Which of the following Acts transferred the power from the British East India Company to the British Crown in India?

The Correct answer is Government of India Act, 1858.

Key Points

• The Government of India Act, 1858 was passed following the widespread revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence.
• This act marked the abolition of the East India Company’s rule in India and transferred the administrative power directly to the British Crown.
• The act provided for the appointment of a Secretary of State for India, based in London, to oversee Indian administration.
• A Council of India was created to assist the Secretary of State in decision-making, comprising members with experience in Indian affairs.
• The act also introduced the post of the Viceroy of India, who would act as the representative of the British Crown in India.
• This act signified a major shift in governance, moving from a commercial entity's control (East India Company) to a formal imperial administration.
• It emphasized the importance of reforms in governance and administration to prevent another large-scale uprising like the 1857 revolt.

 Additional Information

• Government of India Act, 1935
  • The Government of India Act, 1935 was a milestone in the constitutional development of India.
  • It proposed the establishment of federalism in India and introduced the concept of provincial autonomy.
  • This act provided for the establishment of an All-India Federation, although it was never fully implemented.
  • It also extended the system of communal representation and introduced the concept of a bicameral legislature at the provincial level.
• Indian Councils Act, 1909
  • The Indian Councils Act, 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, introduced separate electorates for Muslims for the first time.
  • It increased the size of legislative councils at both the central and provincial levels.
  • It marked a step toward granting limited representation to Indians in governance but fell short of meeting the demands for self-rule.
• Pitt's India Act
  • The Pitt's India Act of 1784 was enacted to address the mismanagement of the East India Company’s rule in India.
  • It created a dual system of governance, dividing powers between the Company and the British government.
  • The act established the Board of Control to oversee the political functions of the Company in India.
  • It aimed at improving accountability and ensuring that British interests were safeguarded in India.