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British Governance

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Home/Modern India/British Governance

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Karthik Bajaj
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Karthik BajajBegginer
Asked: September 21, 2024In:
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What were the constraints on obtaining self-governance imposed by the constitutional developments that occurred between 1858 and 1947?

upsc: constitutional development (1858-1947)
  1. Umang Singh Yadav
    Umang Singh Yadav Expert

    Between 1858 and 1947 India's constitutional development progressed through the Indian Councils Act (1861, 1892, 1909), the Government of India Act (1919, 1935) and the Indian Independence Act (1947) gradually increasing Indian representation and autonomy.The constitutional developments between 1858Read more

    Between 1858 and 1947 India’s constitutional development progressed through the Indian Councils Act (1861, 1892, 1909), the Government of India Act (1919, 1935) and the Indian Independence Act (1947) gradually increasing Indian representation and autonomy.The constitutional developments between 1858 and 1947 in India had several limitations that hindered the achievement of self governance –

    1. The Indian Councils Act of 1861, 1892 and 1909 provided for limited representation of Indians in the legislative councils which were dominated by British officials.
    2. The legislative councils had no real power as the British Governor General and provincial governors retained veto power over legislation.
    3. The franchise was limited to a small elite group excluding the masses from the political process.
    4. The British government retained control over key areas like defense, foreign policy and finance.
    5. The British adopted a divide and rule policy creating separate electorates for Muslims, Sikhs and other communities which hindered the development of a unified nationalist movement.
    6. The Government of India Act of 1935 provided for limited provincial autonomy but the British retained control over key areas and had the power to dissolve provincial governments.

     

    These limitations hindered the achievement of self governance in India leading to the continuation of British rule until India finally gained independence in 1947.

     

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Shilpi Bharali
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Shilpi BharaliBegginer
Asked: September 23, 2024In:
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What were the main obstacles that the Indian Civil Services had to overcome in order to handle local issues?

upsc: evolution of civil services
  1. Umang Singh Yadav
    Umang Singh Yadav Expert

    The Indian Civil Services (ICS) was a prestigious administrative body established by the British in 1854. It played a crucial role in governing India, shaping policies and implementing reforms.The Indian Civil Services (ICS) faced several key challenges in addressing local issues during the BritishRead more

    The Indian Civil Services (ICS) was a prestigious administrative body established by the British in 1854. It played a crucial role in governing India, shaping policies and implementing reforms.The Indian Civil Services (ICS) faced several key challenges in addressing local issues during the British colonial era –

    1. ICS officers were often unfamiliar with local customs, languages and traditions making it difficult for them to effectively address local issues.
    2. The ICS was a centralized bureaucracy, with decisions often made in distant capitals which hindered responsiveness to local needs.
    3. ICS officers received limited training on local issues, laws and customs which impeded their ability to address local concerns effectively.
    4. ICS officers often faced resource constraints including inadequate funding, personnel and infrastructure which limited their capacity to address local issues.
    5. ICS officers often being British or Anglo Indian faced cultural and social barriers in understanding and addressing the needs of local communities.
    6. The ICS was designed to serve British interests which sometimes conflicted with local needs and priorities.
    7. Corruption and nepotism within the ICS hindered effective addressing of local issues and eroded trust in the administration.

     

    To overcome the challenges Indian civil services must adopt decentralized decision making, invest in local training and capacity building foster community engagement. Transparency, accountability and technology integration can also enhance responsiveness to local needs.

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Shree Shree Singh
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Shree Shree SinghBegginer
Asked: July 16, 2024In:
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Examine the Indian constitutional system’s use of the notion of judicial review. Talk about this power’s extent and restrictions, the Supreme Court’s and the High Courts’ roles in using it, and how they affect the system of checks and balances ...

upsc: judiciary
  1. Khushi
    Khushi Begginer

    Judicial review is a crucial concept in the Indian constitutional system, empowering the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of laws and government actions. The scope of judicial review in India is extensive, allowing the Supreme Court and High Courts to: 1. Declare laws and government actionRead more

    1. Judicial review is a crucial concept in the Indian constitutional system, empowering the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of laws and government actions. The scope of judicial review in India is extensive, allowing the Supreme Court and High Courts to:

    1. Declare laws and government actions unconstitutional (Article 13 and 32)

    2. Interpret the Constitution and laws (Article 141 and 226)

    3. Issue writs and directions to protect fundamental rights (Article 32 and 226)

    4. Review administrative actions and policies (Article 14 and 21)

     

    Limitations:

     

    1. Political questions: Courts generally avoid deciding political questions, leaving them to the elected branches.

    2. Policy decisions: Courts refrain from interfering with policy decisions, unless they violate the Constitution or laws.

