Government of India Act, 1833

The correct answer is option 'C' - the Charter Act of 1833. This Act played a significant role in the governance of British India and brought about major changes in the administrative structure and policies.

Background:
- Before the Charter Act of 1833, the East India Company had been exercising considerable control over the Indian territories.
- However, after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, the British government decided to abolish the company's rule and take direct control over India.

Key provisions:
1. Governor-General of India:
- The Act made the Governor-General the Governor-General of India, replacing the Governor-General of Bengal.
- The Governor-General had jurisdiction over all the territories under British control in India.
- The first Governor-General of India under this Act was Lord William Bentinck.

2. Powers of the British Crown:
- The Act established the principle that the British Crown would exercise direct authority over India.
- The powers of the British Crown in relation to India were to be exercised through a Secretary of State for India, who was a member of the British government.

3. Creation of the Indian Civil Service:
- The Act introduced reforms in the administrative setup by creating the Indian Civil Service (ICS).
- The ICS was responsible for the administration and governance of British India.
- The recruitment for the ICS was based on competitive examinations held in Britain, which ensured that highly qualified individuals were selected for administrative positions.

4. Abolition of East India Company's trade monopoly:
- The Act ended the East India Company's monopoly on trade with India.
- It opened up Indian markets to free trade and allowed private merchants to engage in commerce with India.

5. Christian missionaries and education:
- The Act also addressed the issue of Christian missionaries and their activities in India.
- It allowed Christian missionaries to enter India and propagate their religion.
- The Act also emphasized the promotion of education in India, particularly English education.

Conclusion:
The Charter Act of 1833 was a significant milestone in the governance of British India. It established the Governor-General of India as the highest authority and introduced important administrative reforms. The Act also marked the transition from the East India Company's rule to direct control by the British Crown, paving the way for further changes in the governance of India.