Historical Background

VidyaarOctober 15, 2026048 views

70. Which outcome followed the Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley–Minto Reforms)?

[RRB NTPC (UG), CBT-I, 18 June 2026, Shift 3]

(A) Provincial autonomy with independent ministries
(B) A reduction in legislative councils and Indian participation
(C) Expanded legislative councils, Indian participation in the Viceroy’s Executive Council and broader deliberation
(D) Removal of all nominated members and universal direct elections

Answer: (C) Expanded legislative councils, Indian participation in the Viceroy’s Executive Council and broader deliberation

Explanation: The 1909 reforms enlarged legislative councils and permitted greater discussion of public matters. Satyendra Prasanna Sinha joined the Viceroy’s Executive Council in 1909. Nevertheless, executive power remained with colonial authorities, and separate communal electorates limited the representative character of the reforms.

69. The Morley–Minto Reforms were introduced in British India in which year?

[RRB NTPC (UG), CBT-I, 16 June 2026, Shift 2]

(A) 1909
(B) 1905
(C) 1919
(D) 1935

Answer: (A) 1909

Explanation: The Indian Councils Act of 1909 is popularly called the Morley–Minto Reforms. John Morley was Secretary of State for India and Lord Minto was Viceroy. The Act enlarged legislative councils and established separate electorates for Muslims.

68. The Indian Councils Act of which year introduced the separate electorate in India?

[RRB NTPC (UG), CBT-I, 15 June 2026, Shift 1]

(A) 1862
(B) 1903
(C) 1861
(D) 1909

Answer: (D) 1909

Explanation: The Indian Councils Act of 1909 introduced a separate Muslim electorate, in which Muslim voters elected Muslim representatives to designated seats. This marked an important departure from common electoral representation and is closely associated with the Morley–Minto constitutional reforms.

67. Which Act first permitted discussions on the budget in Indian legislative councils?

[SSC GD Constable, 22 May 2026, Shift 3]

(A) Indian Councils Act, 1892
(B) Indian Councils Act, 1861
(C) Indian Councils Act, 1909
(D) Government of India Act, 1919

Answer: (A) Indian Councils Act, 1892

Explanation: The Indian Councils Act of 1892 enlarged councils and allowed their members to discuss the annual financial statement. Their authority remained narrow: they could not vote upon the budget, and supplementary questions were not permitted under the original provisions.

66. Which Act formally ended the rule of the East India Company in India?

[SSC GD Constable, 22 May 2026, Shift 1]

(A) Regulating Act, 1773
(B) Government of India Act, 1858
(C) Indian Councils Act, 1861
(D) Charter Act, 1833

Answer: (B) Government of India Act, 1858

Explanation: The 1858 Act transferred government from the East India Company to the British Crown after the uprising of 1857. It established the Secretary of State for India and ended Company rule, although colonial rule itself continued until 1947.

65. Which colonial reform is frequently described as a blueprint for India’s Constitution?

[SSC GD Constable, 20 May 2026, Shift 3]

(A) Morley–Minto Reforms, 1909
(B) Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms, 1919
(C) Government of India Act, 1935
(D) Indian Independence Act, 1947

Answer: (C) Government of India Act, 1935

Explanation: The Government of India Act, 1935 supplied several institutional models later adapted by Constitution-makers, including federal lists, administrative structures and public service commissions. Its proposed all-India federation never commenced, but provincial autonomy did operate from 1937.

64. What did the Government of India Act, 1935 provide?

[RRB NTPC (UG), CBT-I, 9 May 2026, Shift 2]

(A) Provincial autonomy and a proposed federal structure
(B) Separate electorates for every community
(C) Separate electorates only for Hindus
(D) Dyarchy in the provinces

Answer: (A) Provincial autonomy and a proposed federal structure

Explanation: The 1935 legislation abolished dyarchy in provinces and created a framework for provincial self-government. It also proposed a federation of provinces and princely states, but that federation was not implemented because the necessary accession conditions were unmet.

63. Which Act introduced a bicameral legislature at the Centre of British India?

[OSSSC Forester/Forest Guard/Excise Constable, 30 April 2026, Shift 1]

(A) Charter Act, 1833
(B) Indian Councils Act, 1861
(C) Government of India Act, 1919
(D) Pitt’s India Act, 1784

Answer: (C) Government of India Act, 1919

Explanation: The Government of India Act, 1919 replaced the earlier single central legislative council with two chambers: the Council of State and Legislative Assembly. Elections remained limited by property and other qualifications, so bicameralism did not imply full democratic responsibility.

