Section 2 (1900-1947)

Partition of Bengal
 Largest province, about 85 million populations: 64m in the western 42m in the eastern part.
 Tool huge to govern: difficult to administer by one governor.
 Hindu majority in west & Muslim majority in east Bengal growing economic & political disparity btw
Hindus & Muslims British thought the partition would benefit Muslims.
 1870 onwards more & more Hindus demanded freedom from the British; INC loader. Bal Gangadhar
Tilak. delivered impassioned speeches for freedom; British had to restrict such activities by distracting
attention of INC from its mission. -9
 Viceroy Lord Curzon proposed partition of Bengal & implemented it, Oct 1905;
 E. Bengal to include: Assam. Dhakka. Chittagong & Myemen Singh.
Muslim Reaction
 Felt delighted, expressed thanks to British
 Socio-economic & political position improved their govt & majority in a province began to develop
 Chittagong port to compete with the Calcutta port.
 Since 1857, for the first time. improved relations with the British.
 ML, 1906. promised loyalty to the British, condemned INC opposition to the partition.
INC Hindu reaction
 Violence. protests, mourning. strikes, boycott of British goods & institutes.
 Swadeshi movement; British cloth thrown onto bonfire & wearing local cloth. a matter of honour;
dramatic drop in sale of British goods.
 Violence more intensified; assassination attempt on British officials e.g. the future Viceroy, Minto.
 Threat of boycott of the coronation ceremony of King George, 1911.
 British used forces to suppress protest e.g. arrest of leaders, restrictions on newspapers, public meetings,
the 1908 Press Act, but no use.
 Difficulties grew for the British, they began to review the partition & finally, King George, announced
reversal, Dec 1911.
Reasons for INC opposition to
 INC considered it as an exercise of the British policy of "divide and rule”
 A step to weaken the Hindu position by creating a Muslim majority province; INC unhappy over loss of
monopoly on economy
 For INC, it was aimed at damaging Indian Bengal & a Muslim Bengal.

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 Q: Source B: Map showing partition of Bengal. 1905-1911.

Ans. The map shows that Bengal was a very huge province before its partition. After the partition it
was divided into two almost equal halves, though eastern Bengal seems to a bit larger than the Western
Bengal. been made the Eastern Bet-gal instead of being made another province. The boundary line
between the two parts indicates that the partition has been done along the communal lines so that
Muslims are a visible majority in the Eastern Bengal and Western Bengal. It indicates that the seeds of
future division of the basis of communal identity have been sown in 1905.

Q: Why was Bengal partitioned in 1905? (7)

Ans. Bengal was the most populated province with a population of more than 80 million. This huge population was
spread over a small area, making it a very densely populated province. It was difficult to govern such a big province as
it created problems in maintaining law and order, collection of taxes and providing emergency help in times of floods
and cyclones. So, it was sensible to divide it into two provinces.
The western part of Bengal had a population of 54 million with a Hindu majority, whereas the eastern part had 31
million inhabitants with a Muslim majority. There was a growing economic disparity between the Hindus and Muslims.
Hindus were the dominant community enjoying monopoly over industry, trade and politics. Muslims on the other hand,
were generally backward and poor. British perhaps wanted reduce this disparity.
British also closely observed the political activities of the INC in the 1890's when leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak had
to be in prison as they delivered provoking speeches in which they demanded self-rule for India. Therefore, the British

2
decided to distract the attention of the INC towards a new issue. Accordingly, Lord Curzon, in 1903, advised the
British government to divide Bengal was divided in 1905 into a West Bengal.

Q: Why did Congress (INC) oppose the partition of Bengal? [7]

Ans. The INC did not like the partition and opposed it fiercely. For the INC, it was yet another example of the old
British policy of "divide and rule". By doing so the British were strengthening their grip on the Indian political affairs
while dividing the two major communities, Hindus and Muslims. The British power lay in the communal differences of
India.
The INC also viewed the partitioned as a step against the Indian nationalism. It believed that all people living in India
were primarily Indians regardless of the cultural and religious differences and identities. So, all communities living in
Bengal were equally Indians whether they were Hindus or Muslims. It viewed the whole country as "mother India" and
therefore, condemned the partition of Bengal as a kind of vivisection of their motherland. It declared f6010ct.1905 as a
day of-mourning. The Hindu dominated INC was also unhappy over the loss of monopoly over the economy and
politics of Bengal. In East Bengal, Muslims were a decisive majority and had formed their own government. Therefore,
their economic condition began to improve. They decided to develop the Chittagong port in order to compete with the
Calcutta port of West Bengal. All this scenario was worrying for the INC who launched an aggressive campaign
against the British.

