The law on the management of India of 1935 and its evaluation by contemporaries

Author(s):  L.A. Belousova, Lipetsk State Pedagogical University, Lipetsk, Russia, klioljuda@gmail.com

Issue:  Volume 46, № 1

Rubric:  Topical issues of world history

Annotation:  In 1935, after four years of preparation at all levels, ranging from roundtable conferences held with representatives of Indian society to parliamentary debates, the Law on the Governance of India was adopted. The Government of India Act, 1935 was the last "constitution" that preceded the division of the country in 1947. In the article, we analyze the impact of the law aimed at preserving the power of Great Britain on the ensuing split of Indian society. Despite the fact that the adoption of the law was preceded by years of work on its writing, there were conferences with the participation of representatives of India, the part concerning the federal administration remained ink on paper forever. This document was called upon to show the intention of further reform and democratization of state governance of the country. However, it did not satisfy any of the political forces of India, leaving representatives of the British Crown to suspend the law at any time. The law also did not get support from the British political elite.

Keywords:  Indian National Congress, Government of India Act, 1935, All-India Muslim League, Federa-tion of India, Governor’s Provinces.

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