Published on 07 Oct 2025
The Morley-Minto Reforms, also known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909, were introduced by the British colonial administration in response to growing demands for political representation in India.
Reforms brought in by Indian Council Act of 1909
Legislative Councils: Reforms enlarged legislative councils, introducing separate Muslim electorates and increasing elected Indian members in councils.
Separate Electorates: separate electorates for Muslims, enabling them to elect distinct representatives from those elected by Hindu voters.
Limited Franchise: Reforms slightly extended franchise, permitting limited Indian participation, but electorate remained narrow, mainly comprising wealthy and educated individuals.
Expanded Councils: The increase in members in Imperial and provincial legislative councils aimed to amplify Indian representation in legislative proceedings.
Impacts of Indian Council Act of 1909
Communal Division: Separate Muslim electorates exacerbated communal divisions, reinforcing Hindu-Muslim separation and laying groundwork for communal politics in India.
Limited Indian Representation: Reforms expanded legislative councils and introduced Indian representation, but the majority remained appointed by the British, limiting impact and keeping power British-controlled.
Emergence of Muslim League: Separate electorates for Muslims formalized Muslim political representation, leading to the emergence of the influential All-India Muslim League.
Criticism from Indian Nationalists: Indian nationalists criticized the Morley-Minto Reforms for insufficient political representation, viewing them as token gestures to maintain British control.
Significance in Constitutional Development: Despite limitations, Morley-Minto Reforms marked an important step in India's constitutional development, introducing limited Indian representation and paving way for further reforms.
History & Culture
Morley Minto reforms
Indian Council Act of 1909
Separate Electorates
Legislative Council
Limited Franchise
council expansion
Emergence of Muslim League
Communal Division
General Studies Paper 1
Freedom Struggle
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