62. Which Act is associated with the Morley–Minto Reforms?

[OSSSC Forester/Forest Guard/Excise Constable, 28 April 2026, Shift 3]

(A) Indian Councils Act, 1909
(B) Government of India Act, 1919
(C) Indian Councils Act, 1892
(D) Government of India Act, 1935

Answer: (A) Indian Councils Act, 1909

Explanation: The Morley–Minto measures took statutory form through the Indian Councils Act, 1909. They increased the size of central and provincial councils and introduced communal electorates for Muslims, while preserving decisive executive authority in British hands.

61. Which British law first regulated the administration of the East India Company’s Indian territories, especially Bengal?

[RRB NTPC (Graduate), CBT-I, 24 March 2026, Shift 3]

(A) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
(B) Government of India Act, 1858
(C) Regulating Act, 1773
(D) Charter Act, 1813

Answer: (C) Regulating Act, 1773

Explanation: The Regulating Act of 1773 was Parliament’s first major intervention in Company governance. It created the Governor-General of Bengal with a council and laid the basis for a Supreme Court at Calcutta, strengthening metropolitan supervision over territorial administration.

60. Which law provided for the Supreme Court established at Calcutta in 1774?

[RRB NTPC (Graduate), CBT-I, 22 March 2026, Shift 2]

(A) Government of India Act, 1858
(B) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
(C) Regulating Act, 1773
(D) Charter Act, 1813

Answer: (C) Regulating Act, 1773

Explanation: The Regulating Act of 1773 authorised a Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William. It commenced functioning in 1774, with Sir Elijah Impey as its first Chief Justice, and constituted an early landmark in colonial judicial institutions.

59. Which Act first provided for Indian participation in legislative lawmaking under British rule?

[RRB NTPC (Graduate), CBT-I, 22 March 2026, Shift 2]

(A) Indian Councils Act, 1861
(B) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
(C) Charter Act, 1853
(D) Government of India Act, 1858

Answer: (A) Indian Councils Act, 1861

Explanation: The 1861 Indian Councils Act enabled the Viceroy to nominate non-official members, including Indians, to an enlarged legislative council. The beginning was consultative rather than electoral: nominees could participate in specified legislative business without controlling the executive.

58. Which legislation introduced provincial dyarchy by dividing subjects into reserved and transferred categories?

[RRB NTPC (Graduate), CBT-I, 16 March 2026, Shift 2]

(A) Indian Councils Act, 1892
(B) Government of India Act, 1919
(C) Indian Councils Act, 1909
(D) Government of India Act, 1935

Answer: (B) Government of India Act, 1919

Explanation: Under the 1919 Act, reserved subjects remained with the Governor and executive councillors, while transferred subjects were administered by ministers responsible to provincial legislatures. The division produced a limited experiment in responsible government before provincial dyarchy ended under the 1935 Act.

57. The Charter Act of 1833 changed the Governor-General of Bengal into the Governor-General of what?

[SSC CPO, 12 December 2025, Shift 1]

(A) Madras
(B) Bombay
(C) India
(D) Bengal Presidency

Answer: (C) India

Explanation: By centralising lawmaking, the Charter Act of 1833 redesignated the Governor-General of Bengal as Governor-General of India. Lord William Bentinck was the first person to hold the newly styled office, exercising authority over British territories across India.

56. What was notable about the selection of Indian council members under the Indian Councils Act, 1892?

[SSC CPO, 9 December 2025, Shift 1]

(A) Universal adult franchise was introduced
(B) A majority were directly elected by the public
(C) Nominations continued, with limited indirect electoral recommendations
(D) Equal seats were guaranteed to every religious community

Answer: (C) Nominations continued, with limited indirect electoral recommendations

Explanation: The 1892 Act enlarged legislative councils and opened a restricted route for bodies such as municipalities and universities to recommend members. Formal appointments still occurred through nomination, and neither universal franchise nor a modern system of direct mass election existed.

55. The Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms were implemented through which Act?

[OSSSC CRE Preliminary Exam, 19 October 2025, Shift 1]

(A) Government of India Act, 1919
(B) Indian Independence Act, 1947
(C) Charter Act, 1833
(D) Indian Councils Act, 1861

Answer: (A) Government of India Act, 1919

Explanation: The Government of India Act, 1919 implemented the scheme proposed by Edwin Montagu and Lord Chelmsford. It introduced provincial dyarchy, expanded legislatures and established bicameralism at the Centre, although governors retained substantial overriding powers.

54. Which year’s Indian Councils Act first associated Indians with legislative lawmaking?

[OSSSC CRE Preliminary Exam, 17 October 2025, Shift 1]

(A) 1859
(B) 1863
(C) 1857
(D) 1861

Answer: (D) 1861

Explanation: The Indian Councils Act, 1861 restored limited legislative roles and allowed Indians to be nominated as additional members of councils. The appointments signalled an early representative element, although members were not chosen through democratic universal elections.

