Indian History: Governance Acts Overview

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Questions and Answers

What significant change was made regarding the British Monarch's powers over India and Pakistan as per the Act?

The Monarch retained the right to veto bills.

The Monarch could still reserve bills for his approval but not veto them. (correct)

The Monarch's powers were completely abolished.

The Monarch's powers were transferred to the Prime Ministers of the dominions.

Which of the following was NOT a provision made by the Act regarding the governance of the new dominions?

It allowed the constitution to be framed by the Constituent Assemblies.

It established a new office of Governor-General for each dominion.

It provided for modifications to the Government of India Act of 1935.

It suspended the Government of India Act of 1935. (correct)

What was the main consequence of the partition of India as stated in the Act?

The establishment of independent dominions with secession rights. (correct)

Creation of a single dominion comprising both India and Pakistan.

The collective governance of India and Pakistan under British rule.

The initiation of direct control of British Parliament over both dominions.

Which office was abolished as a result of the Act and whose functions were transferred accordingly?

The office of Secretary of State for India, with powers moving to the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What power did the Governor-General have after the Act was enacted?

He could assent to bills in the name of the British Monarch. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did the British East India Company undergo in 1765?

It obtained the rights over revenue and civil justice in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which act was described as a crucial constitutional measure regarding the East India Company's administration in 1773?

The Regulating Act (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main features of the Regulating Act of 1773?

It designated the Governor of Bengal as the Governor-General of Bengal. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Executive Council created by the Regulating Act of 1773?

To assist the Governor-General of Bengal. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What establishment was formed in Calcutta as a result of the Regulating Act of 1773?

The Supreme Court. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was prohibited by the Regulating Act of 1773 for the servants of the East India Company?

Engaging in private trade and accepting bribes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What significant event prompted the British Crown to assume direct responsibility in India in 1858?

The Sepoy Mutiny (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason that the dyarchy experiment was largely unsuccessful?

The dual scheme was too complex for implementation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of bicameralism introduced by the new constitution?

A legislative body with one upper and one lower house. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Indian members in the Viceroy's executive council as stipulated by the new constitution?

They were advisors without voting rights. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What principle did the new constitution extend concerning community representation?

Separate electorates for distinct communities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How was the franchise granted under the new constitution?

It was restricted to those meeting property, tax, or educational criteria. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which new administrative position was created by the constitution?

High Commissioner for India in London (A) Signup and view all the answers

When was the Central Public Service Commission established?

1926 (D) Signup and view all the answers

What significant financial change did the new constitution introduce?

It allowed provinces to legislate their own budgets. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the statutory commission appointed by the government?

To inquire into and report on the new Constitution's workings. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why did all parties boycott the Simon Commission?

It was established without Indian representation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant aspect of the Indian Councils Act of 1909 regarding the structure of legislative councils?

The first Indian joined the Viceroy's executive council. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which reform system was introduced by the Indian Councils Act of 1909 concerning Muslim representation?

Separate electorates for Muslims. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What objective did the British Government declare on August 20, 1917?

Gradual introduction of responsible government in India. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Government of India Act of 1919 change the relationship between central and provincial authorities?

It relaxed central control by demarcating subjects between levels of government. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which notable figure was associated with the Government of India Act of 1919 as a reformer?

Lord Chelmsford (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key function allowed in the legislative councils under the Indian Councils Act of 1909?

Members were allowed to ask supplementary questions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which group was specifically provided for separate representation under the Indian Councils Act of 1909?

Muslims (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a feature of the Indian Councils Act of 1909?

Establishment of a federal structure in governance. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a major criticism of the Indian Councils Act of 1909 in terms of electoral reform?

It institutionalized communal divisions in elections. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the maximum membership of the Central Legislative Council as per the Indian Councils Act of 1909?

60 members (C) Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did the Charter Act of 1833 introduce regarding civil servants?