Q: Why was partition of Bengal reversed? (7)

Ans. The INC fully pressurized the British government to reconsider the decision of partition. A country-wide anti-
partition campaign was launched. Mob rallies were organized and shutter down strikes were observed as a token of
resentment against the partition. With the passage of time, the opposition to the partition became fierce and eventually
adopted the terrorist behavior. Many senior British officials were attacked including Lord Minto who survived a
murder attempt. This created a serious problem for the British as they found it difficult to run the state affairs
effectively. The INC started the Swadeshi Movement in which boycott of the British goods and institutions was
observed. British titles given to the Hindus were returned and the attendance in various institutes dropped significantly.
At many places, the British factory-made cotton cloth was thrown in the bonfire to mark the hatred against the
Videshi/foreign goods. This created serious economic difficulties for the British as the sale of their products sharply
declined in the Indian markets.
King George V was scheduled to visit India in 1911. The INC, threatened to boycott the Coronation ceremony of the
King that was a royal tradition and a hallmark of British authority over its colonies. This threat of the INC was a
serious blow to the pride and prestige of the British who were now pressurize to reconsider the partition. Sir John
Jenkins, a member of the Viceroy's executive council, advised the British government to reverse the partition and the
King himself announced the reversal in Delhi in 1911.
Q: "Bengal was partitioned because of geographical factors". agree? Give reasons for your Do you answer. [14]
Ans: Bengal was one of the largest provinces of British India with a huge population of more 80 million spread over a
small area. It was increasingly becoming difficult to administer such a big and densely populated province by a single a
governor. Administrative difficulties included, collection of revenue / taxes, providing relief and rehabilitation to a
population repeatedly hit by cyclones and floods, controlling the law and order situation that was gradually
deteriorating. Since there had been earlier examples of dividing huge territories like Khandesh and Narbada, the British
began to consider partitioning Bengal into two provinces, so in 1903 Viceroy Lord Curzon proposed partition of Bengal
.into two provinces

3
The British were also closely observing the growing disparity between the Hindus and the Muslims. Hindus dominated
the politics and economy of Bengal while keeping Muslims underdeveloped and poor. The period 1900-1911 was a
period of improved British — Muslim relations. Perhaps British wanted to give Muslims an opportunity to prosper in
the newly created province of East Bengal with Assam and three districts Dhaka, Chittagong and Mymensingh where
they would be in a majority and hence would be able to farm their own government (which exactly happened). The
other part, West Bengal, remained a Hindu majority province. Muslims now began to develop a new seaport at
.Chittagong
Finally, the British were also mindful of the INC demand of self-ruled in the 1890s. For example, INC leaders like Mr.
Bal Ganga Dhar Tilak used to deliver impassioned and provoking speeches to incite the people for pressurizing the
government for self-rule. Such leaders were arrested and British decided to distract the INC attention from its demand
for self-rule. Thus when Lord Curzon in October 1905 announced the partition of Bengal, the INC guns were directed
.against the partition instead of demand for self-rule
To conclude, it may be proven that the major reason for the partition of Bengal was the geographical factor because it is
a universal practice to make new and smaller administrative units for the sake of better administration. After the
partition it prove to be true because the Muslim community felt great relief and was fully grateful to the British even
.though the Hindu dominated INC got busy in undoing this wise decision of the British

Q: 'Partition or reversal?' Were the reasons why Bengal was partitioned in 1905 more important than those regarding its
reversal in 1911? Explain your answer. (14)
Ans. Reasons for the partition of Bengal were very important. Bengal was a province with a huge population spread
over a small area. There was Hindu majority in the western, and Muslim majority in the eastern part. The British
thought it wise to divide Bengal along communal lines in such a way that East Bengal would become a new province
.with a Muslim majority, and West Bengal with a Hindu majority
Bengal was also divided due to administrative reasons as it was difficult to govern by a single governor. With two
governors ruling two provinces, it became easier to collect revenue and to maintain law and order in a highly
populated province. As a result of partition, Muslims felt greatly relieved as they became a majority in the newly
created province of East Bengal and Assam where they could prosper by making their own government. The partition
also affected the Hindu monopoly on trade, economy and politics of Bengal as Muslim began to develop the
Chittagong port to compete with the Calcutta port in west Bengal. Hindus, therefore, considered the partition as another
example of the British policy of "divide and rule", because it helped British establish their rule over India more firmly.
Hindus also believed that partition was aimed at striking at the roots of Indian nationalism and unity. Partition had
divided the province into two units with a distinct religious majority in each unit. The INC considered all people living
.in Bengal only as Bengalis regardless of their religious identity. So, the Hindus reacted violently
As for the reversal of partition, it mainly came about as a result of the ever growing
Hindu pressure on the British. The Hindu-dominated INC organized a country wide •anti-partition campaign. Regular
protests and strikes were held, and boycott of British goods, titles and institutes was organized on a large scale. They
rejected the partition by linking it with the British strategy of dividing Indians into sub-groups and creating communal
.differences
The Hindu anger was further reflected in the Swadeshi movement. In this a boycott of British goods was observed. At
many places, the British factory-made cotton cloth was thrown in the bonfire and this caused a significant drop in the
sale of British goods. Gradually. the movement adopted terrorist activities when an attempt was made to assassinate
Lord Minto. British goods and institutes were boycotted as a token of protest over the partition. Though the Muslims
were assured of the irreversibility of the partition, the circumstances forced the British to reconsider the administrative

