Test: Administrative Changes after 1858 - 1 - UPSC MCQ

The Act of 1858 transferred the power to govern India from the East India Company to the British Crown. This meant that the authority over India was now exercised by a Secretary of State for India aided by a Council, rather than the directors of the Company and the Board of Control.

The British had divided India into provinces, three of which - Bengal, Madras, and Bombay - were known as Presidencies. These Presidencies were administered by a Governor and his Executive Council of three, who were appointed by the Crown.

The first step in the direction of separating central and provincial finances was taken in 1870 by Lord Mayo.

A step forward in promoting local government through municipalities and district boards was taken in 1882 by Lord Ripon's Government.

The organization of the Indian section of the army was based on the policy of 'balance and counterpoise' or 'divide and rule' so as to prevent its chance of uniting again in an anti-British uprising.

The crucial branches of the army like artillery and, later in the 20th century, tanks and armoured corps were put exclusively in European hands.

Punjabis, Gurkhas, and Pathans, who had assisted in the suppression of the Revolt, were declared to be martial and were recruited in large numbers.

Communal, caste, tribal, and regional loyalties were encouraged among the Indian soldiers so that the sentiment of nationalism would not grow among them.

The Indian army was the chief instrument for the expansion and consolidation of British power and possessions in Asia and Africa.

Several steps were taken to minimize the capacity of Indian soldiers to revolt, such as the domination of the army by its European branch, keeping European troops in key positions, excluding Indians from the officer corps, and encouraging communal, caste, tribal, and regional loyalties among Indian soldiers.