DOMINION OF INDIA Meaning and
Definition
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Dominion of India refers to the political entity that existed from 1947 to 1950 in the Indian subcontinent. It came into existence as a result of the Indian Independence Act passed by the British Parliament in July 1947, which partitioned the British Indian Empire into India and Pakistan. The Dominion of India encompassed the territories that remained under British rule after partition and comprised of present-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
As a dominion, India's political status was similar to other self-governing countries within the British Commonwealth, such as Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The Indian Independence Act defined the dominion as an independent, sovereign state with an internal government and a Governor-General as the representative of the British sovereign. The Governor-General held ceremonial duties and represented the dominion in matters related to the British monarch.
During its existence, the Dominion of India faced significant challenges, including the massive displacement of populations caused by religious violence and the integration of more than 500 princely states into the newly formed nation. In 1950, the Indian Constitution came into effect, transforming the Dominion of India into the Republic of India. With this transition, India became a fully sovereign and independent country, adopting a republican system of government with its own constitution and an elected president as the head of state.
