The question asks about the increase in the strength of the Central Legislative Council under the Morley-Minto Reforms. This requires knowledge of the specific provisions of the Indian Councils Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms.
Correct Option: C) 60 members
The question asks to identify the first Indian appointed to the Viceroy's Executive Council as a result of the Morley-Minto Reforms. This requires knowledge of the key provisions and appointments made under the Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms).
The question asks about the correct statement regarding the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909. We need to evaluate each option based on the provisions of these reforms, also known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909.
Correct Option: A) It retained an official majority in the Central Legislative Council but allowed non-official majority in provincial councils
The question asks to identify which group did NOT receive separate representation under the Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act of 1909). We need to recall the key provisions of these reforms, particularly concerning electoral representation.
C) Scheduled Castes — The Morley-Minto Reforms did not provide separate representation for Scheduled Castes. This provision was introduced much later.
The question asks about Lord Morley's stance on self-government for India. To answer this, one needs to recall the historical context of the Morley-Minto Reforms (1909) and the expressed views of Lord Morley, who was the Secretary of State for India at the time.
D) He explicitly rejected the introduction of parliamentary or responsible government in India — Lord Morley made it clear that the reforms he introduced were not a step towards establishing a parliamentary system or responsible government in India. He stated, "If it could be said that this chapter of reforms led directly or necessarily to the establishment of a parliamentary system in India, I, for one, would have nothing to do with it." This unequivocally demonstrates his intent.
The question asks to identify who described the Morley-Minto Reforms as 'a system of benevolent despotism' instead of self-government. This requires knowledge of the historical context and the reactions of various Indian leaders and political groups to the Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act of 1909).
Correct Option: D) Critics within the Indian National Congress. Many leaders and factions within the Indian National Congress, especially the nationalists, were highly critical of the Morley-Minto Reforms. They viewed the reforms as inadequate and a mere eyewash, designed to perpetuate British rule rather than grant genuine self-government. The term 'benevolent despotism' aptly captures their sentiment that while the British might claim to act for India's good, they were still exercising absolute power without granting Indians true political agency.