The question is asking about the first attempt to introduce a representative and popular element in the governance of India.

Option 1: Indian Council Act, 1861 - This act did introduce some limited representation in the form of nominated members, but it did not include any elected representatives. Therefore, it does not fulfill the requirement of introducing a representative element.

Option 2: Indian Council Act, 1892 - Similar to the 1861 act, this act also did not include elected representatives. It only expanded the legislature by including more nominated members. Therefore, it does not fulfill the requirement either.

Option 3: Indian Council Act, 1909 - This act is known as the Morley-Minto Reforms and it introduced some elected members to the legislative councils. While the number of elected representatives was low, it was still the first attempt to include a representative element in the governance of India. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

Option 4: Government of India Act, 1919 - This act did introduce a larger number of elected representatives and expanded the scope of legislative functions, but it came after the Indian Council Act of 1909. Therefore, it cannot be considered the first attempt.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 3, Indian