UPSC Prelims 2004 Q3: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
Consider the following statements:
Some of the main features of the Government of India Act, 1935 were the
1. Abolition of diarchy in the Governor's provinces.
2. Power of the Governors to veto legislative action and to legislate on their own.
3. Abolition of the principle of communal representation.
Which of these statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2
- (c) 2 and 3
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2
Explanation
Features of the Government of India Act, 1935
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Abolition of diarchy in the Governor's provinces | True — provincial autonomy replaced diarchy |
| 2. Governors' power to veto and legislate on their own | True — special powers and ordinances |
| 3. Abolition of communal representation | False: separate electorates were continued and extended |
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Act retained and extended the communal electorates.
Answer: (b) 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 about the Governors' powers is also correct.
- (b) CORRECT. Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false.
Key point
1935 Act: provincial autonomy, diarchy at the Centre, safeguards, separate electorates continued.
Remember
The 1935 Act ended diarchy in provinces but kept communal electorates.
Common mistakes
- Believing the Act ended separate electorates.
- Confusing provincial autonomy with the end of diarchy at the Centre.
- Forgetting the Governors' discretionary powers.
Exam tip
Communal electorates: 1909 (Muslims), 1919 (Sikhs etc.), 1932 Award, 1935 Act continued.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- Government of India Act, 1935