British Rule in India: Governance and Racial Discrimination Policies

Vocabulary flashcards covering the Royal Proclamation, the Government Act of India of 1858, and key racial discrimination policies such as the Arms Act, Vernacular Press Act, and Ilbert Bill.

Royal Proclamation

A declaration that made three promises: allowing Indian princes to rule their princely states without interference, protecting their honor and religious freedom without forced conversion to Christianity, and treating Indians fairly and equally alongside European subjects of the British crown.

Government Act of India of 1858

Legislation establishing that a Secretary of State would oversee all matters of government in India, assisted by an advisory body and represented locally by a Viceroy.

Secretary of State

An official appointed under the Government Act of India of 1858 who was responsible for all government matters relating to India.

Indian Council

A 15-member advisory council created to advise the Secretary of State on Indian governmental affairs.

Viceroy of India

The official serving as the personal representative of the British crown in India.

Lord Gannon

The individual designated as the first Viceroy of India.

Resident (Political Agent)

An official stationed inside each princely state who actively interfered in internal affairs, contradicting the British promise of non-interference.

Arms Act of 1878

A discriminatory act that prohibited Indians from possessing weapons or arms without a legal license, while Europeans were generally exempt.

Vernacular Press Act

An act that restricted the publication of newspapers in Indian or regional languages and granted the government power to censor information to curb criticism of the British crown.

Ilbert Bill of 1883

A controversial proposal stating that Indian judges could preside over the trials of British or European subjects, which faced intense opposition due to colonial beliefs in European supremacy.