India

1857 India Mutiny: Indian sepoys mutinied after discovering that the new Enfield rifle consisted of both
pork and beef fat tallow – upsetting both Hindu and Muslims. It led to British families getting slaughtered
where the British officials responding by torching villages and killing unarmed Indians. Restoring order
costed 36 million pounds which meant that Britain made India pay them.

In 1858, The Government of India Act was passed which dissolved the East India Company and
transferred its rights to the British Crown.

In 1877, Royal Titles Act was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which officially recognized
Queen Victoria as Empress of India.

1885, formation of the Congress Party: The Indian National Congress was formed where most
representatives were high-caste Hindus and at first it was not a political party and pledged its loyalty to
the crown. It was formed with the initial aim of getting more Indians involved in the governance of the
country. Later on, its purpose upgraded to complete independence. And, post-independence, it emerged
as a major political party in the country.

1901, North West Frontier Province: The province played an important role in British India's governance
and administration, particularly in terms of the British Empire's military strategy in the region. It was a
key center of British colonial power and served as a base for military campaigns against Afghanistan and
other neighboring regions. The North West Province covered a vast area of what is now Pakistan,
including the cities of Lahore and Peshawar. It was governed by a Chief Commissioner, appointed by the
British Government, and had a Legislative Council consisting of appointed and elected members.

1905, Partition of Bengal: Viceroy Curzon decided to divide the 80mn inhabitant province to improve
administration. Hindus objected to the creation of a Muslim-dominated province of E. Bengal. Riots and
unrest broke out which led to Curzon’s resignation. The reason for the partition of Bengal given was
that it was difficult to administer a province as big as Bengal by a single provincial government.

1906, October Simla Deputation: The Simla Deputation was a gathering of 35 prominent Indian Muslim
leaders led by the Aga Khan III at the Viceregal loge in Simla in October 1906. The deputation aimed to
convince Lord Minto, then Viceroy of India, to grant Muslims greater representation in politics.

1906, Muslim league: The Muslim League is founded on the basis that Congress does not as it claims
represent all Indians. Some Indians belonged to both Congress and the League. The League is set up to
protect Muslims’ rights and become the sole representative for Muslims. The League also sends the
SIMLA DEPUTATION to the new Viceroy (Minto) asking for the protection of Muslim interests, especially
in elections.

1909, Indian Councils Act: The Indian Councils Act 1909, commonly known as the Morley–
Minto or Minto–Morley Reforms, was an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that brought
about a limited increase in the involvement of Indians in the governance of British India. Named
after Viceroy Lord Minto and Secretary of State John Morley, the act introduced elections to legislative
councils and admitted Indians to councils of the Secretary of State for India, the viceroy, and to the
executive councils of Bombay and Madras states. Muslims were granted separate electorates according
to the demands of the Muslim league.

1909, Morley Minto Reforms: THE NDIAN COUNCILS ACT guaranteed separate representation for
Muslims and other minorities. The reforms were criticised for establishing communalism, not giving real
power to Indians and for a weak franchise.