The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, also known as the Government of India Act, 1919, were introduced to increase Indian participation in governance. The reforms were based on the Montagu Declaration (1917), which promised gradual self-governance in India.
1. Background
✔ Montagu Declaration (1917): The Secretary of State for India, Edwin Montagu, announced that India would gradually progress toward self-governance.
✔ Introduced due to rising nationalism and India’s contribution to World War I.
✔ Prepared by Lord Chelmsford (Viceroy of India, 1916–1921) and Edwin Montagu (Secretary of State for India, 1917–1922).
✔ Led to the Government of India Act, 1919.
2. Key Features of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
(1) Introduction of Diarchy (Dual Government) in Provinces
✔ Subjects divided into two categories:
- Reserved subjects (controlled by the British Governor).
- Transferred subjects (controlled by Indian ministers).
✔ British Governor had overriding powers in administration.
(2) Bicameral Legislature at the Center
✔ Council of State (Upper House) – Members were partly elected and partly nominated.
✔ Legislative Assembly (Lower House) – Majority of members were elected, but British control remained strong.
(3) Limited Franchise
✔ Only 10% of the population got voting rights, based on property, income, and education.
(4) Expansion of Provincial Legislative Councils
✔ Increased Indian representation, but British officials had final control.
(5) Separation of Executive and Judiciary
✔ Judiciary became independent of the executive in some cases.
(6) Establishment of Public Service Commission
✔ Introduced a commission for civil services recruitment in India.
3. Significance of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
✔ First step toward self-governance, but still under British control.
✔ Increased Indian representation but kept real power with the British.
✔ Disappointed nationalists because Indians had limited powers.
✔ Led to Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922) due to continued British dominance.
4. Criticism of the Reforms
❌ Diarchy failed: British governors interfered with Indian ministers’ decisions.
❌ No real power for Indians: The British controlled finance, police, and law and order.
❌ Limited voting rights: Only a small fraction of Indians could vote.
❌ Failure to address nationalist demands, leading to mass protests.
5. MCQs on Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
- Which Act introduced the system of diarchy in Indian provinces?
- (a) Government of India Act, 1858
- (b) Government of India Act, 1919
- (c) Indian Councils Act, 1892
- (d) Government of India Act, 1935
- Answer: (b) Government of India Act, 1919
- Who was the Viceroy of India when the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms were introduced?
- (a) Lord Ripon
- (b) Lord Chelmsford
- (c) Lord Curzon
- (d) Lord Wavell
- Answer: (b) Lord Chelmsford
- What was the main feature of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms?
- (a) Introduction of Dyarchy in Provinces
- (b) Introduction of Complete Independence
- (c) Abolition of the British Governor’s Powers
- (d) Granting India Dominion Status
- Answer: (a) Introduction of Dyarchy in Provinces
- What percentage of Indians got voting rights under the Government of India Act, 1919?
- (a) 5%
- (b) 10%
- (c) 15%
- (d) 20%
- Answer: (b) 10%
- Why did the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms fail?
- (a) Limited Indian representation in governance
- (b) British officials had overriding powers
- (c) Failed to satisfy nationalist demands
- (d) All of the above
- Answer: (d) All of the above
6. Subjective Questions on Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
- Explain the key features of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919).
- What was the significance of the Government of India Act, 1919 in India’s constitutional development?
- Why did the system of diarchy fail in British India?
- How did the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms contribute to the rise of nationalism in India?
- Compare the Government of India Act, 1919 with the Government of India Act, 1935.
7. Conclusion
The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) were a small step towards self-governance, but failed to meet nationalist expectations. The limited representation, failure of diarchy, and continued British control led to mass dissatisfaction and ultimately contributed to India’s independence movement.
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