Question 34 from UPSC CSE 2017 - Modern
History

Question

In the context of Indian history, the principle of 'Dyarchy (diarchy)' refers to

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.

Strategy: The key term is **Dyarchy**, linked to Indian provinces after the 1919 Act. Dyarchy specifically denotes the splitting of administrative subjects at the provincial level into **reserved** and **transferred** categories, not a general political division or bicameralism. Therefore, option D is the correct fit.

Key Info: **Dyarchy** was a system of provincial government introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919. It divided administrative subjects into two categories:

- **Reserved Subjects:** Areas like law and order, finance, and the police were administered by the Governor and his executive council.
- **Transferred Subjects:** Areas such as education, public health, and agriculture were managed by Indian ministers who were responsible to the legislative council.

This system marked the start of provincial decentralization but offered limited autonomy, as critical areas remained under British control. Dyarchy was ultimately abolished by the Government of India Act, 1935.

The arrangement was part of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, which aimed to introduce responsible government at the provincial level but were largely unsuccessful due to the Governor's overriding powers.

The term is distinct from bicameralism (the division of a legislature into two houses) and from geographical divisions of government.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Division of the central legislature into two houses.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Introduction of double government i.e., Central and State governments.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Having two sets of rulers; one in London and another in Delhi.