The period from 1858 to 1935 was formative regarding the definition of the political contour of British India. The British House of Commons enacted multiple laws with the object of restructuring administration to meet the popular demands for increasing Indian participation in governance, thereby ushering in the course of progression toward self-government in India. This paper discussed a few important acts of this period and their scope in relation to the political development of India.
Government of India Act 1858
Following the Revolt of 1857, commonly called the First War of Indian Independence, the British Crown took over India from the East India Company. This was done directly through the Government of India Act of 1858. Some of the key features of the act were:
Abolition of the East India Company: The administrative and political functions of the company were transferred to the British Crown.
Office of the Secretary of State for India: It instituted a cabinet-level position in the British government to oversee Indian affairs.
Council of India: A 15-member council to assist the Secretary of State was constituted and it comprised ex-company officials.
This act centralized the British authority in India and gave a structural framework to carry on further administrative reforms.
Indian Councils Act of 1861
There was the introduction of the Indian Councils Act of 1861 that ensured representation of the Indian representatives in the legislatures.
Expanding the Governor-General’s Council: Inclusion of more members in order to make it legislative, both official and non-official.
Introduction of Decentralization: Return of some legislative powers to the presidencies of Bombay and Madras.
Nomination to Indians: Non-official members for the first time included Indians, which included representative government.
This act, though belated, recognized the need to involve Indians in the administration, albeit in a limited capacity.
Indian Councils Act of 1892
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 showed continued efforts towards the progress of Indian participation from previous reforms:
More Members: The number of members grew in the case of the legislative councils at the center and the provinces.
Indirect Election Introduction: The method, though not termed as ‘election’, was an indirect way in which the local bodies could recommend the names of members for appointment.
Improved Functions: Members were now allowed to discuss budgets and put questions to the executive.
However significant, this act represented a limitation; yet, it proved an important milestone in the progress of legislative participation by Indians.
Indian Councils Act of 1909: Minto-Morley Reforms
The Indian Councils Act of 1909, more colloquially referred to as the Minto-Morley Reforms, marked a pivotal point:
Introduction of Separate Electorates: The Muslims had been given separate electorates where they could return their representatives.
Expanded Legislative Councils: Both central and provincial councils had more members.
The extended powers enabled members to discuss any question of public interest and move resolutions on it.
While thus aimed at appeasing the growing nationalistic sentiments, this act ended up institutionalizing communal divisions and, hence, had an impact on future politics.
Government of India Act 1919: Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
The foundation was laid to introduce self-governing institutions by Government of India Act 1919. Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms:
Diarchy in the Provinces: Division of subjects into ‘transferred’ and ‘reserved’ categories with Indian ministers being put in-charge of the former. Bicameral Legislature: Establishment of a bicameral legislature at the centre with the Council of State and Legislative Assembly.
Increased Franchise: Extension of the suffrage, but still tied to property and educational qualifications.
While this act was a step in the direction of responsible government, it was far short of the Indian aspirations for full self-government.
Government of India Act 1935
The Government of India Act 1935 represented the comprehensive statute that the British Parliament ever enacted:
Federal Structure Proposed: Contemplated federation of the British Indian provinces and princely states, although the latter federation never took place.
Provincial Autonomy: Diarchy was done away with at the provincial level and full autonomy was given.
Introduction of Diarchy at the Center: Initiated diarchy at the center.
Expanded Separated Electorates: Continued and extended communal representation.
This act formed the basis of constitutional development in India and had a great bearing on the framing of the Indian Constitution after independence.
Conclusion
The series of acts from 1858 to 1935 illustrates the gradual grudging shift of the British in including Indians in their administration. Each successive act raised the level to a further step beyond those preceding it in providing for more and more Indian participation. But the intent behind these acts was actually much more limited than the demand for complete self-government-being insisted upon, and thus stimulated the freedom movement leading to Indian independence in 1947.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What was the significance of the Government of India Act 1858?
The act marked the end of the East India Company’s rule and transferred administrative control of India directly to the British Crown, centralizing authority and setting the stage for future reforms.
- How did the Indian Councils Act of 1861 involve Indians in governance?
It allowed for the inclusion of Indian members in the Governor-General’s Council for legislative purposes, introducing them to the legislative process for the first time.
- What were the Minto-Morley Reforms of 1909?
Officially the Indian Councils Act of 1909, these reforms expanded legislative councils and introduced separate electorates for Muslims, significantly affecting communal relations in India.
- What changes did the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms bring about?
The Government of India Act 1919 introduced dyarchy in provinces, expanded legislative councils, and increased Indian participation in governance, although with limited powers.
- Why is the Government of India Act 1935 considered important?
It was the most extensive act passed by the British Parliament for India, proposing a federal structure, granting provincial autonomy, and influencing India’s future constitution.
