UPSC Prelims 2004 Q90: Modern History – British Administration & Economic Policies
Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
- (a) Pitt's India Act - Warren Hastings
- (b) Doctrine of Lapse - Dalhousie
- (c) Vernacular Press Act - Curzon
- (d) Ilbert Bill - Ripon
Answer: (c) Vernacular Press Act - Curzon
Explanation
Acts and personalities of British India
| Pair | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Pitt's India Act - Warren Hastings | Correct — passed in 1784 in Hastings's time |
| Doctrine of Lapse - Dalhousie | Correct |
| Vernacular Press Act - Curzon | Wrong — passed under Lytton in 1878 |
| Ilbert Bill - Ripon | Correct |
The Vernacular Press Act (1878) was passed under Lord Lytton, not Curzon.
Answer: (c) Vernacular Press Act - Curzon.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Pitt's India Act dates from Hastings's time.
- (b) Incorrect. The Doctrine of Lapse was Dalhousie's policy.
- (c) CORRECT. The Act was Lytton's, so this pair is wrong.
- (d) Incorrect. The Ilbert Bill was introduced under Ripon.
Key point
Lytton: Vernacular Press Act, Arms Act. Curzon: Partition of Bengal, University Act.
Remember
The Vernacular Press Act was passed under Lord Lytton.
Common mistakes
- Crediting Curzon for the Vernacular Press Act.
- Mixing up Ripon with Lytton as the author.
- Reading the question as asking for a correct pair.
Exam tip
Lytton passed the VPA in 1878; Ripon repealed it in 1882.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India
- Vernacular Press Act, 1878