Which of the following Acts had changed the designation of Governor General to Viceroy?

The correct answer is Government of India Act, 1858.

Key Points

• The Government of India Act, 1858, marked the transfer of governance from the East India Company to the British Crown.
• It changed the designation of the Governor-General of India to Viceroy, making the Viceroy the direct representative of the British Crown in India.
• The first Viceroy of India was Lord Canning, who held the position following the enactment of this Act.
• The Act was passed in response to the Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, which highlighted the failures of the East India Company’s governance.
• This legislation centralized the administration and established the Secretary of State for India in London to oversee Indian affairs.

Additional Information

• Governor-General: Prior to the Government of India Act, 1858, the Governor-General was the head of British administration in India, overseeing the East India Company’s rule.
• Viceroy: The term "Viceroy" signified the representative of the British Crown, signifying direct imperial control over Indian governance.
• Revolt of 1857: This uprising played a significant role in prompting the British government to take over control from the East India Company.
• Secretary of State for India: The Act introduced this office, held by a British cabinet member, to manage Indian affairs from London.
• Centralization of Power: The Act centralized administrative authority, ensuring tighter British control over Indian governance and reducing the autonomy of local rulers.