The Indian Councils Act of 1861 was enacted during the reign of Queen Victoria.

The Indian Councils Act of 1861 aimed to increase the participation of Indians in the legislative process by introducing a system of legislative councils at the provincial and central levels.

The Indian Councils Act of 1861 established four legislative councils: the Central Legislative Council, the Bengal Legislative Council, the Madras Legislative Council, and the Bombay Legislative Council.

Lord Canning was the Governor-General of India at the time of the enactment of the Indian Councils Act of 1861 and was responsible for its implementation.

The Central Legislative Council consisted of 12 members nominated by the Governor-General and 12 members elected by the provincial legislative councils.

The legislative councils established under the Indian Councils Act of 1861 had the power to discuss and make recommendations on legislative proposals, pass laws and regulations, and approve the budget.

The Indian Councils Act of 1861 did not introduce a system of representative government in India. Instead, it aimed to increase the participation of Indians in the legislative process through the establishment of legislative councils.

The Indian Councils Act of 1861 provided a platform for the Indian National Congress, which was formed in 1885, to voice its demands for greater political participation and reforms.

The Indian Councils Act of 1861 had several limitations, including the limited powers of the legislative councils, the majority of the members being nominated by the Governor-General, and the lack of power to pass laws.

The Indian Councils Act of 1861 had a significant impact on the history of Indian independence as it marked the beginning of the Indian independence movement, led to the formation of the Indian National Congress, and provided a platform for Indian leaders to voice their demands.