The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the
Smart Elimination
The question explicitly mentions about a controversy, which suggest a public agitation. From the options identify what would cause a controversy among the Indian population in 19th century.
Arms restrictions — affects very few people → low controversy → eliminate
Restrictions on Indian-language press — could cause backlash but this belongs to Vernacular Press Act, not Ilbert Bill → eliminate
Judicial discrimination vs Europeans — huge national humiliation, directly attacking equality → mass opposition → strongest controversy
Removal of Duty on imported cotton cloth — economic issue but not a mass political uproar → eliminate
Potential Trap
Confusing it with press restrictions (Vernacular Press Act) or arms (Arms Act).
Answer Key & Explanation
Answer: CThe correct answer is Option C.
Explanation:
- Ilbert Bill (1883): Introduced during the viceroyalty of Lord Ripon.
- Objective: To remove judicial disqualification based on race. It sought to allow Indian judges/magistrates to try Europeans/British subjects in criminal cases.
- Controversy: The European community in India vehemently opposed it (White Mutiny), leading to its dilution.
Value Addition
- Lord Ripon: Known as the 'Father of Local Self Government' in India.
- Result: The bill was passed but with a compromise that Europeans could demand a jury of which 50% were Europeans.
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Foundational question based on core concepts.