Laxmikanth Test: Historical Development of the Constitution of India- 2 - UPSC MCQ

• Statement-I is correct as the Indian Independence Act made the Governor-General and governors nominal heads.
• Statement-II is also correct, noting the end of the British Monarch’s veto power, but it does not directly explain Statement-I, which deals with constitutional roles.

1. The Regulating Act of 1773 designated the Governor of Bengal as the Governor-General of Bengal, not the Governor-General of India. The Governor-General of India title was established later by the Charter Act of 1833. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.

2. The Charter Act of 1833 indeed marked the beginning of a central legislature by taking away the legislative powers from the provinces of Bombay and Madras, centralizing legislative authority. Thus, statement 2 is correct.

3. The Pitt's India Act of 1784 did establish the Board of Control to oversee the political affairs of the East India Company, distinguishing between the company's commercial and political functions. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 2 and 3 Only.

Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General of Bengal under the Regulating Act of 1773. His tenure marked a significant shift in the governance of British India, establishing important administrative structures and regulations. Warren Hastings played a crucial role in shaping early colonial governance in India, laying the foundation for subsequent developments in the region.

The Government of India Act, 1858, was a significant statute that marked the transfer of control of India from the East India Company to the British Crown. Let's analyze the statements:

Statement 1: The Act did indeed abolish the Board of Control and the Court of Directors. These bodies were replaced by the Secretary of State for India, who was aided by the Council of India. This statement is correct.

Statement 2: The Act changed the title of the Governor-General to Viceroy of India, reflecting the new role of representing the British Crown. This statement is correct.

Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. The Act did not introduce a system of dual control; instead, it centralized administrative control under the British Crown, eliminating the role of the East India Company altogether.

Given the analysis, only statements 1 and 2 are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

- Statement-I correctly discusses the key changes brought about by the Government of India Act, 1858, including the abolition of the Board of Control and the Court of Directors, and the centralization of powers under the Secretary of State for India.
- Statement-II accurately highlights the provisions of the Indian Councils Act, 1861, introducing the Portfolio system and granting the Governor-General the authority to issue emergency ordinances with the same weight as Acts made by the Legislative Council.
- Although both statements are factually correct, there is no direct explanatory link between them. Statement-I and Statement-II address distinct acts and reforms without one explaining the other, hence option (b) is the correct choice.

The Regulating Act of 1773 (formally, the East India Company Act 1772) was an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain intended to overhaul the management of the East India Company's rule in India. It marked the first step towards parliamentary control over the Company and centralised administration in India.

1. Morley-Minto Reforms: Introduction of Dyarchy in provinces - Incorrect - The Morley-Minto Reforms, also known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909, did not introduce dyarchy in provinces. Instead, they introduced a representative element by allowing Indians to join the Executive Councils of the Governor-General and Governors, and initiated separate electorates for Muslims.

2. Montague-Chelmsford Reforms: Introduction of Bicameral Central Legislature - Correct - The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, also known as the Government of India Act, 1919, introduced a bicameral legislature at the center: the Legislative Assembly (lower house) and the Council of State (upper house).

3. Government of India Act, 1935: Full Provincial Autonomy - Correct - The Government of India Act, 1935, granted full provincial autonomy, allowing provinces to act as autonomous administrative units.

4. August Offer, 1940: Promise of Dominion Status after the Second World War - Correct - The August Offer of 1940 promised dominion status for India after the end of the Second World War and allowed for an expansion of the Executive Council of the Governor-General to include more Indian representatives.

Hence, three pairs are correctly matched.

The Morley-Minto Reforms marked a crucial milestone by including Indians in the Executive Councils for the first time. This move aimed to introduce a representative and popular element in the governance of India. It was a step towards giving Indians a voice in the decision-making processes of the government, although the official majority was maintained in certain councils.

The Cripps Mission was sent to India in 1942 with the objective of finding a "just and final" solution to the Indian political problem. The mission proposed several measures to address immediate and long-term political issues in India:

1. Immediate Establishment of an Interim Government: This was indeed one of the proposals made by the Cripps Mission to address the immediate political situation in India. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.

2. Complete Transfer of Power: The Cripps Mission included in its proposals a plan for the complete transfer of power to Indians after the end of World War II. Thus, Statement 2 is also correct.

3. Acceptance by the Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress did not accept the proposals made by the Cripps Mission. They demanded complete Indianisation of the Governor General's Executive Council, which was not agreed upon by the British rulers. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

The primary objective of the Cripps Mission sent to India in 1942 was to find a permanent solution to the Indian political problem. Sir Stafford Cripps was tasked with this special mission by the British government, aiming to address the challenging political situation in India during that time. The mission involved proposing both immediate and long-term solutions for Indian freedom, including the establishment of an interim government and discussing the transfer of power to Indians after the conclusion of World War II.

(Note: This question tests knowledge of historical events and diplomatic missions during the Indian independence movement.)