UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies

Question 68: History and Culture

The most short-lived of all of Britain’s constitutional experiments in India was the

aIndian Councils Act of 1861

bIndian Councils Act of 1892

cIndian Councils Act of 1909

dGovernment of India Act of 1919

AnswerThe answer is (c).

The Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms) lasted about a decade, until it was replaced by the Government of India Act of 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms). The 1861 Act lasted about 30 years until 1892, and the 1892 Act about 17 years until 1909. The 1919 Act stayed in force until the 1935 Act. Remember: the shortest-lived is 1909, in force for roughly ten years.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong. The 1861 Act lasted about 30 years.
(b) Wrong. The 1892 Act lasted about 17 years.
(c) Right. The 1909 Act was replaced after about ten years.
(d) Wrong. The 1919 Act lasted until the 1935 Act.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.