Which Viceroy of British India organised the statistical survey of India?

Correct option is D

Ans: (D) Lord Mayo

Explanation:

• Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India from 1869 to 1872, organised the first comprehensive statistical survey of India.
• His efforts contributed significantly to the collection and compilation of data on India's population, agriculture, and resources.
• The survey laid the foundation for future economic planning and policy-making in India.
• Lord Mayo:Viceroy of India from 1869 to 1872.
• Significance of Survey:The statistical survey aimed at improving governance through accurate data collection, aiding in policy formulation and economic planning.

Information Booster:

(a) Lord Dalhousie (Viceroy from 1848 to 1856):

• Key Contributions:

  • Railway System: Lord Dalhousie is most famous for introducing the railway system in India, which played a crucial role in the transportation of goods, troops, and passengers across the vast subcontinent. This was a key development in the modernization of India.

  • Doctrine of Lapse: He introduced the Doctrine of Lapse, which allowed the British East India Company to annex territories where rulers died without a male heir. This led to the annexation of several princely states, including Satara, Nagpur, and Jhansi, contributing to widespread unrest.

  • Telecommunications: He was responsible for introducing the first telegraph system in India, which improved communication between the distant parts of the British Empire.

  • Education Reforms: Dalhousie introduced educational reforms, including the establishment of the University of Bombay, University of Madras, and University of Calcutta in 1857.

  • Public Works: He focused on infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, canals, and bridges, to improve the colonial economy and administration.

  • End of the East India Company: He also presided over a period of major British consolidation of power in India, laying the groundwork for the full control of the British Crown after the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

(b) Lord Canning (Viceroy from 1856 to 1862):

• Key Contributions:

  • First War of Independence (1857): Lord Canning was the Viceroy during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 (often referred to as the First War of Independence). The rebellion was a turning point in India's history, as it led to the dissolution of the British East India Company and the establishment of direct British rule over India by the Crown.

  • Royal Proclamation: After suppressing the rebellion, Canning issued the Royal Proclamation of 1858, which promised protection of religious and social practices and assured the Indian people that they would have a more significant role in administration.

  • Indian Civil Services: He took steps to recruit Indians into the Indian Civil Services (ICS), which helped to involve Indians in the administration and governance, although the process was slow and limited.

  • Reorganization of the Army: Following the 1857 uprising, Canning reorganized the British Indian Army to prevent another large-scale rebellion, including reducing the number of Indian soldiers in certain regiments.

  • The Indian Penal Code: The Indian Penal Code (IPC) was drafted during his tenure, which became the foundation of India's legal system.

(c) Lord Auckland (Governor-General from 1836 to 1842):

• Key Contributions:

  • Afghan Wars: Lord Auckland's tenure is most notably associated with the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842). He invaded Afghanistan with the goal of preventing Russian expansion into Central Asia and establishing a friendly government. The war ended disastrously for the British, with the defeat and retreat from Afghanistan, resulting in a significant loss of life.

  • Treaty of Waitangi (1840): While not directly related to India, Auckland was also involved in the Treaty of Waitangi between the British and the Maori in New Zealand, a pivotal moment in the history of British colonial expansion in the Pacific.

  • Reforms in India: During his tenure, Auckland introduced reforms in India, including the Indian Army’s reorganization and the construction of roads for better communication and trade. However, his major focus was the military challenges posed by Afghanistan.

  • British Expansion in India: Auckland’s period saw the expansion of British influence in Nepal and other parts of the Indian subcontinent, despite his failure in Afghanistan.