Indian Council Act 1909: Features|UPSC Notes

The Indian Council Act 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, was a pivotal event in British India’s legislative development. It introduced reforms aimed at increasing Indian participation in governance, a long-standing demand. The act significantly changed the nature of the Indian legislative councils, making it a landmark in the journey toward India’s self-rule. The Indian Council Act 1909 came during a period of growing unrest and political demand for representation. Indians wanted more power in decision-making. The act, while a step forward, was still seen as insufficient by Indian nationalists.

• The act expanded the number of Indian members in legislative councils.
• It introduced separate electorates based on religion, especially for Muslims.
• It marked a shift in British policy towards addressing Indian demands.
• Despite the reforms, Indian voices remained marginal in important decisions.
• The act sparked debates on the future of Indian political representation.

Features of the Indian Council Act 1909

The Indian Council Act aimed to widen the scope of Indian involvement in governance, but it still had limitations. The key features of the act were significant for the evolution of India’s political structure.

Expansion of Legislative Councils

One of the primary features of the Indian Council Act was the expansion of the central and provincial legislative councils. The number of members in the councils increased, which was seen as a direct response to Indian demands for more participation.

Introduction of Separate Electorates

The most controversial provision of the Indian Council Act was the introduction of separate electorates for Muslims. This move, which allowed Muslims to elect their representatives separately, sowed seeds of division in Indian society.

Role of Elected Members

Although the number of elected members increased under the Indian Council Act , their powers were still limited. Elected members had the right to discuss the budget, but they had little influence on major decisions.

Political Impact of the Indian Council Act 1909

The Indian Council Act created mixed reactions in Indian political circles. While moderate leaders welcomed it as a step forward, radicals and nationalists felt it did not go far enough.

Moderate vs Radical Views

Moderate Indian leaders, like Gopal Krishna Gokhale, appreciated the increased representation. However, radicals like Bal Gangadhar Tilak believed the reforms were inadequate, and that the Indian Council Act was merely a way to pacify Indian demands without granting true power.

Separate Electorates and Communal Politics

The introduction of separate electorates under the Indian Council Act was a divisive move. It laid the foundation for communal representation, which later became a major issue in Indian politics.

Beginning of Constitutional Reforms

The Indian Council Act marked the beginning of constitutional reforms in India. While it did not grant full autonomy, it paved the way for future legislative reforms.

Legacy of the Indian Council Act 1909

The Indian Council Act left a lasting impact on Indian politics. It was one of the first instances where Indians were given limited roles in governance, setting a precedent for future reforms.

Steps Towards Self-Governance

The reforms introduced by the Indian Council Act were seen as the first step towards self-governance. Although far from sufficient, they were an acknowledgment that Indians deserved a role in shaping their governance.

Growing Nationalism

Despite the reforms, the limited powers given to Indians under the Indian Council Act fueled growing nationalism. The Indian National Congress, and other political movements, continued to push for greater autonomy.

Precursor to Future Acts

The Act was followed by more comprehensive reforms, such as the Government of India Act 1919. The act set the stage for discussions on the future of India’s governance, which eventually led to the country’s independence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Act was a significant reform but one that had its shortcomings. It introduced Indians into the legislative process, but their role was minimal. The act, while a progressive move at the time, is now seen as a precursor to the more radical changes that followed in India’s political evolution. The Act not only highlighted the limitations of British reforms but also demonstrated the growing demand for true India self-rule. It remains a key chapter in India’s history of constitutional reforms and its long journey toward independence.

Indian Council Act 1909 UPSC Notes

1. The Indian Councils Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, aimed to increase Indian participation in governance by expanding legislative councils. 2. It introduced the principle of separate electorates for Muslims, allowing them to elect their representatives, which sowed seeds of communalism in Indian politics. 3. The act allowed for the inclusion of a limited number of Indians in the Viceroy’s Executive Council, providing some degree of representation in colonial administration. 4. It expanded the number of elected members in both provincial and central legislative councils, but the British still retained control over key decisions. 5. Despite limited representation, the act marked a step towards constitutional reform and the gradual inclusion of Indians in the decision-making process. 6. The act was seen as a British attempt to divide and rule by creating separate electorates, which later contributed to communal tensions and demands for separate states. 7. While it introduced reforms, the Indian Councils Act 1909 failed to address the growing nationalist demands for self-government and greater autonomy. 8. The act was a milestone in British efforts to manage Indian aspirations for political participation, but it also fueled the demand for complete independence.

Read More Articles on UPSC Preparation
Power Resources: Types & Significance |UPSC Notes	Biodiversity Hotspot in the Western Ghats: UPSC Notes
Location of Western and Eastern Ghats: UPSC Notes	Western and Eastern Ghats of India: UPSC Notes
Peninsular Rivers: Major River Systems & Significance |UPSC Notes	World Climate: Climatic Regions Types |UPSC Notes