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Description
An informational poster titled "The Development of Self-government in British India" presents a chronological chart organized into three vertical columns: "Viceroy & Executive Council," "Legislature," and "Provincial Government." Five horizontal rows represent key milestones: 1861 (Indian Councils Act), 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms), 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms), 1935 (Government of India Act), and 1942 (Enlargement of Viceroy's Council). Using blue and white diagrams with small human figures, the chart illustrates the gradual expansion of Indian representation. The "Viceroy’s Executive Council" column shows the council growing from five members to a larger, majority-Indian body by 1942. The "Legislature" column depicts the transition from a single Legislative Council to a bicameral system consisting of a Council of State and a Legislative Assembly, with the number of Indian members (represented by blue figures) increasing significantly over time compared to British members (represented by black figures). The "Provincial Government" column shows the shift from centralized control by a single governor to provincial autonomy, eventually reaching a stage where all council members are Indians.