The Crown rule in India UPSC

The Crown Rule (1858-1947) in India – Indian Polity

The Crown Rule (1858-1947) in India


What was the Crown Rule in India?

The Crown Rule in India refers to the period when India was directly ruled by the British government, under the authority of the British Crown / British Raj. It started in 1858 after the British East India Company’s rule ended due to the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

During this time, British officials appointed by the Crown governed India, with the Viceroy of India being the top authority. This era lasted until 1947 when India gained independence. So, simply put, Crown Rule in India was when the British government directly controlled India until it became independent.

What was the Crown rule in India, The Crown Rule UPSC, Government of India Act 1858, Indian Council act 1861, Indian Council Act 1892, Indian Council Act 1909, Government of India Act 1919, Government of India Act 1935, Indian Independence Act 1947, The Crown Rule in India UPSC Questions
The Crown Rule in India – British Raj Era


Read Also | The Charter Act of 1853

Government of India Act 1858

What was the Crown rule in India, The Crown Rule UPSC, Government of India Act 1858, Indian Council act 1861, Indian Council Act 1892, Indian Council Act 1909, Government of India Act 1919, Government of India Act 1935, Indian Independence Act 1947, The Crown Rule in India UPSC Questions
Government of India Act 1858

Summary

The Government of India Act of 1858 was a significant piece of legislation passed in the aftermath of the Revolt of 1857. Its primary objective was to transfer control of India from the British East India Company to the British Crown. The Act abolished the Company’s rule, established direct British governance over India, and introduced key administrative changes.


Objective

Transfer governance of India from the British East India Company to the British Crown.


Features

  1. Abolished the East India Company.
  2. Designated the Governor-General of India as the Viceroy of India (Lord Canning 1858-1862), representing the British Crown.
  3. Ended the system of double government by abolishing the Board of Control and Court of Directors.
  4. Created the office of the Secretary of State for India, vested with complete authority over Indian administration.
  5. Established a 15-member Council of India to advise the Secretary of State.
  6. Made the Secretary of State for India a member of the British cabinet, accountable to the British Parliament.
  7. Granted corporate status to the Secretary of State-in-council, enabling legal actions in India and England.
  8. Retained the administrative structure in India largely unchanged.
  9. Introduced administrative improvements for better governance.
  10. Marked the beginning of direct British Crown rule in India, setting the stage for significant political developments leading up to Indian independence.



Indian Council Act 1861, 1892, 1909

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Indian Council Act 1861, 1892, 1909


Indian Councils Act of 1861

Brief Summary

The Indian Councils Act of 1861 marked a significant shift in British policy towards Indian governance after the Revolt of 1857. It introduced Indians as non-official members in the Viceroy’s expanded council, initiated legislative representation, and restored legislative powers to certain Presidencies.


Objective

The objective of the Act was to begin the process of associating Indians with the governance of their country and to decentralize legislative powers.


Features of Indian Councils Act of 1861

  1. Introduction of non-official Indian members in the Viceroy’s council.
  2. Restoration of legislative powers to Bombay and Madras Presidencies.
  3. Establishment of new legislative councils for Bengal, NWFP, and Punjab.
  4. Empowerment of the Viceroy to make rules, establish portfolios, and issue ordinances during emergencies.
  5. Recognition of the portfolio system, allowing council members to oversee specific departments.
  6. Provision for ordinances by the Viceroy during emergencies without legislative council concurrence.
  7. Initiation of the process of legislative representation by associating Indians with the law-making process.


Indian Councils Act of 1892

Brief Summary

The Indian Councils Act of 1892 expanded upon the principles established in the 1861 Act. It increased the number of non-official members in legislative councils, enhanced their functions, and introduced a nomination process for non-official members.


Objective

The Act aimed to further involve Indians in the legislative process and provide for greater deliberative functions in the councils.


Features of Indian Councils Act of 1892

  1. Expansion of non-official members in central and provincial legislative councils.
  2. Granting of legislative councils the power to discuss budgets and address questions to the executive.
  3. Introduction of a nomination process for non-official members based on recommendations.
  4. Increased functions of legislative councils, including discussion of the budget.
  5. Maintenance of official majority in central legislative council.
  6. Introduction of communal representation for Muslims.
  7. Nomination of non-official members by the Viceroy based on recommendations from various bodies.


Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)

Brief Summary

Also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, the Indian Councils Act of 1909 marked a significant milestone in Indian governance. It expanded legislative councils, broadened their deliberative functions, and introduced communal representation for Muslims.


Objective

The Act aimed to further involve Indians in governance, especially Muslims, and grant them greater representation in legislative councils.


Features of Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms):

  1. Expansion of legislative councils at both central and provincial levels.
  2. Broadening of deliberative functions, allowing members to ask supplementary questions and move resolutions.
  3. Introduction of communal representation for Muslims through separate electorates.
  4. First-time association of Indians with the executive councils of the Viceroy and Governors.
  5. Increase in the size of legislative councils, with retention of official majority at the central level.
  6. Enlargement of the deliberative functions of the legislative councils.
  7. Granting non-official majority in provincial legislative councils.



Government of India Act of 1919

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The Government of India Act 1919


Brief Summary

Enacted in 1919 and implemented in 1921, the Government of India Act of 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, aimed to introduce responsible government in India gradually. It introduced significant changes such as relaxing central control over provinces, introducing the concept of dyarchy, and expanding legislative councils.


Objective

The Act sought to address Indian demands for greater participation in governance by introducing limited self-government at the provincial level and enhancing Indian representation in legislative bodies.


Features

  1. Relaxation of central control: Demarcated and separated central and provincial subjects, allowing provincial legislatures to make laws on their respective lists of subjects.
  2. Introduction of dyarchy: Provincial subjects divided into transferred and reserved, with transferred subjects administered by ministers responsible to the legislative council, and reserved subjects administered by the governor and his executive council.
  3. Establishment of bicameral legislature: Replaced the Indian Legislative Council with a bicameral legislature consisting of an Upper House (Council of State) and a Lower House (Legislative Assembly), with majority members chosen by direct election.
  4. Increased Indian representation: Required three of the six members of the Viceroy’s executive council (other than the commander-in-chief) to be Indian.
  5. Extension of communal representation: Provided separate electorates for Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans, and extended it to the depressed classes (scheduled castes).
  6. Limited franchise: Granted franchise to a limited number of people based on property, tax, or education.
  7. Creation of new offices: Established the office of the High Commissioner for India in London and a Central Public Service Commission.
  8. Provincial autonomy: Separated provincial budgets from the Central budget and authorized provincial legislatures to enact their budgets.
  9. Review mechanism: Provided for the appointment of a statutory commission to inquire into and report on its working after ten years.
  10. Simon Commission and Communal Award: The Act paved the way for the Simon Commission and the Communal Award, which led to further discussions and agreements such as the Poona Pact.


Government of India Act of 1935

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The Government of India Act 1935


Brief Summary

The Government of India Act of 1935 was a significant step towards achieving responsible government in India. It proposed the establishment of an All-India Federation, abolished dyarchy in provinces, and introduced provincial autonomy. Despite its comprehensive provisions, certain aspects, such as the federal structure and dyarchy at the center, were not implemented fully.


Objective

The Act aimed to reform the governance structure in India by establishing a federal system, enhancing provincial autonomy, and introducing responsible government at both provincial and federal levels.


Features

  1. Establishment of All-India Federation: Proposed the formation of an All-India Federation comprising provinces and princely states, with division of powers between the Centre and units through Federal, Provincial, and Concurrent Lists.
  2. Abolition of dyarchy in provinces: Replaced dyarchy with provincial autonomy, allowing provinces to function as autonomous units with responsible governments.
  3. Introduction of dyarchy at the Centre: Proposed dyarchy at the federal level with division of federal subjects into reserved and transferred, although this provision was not implemented.
  4. Bicameralism in provinces: Introduced bicameral legislatures in six provinces, with legislative councils and legislative assemblies, albeit with restrictions.
  5. Extension of communal representation: Expanded communal representation to include depressed classes (scheduled castes), women, and labor.
  6. Abolition of the Council of India: Ended the Council of India established by the Government of India Act of 1858, with the Secretary of State for India provided with a team of advisors.
  7. Extension of franchise: Increased the franchise, granting voting rights to about 10% of the total population.
  8. Establishment of Reserve Bank of India: Provided for the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India to regulate the country’s currency and credit.
  9. Creation of Public Service Commissions: Established Federal, Provincial, and Joint Public Service Commissions for recruitment of civil servants.
  10. Formation of Federal Court: Established the Federal Court in 1937 to adjudicate disputes arising from the Act’s provisions.



