Who was the Governor General of India during the Great Revolt of 1857? 

The correct answer is Lord Canning.

Key Points

• Lord Canning served as the Governor-General of India from 1856 to 1862, encompassing the period of the Great Revolt of 1857.
• The Great Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, was a major uprising against the British East India Company’s rule.
• During the revolt, Lord Canning adopted a balanced approach, implementing both repressive measures to suppress the rebellion and conciliatory policies to address grievances.
• He was later appointed as the first Viceroy of India in 1858, following the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown under the Government of India Act 1858.
• Lord Canning is often credited with laying the foundation of the modern British administrative structure in India post-1857.

Additional Information

• Governor-General vs. Viceroy: The title "Governor-General" was used until 1858 when the British Crown assumed direct control of India, after which the title "Viceroy" was introduced.
• Government of India Act 1858: This act transferred the administration of India from the East India Company to the British Crown, marking the beginning of the British Raj.
• Causes of the Revolt: The revolt was triggered by multiple factors, including economic exploitation, political annexations (e.g., Doctrine of Lapse), social and religious interference, and military grievances (e.g., the Enfield rifle cartridge controversy).
• Major Events of the Revolt: Key centers of rebellion included Meerut, Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Jhansi, with leaders like Rani Lakshmibai, Tantia Tope, and Bahadur Shah Zafar playing significant roles.
• End of the Revolt: The revolt was largely suppressed by 1858, with the British implementing policies to ensure no such uprising occurred again, including reorganizing the army and adopting a policy of non-interference in social and religious matters.