Topic: Lucknow pact & August declaration of 1917
Q2. What expectations were generated by the August Declaration of 1917? Examine their reflection in the Government of India Act of 1919. Why did the reforms fail to satisfy Indian political opinion? (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question
The transition from the August Declaration of 1917 to the limited constitutional reforms of 1919 and the resulting nationalist disillusionment.
Key Demand of the question
Explain the political expectations created by the August Declaration, examine their incorporation into the Government of India Act, 1919, and establish why the reforms failed to satisfy Indian political opinion.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly mention the 20 August 1917 Declaration as the first official British commitment to the gradual establishment of responsible government in India.
Body
- Expectations generated: Indicate how the Declaration raised hopes of responsible government, greater Indian control over administration and a definite movement towards self-governing institutions.
- Reflection in the 1919 Act: Mention the limited constitutional advances introduced through provincial dyarchy, enlarged legislatures, direct elections and bicameralism at the Centre.
- Reasons for dissatisfaction: Highlight the absence of a definite timetable, defective dyarchy, overriding executive powers, restricted franchise and continued communal representation.
Conclusion
Conclude that the reforms introduced the appearance of representative government without transferring effective power, thereby preparing the ground for mass mobilisation for Swaraj.
