📑 Contents

Question 62

In the context of Indian history, the principle of 'Dyarchy (diarchy)' refers to

AOptions

A) Division of the central legislature into two houses.

B) Introduction of double government i.e., Central and State governments.

C) Having two sets of rulers; one in London and another in Delhi.

D) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.

BSolution

In the context of Indian history, the principle of 'Dyarchy' (or diarchy) refers to a system of double government introduced in the provinces by the Government of India Act of 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms). Under this system, the subjects delegated to the provinces were divided into two categories: 'reserved' subjects (e.g., finance, police, land revenue) which were administered by the Governor and his executive council without being responsible to the provincial legislature, and 'transferred' subjects (e.g., education, local self-government, public health) which were administered by the Governor with the aid of ministers responsible to the provincial legislative council. This marked an initial step towards responsible government in the provinces.

CStrategy

For historical terms, especially those related to administrative or constitutional reforms, it is crucial to understand their precise meaning and the specific historical context in which they were introduced. Relate the term to the act or policy it describes.

DSyllabus Analysis

This question is from Modern Indian History, specifically constitutional development during the British Raj.

EQuestion Analysis

Easy. Dyarchy is a fundamental concept taught in modern Indian history.