Indian Independence Act of 1947

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The Indian Independence Act 1947


Brief Summary

Enacted in response to Britain’s decision to end its rule in India, the Indian Independence Act of 1947 declared India as an independent and sovereign state, partitioned the country into two dominions (India and Pakistan), and provided for the transfer of power from British hands to responsible Indian leadership.


Objective

The Act aimed to facilitate the transition of British India to independence, partition the country to address communal tensions, and establish the framework for governance in the newly formed dominions.


Features

  1. End of British rule: Declared India as an independent and sovereign state from August 15, 1947.
  2. Partition of India: Created two independent dominions of India and Pakistan with the right to secede from the British Commonwealth.
  3. Abolition of the Viceroy’s office: Replaced the office of Viceroy with that of a Governor-General appointed by the British King on the advice of the dominion cabinet.
  4. Empowerment of Constituent Assemblies: Granted Constituent Assemblies of both dominions the power to frame and adopt constitutions and repeal British parliamentary acts.
  5. Legislative authority: Authorized Constituent Assemblies to legislate for their territories until new constitutions were drafted and enforced.
  6. Transfer of functions: Transferred the functions of the Secretary of State for India to the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs.
  7. Lapse of British paramountcy: Proclaimed the end of British paramountcy over Indian princely states and treaty relations with tribal areas.
  8. Princely states’ choice: Granted freedom to Indian princely states to join either dominion, remain independent, or choose another course of action.
  9. Governance under Government of India Act of 1935: Provided for governance of dominions and provinces under the Government of India Act of 1935 until new constitutions were drafted, with provisions for modifications by the dominions.
  10. Changes in veto power: Deprived the British Monarch of the right to veto bills, reserving this power for the Governor-General.
  11. Constitutional heads: Designated the Governor-General and provincial governors as nominal heads, acting on the advice of council of ministers.
  12. Removal of royal title: Dropped the title of Emperor of India from the king of England’s royal titles.
  13. Civil services appointments: Discontinued the appointment to civil services by the Secretary of State for India, with existing members retaining entitlements until August 15, 1947.


The Crown Rule UPSC Questions

Government of India Act 1858:

