What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)?
- 1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States
- 2. To place the Indian administra- tion under the British Crown
- 3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1 and 2 only
2 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
Let’s evaluate the statements:
1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States: The Proclamation promised the Indian princes that their territories would not be annexed and that the British Crown would respect their dignity and honour. This was a key objective.
2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown: The Government of India Act 1858, which preceded the Proclamation, abolished the East India Company and transferred governing powers to the Crown. The Proclamation announced this change and outlined the new relationship. This was a key objective.
3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India: By 1858, the East India Company had largely ceased its commercial activities and was primarily an administrative body. The focus of the Proclamation was on governance and political relations, not regulating the Company’s trade. This was not an object of the proclamation.
Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
– It marked the beginning of direct British rule (the British Raj) in India.
– It also announced a policy of religious neutrality and equal treatment for all subjects, irrespective of race or creed (though implementation was often discriminatory).