Consider the following statements about the Government of India Act 18...
The correct answer is option B: 2 only.
Explanation:
The Government of India Act 1858, also known as the Act for the Better Government of India, was an important legislation in the history of British India. It was passed by the British Parliament after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which led to the end of the British East India Company's rule in India and the transfer of power to the British Crown. Let's examine each statement in detail:
1) The Act introduced a system of double government in India:
This statement is incorrect. The Government of India Act 1858 abolished the system of double government that was established by the Government of India Act 1833. Under the Act of 1833, the Governor-General of Bengal was also designated as the Governor-General of India, and the Governor-General's Council was composed of four members. However, the Act of 1858 abolished the Governor-General's Council and transferred the powers and responsibilities of the government to the Secretary of State for India in Council.
2) It created a new office of Secretary of State for India:
This statement is correct. The Government of India Act 1858 indeed created the office of Secretary of State for India. The Secretary of State for India was a member of the British Cabinet and was responsible for the administration of India. This office replaced the Governor-General's Council and gave the British government direct control over the governance of India.
3) The Act made the Governor-General of Bengal as the Governor-General of India:
This statement is incorrect. As mentioned earlier, the Act of 1858 abolished the Governor-General's Council and transferred the powers and responsibilities of the government to the Secretary of State for India in Council. The Act did not mention the Governor-General of Bengal or any specific individual as the Governor-General of India.
In conclusion, the correct statements about the Government of India Act 1858 are:
- It created a new office of Secretary of State for India.
Therefore, the correct answer is option B: 2 only.
Consider the following statements about the Government of India Act 18...
- Statement 1 is incorrect: System of double government was introduced by the Pitt’s India Act 1784. Act Distinguished between commercial and political function of a company. It allowed the Court of directors to manage commercial affairs and created a new body called the Board of Control to manage Political affairs. Government of India Act 1858 abolished the system of double government which was created by the Pitt’s India Act 1784
- Statement 2 is Correct: Government of India Act 1858 created the office of Secretary of State for India. It has complete authority and control over Indian administration. Secretary of State was a member of British cabinet and also ultimately responsible to British parliament
- Statement 3 is incorrect: It was the Charter Act of 1833 which made the Governor-General of Bengal as the Governor-General of India. Government of India Act 1858 changed the designation of Governor-General of India to Viceroy of India.
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