Topic - 1 : About Positive Steps taken by the British to Modernise India : Opinion Based Question

Firstly, Under the British the Indian legal system was based on the concept of equality before law. Irrespective of their class, religion, or caste the same law applied to all persons. While, the judicial system had paid need to caste distinction and had differentiated between highborn and low-born previously.

Secondly, the modern concept of the rule of law was introduced by the British. Their administration was to be carried out in obedience to laws which clearly defined the rights, privileges, and obligations of the subjects. Any official could be brought before a court of law for breach of official duty or for acts done in excess of his official authority, was one important feature of the concept of the rule of law.

Thirdly, Indian traditions and customs were covered with orthodoxy and they were modernized by the British to some extent by law or teachings or influence. Sati abolition, child marriage abolition, widow remarriage act, etc. were the some modernization done to Indian society.

Fourthly, British introduced civil services in Indian and later on they were made open for Indian candidates also by the charter Act of 1853 through competitive exams.

Fifthly, Macaulay’s minute of 1835 on education brought English to pursuit of education. It modernized the educational set up in India. New thinking and opinion cropped up everywhere in intellectual field which later facilitated to the bringing of vigorous nationalist movement.

Similarly, during the British rule a long list of council and charter Acts prepared the background for constitutional development which became integral part of our constitution.