The Government of India Act, 1919, based on the Montagu–Chelmsford Report, introduced dyarchy in the provinces, a bicameral central legislature and wider franchise, as a first step towards "responsible government" promised in the Montagu Declaration of August 1917.
The First World War changed the political climate in India. Indian soldiers and money supported the British war effort, the Home Rule Leagues of Tilak and Annie Besant had spread demands for self-government, and the Lucknow Pact of 1916 had brought the Congress and the Muslim League together. Britain needed to keep Indian support. In August 1917 Edwin Montagu told the House of Commons that British policy was the "increasing association of Indians in every branch of the administration" and the "gradual development of self-governing institutions with a view to the progressive realisation of responsible government in India".
Montagu toured India with the Viceroy Lord Chelmsford, and their 1918 report formed the basis of the 1919 Act. The reforms arrived together with the repressive Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which shaped how Indians received them. A special Congress session at Bombay in 1918 called the proposals "disappointing and unsatisfactory", and moderates who welcomed them left to form the Indian Liberal Federation.
Create a free account to read 5 full pages a month, or upgrade for unlimited access. The definition above, the A–Z index and the pop-up definitions in lessons stay free.
