
- (b) Lord Dalhousie
- (c) Lord Lytton
- (d) Lord Ripon
Show answer
(a) Lord Canning. Canning read it and became the first Viceroy.
2. Which new office was created in Britain by the Act of 1858?
- (a) Secretary of State for India
- (b) Governor-General of Bengal
- (c) Board of Control
- (d) Court of Directors
Show answer
(a) Secretary of State for India. The Secretary of State for India replaced the Board of Control.
3. The Queen's Proclamation promised:
- (a) No further annexation of princely states
- (b) Immediate self-government
- (c) Separate electorates
- (d) Abolition of the army
Show answer
(a) No further annexation of princely states. It assured the princes there would be no more annexations.