Which act introduced the system of dyarchy (dual government) in the provinces of British India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. The Government of India Act of 1919.
The Government of India Act of 1919 introduced the system of Dyarchy (dual government) at the provincial level. Under this system, provincial subjects were divided into two categories: Reserved and Transferred. Reserved subjects (like law and order) were managed by the Governor and his Executive Council without being responsible to the legislature, while Transferred subjects (like education and health) were administered by the Governor with the advice of ministers responsible to the Legislative Council.
Other options:
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Indian Councils Act of 1861: Introduced the portfolio system and decentralization but did not establish any form of dual government.
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Morley-Minto Reforms (1909): Introduced separate electorates for Muslims but focused on increasing Indian participation in councils rather than dyarchy.
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Government of India Act of 1935: It abolished dyarchy in the provinces (introducing provincial autonomy) and proposed dyarchy at the Federal level instead.