Question

The Secretary of State for India was given powers by ______

A)The Act of 1909

B)The Act of 1919

C)The Act of 1858

D)The Act of 1861

Answer 1

Hint - After the suppression of the Revolt of 1857, a new act was passed in the British Parliament which reorganised the administrative system in India. Among other changes, a new office of the " Secretary of State" was established and the system of Dual Government was stopped by abolishing the Board of Control and Court of Directors. 

Complete Step by Step Answer-

The Act of 1858 also known as the Act for Good Governance of India 1858 which was passed to bring into effect the transfer of powers to govern India from the East India Company to the British Crown. Henceforth India was to be directly ruled in the name of the British monarch. It abolished the Board of Control and the Court of Directors and installed a new office called the Secretary of State who was responsible for managing Indian affairs.

OPTION A - The Act of 1909, or the Indian Councils Act of 1909, popularly referred to as the Morley-Minto reforms was an act passed by the British government regarding changes in the governance of India. It facilitated a limited increase of Indians in the government of India. 

OPTION B - The Act of 1919, or the Indian Councils Act of 1919, popularly referred to as the Montague-Chelmsford reforms was an act passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Under this act the Imperial Legislative Council was not only enlarged but also the concept of Bicameral Legislature was initiated. 

OPTION C - The Act of 1858 was passed by the British Parliament after the flames of the Revolt of 1857 had been put out. It saw to the liquidation of the powers of the EIC and the monopoly they enjoyed over Indian governance. It replaced the Governor-General with the Viceroy and established the office of the Secretary of State. 

OPTION D - The act of 1861, also referred to as the Indian Councils Act of 1861 was an act passed by the British government which introduced the concept of Cabinets in India's executive. The cabinet had 2 members each assigned with a 'portfolio" i.e. a department that was their responsibility.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C.

Note - After the Revolt of 1857 was suppressed, some major changes were made in the Indian administration. These were enacted after the passing of the Government of India Act of 1858 in the British Parliament ment. The Office of Secretary of State was established by the same act.