Which constitutional measure created the office of the Secretary of State for India, through which the British Crown exercised direct control over Indian administration?

Introduction / Context:
This question asks about the origin of the office of the Secretary of State for India, a crucial position through which the British Crown directed Indian affairs after the end of East India Company rule. Understanding which specific act created this office helps students place later constitutional reforms like the Indian Councils Acts and the Montagu Chelmsford Reforms in the correct sequence.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Several important constitutional reforms are listed as options.
• Only one of them actually created the office of the Secretary of State for India.
• The office symbolised the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown.
• The question is about the first creation of this office, not later modifications.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is the shift from Company rule to Crown rule after the Revolt of 1857. The Government of India Act 1858 abolished the East India Company's authority and vested the government of India in the Crown, to be exercised through a Secretary of State for India and his Council in London. The Indian Councils Acts and later reforms changed legislative councils and introduced limited self government, but they did not create this office. Therefore, we identify which option corresponds to the 1858 Act that marks this fundamental transition.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the Montagu Chelmsford Reforms (1919) dealt mainly with diarchy and provincial self government. Step 2: The Indian Councils Act 1861 mainly expanded and reorganised legislative councils in India. Step 3: The Minto Morley Reforms (Indian Councils Act 1909) introduced separate electorates and further council changes. Step 4: The Government of India Act 1858, passed soon after the Revolt of 1857, ended Company rule and created the Secretary of State for India. Step 5: Therefore, the correct option is "The Government of India Act 1858".

Verification / Alternative check:
Any reliable history of British India clearly states that the Government of India Act 1858 created the office of the Secretary of State for India in Council, replacing the Company's Board of Control and Court of Directors. Later reforms such as those of 1861, 1909 and 1919 are discussed mainly in terms of council composition and the gradual introduction of Indian participation in governance. This confirms that only the 1858 Act originated the office in question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Montagu Chelmsford Reforms: These reforms did not create the Secretary of State; they modified the structure of Indian governance much later, especially at the provincial level.
The Indian Councils Act 1861: This Act expanded legislative councils but assumed that the Secretary of State for India already existed as created by the 1858 Act.
Minto Morley Reforms 1909: These reforms focused on representation, separate electorates and council powers, not on creating the office of Secretary of State.

Common Pitfalls:
Students might memorise the names of reforms but confuse their purposes and dates. Another common mistake is to think that any act mentioning councils or reforms might have created all major offices. Keeping a clear timeline, where 1858 marks the end of Company rule and the establishment of the Secretary of State, helps in avoiding such confusion in multiple choice questions.

Final Answer:
The office of the Secretary of State for India was created by the Government of India Act 1858.