Question

Nationalism refers to the feeling of oneness that emerges when people consider themselves as one nation. With reference to the growth of nationalism, answer the following:

Lord Lytton’s repressive policies led to the growth of Nationalism. Mention any four policies enforced by him.

Answer 1

1. Lord Lytton organised a Grand Delhi Durbar in 1877 to proclaim Queen Victoria as the Empress of India. Lakhs of rupees were spent on the event but nothing was done for Indians who were in the grip of a famine.
2. Lord Lytton introduced the Vernacular Press Act (1878) and Indian Arms Act (1878).
   1. The Vernacular Press Act forbade vernacular papers to publish any material that might incite feelings of dissatisfaction against the British Government. This Act was not applicable to English newspapers.
   2. The Indian Arms Act of 1878 made it a criminal offence for Indians to carry arms without licence. This Act was not applicable to the British.
3. The maximum age limit for the Indian Civil Service examination was reduced from 21 to 19 years, thus making it difficult for the Indians to compete for it.
4. The import duties on British textiles were removed. It proved harmful for the Indian industry.