UPSC Prelims 2013 Q81: Modern History – British Administration & Economic Policies
The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the
- (a) imposition of certain restrictions to carry arms by the Indians
- (b) imposition of restrictions on newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages
- (c) removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans
- (d) removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth
Answer: (c) removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans
Explanation
Ilbert Bill controversy, 1883
The Bill was drafted by C.P. Ilbert, Law Member, under Viceroy Lord Ripon.
It sought to let Indian judges and magistrates try Europeans in criminal cases.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Aim | Remove a racial disqualification on Indian magistrates |
| Reaction | Europeans in India protested fiercely: the 'White Mutiny' |
| Outcome | The Bill was watered down: a European could ask for a jury with at least half Europeans |
| Effect | Indians learnt the value of organised agitation; it sped up the birth of the Congress (1885) |
The other options:
| Option | Actual measure |
|---|---|
| (a) Restrictions on carrying arms | Arms Act, 1878 (Lytton) |
| (b) Restrictions on Indian-language newspapers | Vernacular Press Act, 1878 (Lytton) |
| (d) Removal of duty on imported cotton cloth | Tariff changes of 1879 and 1882 |
Answer: (c) removal of disqualifications on Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of Europeans.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Restrictions on carrying arms came under the Arms Act, 1878.
- (b) Incorrect. Restrictions on Indian-language newspapers came under the Vernacular Press Act.
- (c) CORRECT. It concerned letting Indian magistrates try Europeans.
- (d) Incorrect. It had nothing to do with duty on imported cotton cloth.
Key point
Ilbert Bill (1883, Lord Ripon): to let Indian magistrates try Europeans; 'White Mutiny'; diluted; taught Indians organised protest.
Remember
Ilbert Bill = Indian judges trying Europeans.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up Ripon's liberal measures with Lytton's repressive ones.
- Thinking the Bill passed unchanged.
- Forgetting its link to the founding of the Congress.
Exam tip
Lytton: Arms Act and Vernacular Press Act (1878). Ripon: Ilbert Bill (1883).
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence, Ch 4 (Foundation of the Indian National Congress: The Reality)
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India (Lord Ripon and the Ilbert Bill)