One Shot On Political History Of India
The modern political and administrative system in India was developed slowly by British Government through many Acts. From 1773 to 1935, British made different laws to control India and give limited power to Indians. These Acts was mainly made for British interest, not for Indian people. But later, these Acts become the base of Indian Constitution.
the journey start from Regulating Act, 1773 and ends with Government of India Act, 1935, which is called the most important Act before independence.
Regulating Act, 1773:
It was the first important law made by British Parliament for India. Before this Act, East India Company was ruling India freely without much control from British Government.This Act was made to control corruption and misuse of power by Company officials.
imp points:
- Governor of Bengal was made Governor-General of Bengal
- Warren Hastings became first Governor-General
- Supreme Court was established in Calcutta in 1774
- Company officials was restricted from private trade
This Act was the beginning of centralized administration in India. But not very successful because many powers was unclear. Still, it is important because it start the formal governance system.
Pitt’s India Act, 1784:
After failure of Regulating Act, British made Pitt’s India Act in 1784. objective was to give more control to British Government.
imp points:
- Board of Control was established in London
- Dual system of control started (Company + Crown)
- Governor-General got more powers
Under this Act, real power was with British Government, while Company became only an agent of british government
This Act made British control more strong in India.
Charter Acts (1793–1853):
Charter Acts was passed to renew the trading rights of East India Company. These Acts also improved administration system.following are four important Charter Acts.
Charter Act, 1793 (Main points):
- Salaries of Company officials paid by Company
- Court and administration system improved
- Power of officials clarified
This Act strengthened Company government.
Charter Act, 1813 (Main points):
note:This Act ended Company monopoly of trade except tea and China trade.
- Missionary activities allowed in India
- One lakh rupees given for education
- One lakh rupees given for education
This Act was important for spread of western education in India.
(imp)Charter Act, 1833 (Main points):
- Governor-General of Bengal became Governor-General of India
- First was Lord William Bentinck
- Law making power centralized
- Company lost all trading functions
This Act made India a unitary state for administration purpose.
Charter Act, 1853 (Main points):
- Open competition for civil services started
- Basis of Indian Civil Services
- Legislative Council expanded
- Separate legislative and executive functions
This Act increased efficiency in administration.
Government of India Act, 1858:
note:The Revolt of 1857 changed British policy. Company rule ended and direct British rule started.
- East India Company rule ended
- Crown Rule started
- Secretary of State for India appointed in London
- Governor-General became Viceroy
- India administered in Queen’s name
It centralized power in London and reduced Indian participation.
Indian Councils Acts (1861–1909):
These Acts was passed to increase Indian participation in administration.
Indian Councils Act, 1861
Main features:
Indians nominated in legislative councils
Legislative power restored to provinces
Portfolio system introduced
This Act started association of Indians with law making.
Indian Councils Act, 1892
Main features:
Indians could discuss budget
Ask questions
Indirect election system introduced
This Act slightly increased political awareness.
Indian Councils Act, 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)
This Act was very important but controversial.
Main features:
Separate electorate for Muslims
More elected members
Expansion of councils
This Act introduced communal politics and divide and rule policy.
It created Hindu-Muslim differences.
Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms)
After World War I, British promised self government. So they passed this Act.
Main objective was gradual development of self-governing institutions.
Main features:
Dyarchy introduced in provinces
Subjects divided into:
Reserved (British control)
Transferred (Indian ministers)
Direct election introduced
Bicameral legislature at centre
This Act gave some power to Indians but Governor still had strong powers.
Dyarchy was complicated and failed.
Government of India Act, 1935 (Most Important Act)
This was the largest and longest Act passed by British.
It is called blueprint of Indian Constitution.
Main objective was to establish responsible government.
Important Features
Federal System
All India Federation introduced
Centre, Provinces, Princely States
But federation never worked fully
Provincial Autonomy
Dyarchy in provinces removed
Provinces became autonomous
Indian ministers got real power
Dyarchy at Centre
Introduced at central level
Reserved subjects under British
Transferred under Indians
Three Lists System
Federal List
Provincial List
Concurrent List
This system is used in Indian Constitution.
Bicameral Legislature
Two houses at centre and some provinces
RBI and PSC
Reserve Bank of India established
Federal and Provincial PSC formed
Extended Franchise
More people got voting rights
But only about 14% population could vote
Safeguards
Governor-General powerful
Emergency powers
Veto powers
British still kept main control.
Defects of 1935 Act
Too complex
No full responsible government
Princely states not forced to join
Too much British interference
So Indians were not satisfied.
Importance of 1935 Act
Base of Indian Constitution
Many features taken from it
Federal system
PSC, RBI, Judiciary
That is why it is called Mini Constitution.
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