Lord Canning served as Governor General of India from 1856 to 1862, but also served as the First Viceroy of India during that period. How can this be explained?
He was a former Secretary of State who was allowed to hold dual positions of power in British India.
Incorrect AnswerThe Government of India Act, 1858, was passed in his tenure.
Correct AnswerHe passed legislations with the help of the Central council to assign the position of Viceroy to the Governor General of India.
Incorrect AnswerCanning was given the title of Viceroy for the exemplary administrative work done under his tenure in India.
Incorrect AnswerExplanation:
Lord Canning served as Governor General of India from 1856 to 1862. During his tenure, the Government of India Act, 1858 was passed which created the office of Viceroy to be held by the same person who was Governor General of India. Thus, Lord Canning also served as first Viceroy of India.After the 1857 Revolt, the responsibility of ruling India was directly assumed by the British Crown.The Government of India Act of 1858 and the Queen’s Proclamation in the same year signify this change in the Indian administration.The Queen’s Proclamation remained the basis of the British policy in India for more than 60 years.
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By: Shubham Tiwari