The "Charter Act of 1833" made the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Answer: India.
Explanation
The Charter Act of 1833 marked the most significant step towards centralization in the constitutional history of India. This Act changed the designation of the Governor-General of Bengal to "Governor-General of India." Thus, Lord William Bentinck became the first Governor-General of India. This legislation vested all civil and military powers in the Governor-General and, for the first time, created a government that exercised complete authority over the entire British India. Furthermore, this Act deprived the Governors of Bombay and Madras of their legislative (law-making) powers and abolished the commercial activities of the East India Company, thereby transforming it into a purely administrative body.
Additional Points —
Madras and Bombay: Following this Act, these Presidencies became legislatively subordinate to the Governor-General.
Lord William Bentinck: He is also known for the abolition of the practice of Sati (1829) and the English Education Act (1835).
Under this very Act, Lord Macaulay was included in the Governor-General's Council as a 'Law Member.'
Potential Exam Questions and Answers —
Question: Who was the first Governor-General of India?
Answer: Lord William Bentinck.
Question: Which Act completely abolished the trading monopoly of the East India Company?
Answer: The Charter Act of 1833.