India’s constitutional and administrative framework has evolved through a series of legislative enactments during British rule. These acts not only shaped India's governance system but also paved the way for its independence. Understanding these developments is crucial for MPSC aspirants preparing for the history and polity sections of the exam. Let’s explore the historical underpinnings of India, from the early British rule to the formation of independent India.
Acts Passed for the British East India Company Rule (1773-1853)
Regulating Act of 1773
This was the first step towards regulating the affairs of the British East India Company. It designated Warren Hastings as the Governor-General of Bengal and placed the Presidencies of Madras and Bombay under Bengal’s control.
- The Governor-General was provided with an executive council of four members, who would assist him in military and non-military decisions.
- A Supreme Court with a Chief Justice and three other judges was established in 1774 at Fort William, Calcutta.
- The act prohibited Company officials from engaging in private trade or accepting bribes.
- The British government strengthened control over the Company by requiring reports on revenue, civil, and military affairs through the Court of Directors.
Pitt’s India Act of 1784
- This act distinguished between the commercial and political functions of the Company.
- A Board of Control was created for political matters, while the Court of Directors managed commercial affairs.
- The Board of Control comprised six members to oversee Indian administration.
Act of 1786
- The Governor-General was granted the power to override his council in matters affecting the empire’s safety.
- The Governor-General was also given the power of Commander-in-Chief.
- Lord Cornwallis was the first Governor-General to enjoy these powers.
Charter Act of 1793
- Extended the Company’s commercial monopoly for another 20 years.
Charter Act of 1813
- Allowed missionary activities in India.
- A provision was made to spend one lakh rupees annually on Indian education.
- Ended the Company’s monopoly over all trade except tea and trade with China.
Charter Act of 1833
- The Governor-General of Bengal was re-designated as the Governor-General of India, concentrating all civil and military powers.
- Lord William Bentinck became the first Governor-General of India.
- The Company ceased to be a commercial body and became solely an administrative entity.
- A legal member (fourth member) was added to the Governor-General’s executive council.
- Macaulay became the first legal member of the council.
Charter Act of 1853
- Separated legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General’s council for the first time.
- Established a separate Indian (Central) Legislative Council for law-making.
- Introduced an open competition system for the recruitment of civil servants.
Acts Passed under the British Crown (1858-1947)
Government of India Act 1858
- British Crown assumed direct control over India, ending the rule of the East India Company.
- The Governor-General was now called the 'Viceroy' of India and became the British Crown’s direct representative.
- Lord Canning was the first Viceroy of India.
- Board of Control and Court of Directors were abolished.
- A new post of Secretary of State for India was created, assisted by a council of 15 members.
- The Council of India was advisory in nature, while most decisions remained with the Secretary of State.
Indian Councils Act 1861
- Allowed the participation of Indian representatives in the legislative process.
- Restored legislative powers to the provinces of Madras and Bombay, beginning the process of decentralization.
- Empowered the Viceroy to issue ordinances in emergencies, effective for up to six months.
Indian Councils Act 1892
- Increased the number of non-official members in both Central and Provincial Legislative Councils.
- Introduced the principle of election, though the term 'election' was carefully avoided.
- Allowed Indian members to ask questions and discuss budgets.
Indian Councils Act 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)
- Indians were included in the executive councils of the Viceroy and Governors.
- Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian to join the Viceroy’s Executive Council as a law member.
- Legislative councils at the central and provincial levels were expanded.
- Members were given the right to discuss and ask supplementary questions.
- Introduced separate electorates for Muslims, earning Lord Minto the title ‘Father of Communal Electorate’.
Government of India Act 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms)
- Introduced direct elections.
- Extended communal representation to Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, and Europeans.
- Introduced bicameralism at the central level.
- Separated subjects into Central and Provincial lists.
- Established dyarchy in provinces by dividing provincial subjects into 'transferred' and 'reserved' categories.
- First use of the term ‘responsible government’.
- Provided for a commission to review the act’s functioning after ten years.
- The Simon Commission was appointed in 1927 to review its working.
Government of India Act 1935
- Established an All-India Federation with provinces and princely states as units.
- Introduced dyarchy at the center while abolishing it in the provinces.
- Established the Reserve Bank of India.
- Extended communal representation to Scheduled Castes, women, and laborers.
- Set up a Federal Court in 1937.
- Separated Burma from British India.
- Created new provinces—Sindh and Orissa.
- Introduced bicameralism in six out of eleven provinces.
Indian Independence Act 1947
- Declared India an independent and sovereign nation effective August 15, 1947.
- Abolished the office of the Viceroy and appointed a Governor-General for each dominion.
- Removed the title of 'Emperor of India' from the British monarch’s official titles.
Previous Year Questions from MPSC Exams
- Which Act first established a Supreme Court in India? (MPSC 2020)
- The term ‘Father of Communal Electorate’ is associated with which Act? (MPSC 2019)
- Which Act introduced the concept of ‘Dyarchy’ in India? (MPSC 2018)
- Who was the first Indian to be included in the Viceroy’s Executive Council? (MPSC 2017)
- Which Act separated the legislative and executive functions for the first time? (MPSC 2016)
Conclusion
The historical progression of India’s constitutional development was a gradual transition from absolute colonial rule to self-governance. Each legislative act played a significant role in shaping modern India’s governance framework. Understanding these developments is essential for MPSC aspirants, as it provides insights into the administrative, political, and social evolution of the country.
To ace the MPSC exam, candidates should focus on these historical events, practice timeline-based revisions, and correlate historical acts with their contemporary relevance. The struggle for independence was not just about political freedom but also about establishing a legal and administrative structure that laid the foundation for democratic India.