Indian Councils act of 1861
The Indian Councils Act of 1861, also known as the First Indian Councils Act, was a significant piece of legislation during the British colonial rule in India. It marked an important step in the gradual process of constitutional reforms and political representation in British India. Prior to the 1861 Act, India was governed by the British East India Company, and political representation was limited to the British rulers and a few appointed Indian officials. The 1857 Indian Rebellion (Sepoy Mutiny) had highlighted the need for greater Indian participation in governance to prevent future uprisings and foster cooperation. This Act initiated the process of decentralisation by restoring the legislative powers to the Bombay and the Madras Presidencies. It accorded statutory recognition to the Portfolio System. Features of Indian Councils act of 1861 Lord Canning, who was the Governor-General and Viceroy at the time, introduced the portfolio system. In this system, each member was assigned