Background of the Morley-Minto Reforms
Despite Queen Victoria’s proclamation of equal treatment for Indians, only a limited number were afforded such opportunities due to the British authorities’ reluctance to accept them as equal partners.
The partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon triggered a significant uprising in the region. Subsequently, recognizing the necessity for reforms in the governance of Indians, the British authorities acknowledged the imperative for change.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale met Morley in England to emphasize the need for reforms.
In October 1906, a faction of Muslim elites known as the Shimla Deputation, led by Agha Khan, held a meeting with Lord Minto. During this encounter, they put forth the demand for separate electorates for Muslims and representation beyond their numerical strength. The basis for this request was the perceived significant contribution of Muslims to the defense of the empire.
John Morley, who was in charge of India, and Lord Minto, the Viceroy, thought it was important to stop the unrest in Bengal. But they knew that just stopping the trouble there wouldn’t be enough to make things stable again in the British Raj, especially after Lord Curzon had split Bengal. They thought they needed to take big action to encourage the loyal upper-class Indians and the increasingly Westernized part of the population.
Morley-Minto Reforms : Indian Councils Act of 1909
Morley-Minto Reforms: The Morley-Minto reforms, also known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909, were named after the Secretary of State for Indian Affairs, Lord John Morley, and the Viceroy, Lord Minto. This legislative initiative marked a significant departure by introducing the electoral method. The objective was to broaden the scope of legislative councils, address the demands of moderates within the Indian National Congress, and enhance Indian participation in governance. The Act represented amendments to the Indian Councils Acts of 1861 and 1892. Read below to learn about the Morley-Minto Reforms: Indian Councils Act of 1909 in depth.
Morley- Minto Reforms
Table of Content
- Background of the Morley-Minto Reforms:
- Features of the Morley-Minto reforms:
- Morley: Minto Reforms: Criticism:
- Importance of Morley-Minto Reforms: