Understanding the Assassination of Lord Mayo

The question asks about the location where Lord Mayo, the then Viceroy of India, was assassinated in the year 1872. This was a significant event in the history of British India, as it marked the only time a Viceroy was assassinated while in office.

Lord Mayo and His Role

Richard Bourke, 6th Earl of Mayo, commonly known as Lord Mayo, served as the Viceroy and Governor-General of India from 1869 to 1872. His tenure saw several administrative reforms and initiatives, including the establishment of the Department of Agriculture and Commerce and the commencement of India's first census in 1872. He was also known for his interest in statistical surveys and financial decentralization.

The Event of 1872

In 1872, Lord Mayo undertook a tour of the Andaman Islands, which served as a penal colony for Indian convicts. During this visit, while inspecting the penal settlement in Port Blair, he was assassinated.

Location of the Assassination

The assassination took place in Port Blair, the main town and capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He was stabbed to death by a convict named Sher Ali Afridi on February 8, 1872.

Analyzing the Options

• Port Blair: This location is historically accurate as the site of Lord Mayo's assassination in 1872 during his visit to the penal colony.
• Kolkata: Although Kolkata (then Calcutta) was a major administrative center during the British Raj and often served as the capital, it was not the location of this particular event.
• Diu: Diu was historically a Portuguese colony and was not the location of Lord Mayo's assassination.
• Delhi: While Delhi became the capital of British India later, it was not the capital in 1872, nor was it the location of Lord Mayo's assassination.

Based on historical records, the assassination of Lord Mayo occurred in Port Blair.

Revision Table: Key Details

Additional Information on Lord Mayo's Administration and Legacy

Lord Mayo's tenure as Viceroy, though cut short, had several notable contributions:

• Financial Decentralization: He introduced provincial financial settlements, granting more autonomy to provincial governments in managing certain revenues and expenditures.
• Statistical Survey of India: The first step towards a comprehensive statistical survey of India was initiated during his time.
• First Census: The first systematic census of India was conducted non-synchronously in 1872.
• Establishment of Institutions: He established the Rajkumar College at Rajkot and the Mayo College at Ajmer for the education of Indian princes.

His death in Port Blair highlighted the security challenges faced by British officials, particularly in remote or sensitive areas like penal colonies.