1. What was the main outcome of the Government of India Act of 1858?

A) Establishment of Indian Legislative Council

B) Transfer of power from East India Company to British Crown

C) Introduction of communal representation

D) Abolition of Indian Civil Services


2. Who became the first Viceroy of India under the Government of India Act of 1858?

A) Lord Dalhousie

B) Lord Canning

C) Lord Cornwallis

D) Lord Wellesley


3. What significant change did the Act of 1858 bring to Indian governance?

A) Introduction of bicameral legislature

B) End of double government system

C) Creation of separate electorates

D) Implementation of provincial autonomy


4. What office was abolished by the Government of India Act of 1858?

A) Secretary of State for India

B) Governor-General of India

C) Board of Control and Court of Directors

D) Indian Civil Services


5. Under the Act of 1858, who was vested with complete authority and control over Indian administration?

A) Secretary of State for India

B) Viceroy of India

C) Governor-General of India

D) President of Indian Legislative Council


6. What was the immediate cause for the enactment of the Government of India Act of 1858?

A) Indian Mutiny

B) Revolt of 1857

C) Civil Disobedience Movement

D) Swadeshi Movement


7. What administrative body was created to assist the Secretary of State for India under the Act of 1858?

A) Board of Control

B) Indian Civil Services

C) Council of India

D) Indian Legislative Council


8. What was the major focus of the Government of India Act of 1858?

A) Expansion of Indian Civil Services

B) Establishment of provincial autonomy

C) Improvement of administrative machinery

D) Implementation of land reforms


9. What was the significance of changing the designation of the Governor-General to Viceroy under the Act of 1858?

A) Symbolic gesture of British authority

B) Strengthening of Indian autonomy

C) Transfer of executive powers to Indian officials

D) Recognition of Indian cultural heritage


10. Which act marked the end of the East India Company’s rule in India?

A) Regulating Act of 1773

B) Government of India Act of 1858

C) Indian Councils Act of 1861

D) Government of India Act of 1919


Answer-key: Government of India Act 1858

  1. (Answer: B) – Transfer of power from East India Company to British Crown
  2. (Answer: B) – Lord Canning
  3. (Answer: B) – End of double government system
  4. (Answer: C) – Board of Control and Court of Directors
  5. (Answer: A) – Secretary of State for India
  6. (Answer: B) – Revolt of 1857
  7. (Answer: C) – Council of India
  8. (Answer: C) – Improvement of administrative machinery
  9. (Answer: A) – Symbolic gesture of British authority
  10. (Answer: B) – Government of India Act of 1858



Indian Council Act 1861:

1. What was the significance of the Indian Council Act of 1861?

A) It established the Indian Legislative Council.

B) It introduced representative institutions by associating Indians in law-making.

C) It granted full autonomy to Indian provinces.

D) It abolished the East India Company.


2. Who were the first Indians nominated to the legislative council under the Indian Council Act of 1861?

A) Members of the Indian National Congress

B) Raja of Benaras, Maharaja of Patiala, Sir Dinkar Rao

C) Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel

D) Indian Civil Services officers


3. What was the effect of the Indian Council Act of 1861 on legislative powers in Bombay and Madras Presidencies?

A) Increased centralization of legislative powers

B) Restoration of legislative powers to provincial governments

C) Abolishment of provincial legislatures

D) Expansion of executive authority


4. What administrative system was introduced by Lord Canning in 1859 under the Indian Council Act of 1861?

A) Dyarchy

B) Portfolio system

C) Bicameral legislature

D) Separate electorates


5. Which Act initiated the process of legislative representation in India?

A) Indian Councils Act of 1892

B) Indian Councils Act of 1909

C) Indian Councils Act of 1861

D) Government of India Act of 1919


6. What did the Indian Council Act of 1861 establish in terms of legislative bodies?

A) Bicameral legislature in all provinces

B) Unicameral legislature in the central government

C) Bicameral legislature in some provinces

D) Tricameral legislature in all provinces


7. What was the main focus of the Indian Council Act of 1861?

A) Expansion of Indian Civil Services

B) Introduction of communal representation

C) Improvement of legislative machinery

D) Implementation of land reforms


8. Who had the power to nominate non-official members to the legislative council under the Indian Council Act of 1861?

A) Governor-General

B) Secretary of State for India

C) Provincial governors

D) District administrators


9. Which legislative councils were established under the Indian Council Act of 1861?

A) Bengal, Bombay, Madras

B) Punjab, North-Western Frontier Province, Bengal

C) United Provinces, Bombay, Madras

D) Central Legislative Council, Provincial Legislative Council


10. What was the purpose of the Indian Council Act of 1861?

A) To grant provincial autonomy

B) To introduce bicameral legislature

C) To associate Indians in the legislative process

D) To establish separate electorates for communities


Indian Council Act 1861

  1. (Answer: B) – It introduced representative institutions by associating Indians in law-making.
  2. (Answer: B) – Raja of Benaras, Maharaja of Patiala, Sir Dinkar Rao
  3. (Answer: B) – Restoration of legislative powers to provincial governments
  4. (Answer: B) – Portfolio system
  5. (Answer: C) – Indian Council Act of 1861
  6. (Answer: C) – Bicameral legislature in some provinces
  7. (Answer: C) – Improvement of legislative machinery
  8. (Answer: A) – Governor-General
  9. (Answer: A) – Bengal, Bombay, Madras
  10. (Answer: C) – To associate Indians in the legislative process



Indian Council Act 1892:

1. What was the main feature of the Indian Council Act of 1892?

A) Introduction of bicameral legislature

B) Increase in the number of non-official members in legislative councils

C) Establishment of provincial autonomy

D) Abolition of communal representation


2. What was the significance of the Indian Council Act of 1892?

A) It extended communal representation to Muslims

B) It introduced separate electorates for women

C) It increased the functions of legislative councils

D) It granted full autonomy to Indian provinces


3. Who had the power to nominate non-official members to the central legislative council under the Indian Council Act of 1892?

