Lord Ripon served as the Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884. He is best remembered for his liberal policies, social reforms, and efforts to promote self-governance in India. He is often called the “Father of Local Self-Government in India.”
1. Key Reforms and Policies
A. Repeal of the Vernacular Press Act (1882)
✔ The Vernacular Press Act (1878) introduced by Lord Lytton was highly unpopular as it censored Indian-language newspapers.
✔ Lord Ripon repealed the Act in 1882, restoring press freedom for Indians.
B. Local Self-Government Act (1882)
✔ Considered his most important reform.
✔ Introduced local self-governance by forming municipal bodies and district boards.
✔ Gave more powers to Indians in administration.
✔ Laid the foundation for democratic governance in India.
C. Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883–1884)
✔ Proposed by Sir Courtenay Ilbert, this bill aimed to allow Indian judges to try British subjects in India.
✔ Faced strong opposition from British officials and communities.
✔ The bill was weakened due to protests, allowing British subjects to demand trial by a British judge.
✔ This controversy exposed British racial discrimination and fueled nationalist sentiments.
D. Educational Reforms
✔ Hunter Commission (1882) was set up to review primary and secondary education in India.
✔ Recommended more government support for education and expansion of female education.
E. Economic and Agricultural Reforms
✔ Introduced Land Revenue Policies to reduce peasant hardships.
✔ Encouraged agricultural development and better revenue collection.
F. Factory Act of 1881
✔ First step towards labor reforms in India.
✔ Regulated working hours (no child below 7 years could work in factories).
✔ Improved working conditions in British-owned factories.
2. Impact of Lord Ripon’s Policies
✔ Encouraged Indian participation in governance through Local Self-Government reforms.
✔ Press freedom restored, allowing Indian newspapers to criticize British rule.
✔ Ilbert Bill controversy exposed British racism, furthering Indian nationalism.
✔ Educational reforms laid the foundation for modern education in India.
✔ Factory Act improved labor conditions, though limited in impact.
3. MCQs on Lord Ripon
- Which Act is Lord Ripon most famous for introducing in 1882?
- (a) Vernacular Press Act
- (b) Local Self-Government Act
- (c) Rowlatt Act
- (d) Arms Act
- Answer: (b) Local Self-Government Act
- Which law regulating factory working conditions was introduced by Lord Ripon?
- (a) Ilbert Bill
- (b) Factory Act of 1881
- (c) Vernacular Press Act
- (d) Hunter Commission Report
- Answer: (b) Factory Act of 1881
- Which controversial bill under Lord Ripon aimed to allow Indian judges to try British subjects?
- (a) Arms Act
- (b) Government of India Act
- (c) Ilbert Bill
- (d) Charter Act
- Answer: (c) Ilbert Bill
- Which commission was set up by Lord Ripon to improve education in India?
- (a) Hunter Commission
- (b) Macaulay Commission
- (c) Wood’s Despatch
- (d) Simon Commission
- Answer: (a) Hunter Commission
- Who is known as the ‘Father of Local Self-Government in India’?
- (a) Lord Lytton
- (b) Lord Ripon
- (c) Lord Curzon
- (d) Lord Cornwallis
- Answer: (b) Lord Ripon
4. Subjective Questions
- Explain the significance of the Local Self-Government Act of 1882.
- What was the Ilbert Bill controversy? How did it affect Indian nationalism?
- Discuss the role of Lord Ripon in the repeal of the Vernacular Press Act.
- What were the major recommendations of the Hunter Commission (1882)?
- Analyze the impact of the Factory Act of 1881 on labor conditions in India.
5. Conclusion
Lord Ripon was one of the most liberal and reformist viceroys of British India. His Local Self-Government Act, educational reforms, and press freedom policies made him popular among Indians. However, the Ilbert Bill controversy exposed British racism, increasing anti-British sentiments.
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