Which of the following Acts made the Governor-General of India the Viceroy of India?

The correct answer is Government of India Act, 1858.

Key Points

• The Government of India Act, 1858 marked the beginning of direct rule by the British Crown over India, replacing the rule of the East India Company.
• It established the office of the Governor-General of India as the Viceroy of India, making the Governor-General the direct representative of the British Crown.
• The act was passed in the aftermath of the Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, which exposed the weaknesses of the East India Company's administration.
• The act abolished the Board of Control and the Court of Directors of the East India Company, transferring their powers to the British Crown.
• A new position called the Secretary of State for India was created, who was a member of the British Cabinet and responsible for overseeing Indian affairs.
• The act emphasized the British Crown’s intention to maintain a stable administration in India and prevent further uprisings.
• The Governor-General, now Viceroy, was tasked with implementing policies aimed at securing the loyalty of Indian princes and maintaining law and order.

 Additional Information

• Government of India Act, 1935
  • This act introduced the concept of Provincial Autonomy and laid the foundation for the federal structure of governance in India.
  • It proposed an All-India Federation, which was never fully implemented.
  • The act extended the system of diarchy to the central government and expanded the electoral system.
  • It served as the basis for several features of the Indian Constitution, such as bicameralism and separation of powers.
• Indian Councils Act, 1909
  • Also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, this act introduced the concept of separate electorates for Muslims.
  • The act increased the size of the Legislative Councils and allowed Indians to discuss the budget and propose legislation.
  • It is considered a significant step in the process of constitutional development in India.
• Government of India Act, 1919
  • Known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, it introduced the system of diarchy in provincial governments.
  • The act expanded the participation of Indians in governance by increasing the number of elected representatives.
  • It marked a shift towards responsible government in India but retained significant control with the British authorities.