The correct answer is (a) Lord Canning.
Lord Canning was the first Viceroy of India, serving from 1857 to 1862. He was appointed by Queen Victoria after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which led to the dissolution of the East India Company and the transfer of power to the British Crown.
Lord Canning was a controversial figure. Some historians have praised him for his handling of the Indian Rebellion, while others have criticized him for his lack of understanding of Indian culture and his heavy-handed approach to government.
Lord Canning was born in 1812 into a wealthy and aristocratic family. He was educated at Eton and Oxford, and entered the British diplomatic service in 1836. He served in various diplomatic posts in Europe and the Middle East, and was appointed Governor-General of India in 1856.
Lord Canning arrived in India in January 1857, just a few months before the outbreak of the Indian Rebellion. The rebellion was a major uprising against British rule, and it led to the deaths of thousands of British and Indian people. Lord Canning was initially reluctant to use force to suppress the rebellion, but he was eventually forced to do so.
Lord Canning’s handling of the Indian Rebellion was controversial. Some historians have praised him for his courage and determination in the face of a major crisis. Others have criticized him for his lack of understanding of Indian culture and his heavy-handed approach to government.
Lord Canning died in 1862 at the age of 49. He was succeeded as Viceroy of India by Lord Elgin.