VC

Vipul ChaudharyAIR 115· 2025

Question Q.12GS1GS1

"While Lord Lytton's tenure was marked by oppressive policies and harsh measures, Lord Ripon's administration stood out for its reformative approach and efforts to address grievances." Comment.

Open scan (p.25)

Introduction

Lord Lytton and Lord Ripon were prominent figures in governance of EIC who had different styles and methods to govern India.

21 words

Main Body

Lord Lytton and Lord Ripon were prominent figures in governance of EIC who had different styles and methods to govern India.

Lord Lytton [1876-82]:

1Oppression of press → enacted "Vernacular press act in 1876" → deprived freedom of speech and expression → Known as "grovelling act"
2Authoritarian rule → when Hitler could invoke thought in India (1877-78) → he arranged "Delhi Durbar" -1876
3Income and harsh political action →

deprived basic rights, fund for work, not human development

4Expansionist foreign policy → policy of food reformed - for programme required up "second Indo Myanmar war"
titulation of territorial rights of other foreign entities.
5Oppressive policy → in land revenue system.

Lord Ripon's administration [1880-84]:

1Restored oppressive policy of Lord Lytton → repealed Vernacular Press Act and enacted freedom of speech and expression (CPVO Enclan libertarian press)
Antidemocism policy of food resource from

Afghanistan and attempted to endorse peaceful neighborhood policy

2Policy of local governing → sourced local at local and democratic governance → local representation at local bodies → financial decentralisation
3Indianization of judiciary → (Ilbert bill) (convay)
4Education reform → Hartog Committee was formed (1881)
5First Factory Act (1881) acts enacted → protection of child rights

Hence, one side Lytton uses inflammatory for oppressive policies, other side, Lord Ripon emerged as benevolent victory in India.

228 words15 paragraphs

Conclusion

Hence, one side Lytton uses inflammatory for oppressive policies, other side, Lord Ripon emerged as benevolent victory in India.

19 words

  • Clear comparative framework between two administrators
  • Specific legislation cited (Vernacular Press Act 1876)
  • Historical dates provided
  • Reference to significant events (Delhi Durbar)
  • Comprehensive coverage of both administrators' policies
  • Specific legislation mentioned (Ilbert Bill, Factory Act 1881)
  • Clear contrast between oppressive and reformative approaches
  • Social welfare measures highlighted
  • Reference to specific committees and reforms

Topper

Vipul Chaudhary

AIR 1152025

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present

British Policies and Administrative Approaches

Lord Lytton and Lord Ripon's policies

Writing Stats

268

Total words

15

Paragraphs

Comparative and historical

Tone