UPSC Prelims 2021 Q42: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Women's Political Rights: Montagu-Chelmsford (1919) and GoI Act (1935)
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montagu-Chelmsford 1919 gave voting rights to all women above 21 | FALSE | Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) did NOT grant universal women's suffrage. Voting was based on property, income, tax and educational qualifications. In some provinces, women meeting these criteria could vote (Madras 1921, Bombay 1921, Bengal 1925), but this was NOT 'all women above 21'. |
| 2 | Government of India Act, 1935 gave women reserved seats in legislature | TRUE | The GoI Act 1935 reserved 41 seats for women in provincial legislatures (out of 1585 total), along with other communal reservations. This was progressive for its time. |
Only statement 2 is correct. Answer: (b).
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Montagu-Chelmsford did NOT grant universal women's suffrage. Voting had property and education qualifications.
- (b) CORRECT. Only statement 2 is correct - the GoI Act 1935 reserved 41 seats for women in provincial legislatures. Statement 1 is wrong (Montagu-Chelmsford had qualified franchise, not universal women's suffrage).
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is factually wrong.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is a documented fact.
Key point
Montagu-Chelmsford 1919 = qualified franchise (property/education), NOT universal women's suffrage. GoI Act 1935 = reserved 41 seats for women in provincial legislatures. Only statement 2 correct.
Remember
The Government of India Act 1935 gave women reserved seats in provincial legislatures - 41 seats out of 1585 (statement 2 correct). The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms 1919 had QUALIFIED FRANCHISE based on property, income, tax and education - NOT universal women's suffrage at age 21 (statement 1 wrong). Answer: (b).
Common mistakes
- Assuming Montagu-Chelmsford gave universal suffrage. Only ~10% of adult males could vote after 1919 reforms.
- Not knowing that some provinces (Madras 1921, Bombay 1921, Bengal 1925) extended qualified voting to women earlier than others.
- Confusing 1919 reforms (introduced diarchy in provinces) with 1935 Act (provincial autonomy, communal representation, seat reservations).
Exam tip
Franchise expansion timeline: Morley-Minto 1909 (very limited, communal electorates) - Montagu-Chelmsford 1919 (qualified, ~10% males) - GoI Act 1935 (~14%, some female provincial voting + reserved seats) - Universal Adult Suffrage 1950 (Constitution).
Sources
- Bipan Chandra - India's Struggle for Independence (Chapter on Constitutional Reforms)
- Government of India Act, 1935 - Sections on Franchise and Representation