Viceroy’s Executive Council

The principal executive body assisting the Viceroy in governing British India from 1858 to 1947. Its members headed government departments, with the Viceroy presiding. The Indian Councils Act 1861 reorganised the Council and provided for additional members to participate in legislation. Indians subsequently gained executive membership, beginning with Satyendra Prasanna Sinha in 1909. The Council ended with Indian independence.