NCERT Notes: Indian Councils Act 1892 - Modern Indian History For UPSC Exam

Also Read NCERT Notes: Indian Councils Act 1892 - Modern Indian History For UPSC Exam in Hindi

This comprehensive guide is specially designed for those preparing for the civil services exam . Moreover, banking PO, SSC, state civil services exams and other competitive exam aspirants will also find it beneficial.

Our focus in this guide is on the Indian Councils Act of 1892, a significant event in modern Indian history, and an essential part of the UPSC exam syllabus .

The Indian Councils Act 1892 was a significant legislative measure by the British Parliament that expanded the size of the legislative councils in India.

For more insights on the legislation passed in British India , follow the linked article.

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An Insight into the Indian Councils Act, 1892

Here's a quick look at the key aspects of the act:

Indian Councils Act, 1892:

Proposed by:	Richard Assheton Cross, 1st Viscount Cross
Geographical Scope:	Territories directly under the British Crown
Enacted by:	The Parliament of the United Kingdom
Royal Assent:	20th June 1892
Enforcement:	3rd February 1893
Current Status:	Repealed by the Government of India Act 1915

Key Points about the Indian Councils Act 1892

Background:

The formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 marked the beginning of a surge in nationalism in India. The INC, therefore, presented several demands to the British authorities, including the reform of legislative councils.
The INC also advocated for the principle of election over nomination and the right to discuss financial matters, which was previously not permitted.
Lord Dufferin, the Viceroy at the time, set up a committee to investigate these issues. However, the Secretary of State disagreed with the idea of direct elections but accepted representation through indirect election.

For more details about the Governor Generals of Bengal and India , follow the linked article.

Key Features of the Indian Councils Act 1892

Provisions of the Indian Councils Act 1892:

The act increased the number of additional or non-official members in the legislative councils as follows:
- Central Legislative Council: 10 – 16 members
- Bengal: 20 members
- Madras: 20 members
- Bombay: 8 members
- Oudh: 15 members
- North Western Province: 15 members
In 1892, out of 24 members, only 5 were Indians.
The members were given the right to ask questions on the budget (which was barred in the Indian Councils Act 1861) or matters of public interest but had to give notice of 6 days for it.
They were not allowed to ask supplementary questions.
This act initiated the principle of representation. District boards, universities, municipalities, chambers of commerce, and zamindars were authorized to recommend members to the provincial councils.
The legislative councils were empowered to enact new laws and repeal old ones with the Governor-General's permission.

Read about the India Council Act 1861 in the linked article.

Evaluation of the Indian Councils Act 1892:

This act marked the first step towards a representative form of government in modern India, although it did not benefit the common man.
The number of Indians in the councils was increased, which was a positive development.
However, since the British made only minor concessions, this act indirectly led to the rise of many revolutionary movements in India . Many leaders, such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, criticized the Congress's moderate policy of petitions and persuasions due to the lack of significant progress and called for a more aggressive policy against British rule.

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Also See:

The Regulating Act of 1773	Pitt’s India Act, 1784
Government of India Act 1919	Government of India Act 1935

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NCERT Notes: Indian Councils Act 1892 - Modern Indian History For UPSC Exam

An Insight into the Indian Councils Act, 1892

Key Points about the Indian Councils Act 1892

Key Features of the Indian Councils Act 1892

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NCERT Notes: Indian Councils Act 1892 - Modern Indian History For UPSC Exam

An Insight into the Indian Councils Act, 1892

Key Points about the Indian Councils Act 1892

Key Features of the Indian Councils Act 1892

More Articles for IAS Preparation

What were the features of Indian Councils Act 1892?

Who introduced the Indian Councils Act 1892?

NCERT Notes

SuperCoaching

UPSC Previous Year Papers

UPSC Monthly Current Affairs

Syllabus

Polity Notes

Geography Notes

Modern History Notes

Important Topics

Subject Wise UPSC Book List

Testbook Products & Resources for Students

Open this in: