Which Act transferred the power of governance from the East India Company to the British Crown?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Government of India Act, 1858

• The Government of India Act, 1858 transferred the governance of India from the East India Company to the British Crown after the 1857 Revolt (Sepoy Mutiny).

• The Act marked the official end of the East India Company's rule over India and brought India under direct British rule, establishing the British Raj.

• This Act created the office of the Viceroy of India, who represented the British Crown in India and had full executive and legislative powers.

Information Booster:

• East India Company’s Rule:

• The East India Company controlled India for over 200 years, starting in 1600 through its trade monopoly and gradually taking over large parts of India through conquest and treaties. However, its mismanagement and involvement in the 1857 Revolt led to the Company's downfall.

• 1857 Revolt (Sepoy Mutiny):

• The revolt was a major uprising against British rule in India, caused by widespread discontent over the Company’s policies. After its suppression, the British government decided to end the East India Company's rule in India, leading to the passing of the Government of India Act, 1858.

• Provisions of the Government of India Act, 1858:

• The Act ended the East India Company’s control and transferred governance directly to the Crown.

• The Secretary of State for India was appointed, who was a member of the British Cabinet, to oversee the administration of India.

• The Governor-General of India was renamed the Viceroy of India, who now represented the British monarch.

Additional Information:

(a) Regulating Act, 1773:

• The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first major law passed to control the activities of the East India Company, but it did not transfer power to the British Crown. It aimed to regulate the administration of the Company and create a supreme court in Calcutta.

(b) Pitt’s India Act, 1784:

• The Pitt's India Act of 1784 brought the East India Company under greater control by the British government, but it did not transfer the power of governance. It established the Board of Control to oversee the Company's affairs.

(c) Charter Act, 1833:

• The Charter Act of 1833 renewed the East India Company’s charter and further expanded its administrative powers. It also marked the end of Company's trade monopoly in India, but did not transfer governance to the British Crown.