Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909

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  • Increased the number of elected members in the Imperial Legislative Council and the provincial council
  • However, most of the elected members were elected indirectly
  • The reformed councils still enjoyed no real power, being merely advisory bodies.
  • Introduced separate electorates under which all Muslims were grouped in separate constituencies from which Muslims alone could be elected. This was aimed at dividing the Hindus and Muslims. It was based on the notion that the political and economic interests of Hindus and Muslims were separate.
    • This later became a potent factor in the Growth of Communalism
    • It isolated the Muslims from the Nationalist Movement and encouraged separatist tendencies
  • The real purpose of the reforms was to confuse the moderate nationalists, to divide nationalist ranks and to check the growth of unity among Indians
  • Response of Moderates
    • They realized that the reforms had not granted much
    • However, they decided to cooperate with the government in working the reforms
    • This led to their loss of respect among the nationalists and masses

    • ,

    The Morley-Minto Reforms, also known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909, were a series of reforms introduced by the British government in India. The reforms were named after the then Secretary of State for India, John Morley, and the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto.

    The Morley-Minto Reforms were introduced in response to the growing Indian nationalist movement. The reforms introduced a number of changes to the Indian government, including:

    • The expansion of the Indian Legislative Councils, with increased representation for Indians.
    • The creation of separate electorates for Muslims and Hindus.
    • The introduction of a system of dyarchy, in which some subjects were transferred from British control to Indian control.

    The Morley-Minto Reforms were a significant step in the development of Indian self-government. However, they did not satisfy the Indian nationalist movement, which continued to demand greater autonomy for India.

    Expansion of the Indian Legislative Councils

    The Morley-Minto Reforms expanded the Indian Legislative Councils, which were the legislative bodies of the British Indian Empire. The reforms increased the number of members of the councils, and also increased the number of Indians who were elected to the councils. The reforms also gave the Indian members of the councils more power, and allowed them to debate and vote on legislation.

    The expansion of the Indian Legislative Councils was a significant step in the development of Indian self-government. The reforms gave Indians a greater voice in the government of their country, and helped to prepare them for eventual independence.

    Creation of separate electorates for Muslims and Hindus

    The Morley-Minto Reforms also created separate electorates for Muslims and Hindus. This meant that Muslims and Hindus would vote for their own representatives to the Indian Legislative Councils. The creation of separate electorates was a controversial decision, as it was seen by some as a way of dividing the Indian people. However, the British government believed that it was necessary to protect the interests of the Muslim minority in India.

    The creation of separate electorates had a significant impact on Indian politics. It helped to create a sense of Muslim identity and solidarity, and it also led to the growth of Hindu nationalism. The creation of separate electorates also made it more difficult for Indians to unite against British rule.

    Introduction of a system of dyarchy

    The Morley-Minto Reforms also introduced a system of dyarchy, in which some subjects were transferred from British control to Indian control. Dyarchy was introduced in the provinces of India, and it meant that some subjects, such as Education and local self-government, were run by Indian ministers, while other subjects, such as defense and finance, remained under British control.

    The introduction of dyarchy was a significant step in the development of Indian self-government. It gave Indians a greater say in the running of their own affairs, and it helped to prepare them for eventual independence.

    Indian nationalist movement

    The Morley-Minto Reforms were introduced in response to the growing Indian nationalist movement. The Indian nationalist movement was a political movement that sought to achieve independence for India from British rule. The movement was led by a number of prominent Indian leaders, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

    The Indian nationalist movement was a significant force in Indian politics. It helped to bring about a number of reforms, including the Morley-Minto Reforms. The movement also played a key role in the eventual independence of India.

    Indian self-government

    The Morley-Minto Reforms were a significant step in the development of Indian self-government. The reforms gave Indians a greater voice in the government of their country, and helped to prepare them for eventual independence. The Indian nationalist movement continued to demand greater autonomy for India, and eventually, in 1947, India gained its independence from British rule.

    What is the Morley-Minto Reforms?

    The Morley-Minto Reforms, also known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909, was a major constitutional reform in British India. The reforms introduced a system of dyarchy, in which certain subjects were transferred to the control of Indian ministers, while others remained under the control of the British government. The reforms also expanded the size and powers of the Indian Legislative Councils.

    Who were Morley and Minto?

    John Morley was the Secretary of State for India from 1905 to 1910. He was a Liberal politician who believed in gradual reform of the British Empire. Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 4th Earl of Minto, was the Viceroy of India from 1905 to 1910. He was a Conservative politician who was initially opposed to reform, but he came to believe that it was necessary to prevent Indian nationalism from turning violent.

    What were the goals of the Morley-Minto Reforms?

    The goals of the Morley-Minto Reforms were to:

    • Increase Indian participation in government
    • Satisfy Indian demands for reform
    • Prevent Indian nationalism from turning violent

    What were the main provisions of the Morley-Minto Reforms?

    The main provisions of the Morley-Minto Reforms were:

    • The introduction of a system of dyarchy, in which certain subjects were transferred to the control of Indian ministers, while others remained under the control of the British government.
    • The expansion of the size and powers of the Indian Legislative Councils.
    • The creation of separate electorates for Muslims and Hindus.

    What was the impact of the Morley-Minto Reforms?

    The Morley-Minto Reforms had a mixed impact. On the one hand, they increased Indian participation in government and satisfied some Indian demands for reform. On the other hand, they created a system of dyarchy that was not very effective, and they exacerbated Hindu-Muslim tensions.

    What were the long-term effects of the Morley-Minto Reforms?

    The long-term effects of the Morley-Minto Reforms were to:

    • Increase Indian nationalism
    • Contribute to the partition of India
    • Lay the foundation for the Indian independence movement

    The following are MCQs about the Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909:

    1. The Morley-Minto Reforms were introduced in the year:
      (A) 1909
      (B) 1919
      (C) 1935
      (D) 1947

    2. The Morley-Minto Reforms were introduced by:
      (A) Lord Morley and Lord Minto
      (B) Lord Curzon and Lord Minto
      (C) Lord Hardinge and Lord Minto
      (D) Lord Irwin and Lord Minto

    3. The Morley-Minto Reforms introduced the principle of:
      (A) Dyarchy
      (B) Responsible Government
      (C) Dominion status
      (D) Independence

    4. The Morley-Minto Reforms were introduced in response to:
      (A) The Indian National Congress‘ demand for self-government
      (B) The rise of the Muslim League
      (C) The Russian Revolution of 1905
      (D) The First World War

    5. The Morley-Minto Reforms were a major step forward in the development of Indian Democracy.
      (A) True
      (B) False

    6. The Morley-Minto Reforms were not without their critics. Some argued that they did not go far enough in granting self-government to India. Others argued that they created a system of “divide and rule” by giving Muslims a separate electorate.
      (A) True
      (B) False

    7. The Morley-Minto Reforms were a significant event in the history of India. They marked the beginning of a process of political reform that would eventually lead to Indian independence.
      (A) True
      (B) False

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