Question

The strategy of Divide and rule was adopted by
A) Lord Curzon
B) Lord Wellesley
C) Lord Minto
D) Lord Canning

Answer 1

Hint:
Divide and Rule policy was adopted by the Britishers in India under which they tried to divide people on the basis of economic, religious, social and political differences. It was introduced by the 17th Viceroy of India when he gave provision of separate electorates to create a rift between hindus and muslims thus promoting communal disharmony.

Complete step by step solution:
Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 4th Earl of Minto was the 17th Viceroy of India. He also served as the 8th Governor-General of Canada before becoming the viceroy. He was held responsible for introducing the policy of ‘Divide and Rule’ in India through the Morley-Minto reforms. He tried to divide Indians on communal lines to weaken the national movement. Indian Councils Act 1909 or Morley-Minto Reforms introduced separate electorates for the Muslims and sowed the seeds of Hindu-Muslim unity. This was done deliberately to slow down the ongoing wave of nationalism in the country.
The British Parliament enacted the Indian Councils Act 1909 with a view to introduce a few reforms in the legislative councils and increase the involvement of Indians (limited) in the governance of British India.It was more commonly called the Morley-Minto Reforms after the Secretary of State for India John Morley and the Viceroy of India, the 4th Earl of Minto.The number of elected members considerably increased in both the legislative councils .i.e. imperial and provincial legislative councils. It enlarged the deliberative functions of the legislative councils at both the levels. Separate electorates were introduced for the Muslims. Provisions were made for separate voting and few separate constituencies were made for Muslims. This way the British started the Divide and rule Policy in India for their benefit.
Lord Minto adopted the strategy of DIvide and Rule. The fearful British Government decided to apply the policy of ' Divide and Rule' to break the unity of the people. Lord Minto decided to make the Indian Muslims against the Hindus and against the Congress.

Note:
The Act introduced communal representation in Indian politics. This was intended to weaken the growing tide of nationalism in the country by dividing the people on the communal basis. The impact of this act was also seen in the partition of the country along religious lines. The effects of differential treatment of different religious groups can be seen to this day.