In the previous post, we have read about the birth of the Muslim League with the help of Lord Minto. The feeling of hatred between the Hindus and Muslims successfully sown by the Britishers. Now from the India Council Act of 1909, they started watering the feeling of hatred.
So, here, in this post, we shall read about the features of the India Council Act of 1909.
Features of Morley-Minto Reform 1909
Morley-Minto reform 1909 increased the number of members of the legislature. The legislature consisted of 38 nominated members and 27 elected members from different sections. So, though there was an increase in the elected members of the legislature. Still, nominated members were more than the elected ones.
The election officially organized in India after the coming of the act. But the limited franchise and voting rights were there. Voting rights were with the section paying the tax of 500/- or above. The power of legislature increased by this act. So, now, the legislature was having the power to ask supplementary questions. Simultaneously they were having the power to discuss the budget.
Separate Electorate!!
The objective of both separate electorate and reservation is the same i.e. to bring the backward section into the mainstream of society. But reservation proves to be a boon for society while a separate electorate is a poison for society.
Therefore, a separate electorate promotes the feeling of separation in society, which is suicidal for a diversified society like India.
Actions Against Extremists
This act also put the ban on the Press. The government took strict action against extremists under the defense of India act, 1908. The first victim of this act was Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Bal Gangadhar Tilak got imprisonment for 6years in Mandalay(Burma or Myanmar) jail.
Arrest and imprisonment of Tilak on the superficial grounds warned other extremists. So, knowing the situation, which was not favorable for the extremists in India, therefore Lal Lajpat Rai left for the United States. Ajit Singh left for Germany, Bipin Chandra Pal took retirement from politics. So, as Arvind Ghosh became Sanyasi in Puducherry.
Therefore, after 1907 leaders escaped, people became helpless and the government took brutal steps against the people. So, the outcome of this suppression was starting of the first revolutionary nationalism in India.
Friends, I shall not use the term revolutionary terrorism anywhere in the upcoming posts. Though in the books you would find the word revolutionary terrorism instead of revolutionary nationalism. I do not know why the term revolutionary terrorist was used, but what I understand is that fighting for own nation should not be called the terrorist.
So, from the upcoming post, we shall read about the Revolutionary Nationalism Phase-I. Till then enjoy learning. Keep diving into the ocean of history.
Thank you so much :), and Stay safe 🙂
