Q. In the context of Indian history, the principle of `Dyarchy (diarchy)’ refers to

• Division of the central legislature into two houses.
• Introduction of double government i.e., Central and State governments.
• Having two sets of rulers; one in London and another in Delhi.
• Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.

Answer: (d) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.

The Montage-Chelmsford reforms 1919:

• Lord Chelmsford, the Viceroy, and Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State, in 1918, introduced constitutional reforms which led to the enactment of the Government of India Act of 1919.
• The Provincial Legislative Councils were enlarged and the majority of their members were to be elected.
• Under the system of Dyarchy, the provincial governments were given more powers.
  • Under Dyarchy some subjects, such as finance and law and order, remained under the direct control of the Governor and were called ‘reserved‘ subjects;
  • Other subjects, such as education, public health, and local self-government, were to be controlled by ministers responsible to the Legislatures and were called ‘transferred‘ subjects.