WBCS.LIVE practice question

The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms were announced in the year

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. 1919
  2. 1918
  3. 1920
  4. 1921

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: 1919

Explanation: The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms were announced in 1919, introducing limited self-government in India through the Government of India Act 1919. 📚 Other Information: ▪️ The reforms were proposed by Edwin Montagu (Secretary of State for India) and Lord Chelmsford (Viceroy of India). ▪️ They introduced dyarchy in provinces — dividing subjects into reserved and transferred categories. ▪️ Reserved subjects (like law, finance) remained under the Governor, while transferred subjects (like education, health) were handled by Indians. ▪️ The act expanded legislative councils and allowed limited Indian participation. ▪️ It created a bicameral legislature at the Centre — Legislative Assembly and Council of State. ▪️ However, it failed to satisfy nationalists due to restricted powers and British control. ▪️ It was criticised by Gandhi and Tilak as a 'deceptive reform.' ▪️ These reforms set the groundwork for further constitutional developments.