Indian Council Acts of 1861 Flashcards
What changes did the British Raj make to the subcontinent?
Why did the British pass the Indian Council Act of 1861?
OR
What did the War of Independence made the British realize?
It was because the War of Independence made the British realize that they needed to consider views of the ordinary people of the subcontinent about the reforms they had introduced to try and westernize India.
How did Indian Councils Act in 1861 address the problem the British faced after the War of Independence.
The non-official Indians nominated by the viceroy himself, were included as part of his Executive Council. These nominated Indians had a right to give their opinions on legislative matters while the viceroy had the power to veto any law passed by the Legislative Council.
What do you mean by non-official Indians?
These were Indians who were not part of the official government administration but were chosen or nominated to represent Indian interests or opinions. They were not appointed through elections but were selected by the Viceroy or other British authorities. These individuals typically belonged to the elite class of Indian society and were seen as more sympathetic or cooperative with British rule.
What is the Legislative Council?
The Legislative Council was responsible for making laws and regulations. The Viceroy and his Executive Council could propose laws, which were then discussed and debated in the Legislative Council. However, the Viceroy retained the power to veto any legislation passed by the Legislative Council.
What is the Executive Council?
The Executive Council advised the Viceroy, who was the highest-ranking British official in India, on administrative matters. It played a significant role in policymaking and governance. Members of the Executive Council were usually British officials, but the inclusion of non-official Indians was a measure aimed at giving Indians a voice in the administration.
What changes happened due to the Indian Council Act in 1861 that helped Indian landowners increase their income?
Changes in inheritance and tax laws.
What changes happened due to the Indian Council Act in 1861 that helped Indians get educated? What did those Indians do?
Better-off Indians began sending their children to British schools and universities. Many became officers in the British army or joined the civil service or professions such as the law or medicine.
What was the British heavily dependent on India for it to consider enacting the Indian Council Acts of 1861 to please the Indians.
The British heavily depended on India for its expansion and colonization on the natural and human resources of India. The army in India was a valuable resource for Britain serving around the world, including South Africa in 1899-1902.
