India Secretary
The Principal Secretary of State for India was a key British Cabinet minister. This role was responsible for the governance of British India, which included regions like Aden, Burma, and the Persian Gulf Residency. The position was established in 1858.
Historical Context
The India Secretary emerged after the British government ended the East India Company’s rule in Bengal. This marked the beginning of direct British administration over India. The role was central to the colonial governance structure during this period.
Reorganisation in 1937
In 1937, the India Office underwent changes. Burma and Aden were separated into a new department, the Burma Office. However, the same Secretary of State oversaw both departments. This led to the new title – His Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for India and Burma.
Abolition of the India Office
The India Office was dissolved in August 1947. This occurred following the Indian Independence Act, which granted independence to India and Pakistan. Burma gained independence shortly after, in early 1948.
List of Secretaries of State for India (1858–1937)
The role of the India Secretary was held by several notable figures. Each contributed uniquely to British governance in India. The following section outlines key figures and their impacts.
Lord Canning (1858–1862)
– First Viceroy of India. – Abolished the Doctrine of Lapse. – Managed the aftermath of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Lord Elgin (1862–1863)
– Addressed the Wahabi Movement. – Focused on diplomatic relations with neighbouring states.
Lord Lawrence (1864–1869)
– Established the High Courts in Calcutta and Madras. – Oversaw the Anglo-Bhutanese War.
Lord Mayo (1869–1872)
– Introduced financial distribution between the centre and states. – Conducted the first census in 1872. – Established Mayo College for elite education. – Notably, he was assassinated in Port Blair.
Lord Northbrook (1872–1876)
– Introduced civil marriage and intercaste marriage. – Initiated the Kuka Movement in Punjab.
Lord Lytton (1876–1880)
– Enacted the Vernacular Press Act and Arms Act. – Ignored a severe famine, leading to criticism. – Proclaimed Queen Victoria as “Empress of India.”
Lord Ripon (1880–1884)
– Known as the “Father of Self Government.” – Repealed controversial acts like the Arms Act. – Established local self-governments.
Lord Dufferin (1884–1888)
– Oversaw the Third Anglo-Burmese War. – The Indian National Congress was founded during his tenure.
Lord Lansdowne (1888–1894)
– Introduced the Indian Councils Act of 1892. – Implemented the Factory Act of 1891.
Lord Elgin II (1894–1899)
– Faced the first political murder in India. – Managed increasing political unrest.
Lord Curzon (1899–1905)
– Implemented the Indian Universities Act. – Oversaw the Partition of Bengal.
Lord Minto II (1905–1910)
– Worked on the Morley-Minto reforms. – Increased Indian representation in governance.
Lord Hardinge II (1910–1916)
– Transferred the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. – Managed the Mesopotamian Campaign during WWI.
Lord Chelmsford (1916–1921)
– Facilitated the Home Rule League Movements. – Passed the Rowlatt Act.
Lord Reading (1921–1926)
– Witnessed the formation of the Swaraj Party. – Managed the aftermath of the Chauri Chaura incident.
Lord Irwin (1926–1931)
– Launched the civil disobedience movement. – Organised the first Round Table Conference.
Lord Willingdon (1931–1936)
– Conducted the second and third Round Table Conferences. – Signed the Poona Pact.
Lord Linlithgow (1936–1944)
– Introduced the Cripps Mission. – Faced the Quit India movement.
Lord Wavell (1944–1947)
– Proposed the CR Formula. – Organised the Shimla Conference.
Lord Mountbatten (1947–1948)
– Last Viceroy of India. – Implemented the June 3rd Plan for independence.
The Role of Viceroys in India
The title of Viceroy was introduced after the 1857 rebellion. It served as a representative head of the Crown. The Viceroy was responsible for overseeing the administration of India.
Duties of a Viceroy
The Viceroy had various responsibilities, including: – Advising councils. – Implementing government policies. – Managing relations with Indian princes.
Significance in Civil Services Exams
The roles of the India Secretary and Viceroys are crucial for civil service examinations in India. Candidates must understand their contributions and policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was the first Viceroy of India?
Lord Canning (1858–1862). - What is a Viceroy?
A personal representative of the Crown in India. - What were the duties of a Viceroy?
To govern India with advice from the India Council. - Who was the last Viceroy of India?
Lord Mountbatten (1947–1948).
Important Notes for Aspirants
Candidates preparing for civil service exams should focus on the contributions of each Viceroy. About their policies and impacts is vital for success. Regular revision and study of historical contexts will enhance knowledge and performance.
