History Optional · Paper II · Modern India
Constitutional Developments in Colonial India, 1858-1935 Notes · PYQs · Solved Answers
Free notes, every previous year question and the solved answers for Constitutional Developments in Colonial India, 1858-1935 (Paper II, Modern India), arranged so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Acts of 1858, 1861, 1892, 1909, 1919 and 1935, Viceroy's councils.
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1985–2024
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Paper II · Unit 12
Constitutional Developments in Colonial India, 1858-1935 notes
Topic-wise notes for this unit in syllabus order. Read a topic, then open its previous year questions below.
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Previous year questions: Constitutional Developments in Colonial India, 1858-1935
Every question UPSC has asked from this unit, year-wise, with a link to its solved answer.
Topic-wise question list
Year-wise question papers
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UPSC History Optional Question Paper 2026
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UPSC History Optional Question Paper 2025
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History Optional Question Paper: 2024
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History Optional Question Paper: 2023
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History Optional Question Paper: 2012
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History Optional Question Paper: 2011
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History Optional Question Paper: 2013
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History Optional Question Paper: 2014
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History Optional Question Paper: 2015
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History Optional Question Paper: 2016
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History Optional Question Paper: 2017
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History Optional Question Paper: 2018
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History Optional Question Paper: 2019
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History Optional Question Paper: 2021
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Solved PYQ answers: Constitutional Developments in Colonial India, 1858-1935
Topic-wise model answers, newest exam year first. Members open the full answer; everyone else sees the question and can join the pack.
PYQ Solutions
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The federal provisions of the Government of India Act of 1935 foundered on the rock of princely intransigence.
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While introducing the Indian Councils Bill of 1861, the British thought that the only Government suitable for India ‘is a despotism controlled from home’. Comment.
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Discuss the major constitutional developments in India after 1858 and their impact on society and polity.
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Is it justified to say that the Government of India Act of 1935 had all brakes, but no engine?
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Could Dyarchy (1919) satisfy the national sentiments of the Indians?
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Critically examine: “An ideology of paternalistic benevolence, occasionally combined with talk of trusteeship and training towards self-government, thinly veiled the realities of a Raj uncompromisingly white and despotic.”
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“Although the Government of India Act of 1935 replaced dyarchy with Provincial Autonomy, the overriding powers of the Governor diluted the spirit autonomy.” Elucidate.
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“Montague-Chelmsford reform proposals introduced ‘dyarchy’, but blurred the lines of responsibility.” Critically examine in 150 words.
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Though the Act of 1919 was superseded by that of 1935, the preamble to the former was not repealed- the preservation of the smile of the Cheshire cat after its disappearance, and the latter said nothing about Dominion Status. Elucidate.
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“Please remember, in granting separate electorates we are sowing the dragon’s teeth and the harvest will be bitter.” (Morley). Comment.
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Explain the attitude of the Indian National Congress towards the constitutional changes of 1909, 1919 and 1935.
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The Montague Declaration (20 August 1917) was observed more closely in the “realm of imperial relations” than anything else. Comment.
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The Diarchy provided by the Montford reforms “certainly created suspicion without and frictions within.” Comment.
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The Government of India from Canning to Curzon was regarded “as a white man’s burden rather than as a call to creative effort or the preparation for a new era.” Comment.
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‘Please remember, in granting separate electorates, we are sowing dragon’s teeth the harvest will be bitter.’ Comment.
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‘No native state should be left to exist in India which is not upheld by the British power or the political conduct of which is not under the absolute control.’ Comment.
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‘The relations of the Native States, however conducted are essentially with the British Crown and not with the Indian Government.’ Comment.
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“Dyarchy was introduced with high hopes and it must be said that, on a theoretical analysis and if worked under ideal conditions, it is not without merits.” Comment.
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What changes did the British attitude undergo towards the Princely states after 1858? Was the Government of India Act of 1858 intended to introduce direct relations between the Princes and the Crown?
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