Question

The August declaration of 1917 is also called _______.
A. The Montagu Declaration
B. Non-cooperation Movement
C. Rowlatt Act
D. Government of India Act

Answer 1

Hint: The August declaration of 1917 formed the basis of the Government of India Act 1919 and the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms. It was also the reason for the second split in the Indian National Congress.

Complete step by step solution: The August declaration of 1917 was instrumental in the governance of India as mentioned by Montague. Post this declaration, the Rowlatt act was passed which gave a spike in the Indian Freedom Movement. Let’s look at our options one by one:
A. The Montagu Declaration – Since this declaration was made by Edwin Montague in the British house of Commons, it is known by the name of Montagu Declaration. It was passed in the year 1917 and became the basis of the Montague-Chelmsford reforms in India. So, it is the correct option.
B. Non-cooperation Movement – The Non-Cooperation movement took place in the year 1920-21, which was too late than 1917. It was launched by Mahatma Gandhi and began the Gandhian phase of the freedom Movement of India. So, it is an incorrect option.
C. Rowlatt Act – The Rowlatt Act was passed in the year 1919 which invited protests across the country as it had provisions to prevent any appeal against the actions of the government. Also, it led to the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre. So, it is an incorrect option.
D. Government of India Act – The Government of India Act is not a specific term, but a generalised term used for the Acts made for governing British India in the appropriate sense. So, it is an incorrect option.

Note: The August Declaration was quite different from the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 but the two are often confused due to the involvement of Edwin Montague in both.