UPSC Prelims 2004 Q28: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
The Montagu - Chelmsford Report formed the basis of
- (a) The Indian Councils Act, 1909
- (b) The Government of India Act, 1919
- (c) The Government of India Act, 1935
- (d) The Indian Independence Act, 1947
Answer: (b) The Government of India Act, 1919
Explanation
Montagu-Chelmsford Report
| Act | Based on the report? |
|---|---|
| Government of India Act, 1919 | Yes — Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, with diarchy |
| Indian Councils Act, 1909 | Morley-Minto reforms |
| Government of India Act, 1935 | Simon Commission and Round Table Conferences |
| Indian Independence Act, 1947 | Mountbatten Plan |
The Montagu-Chelmsford Report (1918) formed the basis of the Government of India Act, 1919.
Answer: (b) The Government of India Act, 1919.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The 1909 Act followed the Morley-Minto proposals.
- (b) CORRECT. The 1919 Act was based on the Montagu-Chelmsford Report.
- (c) Incorrect. The 1935 Act followed the Simon Commission and the RTCs.
- (d) Incorrect. The 1947 Act followed the Mountbatten Plan.
Key point
1909: Morley-Minto. 1919: Montagu-Chelmsford. 1935: Simon and RTCs. 1947: Mountbatten.
Remember
The Montagu-Chelmsford Report led to the 1919 Act.
Common mistakes
- Linking the report with the 1935 Act.
- Mixing the 1909 and 1919 reforms together.
- Forgetting that the 1919 Act introduced diarchy.
Exam tip
Reports and Acts: match the name to the year.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- Government of India Act, 1919