Eduqo
Modern Indian History›Ch 5: Gandhian Era›Government of India Act 1935
Master Provincial Autonomy, Federal Scheme, Dyarchy at Centre & 1937 Elections
The Government of India Act 1935 introduced provincial autonomy, abolished dyarchy in provinces, and proposed a federation. It led to the historic 1937 elections and the subsequent resignation of Congress ministries in 1939.
Memory Hooks
| Feature | Before (1919 Act) | Under 1935 Act |
|---|---|---|
| Provinces | Dyarchy existed | Provincial Autonomy |
| Centre | Unitary executive | Dyarchy introduced |
| Elections | Limited franchise | Held in 1937 |
Autonomy
(Provinces given freedom)
Provinces given freedom
Governors had to act on ministerial advice.
Federation
(All-India union proposed)
All-India union proposed
Never came into effect due to Princely States.
1937 Polls
(Elections across British India)
Elections across British India
Congress formed governments in most provinces.
Resignation
(Exit of ministries in 1939)
Exit of ministries in 1939
Protest against WWII unilateral declaration.
1935 Act created All-India FederationFederation never came into operation
Princely states refused to join, so the federal part was never enforced.
Dyarchy was abolished completelyAbolished in provinces, introduced at centre
Examiners trick students by saying dyarchy was totally removed in 1935.
Congress ministries resigned in 1937Congress ministries resigned in 1939
Elections were in 1937; resignation happened after 28 months in Oct/Nov 1939.
Q1.Under the Government of India Act 1935, dyarchy was introduced at which level?
Q2.Why did the Congress ministries resign from provincial governments in 1939?