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Consider the following statements about the Morley - Minto reforms of 1909 : 1. They were named after the British Parliamentarians, Minto and Morley 2. They Provided for limited self government by increasing the number of elected Indians in the Legislative Councils 3. They contained provisions that ensured that British officials retained their majority in the Imperial Legislative Council Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
Explanation
The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, also known as the Indian Councils Act 1909, were named after Lord Morley, the Secretary of State for India, and Lord Minto, the Viceroy of India [4]. While Morley was a member of the British Parliament, Minto was the executive head in India, making Statement 1 technically incorrect as it generalizes both as 'Parliamentarians'. The reforms provided for limited self-government by increasing the number of elected Indian members in both the Imperial and Provincial Legislative Councils [5]. However, the British ensured they retained an official majority in the Imperial Legislative Council to maintain control [1]. While non-official majorities were allowed in provincial councils, they often included nominated non-officials, ensuring a pro-government stance [2]. Thus, statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Sources
- [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > The Reforms > p. 277
- [4] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 1: Historical Background > Indian Councils Act of 1909 > p. 5
- [3] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 14: Nationalist Movement 1905—1918 > THE INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS, 1905-1914 > p. 247
- [5] http://indianculture.gov.in/digital-district-repository/district-repository/understanding-facade-colonial-legislature-morley
- [2] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 1: THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND > Utility of a Historical Retrospect. > p. 4