The Governor-General of India during the Revolt of 1857 was:

Lord Canning (Charles John Canning) was the Governor-General of India during the Revolt of 1857, and became the first Viceroy of India after the Crown took over.

About Lord Canning:

• He was born in 1812, the son of George Canning, a British Prime Minister.
• He became Governor-General in 1856.

During the Revolt:

• He kept calm during the crisis and organised the British response.
• He brought troops from other parts of the Empire, including troops on their way to China.
• After the Revolt, he opposed indiscriminate revenge against Indians.
• His policy of mercy and moderation earned him the nickname "Clemency Canning", which was given in mockery by the British who wanted harsh punishment.

After the Revolt:

• He became the first Viceroy (representative of the Crown) in 1858.
• He read out Queen Victoria's Proclamation at Allahabad.
• He withdrew the Doctrine of Lapse, and allowed the princes to adopt heirs.

Important events of his time:

• The universities of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras were set up in 1857.
• The Indian Penal Code was enacted (1860), and the Code of Criminal Procedure followed.
• The Indian Councils Act of 1861 was passed, which introduced the portfolio system and allowed some Indians to be nominated to the councils.
• The Indian High Courts Act (1861) set up High Courts in Calcutta, Bombay and Madras.
• Income tax was introduced for the first time in India (1860), by James Wilson.
• The Indigo Revolt (1859-1860) took place in Bengal.
• He left India in 1862 and died soon after.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Dalhousie, Elgin and Hardinge held office at other times.