Publisher's Synopsis
The seven studies in this book concern crucial episodes in the making of British policies in the run-up to Indian independence, analyzing the sharp contrasts in the approaches of the British political parties to the problem of devolving power whilst maintaining control or influence. As Conservative authority endured through most of the period, the long process of devolution was attended by a divisive undertow. The Montagu-Chelmsford reforms, the Round Table conference, the putative All-India federation, and the war-time attempts to reconstruct the Government of India all suffered from their implementation under essentially Conservative governments.
