Political Developments: From Company to Crown Rule
- Government of India Act (1858)
- Ended East India Company rule; power transferred directly to the British Crown.
- Viceroy and Secretary of State
- Created the Viceroy of India (based in Calcutta) and Secretary of State for India (based in London) to centralize control.
- Indian Civil Service (ICS)
- Continued as the administrative backbone; most posts still reserved for British officials despite reform promises.
- Limited Representation
- Early councils included a few Indian elites, but they had no legislative power.
- Rise of Political Awareness
- Western-educated Indians began demanding greater participation, leading to the creation of the Indian National Congress (1885).
Definition
Viceroy
- Crown-appointed ruler of India after 1858.
Definition
Indian National Congress (INC)
- Political organization founded in 1885 to promote Indian representation.
The Government of India Act (1858)
Key Provisions
- Abolished the British East India Company after the 1857 revolt.
- Established direct British Crown rule through a Viceroy (replacing the Governor-General).
- Created a Council of India in London to advise the Secretary of State.
- Promised to respect Indian religions and customs (Queen’s Proclamation).
- Unified administration but centralized power in British hands.
Impact
- Improved communication between Britain and India through telegraphs and railways.
- Removed Company corruption but not racial hierarchy.
- Strengthened imperial bureaucracy and military presence.
- Reinforced India’s status as the “Jewel in the Crown.”
- Set foundation for future political demands for representation.
Growth of Political Consciousness and Reform
- Indian National Congress (1885)
- Formed by A.O. Hume and Indian leaders to promote peaceful dialogue with the British.
- Partition of Bengal (1905):
- Implemented by Lord Curzon to divide Bengal into Hindu-majority (West) and Muslim-majority (East) provinces.
- Swadeshi Movement:
- Indian response promoting boycotts of British goods and revival of Indian industries.
- Indian Councils Act (1909):
- Known as the Morley–Minto Reforms, it expanded councils and allowed limited Indian representation.
- Rise of Extremists:
- Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai demanded swaraj (self-rule), breaking from moderates.
Definition
Swadeshi Movement
- Campaign promoting Indian goods and self-reliance.
Definition
Partition of Bengal (1905)
- British administrative division that angered Indian nationalists.