A) Viceroy

B) Provincial governors

C) Secretary of State for India

D) Indian National Congress


4. Which Act provided for the nomination of non-official members based on recommendations from various bodies?

A) Indian Council Act of 1861

B) Indian Council Act of 1892

C) Indian Council Act of 1909

D) Indian Council Act of 1919


5. What was the impact of the Indian Council Act of 1892 on legislative councils?

A) Increased official majority

B) Increased non-official majority

C) Equal representation of officials and non-officials

D) Introduction of communal representation


6. What significant change did the Indian Council Act of 1892 bring to legislative councils?

A) Introduction of direct elections

B) Increase in the number of official members

C) Expansion of legislative functions

D) Abolition of separate electorates


7. Which groups were provided with separate representation under the Indian Council Act of 1892?

A) Muslims, Sikhs, Christians

B) Anglo-Indians, Europeans, women

C) Women, workers, laborers

D) Depressed classes, women, laborers


8. What was the main objective of the Indian Council Act of 1892?

A) To expand communal representation

B) To increase the functions of legislative councils

C) To introduce bicameral legislature

D) To grant provincial autonomy


9. What was the major criticism of the Indian Council Act of 1892?

A) Lack of representation for minority groups

B) Insufficient increase in non-official members

C) Failure to address communal tensions

D) Abolition of communal representation


10. Which legislative act increased the number of additional (non-official) members in central and provincial legislative councils?

A) Indian Council Act of 1861

B) Indian Council Act of 1892

C) Indian Council Act of 1909

D) Indian Council Act of 1919



Indian Council Act 1892

  1. (Answer: B) – Increase in the number of non-official members in legislative councils
  2. (Answer: C) – It increased the functions of legislative councils
  3. (Answer: D) – Indian National Congress
  4. (Answer: B) – Indian Council Act of 1892
  5. (Answer: A) – Increased official majority
  6. (Answer: D) – Abolition of separate electorates
  7. (Answer: B) – Anglo-Indians, Europeans, women
  8. (Answer: B) – To increase the functions of legislative councils
  9. (Answer: B) – Insufficient increase in non-official members
  10. (Answer: B) – Indian Council Act of 1892