    3. Separation of powers: Courts respect the legislative and executive branches’ domains, avoiding unnecessary interference.

     

    Role of the Supreme Court and High Courts:

     

    1. Guardian of the Constitution: Ensuring its provisions are upheld and protected.

    2. Interpreter: Providing authoritative interpretations of the Constitution and laws.

    3. Protector of fundamental rights: Enforcing these rights and ensuring their protection.

    4. Check on government power: Preventing abuse of power and ensuring accountability.

     

    Implications:

     

    1. Separation of powers: Judicial review ensures that each branch respects the others’ domains.

    2. System of checks and balances: Preventing any one branch from dominating the others.

    3. Protection of individual rights: Ensuring that the government does not infringe upon citizens’ fundamental rights.

    4. Promoting the rule of law: Ensuring that the Constitution and laws are upheld and enforced.

     

    In conclusion, judicial review is a vital component of India’s constitutional system, empowering the judiciary to protect the Constitution, individual rights, and the rule of law. While there are limitations to this power, the Supreme Court and High Courts play a crucial role in exercising judicial review, maintaining the system of checks and balances, and ensuring the separation of powers.

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Shilpi Bharali
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Shilpi BharaliBegginer
Asked: September 23, 2024In:
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In what ways did the British administrative priorities in India inform the formation of the Indian Civil Services in 1858?

upsc: evolution of civil services
  1. Umang Singh Yadav
    Umang Singh Yadav Expert

    The Indian Civil Services was started in 1858 by the British in India. Its main goal was to help the british government control India. British officials were given important jobs to collect taxes, maintain law and order and build infrastructure.The establishment of the Indian Civil Services (ICS) inRead more

    The Indian Civil Services was started in 1858 by the British in India. Its main goal was to help the british government control India. British officials were given important jobs to collect taxes, maintain law and order and build infrastructure.The establishment of the Indian Civil Services (ICS) in 1858 reflected British administrative priorities in India in the following ways –

    1. ICS reinforced British control over India’s administration ensuring that key decision making positions were held by British officials.
    2. ICS focused on efficient tax collection, revenue administration and maintenance of law and order prioritizing british economic interests.
    3. ICS emphasized maintaining stability and order, suppressing Indian rebellions and dissent upholding british authority.
    4. ICS oversaw the development of infrastructure such as railways, roads and canals facilitating british economic expansion and administrative control.
    5. ICS promoted Western values, education and culture reflecting british attempts to impose their cultural and intellectual superiority on Indian society.

     

    The ICS played a crucial role in consolidating british power in India prioritizing administrative efficiency, economic interests and cultural imperialism.

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Anonymous
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Anonymous
Asked: July 21, 2024In: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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  1. Nistha Hansaria
    Nistha Hansaria Begginer

    Reasons for the Rise of the Roman Empire: 1. Military Conquests: Successful military campaigns expanded territory and influence, securing resources and wealth. 2. Strategic Alliances: Diplomatic alliances with neighboring states and tribes bolstered Rome's power and stability. 3. Administrative EffiRead more

    Reasons for the Rise of the Roman Empire:

    1. Military Conquests: Successful military campaigns expanded territory and influence, securing resources and wealth.
    2. Strategic Alliances: Diplomatic alliances with neighboring states and tribes bolstered Rome’s power and stability.
    3. Administrative Efficiency: Effective governance and legal reforms facilitated centralized control and integration of conquered regions.
    4. Economic Prosperity: Trade, agriculture, and taxation generated significant wealth, supporting infrastructure and public projects.
    5. Cultural Integration: Assimilation of diverse cultures and practices strengthened societal cohesion and loyalty.

    Reasons for the Fall of the Roman Empire:

    1. Political Corruption: Ineffective leadership and corruption weakened governance and administration.
    2. Economic Decline: Heavy taxation, inflation, and economic mismanagement eroded financial stability.
    3. Military Overreach: Overexpansion led to logistical challenges and vulnerability to external invasions.
    4. Barbarian Invasions: Continuous invasions by barbarian tribes destabilized the Empire’s borders.
    5. Internal Conflict: Civil wars and power struggles undermined unity and cohesion.

