Prelims 2026 · Modern History and the Freedom Struggle · Question 18
Consider the following assertion : The genesis of political alliances based on community lay in the very nature of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919. Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion ?
- Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates.
- Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger.
- Deprived classes rallied around the favours inherent in separate electorates.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Answer
1, 2 and 3
The 1919 reforms retained and extended separate electorates, embedding political representation around communities. This fragmentation helped colonial policy counter a strengthening territorial nationalism. The representational advantages attached to community categories also encouraged disadvantaged groups to organize politically around those categories. Thus, all three statements support the assertion.