4
decision. Pressure grew with time as all these activities were paralyzing the state machinery and there was a visible
.threat to the British prestige and power in India

Q: What was the Swadeshi Movement? (4)

Ans. It was launched by the Hindu-dominated INC (Congress) to oppose the partition of n 1905.
A boycott of British goods was observed in several parts of India British-made cotton cloth was thrown into bonfires
and Hindus were wear locally produced (Videshi) clothes. Educational institutes and courts also and strikes were
observed, especially in Calcutta. Protest were organized to pressurize be British till the reversal of partition of Bengal
in 1911

Source A:
This is an extract from a novel of the Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, where of the novel says.
I must burn my foreign clothes as their shine carries a halo of darkness. I feel as I am guilty of betraying my country. I
do not wish to ever wear them again in this life until and unless the dividing communal line in Bengal is erased. -
Q: According to source A what message the heroine is conveying about the feelings of the Hindus on the partition of
Bengal. (4)
Ans: The heroine symbolizes the strong Hindu resentment of the partition of Bengal. She is condemning the use of the
factory-made cotton clothes of the British. She is encouraging all Hindus to stop wearing foreign clothes and instead
should prefer the use of hand-spun cotton as part of the Swadeshi Movement.

Q: 'Partition or reversal?' were the reasons why Bengal was partitioned in 1905 more important than those regarding its
reversal in 1911? Explain your answer.[14]
Ans. Reasons for the partition of Bengal were very important. Bengal was a province
With a huge population spread over a small area. There was Hindu majority in the Western, and Muslim majority in the
eastern part. The British thought it wise to divide Bengal along communal lines in such a way that East Bengal would
become a new province with a Muslim majority, and West Bengal with a Hindu majority. Bengal was also divided due
to administrative reasons as it was difficult to govern by a single governor. With two governor ruling two provinces, it
became easier to collect revenue and to maintain law and order in a highly populated province. As a result of partition,
Muslims felt greatly relieved as they became a majority in the newly created province of East Bengal and Assam where
they could prosper by making their own government. The partition also affected the Hindu monopoly on trade,
economy and politics of Bengal as Muslim began to develop the Chittagong port to compete with the Calcutta port in
west Bengal. Hindus, therefore, considered the partition as another example of the British policy of "divide and rule",
because it helped British establish their rule over India more firmly. Hindus also believed that partition was aimed at
striking at the roots of Indian nationalism and unity. Partition had divided the province into two units with a distinct
religious majority in each unit. The INC considered all people living in Bengal only as Bengalis regardless of their
religious identity. So, the Hindus reacted violently. As for the reversal of partition, it mainly came about as a result of
the ever-growing Hindu pressure on the British. The Hindu-dominated INC organized a country wide anti-partition
campaign. Regular protests and strikes were held, and boycott of British goods, titles and institutes was organized on a
large scale. They rejected the partition by linking it with the British strategy of dividing Indians into sub-groups and
creating communal differences.
The Hindu anger was further reflected in the Swadeshi movement. In this a boycott of British goods was observed. At
many places, the British factory-made cotton cloth was thrown in the bonfire and this caused a significant drop in the

5
sale of British goods. Gradually, the movement adopted terrorist activities when an attempt was made to assassinate
Lord Minto. British goods and institutes were boycotted as a token of protest over the partition. Though the Muslims
were assured of the irreversibility of the partition, the circumstances forced the British to reconsider the administrative
decision. Pressure grew with time as all these activities re paralyzing the state machinery and there was a visible threat
to the British prestige and power in India. The British, therefore, annulled the partition in December 1911 in the Delhi
George V himself.
When analyzed objectively, it can be concluded that the reasons Bengal were more important because the Muslim
community sense of "distinct identity" of their own, and also possible consequences of a Hindu-dominated Muslims
about partition of India along communal

