Consider the following assertion : The genesis of political alliances based on community lay in the very nature of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919. Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion ? 1. Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates. 2. Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger. 3. Deprived classes rallied around the favours inherent in separate electorates. Select the answer using the code given below :
A
1 only
B
2 and 3 only
C
1 and 2 only
D
1, 2 and 3
Correct answer
Explanation
The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms kept separate electorates for Muslims and extended them to Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians and Europeans. Separate electorates were meant to divide and blunt the growing nationalist movement, and deprived groups organised around the benefits that reserved representation offered. Together these explain why political alliances began to form along community lines after 1919, so all three statements support the assertion.
Modern Indian HistoryConstitutional reforms: Montford 1919Montague-Chelmsford ReformsSeparate electoratesGovernment of India Act 1919Communal politicsJustice Party