Q. In the context of Indian history, the principle of ‘Dyarchy (diarchy)’ refers to
(a) Division of the central legislature into two houses.
(b) Introduction of double government i.e., Central and State governments.
(c) Having two sets of rulers; one in London and another in Delhi.
(d) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.
Ans: (d) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.
Explanation: The correct answer is (d) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.
In the context of Indian history, the principle of ‘Dyarchy’ or ‘Diarchy’ refers to the division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories. It was introduced through the Government of India Act of 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.
Under the dyarchy system, the provincial governments in British India were divided into two sets of subjects: reserved subjects and transferred subjects. Reserved subjects were under the direct control of the Governor, who represented the British government, while transferred subjects were under the control of the Indian ministers responsible to the legislature.
The reserved subjects included key areas such as law and order, finance, and communication, which remained under the control of the Governor or the British authorities. On the other hand, the transferred subjects, such as education, public health, and agriculture, were administered by Indian ministers who were responsible to the legislative council.
The dyarchy system was an attempt to introduce limited self-government in the provinces while retaining significant control in the hands of the British government. It aimed to gradually increase Indian participation in governance but fell short of meeting the demands for full responsible government or complete self-rule.
Therefore, option (d) correctly defines the principle of ‘Dyarchy’ in the context of Indian history as the division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.