THE SIMlA DEPUTATION

 Brit decision to win Muslim support for their rule
 Muslims observed the INC reaction over the partition of Bengal—growing protest of Hindus disappointed
Muslims •fear of Hindu domination & acceptance of demand to reverse the partition
 Muslims, being a minority, could not organize similar protest •decided to approach the British to seek
constitutional protection
 Oct 1906, Simla (summer capital) 33 Muslim delegates under the Aga Khan met Viceroy Lord Minto.
Important demands for safety of Muslims e.g.,
I. Separate Muslim electorates Muslim candidates in the council elections & Muslim voters to elect them
II. Higher percentage of Muslims in the councils than their percentage in population. Muslims supported
their demands with strong arguments strength of Muslim troops in the British army, Muslim landowner
class & fear of violence in case of joint electorates.
III. Viceroy gave an encouraging response —agreed to the separate electorates.

Importance of the Simla Deputation

 Result of efforts of Sir Syed & others to improve relations b/w Muslims & British now the British
seemed to be ready work with Muslims.
 Muslims now working to find constitutional protection in the Hindu —majority India the rivalry b/w
Hindus & Muslims would now be seen in constitution, too.
 A step towards the goal of Muslim nationalism -Muslims realized they should be treated as a distinct
community need of a Muslim political party to work for the protection of Muslims —
AIML was founded, Dec 1906.

ALL INDIA MUSLIM LEAGUE (DEC 1916)

Reasons for the formation
 Muslims wanted to counter the influence of the INC-Muslims still felt insecure in spite of steps taken by the
British -partition of Bengal & acceptance of the separate electorates
 Hindu reaction on partition of Bengal* protest, violence etc. -Muslims needed to present concerns of Muslims
to the British through an organized political party
 Increasingly pro-Hindu attitude of INC, esp. its reaction on the partition of Bengal, Hindu dominance on INC
& encouraging response of the British to the Simla Deputation -all this led to the formation of a separate
Muslim party.

6
  The newly elected Liberal govt in England declared to include govt through elections— elections could only be
contested by a political party.
Formation of the ML
 Prominent Muslim leaders on the 20th session of MEC (Muhammad Educational Conference), Dhakka
 After the session, a meeting under Nawab Viqar-ul- Mulk AIML was formed
Aims of the ML
 Protection of political rights & interests of the Indian Muslims
 Representing Muslim needs to the govt Loyalty to the British
 Removing misunderstanding b/w Muslims & the British govt.
 Preventing hostility in Muslims towards other communities of India.
Q. What was the Simla
Deputation/Delegation?(4)
Ans. On 8th October 1906, a delegation of 36 Muslims led by Sir Aga Khan, called on the Viceroy Lord
Minto at Simla. The delegation conveyed to him a set of demands that included the right of separate
electorates for Muslims, and recognizing them in respect of their political importance and the service
they had rendered to the Empire. It asked for a higher percentage of seats in the councils than their
numerical strength. The Viceroy promised to convince the British government for the acceptance of
these demands. This success became the immediate reason for the formation of the ML (Muslim
.League) in December 1906
Q Why was the Simla Delegation Important? (7)
Ans. The British showed their sympathy towards Muslims. The Muslim delegation was able to
persuade the British to accept them as an important Indian community. This was possible mainly due
to the attempts of Sir Syed and his colleagues to improve relations with the British. Now, their efforts
had started bearing fruit as the British were prepared to work with the Muslims and grant them
.concessions like the separate electorates
Success of the Simla delegation also showed the growing political awareness among Muslims about
their rights and status in India. Since the Hindus had already started making progress in all walks of
life, the rivalry between Muslims and Hindus was bound to grow. This rivalry was now going to be
visible in the constitution, too. The Muslims had started realizing that they needed to secure a better
.position in the British India
It also showed the growing sense of nationalism among Muslims. By asking for separate electorates
and a greater share in the legislative councils and the government jobs demonstrated that 'Muslims had
started working on proving themselves a distinct and important community of India. For this reason,
the Muslims decided to make their own political party only after two months on 30 th December
.1906