It allowed Indians to hold civil service positions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Charter Act of 1853 play in terms of legislative functions?

It established separate legislative and executive councils. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which committee was appointed as a result of the Charter Act of 1853?

The Macaulay Committee (B) Signup and view all the answers

What did the Charter Act of 1853 fail to specify regarding the Company's rule?

It did not specify a time limit for the Company's rule. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How many additional members were added to the Governor-General’s legislative council by the Charter Act of 1853?

Six new members (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the legislative council established by the Charter Act of 1853?

It functioned like a mini-Parliament for India. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What indication was provided by the provisions of the Charter Act of 1853 regarding the Company's rule?

It hinted that the Company's rule could be immediately terminated. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which cities had the authority to appoint members to the new legislative council under the Charter Act of 1853?

Calcutta, Madras, Bombay, and Agra (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of the East India Company after the Charter Act of 1833?

To provide administrative governance under British rule (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Background

The British East India Company arrived in India in 1600 as traders, gaining exclusive trading rights under a charter from Queen Elizabeth I.
By 1765, the company held "diwani" rights (revenue and civil justice) over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, becoming a territorial power.
The Sepoy Mutiny of 1858 led the British Crown to assume direct responsibility for governing India, a role it held until Indian independence in August 1947.
Following independence, a Constituent Assembly was formed to draft a constitution, finalized on January 26, 1950.
Various aspects of the Indian Constitution and political system draw roots from British rule, evident in legal frameworks and administrative structures during this period.
The period of British rule in India is divided into two main phases: the Company Rule (1773-1858) and the Crown Rule (1858-1947).

The Company Rule (1773-1858)

Regulating Act of 1773: The first British attempt to control the East India Company, establishing a Governor-General of Bengal (initially Lord Warren Hastings), subordinating Bombay and Madras presidencies, and establishing a Supreme Court.
Amending Act of 1781 (Act of Settlement): Aimed to correct issues with the 1773 Act, the Act strengthened British government control over the company.
Pitt's India Act of 1784: Distinguished the commercial and political functions of the company, creating a Board of Control to manage political affairs.
Charter Act of 1793: Extended the sweeping powers already granted to the Governor-General and strengthened company control over its territories.
Charter Act of 1813: Abolished the company's trade monopoly in India, asserting British crown sovereignty over company territories.
Charter Act of 1833: Established the Governor-General of India over all British territories, significantly centralizing governance under Indian rule. Further steps towards the centralization in the colonial administration were taken.
Charter Act of 1853: Introduced competitive examinations for civil service openings. Allowed Indians to hold positions within the colonial administration.

The Crown Rule (1858-1947)

Government of India Act 1858: Transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown, establishing a Secretary of State for India to oversee Indian governance matters. A council of India was established to assist the secretary.
Indian Councils Act of 1861: Introduced some representative institutions by including some Indian members to the legislative councils.
Indian Councils Act of 1892: Increased the number of non-official members in legislative councils, while maintaining official majority. The expanded role of legislative councils also encompassed discussing budgets and asking questions to the executive.
Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms): Significantly increased the size of legislative councils to allow for more Indian representation.
Government of India Act of 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms): Established bicameralism at the provincial level and introduced some Indian participation in the executive branch (Dyarchy).
Simon Commission (1927): A British commission to study India's constitutional needs, leading to the boycott by Indian leaders.
Communal Award (1932): An attempt to address the representative needs of minority groups, criticized for its segregationist nature.
Government of India Act of 1935: Established an All-India Federation, introduced provinces and princely states as constituent units. Attempted to shift more power to local Indian authorities.
Indian Independence Act of 1947: Ended British rule in India and partitioned the country into the nations of India and Pakistan.

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Description

This quiz covers significant governance changes in India and Pakistan brought about by various acts, including the Regulating Act of 1773 and the partition of India. Test your knowledge on the powers of the British Monarch, the transformation of the British East India Company, and the implications of these historical laws.