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Consequences of the Revolt of 1857

End of Company’s Rule
To set things right, the British Parliament passed the Government of India Act of 1858. Under this Act: 1. East India Company’s rule came to an end. 2. India’s administration came directly under the British crown. 3. The Indian Council, under a Secretary of State and **15 members of the cabinet, was created to supervise the Indian administration. ** [8 members were appointed by the queen and 7 members by the Directors of the Company] 4. The administration in India was headed by the Viceroy. [Lord Canning became the first Viceroy of India]
Queen Victoria’s proclamation [1st November 1858]
1. The Act laid down that henceforth India shall be governed by and in the name of the Queen. 2. The Doctrine of Lapse was cancelled and the British stopped the policy of annexation. 3. There would be no interference in social and religious customs of the people. 4. Educated Indians would get jobs in British services 5. A general amnesty (pardon) was granted to the rebels except those who were directly involved in killing the British subjects.
Re-organization of the army
The army was re-organized to strengthen British control over the country and prevent any further rebellions in future. The number of British soldiers was increased and all the higher posts and key positions were filled up by the British. Artillery and other effective weapons were placed exclusively in Europeans hands. The Bengal Army was virtually abolished. They reduced the Brahmins from the army and recruited Gurkhas, Sikhs, Jats and Rajputs of the Punjab. It was decided to mix the soldiers belonging to different castes and practicing different faiths in the same army, so that unity and nationalism did not develop among them.

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