Topic– Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
2)The Legislative Councils Act of 1861 although a landmark act, brought no real reforms and only disappointed the Indians. Examine. (250 words)
Directive word
Examine- here we have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to dig deep into the Legislative Councils Act of 1861 and bring out why it introduced no real reforms and only disappointed the Indians.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- write a few introductory lines about the Act of 1861. E.g mention about the revolt of 1857 and then introduction of the Act of 1858 and then 1861.
Body
Discuss why it brought no real reform and disappointed the Indians. E.g
- Discuss about the salient provisions of the act. E.g
- It provided for portfolio system;
- executive council of governor general was expanded;
- restructuring and enlargement of governor general’s legislative council;
- Discuss why the act was hollow of any significant reforms. E.g
- No real powers to the legislature because of ordinance powers of the Governor General;
- Certain bills related to debt, religion, military or foreign relations could not be passed without the consent of the governor general;
- Imperial legislative council was essentially an advisory body which could not even discuss the budget etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
