Question

a. British. The British government introduced the policy of divide and rule to
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Answer 1

Answer:

In 1857, the 'Great Mutiny' broke out in which the Hindus and Muslims jointly fought against the British. This shocked the British government so much that after suppressing the Mutiny, they decided to start the policy of divide and rule (see online “History in the Service of Imperialism” by B.N. Pande).

Explanation:

Answer 2

The British used a strategy known as "Divide and Rule" in India, in which they attempted to divide people based on economic, religious, social, and political divides. It majorly affected the Hindus and Muslims. 

Explanation:

• It was instituted by Gilbert Elliot, the 17th Viceroy of India, who established distinct electorates in order to create a split between Hindus and Muslims, thereby creating civil tensions.

• Through the Morley-Minto reforms, he was regarded accountable for implementing the 'Divide and Rule' regime in India.

• To undermine the national cause, he attempted to split Indians along communal lines.

• The Morley-Minto Reforms, also known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909, established separate electorates for Muslims, sowing the seeds of Hindu-Muslim cooperation. This was done on purpose to stifle the country's current rise of nationalism.