Council of India

The Council of India (1858 – 1935) was an advisory body to the Secretary of State for India. It was created in 1858 by the Government of India Act 1858 and was based in London. The council had 15 members at first and helped guide decisions about India from far away.

This group was different from the Viceroy's Executive Council, which was based in India itself. The Viceroy's council was made up of advisors for the Governor-General of India, also known as the Viceroy. That council started much earlier, in 1773, and was first called the Council of Four.

Eventually, the Council of India stopped working in 1935. This happened because of changes made by the Government of India Act 1935, which brought new rules for how India was governed.

History

In 1858, the Government of India Act 1858 moved control of India from a company to the British government. This act created a new department in London called the India Office, led by the Secretary of State for India. This leader was helped by a group of advisors called the Council of India, also in London.

This council had 15 members who helped the Secretary of State for India. Later, in 1907, two Indians joined the council. The Council of India ended in 1935 when the Government of India Act 1935 was passed.

Members

The Council of India had important leaders called members. Some of these members were from Britain and others were from India. They worked together to help make decisions for India.

The top leader of the Council was called the Viceroy. The Viceroy was chosen by the British government and had a lot of power. He was like the main representative of the British ruler in India.

Other members of the Council included people who were experts in different areas, like law, finance, and trade. These members helped the Viceroy make decisions about how to run the country.

Some members were also elected by local governments in India. This meant that people in India had a small say in who helped make decisions for their country.

The Council met regularly to discuss important issues and make decisions that affected many people in India. Their work shaped the way India was governed during the time when Britain ruled the country.