UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2026

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? 1. Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates. 2. Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger. 3. Deprived classes rallied around the favours inherent in separate electorates. Select the answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 2 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The Government of India Act, 1919, based on the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms, retained and expanded the system of separate electorates. This institutionalised political representation along communal and community lines. Separate electorates were part of the colonial strategy of managing and dividing political interests, while various communities sought political safeguards and representation through these arrangements. Therefore, all three statements support the assertion.

Topics: communal politics, modern history, montagu-chelmsford reforms, separate electorates