The term dominion means “that which is mastered or ruled”. It is referred to those countries which were earlier part of the British Empire but had their own governments i.e., self-governing nations of the British Empire.
Background
The Dominion status was granted to these countries through a series of acts of the British Parliament, beginning with the Dominion of Canada Act in 1867.
This status allowed these countries to have a large degree of self-governance while still remaining part of the British Empire. They had their own parliaments and could control their domestic affairs, while Britain was responsible for foreign policy and defence.
India’s Demand for Dominion Status
India also demanded Dominion status as a step towards independence from British rule. The demand for Dominion status was first made by the Indian National Congress in 1917, and was later included in the Nehru Report, a proposal for constitutional reform submitted by the Congress in 1928.
The demand for Dominion status was based on the idea that India, like other Dominions, should have a large degree of self-government and control over its domestic affairs, while still remaining part of the British Empire. The Congress argued that India was capable of responsible self-government and that Dominion status would be a step towards full independence.
After several rounds of negotiations and discussions, the Government of India Act of 1935 granted India and other British colonies in Asia and Africa a limited form of self-government but stopped short of Dominion status.
It wasn’t until 1947 that India finally achieved independence from British rule, following the passage of the Indian Independence Act by the British Parliament.
