Lord Elgin-I (1862-1863)

2 min read

Introduction

James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin and 12th Earl of Kincardine served as a British colonial administrator and diplomat from 20 July 1811 to 20 November 1863. Elgin started his diplomatic career in 1790 after enlisting in the army in 1785 and eventually attaining the rank of major general. During the first stage of the struggle against the French Revolution, he served as an envoy at Brussels in 1792 and Berlin in 1795. In 1799, he was named envoy extraordinary at Constantinople (now Istanbul), where he served until 1803. He served as Viceroy of India from 1862 to 1863, Governor of Jamaica from 1842 to 1846, and Governor-General of the Province of Canada from 1847 to 1854.

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Significant Events During His Tenure

Under his rule, the Wahabis, a violent and fanatical group of Mohammedans in the northwest, were subdued.
The major event of his period was the Ambala campaign on the Northwest frontier to quell a tribal uprising.
In accordance with the Indian Councils Act of 1861, he was succeeded as interim governor-general by Sir William Denison, the governor of Madras.
The viceroyalty was offered to Sir John Lawrence, who had previously performed well in Punjab during and after the first and second Anglo-Sikh Wars.
Awarding the first M.A. degree from Calcutta University coincided with the opening of the High Court of Justice in Bengal.

Conclusion

Elgin’s tenure in India was cut short when he unexpectedly passed away after serving in government for barely twenty months and primarily continuing Canning’s work. He spent the summer of 1863 at Simla and was buried in Dharamshala after passing away from a heart ailment while on tour in upper India.

Elgin-I FAQs

Q1. What is Lord Elgin known for?

Ans. British ambassador and art collector well remembered for buying the Greek statues that are now known as the “Elgin Marbles”

Q2. Which is the most prominent event under Lord Elgin I?

Ans. The major event of his period was the Ambala campaign on the Northwest frontier to quell a tribal uprising.

Q3. What was introduced by Lord Elgin?

Ans. From 1847 to 1854, James Bruce, Earl of Elgin, a British statesman, served as Canada’s governor-general. He made Canada the first country to implement responsible government.