Question

Why were people dissatisfied with British rule in the 1870s and 1880s?

Answer 1

There was great dissatisfaction with British rule in the 1870s and 1880s. Some of the reasons for this dissatisfaction are as follows:
(a) The Arms Act − Passed in 1878, this Act disallowed Indians from possessing arms.
(b) The Vernacular Press Act − Passed in the same year as the Arms Act, this Act was aimed at silencing those who were critical of the government. Under this Act, the government could confiscate the assets of newspapers if they published anything that was found “objectionable”.
(c) The Ilbert Bill controversy − In 1883, the government tried introducing the Ilbert Bill. This bill provided for the trial of British or European individuals by Indians, and sought equality between British and Indian judges in the country. However, the white opposition forced the government to withdraw the bill. This enraged the Indians further.