2022 · Q76
Consider the following historical events in India carefully:
- 1The Indian press failed to protest against the Vernacular Press Act of 1878.
- 2The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was introduced by Viceroy Lytton against the counsel of his own Law Member.
Which of the above is/are correct?
history-of-indiafreedom-early
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: the Indian press did not fail to protest — the Vernacular Press Act triggered widespread condemnation, with the Amrita Bazar Patrika famously converting into an English weekly overnight to evade the Act and the Indian Association organising agitation. Statement 2 is correct: Viceroy Lord Lytton pushed the Act through the Imperial Legislative Council in a single sitting in March 1878 against the counsel of his own Law Member, who regarded the measure as harsh and unnecessary. Hence only statement 2 is correct — option B (2 only).