The Indian Councils Act of 1909 – The Morley-Minto Reforms

1. What Was It?

The Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms) introduced:
 
✔ First direct elections to legislative councils.  
✔ Expanded Central Council (16 → 60 members).  
✔ Separate electorates for Muslims—fueling communal division.  
✔ First Indian in Viceroy’s executive council (Satyendra P. Sinha).  

2. Why Did It Matter?

🔹 Limited Indian representation, but real power stayed with the British.  
🔹 Divide and Rule—separate electorates deepened Hindu-Muslim splits.  
🔹 Paved the way for future political reforms.  

3. Why Was It Introduced?
 
✔ Growing nationalism (Swadeshi Movement).  
✔ Indian leaders demanded more say in governance.  
✔ British strategy to weaken unity and maintain control.