53. What long-term administrative effect is attributed to Pitt’s India Act?

[SSC CGL, 14 October 2025, Shift 1]

(A) India was divided into military zones
(B) The Company became completely independent
(C) British governmental supremacy over Company possessions was strengthened
(D) The Governor-General’s office was abolished

Answer: (C) British governmental supremacy over Company possessions was strengthened

Explanation: Pitt’s India Act of 1784 created a Board of Control to oversee political, military and revenue matters. Company directors continued to manage trade, but ultimate political supervision shifted firmly towards the British government through a system of dual control.

52. What did Pitt’s India Act change about the Court of Directors?

[SSC CGL, 25 September 2025, Shift 2]

(A) It received power to legislate for princely states
(B) It could dissolve all provincial courts
(C) It became subject to British government oversight in civil and military matters
(D) It was merged into the Board of Control

Answer: (C) It became subject to British government oversight in civil and military matters

Explanation: The directors continued the Company’s commercial management after 1784, while a new Board of Control supervised Indian civil, military and revenue administration. The arrangement did not merge the institutions; it divided their responsibilities and increased British state oversight.

51. What was the principal constitutional aim of the Government of India Act, 1935?

[SSC CGL, 24 September 2025, Shift 1]

(A) Immediate complete independence
(B) Dominion status immediately
(C) A federal scheme with provincial autonomy
(D) Universal adult voting rights

Answer: (C) A federal scheme with provincial autonomy

Explanation: The 1935 statute envisaged a federation embracing provinces and princely states and made provincial ministries more autonomous. Its federal component remained unimplemented, while elected ministries began working in provinces in 1937 subject to governors’ special responsibilities.

50. Pitt’s India Act, 1784 created which six-member supervisory body?

[SSC CGL, 23 September 2025, Shift 3]

(A) Board of Control
(B) Council of India
(C) Privy Council
(D) Bureau of Revenue

Answer: (A) Board of Control

Explanation: The Board of Control was established to direct and supervise the East India Company’s political and administrative activities. Its coexistence with the Court of Directors constituted dual control, separating governmental oversight from the Company’s commercial machinery.

49. Under which Act was India’s first Law Commission authorised for codifying laws?

[SSC CGL, 22 September 2025, Shift 1]

(A) Government of India Act, 1858
(B) Indian Councils Act, 1861
(C) Regulating Act, 1773
(D) Charter Act, 1833

Answer: (D) Charter Act, 1833

Explanation: The Charter Act, 1833 authorised the appointment of a Law Commission. The First Law Commission was constituted in 1834 under Thomas Babington Macaulay, contributing to the codification of Indian criminal and other laws.

48. How did Pitt’s India Act help unify British administration in India?

[SSC CGL, 19 September 2025, Shift 3]

(A) It made provincial governors fully independent
(B) It abolished the Court of Directors
(C) It strengthened the Governor-General’s authority over presidencies
(D) It merged civilian and military departments

Answer: (C) It strengthened the Governor-General’s authority over presidencies

Explanation: The 1784 legislation reinforced the Governor-General’s supervisory role over the subordinate presidencies, particularly in diplomacy and warfare. Together with the Board of Control in Britain, this strengthened administrative centralisation without ending Company rule.

47. What restriction did Pitt’s India Act impose on the Governor-General and his Council?

[SSC CGL, 16 September 2025, Shift 2]

(A) All civil laws needed the Queen’s approval
(B) Orders required unanimous support
(C) War or treaties could not be undertaken without the stipulated authority
(D) Members automatically resigned after five years

Answer: (C) War or treaties could not be undertaken without the stipulated authority

Explanation: Pitt’s Act tightened controls on expansionist decisions and placed Company political affairs under British supervision. Restrictions on initiating war and treaties aimed to prevent local officials from committing the Company to unauthorised conflicts or alliances.

46. What was a central objective of Pitt’s India Act of 1784?

[RRB NTPC (UG), CBT-I, 8 September 2025, Shift 3]

(A) Empowering independent provincial councils
(B) Restoring a universal trade monopoly
(C) Abolishing Company rule at once
(D) Creating dual control of Company affairs

Answer: (D) Creating dual control of Company affairs

Explanation: The 1784 legislation retained Company commercial administration through the Court of Directors while assigning supervision of political matters to the new Board of Control. This dual arrangement strengthened British parliamentary and governmental oversight without transferring rule directly to the Crown.

