WBCS.LIVE practice question

Who among the following Viceroys repealed the Vernacular Press Act of 1878?

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. Lord Lytton
  2. Lord Curzon
  3. Lord Dufferin
  4. Lord Ripon

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: Lord Ripon

Explanation: The Vernacular Press Act (1878) was repealed by Lord Ripon in 1882. 📚 Other Information: ▪️ The Act was earlier introduced by Lord Lytton to curb freedom of Indian-language newspapers. ▪️ It aimed to suppress nationalist writings and limit criticism of British rule. ▪️ Lord Ripon, known for his liberal policies, repealed the act to promote press freedom. ▪️ He also introduced Local Self-Government (1882) and Ilbert Bill (1883) reforms. ▪️ His governance period is often called the 'Beginning of Modern Liberal Reforms' in India. ▪️ The repeal encouraged the rise of Indian-owned vernacular newspapers. ▪️ It boosted the nationalist press movement before the freedom struggle. ▪️ Major papers like Amrita Bazar Patrika benefited from this decision.