{"id":25735,"date":"2024-02-06T07:26:47","date_gmt":"2024-02-06T07:26:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=25735"},"modified":"2024-02-06T07:26:50","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T07:26:50","slug":"montagus-statement-of-august-1917-indian-objections-upsc-modern-history-notes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/montagus-statement-of-august-1917-indian-objections-upsc-modern-history-notes\/","title":{"rendered":"Montagu\u2019s Statement of August 1917 &#038; Indian Objections &#8211; UPSC Modern History Notes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-history?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=History\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/13.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/13.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/13-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/13-585x137.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Montagu\u2019s <strong>Statement of August 1917<\/strong>, also referred to as the <strong>August Declaration of 1917<\/strong>, was a speech given by Edwin Samuel Montagu, the secretary of state for India, in the British House of Commons on <strong>August 20, 1917<\/strong>. The statement detailed the British government\u2019s policy towards <strong>India<\/strong> and its intentions for granting <strong>self-government<\/strong> to the <strong>Indian people<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d3d2096ae42\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d3d2096ae42\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/montagus-statement-of-august-1917-indian-objections-upsc-modern-history-notes\/#Background_Of_The_August_Declaration\" title=\"Background Of The August Declaration\">Background Of The August Declaration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/montagus-statement-of-august-1917-indian-objections-upsc-modern-history-notes\/#About_The_August_Declaration_Of_1917\" title=\"About The August Declaration Of 1917\">About The August Declaration Of 1917<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/montagus-statement-of-august-1917-indian-objections-upsc-modern-history-notes\/#Outcomes_Of_The_August_Declaration\" title=\"Outcomes Of The August Declaration\">Outcomes Of The August Declaration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/montagus-statement-of-august-1917-indian-objections-upsc-modern-history-notes\/#Indias_Objection_To_The_August_Declaration\" title=\"India\u2019s Objection To The August Declaration\">India\u2019s Objection To The August Declaration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/montagus-statement-of-august-1917-indian-objections-upsc-modern-history-notes\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/montagus-statement-of-august-1917-indian-objections-upsc-modern-history-notes\/#FAQs_on_Montagus_Statement_of_August_1917_Indian_Objections\" title=\"FAQs on Montagu\u2019s Statement of August 1917 &amp; Indian Objections\">FAQs on Montagu\u2019s Statement of August 1917 &amp; Indian Objections<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/montagus-statement-of-august-1917-indian-objections-upsc-modern-history-notes\/#Question_What_was_the_Montagu_Declaration_of_1917\" title=\"Question: What was the Montagu Declaration of 1917?\">Question: What was the Montagu Declaration of 1917?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/montagus-statement-of-august-1917-indian-objections-upsc-modern-history-notes\/#Question_Why_were_Montagu-Chelmsford_Reforms_introduced\" title=\"Question: Why were Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms introduced?\">Question: Why were Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms introduced?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/montagus-statement-of-august-1917-indian-objections-upsc-modern-history-notes\/#Question_What_were_the_reasons_for_the_August_Declaration\" title=\"Question: What were the reasons for the August Declaration?\">Question: What were the reasons for the August Declaration?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/montagus-statement-of-august-1917-indian-objections-upsc-modern-history-notes\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/montagus-statement-of-august-1917-indian-objections-upsc-modern-history-notes\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Background_Of_The_August_Declaration\"><\/span>Background Of The August Declaration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>World War I and Revolutionary Activities:<\/strong><ul><li>Impact of the <strong>First World War<\/strong> and growing <strong>revolutionary activities<\/strong> influenced policy changes towards <strong>India<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Scathing Indictment and Support:<\/strong><ul><li>Edwin Montagu criticized India\u2019s governance system and supported <strong>Indian self-government<\/strong> during a <strong>House of Commons debate<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Montagu\u2019s Appointment and Sympathy:<\/strong><ul><li>Montagu, as <strong>Secretary of State for India<\/strong>, showed sympathy for the aspirations of the <strong>Indian people<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Fresh Perspective and Government Policy:<\/strong><ul><li>Montagu&#8217;s fresh perspective led to the <strong>August 1917 Declaration<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Declared government policy to increase <strong>Indian participation<\/strong> and develop <strong>self-governing institutions<\/strong> for <strong>responsible government<\/strong> in <strong>India<\/strong> within the <strong>British Empire<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_The_August_Declaration_Of_1917\"><\/span>About The August Declaration Of 1917<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Gradual Development of Self-Governing Institutions:<\/strong><ul><li>The government\u2019s policy aimed at <strong>gradually establishing self-governing institutions<\/strong> in India.<\/li><li>Signaled a shift towards increasing <strong>Indian participation<\/strong> in various aspects of administration.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Realization of Responsible Government:<\/strong><ul><li>Emphasized the importance of <strong>responsible government<\/strong> in India within the <strong>British Empire<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Goal was to move towards a system where rulers would be accountable to <strong>elected representatives<\/strong> rather than solely to the imperial government in London.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Change in Government Policy:<\/strong><ul><li>Montagu\u2019s statement contradicted an earlier claim by Morley in 1909, acknowledging the demand for <strong>self-government<\/strong> as a legitimate aspiration.<\/li><li>Marked a significant departure from previous policies.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Reservation on Ceding Control:<\/strong><ul><li>While indicating commitment to increasing Indian participation, the British government did not intend to relinquish <strong>full control<\/strong> to predominantly elected legislatures with an Indian majority.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Introduction of Dyarchy:<\/strong><ul><li>To address accountability, the concept of <strong>\u201cdyarchy\u201d<\/strong> was proposed.<\/li><li>Involved dividing executive power, making it partially accountable to <strong>elected assemblies<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Reforms included an increase in the size and proportion of <strong>elected members<\/strong> in these assemblies.