Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms facts for kids

The Montague–Chelmsford Reforms, also known as the Mont-Ford Reforms, were important changes made in India by the British Raj in 1919. These reforms aimed to slowly introduce a system where Indians could govern themselves.

Some groups, like the Assertive nationalists, were against these changes. However, other groups, known as Early nationalists, welcomed them.

What Were the Mont-Ford Reforms?

The Mont-Ford Reforms were a set of changes to how British India was governed. They were named after Edwin Samuel Montagu, who was the Secretary of State for India, and Lord Chelmsford, who was the Viceroy of India. These two leaders worked together to create the new system.

The main idea behind these reforms was to give Indians more say in their own government. Before this, the British held almost all the power. The reforms were a step towards India eventually becoming self-governing.

Why Were These Reforms Introduced?

After World War I, there was a lot of pressure on the British government. Indians had helped Britain during the war, and many felt it was time for them to have more control over their own country. There was also a growing movement for independence in India.

The British government realized that some changes were needed to keep peace and satisfy the demands of Indian leaders. The Mont-Ford Reforms were their answer to these growing calls for more freedom and self-rule.

Key Features of the Reforms

The reforms introduced a new system called dyarchy (pronounced "dye-ark-ee") in the provinces. This meant that some areas of government were "transferred" to Indian ministers, while others were "reserved" for British officials.

Transferred and Reserved Subjects

• Transferred Subjects: These were areas like education, health, and local government. Indian ministers, who were responsible to the provincial legislative councils, managed these. This gave Indians direct experience in governing.
• Reserved Subjects: These included important areas like finance, law and order, and irrigation. British officials, who were not responsible to the legislative councils, still controlled these. The Viceroy and provincial governors kept final authority over these subjects.

Changes at the Central Level

At the central government level, the reforms also made some changes. The Imperial Legislative Council was replaced by two new houses:

• The Legislative Assembly
• The Council of State

These new bodies had more Indian members, but the Viceroy still held a lot of power. He could veto (reject) any law passed by these councils if he disagreed with it.

How Did People React?

The Mont-Ford Reforms received mixed reactions in India.

Support from Some Leaders

Many moderate Indian leaders, often called Early nationalists, saw the reforms as a positive step. They believed that working with the British and gradually gaining more power was the best way forward for India. They hoped these reforms would lead to full self-government in the future.

Opposition from Others

However, more radical leaders, known as Assertive nationalists, were not satisfied. They felt the reforms did not go far enough. They wanted complete independence and believed that the British were still holding onto too much power. They saw dyarchy as a way for the British to maintain control, not truly share it.

What Was the Impact?

The Montague–Chelmsford Reforms were a significant moment in India's journey towards independence. They were the first major attempt by the British to involve Indians more deeply in the administration of their own country.

Even though the reforms had limitations, they provided valuable experience for Indian politicians. They learned how to govern and how to work within a legislative system. This experience proved very useful in the years that followed, as India continued its struggle for complete freedom.

The reforms also highlighted the growing divide between different Indian political groups, some wanting gradual change and others demanding immediate independence.

Images for kids

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  Lord Chelmsford was Viceroy of India.

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  Edwin Samuel Montagu was Secretary of State for India.