Introduction:
The question is about the first attempt made to introduce a representative and popular element in the governance of India. The options provided are Indian Council Act, 1861, Indian Council Act, 1892, Indian Council Act, 1909, and Government of India Act, 1919.

Explanation:
The correct answer is option 'B' which is the Indian Council Act, 1892. This act is also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms.

Indian Council Act, 1861:
The Indian Council Act, 1861 was the first step taken by the British Government to provide representation to Indians in the administration of their country. The act allowed the viceroy to nominate some Indians as non-official members of his executive council. However, the nominated members had no real power and were merely advisers.

Indian Council Act, 1892:
In 1892, Lord Lansdowne, the then Viceroy of India, appointed a commission under the chairmanship of Sir Charles Bradlaugh to consider the question of Indian representation in the legislative councils. The commission recommended the introduction of elected members in the legislative councils.

The Indian Council Act, 1892 introduced some important changes in the legislative councils. The act provided for the following:

1. The number of additional members was increased from 10 to 16 in the central legislative council and from 20 to 50 in the provincial councils.

2. The members were to be nominated by the viceroy and selected from various categories such as landlords, merchants, and educationists.

3. The councils were given the power to discuss the budget and to ask questions, but they had no power to vote on the budget or to initiate legislation.

4. The act also provided for the appointment of a statutory commission after 10 years to review the working of the system.

Conclusion:
Thus, the Indian Council Act, 1892 was the first attempt made by the British Government to introduce a representative and popular element in the governance of India. The act allowed Indians to participate in the legislative councils, although their powers were limited. The act paved the way for further reforms in the governance of India.