Q. In the context of Indian history, the principle of 'Dyarchy (diarchy)' refers to (UPSC Prelims 2017)
Answer:
Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.
Notes: The correct answer is
[D] Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.The term
Dyarchy is derived from the Greek word
di-arche, meaning "double rule." In the context of British India, it was introduced by the
Government of India Act of 1919 (also known as the
Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms).How Dyarchy WorkedUnder this system, the provincial executive was divided into two parts, and the subjects of administration were split into two distinct categories:
- Reserved Subjects: These included critical departments like Law and Order, Finance, Land Revenue, and Irrigation. These were administered by the Governor with the help of his Executive Council. They were not responsible to the provincial legislature.
- Transferred Subjects: These included "nation-building" departments like Education, Public Health, Local Self-Government, and Agriculture. These were administered by the Governor with the help of Ministers who were appointed from among the elected members of the provincial legislature and were responsible to it.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- [A] Two houses of legislature: This refers to Bicameralism. The 1919 Act did introduce a bicameral legislature at the Center (Council of State and Legislative Assembly), but that is not what "Dyarchy" means.
- [B] Central and State governments: This refers to Federalism or a dual polity. While the 1919 Act relaxed central control over provinces, the term Dyarchy specifically describes the internal split within the provincial government.
- [C] London and Delhi: This describes the general colonial administrative structure (Secretary of State in London and Viceroy in Delhi), which existed long before the 1919 reforms.
Key Takeaway: Dyarchy was considered a significant but flawed step toward self-rule. It proved unsuccessful in practice because the "Transferred" ministers had no control over the "Reserved" finances, leading to its eventual replacement by
Provincial Autonomy under the
Government of India Act of 1935.