UPSC Prelims 2005 Q77: Modern History – British Administration & Economic Policies
Who among the following repealed the Vernacular Press Act?
- (a) Lord Dufferin
- (b) Lord Ripon
- (c) Lord Curzon
- (d) Lord Hardinge
Answer: (b) Lord Ripon
Explanation
Repeal of the Vernacular Press Act
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Passed | 1878 under Viceroy Lord Lytton to curb the Indian-language press |
| Repealed | 1882 by Lord Ripon |
| Other options | Dufferin, Curzon and Hardinge came later and did not repeal it |
The Vernacular Press Act (1878) was repealed in 1882 by Lord Ripon, who is known as a liberal Viceroy.
Answer: (b) Lord Ripon.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Dufferin succeeded Ripon in 1884.
- (b) CORRECT. Ripon repealed the Act in 1882.
- (c) Incorrect. Curzon passed the Official Secrets Act in 1904 instead.
- (d) Incorrect. Hardinge served from 1910 to 1916.
Key point
Lytton passed the Act, Ripon repealed it (1882) along with local self-government reforms.
Remember
Lord Ripon repealed the Vernacular Press Act in 1882.
Common mistakes
- Crediting Curzon, known for the University Act.
- Confusing the Act with Lytton's Arms Act of 1878.
- Forgetting Ripon's other liberal measures such as the Ilbert Bill.
Exam tip
Ripon: repealed VPA, Factory Act 1881, local self-government 1882, Hunter Commission, Ilbert Bill.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India
- Vernacular Press Act, 1878