While the Morley-Minto reforms were presented as a step towards constitutional reform and self-governance, they ultimately served as another tool of British despotism. Comment.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
1. While the Morley-Minto reforms were presented as a step towards constitutional reform and self-governance, they ultimately served as another tool of British despotism. Comment. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1. Key Demand of the question: To write about how Morley-Minto reforms were another tool of despotism rather than being constitutional reforms. Directive word: Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start by giving the context for the introduction of the Reforms of 1909 such as the dissatisfaction of the moderates of the Indian Councils Act, 1892 and the rise of the Extremists in the arena of Indian leaders. Body: Briefly mention the key changes brought in by the reforms of 1909 and then why it cannot be termed as “Constitutional reform”, as it brought out minor additive changes only and not met the demands of the Indian leaders genuinely such as provision for asking questions and supplementary questions but at the same time the question may be rejected, further the Indian representatives could not question on many forms of expenditure of the British etc. Mention why the reform was termed Benevolent Despotism, as the British tried to paint a colour of benevolence to the reforms by bringing small additive changes to the existing provisions but it was still an act of despotism as there was no substantial reform meeting the needs or demands of the Indian representatives in the legislative council. The introduction of separate electorates which formalised the British policy of divide and rule. Conclusion: Write about the impact of the reforms and response of the nationalists to it.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about how Morley-Minto reforms were another tool of despotism rather than being constitutional reforms.
Directive word:
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving the context for the introduction of the Reforms of 1909 such as the dissatisfaction of the moderates of the Indian Councils Act, 1892 and the rise of the Extremists in the arena of Indian leaders.
Briefly mention the key changes brought in by the reforms of 1909 and then why it cannot be termed as “Constitutional reform”, as it brought out minor additive changes only and not met the demands of the Indian leaders genuinely such as provision for asking questions and supplementary questions but at the same time the question may be rejected, further the Indian representatives could not question on many forms of expenditure of the British etc.
Mention why the reform was termed Benevolent Despotism, as the British tried to paint a colour of benevolence to the reforms by bringing small additive changes to the existing provisions but it was still an act of despotism as there was no substantial reform meeting the needs or demands of the Indian representatives in the legislative council. The introduction of separate electorates which formalised the British policy of divide and rule.
Conclusion:
Write about the impact of the reforms and response of the nationalists to it.