Answer: Option D
Solution:
The Government of India act 1919 was passed on the basis of recommendations of Lord Chelmsford and Samuel Montagu to introduce self-governing institutions gradually to India. This act covered 10 years from 1919 to 1929.
1. Indian Dyarchy – Definition
Dyarchy (or Diarchy) was a system of government introduced in the provinces of British India under the Government of India Act, 1919.
- Meaning: Dyarchy literally means “dual rule.”
- System: The provincial subjects were divided into two categories:
- Transferred subjects – Administered by Indian ministers responsible to the provincial legislature.
- Reserved subjects – Administered by the Governor and his executive council (British officials), not responsible to the legislature.
Objective:
To give Indians limited participation in provincial administration, while keeping critical powers under British control.
2. Who Started Indian Dyarchy?
- British Government / Colonial Authorities introduced it.
- Specifically, it was implemented under the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919).
- Named after Lord Chelmsford, the Viceroy of India, and Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State for India.
Key Fact:
- Dyarchy came into effect in 1921 in the provinces.
3. Subjects under Dyarchy
| Category | Examples | Administered By |
|---|---|---|
| Transferred Subjects | Education, Public Health, Agriculture | Indian ministers responsible to the provincial legislature |
| Reserved Subjects | Finance, Law and Order, Police, Land Revenue | Governor and his executive council (British officials) |
4. Features of Dyarchy
- Dual Government: Two types of subjects – Transferred and Reserved.
- Limited Indian Participation: Only in transferred subjects.
- Governor’s Powers: Could veto decisions of Indian ministers.
- Provincial Level Only: Dyarchy was not applied at the central government level.
- Foundation for Future Reforms: It laid the groundwork for provincial autonomy under the Government of India Act, 1935.
5. Significance of Dyarchy
- First time Indians were allowed responsibility in governance.
- Helped train Indians for self-rule.
- Highlighted limitations of British reforms – Indians wanted full control, not dual government.
6. Conclusion
Indian Dyarchy was started by the British Government under the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 and implemented in 1921. It was a significant step in the gradual introduction of self-governance but faced criticism for its limitations and dual control.
Indian Dyarchy was started by