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Sidharth Mohan
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Sidharth MohanBegginer
Asked: July 9, 2024In:
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Talk about how Indian soldiers fared in the First World War.

upsc: military under the british
  1. Dotma Dy
    Dotma Dy Begginer

    Indian soldiers played a significant role in World War I, with over one million Indian troops serving overseas. Here's how they fared during the war: - Indian soldiers fought against the German Empire on the Western Front, with Khudadad Khan becoming the first Indian to receive a Victoria Cross. - IRead more

    Indian soldiers played a significant role in World War I, with over one million Indian troops serving overseas. Here’s how they fared during the war:
    – Indian soldiers fought against the German Empire on the Western Front, with Khudadad Khan becoming the first Indian to receive a Victoria Cross.

    – Indian divisions were sent to Egypt, Gallipoli, German East Africa, and Mesopotamia, with nearly 700,000 soldiers serving in the latter against the Ottoman Empire.

    – While some divisions were sent overseas, others remained in India, guarding the North West Frontier and performing internal security and training duties.

    – The Indian Army was one of the two largest volunteer armies in the world in 1914, with a strength of 240,000 men.

    – By November 1918, the Indian Army had grown to 548,311 men, considered the Imperial Strategic Reserve.

    – Indian battalions were smaller than British battalions and often segregated by tribe, caste, or religion.

    – Despite challenges, Indian soldiers made significant contributions, earning recognition and honors. However, they also faced difficulties adapting to new equipment, continental weather, and poor morale.

    – Child soldiers as young as 10 were enlisted, and officer casualties were high, with difficulties in replacing British officers.

    – The Indian Army suffered significant losses, with over 60,000 fatalities and 74,187 recorded deaths.

     

    https://www.google.com/search?q=Indian+soldiers+in+the+first+world+war&oq=indian+soldiers+in+the+first+world+war&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDggAEEUYJxg7GIAEGIoFMg4IABBFGCcYOxiABBiKBTIGCAEQRRg8MggIAhAAGBYYHjIICAMQABgWGB4yDQgEEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgFEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgGEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyCggHEAAYgAQYogQyCggIEAAYgAQYogTSAQc1NjZqMGo3qAIAsAIA&client=ms-android-oneplus-terr1-rso2&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

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Harish Sharma
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Harish SharmaBegginer
Asked: July 17, 2024In:
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Talk about the procedures in the Indian states for judicial nominations, transfers, and removals. Examine the Chief Minister’s, the Governor’s, and the High Courts’ involvement in the appointment and removal of judges. Examine how state-level judicial selection and discipline procedures ...

upsc: development of judiciary under british
  1. Umesh Singh
    Umesh Singh Begginer

    In India, the mechanisms for judicial appointments, transfers, and removals at the state level are crucial for ensuring an independent judiciary and upholding the rule of law. Here’s an analysis of these mechanisms, the roles of key stakeholders such as the Governor, Chief Minister, and High Courts,Read more

    In India, the mechanisms for judicial appointments, transfers, and removals at the state level are crucial for ensuring an independent judiciary and upholding the rule of law. Here’s an analysis of these mechanisms, the roles of key stakeholders such as the Governor, Chief Minister, and High Courts, and a comparison with practices in other federal systems:

    Mechanisms for Judicial Appointments, Transfers, and Removals in Indian States:
    Judicial Appointments:

    High Court Judges: Appointments to the High Courts are made by the President of India in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the concerned state.
    District Court Judges: Appointments to the district judiciary are made by the Governor of the state in consultation with the High Court.
    Judicial Transfers:

    High Court Judges: Transfers of High Court judges are typically initiated by the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and with the approval of the President.
    District Court Judges: Transfers of district judges are usually decided by the High Court in consultation with the state government.
    Judicial Removals:

    High Court Judges: High Court judges can be removed only through impeachment by Parliament, similar to Supreme Court judges. However, resignation and voluntary retirement are also common.
    District Court Judges: District judges can be transferred or removed by the High Court on grounds of misconduct or inefficiency, subject to disciplinary processes.
    Roles of Key Stakeholders:
    Governor:

    Appointment: The Governor plays a role in the appointment of High Court judges by forwarding recommendations and participating in consultations with the President.
    Transfer: The Governor has no direct role in transfers but may be consulted in exceptional circumstances, especially when judicial administration is affected.
    Chief Minister:

    Consultation: The Chief Minister and the state government are consulted in the appointment of district judges and may provide inputs or recommendations to the High Court and the Governor.
    Role in Transfers: While transfers are primarily handled by the judiciary, the Chief Minister may be involved in resolving administrative issues related to judicial transfers.
    High Courts:

