Model Answers- Answer Writing Practice- Day 4

Day 4: Model Answers for Mains Questions posted on 25th June

1. “The Indian Council Acts of 1861 and 1892 reversed the process of legislative centralization which had dominated British regulation since 1774” Explain 

Answer: 

Introduction

Since the Regulating Act of 1773, the process of legislative centralization was introduced in British India. It designated the Governor of Bengal as the ‘Governor-General of Bengal” and made the governors of Bombay and Madras presidencies subordinate to the governor-general of Bengal. This was the stepping stone to this process 

Body

• By the Charter Act of 1833, there was financial, legislative and administrative centralisation of the government. 
• The governor-general was given the power to superintend, control and direct all civil and military affairs of the Company.
• Bengal, Madras, Bombay and all other territories were placed under complete control of the governor-general. 
• All revenues were to be raised under the authority of the governor-general who would have complete control over the expenditure too.
• The Governments of Madras and Bombay were drastically deprived of their legislative powers and left with a right of proposing to the governor-general the projects of law which they thought to be expedient.
• However, this process was revered by the Indian Council Acts. 

• The Indian Council Act of 1861 allowed for the formation of Legislative Councils in all presidencies and it also established it in North Western Province (1886) and Punjab (1897). 
• This allowed for the decentralisation of administration with the vesting of legislative power to the presidencies of Bombay and Madras.
• The Indian Council Act of 1892, enlarged the non-official members in
  Legislative Councils.
• Further, Legislative Councils were empowered to make new laws and repeal old laws with the permission of the Governor-General.

Conclusion 

Therefore, the Indian Council Acts, introduced the process of legislative decentralization. The legislative councils allowed this process to develop and by 1935, provinces were given legislative autonomy. This process was important for effective control and administration of the ever-changing India during the national movement. 

2. Discuss the methods and approach of the Moderates during the Indian National Movement? 

Introduction 

Since the formation of Indian National Congress in 1885, it was dominated by personalities such as W.C. Bonnerjee, Rashbehari Ghosh, Surendranath Banerjee, R.C. Dutt, Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta and Justice Ranade; collectively they have characterised as Moderates. Their politics in Indian National movement was based on principle of reforming colonialism and not rejected it. Let’s understand their methods and approach: 

Body 

• The moderate political activity involved constitutional agitation within the confines of law and showed a slow but orderly political progress. 
• The Moderates believed that the British basically wanted to be just to the Indians but were not aware of the real conditions. 
• Therefore, if public opinion could be created in the country and public demands be presented to the government through resolutions, petitions, meetings, etc., the authorities would concede these demands gradually.
• To achieve these ends, they worked on a two-pronged methodology: first, create a strong public opinion to arouse consciousness and national spirit and then educate and unite people on common political questions; 
• Second to persuade the British Government and British public opinion to introduce reforms in India on the lines laid out by the nationalists. 
• They used the method of ‘prayer and petition’ and if that failed, they resorted to constitutional agitation.
• The Moderate leaders believed that political connections with Britain were in India’s interest at that stage of history and that the time was not ripe for a direct challenge to the British rule. 
• Therefore, it was considered to be appropriate to try and transform the colonial rule to be as close to a national rule as possible.
• The Moderate politics is also reflected in the demands which they made such as 
• Indianisation of government service
• Call for separation of judicial from executive functions.
• Criticism of an oppressive and tyrannical bureaucracy and an expensive and time-consuming judicial system.
• Civil rights included the right to speech, thought, association and a free press. 
• Through an incessant campaign, the nationalists were able to spread modern democratic ideas, and soon the struggle.
• Simultaneous exam in India and London, and raising maximum age to 23 to stop drainage of money.
• Call for increase in expenditure on welfare (i.e., health, sanitation), education—especially elementary and technical—irrigation works and improvement of agriculture, agricultural banks for cultivators, etc

Conclusion 

Moderates agitated within the confines of the law and didn’t challenge the British rule. This method was also necessary in the context of 1885 to 1905 to protect the INC from governmental repression. It was the foundation on which the Indian National movement progressed.  

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