Question 92
1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States
2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown
3. To regulate East India Company's trade with India
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
AOptions
BSolution
Queen Victoria's Proclamation of November 1, 1858, was issued in the aftermath of the Revolt of 1857. It aimed to address the grievances that led to the rebellion and establish a new framework for British governance in India. Its main objectives were:
1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States: The Proclamation assured Indian princes that their territories would not be annexed by the British. It pledged to respect their dignity and rights, reversing the Doctrine of Lapse policy that had caused widespread discontent. This aimed to secure the loyalty of the princely states.
2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown: The Proclamation announced the end of the East India Company's rule in India. All territories and powers previously held by the Company were transferred to the British Crown. This meant direct rule by the British Parliament through a Secretary of State for India.
3. To regulate East India Company's trade with India: This was not an object of the Proclamation. By 1858, the East India Company had largely lost its commercial functions, and its administrative and political powers were completely abolished. The Proclamation focused on the new administrative setup and political assurances, not on regulating the Company's trade, which was effectively over.
Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are the correct objects of Queen Victoria's Proclamation (1858).
CStrategy
For questions on significant historical documents like proclamations, focus on understanding the context (e.g., post-Revolt of 1857), its main provisions, and their direct implications. Be careful to distinguish between the primary objectives and aspects that were already defunct or not within the scope of the document.
DSyllabus Analysis
This question falls under Modern Indian History, specifically covering the post-1857 administrative changes and the shift from Company rule to Crown rule.
EQuestion Analysis
Easy. The key provisions of Queen Victoria's Proclamation of 1858 are fundamental facts taught in modern Indian history.