Q1. Which of the following Acts first allowed Indians to be appointed to the Executive Councils of the Viceroy and Governors?
- Government of India Act, 1858
- Indian Councils Act, 1861
- Indian Councils Act, 1892
- Indian Councils Act, 1909
Correct Option: 4. Indian Councils Act, 1909.
Explanation: Under this Act, Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian to join the Viceroy’s Executive Council, as Law Member.
Q2. The Indian Councils Act of 1892 allowed the legislative councils to:
- Pass laws without Viceroy’s consent
- Frame the budget
- Discuss the budget and ask questions
- Elect the Viceroy
Correct Option: 3. Discuss the budget and ask questions.
Explanation: Though still limited in power, this Act allowed councils to discuss the budget (not vote on it) and ask questions, giving some voice to Indian representatives.
Q3. The term ‘election’ was avoided in the Indian Councils Act of 1892 and replaced with:
- Selection
- Nomination on recommendation
- Appointment by Viceroy
- Ballot nomination
Correct Option: 2. Nomination on recommendation.
Explanation: The Act allowed for indirect election through nomination based on the recommendation of local bodies like municipalities and chambers of commerce.
Q4. The Secretary of State for India, as established by the Government of India Act 1858, was:
- Governor of Bengal
- Head of the Indian Army
- Chairman of East India Company
- A British Cabinet member responsible to Parliament
Correct Option: 4. A British Cabinet member responsible to Parliament.
Explanation: The Secretary of State for India had supreme authority over Indian affairs and was answerable to the British Parliament, not to any Indian body.
Q5. Which Act granted legislative autonomy to provinces for the first time?
- 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 Act restored legislative powers to provinces like Bombay and Madras, reversing earlier centralization and beginning decentralization, which culminated in full autonomy in 1937.