Montagu’s 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. The statement detailed the British government’s policy towards India and its intentions for granting self-government to the Indian people.

Background Of The August Declaration

• World War I and Revolutionary Activities:
• Impact of the First World War and growing revolutionary activities influenced policy changes towards India.
• Scathing Indictment and Support:
• Edwin Montagu criticized India’s governance system and supported Indian self-government during a House of Commons debate.
• Montagu’s Appointment and Sympathy:
• Montagu, as Secretary of State for India, showed sympathy for the aspirations of the Indian people.
• Fresh Perspective and Government Policy:
• Montagu's fresh perspective led to the August 1917 Declaration.
• Declared government policy to increase Indian participation and develop self-governing institutions for responsible government in India within the British Empire.

About The August Declaration Of 1917

• Gradual Development of Self-Governing Institutions:
• The government’s policy aimed at gradually establishing self-governing institutions in India.
• Signaled a shift towards increasing Indian participation in various aspects of administration.
• Realization of Responsible Government:
• Emphasized the importance of responsible government in India within the British Empire.
• Goal was to move towards a system where 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 by Morley in 1909, acknowledging the demand for self-government as a legitimate aspiration.
• Marked a significant departure from previous policies.
• Reservation on Ceding Control:
• While indicating commitment to increasing Indian participation, the British government did not intend to relinquish full control to predominantly elected legislatures with an Indian majority.
• Introduction of Dyarchy:
• To address accountability, the concept of “dyarchy” was proposed.
• Involved dividing executive power, making it partially accountable to elected assemblies.
• Reforms included an increase in the size and proportion of elected members in these assemblies.

Outcomes Of The August Declaration

The outcomes of the August Declaration of 1917 were as follows:

• 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 Objection To The August Declaration

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

• Lack of Specific Time Frame:
• Main criticism: Absence of a specific time frame for the implementation of self-government in India.
• Nationalists sought a clear and definite timeline outlining steps and timeframe towards achieving responsible government.
• Disappointment with the Montagu Reforms:
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak expressed disappointment, describing the Montagu reforms as “unworthy and disappointing – a sunless dawn.”
• Reflects discontent among Indian nationalists, feeling that the reforms did not go far enough in granting self-governance to India.
• Unilateral Decision-Making:
• Objection to the fact that the nature and timing of the transition to responsible government would be decided solely by the British government.
• 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.
• 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.”
• Reflects the disappointment and frustration felt by Indian nationalists, believing the British government’s proposal fell short of what India deserved.

Conclusion

In summary, the August Declaration of 1917 delineated the British government’s policy towards India, envisioning the gradual development of self-governing institutions and responsible government. However, Indian nationalists raised objections, citing the absence of a specific time frame and the perceived unilateral decision-making by the British government. The introduction of dyarchy was considered a compromise to enhance accountability. Despite its shortcomings, the declaration legitimized nationalist demands and represented a noteworthy shift in British policy towards India.

FAQs on Montagu’s Statement of August 1917 & Indian Objections

Question: What was the Montagu Declaration of 1917?

Answer: 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's policy towards India and its commitment to granting self-government to the Indian people.

Question: Why were Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms introduced?

Answer: 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.

Question: What were the reasons for the August Declaration?

Answer: 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'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.