Constitutional Development (1858-1947)

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.

The Government of India Act 1919 introduced dyarchy, expanding provincial legislative councils, increasing Indian representation and granting women’s suffrage. It marked a significant step towards Indian self rule, despite its limitations.The Government of India Act of 1919 was a significant step towards increasing political participation and representation in British India. It introduced a dual system of government known as dyarchy where certain subjects like education, public health, and agriculture were transferred to Indian ministers, while the British retained control over finance, law and order.

Key Reforms –

1. The Act increased the number of elected members in the provincial legislative councils with 70% of members being elected .
2. The dual system of government allowed Indian ministers to have control over certain subjects, while the British retained control over key areas.
3. The Act provided for increased Indian representation in the central legislature with the Imperial Legislative Council being enlarged and reformed.
4. The Act granted women the right to vote marking a significant milestone in the struggle for women’s empowerment in India .

Limitations –

1. The electorate was limited to a small, privileged group of people who paid a minimum tax of Rs. 3000 .
2. The British retained control over key areas like defense, foreign policy and finance limiting Indian autonomy .

Overall, the Government of India Act of 1919 was a significant step towards increasing political participation and representation in British India but it had its limitations.The Government of India Act 1919 was enacted to address the Indian nationalist movement’s demands and calm post World War I unrest, introducing reforms to increase Indian participation in government.

The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms originated from the report submitted by Edwin Montagu, Secretary of State for India and Lord Chelmsford, Viceroy of India in 1918 which proposed constitutional reforms to increase Indian participation.The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms enacted through the Government of India Act 1919 marked a significant milestone in India’s struggle for self-rule. These reforms aimed to address Indian political aspirations by increasing Indian participation in the government .

• The reforms introduced dyarchy, a system of double government where certain subjects like education, public health and agriculture were transferred to Indian ministers while the British retained control over finance, law and order. This was a crucial step towards self governance as it allowed Indians to have a say in matters affecting their daily lives.
• The Montagu Chelmsford Reforms also expanded the provincial legislative councils with 70% of members being elected. This increased Indian representation in the government and provided a platform for Indians to voice their concerns and aspirations.
• Furthermore, the reforms granted women the right to vote which was a significant milestone in the struggle for women’s empowerment in India .
• the Montagu Chelmsford Reforms had several limitations. The British retained control over key areas like defense, foreign policy and major financial matters. The Viceroy could veto legislation and issue ordinances, ensuring British supremacy.

In conclusion, the Montagu Chelmsford Reforms were a significant step towards Indian self rule, increasing Indian participation in the government and providing a platform for Indians to voice their concerns. However the reforms limitations including British control over key areas, restricted their impact.