Lord Minto II served as the Viceroy of India from 1905 to 1910. His tenure was marked by significant political developments. These included the Morley-Minto Reforms (1909), the Swadeshi Movement, and the rise of revolutionary activities.
1. Important Events During Lord Minto’s Tenure
✔ Partition of Bengal (1905)
- Implemented by Lord Curzon, but continued under Minto.
- Led to widespread Swadeshi Movement and protests.
- Bengal was divided into East and West Bengal (reunited in 1911).
✔ Swadeshi and Boycott Movements (1905–1910)
- People boycotted British goods and promoted Indian industries.
- Formation of Swadeshi Banks, Schools, and Textile Mills.
✔ Morley-Minto Reforms (1909) (Indian Councils Act, 1909)
- Introduced separate electorates for Muslims, strengthening communal divisions.
- Increased Indian representation in legislative councils.
- First time Indians were appointed to the Viceroy’s Executive Council.
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale became a member of Imperial Legislative Council.
✔ Rise of Revolutionary Activities
- Extremists like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Aurobindo Ghosh were active.
- Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar group led violent protests against British rule.
- Alipore Bomb Case (1908): Aurobindo Ghosh’s brother, Barindra Ghosh, was arrested.
✔ Formation of the Muslim League (1906)
- Established in Dacca (now Dhaka, Bangladesh) under Aga Khan, Nawab Salimullah, and others.
- Demanded separate electorates for Muslims, which was granted in the Morley-Minto Reforms.
✔ Delhi Durbar (1909)
- Grand event to celebrate King Edward VII’s rule.
2. MCQs on Lord Minto (1905–1910)
- Who was the Viceroy of India when the Morley-Minto Reforms were passed?
- (a) Lord Curzon
- (b) Lord Minto II
- (c) Lord Hardinge II
- (d) Lord Ripon
- Answer: (b) Lord Minto II
- Which major political party was formed in 1906 under Lord Minto’s tenure?
- (a) Indian National Congress
- (b) Hindu Mahasabha
- (c) Muslim League
- (d) Communist Party of India
- Answer: (c) Muslim League
- The separate electorates for Muslims were introduced under which Act?
- (a) Government of India Act, 1858
- (b) Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909
- (c) Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919
- (d) Government of India Act, 1935
- Answer: (b) Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909
- Which movement gained momentum after the Partition of Bengal (1905)?
- (a) Civil Disobedience Movement
- (b) Quit India Movement
- (c) Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
- (d) Non-Cooperation Movement
- Answer: (c) Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
- Who among the following was arrested in the Alipore Bomb Case (1908)?
- (a) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
- (b) Lala Lajpat Rai
- (c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- (d) Barindra Ghosh
- Answer: (d) Barindra Ghosh
3. Subjective Questions on Lord Minto (1905–1910)
- Discuss the significance of the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 in Indian history.
- Explain the impact of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement on British rule.
- How did the formation of the Muslim League (1906) shape Indian politics?
- What role did revolutionary movements play during Lord Minto’s tenure?
- Analyze the consequences of the Partition of Bengal (1905) on Indian nationalism.
4. Conclusion
Lord Minto’s tenure was crucial in shaping India’s political landscape. It introduced separate electorates and fueled nationalist movements. It also saw the rise of revolutionary activities. His policies laid the foundation for communal divisions and constitutional reforms, influencing the course of Indian history.
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