Q1. Which Act transferred the governance of India from the East India Company to the British Crown?
- Indian Councils Act, 1861
- Indian Councils Act, 1892
- Government of India Act, 1858
- Indian Councils Act, 1909
Correct Option: 3. Government of India Act, 1858.
Explanation: After the Revolt of 1857, this Act abolished the East India Company and placed Indian administration under the British Crown, marking the beginning of the Crown Rule.
Q2. Who was the first Viceroy of India under the Crown Rule?
- Lord Minto
- Lord Dalhousie
- Lord Curzon
- Lord Canning
Correct Option: 4. Lord Canning.
Explanation: After the 1858 Act, the Governor-General’s title changed to Viceroy, and Lord Canning became the first to hold this title, representing the British monarch.
Q3. Which Act first introduced Indians into the legislative process through nomination?
- Government of India Act, 1858
- Indian Councils Act, 1861
- Indian Councils Act, 1892
- Indian Councils Act, 1909
Correct Option: 2. Indian Councils Act, 1861
Explanation: The 1861 Act marked the beginning of Indian representation, allowing the Viceroy to nominate Indians to the legislative council (e.g., Raja of Benaras, Maharaja of Patiala).
Q4. What was a major administrative change introduced by the Indian Councils Act of 1861?
- Introduction of communal electorates
- Recognition of the portfolio system
- Abolishment of dual governance
- Establishment of a Supreme Court
Correct Option: 2. Recognition of the portfolio system
Explanation: The Act formalized the portfolio system, where council members handled specific departments independently, improving administrative efficiency.
Q5. What was the most controversial provision introduced by the Indian Councils Act of 1909?
- Introduction of separate electorates for Muslims
- Formation of provincial legislative councils
- Introduction of Indian Governors
- Abolishing the East India Company
Correct Option: 1. Introduction of separate electorates for Muslims
Explanation: The 1909 Act (Morley-Minto Reforms) allowed Muslim voters to elect Muslim representatives, sowing seeds of communalism in Indian politics.