45. In which year were the Montagu–Chelmsford constitutional reforms introduced?

[RRB NTPC (UG), CBT-I, 13 August 2025, Shift 3]

(A) 1931
(B) 1919
(C) 1944
(D) 1923

Answer: (B) 1919

Explanation: The Montagu–Chelmsford proposals were embodied in the Government of India Act, 1919. The scheme introduced provincial dyarchy and expanded participation of Indians, while retaining important powers for the colonial executive. Its implementation followed in the early 1920s.

44. Which Charter Act introduced competitive examination as a basis for recruitment to Company civil services?

[RRB NTPC (Graduate), CBT-I, 11 June 2025, Shift 3]

(A) Charter Act, 1793
(B) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
(C) Charter Act, 1853
(D) Charter Act, 1813

Answer: (C) Charter Act, 1853

Explanation: The Charter Act of 1853 ended the patronage-based system of nomination in principle and opened the way for competitive recruitment. The Macaulay Committee subsequently developed the examination arrangements, giving this Act an important role in civil-service reform.

43. Which Indian Councils Act assigned individual portfolios to members of the Executive Council?

[SSC Stenographer, 10 December 2024, Shift 1]

(A) Indian Councils Act, 1858
(B) Indian Councils Act, 1861
(C) Indian Councils Act, 1909
(D) Indian Councils Act, 1892

Answer: (B) Indian Councils Act, 1861

Explanation: The Indian Councils Act, 1861 recognised the portfolio system associated with Lord Canning. Executive councillors headed particular departments rather than deciding every administrative matter collectively, making the government’s internal working more specialised and practical.

42. Which Act was the first British government intervention in the East India Company’s territorial affairs?

[SSC MTS, 4 November 2024, Shift 1]

(A) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
(B) Charter Act, 1813
(C) Regulating Act, 1773
(D) Charter Act, 1793

Answer: (C) Regulating Act, 1773

Explanation: The 1773 Regulating Act initiated parliamentary supervision of the East India Company’s territorial administration. Britain intervened amid reports of misgovernment and financial difficulties, appointing a Governor-General of Bengal and establishing a framework for later reforms.

41. Consider these statements:
(A) The Charter Act, 1833 renamed the Governor-General of Bengal as Governor-General of India.
(B) William Bentinck was the first Governor-General of India.

Which statement is incorrect?

[SSC MTS, 30 October 2024, Shift 2]

(A) Neither A nor B
(B) Only B
(C) Only A
(D) Both A and B

Answer: (A) Neither A nor B

Explanation: Both statements are true. The 1833 legislation centralised authority and redesignated the post as Governor-General of India, which Lord William Bentinck first occupied. The reform was a major stage in the creation of a unified colonial administrative structure.

40. Many basic administrative features of the Indian Constitution draw on the Government of India Act of which year?

[SSC MTS, 18 October 2024, Shift 2]

(A) 1950
(B) 1942
(C) 1935
(D) 1949

Explanation: The Government of India Act, 1935 influenced constitutional administration, including legislative lists, offices of governors, public service commissions and emergency arrangements. Independent India altered these arrangements substantially, particularly by introducing popular sovereignty and enforceable fundamental rights.

39. Warren Hastings became Governor-General of Bengal under which Act?

[SSC MTS, 7 October 2024, Shift 2]

(A) Regulating Act, 1773
(B) Government of India Act, 1858
(C) Indian Councils Act, 1909
(D) Government of India Act, 1935

Answer: (A) Regulating Act, 1773

Explanation: The Regulating Act of 1773 elevated the Governor of Bengal to Governor-General of Bengal, assisted by a four-member council. Warren Hastings became the first holder of that office under the new arrangement, which expanded administrative coordination.

38. Which law did the British Parliament pass in 1773 to regulate East India Company activities?

[SSC CGL, 23 September 2024, Shift 3]

(A) Pitt’s India Act
(B) Indian Slavery Act
(C) Age of Consent Act
(D) Regulating Act

Answer: (D) Regulating Act

Explanation: The Regulating Act was enacted in 1773 to bring the East India Company’s affairs under closer parliamentary observation. It established the office of Governor-General of Bengal and made provision for a Supreme Court at Calcutta.

37. Which Act is associated in the question with Warren Hastings and the “half-loaf system”?

[SSC CGL, 19 September 2024, Shift 3]

(A) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
(B) Government of India Act, 1858
(C) Charter Act, 1813
(D) Regulating Act, 1773

Answer: (A) Pitt’s India Act, 1784

Explanation: Pitt’s India Act of 1784 established dual control over Company affairs. The Court of Directors handled commercial matters and the new Board of Control supervised political administration. The Act strengthened British oversight without directly abolishing the Company.

