Consider the following statements:

1. The Government of India Act of 1858 was a response to the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and the East India Company lost all its administrative powers following the Government of India Act of 1858, and its Indian possessions and armed forces were taken over by the Crown.

2. Indian Council Act (Morley-Minto Act) of 1907 introduced separate electorates for Muslims in India.

3. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 initiated the Diarchy system in the provincial governments.

4. The Government of India Act of 1935 provided for the establishment of an All-India Federation and introduced provincial autonomy.

Which of the above statements are correct?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is: D 1, 3, and 4

Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct – The Government of India Act 1858 was enacted after the Revolt of 1857. It ended the rule of the East India Company, and India came under direct rule of the British Crown.
• Statement 2 is incorrect – The Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms), not 1907, introduced separate electorates for Muslims for the first time.
• Statement 3 is correct – The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (Government of India Act 1919) introduced diarchy in provinces, dividing powers between elected Indian ministers and British officials.
• Statement 4 is correct – The Government of India Act 1935 introduced provincial autonomy and proposed an All-India Federation, though the federation was never fully implemented.

Information Booster:
• 1858 Act centralized British administration in India under a Secretary of State.
• The 1909 Act is known for the controversial policy of “Divide and Rule” due to separate electorates.
• The 1919 Reforms aimed to increase Indian participation but retained British control over key areas.
• The 1935 Act is the longest and most detailed act passed by the British Parliament for India.
• Features of the 1935 Act influenced the Indian Constitution of 1950.
• Provincial autonomy in 1935 allowed Indians to form ministries in provinces for the first time.