    Appointment: High Courts play a significant role in recommending candidates for district judge appointments to the state government and in the transfer of district judges within the state.
    Discipline and Removal: High Courts have the authority to discipline and recommend the removal of district judges based on reports of misconduct or incompetence.
    Comparison with Other Federal Systems:
    United States:

    Appointment: Federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. State judges are typically appointed through various methods, such as gubernatorial appointment or election.
    Removal: Federal judges can only be removed through impeachment by Congress, ensuring judicial independence.
    Canada:

    Appointment: Federal judges are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. Provincial judges are appointed by provincial governments following different processes depending on the province.
    Removal: Judges can be removed through a process initiated by the provincial government or legislature, ensuring judicial independence.
    Australia:

    Appointment: Federal judges are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. State judges are appointed by state governments.
    Removal: Judges can be removed through parliamentary processes, ensuring judicial independence.
    Conclusion:
    The mechanisms for judicial appointments, transfers, and removals in Indian states are designed to uphold judicial independence while involving key stakeholders like the Governor, Chief Minister, and High Courts in a consultative process. Compared to other federal systems, India’s process emphasizes consultation with various authorities to balance judicial independence with accountability. The role of the judiciary, especially High Courts, in these processes ensures that judicial appointments and discipline are carried out fairly and transparently, contributing to the overall integrity of the judicial system within a federal framework.

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Ishaan Chopra
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Ishaan ChopraBegginer
Asked: September 23, 2024In:
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What roles did the British military establishment play in India’s economic exploitation?

upsc: military under the british
  1. Umang Singh Yadav
    Umang Singh Yadav Expert
    This answer was edited.

    The British military infrastructure in India included roads, railways, cantonments and forts facilitating colonial control, troop movement and economic exploitation while transforming India's physical landscape.The British military infrastructure in India contributed to economic exploitation in seveRead more

    The British military infrastructure in India included roads, railways, cantonments and forts facilitating colonial control, troop movement and economic exploitation while transforming India’s physical landscape.The British military infrastructure in India contributed to economic exploitation in several ways –

    • The British military used forced labor to construct roads, railways and other infrastructure projects exploiting Indian laborers.
    • The British military acquired large tracts of land for military purposes displacing Indian farmers and communities.
    • The British military exploited India’s natural resources such as timber, coal and iron ore to fuel their military operations.
    • The British military imposed various taxes on Indian subjects including land revenue, income tax and customs duties.
    • The British military helped to monopolize trade in India restricting Indian merchants and traders from participating in the economy.
    • The British military infrastructure was often developed to serve colonial interests rather than the needs of the Indian people.

     

    The British military infrastructure’s contribution to economic exploitation in India has been widely criticized for perpetuating colonialism and underdevelopment. Its legacy continues to impact India’s economic and social landscape with ongoing debates about reparations and decolonization. Critics argue it entrenched inequality.

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Suhani
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SuhaniBegginer
Asked: July 15, 2024In:
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question
  1. Mahima Asthana
    Mahima Asthana Begginer

    In 1773 through the Regulating Act, the British Parliament tried to control and see the operations of the British East India Company. It established the framework for British control over India and introduced several important reforms: Governor-General and Council: It created the office of Governor-Read more

    In 1773 through the Regulating Act, the British Parliament tried to control and see the operations of the British East India Company.

    It established the framework for British control over India and introduced several important reforms:

    • Governor-General and Council: It created the office of Governor-General of Bengal and introduced a system of governance through the Governor-General in Council, centralizing authority over British territories in India.
    • Control over Foreign Policy: It brought the Presidencies of Madras and Bombay under the control of Bengal in matters of foreign policy, aiming to coordinate and regulate British actions across India.
    • Judicial Reforms: The establishment of the Supreme Court at Calcutta introduced British legal principles and oversight over British subjects.
    • Corporate Governance Reforms: It imposed regulations on the East India Company’s operations. It introduced transparency in financial matters and limitations on the tenure and reelection of company directors.
    • First Step towards Parliamentary Oversight: Despite its limitations, the Act laid the foundation for subsequent Acts that increasingly asserted parliamentary control over the East India Company and ultimately led to direct Crown rule over India in the 19th century.

    The Regulating Act of 1773 represented a pivotal moment in British colonial history. It was initiating parliamentary oversight of the East India Company’s affairs in India.

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Anjali Raj singh
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Anjali Raj singhBegginer
Asked: July 15, 2024In:
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“Examine how British judicial reforms were developed and taken through the process in colonial India during the nineteenth century. How did such reforms help to bring about a charted course of legality and make the judiciary a possibly firm institution ...

british colonismlegal systemrule of lawupsc: judiciary
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