as a result of the indian rebellion of 1857, the british crown took direct control of india from the east india company on 1 november 1858 under the provisions of the government of india act 1858. the presidency armies transferred to the direct authority of the british crown and its european units were transferred to the british army. henceforth artillery, the mutineers most effective arm, was to be the sole preserve of the british army (with the exception of certain mountain artillery batteries). on 19 february 1862, the madras horse artillery transferred to the royal artillery as its 3rd horse brigade and a troop became a battery, 3rd horse brigade, ra.