Important Acts (Rowlatt, Montagu)
National Movement · महत्वपूर्ण अधिनियम
📋Quick Overview
British India witnessed a series of constitutional Acts and legislations that shaped governance and triggered resistance. From the Indian Councils Acts of 1861 and 1892 to the Morley-Minto Reforms (1909) that sowed seeds of communal division, the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) introducing dyarchy, and the comprehensive Government of India Act 1935 — each Act was both a response to nationalist demands and an attempt to maintain British control. The Rowlatt Act of 1919 was unique in being purely repressive, triggering Gandhi's first all-India movement.
Government of India Act 1935 was the longest Act ever passed by the British Parliament — 451 clauses + 15 schedules. It provided for provincial autonomy and a Federal structure (which never came into force). It became the basis for India's Constitution in 1950.
📖Major British Acts — Chronological Table
| Act / Reform | Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Councils Act | 1861 | First Legislative Council at Centre; nominated Indians allowed; portfolio system introduced; Viceroy's Executive Council expanded |
| Indian Councils Act | 1892 | Enlarged councils; indirect election principle introduced; budget discussion allowed; 'seed of representative government' |
| Morley-Minto Reforms | 1909 | Separate communal electorates for Muslims (Morley=Secretary of State; Minto=Viceroy); expanded councils; Indians in Viceroy's Executive Council (S.P. Sinha first) |
| Rowlatt Act | 1919 | 'Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act'; detention without trial 2 years; 'No Vakeel, No Daleel, No Appeal'; triggered Gandhi's first all-India movement |
| Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms | 1919 | Dyarchy in provinces (Transferred + Reserved subjects); bicameral legislature at Centre; Public Service Commission; Indian women got vote in Bombay |
| Government of India Act | 1935 | Provincial autonomy (11 provinces); Federal structure (never operative); bicameral centre; RBI + FCI; Burma separated; Sindh + NWFP new provinces; basis of India's 1950 Constitution |
📖Dyarchy System (1919 Act) Explained
- •Dyarchy = two governments; introduced in provinces by 1919 Act; NOT at Centre
- •Transferred subjects (given to elected Indian ministers): Agriculture, Education, Local Self-Government, Public Health, Public Works
- •Reserved subjects (remained with British Governor): Law and Order, Finance, Land Revenue, Irrigation, Famine Relief
- •Dyarchy was criticised as unworkable — Indian ministers had power without resources (finance kept with British)
- •Muddiman Committee (1924) investigated working of dyarchy; Simon Commission (1928) recommended abolishing it