Viceroys & Acts — Set 4
Indian History · वायसराय और अधिनियम · Questions 31–40 of 100
Who was the Viceroy when the Simon Commission was appointed?
Correct Answer: C. Lord Irwin
• **Lord Irwin** was Viceroy when Simon Commission appointed **1927**, arrived India **1928**. • Boycotted by all parties — **no Indian member** in all-British Commission. • 'Simon Go Back' slogan; **Lala Lajpat Rai** died from police lathicharge during protests. • 💡 Chelmsford = Montagu-Chelmsford 1919; Reading = Non-Cooperation; Willingdon = CDM relaunch.
Which Act introduced the Portfolio System in the Executive Council?
Correct Answer: C. Indian Councils Act 1861
• **Indian Councils Act 1861** gave statutory recognition to the **Portfolio System**. • Each Council member made in-charge of specific department — like a cabinet minister. • Lord Canning had informally started the system; 1861 Act formalized it. • 💡 ICA 1892 = indirect election; GoI 1858 = Crown rule; Charter 1853 = open civil services.
The Ilbert Bill controversy, which sought to allow Indian judges to try European offenders, occurred under which Viceroy?
Correct Answer: A. Lord Ripon
• **Lord Ripon** introduced Ilbert Bill **1883** — drafted by Law Member C.P. Ilbert. • Proposed Indian judges could try **European offenders** — removing racial judicial bar. • Europeans protested fiercely; bill amended to allow jury of Europeans — a **retreat**. • 💡 Lytton = Vernacular Press Act; Dufferin = INC founded; Northbrook = predecessor, no such bill.
The Rowlatt Act was passed during the term of:
Correct Answer: A. Lord Chelmsford
• **Rowlatt Act 1919** passed under **Lord Chelmsford** — called 'Black Act' by Indians. • Allowed government to **arrest without warrant, detain without trial** — no appeal allowed. • Gandhi launched **Rowlatt Satyagraha**; protests led to Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919). • 💡 Minto II = Muslim League; Hardinge II = capital shift; Reading = successor, Chauri Chaura 1922.
Which Act provided for the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India?
Correct Answer: D. Government of India Act 1935
• **GoI Act 1935** provided for establishment of **Reserve Bank of India (RBI)**. • RBI commenced operations on **April 1, 1935** — controls currency and credit. • Act also created Federal Court, separated Burma, and established Provincial Autonomy. • 💡 ICA 1909 = separate electorates; Independence Act 1947 = partition; GoI 1919 = Dyarchy in provinces.
Who was the Viceroy when the Civil Disobedience Movement was relaunched in 1932?
Correct Answer: D. Lord Willingdon
• **Lord Willingdon** was Viceroy when CDM relaunched **1932** after failed RTC-II. • Gandhi returned from London to find repression; **Gandhi-Irwin Pact suspended** by Willingdon. • Poona Pact (1932) between Gandhi and Ambedkar signed during Willingdon's tenure. • 💡 Linlithgow = August Offer 1940, Quit India; Reading = Non-Cooperation; Irwin = Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
Which Act formalized the partition of British India into two new independent dominions?
Correct Answer: B. Indian Independence Act 1947
• **Indian Independence Act 1947** formalized partition into India and Pakistan — effective **Aug 15, 1947**. • Ended British **suzerainty over princely states** — free to join either dominion. • Created two Constituent Assemblies; each dominion had its own Governor-General. • 💡 Mountbatten Plan = basis for partition; GoI 1935 = Provincial Autonomy; Cabinet Mission = earlier failed plan.
The 'Doctrine of Lapse' was a policy of annexation implemented by:
Correct Answer: B. Lord Dalhousie
• **Lord Dalhousie** implemented Doctrine of Lapse — states without natural male heir annexed. • States annexed: **Satara (1848), Jhansi (1853), Nagpur (1854)**, Sambalpur, Udaipur. • Major cause of 1857 Revolt — Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi a key rebel leader. • 💡 Wellesley = Subsidiary Alliance; Hastings = Third Maratha War; Cornwallis = Permanent Settlement.
Who is considered the 'Father of Civil Services' in India?
Correct Answer: A. Lord Cornwallis
• **Lord Cornwallis** — 'Father of Civil Services'; introduced Covenanted Civil Services. • Raised salaries of officials and **banned private trade** by company servants. • Also introduced **Permanent Settlement 1793** and Cornwallis Code. • 💡 Wellesley = Fort William College; Bentinck = Sati abolition, English education; Hastings = Dual System end.
Who followed the policy of 'Ring Fence'?
Correct Answer: D. Warren Hastings
• **Warren Hastings** followed 'Ring Fence' policy — create buffer zones to protect Bengal. • Aimed to defend Company territory from **Marathas and Mysore** threats. • Sir John Shore later followed Non-Intervention; Wellesley reversed to aggressive expansion. • 💡 Canning = first Viceroy 1858; Clive = Company administrator, not Ring Fence; Dalhousie = Doctrine of Lapse.