Which act made the 'Governor-General of Bengal' as the 'Governor-General of India'?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
Charter Act of 1833
Explanation
The pivotal British legislation that elevated the designation of the 'Governor-General of Bengal' to the 'Governor-General of India' was the Charter Act of 1833, also known as the Saint Helena Act 1833. This act marked a watershed moment in the constitutional history of British India, serving as the definitive step toward centralized governance under the East India Company's rule.
The overarching goal of the British Parliament in enacting this measure was to unify the administration of all British possessions in India under a single supreme authority. By renaming the position, the act vested the Governor-General of India with all civil and military powers across the entire territory. It completely stripped the Governors of the Bombay and Madras presidencies of their independent legislative capacities, subordinating them directly to the centralized government in Bengal. Under the provisions of this historic act, Lord William Bentinck became the first individual to hold the title of Governor-General of India.
Key Points
The Charter Act of 1833 brought about several other sweeping changes, including the complete termination of the East India Company's commercial activities, turning it into a purely administrative body acting on behalf of the British Crown. It also introduced a Law Member into the Governor-General’s Council, leading to the appointment of Lord Macaulay and the creation of the first Law Commission to codify Indian laws. Decades later, following the Revolt of 1857, the Government of India Act 1858 further altered this administrative structure by changing the title of the Governor-General to Viceroy, with Lord Canning becoming the first Viceroy of India.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Who was appointed as the first Governor-General of India under the provisions of the Charter Act of 1833?
Answer: Lord William Bentinck.
Question: Which British legislation ended the commercial monopoly and trade activities of the East India Company entirely, rendering it a purely administrative body?
Answer: The Charter Act of 1833.