UPSC Prelims 2003 Q135: Modern History – British Administration & Economic Policies
With reference to colonial rule in India, what was sought by the Ilbert Bill in 1883?
- (a) To bring Indians and Europeans on par as far as the criminal jurisdiction of courts was concerned
- (b) To impose severe restrictions on the freedom of the native press as it was perceived to be hostile to colonial rulers
- (c) To encourage the native Indians to appear for civil service examinations by conducting them in India
- (d) To allow native Indians to possess arms by amending the Arms Act
Answer: (a) To bring Indians and Europeans on par as far as the criminal jurisdiction of courts was concerned
Explanation
Ilbert Bill, 1883
| Option | Link with the Ilbert Bill |
|---|---|
| Equal criminal jurisdiction over Europeans and Indians | Yes — Indian judges could try European offenders |
| Restrictions on the native press | No — Vernacular Press Act, 1878 |
| Civil service exams in India | No |
| Indians to possess arms | No — Arms Act issue |
The Ilbert Bill (1883) sought to bring Indians and Europeans on par as far as the criminal jurisdiction of courts was concerned.
Answer: (a) To bring Indians and Europeans on par as far as the criminal jurisdiction of courts was concerned.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Bill allowed Indian judges to try Europeans.
- (b) Incorrect. The press curbs were in the Vernacular Press Act.
- (c) Incorrect. Civil service exams in India were a separate demand.
- (d) Incorrect. Arms were not the Ilbert Bill's subject.
Key point
Ilbert Bill: Ripon's Law Member Courtenay Ilbert; withdrawn with a compromise.
Remember
The Ilbert Bill sought equal criminal jurisdiction for Indians and Europeans.
Common mistakes
- Mixing it with the Vernacular Press Act.
- Thinking it dealt with the Arms Act.
- Forgetting the role of Viceroy Ripon.
Exam tip
White mutiny of 1883: European opposition to the Bill.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India
- Sarvepalli Gopal — The Viceroyalty of Lord Ripon, 1880–1884 (Oxford University Press, 1953)