Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues;
“What the reforms of 1909 gave to people of the country were merely a shadow rather than substance.” Elucidate. (250 words)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Reference: A Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum Publishers.
Why this question:
The question is based on the theme of Morley Minto Reforms.
Key demand of the question:
One has to discuss that the Reforms of 1909, commonly known as the Morley Minto Reforms were introduced to placate the moderates and driving them away from the extremists. It was a part of the three-pronged approach of repression-conciliation -suppression. However, it failed to satisfy moderates.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate them with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Body:
Explain the following aspects:
- Discuss what the demands of the moderates were – like the expansion of legislative council, responsible government etc.
- How these reforms were just a shadow of what was actually demanded. For example – Indians were allowed to participate in the election of the various legislative council but on the basis of class and community
- The number of elected members in legislative councils increased but the overall non-official majority was introduced in provincial councils.
- A separate electorate for Muslims was introduced
Conclusion:
Conclude that the reforms of 1909 instead of solving the political problems of the country created more chaos.
