Question

Which of the following acts introduced communal electorate in India?
a. Indian Council Act, 1861
b.Indian Council Act, 1892
c.Indian Council Act, 1909
d.Government of India Act, 1919

Answer 1

Hint: The communal electorates were introduced after the establishment of Muslim League. Also, the communal electorates are largely referred to as Minto-Morley reforms.

Complete Step by Step answer: The Acts mentioned in the question are all instrumental and have had a huge impact on the administration of British India.
Let’s look at our options one by one:
a. Indian Council Act, 1861 – This Act was passed to grant the authority to the Calcutta Presidency to legislate on all the matters of British India while restoring the powers of the Bombay Presidency and the Madras Presidency, allowing them to legislate on their own matters. So, it is an incorrect option.
b. Indian Council Act, 1892 – The Indian Council Act of 1892 enabled the Governor General to nominate members in the Provincial and the Central Councils. Also, it was passed in the British Parliament much before the establishment of the Muslim League. So, it is an incorrect option.
c. Indian Council Act, 1909 – The Minto-Morley reforms were enacted in the year 1909, which provided the system of Separate Electorates in the legislation of British India. This step was taken after the formation of the Muslim League and the Split of the Indian National Congress. So, it is the correct option.
d. The Government of India Act, 1919 – the Government of India Act of 1919 was also known as the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms and it brought the reforms in the legislature of the British India. It provided for a bicameral legislature in the entire territory of British India. So, it is an incorrect option.

Thus, The correct answer is Option C.

Note: The Indian Council Act of 1909 is also known as the Minto-Morley reforms as Lord Minto was the Viceroy of India and sir John Morley was the Secretary of State for India.