With reference to the Government of India Act, 1935, consider the following statements : 1. It provided for the establishment of an All India Federation based on the union of the British Indian Provinces and Princely States. 2. Defence and Foreign Affairs were kept under the control of the federal legislature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. A. (a) 1 only
2. B. (b) 2 only
3. C. (c) Both 1 and 2
4. D. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation

This question assesses knowledge of the Government of India Act, 1935, a pivotal legislation in India’s constitutional history. Statement 1 is correct: The Act indeed proposed the establishment of an All-India Federation, which was to comprise both British Indian provinces and princely states. However, this federation never materialized as the princely states did not join. Statement 2 is incorrect: Under the Government of India Act, 1935, subjects like Defence and Foreign Affairs were ‘reserved’ subjects, meaning they were kept under the direct control of the Governor-General, not the federal legislature. The concept of ‘dyarchy’ was introduced at the center, dividing subjects into ‘reserved’ and ‘transferred’. Therefore, only statement 1 is correct. Understanding the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935, is crucial for the UPSC Modern History and Polity syllabus, as it formed a significant basis for the Indian Constitution.