UPSC Prelims 2014 Q92: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)?
1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States
2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown
3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Queen Victoria's Proclamation, 1858
Read out by Lord Canning at the Allahabad Durbar on 1 November 1858.
| Object | Part of the Proclamation? | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States | Yes | It ended annexation and promised to respect treaties with princes |
| 2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown | Yes | Rule passed from the East India Company to the Crown |
| 3. To regulate East India Company's trade with India | No | The Company's rule was ended, not regulated |
Other promises:
| Promise | Detail |
|---|---|
| Religion | No interference in religious beliefs |
| Services | Equal opportunity in public service, regardless of race or creed |
| Amnesty | Pardon for rebels not guilty of murder |
The Government of India Act, 1858 created the Secretary of State for India and made the Governor-General the Viceroy.
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. It disclaimed annexation and placed India under the Crown.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also true: it gave up the policy of annexation.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; the Company's trade was not the subject.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; Company rule was abolished.
Key point
Queen's Proclamation (1 November 1858, Allahabad, Lord Canning): Crown rule, no more annexations, religious non-interference; Canning became the first Viceroy.
Remember
1858: Crown rule, no annexation.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Proclamation with the Charter Acts that regulated Company trade.
- Forgetting that the Doctrine of Lapse was given up.
- Naming Dalhousie instead of Canning.
Exam tip
1858 ended the Company; it did not regulate it.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence, Ch 1 (The First Major Challenge: The Revolt of 1857)
- Government of India Act, 1858