RAS question
Lord Canning, the first Viceroy of India (1858-1862), was nicknamed 'Clemency Canning' because:
Correct answer: (C) He advocated a lenient policy toward the rebels of 1857.
Lord Canning was nicknamed "Clemency Canning" because, after the 1857 revolt, he favoured a lenient policy and avoided indiscriminate vengeance against Indians who had taken part in the uprising.
Explanation
Lord Canning was the last Governor-General and, from 1 November 1858, the first Viceroy of India. The key to the nickname is his conduct after the 1857 revolt. Banglapedia states that although he punished those who had taken part in the uprising, he avoided indiscriminate vengeance against Indians as far as possible, and this earned him the title "Clemency Canning". The name was used as a taunt by British opinion that wanted broader retribution. So the nickname does not mean he was generally charitable or that he ended punishment; it refers specifically to his comparatively moderate policy toward the rebels after 1857.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) The nickname was tied to Canning's post-1857 policy toward rebels, not to charitable work.
- (B) He did not abolish the death penalty; Banglapedia says he punished those who had taken part in the uprising while avoiding indiscriminate vengeance.
- (D) He did not free all political prisoners, because participants were punished alongside a more moderate policy.
Concept
This tests the Modern Indian History theme of the 1857 revolt, the Company-to-Crown transition, and the policies of Governor-Generals and Viceroys. It recurs in RAS because such questions link a ruler's title or nickname with the policy choice behind it.