The question asks about the specific law that led to the liquidation or effective end of the British East India Company's rule in India.

Understanding the Liquidation of the British East India Company

The British East India Company was a trading company that gradually gained political and administrative control over large parts of India. Its rule effectively came to an end following the Indian Mutiny (also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Indian Independence) of 1857.

The Government of India Act 1858

In response to the Mutiny and the widespread dissatisfaction with the British East India Company's administration, the British Parliament passed the Government of India Act 1858. This Act had several significant provisions:

• It transferred the powers of government, territories, and revenues of the British East India Company to the British Crown.
• The Company's rule in India was terminated.
• India was to be governed directly in the name of the British Monarch.
• The Board of Control and the Court of Directors, which previously managed the Company's affairs, were abolished.
• A new office, the Secretary of State for India, was created to oversee Indian affairs, assisted by a Council of India.

Therefore, the Government of India Act 1858 was the law that effectively liquidated the political and administrative functions of the British East India Company, bringing its rule to an end and establishing direct rule by the British Crown.

Examining Other Options

• Government of India Act 1857: There was no specific Government of India Act passed in 1857. 1857 is the year the Mutiny occurred, which was the catalyst for the 1858 Act.
• Government of India Act 1859: No significant act transferring power or liquidating the Company was passed in 1859. The major change happened in 1858.

Based on the historical context and the provisions of the acts, the Government of India Act 1858 is the correct answer as it formally ended the rule of the British East India Company and transferred governance to the British Crown.