Previous Year Question
What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)?
To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States.
To place the Indian administration under the British Crown.
To regulate East India Company’s trade with India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
Disclaiming the annexation of Indian States—Correct
The Proclamation declared that the British Government desired no further extension of its existing territorial possessions.
It promised to accept and maintain the treaties concluded with Indian princes by the East India Company.
It also promised to respect the rights, dignity and honour of the Indian princes.
This signified the abandonment of annexationist policies such as the Doctrine of Lapse and reassured the princely states.
However, it did not end British paramountcy and political control over the Indian princely states.
Placing Indian administration under the British Crown—Correct
The Government of India Act, 1858 ended the East India Company’s rule and transferred the administration of India to the British Crown.
Queen Victoria’s Proclamation formally announced this transfer of authority.
Lord Canning read the Proclamation at Allahabad on 1 November 1858.
Lord Canning became the first Viceroy of India as the representative of the British Crown.
Regulation of the East India Company’s trade—Incorrect
The object of the 1858 Proclamation was not to regulate the Company’s trade.
The East India Company’s commercial activities had already ended under the Charter Act of 1833, after which it principally remained an administrative body.
The Proclamation concerned the transfer of administrative power and the future policy of British rule.
The Proclamation also promised non-interference in religious matters, impartial protection under the law and eligibility for public employment based on qualification.