From 1913 to 1947, Assam’s legislature evolved from a limited advisory body to a full legislative assembly. Though early councils were dominated by nominated officials, gradual reforms allowed for increased Indian representation. This era also witnessed the rise of Assamese political consciousness, Congress activism, and dynamic leadership ahead of independence.
Formation of Assam Legislative Council (1913–1920)
Reversion to Chief Commissioner’s Province
After the annulment of the Bengal Partition in 1911, Assam (along with Sylhet) became a Chief Commissioner’s Province once again.
A Legislative Council was created as part of limited constitutional reforms.
Composition of the First Council
The Legislative Council had 25 members in total:
Chief Commissioner + 13 nominated members (government officials)
Remaining members were elected by select public bodies:
Municipalities
Local Boards
Landholders
Tea Planters
Muslim electorate
Inaugural Session
The first session of the Assam Legislative Council was held on 6th January 1913 at Shillong.
The session was presided over by Sir Archdale Earle, the then Chief Commissioner of Assam.
Reforms under Government of India Act, 1919 – Dyarchy Period (1921–1937)
Expansion of the Council (1921)
Under the Government of India Act, 1919, the Council’s strength increased to 53 members from 1st April, 1921:
41 were elected
12 were nominated
Beginning of Dyarchy in Assam
The Dyarchy system introduced a division of powers:
Transferred subjects (education, agriculture, local self-government) under elected Indian ministers.
Reserved subjects (law and order, finance) retained by the British.
Of the 53 members, 33 were elected through special constituencies.
Limited Effectiveness
Though the powers of the Council increased, actual control remained with the official bloc:
Dominated by Europeans and nominated officials
Elected members had limited influence in practice
Rise of Political Movements and Provincial Congress
Non-Cooperation Movement Impact
During the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–21), Assam saw a surge in nationalist activity.
The Assam Association, the first political body of the province, was transformed into the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC).
APCC was allotted 5 seats in the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
Assam Legislative Assembly (1937–1947)
Under Government of India Act, 1935
The Government of India Act, 1935 expanded the Legislative Council into a Legislative Assembly.
The Assembly had 108 members with wider legislative powers compared to the previous Council.
Political Rivalries and Leadership
The period witnessed the emergence of two major leaders:
Gopinath Bordoloi (Congress)
Muhammad Saadullah (Muslim League)
Both leaders vied for power and influence, shaping the political future of pre-independence Assam.