The correct option is (b).
Explanation
The Government of India Act, 1858, enacted following the Revolt of 1857, transferred the governance of India from the East India Company to the British Crown. This Act reorganized the administrative machinery in London (Home Government) and India.Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The "India Council" (officially the Council of India) was not established to advise the Governor-General. The Governor-General, who received the title of Viceroy, continued to administer India with the assistance of his own Executive Council in India.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The Act established the office of the Secretary of State for India, a British Cabinet minister vested with complete authority over Indian administration. To assist him, a 15-member advisory body known as the Council of India was created.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect. The Council of India consisted of 15 members: eight appointed by the Crown and seven elected by the outgoing Court of Directors. The members were exclusively British officials who had served or resided in India for at least ten years. It was not composed of Indian members.
Key Takeaway:
The Government of India Act, 1858, replaced the Board of Control and Court of Directors with the Secretary of State for India, who was advised by a 15-member Council of India based in London.