Q: In Dec Muslim League was established in 1906 because of the Hindus had their own political party."
?Do you agree
Give reasons for your answer. (14)
Ans: The Muslim League was founded on 30 0 December, 1900, The Hindu policies were a major
reason for the formation of Muslim League (ML), The Congress had been demanding replacement of
Hindi as the official language Urdu in various provinces. It also opposed the partition of Bengal in
190%, This woe, for the Muslims as they realized the hidden INC aims of denying Muslims for any

7
progress. The way the INC launched the Swadeshi Movement with country wide protests and strikes,
proved to be an eye-opening experience for the Muslims They increasingly felt the need of their own
.political party that could counter any anti-Muslim activities and campaigns
Another reason for the formation of ML was the success of the Simla Deputation, In October 1906
about 36 Muslim delegates led by SIT Agha Khan called on the Viceroy Lord Minto at Simla. This
delegation demanded a greater share of Muslims in the councils and the government jobs. It also
demanded separate electorates for the Muslims in view of their political importance and numerical
weakness against the Hindu majority. Lord Minto's encouraging response convinced the delegation that
.the organized efforts were more likely to be successful. For this a political party wag needed
By the start of the twentieth century the activities of the Hindu extremist party a S amaj (Hindu
Society), had become more intense. The purpose of this party was purify India from non-Hindu
elements, especially Muslims. With the passage of time it began to use force against the weak Muslims
and there were reports of forcible conversion of Muslims into Hindus, Muslims felt insecure about
their cultural and religious identity and realized that a political party could protect and promote their
.cultural and political rights
In February 1906, the Liberal Party won elections in England. It was generally more sympathetic
towards the Indians and especially, at times, towards Indian Muslims. It announced that it would
expand the legislative councils by including more Indians. Muslims realized it was time to think of
making their own political party because the INC had not been sincere towards them. In order to join
the legislative councils’ elections had to be contested through the platform of a political party.
Therefore, prominent Muslim leaders gathered at the residence of Nawab Salimullah Khan in Dhaka to
attend the 20m session of the MEC (Muhammadan Educational Conference). There they decided to
convert the MEC into a political party name All
India Muslim Confederacy that was soon renamed
It may be concluded that ML was founded mainly because political party. In view of the prevailing
circumstances constitute a party that could voice their concerns and cultural identity and rights.
.Eventually the ML became Pakistan Movement that led to the creation of Pakistan

The M.M (Morley-Minto) Reforms/lndian Councils Act, 1909

 Jointly drafted by Lord Minto (Viceroy) & John Morley (Secretary of State), approved by the govt.
 More Indian share in all the councils:
 The Imperial Council- 60 seats, with more non-official (not holding any govt office) members— on the whole
majority of the official members was retained
 60 more members in the Central Executive Council - members could discuss general matters & advise the govt
on some matters e.g. budget expansion of the Provincial Councils -50 members in the larger, 30 members in
the smaller provinces.
Importance of the M.M Reforms
 Greater say of the Indians in the govt affairs by expansion of central & provincial councils
 British desire to train the Indians in politics, allow them to express opinion, but they could not afford giving
Indians any decisive powers—the council members could raise questions & give advice to the govt but could
not make/ change any law. real powers with the British
 More non-official members - gradually, more elected members in the councils in future

8
  Separate Muslim electorates a major breakthrough in British —Muslim relations & a major step towards
national identity & protection of the Muslim community— INC opposed this measure.
Reasons for INC opposing the M.M. Reforms:
 INC wanted more powers for the councils— not satisfied with the limited concessions granted under the
reforms
 Declared separate Muslim electorates against the spirit of democracy, although the British didn't aim at
introducing democracy in India— they were granting as few concessions to India as were necessary at that
time.
 For INC, this was another step against the Indian nationalism & unity

Q. What was the Indian Councils Act 1909/The Morley-Minto Reforms? (4)
Ans. They were jointly drafted by the Viceroy Lord Minto, and the Secretary of State for India John Morley. Under
these all the councils were enlarged. The Imperial Council now had 60 members, and 60 new members were added to
the Central Executive Council. Provincial Councils were increased to 50 members in the larger and 30 in the smaller
provinces. The councils, however, could not make, amend or annul any law but could only advise the government on
important matters. Muslims were given the right of separate electorate and, therefore, the INC opposed the reforms.

