Correct option is C
The Indian Council Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, was the legislation that provided for separate representation for the Muslim community in the legislative councils of India. This was a significant step in recognizing the political aspirations of the Muslim community in the British-Indian political system.
Separate Representation: The 1909 Act allowed Muslims to elect their own representatives to legislative bodies, effectively creating a separate electorate for them. This meant that Muslims would elect their own members to represent them, distinct from the general electorate, which marked a key development in the communal representation in India.
Context: The British government, led by Lord Minto (the then Viceroy of India), introduced this reform to placate the Muslim community, who had been advocating for political recognition and safeguards against the perceived dominance of the Hindu community in Indian politics.
Impact: This reform laid the foundation for further communal divisions in Indian politics, and the demand for separate electorates continued to grow, eventually leading to the Partition of India in 1947.
Information Booster :
Government of India Act - 1858
Purpose: The Government of India Act of 1858 marked a major shift in the governance of British India, following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. This Act ended the rule of the East India Company and transferred the governance of India directly to the British Crown.
Key Provisions:
The British Crown assumed direct control over India, ending the rule of the East India Company.
The Viceroy of India was appointed as the representative of the Crown, with the responsibility for overseeing the administration.
The British Parliament took responsibility for the administration and finances of India.
The Act established a Secretary of State for India, who was a member of the British Cabinet, responsible for Indian affairs.
The Indian Civil Services (ICS) continued to be manned by British officers, but a small number of Indians were also recruited.
Significance: This Act was a direct response to the 1857 rebellion, and it signified the beginning of Crown rule in India. It did not, however, address any significant political or social reforms for the Indian population at large.
Indian Council Act - 1892
Purpose: The Indian Council Act of 1892 was intended to expand the participation of Indians in the legislative process by increasing the number of Indian representatives in the Legislative Councils.
Key Provisions:
The Act allowed for the appointment of more Indian members in the Legislative Councils, which were advisory bodies to the British government.
It allowed for indirect elections for certain seats in the councils, but the elections were still very limited, as they were based on a very narrow and elite electorate.
It provided for discussion and consultation with the Legislative Councils on important matters such as taxes, budget, and laws, although the final authority still rested with the British government.
Significance: While the 1892 Act was a step toward increased Indian representation, it was still largely a token reform. The reforms were very limited, and real power remained firmly in British hands.
Indian Council Act - 1861
Purpose: The Indian Council Act of 1861 aimed to formalize and expand the role of Indian representatives in the governance of India, particularly in the legislative process.
Key Provisions:
The Act expanded the Legislative Council of India and allowed for the inclusion of Indian members, though these were still a minority compared to British officials.
The Governor-General of India was granted more powers, and the Executive Council was also expanded to advise the Governor-General.
The Act allowed for the enactment of laws by the Legislative Councils, but the Governor-General retained veto power.
It also introduced a provision for creating provincial councils to discuss local issues and legislation.
Significance: The 1861 Act was the first major step toward the inclusion of Indian voices in the political structure, but the power remained in the hands of the British authorities. The Act aimed to placate some Indian demands but still reinforced British control over India's governance.