Proclamation to the Princes and People of India
Issued on November 1, 1858, transferring governance of India from the East India Company directly to the British Crown following the 1857 Uprising.
Full Transcript
Victoria, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and of the Colonies and Dependencies thereof in Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Australasia, Queen, Defender of the Faith.
Whereas, for diverse weighty reasons, We have resolved to take upon Ourselves the Government of the Territories in India heretofore administered in trust for Us by the Honorable East India Company.
We hereby announce to the Native Princes of India that all Treaties and Engagements made with them by or under the authority of the Honorable East India Company are by Us accepted, and will be scrupulously maintained.
We hold Ourselves bound to the Natives of Our Indian Territories by the same obligations of Duty which bind Us to all Our other Subjects.
In their prosperity shall be our strength, in their contentment our security, and in their gratitude our best reward.
Defining Key Excerpts
"In their prosperity shall be our strength, in their contentment our security, and in their gratitude our best reward."
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