In the provincial legislative elections of 1937 under the Government of India Act 1935, which of the following statements are correct?

Introduction / Context:
The provincial elections of 1937 were the first elections held in British India under the Government of India Act 1935. They marked a major step in limited self government at the provincial level and revealed the relative strength of political parties such as the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League. Understanding the franchise, the results and the performance of different parties in these elections is an important part of modern Indian political history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Statement 1: Only about 10 to 12 percent of the population had the right to vote.
• Statement 2: The untouchables had no right to vote.
• Statement 3: The Congress won an absolute majority in five out of eleven provinces.
• Statement 4: The Muslim League won more than 80 percent of the seats reserved for Muslims.
• We are asked to identify which of these statements are correct.

Concept / Approach:
The Government of India Act 1935 provided for provincial autonomy but retained a very limited franchise, based on property, education and tax qualifications. Thus only a small fraction of the adult population could vote, making Statement 1 broadly correct in the 10 to 12 percent range. Untouchables (Depressed Classes) did have voting rights and separate representation under the Communal Award and Poona Pact, so Statement 2 is incorrect. The Congress did secure absolute majorities in five provinces, while in others it emerged as the largest party without an outright majority, making Statement 3 correct. The Muslim League, however, performed poorly in many Muslim majority areas at that time and certainly did not win more than 80 percent of Muslim seats, so Statement 4 is false.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Political histories of the 1930s consistently note that the Congress formed ministries in several provinces after 1937, while the Muslim League's performance was relatively weak, especially in Punjab, Sind and the North West Frontier Province. They also emphasise the restricted electorate and the presence of reserved seats for Depressed Classes. These details match Statements 1 and 3, and contradict Statements 2 and 4, confirming our answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 1, 3 and 4: Includes Statement 4, which falsely exaggerates the Muslim League's success.
• 1 and 4 only: Treats Statement 4 as correct and ignores the verified fact that Congress had majorities in five provinces.
• 2, 3 and 4: Includes both Statements 2 and 4, which are incorrect regarding the voting rights of untouchables and the League's performance.
• 1, 2 and 3 only: Adds Statement 2, which wrongly denies voting rights to the Depressed Classes.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often overestimate the Muslim League's strength in 1937 because they associate it with the later demand for Pakistan, when its influence had grown. It is also easy to forget that the franchise was heavily restricted, leading some to think that a large portion of the population voted. Keeping separate the realities of 1937 from those of the 1940s helps avoid such errors.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: 1 and 3 only.