36. Under which Act was the Board of Control established in Britain to supervise Indian administration?

[SSC CGL, 18 September 2024, Shift 1]

(A) Charter Act, 1813
(B) Regulating Act, 1773
(C) Charter Act, 1793
(D) Pitt’s India Act, 1784

Answer: (D) Pitt’s India Act, 1784

Explanation: The Board of Control created by Pitt’s Act oversaw the civil, military and revenue administration of British possessions in India. The East India Company continued through its Court of Directors, but political supervision shifted to British ministers.

35. Regarding Morley–Minto Reforms, which statements are correct:
(a) They are the Indian Councils Act, 1909;
(b) They expanded councils;
(c) They introduced separate Muslim electorates?

[SSC CGL, 11 September 2024, Shift 3]

(A) b and c only
(B) a, b and c
(C) a and c only
(D) a and b only

Answer: (B) a, b and c

Explanation: All three statements accurately describe the 1909 reforms. They expanded central and provincial legislative councils and introduced separate Muslim electorates. The changes enhanced limited participation but did not establish universal franchise or parliamentary responsibility.

34. Which Act transferred power to govern India from the East India Company to the British Crown?

[SSC CGL, 9 September 2024, Shift 3]

(A) Charter Act, 1833
(B) Regulating Act, 1773
(C) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
(D) Government of India Act, 1858

Answer: (D) Government of India Act, 1858

Explanation: The Government of India Act, 1858 followed the rebellion of 1857 and abolished Company rule. A Secretary of State for India and an advisory council in Britain replaced the older machinery of Company governance.

33. Which Act converted Warren Hastings’ office from Governor of Bengal to Governor-General of Bengal?

[SSC CHSL, 9 July 2024, Shift 4]

(A) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
(B) Regulating Act, 1773
(C) Indian Councils Act, 1861
(D) Charter Act, 1813

Answer: (B) Regulating Act, 1773

Explanation: Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of Bengal under the Regulating Act, 1773. This arrangement strengthened Bengal’s supervisory position over other presidencies and was among the earliest British attempts to centralise Indian administration.

32. Which Act of 1773 paved the way for establishing the Supreme Court at Calcutta?

[SSC CHSL, 3 July 2024, Shift 3]

(A) Regulating Act
(B) Pitt’s India Act
(C) Indian Councils Act
(D) Charter Act

Answer: (A) Regulating Act

Explanation: The Regulating Act, 1773 provided for a Supreme Court at Calcutta, established the following year. The institution initially exercised jurisdiction over defined categories of persons and matters, producing jurisdictional disputes later addressed by legislation in 1781.

31. Under which Act could the Governor-General in Council legislate for all British territories in India?

[SSC Selection Post (Higher Secondary), 20 June 2024, Shift 2]

(A) Charter Act, 1833
(B) Charter Act, 1793
(C) Charter Act, 1853
(D) Charter Act, 1813

Answer: (A) Charter Act, 1833

Explanation: The Charter Act of 1833 centralised legislative authority in the Governor-General in Council for British India. It reduced the independent lawmaking role of the Bombay and Madras presidencies and made a more uniform legislative framework possible.

30. Which Act is also known as the Morley–Minto Reforms?

[SSC Stenographer, 12 October 2023, Shift 1]

(A) Indian Councils Act, 1909
(B) Government of India Act, 1935
(C) Government of India Act, 1919
(D) Indian Councils Act, 1892

Answer: (A) Indian Councils Act, 1909

Explanation: The 1909 Indian Councils Act carried the Morley–Minto proposals, expanding legislative councils and bringing more Indians into formal advisory bodies. Separate Muslim electorates were its most consequential innovation and gave communal representation a statutory basis.

29. Which Act provided for a Law Commission to consolidate and codify laws in India?

[SSC CPO, 3 October 2023, Shift 3]

(A) Indian Councils Act, 1909
(B) Government of India Act, 1919
(C) Charter Act, 1813
(D) Charter Act, 1833

Answer: (D) Charter Act, 1833

Explanation: The Charter Act of 1833 authorised the first Indian Law Commission, constituted the next year under T. B. Macaulay. It sought to organise and codify existing law, reflecting a wider movement toward a centralised colonial legal system.

28. The Indian Councils Act known as the Morley–Minto Reforms was enacted in which year?

[SSC CHSL, 14 August 2023, Shift 3]

(A) 1909
(B) 1919
(C) 1862
(D) 1935

Answer: (A) 1909

Explanation: The Morley–Minto Reforms became law in 1909. Their defining provisions increased the size of legislative councils, allowed limited Indian participation and introduced separate electorates for Muslims, while retaining overall British executive dominance.

27. Which Government of India Act introduced provincial dyarchy through the Montagu–Chelmsford reforms?

[SSC CGL, 24 July 2023, Shift 3]

(A) Act of 1945
(B) Act of 1935
(C) Act of 1923
(D) Act of 1919

Answer: (D) Act of 1919

Explanation: The 1919 Act divided subjects at provincial level into reserved and transferred departments. Ministers responsible to legislatures administered transferred subjects, while officials controlled reserved matters. The arrangement attempted limited self-government but often produced administrative friction.

26. Which Act established the system of dyarchy in the provinces?

[MPPSC State Service Prelims (2022 cycle), held 21 May 2023]

(A) Government of India Act, 1935
(B) Government of India Act, 1919
(C) Indian Councils Act, 1861
(D) Morley–Minto Reforms, 1909

Answer: (B) Government of India Act, 1919

Explanation: Provincial dyarchy originated in the Government of India Act, 1919. The Governor retained reserved departments, whereas Indian ministers managed transferred departments under legislative scrutiny. Provincial autonomy replaced this split under the 1935 Act.

25. Which Act was also called the East India Company Act, 1793?

[SSC MTS, 19 May 2023, Shift 1]

(A) Government of India Act, 1793
(B) Charter Act, 1793
(C) Regulating Act, 1793
(D) Indian Councils Act, 1793

Answer: (B) Charter Act, 1793

Explanation: The Charter Act of 1793 renewed the East India Company’s charter and trade monopoly for another twenty years. It continued the supervisory arrangements introduced earlier, rather than establishing a new constitution for representative government.

24. The Charter Act of 1813 renewed the East India Company charter for how many more years?

[SSC MTS (2022 cycle), 11 May 2023, Shift 2]

(A) 15
(B) 5
(C) 20
(D) 10

Answer: (C) 20

Explanation: The 1813 Charter Act extended Company authority for twenty years while ending its general monopoly over Indian trade. It retained exceptions for tea and trade with China and provided financial support for promoting education.

23. Which Act ended provincial dyarchy and provided for elected provincial legislatures?

[SSC MTS (2022 cycle), 9 May 2023, Shift 1]

(A) Charter Act, 1793
(B) Government of India Act, 1919
(C) Government of India Act, 1935
(D) Pitt’s India Act, 1784

Answer: (C) Government of India Act, 1935

Explanation: The Government of India Act, 1935 abolished provincial dyarchy and introduced provincial autonomy. Governors retained discretionary and special powers, so responsibility remained qualified, but provincial ministries formed after the elections of 1937.

22. Which British parliamentary Act created the independent dominions of India and Pakistan?

[SSC CHSL (2022 cycle), 17 March 2023, Shift 3]

(A) Rowlatt Act
(B) Indian Independence Act
(C) Government of India Act
(D) Pitt’s India Act

Answer: (B) Indian Independence Act

Explanation: The Indian Independence Act, 1947 provided for two independent dominions and ended British authority over British India. It vested constituent and legislative powers in the new dominions and ended British paramountcy over princely states.

21. The Government of India Act that transferred Company rule to the Crown was passed in which year?

[SSC Stenographer, 17 November 2022, Shift 3]

(A) 1860
(B) 1859
(C) 1861
(D) 1858

Answer: (D) 1858

Explanation: After the 1857 revolt, Britain adopted the Government of India Act, 1858. It transferred Indian administration to the Crown and created the Secretary of State for India assisted by a council, replacing the Company’s governing machinery.

20. Under the Government of India Act, 1919, the provincial budget was what?

[SSC JE Mechanical, 16 November 2022, Shift 2]

(A) Separated from the central budget
(B) Merged into the central budget
(C) Prepared solely by the Viceroy’s Council
(D) Discontinued entirely

Answer: (A) Separated from the central budget

Explanation: The 1919 statute separated provincial finances from central finances and empowered provincial legislatures to enact their budgets within colonial constraints. Financial decentralisation accompanied the division of provincial subjects into reserved and transferred categories.

19. Which Act allowed the East India Company to hold Indian territories and revenues in trust for the Crown without a fixed renewal period?

[RRB Group D, 29 September 2022, Shift 2]

(A) Regulating Act, 1773
(B) Charter Act, 1853
(C) Indian Councils Act, 1909
(D) Government of India Act, 1935

Answer: (B) Charter Act, 1853

Explanation: Unlike earlier twenty-year renewals, the Charter Act of 1853 did not specify a fresh fixed period for Company government. It continued administration in trust for the Crown while making significant changes to the legislative council and recruitment.

18. Which Act did Jawaharlal Nehru characterise as a “new charter of slavery”?

[RRB Group D, 5 September 2022, Shift 1]

(A) Government of India Act, 1935
(B) Charter Act, 1853
(C) Rowlatt Act
(D) Government of India Act, 1919

Answer: (A) Government of India Act, 1935

Explanation: Nehru criticised the Government of India Act, 1935 for preserving imperial control despite proposing provincial autonomy and federation. The planned federation did not materialise; nevertheless, the Act shaped important later administrative and constitutional structures.

17. Regarding the Indian Councils Act, 1892, which statements are true?
(i) It was implemented on 20 June 1892;
(ii) five of 24 members were non-government members;
(iii) supplementary questions were permitted.

[CGPSC State Service Preliminary Examination (2021 cycle), 13 February 2022]

(A) (i), (ii) and (iii)
(B) (i) and (ii)
(C) (i) and (iii)
(D) (i) only

Answer: (D) (i) only

Explanation: Only the first statement matches the examination key. The 1892 Act enlarged councils and permitted limited budget discussion and questions after notice, but supplementary questions were not allowed. The numerical description in statement two is not accepted.

16. With reference to Indian Civil Services:
(1) the 1919 Act provided for an ICS examination in India;
(2) Indians outnumbered Europeans in the ICS in 1941.

Which statements are correct?

[UPPSC RO/ARO General Studies, 5 December 2021]

(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2

Explanation: The Government of India Act, 1919 opened the way for Indian Civil Service examinations within India, which began in 1922. Indian recruitment subsequently expanded and Indians formed a greater share of the service than Europeans by 1941.

15. Which Act strengthened the Viceroy’s authority by replacing collective working with a portfolio or departmental system?

[UPPSC Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services Prelims, 24 October 2021]

(A) Indian Councils Act, 1861
(B) Government of India Act, 1858
(C) Indian Councils Act, 1892
(D) Indian Councils Act, 1909

Answer: (A) Indian Councils Act, 1861

Explanation: The Indian Councils Act, 1861 accompanied Lord Canning’s portfolio system, under which members oversaw distinct departments. The measure facilitated departmental administration while the Viceroy retained crucial powers of assent, ordinance-making and intervention.

14. Which Act is NOT named among the repeals in Article 395 of the Indian Constitution?

[RPSC Assistant Professor (Political Science), 29 September 2021]

(A) Government of India Act, 1935
(B) Indian Independence Act, 1947
(C) Abolition of Privy Council Jurisdiction Act, 1949
(D) Government of India Act, 1919

Answer: (D) Government of India Act, 1919

Explanation: Article 395 expressly repealed the Indian Independence Act, 1947 and Government of India Act, 1935, together with specified amending or supplementary enactments, while excluding the 1949 Privy Council Act from that class. The Act of 1919 is not expressly named.

13. In which year was the last election to the Central Legislative Assembly under the Government of India Act, 1919 held?

[MPPSC State Service, General Studies, 2020 paper]

(A) 1930
(B) 1934
(C) 1945
(D) 1947

Explanation: The final Central Legislative Assembly election under the earlier constitutional framework occurred in 1945, during the concluding phase of colonial rule. Elections formed part of the restricted representative institutions created by the Government of India Act, 1919.

12. Which reform first provided for separate communal electorates for Muslims in British India?

[WBCS Preliminary Examination 2019]

(A) Government of India Act, 1935
(B) Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms
(C) Morley–Minto Reforms
(D) Mountbatten Plan

Answer: (C) Morley–Minto Reforms

Explanation: The Morley–Minto Reforms of 1909 introduced separate Muslim electorates. The arrangement provided distinct voting rolls for designated Muslim representatives, institutionalising communal political representation as part of the colonial legislative system.

11. With reference to the Indian Councils Act, 1861, which statements are correct?
(1) It added a popular element through non-official members;
(2) nominees considered legislative proposals;
(3) it removed the Governor-General’s effective legislative power.

[UPSC CDS General Knowledge, 18 November 2018]

(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1, 2 and 3
(D) 1 only

Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only

Explanation: The 1861 Act enlarged the legislative council with nominated non-official members, who considered legislation introduced before it. It did not strip the Governor-General of legislative authority; assent, emergency ordinances and other important supervisory powers remained.

10. Consider:
Statement I—The Government of India Act, 1935 introduced dyarchy at the Centre.
Statement II—It granted provincial autonomy.

Choose the correct relationship.

[UPSC NDA General Ability Test, 9 September 2018]

(A) Both true; II explains I
(B) Both true; II does not explain I
(C) I true; II false
(D) I false; II true

Answer: (B) Both true; II does not explain I

Explanation: The 1935 Act proposed dyarchy at the Centre and abolished it in provinces, replacing it with provincial autonomy. Both statements are correct but concern different levels of administration; provincial autonomy does not explain central dyarchy.

