2016-11-01 Tue

On November 1, 1858, a grand Darbar was held at Allahabad. Here Lord Canning sent forth the royal proclamation which announced that the Queen had assumed the governance of India. This proclamation ended the East India Company’s rule in India and by the new Government of India Act 1858; the British Parliament overtook the charge of ruling India.

But why was this decision taken to end the Company’s rule? After all the company was effectively ruling the large areas of India with its own private armies, exercising military power and assuming administrative functions since the early 1600s.

The foundations of the company’s rule shook after the Revolt of 1857 also known as the First War of Indian Independence. This great revolt was the end of company’s rule in India. There were various social, economic, military and political causes for the revolt. Though it was a failure, it gave a positive output in the minds of the Indian people and gave a strong feeling of national unity.

This new feeling of nationalism was hampering the British foundations and hence a need for a stronger and responsible administration was felt. The new act proclaimed Queen Victoria as the Empress of India and announced that all Indians would be treated equally under British law regardless of race or religion. And hence from then onwards a Viceroy, as a representative of the British crown, ruled India.

The coins, stamps, and currency note that bore the East India Company title changed and took Queen Victoria’s name only. To view the East India Company coinage click here.

View British India (post Queen’s proclamation) coins, stamps and currency notes for more information.