Who among the following became the direct representative of the British Crown in India after the Government of India Act, 1858?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Viceroy of India

Explanation:
• The Government of India Act, 1858, abolished the rule of the East India Company and transferred the powers to the British Crown.
• It changed the designation of the Governor-General of India to that of the Viceroy of India.
• The Viceroy served as the direct representative of the British Crown in India.
• Lord Canning became the first Viceroy of India under this Act.
• The Act was passed in the aftermath of the Revolt of 1857 to ensure a more direct and efficient governance.

Information Booster:
• This Act is also known as the 'Act for the Good Government of India'.
• It ended the system of Double Government by abolishing the Board of Control and Court of Directors.

Additional Knowledge:
Secretary of State for India (Option b)
• This was a new office created by the 1858 Act, a member of the British Cabinet responsible for Indian administration.
Chief Commissioner of India (Option c)
• Chief Commissioners were appointed to head specific smaller provinces but were not the direct representative for all of India.
Lieutenant-Governor of India (Option d)
• These officers headed specific provinces like Bengal or Punjab and reported to the Governor-General/Viceroy.

So the correct answer is (a)