Q. Why were the Morley-Minto reforms of 1909 opposed by the INC? (7)
Ans. The INC was disappointed by the reforms. The reforms gave nominal powers to the central and provincial
legislative councils. They could not make, change or annul any of the laws. Instead, the members could only ask
questions on important matters, express their opinions or advise the government respectfully. This went against the
INC policy of making a demand for self-rule in India.
The INC also wanted a greater increase in the size of the councils at all levels so that a greater number of Indians could
make way to the power corridor. The British knew all this and therefore, they increased the size of the councils
according to their own policies as they were in no mood to raise the legislative councils to the status of a parliament or
establish a democracy in India as can be seen from the remarks of John Morley, -l for one would have nothing to do
with it (democracy/parliament)." The INC sharply criticized the granting of separate electorate to the Muslims. It was
unhappy on Muslims getting a relatively higher position in the councils despite their much smaller numbers. The INC
declared this an undemocratic step because such a special concession to Muslims directly threatened the Hindu
dominance in Indian politics.

9
 The Mont-Ford Reforms (Govt of India Act, 1919)
Why were they introduced?
 Mounting pressure on the British govt by Indians —o growing demand for self-rule
 The LP b/w INC & ML could not be ignored demand for greater rights for Indians.
 Woodrow Wilson, the US President & the wartime ally of Britain, insisted on granting the right
of "self-determination" to various nations after the war.
Details of the Act
 Drafted jointly by the Viceroy, Lord Chelmsford & Secretary of State, John [Link],
July, 1919.
 Recommended some degree of responsibility to the elected representatives
 Legislative Council —now called Legislative Assembly, with 145 members —103 to be elected
for a period of 3 years. Out of 103, 32 to be Muslims.
 Legislative Assembly - lower house & the Council of States - upper house, 60 seats, 33 to be
elected — a Bicameral set up to allow state princes to discuss important matters — no real
powers — just a • talking shop"
 Diarchy in the provincial govt —two lists of responsibilities • reserved subjects• under the
governor & his Executive Council of 2-4 members
 Provincial ministers got the "transferred subjects" ministers were responsible to the Provincial
Legislative Councils.
 Greater number of voters — 5.5 million out of 250 million
 Real powers still with the British, both in the Center & the Provincial levels Viceroy could
pass any law —Executive Council had nominated members, though 3-4 were Indians Provincial
ministers, chosen by the Viceroy, from the Councils.

Q: "The Montague-Chelmsford reforms were more important than any other political developments
between 1909 and 1919.' Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer. (14)
Ans: The Montague-Chelmsford reforms (M.C reforms) were jointly drafted by John Montague,
Secretary of State of India, and Lord Chelmsford, the Viceroy. They became operative in 1919. They
enlarged the size of the legislative councils, increased the number of voters to 5.5 million and granted the
right of separate electorate to Sikhs, too.
In the Centre, a bicameral set up was introduced with an upper house, the Council of State and a lower
house the legislative assembly. The Council of State had 60 seats, 33 of whom were elected. The
Legislative Assembly had 145 members, with 103 being elected for a period of 3 years. These 103

10
included 32 Muslims. A Council of Princes was setup with 108 members where Princes could debate
important topics. At provincial level, Diarchy was introduced. In this, subjects were divided between the
governor (reserved subjects) and ministers (transferred subjects). Enlargement of the councils, increased
number of voters and protection of minorities were welcomed. The real powers were, however, still with
the British, as the Viceroy could pass any law he liked in the Centre. Governors of the provinces,
likewise, could veto any law they disliked. The Council of Princes, too, didn't have powers and eventually
it became a kind of a 'talking shop'.
To make things worse, the Rowlatt Act was enforced. It gave powers to the police to arrest anyone
without warrant and detain him without the right of bail. The Act led to the tragic Amritsar massacre.
However, some other political developments also took place during the same time period. Before the
1919 Act, the British had introduced the Indian Councils Act 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto
reforms (M.M. Reforms). Under this act, size of the provincial and central legislative councils was
increased: for larger provinces 50 and for smaller provinces 30 members. The Imperial Council was
increased to 60 members by adding more non official members. Also, the Central Executive Council was
expanded by adding 60 new members, including many Indians. Muslims were given the right of separate
electorates. The councils, however, had little powers. The members could ask questions and express their
opinion and advise the government on some issues. INC was not satisfied with these provisions and it
sharply criticized the provision of separate electorates for Muslims. For INC, it was an undemocratic
concession, but for Muslim League, it was recognition of their political importance. The Lucknow Pact of
1916 was an agreement between INC and Muslim League. Due to the efforts of Jinnah, ML and INC held
their joint sessions on at Qaiser Bagh Baradari, Lucknow. INC was led by Ambeka and ML was
represented by Mr. Jinnah. Both parties agreed on a charter of common demands, called the Lucknow
Pact. The Pact asked the British for provincial autonomy, enlargement of the councils by including more
Indians. congress agreed on the acceptance of separate Muslim electorates. It also granted Muslims one-
third seats in the Centre. The Lucknow Pact meant of Hindu-Muslim unity. There were two more Home
Rule Leagues during same period of al Dhar Tilak and the other by Mrs. Annie Besant
Hindus would be ready to accept any degree of partition of India along communal lines in future.
With objective analysis, it seems that the Mont-ford reforms showed the important political development,
because the introduction of Diarchy on provincial level set up showed the British willingness to grant
Indians more rights, though slowly.
Secretary of States John Montague and the Viceroy Lord Chelmsford introduced the Mont-Ford Reforms
as the Government of India Act 1919. As Indians expected some reward for their contribution in the
WW1, the British gave them some concessions in the new reforms. In the Centre, a bicameral set up was
introduced with an upper house, the Council of States, and a lower house, the Legislative Assembly.

