A researcher maps election arrangements introduced by the Indian Councils Act of 1909. The notes show that Muslim voters selected Muslim representatives in ...
Question 1 Report
A researcher maps election arrangements introduced by the Indian Councils Act of 1909. The notes show that Muslim voters selected Muslim representatives in separate electoral groups rather than voting in one common list. The researcher is testing the statement: "The Morley-Minto reforms recognised an important political reality in the subcontinent." Consider the reasons and effects in your answer.
(a) Identify the electoral arrangement described in the notes. [1]
(b) Explain why Muslim leaders regarded this arrangement as necessary. [3]
(c) Analyse two effects of the 1909 reforms on Hindu-Muslim politics. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Separate electorates [1] (b) Muslims feared being outvoted by the Hindu majority [1]; they wanted representatives accountable to Muslim voters [1]; it protected distinct religious, cultural and economic interests [1]. (c) Any two: it officially recognised Muslims as a separate political community [1]; it gave Muslims a stronger voice in councils [1]; it increased separate rather than joint political organisation [1]; Congress criticism of separate electorates could widen communal division [1]. Max [2]
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
