---
title: "Government of India Act 1858: Definition & Meaning"
description: "The Government of India Act 1858 ended East India Company's rule, transferring governance to the British Crown, crucial for UPSC and Model UN studies."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/government-of-india-act-1858"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed July 7, 2026

TL;DR

- The Government of India Act 1858 abolished the East India Company's rule and transferred the governance of India directly to the British Crown.
- What did the Government of India Act 1858 abolish?
- Who was the Secretary of State for India and what was the Council of India?
- How did the Act change the title of the Governor-General?
- Why is the Queen's Proclamation of 1858 important?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated July 7, 2026

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In 1858, following the Revolt of 1857, the British Parliament passed the Government of India Act, and Lord Canning was designated the first Viceroy, reading Queen Victoria's Proclamation at Allahabad on 1 November 1858.

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