Constitutional Development (1858-1947)

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.

World War II (1939-1945) was a global conflict involving axis powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) and allied powers (US, UK, USSR) resulting in massive destruction.World War II’s influences included weakening colonial empires, fueling Indian independence and shaping the United Nations while also causing massive destruction and loss of life.World War II had a significant influence on the constitutional discourse in British India.

1. The war created a crisis of legitimacy for British rule as the colonial government’s claim to be fighting for democracy and freedom abroad was contradicted by its denial of these same rights to Indians at home.
2. The British government’s need for Indian support during the war led to the August Offer of 1940 which promised Indians a greater degree of autonomy and self government in exchange for their cooperation. However this offer was rejected by the Indian National Congress which demanded immediate independence.
3. The Atlantic Charter issued by the US and UK in 1941, further fueled the demand for Indian independence. The charter’s statement that all peoples had the right to self government was seen as a clear contradiction of British policy in India.
4. The Cripps Mission of 1942 led by Sir Stafford Cripps was an attempt to address Indian demands for self government. However the mission’s proposals were rejected by both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League.

Overall, World War II marked a significant turning point in the constitutional discourse in British India. The war weakened the legitimacy of British rule and created new opportunities for Indian nationalists to press their demands for independence.