Constitutional History of British India (Miscellenous MCQs)

Satyendra Prasanna (Lord) Sinha joined as Law Member in 1909, a milestone in executive inclusion.

Indians were admitted to the Secretary of State’s Council and executive councils (e.g., Bombay, Madras), modestly broadening participation. A key limitation that persisted after the 1909 Act was: (a) Councils could not ask any questions (b) No increase in council size (c) Official domination at the centre continued (d) Governors lost ordinance powers Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Even with more members and elections, official influence remained strong, especially at the centre. The Muslim League’s demand that was accepted in the 1909 reforms was primarily about: (a) Provincial autonomy (b) Separate electorates (c) Dominion status (d) Universal adult franchise Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Separate electorates became the distinctive (and controversial) feature of the Minto–Morley package.

Elections widened but remained limited; special constituencies included communities and interests like chambers of commerce. Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms) The defining administrative feature introduced in the provinces by the 1919 Act was: (a) Provincial autonomy (b) Dyarchy (dual government) (c) Governor’s rule in all provinces (d) Separate judiciary Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Provincial subjects were split into “transferred” (handled by ministers responsible to legislatures) and “reserved” (handled by the Governor and his executive).

Agriculture, education, public health, and local self‑government were among transferred subjects; law & order, finance, and irrigation remained reserved. The 1919 Act made the central legislature: (a) Unicameral (b) Bicameral: Legislative Assembly (lower) & Council of State (upper) (c) Tricameral with Princes’ House (d) A nominated council only Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: It created a bicameral legislature at the centre—an important structural change.

The electorate expanded but remained restrictive; qualifications varied across provinces.

The Act envisaged a Public Service Commission at the centre; the first PSC started functioning in 1926.

Separate electorates for Muslims continued; some other communities/interests also had separate representation. The Montagu Declaration (1917) that prefaced the 1919 Act promised: (a) Immediate dominion status (b) Progressive realization of responsible government in India (c) A written constitution by 1920 (d) Abolition of governor’s veto Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Edwin Montagu’s policy statement committed to gradual self‑governing institutions leading to responsible government.

Dyarchy limited ministerial control; governors retained wide reserve powers. Government of India Act, 1935

Dyarchy ended in provinces; elected ministries enjoyed wider powers subject to safeguards. The 1935 Act proposed an All‑India Federation consisting of: (a) Only British Indian provinces (b) Only princely states (c) Provinces plus acceding princely states (d) Only centrally administered areas Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: A federation of provinces and willing princely states was envisaged, but it never materialized due to non‑accession by most princes. Dyarchy under the 1935 Act was intended to operate at the: (a) Centre (federal level) (b) Provinces (c) Municipalities (d) High courts Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: A new dyarchy at the centre was proposed but never implemented because the federation did not come into being.

The Federal Court began in October 1937 with original and appellate jurisdiction, subject to appeal to the Privy Council.

Six provinces—Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Bihar, Assam, and the United Provinces—had bicameral legislatures.

The RBI (under the RBI Act, 1934) started functioning in 1935, strengthening financial administration.

Burma was separated from India on 1 April 1937, administered under a distinct constitutional scheme.

The electorate broadened extensively (tens of millions) but still required property/education/tax qualifications.

The princes’ reluctance and the onset of World War II stalled federal inauguration; only provincial autonomy took effect. Indian Independence Act, 1947

The Act ended British rule and established two independent dominions—India and Pakistan—from 15 August 1947.

Bengal and Punjab were divided into East/West units, with boundaries decided by the Radcliffe Commission.

British paramountcy lapsed; states could join India or Pakistan, or (briefly, in theory) remain independent until accession.

Each dominion’s Constituent Assembly became fully sovereign to frame and enact its own constitution and laws.

Each dominion had a Governor‑General as the Crown’s representative until republican constitutions later took effect.