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 administration under the British Crown
3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct

• The various changes introduced by the Act of 1858 were formally announced by a proclamation of Queen Victoria on November 1, 1858. Lord Canning, at Allahabad, announced Queen Victoria’s proclamation to “the Princes, Chiefs and Peoples of India.”
• The Queen’s proclamation, known as the Magna Carta of the Indian people, disclaimed territorial extensions, promised religious toleration, guaranteed the rights of Indian princes, and pledged equal treatment to Indians and Europeans. The proclamation declared that:
  • Those who laid down arms by 2 January 1859 would be pardoned except those directly involved in the murder of British subjects
  • Official service would be open to all
  • Due regard would be given to the ancient usages and customs of India.
• It transferred the power to govern India from the East India Company to the British Crown and declared Queen Victoria as the sovereign of British India.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• The Proclamation was about governance and political administration, not trade regulation.

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only; Difficulty Level: Easy