Evolution of Governance in British India

Theme

Progress Over Time

Representation of Indians

1. 1861 – Indians nominated to legislative councils (non-official members)
2. 1892 – Indirect method of selection via recommendation by local bodies (no elections mentioned)
3. 1909 – Introduction of separate electorates for Muslims; Indians allowed in Executive Councils (Satyendra Prasad Sinha appointed)
4. 1919 – Direct elections introduced; more minorities included in communal electorates; Indian ministers in provinces (dyarchy)
5. 1935 – Responsible government in provinces (Provincial Autonomy); more Indians in power

Legislative Councils

1. 1861 – Legislative councils created (advisory role)
2. 1892 – Expanded; empowered to discuss budget and ask questions
3. 1909 – Further expanded; members could ask supplementary questions, move resolutions
4. 1919 – Councils became bicameral at Centre, larger and more active
5. 1935 – Bicameralism extended to 6 provinces; provincial legislatures got real powers (for transferred subjects)

Executive Power

1. Pre-1909 – Absolute monopoly of British officials
2. 1909 – First Indian in Viceroy’s Executive Council (Law Member)
3. 1919 – Indian ministers for transferred subjects in provinces (dyarchy)
4. 1937 – Full responsible government in provinces; Governors bound (in practice) to ministerial advice
5. 1947 – Complete sovereignty with Indian leaders; British monarch’s control ended

Communal Representation

1. 1909 (Morley-Minto) – Separate electorate for Muslims

introduced (first communal representation)

2. 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford) – Extended to Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans
3. 1932 (Communal Award) – Extended to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Depressed Classes
4. 1935 – Further extended to women, labour (workers), business/industry; continued communal system

Poona Pact (1932) – Replaced separate electorates for SCs with

reserved seats in joint Hindu electorates

Federalism / Devolution of Power

1. Pre-1861 – Unitary, centralised governance
2. 1861 – Restored legislative powers to provinces (Bombay & Madras)