Indian Council Act 1909

1. What was the main purpose of the Indian Council Act of 1909?

A) To introduce bicameral legislature

B) To extend communal representation to Muslims

C) To increase Indian representation in legislative councils

D) To grant provincial autonomy


2. What was the Act of 1909 popularly known as?

A) Morley-Minto Reforms

B) Simon Commission

C) Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms

D) Round Table Conferences


3. What significant change did the Indian Council Act of 1909 bring to legislative councils?

A) Introduction of direct elections

B) Increase in the number of official members

C) Grant of separate electorates for Muslims

D) Expansion of legislative functions


4. Who was the first Indian to join the Viceroy’s Executive Council under the Indian Council Act of 1909?

A) Mahatma Gandhi

B) Jawaharlal Nehru

C) Satyendra Prasad Sinha

D) Sardar Patel


5. What was the major outcome of the Indian Council Act of 1909?

A) Introduction of separate electorates for Muslims

B) Expansion of legislative councils

C) Increase in Indian representation in executive councils

D) Grant of communal representation for Sikhs


6. What system of representation was accepted for Muslims under the Indian Council Act of 1909?

A) Direct elections

B) Separate electorates

C) Joint electorates

D) Reserved seats


7. What was the impact of the Indian Council Act of 1909 on the size of legislative councils?

A) Increase in the number of members

B) Decrease in the number of members

C) No change in the number of members

D) Introduction of bicameral legislature


8. Who introduced the Indian Council Act of 1909?

A) Lord Canning

B) Lord Morley

C) Lord Minto

D) Lord Mountbatten


9. What was the objective behind the introduction of the Indian Council Act of 1909?

A) To grant provincial autonomy

B) To increase Indian representation in legislative councils

C) To introduce communal representation

D) To abolish the office of Viceroy


10. Which Act significantly increased the size of the legislative councils in India?

A) Indian Council Act of 1861

B) Indian Council Act of 1892

C) Indian Council Act of 1909

D) Indian Council Act of 1919


Indian Council Act 1909

  1. (Answer: D) – To grant provincial autonomy
  2. (Answer: A) – Morley-Minto Reforms
  3. (Answer: C) – Grant of separate electorates for Muslims
  4. (Answer: C) – Satyendra Prasad Sinha
  5. (Answer: B) – Expansion of legislative councils
  6. (Answer: B) – Separate electorates
  7. (Answer: A) – Increase in the number of members
  8. (Answer: C) – Lord Minto
  9. (Answer: B) – To increase Indian representation in legislative councils
  10. (Answer: C) – Indian Council Act of 1909



Government of India Act 1919

1. What was the main objective of the Government of India Act of 1919?

A) To grant complete independence to India

B) To introduce provincial autonomy

C) To establish a federal system of governance

D) To extend communal representation


2. What was the significance of the Government of India Act of 1919?

A) Introduction of bicameral legislature

B) Grant of provincial autonomy

C) Extension of communal representation

D) Establishment of federalism


3. What was the major feature of the Government of India Act of 1919 in terms of provincial administration?

A) Introduction of bicameral legislature

B) Establishment of provincial autonomy

C) Introduction of communal representation

D) Extension of central control


4. Under the Act of 1919, what was the term used to describe the dual governance system in provinces?

A) Dyarchy

B) Bicameralism

C) Federalism

D) Autonomy


5. Who was the Viceroy of India during the enactment of the Government of India Act of 1919?

A) Lord Dalhousie

B) Lord Chelmsford

C) Lord Mountbatten

D) Lord Curzon


6. What was the immediate impact of the Government of India Act of 1919 on provincial administration?

A) Increase in central control

B) Grant of full autonomy to provinces

C) Introduction of bicameral legislatures

D) Introduction of dyarchy


7. What significant change did the Act of 1919 bring to legislative councils?

A) Introduction of communal representation

B) Extension of direct elections

C) Introduction of reserved seats

D) Introduction of bicameralism


8. Who introduced the Government of India Act of 1919?

A) Lord Morley

B) Lord Minto

C) Lord Chelmsford

D) Lord Montagu


9. What was the major criticism of the Government of India Act of 1919?

A) Lack of Indian representation in legislative councils

B) Insufficient grant of provincial autonomy

C) Introduction of communal representation

D) Extension of central control


10. What was the primary reason behind the introduction of the Government of India Act of 1919?

A) To establish communal harmony

B) To grant complete independence to India

C) To address Indian demands for greater participation in governance

D) To strengthen British control over India


Government of India Act 1919

  1. (Answer: B) – To introduce provincial autonomy
  2. (Answer: B) – Grant of provincial autonomy
  3. (Answer: B) – Establishment of provincial autonomy
  4. (Answer: A) – Dyarchy
  5. (Answer: B) – Lord Chelmsford
  6. (Answer: D) – Introduction of dyarchy
  7. (Answer: A) – Introduction of communal representation
  8. (Answer: C) – Lord Montagu
  9. (Answer: B) – Insufficient grant of provincial autonomy

