UPSC Prelims 2007 Q64: Modern History – British Administration & Economic Policies
The first Factory Act restricting the working hours of women and children and authorizing
local governments to make necessary rules was adopted during whose time?
- (a) Lord Lytton
- (b) Lord Bentinck
- (c) Lord Ripon
- (d) Lord Canning
Answer: (c) Lord Ripon
Explanation
First Indian Factory Act, 1881 — Lord Ripon
| Provision | 1881 Act (Ripon) | 1891 Act (Lansdowne) |
|---|---|---|
| Child age | Below 7 years banned | Below 9 years banned |
| Child hours | Max 9 hours/day (age 7-12) | Max 7 hours/day (age 9-14) |
| Women | Protected by rules | Max 11 hours/day with 1.5 hrs rest |
| Holidays | 4 per month | Weekly holiday |
The 1881 Act also let provincial (local) governments frame rules.
The push came partly from Lancashire mill owners, who wanted to cut the cost advantage of Indian mills.
Ripon's other reforms: Local Self-Government Resolution (1882), Hunter Education Commission (1882), repeal of the Vernacular Press Act (1882), Ilbert Bill (1883).
Answer: (c) Lord Ripon.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Lytton (1876-80) is known for the Vernacular Press Act and the Delhi Durbar of 1877.
- (b) Incorrect. Bentinck (1828-35) is known for abolishing Sati and the English Education Act.
- (c) CORRECT. The first Factory Act (1881) came during Lord Ripon's viceroyalty.
- (d) Incorrect. Canning (1856-62) faced the 1857 revolt and passed the Indian Councils Act 1861.
Key point
Factory Act 1881 = Ripon (children); Factory Act 1891 = Lansdowne (women hours added).
Remember
First Factory Act, 1881 = Lord Ripon.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Lytton because he governed just before Ripon.
- Mixing up the 1881 and 1891 Factory Acts.
- Thinking the Act was pure humanitarianism — Lancashire competition was a big motive.
Exam tip
Ripon = 'good Viceroy' list: Factory Act 1881, first regular Census 1881, Local Self-Govt 1882, Hunter Commission 1882, Ilbert Bill 1883.
Sources
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India, Ch on Labour Movement
- Bipan Chandra — History of Modern India
- Indian Factories Act, 1881