Government of India Act 1858 facts for kids

The Government of India Act of 1858 was an important law passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom on August 2, 1858. This law changed how British India was governed.

Before this Act, a powerful trading company called the British East India Company had been ruling India. But after the Act, the British Crown (meaning the British government and Queen Victoria) took direct control. This marked the end of the Company's rule in India.

The new period of direct British rule was known as the British Raj. This era lasted for many years, until August 1947. At that time, British India was divided into two new independent countries: the Dominion of Pakistan and the Dominion of India.

Why This Act Was Passed

The Government of India Act of 1858 was passed right after a major event in Indian history. This event is often called the Indian Rebellion of 1857 or the Sepoy Mutiny.

This rebellion was a huge uprising against the British East India Company's rule. It showed the British government that the Company was not managing India well. The rebellion caused a lot of trouble and made the British Parliament decide that a big change was needed.

What the Act Did

The main things the Government of India Act of 1858 did were:

• Ended the East India Company's Rule: The Act officially took away all the powers of the British East India Company. The Company had been ruling parts of India for over 250 years.
• Transferred Power to the Crown: All the land, money, and power that the Company had in India were given directly to the British Crown. This meant that Queen Victoria became the Empress of India.
• Created a New Government System:

* A new position called the Secretary of State for India was created in the British government. This person was a member of the British Cabinet and was in charge of all matters related to India. * A Council of India was also set up to help the Secretary of State. This council had 15 members, many of whom had experience in India. * In India, the Governor-General became known as the Viceroy of India. The Viceroy was the direct representative of the British Crown in India.

Impact of the Act

The Government of India Act of 1858 was a very important moment in history. It changed the way India was governed for nearly 90 years.

• Direct British Control: India became a direct part of the British Empire. This meant that decisions about India were made in London, by the British Parliament and government.
• New Policies: The British government tried to improve administration and maintain peace in India. They also promised to respect the rights of Indian princes and rulers.
• Start of the British Raj: This Act officially began the period of the British Raj, which was a time of significant change for India, leading up to its independence in 1947.

Images for kids

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  The proclamation to the "Princes, Chiefs, and People of India", issued by Queen Victoria on 1 November 1858.