August Declaration 1917: Self-Government, Outcomes & Critiques by Indian Nationalists

August Declaration 1917 Speech: India’s Path to Self-Government

Montagu’s Statement of August 1917, also known as the August Declaration 1917, was a speech delivered by Edwin Samuel Montagu, the secretary of state for India, in the British House of Commons on August 20, 1917. The statement outlined the British government’s policy towards India and its plans for granting self-government to the Indian people.

August Declaration 1917: Shaping India’s Sel f-Governance Path

The background of the August Declaration 1917 can be summarized as follows:

• World War I and Revolutionary Activities: The impact of the First World War and growing revolutionary activities influenced the British government’s change in policies towards India.
• Scathing Indictment and Support: Edwin Montagu criticized India’s governance system and expressed support for Indian self-government during a House of Commons debate.
• Montagu’s Appointment and Sympathy: Montagu became Secretary of State for India and shared sympathy for the aspirations of the Indian people.
• Fresh Perspective and Government Policy: Montagu brought a fresh perspective and, in August 1917, declared the government’s policy to increase Indian participation and gradually develop self-governing institutions for responsible government in India as part of the British Empire.

About The August Declaration 1917: India’s Path to Self-Governance Shift

Following are the key points about the August Declaration 1917:

• Gradual Development of Self-Governing Institutions: The government’s policy, as outlined in the statement, aimed to gradually establish self-governing institutions in India. This indicated a shift towards increasing Indian participation in various aspects of administration.
• Realization of Responsible Government: The statement emphasized the importance of responsible government in India as an integral part of the British Empire. The goal was to move towards a system where the rulers would be accountable to elected representatives rather than solely to the imperial government in London.
• Change in Government Policy: Montagu’s statement contradicted an earlier claim made by Morley in 1909 that the reforms were not intended to grant India self-government. The new policy marked a significant departure and recognized the demand for self-government or home rule as a legitimate aspiration.
• Reservation on Ceding Control: While the statement indicated a commitment to increasing Indian participation, it was evident that the British government did not intend to relinquish full control to predominantly elected legislatures with an Indian majority.
• Introduction of Dyarchy: To address the issue of accountability, the concept of “dyarchy” was proposed. Dyarchy involved dividing the executive power and making it partially accountable to the elected assemblies. As part of the reforms, the size and proportion of elected members in these assemblies were also set to increase.

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Outcomes Of The August Declaration 1917: Shaping India’s Governance Landscape

The August Declaration 1917 had the following outcomes:

• Legitimization of Nationalist Demands: The declaration recognized the nationalist demand for self-government, removing the label of sedition.
• Emphasis on Responsible Government: The term “responsible government” implied accountability to elected representatives rather than just the imperial government.
• Limited Power Transfer: The British government had no intention of fully ceding power to elected Indian legislatures.
• Introduction of Dyarchy: Dyarchy was proposed to increase accountability, with certain areas of governance under elected Indian ministers and others under British control.

India’s Reservations: August Declaration 1917 Criticisms

Indeed, the August Declaration 1917 faced criticism from Indian nationalists who believed that it did not meet their legitimate expectations. Here are some of the objections raised by Indian leaders:

• Lack of Specific Time Frame: One of the main criticisms was the absence of a specific time frame for the implementation of self-government in India. The nationalists wanted a clear and definite timeline that would outline the steps and time frame towards achieving responsible government. The absence of such clarity created uncertainty and disappointment.
• Disappointment with the Montagu Reforms: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent nationalist leader, expressed his disappointment by describing the Montagu reforms as “unworthy and disappointing – a sunless dawn.” This remark reflects the discontent among Indian nationalists who believed that the reforms did not go far enough in granting self-governance to India.
• Unilateral Decision-Making: Indian leaders objected to the fact that the nature and timing of the transition to responsible government would be decided solely by the British government. They felt that this approach undermined the agency and aspirations of the Indian people. The sentiment among Indian nationalists was that it was unjust for the British to dictate what was good or bad for India without significant Indian input and representation in the decision-making process.
• Criticism by Annie Besant: Annie Besant, a prominent British suffragette and Indian nationalist leader, described the August Declaration as “unworthy of England to offer and India to accept.” Her statement reflects the disappointment and frustration felt by Indian nationalists who believed that the British government’s proposal fell short of what India deserved.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the August Declaration 1917 outlined the British government’s policy towards India, aiming for the gradual development of self-governing institutions and responsible government. However, Indian nationalists objected to the declaration due to the lack of a specific time frame and the perceived unilateral decision-making by the British government. The introduction of dyarchy was seen as a compromise to increase accountability. Despite its shortcomings, the declaration legitimized nationalist demands and marked a significant shift in British policy towards India.

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