The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, also known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909, was a significant step in the constitutional development of British India. It introduced separate electorates for Muslims and expanded the role of Indians in legislative councils.
1. Background of Morley-Minto Reforms
✔ Growing Demand for Representation:
- Indian National Congress (INC) was demanding greater political participation.
- British government aimed to divide Hindu-Muslim unity and weaken the nationalist movement.
✔ Partition of Bengal (1905):
- Led to protests and the Swadeshi Movement.
- British tried to appease Muslims by giving them separate electorates.
✔ British Leaders Involved:
- Lord Minto (Viceroy of India, 1905–1910).
- John Morley (Secretary of State for India).
2. Key Provisions of the Morley-Minto Reforms (1909)
✔ Increased Indian Representation:
- The number of members in the Imperial Legislative Council was increased from 16 to 60.
- Provincial councils were also expanded.
✔ Introduction of Separate Electorates:
- Muslims were granted separate electorates, meaning they could vote for Muslim candidates only.
- This created a permanent religious divide in Indian politics.
✔ Inclusion of Indians in the Executive Council:
- Satyendra Prasad Sinha was the first Indian appointed as a member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council.
✔ Limited Legislative Powers:
- Indian members could discuss the budget and suggest reforms, but had no real power.
- The British government could reject or modify any decision.
3. Impact of the Morley-Minto Reforms
✔ Positive Effects:
- Increased Indian participation in governance.
- Indians gained a platform to express political views.
✔ Negative Effects:
- Separate electorates divided Hindus and Muslims, leading to communalism.
- No real power was given to Indians, making it a token reform.
- Strengthened the Muslim League (formed in 1906), further deepening communal politics.
✔ Reactions:
- Indian National Congress (INC) criticized the reforms for being inadequate.
- Muslim League welcomed separate electorates, strengthening its position.
4. MCQs on Morley-Minto Reforms (1909)
- The Morley-Minto Reforms were introduced in which year?
- (a) 1892
- (b) 1905
- (c) 1909
- (d) 1919
- Answer: (c) 1909
- Who was the Viceroy of India during the Morley-Minto Reforms?
- (a) Lord Curzon
- (b) Lord Hardinge
- (c) Lord Minto II
- (d) Lord Ripon
- Answer: (c) Lord Minto II
- What was the most controversial feature of the 1909 reforms?
- (a) Separate electorates for Muslims
- (b) Increase in the number of seats
- (c) Appointment of Indian members
- (d) Expansion of councils
- Answer: (a) Separate electorates for Muslims
- Who was the Secretary of State for India during the Morley-Minto Reforms?
- (a) John Morley
- (b) Satyendra Prasad Sinha
- (c) Lord Lansdowne
- (d) Lord Mayo
- Answer: (a) John Morley
- Which Indian was appointed as the first Indian member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council?
- (a) Dadabhai Naoroji
- (b) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
- (c) Satyendra Prasad Sinha
- (d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- Answer: (c) Satyendra Prasad Sinha
5. Subjective Questions on Morley-Minto Reforms
- What were the main provisions of the Morley-Minto Reforms (1909)?
- How did the introduction of separate electorates affect Indian politics?
- Discuss the impact of the 1909 reforms on the Indian freedom movement.
- Why did the Indian National Congress oppose the Morley-Minto Reforms?
- Explain how the Morley-Minto Reforms led to the rise of communalism in India.
6. Conclusion
The Morley-Minto Reforms increased Indian participation in governance but introduced separate electorates, leading to communal divisions. It was a divide-and-rule strategy by the British, which later influenced India’s partition in 1947.
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