Final answer:
British governance in India after 1857 was marked by centralized power, local administrative support, and the introduction of English education and legal systems intended to modernize India.
Step-by-step explanation:
After 1857, the main characteristics of British governance in India included the centralization of power, the use of local administrative personnel, and the introduction of English education and legal practices. Although employing locals in various levels of administration, the British held the highest ranks in the civil service.
Post-1857, the British influence extended as they attempted to modernize India by introducing Western education, changing Hindu customs, and maintaining a dominant economic influence, including extracting resources for export. Transport infrastructure built during this period facilitated the movement of goods, shaping the economic activities in India.