Lord Mayo (1869-1872)


  • In 1869 Suez Canal was opened.
  • Ambala conference with Sher Ali.
  • In 1870 Lord Mayo’s first provincial settlement.
  • Wahabi and Kuka movement was active.
  • Organization of Statistical Survey of India.
  • Establishment of Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
  • Mayo’s resolution of 1870 started the process of decentralization of finances. Evolved a proper system of budgeting as a result of which persistent deficits were converted into surpluses. The provincial governments were authorised to resort to local taxation to balance their budgets.
  • Sir John Strachey the finance member of the viceroy council tried to equalize the rates of salt duties in the British provinces.
  • The famine of 1876-1878.
  • The British parliament passed the Royal Titles Act investing Queen Victoria with the title of Kaiser-i-hind or Queen Empress of India.
  • Introduced the gold standard into the monetary system.