9. In colonial Indian history, what did the principle of “dyarchy” mean?

[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017]

(A) Creating two chambers in the central legislature
(B) Making central and provincial governments separate
(C) Having one government in London and another in Delhi
(D) Dividing provincial subjects into two classes

Answer: (D) Dividing provincial subjects into two classes

Explanation: Provincial dyarchy under the Government of India Act, 1919 divided administration between reserved and transferred subjects. Governors and executive councillors managed the former, while ministers responsible to legislatures managed the latter, resulting in split executive responsibility.

8. In which month and year was the Indian Independence Act passed?

[WBCS Preliminary Examination 2017]

(A) July 1947
(B) June 1946
(C) August 1947
(D) August 1946

Answer: (A) July 1947

Explanation: British parliamentary approval and royal assent to the Indian Independence Act came in July 1947, specifically on 18 July. The legislation provided for the creation of the two dominions from 15 August of that year.

7. Which statement about the Government of India Act, 1919 is INCORRECT?

[RPSC RAS Preliminary Examination 2016]

(A) It took effect in 1921
(B) It is called the Morley–Minto Reforms Act
(C) Montagu was Secretary of State and Chelmsford was Viceroy
(D) It distinguished central from provincial subjects

Answer: (B) It is called the Morley–Minto Reforms Act

Explanation: The 1919 Act reflects the Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms, not the Morley–Minto Reforms, which belong to 1909. It separated central and provincial spheres, introduced provincial dyarchy and began operating under the new constitutional arrangement in 1921.

6. In which year did the British Parliament pass the Regulating Act?

[MPPSC State Service, General Studies, 2015]

(A) 1753
(B) 1757
(C) 1764
(D) 1773

Answer: (D) 1773

Explanation: The Regulating Act was enacted in 1773, when Parliament first made major provisions for the governance of East India Company territories. It established a Governor-General of Bengal and laid the groundwork for Calcutta’s Supreme Court.

5. Which Act finally abolished the East India Company’s monopoly in tea and China trade?

[MPPSC State Service, General Studies, 2013]

(A) Regulating Act, 1773
(B) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
(C) Charter Act, 1813
(D) Charter Act, 1833

Answer: (D) Charter Act, 1833

Explanation: The Charter Act of 1813 ended much of the Company’s monopoly but retained its exclusive tea and China trade. The Charter Act of 1833 removed the remaining commercial monopoly and changed the Company into an administrative agency.

4. Which were features of the Government of India Act, 1919?
(1) Provincial executive dyarchy;
(2) first introduction of separate Muslim electorates;
(3) devolution of legislative authority to provinces.

[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2012]

(A) 1 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only

Explanation: Provincial dyarchy and devolution of legislative powers were features of the 1919 Act. However, separate electorates for Muslims had already been introduced by the Indian Councils Act, 1909, so statement two cannot be counted as an innovation of 1919.

3. The constitutional distribution of legislative powers between Centre and States is based on which earlier scheme?

[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2012]

(A) Morley–Minto Reforms, 1909
(B) Montagu–Chelmsford Act, 1919
(C) Government of India Act, 1935
(D) Indian Independence Act, 1947

Answer: (C) Government of India Act, 1935

Explanation: The Government of India Act, 1935 classified subjects into Federal, Provincial and Concurrent lists. The Constitution of independent India adapted the broad three-list arrangement into Union, State and Concurrent lists in the Seventh Schedule.

2. Which provisions were envisaged by the Government of India Act, 1935?
(1) Provincial autonomy;
(2) a Federal Court;
(3) an All-India Federation.

[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2005]

(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: All three were provided for by the 1935 Act. Provincial autonomy was implemented, and the Federal Court began functioning in 1937. The proposed All-India Federation did not materialise because the necessary participation of princely states was absent.

1. Match these Acts with their provisions:
A—Charter Act, 1813;
B—Regulating Act;
C—Act of 1858;
D—Pitt’s India Act.

Provisions:
1—Board of Control;
2—Company trade monopoly curtailed;
3—power transferred to Crown;
4—directors’ correspondence supplied to Britain.

[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2002]

(A) A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
(B) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
(C) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
(D) A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2

Answer: (A) A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1

Explanation: The Charter Act, 1813 reduced trade monopoly; the Regulating Act required reporting by Company directors; the 1858 legislation transferred administration to the Crown; and Pitt’s Act, 1784 established the Board of Control. Their chronological sequence traces growing British governmental supervision.

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