Lord Canning (1856-62)

• The most important event during Lord Canning’s reign was the Mutiny of 1857, which was suppressed by 1858. Despite the demand for retaliation, Lord Canning maintained a policy of pacification even at the risk of personal unpopularity.
• In a letter to Lord Grenville, Lord Canning emphasized his commitment to justice, refusing to govern in anger and pledging not to punish wholesale or discriminate based on class or creed.
• Lord Canning defended his policy of mercy without weakness in the face of criticism, believing that any change in leadership would undermine the pacification efforts in Oudh.
• The Mutiny led to the dissolution of the English East India Company in 1858, and the Government of India was taken over by the Crown. Lord Canning became the last Governor-General of the Company and the first Viceroy under the Crown.
• In 1861, the Indian Councils Act was passed, setting up legislatures in the Presidencies and expanding the Viceroy’s Executive Council to include additional members for legislative purposes.
• The Chartered High Courts replaced the Supreme Courts and Adalats of the East India Company in 1861.
• In 1859, the Bengal Rent Act was passed, applying to Bihar, Orissa, and Central Provinces. It granted tenants occupancy rights after holding land for 12 years, with rent increases allowed only after a court enquiry.
• In 1861, Baird Smith proposed extending the permanent settlement principles of Bengal across India, which was later approved by Sir Charles Wood but ultimately abandoned during Lord Ripon’s time.
• Lord Canning’s Government faced a financial crisis with a deficit of 36 million, partly due to the Mutiny and the resulting disorganization. The need for economy, retrenchment, and increased revenue was crucial.
• In 1859, James Wilson, an economist, was tasked with rehabilitating India’s finances. He died within a year, and his work was continued by Samuel Laing.
• Wilson’s financial reforms included income tax (5% on incomes over Rs. 500 per year for five years), a licence duty on trades, excise duty on home-grown tobacco, a uniform import duty of 10%, and increased salt duties.
• Thanks to the efforts of Wilson and Laing, by the time Lord Canning left India, the deficit budget was eliminated.
• After the Mutiny, certain reforms were made in the army, including a definite proportion between Indian and European soldiers. British officers were organized into three staff-corps for the three Presidencies. The European regiments of the English Company were merged with the forces of the Queen.
• During this period, several laws were codified, including the Indian Penal Code (drafted by Lord Macaulay) which became law in 1858, followed by the Code of Criminal Procedure in 1859.
• In 1861, a severe famine hit the North-Western Provinces, Agra, Oudh, parts of Punjab, and Rajputana, causing 10% mortality. The famine was partly due to the after-effects of the Mutiny and a failure of rain leading to crop failure. The Government spent large sums to provide relief.
• In 1859 and 1860, disputes occurred between European indigo planters and the Bengal peasantry, leading to disturbances. A commission was appointed to investigate, and the issue was settled by the Secretary of State, stating that tenants could not be criminally prosecuted for refusing to fulfill civil contracts to grow indigo.
• Lord Canning was known for his intellectual qualities, being a hardworking and dutiful leader. He was cold and reserved in manner but noble and generous. He suppressed the Mutiny with great tact and energy. He was described as a nobleman who never allowed his judgment to be swayed by passion or revenge.
• Trotter praised Canning as a fearless, true-hearted Englishman who faced the challenges of the Sepoy Revolt with credit.
• Lord Elgin noted that Canning worked so hard that he neglected physical exercise and mental relaxation. He was described as being tired by dinner time and unable to engage in conversations after work.
• Alexander Grant described Canning as a cultivated man of patient thought and perseverance, but criticized his lack of decision during emergencies, which was due to his conscientiousness and scruples. His true devotion was seen in the establishment of order and his generous dealings with the Native chiefs.
• Lord Curzon referred to Canning as one of the most pathetic yet heroic figures in Indian history who upheld the honor of England.