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.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct as the objective of Queen Victoria’s proclamation of 1858 was to disclaim any intention to annex Indian States.
• Statement 2 is correct as the proclamation was issued after the 1857 revolt to end the rule of the East India Company and transfer all powers to the British Crown.
• Statement 3 is not correct as the proclamation aim to improve the administrative machinery of supervision and control over the Indian government.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.