The correct answer is 1909. Explanation & Key Takeaways: • The Indian Council Act of 1909 is popularly known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, named after the then Secretary of State for India, Lord Morley, and the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto. • The most landmark and controversial provision of this Act was the introduction of separate electorates for Muslims, which allowed Muslim representatives to be elected only by Muslim voters. • By granting communal representation, the Act effectively institutionalized the divide and rule policy, which later significantly influenced the socio-political fabric of India. • Due to the introduction of this communal voting system, Lord Minto became known in historical texts as the Father of Communal Electorate. • The Act increased the size of the Legislative Councils at both the Central and Provincial levels; for instance, the number of members in the Central Legislative Council was raised from 16 to 60. • It also marked the first time an Indian was appointed to the Viceroy’s Executive Council, with Satyendra Prasad Sinha joining as a Law Member. Related Concepts: • Indian Council Act of 1861: • Introduced the Portfolio System, where individual members of the executive council were placed in charge of specific departments. • Started the process of decentralization by restoring legislative powers to the Madras and Bombay presidencies. • Authorized the Viceroy to issue ordinances in times of emergency, which would have the force of law for six months. • Indian Council Act of 1862 (Implementation context): • Under the provisions of the 1861 Act, Lord Canning nominated three Indians—the Raja of Benares, the Maharaja of Patiala, and Sir Dinkar Rao—to the newly constituted Legislative Council. • 1903: • While not associated with a specific Indian Council Act, this year is notable for the Delhi Durbar organized by Lord Curzon to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII.