Published on 12 Nov 2025
Political and Administrative Reforms
Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919): Lord Chelmsford, along with Secretary of State for India Edwin Montagu, introduced the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, leading to the Government of India Act 1919.
Impact: Introduced dyarchy in provincial governments, with elected Indian ministers sharing power with British officials. Offering limited self-governance, the reforms were inadequate and only partially satisfied Indian demands for greater political autonomy.
Establishment of the Rowlatt Act (1919): Chelmsford's administration enacted the Rowlatt Act, which allowed the British government to imprison suspected revolutionaries without trial.
Impact: The repressive nature led to widespread anger and protests across India, culminating in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. The Act and its consequences significantly galvanized Indian nationalist sentiment and intensified the struggle for independence.
Social and Economic Policies
Health and Education Initiatives: Chelmsford's tenure saw efforts to improve health and education in India, including the expansion of medical facilities and educational institutions.
Impact: These initiatives had limited success and were often overshadowed by the political unrest and dissatisfaction with British rule.
Response to the Spanish Flu Pandemic (1918): Chelmsford's administration had to deal with the Spanish Flu pandemic, which caused widespread devastation in India.
Impact: The inadequate response to the pandemic further fuelled dissatisfaction with British rule, as millions of Indians suffered and died due to the lack of effective medical infrastructure and support.
History & Culture
Lord Chelmsford
Montagu Chelmsford Reforms 1919
Government of India Act 1919
Rowlatt Act 1919
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
General Studies Paper 1
Modern Indian History
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