Consider the following assertion : The genesis of political alliances based on community lay in the very nature of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919. Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion ? 1. Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates. 2. Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger. 3. Deprived classes rallied around the favours inherent in separate electorates. Select the answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 2 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• The Government of India Act 1919 kept the separate Muslim electorates created in 1909 and extended communal representation to Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians and Europeans — statement 1 is correct.
• The British used separate electorates as a counterweight to the rising nationalist movement, encouraging groups to see their interests as distinct from the Congress — statement 2 is correct.
• Once reserved seats and separate electorates offered tangible advantages, communities including the depressed classes organised around them to secure those favours — statement 3 is correct.
• Each statement explains how the 1919 framework itself produced community-based political alignments, which is the assertion.
• Hence all three support it: 1, 2 and 3.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statements 2 and 3 also explain how the reforms fostered community alliances.
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 1 on the retention and extension of separate electorates is the core of the assertion.
- (c) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 3 on communities rallying around the favours is also supportive.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.