Sir Charles Trevelyan, 1st Baronet

Charles Trevelyan first married Hannah More Macaulay on December 23, 1834. The couple was blessed with a son, George Otto Trevelyan who later inherited his father’s baronetcy.

Upon the death of Hannah in August 1873, Trevelyan remarried Eleanor Anne on October 14, 1875.

He breathed his last on June 19, 1886 at Eaton Square, London.

Charles Trevelyan was born on April 2, 1807 in Taunton, Somerset to Venerable George Trevelyan, Archdeacon of Taunton, and Harriet. His father was a Cornish clergyman.

Completing his preliminary education from Blundell’s School, young Trevelyan studied at Charterhouse School. He then enrolled at East India Company College.

Trevelyan began his career in 1826 as a writer for East India Company. He was posted at the Delhi office of the Bengal Civil Service. Highly intelligent, talented and hardworking, he soon jumped up the ladder and secured himself quick promotions and influential positions.

In 1827, he served as an assistant to Sir Charles Theophilus Metcalfe, commissioner of Delhi. During his service to Metcalfe, he administered work for several important missions. Briefly, he even served as the guardian for Madhu Singh, King of Bharatpur.

During his service in India, Trevelyan helped abolish transit duties, a consistent problem that had bounded internal traders of India. In 1831, he moved to Calcutta. Therein, he took up the post of deputy secretary to the government in the political department.

Trevelyan knew the importance of education and worked hard to promote the same in India. It was due to his efforts that the British government allowed teaching of European literature and science among the Indian students. He also came up with a report that was entitled, ‘On the Education of the People of India’, in 1838.

His stint in India lasted until 1838. His last service, before returning to England, was as a secretary to the Sudder board of revenue.

Trevelyan’s most important contribution came in 1850s with his report, ‘The Organisation of Permanent Civil Service’. Collaborated along with Sir Stafford Northcote, Trevelyan called establishment of competitive examination for the selection of civil servants. It was due to his report that educated and qualified people acquired an opportunity to secure admission in the civil service which was previously a privilege enjoyed by the rich, influential and aristocratic class. Furthermore, it ensured qualified civil servants to become future administrators.