10 Questions
What was the primary purpose of the Government of India Act in 1858?
To establish the British Raj, with the British monarch as the sovereign of India
What was the key feature of the Indian Councils Act of 1909?
The introduction of electoral colleges to elect members to the Imperial Legislative Council
Which of the following was a legacy of the British in India's constitutional development?
A centralized system of governance
What was the impact of the British policy of divide and rule on Indian society?
It contributed to the development of communalism and separatism in India
What was the primary reason for the British exploitation of India's resources and economy?
To fuel British economic growth and industrialization
What was the impact of the British on the Indian caste system?
They reinforced the existing caste system and social hierarchies
What was the impact of the British legacy on India's judicial system?
It led to the development of an independent judiciary and the concept of rule of law
What was the impact of the British colonialism on the Indian national movement?
It contributed to the growth of Indian national consciousness and the desire for independence
What was the key feature of the Government of India Act of 1935?
The establishment of a federal system, with a bicameral legislature and a federal court
What was the impact of the British legacy on India's administrative system?
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) were modeled after the British colonial bureaucracy
Study Notes
British India Legacy
Government of India Acts
- 1858: Government of India Act established the British Raj, with the British monarch as the sovereign of India.
- 1909: Indian Councils Act introduced the concept of electoral colleges to elect members to the Imperial Legislative Council.
- 1915: Government of India Act expanded the Imperial Legislative Council, increasing the number of elected members.
- 1935: Government of India Act established a federal system, with a bicameral legislature and a federal court.
Impact on Indian Constitutional Development
- Centralized governance: The British legacy of centralized governance influenced the development of India's constitutional framework.
- Parliamentary system: India adopted the British parliamentary system, with a prime minister as the head of government.
- Federalism: The 1935 Government of India Act introduced federalism, which was later incorporated into the Indian Constitution.
- Bureaucracy: The British administrative system was retained, with the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) modeled after the British colonial bureaucracy.
- Judicial system: The British legacy of an independent judiciary and the concept of rule of law were adopted in India's constitutional framework.
Legacy of Colonialism
- Divide and Rule: The British policy of divide and rule contributed to the development of communalism and separatism in India.
- Economic exploitation: The British exploitation of India's resources and economy had a lasting impact on the country's economic development.
- Societal hierarchy: The British reinforced the existing caste system and social hierarchies, which continued to influence Indian society after independence.
Influence on Indian National Movement
- National consciousness: The British legacy of colonialism contributed to the growth of Indian national consciousness and the desire for independence.
- Demands for constitutional reform: The Indian national movement demanded constitutional reforms, including greater representation and autonomy for Indians.
- Gandhian philosophy: Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance was influenced by the British legacy of colonialism and the need for Indian independence.
British India Legacy
Government of India Acts
- The British monarch became the sovereign of India with the Government of India Act in 1858.
- The Indian Councils Act of 1909 introduced electoral colleges to elect members to the Imperial Legislative Council.
- The Government of India Act of 1915 expanded the Imperial Legislative Council, increasing elected members.
- The Government of India Act of 1935 established a federal system, with a bicameral legislature and a federal court.
Impact on Indian Constitutional Development
- The British legacy of centralized governance influenced India's constitutional framework.
- India adopted the British parliamentary system, with a prime minister as head of government.
- The federal system introduced in 1935 was incorporated into the Indian Constitution.
- The British administrative system was retained, with the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) modeled after the British colonial bureaucracy.
- The British legacy of an independent judiciary and rule of law were adopted in India's constitutional framework.
Legacy of Colonialism
- The British divide and rule policy contributed to communalism and separatism in India.
- British economic exploitation had a lasting impact on India's economic development.
- The British reinforced the existing caste system and social hierarchies, influencing Indian society after independence.
Influence on Indian National Movement
- The British legacy of colonialism contributed to the growth of Indian national consciousness and the desire for independence.
- The Indian national movement demanded constitutional reforms, including greater representation and autonomy for Indians.
- Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance was influenced by the British legacy of colonialism and the need for Indian independence.
Explore the significant Government of India Acts, including the establishment of the British Raj, electoral colleges, and the federal system in India.
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