11
There was majority of the elected people in the Assembly. At provincial level, Diarchy was introduced in
which some of the reserved subjects of the provincial governors were transferred to the ministers. This
was claimed to be a step towards self-rule. Separate electorates was also extended to the Sikhs. Both the
INC and the ML opposed these reforms as they had expected more political rights for the Indians. The
British had anticipated this disappointment. Therefore, they implemented the infamous Rowlatt Act that
empowered the police to arrest anyone without a warrant and detain the arrested person for an indefinite
period. The Indian anger grew as Jinnah and Gandhi sharply criticized the Act. Hundreds of Indian
protestors were killed in the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar.
If viewed objectively, it seems that all these political developments were a failure because they eventually
escalated to dissatisfaction among Indians over whatever was offered to them by the British. The political
deadlock persisted despite efforts by both the British and the Indians.

Alternative judgements;
The 1909 Act may be considered to be the most important development because by granting separate
electorates for the Muslims, the British strengthened the idea of nationalism among Muslims which would
evolve into their demand for a separate homeland.
The Lucknow Pact looks to be the most important development because it showed the possibility of joint
struggle for independence by the two largest communities of India, Hindus and Muslims. If the spirit of
the Pact had been retained, British might have been pressurized more than their expectations.

The Lucknow Pact was signed between the ML and the INC in 1916. Both parties gathered in Lucknow
with Jinnah representing the ML and Ambeka Charan Mahajan Jed the INC delegation. Both parties
agreed to demand provincial autonomy and enlargement of councils in India. The INC accepted the
separate electorates for Muslims and even agreed to one third seats in the government. For the first time
both major parties had shown such a unity. It was a reflection of the campaign for self-rule in India. This
success was greatly attributed to Jinnah who was hailed as •the ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity".
However, it also showed the depth of communal divide in India because the separate electorates was
linked with the distinct Muslim identity.

Reaction of the Indians to the 1919 Act

 The Act disappointed the major political parties of India
 Indians expected much more as reward for their role in the WWI , but the real powers still with
the British Viceroy & the Executive Council

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  Gandhi & Jinnah opposed the Act Aug 1918, special session of INC declared the Act as,
"Inadequate, unsatisfactory & disappointing" Jinnah, however, asked all to avoid violence and
urged on working together.
 Other minorities also began to demand for the separate electorates' - more divisions among
Indians.

The Rowlatt Act

 British anticipated violent reaction from the Indians they were ready to deal with such reaction
strictly
 Dec, 1917 a committee under Justice Rowlatt, to investigate revolutionary activity in India.
 Apr 1918 the committee recommended some emergency measures under the Defence of India
Act: arrest without warrant detention without bail
 the rights of the provincial govt to order people where to live.
 Widespread opposition by all major leaders
 strikes & demonstrations
Violence eventually escalated to the tragic "Amritsar Massacre" 1919 General Dyer ordered fire on the
unarmed crowd in the Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar.

Q. What were the Mont-Ford reforms/The Government of India Act 1919 (4)
Ans. They were jointly drafted by the Secretary of State, John Montague and the Viceroy, Lord
Chelmsford. A bicameral set up was introduced at the Centre with an Upper House, the Council of States,
and a Lower House, the Legislative Assembly. Out of 145 members of the Legislative Assembly, 103
were elected. At the provincial level, Diarchy was introduced under which some of the reserved subjects
of the Governor were transferred to the ministers. The right of separate electorates was extended to the
Sikhs, too. The number of voters was increased to 5.5 million. Both INC and ML opposed the reforms.

