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Question

Arrange the following in the chronological order of their implementation:

1. The Indian Factory Act (First)

2. The Vernacular Press Act

3. The Morley-Minto Reforms

4. The Cornwallis Code

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2019 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (03-Feb-2019)
The correct answer is

4, 2, 1, 3

Understanding the Chronological Order of Historical Indian Legislation

This question asks us to arrange several important historical acts and reforms implemented in India during different periods in their correct chronological sequence based on their implementation date. To do this, we need to identify the year when each act or reform was put into effect.

Identifying the Implementation Years

Let's find the implementation year for each item listed:

  • The Indian Factory Act (First): This act was enacted in 1881. It was the first legislation in British India aimed at regulating factory labour.
  • The Vernacular Press Act: This controversial act, which allowed the government to censor news and editorial comments in the vernacular press, was passed in 1878.
  • The Morley-Minto Reforms: Officially known as the Indian Councils Act 1909, these reforms introduced limited self-governance elements and separate electorates. They were implemented in 1909.
  • The Cornwallis Code: Introduced by Lord Cornwallis, this code encompassed significant judicial, police, and revenue reforms in Bengal. It was implemented in 1793.

Summarizing the Implementation Years

Here is a summary of the items and their implementation years:

Item Year of Implementation
1. The Indian Factory Act (First) 1881
2. The Vernacular Press Act 1878
3. The Morley-Minto Reforms 1909
4. The Cornwallis Code 1793

Arranging in Chronological Order

Now, let's arrange these items from the earliest year to the latest year:

  1. Cornwallis Code (1793)
  2. Vernacular Press Act (1878)
  3. Indian Factory Act (First) (1881)
  4. Morley-Minto Reforms (1909)

Mapping these back to the numbers given in the question:

  • Cornwallis Code is item 4.
  • Vernacular Press Act is item 2.
  • Indian Factory Act (First) is item 1.
  • Morley-Minto Reforms is item 3.

Therefore, the correct chronological order is 4, 2, 1, 3.

Final Chronological Sequence

Based on the implementation years, the chronological order of the given acts and reforms is:

4. The Cornwallis Code (1793)

2. The Vernacular Press Act (1878)

1. The Indian Factory Act (First) (1881)

3. The Morley-Minto Reforms (1909)

Revision Table: Indian Acts and Reforms

Act/Reform Year Significance
Cornwallis Code 1793 Reorganized administration, judiciary, police, and revenue systems in Bengal. Separated revenue administration from judicial administration. Introduced police reforms.
Vernacular Press Act 1878 Empowered the government to confiscate the printing press, paper, and other assets of a vernacular newspaper if it published anything objectionable. Aimed at controlling the vernacular press.
First Indian Factory Act 1881 Regulated labour conditions in factories employing 100 or more people. Prohibited child labour below 7 years, limited working hours for children, and mandated safety measures.
Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act) 1909 Increased the size of legislative councils, introduced indirect election, and provided for the association of Indians with the executive councils of the Viceroy and Governors. Introduced separate electorates for Muslims.

Additional Information on Historical Indian Legislation

Studying the timeline of various acts and reforms introduced during the British rule in India helps understand the socio-economic and political changes that occurred. Each of these legislative measures had a significant impact on the administrative structure, social conditions, and the political landscape of the time.

  • The Cornwallis Code laid the foundation for the administrative framework in Bengal and is notable for attempting to establish the rule of law.
  • The Vernacular Press Act was a restrictive measure that curtailed press freedom and led to widespread protest among Indians.
  • The First Indian Factory Act was an initial step towards improving working conditions, although it had limited scope. Subsequent acts further refined these regulations.
  • The Morley-Minto Reforms were a response to the growing demand for political representation but also sowed the seeds of communal politics through separate electorates.
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