Important Acts (Rowlatt, Montagu) — Set 10
National Movement · महत्वपूर्ण अधिनियम · Questions 91–100 of 120
The key consequence of the Morley-Minto Reforms that most affected India's future was:
Correct Answer: C. The principle of separate electorates based on religion, which deepened communal divisions
The most consequential outcome of the Morley-Minto Reforms was the principle of separate electorates based on religion, which institutionalized communal political identities in India. This created a precedent for religion-based representation that was later extended to other communities. Many historians trace a direct line from the separate electorates of 1909 to the communal violence of partition in 1947.
The Montagu Declaration of 1917 is significant because it was the first time Britain officially stated that:
Correct Answer: D. The policy aim was responsible government for India within the British Empire
The Montagu Declaration of August 1917 was the first official British statement acknowledging that its policy was the progressive realization of responsible government in India as an integral part of the British Empire. This was significant because it implicitly committed Britain to a path of constitutional reform rather than permanent colonial rule. The declaration became the basis for all subsequent constitutional reforms until 1947.
The Government of India Act 1935's Federal Court was established in which year?
Correct Answer: A. 1937
The Federal Court of India was established in 1937 under the provisions of the Government of India Act 1935. It was located in Delhi and had the Chief Justice and two other judges. The court heard appeals from High Courts on constitutional matters and served as the apex judicial body until the Supreme Court of India replaced it in 1950.
The Charter Act 1853 that introduced competitive examinations for the ICS is important in Indian history because it:
Correct Answer: B. Created the legal basis for Indian participation in the ICS, though exams were held only in London
The Charter Act 1853's introduction of competitive examinations created the legal basis for Indian participation in the Indian Civil Service, though the exams were held only in London making it practically difficult for Indians to compete. The first Indian to pass the ICS exam was Satyendranath Tagore in 1863. Indian nationalist demands to hold exams simultaneously in India led to the gradual opening of the ICS to more Indians.
Who became the first Indian Governor-General of independent India, succeeding Lord Mountbatten?
Correct Answer: C. C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji)
C. Rajagopalachari (popularly known as Rajaji) became the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India, succeeding Lord Mountbatten in June 1948. When India became a Republic on January 26, 1950, Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first President of India, replacing the Governor-General position. Rajaji is the only Indian to have served as Governor-General.
The 'Council of India' created by the Government of India Act 1858 assisted the Secretary of State. This council consisted of:
Correct Answer: D. 15 members mostly with India experience (ex-officials of the Company)
The Council of India created by the Government of India Act 1858 consisted of 15 members, mostly former officials of the East India Company who had experience in India. The council advised the Secretary of State on Indian affairs but real authority lay with the Secretary of State. The council was abolished by the Government of India Act 1919.
The famous 'August Offer' of 1940 by Viceroy Linlithgow offered Indians what, in the context of the Government of India Act 1935?
Correct Answer: A. Expansion of the Viceroy's Executive Council to include Indians and a promise of Dominion Status after the war
The August Offer of 1940 by Viceroy Linlithgow offered to expand the Viceroy's Executive Council to include more Indians and promised Dominion Status for India after the war, while keeping the framework of the Government of India Act 1935 intact. Congress rejected the offer as inadequate since it did not promise independence during the war. The Muslim League also rejected it but for different reasons.
Which act for the first time provided for elections (though indirect) to Indian legislative councils?
Correct Answer: B. Indian Councils Act 1892
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 was the first act to introduce an element of elections (though indirect) to Indian legislative councils. Previously, all members were either official (ex-officio) government servants or nominated non-officials. The 1892 act allowed certain bodies to recommend non-official members, creating a quasi-electoral process for the first time.
The Government of India Act 1935 contained a special feature called 'Instrument of Accession' which was relevant to:
Correct Answer: C. Princely States voluntarily acceding to the proposed All-India Federation
The 'Instrument of Accession' under the Government of India Act 1935 was a document by which Princely States could voluntarily accede to the proposed All-India Federation. However, the federal provisions never came into force as the required number of Princely States never signed the Instrument of Accession. The concept of Instrument of Accession was later used in 1947 when Princely States acceded to independent India or Pakistan.
The Rowlatt Act is particularly significant in Indian constitutional history because:
Correct Answer: D. It demonstrated that repressive colonial legislation united Indians across political lines and fueled the mass independence movement
The Rowlatt Act is significant in Indian constitutional history because its repressive provisions united Indians across all political lines — from moderates to extremists, Hindus to Muslims, Congress to Muslim League — in opposition. It demonstrated that colonial repression could backfire by strengthening rather than weakening the independence movement. Gandhi's subsequent Salt Satyagraha directly drew upon the mass mobilization capacity revealed during the Rowlatt protests.