Independence struggle and constitutional reforms:

India Councils Act 1909-1935
1. Government of India has imprisoned many of swadeshi movements leaders
2. Dramatically increased the size of imperial legislative Council from 16-30 and provincial legislatures 30-50
3. Introduction of electoral principle based on property- HE only enfranchised 1% of population- majority male
4. Government of India is handpicking those who should represent (those who are nominated). colonial powers can veto anyone running for election if they are thought to be too extremist
5. principle of reserved seats based on religious identity- muslim electorates appeal to muslims
  1. introduction of muslim electorates (8/27) was a result of rich muslim landlords going to the Viceroy. Claimed they had disproportionately invested into Northern India. Representation is an acceptance of this claim- represented proportionately to investment
6. Minto: muslim interests could be perpetuated against the Indian National Congress
1915 Defence of India Act:
1. significantly curtailed the rights of Indians during war time
2. scores of executions of suspected terrorists
3. largely accepted as necessary sacrifices of war
1919 Post War Rowlatt Act
1. precipitates the largest civil agitation India has ever seen
2. extension of civil liberty curtailment
3. stressful society after war, e.g. starvation
1919 Government of India Act
1. 'the gradual development of self governing institutions with a view to the realisation of responsible Govt of India as part of British Empire'
2. Introduction of Diarchy
3. increased the number of people eligible to vote to 1.5mn. INC wanted women included
1927 Simon Commission
1. a review of dyarchy.
2. regarded as a slap in the face, no indians, no one consulted.
3. In response, Nehru releases his report in 1928
  1. we will decide what is best for India.
  2. sets out a fundamental list of rights for Indians
  3. completely ignored by government of India.
  4. results in Round Table Conferences
1935 Government of India Act
1. to end indian frustration with Dyarchy
2. introduction of responsible government in provinces
3. 1/6th of adults enfranchised
4. Gave all provinces full representative and elective governments, chosen by franchise now extended to some 30 mn retained veto powers
3 views on constitutional reform:
1. 1. British intervention in India was always designed/intended to raise societies up - civilise them through colonisation. teaching forms of modern conduct. therefore British rule in India was always meant to come to an end. Being too hard on the british? medicine, railways, democracy. reform was part in parcel of british rule- stepping stones to freedom
2. 2. Each change and reform was designed only to cede as little as possible to appease agitation. Manipulating attempts to create collaborators. Paramouncy- princes recognise the paramouncy of the british monarchy. were constantly reassured that all constitutional reform would not affect their territories
3. 3. they ceded no control at all- disguise

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Independence struggle and constitutional reforms:

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