Q: What was the Rowlatt Act? (4)

Ans. The British anticipated a violent reaction to the Mont-Ford reforms. They appointed an investigative
committee under Justice Rowlatt in Dec. 1917. In the light of its report the Rowlatt Act was passed in
1919. The Act empowered the local administration/police to arrest anyone without warrant, detain him
without the right of bail and decide where the people in a province should live. Gandhi launched a
countrywide strike against it, and Jinnah resigned from the Imperial Legislative Council in protest. A
protest by 20,000 unarmed people led to the tragic massacre at Jallianwala Bagh, a public park, in
Amritsar, in April 1919.

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Q: Describe the Amritsar Massacre? (4)
Ans. As part of protest against the Rowlett Act, there was unrest in Amritsar and five Europeans were
killed. An angry mob of 20,000 gathered in a public park, Jallianwala Bagh. Though all were peaceful
protesters, General Dyer, the local British Commander was determined to restore peace as he had banned
all public meetings. He sealed the only exit of the park and ordered a shootout without warning. Over
1600 rounds were fired and about 400 people were killed while another 1200 were wounded. Dyer was
trialed under the Hunter Committee and he was removed from his service without any further
punishment.

Source A, a statement of Jinnah against the Rowlett Act,

"In my opinion, a Government that passes or sanctions such a law in times of peace forfeits its claims to
be called a civilized Government. Passage of such laws is bound to lead to unrest in the country and
growth of resentment against the Government I advise the British to reconsider the Act."

Q: According to source A, what message is being conveyed by Jinnah? (3)

Ans. In Jinnah's opinion the Rowlett Act was passed at a wrong time. The clauses of the Act negated the
British claim of being a civilized Government in India. He is drawing the attention of the British
authorities towards a possible outbreak of large-scale violence.

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Source B: Gen. Dyer examining the site in Jallianwal Bagh after the shootout.

Q: Describe the scene of the site of the massacre as shown in the picture? (5)
Ans. General Dyer has been escorted to the site of the shootout. He is closely observing the scene and is
being briefed about the whole incident by his have difficulty in making the count of the dead. The unusual
his subordinates around him shows that he is in full control of the subjects is providing him shade against
the sun and this achieved his objective of telling the Indians to obey the British in all circumstances.

Marking Scheme

Q. Why was India not granted self-rule by Britain in 1919? [7] Oct/Nov 2018
Level 3: Explains reasons 5–7 (Five marks for one explanation, six marks for two explanations, seven
marks for three explanations)
e.g. Britain was severely weakened after WW1, especially economically. All colonial nations were
facing demands from their colonies for independence in one form or another, and Britain viewed India as
the jewel of the Empire. Britain’s standing as a world power would be weakened if it gave in to Indian
demands. Strategically, India was important for the British navy and British influence in the region.
Therefore, the British were reluctant to give in to Indian demands. There were many thousands of British

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people living in India who could not be abandoned. The British government did not want to lose these
businessmen, missionaries and civil servants.
Q. Which of the following had the most important effect on the Pakistan Movement between 1909 and
1919? the Morley-Minto reforms, 1909 (ii) the reversal of the partition of Bengal, 1911 (iii) the Lucknow
Pact, 1916 Explain your answer with reference to all three above. [10]

Level 4: Explains IMPACT of two or more events 6–9 (Two explanations are worth 6 or 7 marks.
Additional explanations on the same two events cannot be awarded more than 8 marks. Explanation of all
events is worth 9 marks)

Ans. Morley-Minto Reforms became law in 1909 as the Indian Councils Act. The importance of the
Councils, which were enlarged, was to ensure that Indian legislators were given a chance to express their
opinions. The British also accepted the right of the Muslim community to have a separate electorate. The
Hindu community reacted to the Partition of Bengal with protests. The decision by the British to reverse
the partition was seen as a victory by the Hindu community, but as betrayal by the Muslim community
who now realised how important it was to ensure the success of the Muslim League for the Muslim
community to prosper in India. They felt they could no longer rely on either Congress or the British to
protect their interests. The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was an agreement between the Muslim and Hindu
communities, which presented a number of political demands to the British government to show a united
front and produce common aims. For the first time, the Hindu community acknowledged that the Muslim
community had the right to a separate electorate and the Lucknow Pact was seen as a promise of hope for
the future.

Q. What was the Swadeshi Movement? [4] May/June 2018

Level 1: One mark for each relevant point, two marks for a developed statement 1–4
e.g. A boycott of British goods by Hindus during / because of the Partition of Bengal, 1905–11 British
cloth was thrown onto bonfires The Hindu community wore locally produced clothes There were a
series of strikes by Indian workers, e.g. in Calcutta.

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