Government of India Act 1935

Definition

The Government of India Act 1935 was a significant piece of legislation enacted by the British Parliament that aimed to increase self-governance in British India. It established a federal structure, providing provinces with greater autonomy while also expanding the electorate. This act marked a critical step towards Indian independence by addressing demands for more Indian participation in governance, but it ultimately fell short of full self-rule and was met with mixed reactions from Indian leaders and the public.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Government of India Act 1935 introduced a federal structure that aimed to balance power between the central government and provinces, though it did not establish full sovereignty for India.
2. The act expanded the electorate significantly, allowing about 10% of Indians to vote, which was a considerable increase compared to previous elections.
3. It created a system of dyarchy at the provincial level, where certain areas were under elected ministers while others remained under British control.
4. The act was criticized by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who felt it did not go far enough in granting true self-rule.
5. Despite its limitations, the Government of India Act 1935 laid the groundwork for future constitutional developments and ultimately influenced the transition to independence after World War II.

Review Questions

• What were the main features of the Government of India Act 1935, and how did they attempt to address Indian demands for self-governance?
  • The Government of India Act 1935 included key features such as a federal structure, expanded electorate, and dyarchy at the provincial level. These elements aimed to give Indians more control over local affairs and create a framework for self-governance. However, while the act represented progress, it did not grant full self-rule, leading many Indian leaders to view it as insufficient for addressing their aspirations for independence.
• Discuss the reaction of Indian political leaders to the Government of India Act 1935 and how it influenced the independence movement.
  • Indian political leaders had mixed reactions to the Government of India Act 1935. While some welcomed it as a step towards greater autonomy, others like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru criticized it for not offering real self-rule. Their discontent fueled further activism and solidarity among various factions within the independence movement, leading to intensified efforts against British rule and uniting diverse groups around common goals.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Government of India Act 1935 on India's path to independence following World War II.
  • The Government of India Act 1935 had significant long-term implications for India's path to independence. While it fell short of granting full sovereignty, it laid the foundation for future constitutional frameworks and political mobilization. The dissatisfaction with the act galvanized Indian leaders and ordinary citizens alike, creating a sense of urgency that accelerated calls for independence following World War II. The act's establishment of a federal structure also informed subsequent negotiations about India's governance post-independence.

Related terms

Indian National Congress:

A major political party in India that played a crucial role in the independence movement, advocating for greater self-governance and eventual independence from British rule.

Simon Commission: A group set up by the British government in 1928 to review constitutional reform in India, which faced widespread opposition for not including any Indian members.

Federal Structure: A system of governance in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units, allowing for local autonomy while maintaining national unity.