Introduced the policy of Doctrine of Lapse of Law of Escheat which postulated that Indian States having no natural heir would be annexed to the British Empire. The Indian States annexed by the application of his doctrine were Satara (1848), Jaipur and Sambalpur (1849), Baghat (1850), Baghat (1850), Udaipur (1852), Jhansi (1853) and Nagpur (1854).
In troduced Wood’s despatch known as the Magna Carta of English education in India prepared by Charles Wood the President of the Board of control in 1854 on education in suggested a scheme of education from the primary to the university level. It recommended, establishment of Anglovemacular Schools in districts, government colleges in important towns and universities in presidency towns and introduction of vermacular languages as the medium of introduction.
Boosted up the development of railways-laid the first railway line in 1853 from Bombay to thane and second from Calcutta to Raniganj.
Gave a great impetus to post and telegraph. Telegraph lines were laid. (First line from Calcutta to Agra).
Organised a separate Public Works Department by divesting the Malitary Board of this power.
Shmla was made summer capital and army headquarter.
Hindu widow remarriage Act was passed in 1856.
Annexed Awadh in 1856 on excuse of misgovernment when nawab Wajid Ali Shah refused to abdicate.
Passing of the first Factory Act in 1881 for the welfare of child labour.
Repeal of Vernacular Press Act in 1882.
Foundation of local Self-Government (1882) - passing of local Self-Government acts in various provinces during the period 1883-85.
Holding of first decennial & regular censes in 1881 which put the total population at the figure 254 millions.
Financial decentralisation in 1882 which was earlier initiated by Lord Mayo.
Appointment of an education commission under Sir William Hunter in 1882.
The Ilbert Bill controversy, 1883-84 relating to passing of a bill, framed by the law member of the Viceroy’s Council Sir C.P. libert which abolished judicial disqualification based on race. There was a strong protest on the part of the Europeans particularly the English and eventually under pressure the government amended the bill and provided for the rights of the European to claim trial by jury of 12, out of which at least 7 were to be European.
Famine Code in 1883.
He usually said “Judge me by my works and not by my words”.