(Answer: C) – To address Indian demands for greater participation in governance



Government of India Act 1935

1. What was the main objective of the Government of India Act of 1935?

A) To grant complete independence to India

B) To introduce provincial autonomy

C) To establish a federal system of governance

D) To extend communal representation


2. What was the significance of the Government of India Act of 1935?

A) Introduction of bicameral legislature

B) Grant of provincial autonomy

C) Extension of communal representation

D) Establishment of federalism


3. What was the major feature of the Government of India Act of 1935 in terms of provincial administration?

A) Introduction of bicameral legislature

B) Establishment of provincial autonomy

C) Introduction of communal representation

D) Extension of central control


4. Under the Act of 1935, what was the term used to describe the dual governance system in provinces?

A) Dyarchy

B) Bicameralism

C) Federalism

D) Autonomy


5. Who was the Viceroy of India during the enactment of the Government of India Act of 1935?

A) Lord Dalhousie

B) Lord Chelmsford

C) Lord Mountbatten

D) Lord Curzon


6. What was the immediate impact of the Government of India Act of 1935 on provincial administration?

A) Increase in central control

B) Grant of full autonomy to provinces

C) Introduction of bicameral legislatures

D) Introduction of dyarchy


7. What significant change did the Act of 1935 bring to legislative councils?

A) Introduction of communal representation

B) Extension of direct elections

C) Introduction of reserved seats

D) Introduction of bicameralism


8. Who introduced the Government of India Act of 1935?

A) Lord Morley

B) Lord Minto

C) Lord Chelmsford

D) Lord Montagu


9. What was the major criticism of the Government of India Act of 1935?

A) Lack of Indian representation in legislative councils

B) Insufficient grant of provincial autonomy

C) Introduction of communal representation

D) Extension of central control


10. What was the primary reason behind the introduction of the Government of India Act of 1935?

A) To establish communal harmony

B) To grant complete independence to India

C) To address Indian demands for greater participation in governance

D) To strengthen British control over India


Government of India Act 1935

  1. (Answer: B) – To introduce provincial autonomy
  2. (Answer: B) – Grant of provincial autonomy
  3. (Answer: B) – Establishment of provincial autonomy
  4. (Answer: A) – Dyarchy
  5. (Answer: B) – Lord Chelmsford
  6. (Answer: D) – Introduction of dyarchy
  7. (Answer: A) – Introduction of communal representation
  8. (Answer: C) – Lord Montagu
  9. (Answer: B) – Insufficient grant of provincial autonomy
  10. (Answer: C) – To address Indian demands for greater participation in governance



Indian Independence Act 1947

1. What was the main objective of the Indian Independence Act of 1947?

A) To grant complete independence to India

B) To introduce provincial autonomy

C) To establish a federal system of governance

D) To extend communal representation


2. What was the significance of the Indian Independence Act of 1947?

A) Introduction of bicameral legislature

B) Grant of provincial autonomy

C) Extension of communal representation

D) Establishment of federalism


3. What was the major feature of the Indian Independence Act of 1947 regarding the partition of India?

A) Establishment of dominions of India and Pakistan

B) Introduction of communal electorates

C) Abolition of provincial autonomy

D) Introduction of direct elections


4. Under the Act of 1947, who was appointed as the constitutional head of the dominions?

A) Secretary of State for India

B) Governor-General

C) Prime Minister

D) Viceroy


5. What was the immediate impact of the Indian Independence Act of 1947 on British rule in India?

A) Abolition of British rule

B) Grant of complete independence

C) Transfer of power to Indian hands

D) Introduction of communal representation


6. What significant change did the Act of 1947 bring to the governance of India?

A) Establishment of a federal system

B) Abolition of communal representation

C) Transfer of power to Indian leaders

D) Introduction of bicameral legislature


7. Who proposed the partition plan that led to the enactment of the Indian Independence Act of 1947?

A) Lord Mountbatten

B) Lord Curzon

C) Lord Chelmsford

D) Lord Attlee


8. What was the impact of the Indian Independence Act of 1947 on the princely states?

A) Extension of British paramountcy

B) Grant of complete independence

C) Option to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent

D) Introduction of direct elections


9. Who became the first governor-general of independent India under the Indian Independence Act of 1947?

A) Lord Mountbatten

B) Jawaharlal Nehru

C) Sardar Patel

D) Mahatma Gandhi


10. What was the primary reason behind the enactment of the Indian Independence Act of 1947?

A) To establish communal harmony

B) To grant complete independence to India

C) To address Indian demands for greater participation in governance

D) To strengthen British control over India


Indian Independence Act 1947

  1. (Answer: A) – To grant complete independence to India
  2. (Answer: A) – Introduction of bicameral legislature
  3. (Answer: A) – Establishment of dominions of India and Pakistan
  4. (Answer: B) – Governor-General
  5. (Answer: C) – Transfer of power to Indian hands
  6. (Answer: C) – Transfer of power to Indian leaders
  7. (Answer: A) – Lord Mountbatten
  8. (Answer: C) – Option to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent
  9. (Answer: A) – Lord Mountbatten
  10. (Answer: B) – To grant complete independence to India

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