INDIAN HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -A council of fifteen members was appointed to assist the Secretary of State for India. The council became an advisory body in Indian affairs.

Detailed explanation-2: -Features of Government of India Act 1858 The powers of the Company’s Court of Directors were vested with the Secretary of State for India. This Secretary of State was to be a British MP and a member of the Prime Minister’s cabinet. He was to be assisted by a council of 15 members.

Detailed explanation-3: -But this new council of India, which assisted the Secretary of state for India contained 15 members while the erstwhile council of India contained 4 members only and was referred to as Council of four.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Secretary of State would have complete authority and control over the Indian Administration. He was also vested with the power to send secret dispatches to India without consulting his council. The British Parliament could question the secretary of state in the Parliament regarding the state of affairs in India.

Detailed explanation-5: -Lord Stanley became the 1st Secretary of State for India after the GOI Act, 1858 was passed and also he became the political head of India.