Laws for governing British India is important part of Indian History and its syllabus. Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers are invaluable resources for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. In this article we present important PYQ on Laws of British India.
UPSC PYQ on Acts and Laws of British India.
Q- In the Government of India Act 1919, the functions of Provincial Government were divided into “Reserved” and “Transferred” subjects. Which of the following were treated as “Reserved” subjects? (2022)
- Administration of Justice
- Local Self-Government
- Land Revenue
- Police
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2 and 4
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
- Option 1: Correctly states that law enforcement, a reserved subject, fell under the jurisdiction of the Government of India Act, 1919.
- Option 2: Incorrectly identifies local government as a transferred subject; in fact, it was a reserved subject.
- Option 3: Accurately identifies land revenue as a reserved subject under the Government of India Act, 1919.
- Option 4: Although partially correct in identifying the police as part of the reserved subjects, it could be refined for clarity, as “law and order” covers a broader spectrum beyond just policing.
Q- Consider the following statements: (2021)
(1) The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 recommended granting voting rights to all women above the age of 21.
(2) The Government of India Act of 1935 gave women reserved seats in the legislature.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Montague Chelmsford reforms of 1919 did not propose universal suffrage for all women aged 21 and above. Instead, it suggested granting voting rights to a restricted number of women based on criteria such as property ownership, tax payment, or educational qualifications.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Government of India Act 1935 did not allocate reserved seats for women in the legislature; rather, it introduced separate electorates for women. Additionally, it provided separate electorates for marginalized groups such as the depressed classes and laborers.
Q- Consider the following statements about ‘the Charter Act of 1813’: (2019)
(1) It ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade with China.
(2) It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Indian territories held by the Company.
(3) The revenues of India were now controlled by the British Parliament.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Charter Act of 1813 marked the end of the British East India Company’s monopoly on Indian trade, opening it up to all British subjects. However, the Company retained its monopoly on tea and trade with China until the enactment of the Charter Act of 1833.
Statement 2 is correct. Through the Charter Act of 1813, the British East India Company permitted Christian missionaries to spread the teachings of Christianity to the native Indian population. This decision was motivated by the belief that converting Indians to Christianity would create a market for British-manufactured goods.
Statement 3 is correct. The Act also introduced measures to encourage the education and advancement of Indians, particularly in the field of modern sciences. It mandated the allocation of one lakh rupees annually by the Company to support these initiatives aimed at fostering knowledge and learning among the Indian populace.
Q- Regarding Wood’s Dispatch, which of the following statements are true? (2018)
(1) Grants-in-Aid system was introduced
(2) Establishment of universities was recommended
(3) English as a medium of instruction at all levels of education was recommended.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
The Woods Dispatch recommended incorporating Vernacular languages into primary education, transitioning to Anglo-Vernacular languages in high schools, and ultimately adopting English as the medium of instruction at the college level.
Q- Which of the following led to the introduction of English Education in India? (2018)
(1) Charter Act of 1813
(2) General Committee of Public Instruction, 1823
(3) Orientalist and Anglicist Controversy
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
The Charter Act of 1813 directed the East India Company to dedicate one lakh rupees towards the education of Indians. Additionally, the formation of the General Committee of Public Instruction in 1823, along with the ensuing debate between Orientalists and Anglicists, were pivotal in the context of advancing education in India.
Q- The object of the Butler Committee of 1927 was to? (2017)
(a) Define the jurisdiction of the Central and Provincial Governments.
(b) Define the powers of the Secretary of State for India.
(c) Impose censorship on national press.
(d) Improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States.
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Option D is correct: Enhance the rapport between the Government of India and the Indian States. In 1927, the Indian States Committee, led by Harcourt Butler, was tasked with examining and elucidating the dynamic between the paramount power and the Princely states.
Q- The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to (2016)
(a) social reforms
(b) educational reforms
(c) reforms in police administration
(d) constitutional reforms
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to Constitutional Reforms.
Q- The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission because (2013)
(a) Indians never wanted the review of the working of the Act of 1919
(b) Simon Commission recommended the abolition of Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the provinces
(c) there was no Indian member in the Simon Commission
(d) the Simon Commission suggested the partition of the country
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The Simon Commission did not include any Indian members. In November 1927, the British government formed the Simon Commission to assess India’s constitutional advancements and propose reforms. However, despite comprising seven members, the commission did not have any representation from India. This omission was viewed as a breach of Indian self-determination rights and a disrespectful affront to their dignity.
Q- The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the (2013)
(a) imposition restrictions the Indians of certain to carry arms by Indians
(b) imposition of restrictions on newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages
(c) removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans
(d) removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The Ilbert Bill controversy aimed to eliminate restrictions placed on Indian magistrates concerning the trial of Europeans. During Lord Ripon’s tenure, the Ilbert Bill controversy arose, proposing that Indian magistrates be allowed to oversee the trials involving Europeans.
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