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Outcomes_Of_The_August_Declaration\"><\/span>Outcomes Of The August Declaration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The outcomes of the <strong>August Declaration of 1917<\/strong> were as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Legitimization of Nationalist Demands:<\/strong><ul><li>The declaration <strong>recognized the nationalist demand<\/strong> for <strong>self-government<\/strong>, removing the label of sedition.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Emphasis on Responsible Government:<\/strong><ul><li>The term <strong>\u201cresponsible government\u201d<\/strong> implied <strong>accountability to elected representatives<\/strong> rather than just the imperial government.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Limited Power Transfer:<\/strong><ul><li>The British government had <strong>no intention of fully ceding power<\/strong> to elected Indian legislatures.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Introduction of Dyarchy:<\/strong><ul><li><strong>Dyarchy<\/strong> was proposed to increase <strong>accountability<\/strong>, with certain areas of governance under <strong>elected Indian ministers<\/strong> and others under <strong>British control<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Indias_Objection_To_The_August_Declaration\"><\/span>India\u2019s Objection To The August Declaration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Certainly, the <strong>August Declaration of 1917<\/strong> faced criticism from Indian nationalists who believed it did not meet their legitimate expectations. Here are some objections raised by Indian leaders:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Lack of Specific Time Frame:<\/strong><ul><li>Main criticism: Absence of a specific time frame for the implementation of <strong>self-government<\/strong> in India.<\/li><li>Nationalists sought a clear and definite timeline outlining steps and timeframe towards achieving <strong>responsible government<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Disappointment with the Montagu Reforms:<\/strong><ul><li>Bal Gangadhar Tilak expressed disappointment, describing the Montagu reforms as <strong>\u201cunworthy and disappointing \u2013 a sunless dawn.\u201d<\/strong><\/li><li>Reflects discontent among Indian nationalists, feeling that the reforms did not go far enough in granting <strong>self-governance<\/strong> to India.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Unilateral Decision-Making:<\/strong><ul><li>Objection to the fact that the nature and timing of the transition to <strong>responsible government<\/strong> would be decided solely by the British government.<\/li><li>Indian leaders felt this approach undermined the agency and aspirations of the Indian people, considering it unjust for the British to dictate without significant Indian input.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Criticism by Annie Besant:<\/strong><ul><li>Annie Besant, a prominent British suffragette and Indian nationalist leader, described the August Declaration as <strong>\u201cunworthy of England to offer and India to accept.\u201d<\/strong><\/li><li>Reflects the disappointment and frustration felt by Indian nationalists, believing the British government\u2019s proposal fell short of what India deserved.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In summary, the <strong>August Declaration of 1917<\/strong> delineated the British government\u2019s policy towards India, envisioning the <strong>gradual development of self-governing institutions<\/strong> and <strong>responsible government<\/strong>. However, Indian nationalists raised objections, citing the absence of a specific time frame and the perceived <strong>unilateral decision-making<\/strong> by the British government. The introduction of <strong>dyarchy<\/strong> was considered a compromise to enhance accountability. Despite its shortcomings, the declaration <strong>legitimized nationalist demands<\/strong> and represented a noteworthy shift in British policy towards India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_on_Montagus_Statement_of_August_1917_Indian_Objections\"><\/span>FAQs on Montagu\u2019s Statement of August 1917 &amp; Indian Objections<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Question_What_was_the_Montagu_Declaration_of_1917\"><\/span><strong>Question: What was the Montagu Declaration of 1917?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Answer:<\/em> The Montagu Declaration of 1917, also known as the August Declaration, was a significant policy statement made by Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State for India, in the British House of Commons on August 20, 1917. It outlined the British government&#8217;s policy towards India and its commitment to granting self-government to the Indian people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Question_Why_were_Montagu-Chelmsford_Reforms_introduced\"><\/span><strong>Question: Why were Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms introduced?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Answer:<\/em> The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, introduced in 1919, were initiated to address constitutional changes in British India. The reforms aimed to increase Indian representation in governance, grant more autonomy to provinces, and move towards a responsible government. These measures were a response to the political situation and the need for a more inclusive and participatory system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Question_What_were_the_reasons_for_the_August_Declaration\"><\/span><strong>Question: What were the reasons for the August Declaration?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Answer:<\/em> The August Declaration of 1917, part of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, was prompted by several factors. It was a response to the impact of World War I and the growing revolutionary activities in India. Edwin Montagu, sympathetic to Indian aspirations, outlined the British government&#8217;s new policy, emphasizing the gradual development of self-governing institutions and responsible government. The declaration aimed to address the demand for increased Indian participation in governance and mark a shift in British policy towards India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. 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Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Montagu\u2019s Statement of August 1917, also referred to as the August Declaration of 1917, was a speech given by Edwin Samuel Montagu, the secretary of state for India, in the British House of Commons on August 20, 1917. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":25738,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[290],"tags":[186,1730,232,213,140],"class_list":["post-25735","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-modern-history-general-studies","tag-general-studies-1","tag-montagus-statement-of-august","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-notes","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25735","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25735"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25735\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25739,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25735\/revisions\/25739"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25738"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25735"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25735"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25735"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}