Lord Ripon, also known as George Frederick
Robinson, served as the Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884 during
British rule. Known for his progressive and liberal policies, he implemented
several reforms that significantly impacted India's socio-political
landscape.
- His efforts earned him the title "Father of Local Self-Government in India."
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Early Life and Career Born on October
24, 1827, into a politically influential family, Lord Ripon held
important positions before his viceroyalty, including:
He was
appointed Viceroy of India in 1880, succeeding Lord Lytton, under the
leadership of British Prime Minister William Gladstone. |
Key Reforms
Introduced by Lord Ripon
1. Factory
Act of 1881
The Factory Act was one of Lord Ripon's
landmark reforms aimed at improving the working conditions in Indian factories:
- Regulated working hours for women and children.
- Set age limits for child labor.
- Introduced safety and health standards.
- Appointed inspectors to ensure compliance.
2. Mysore
Rendition (1881)
In 1881, Ripon restored the rule of Mysore to
its rightful king, Chamaraja Wadiyar X, after nearly 50 years of British
administration. This move was seen as a significant step in acknowledging
Indian rulers' rights.
3. Repeal
of the Vernacular Press Act (1882)
The Vernacular Press Act of 1878, which
restricted freedom of the Indian press, was repealed by Lord Ripon in 1882.
This allowed Indian-language newspapers to operate freely, fostering the growth
of a more independent press.
4. Local
Self-Government (1882)
Ripon's most celebrated reform was introducing
local self-governance through the Resolution of 1882. This policy:
- Established elected municipal boards and district committees.
- Decentralized power,
enabling Indians to participate in governance.
- This earned him the title "Father of Local Self-Government
in India."
5. Hunter
Commission on Education (1882)
The Hunter Commission, led by Sir
William Hunter, was tasked with evaluating and improving education in India.
Key recommendations included:
- Expanding primary and secondary education.
- Enhancing teacher training programs.
- Improving the quality of educational institutions.
6. Ilbert
Bill Controversy (1883–1884)
The Ilbert Bill proposed allowing
Indian judges to try cases involving European defendants, promoting judicial
equality. However, fierce opposition from Europeans forced significant
amendments. The modified bill, enacted in 1884, was a diluted version of the
original.
7. Land and
Tenancy Reforms
Ripon set up the Rent Commission in 1880
to address tenant grievances in Bengal. This paved the way for the Bengal
Tenancy Act of 1885, which aimed to protect tenant rights and limit the
exploitation by zamindars.
UPSC-PYQ on
Lord Ripon
Question
1: Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2017)
- The Factories Act, 1881 was passed with a view
to fix the wages of industrial workers and to allow the workers to form
trade unions.
- N.M. Lokhande was a pioneer in organizing the
labour movement in British India.
Which of the
above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and
2
(d) Neither 1
nor 2
Answer: (b)
Question 2: The Ilbert Bill controversy
was related to the (UPSC Prelims 2013)
(a) imposition of certain restrictions to carry
arms by the Indians
(b) imposition of restrictions on newspapers and
magazines published in Indian languages
(c) removal of disqualifications imposed on the
Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans
(d) removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth
Answer: (c)
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FAQs About Lord Ripon 1. Who was Lord Ripon? Lord
Ripon, also known as George Frederick Robinson, was the Viceroy of India
from 1880 to 1884. He is known for introducing progressive reforms like
local self-government and the repeal of the Vernacular Press Act. 2. What is Lord Ripon famous for? Lord
Ripon is famous for being the "Father of Local Self-Government in
India" and for his progressive reforms, including the Factory Act of
1881, Mysore Rendition, and the Hunter Commission on Education. 3. Why is Lord Ripon called the Father of Local
Self-Government in India? Lord
Ripon earned this title for introducing the Local Self-Government
Resolution of 1882, which decentralized power by establishing elected
municipal boards and district committees. 4. What were the major reforms introduced by Lord
Ripon? Lord
Ripon’s significant reforms include:
5. What was the Ilbert Bill controversy? The Ilbert
Bill proposed allowing Indian judges to try cases involving Europeans. It
faced fierce opposition from European residents in India, leading to
amendments that limited its impact. 6. What law did Lord Ripon repeal? Lord
Ripon repealed the Vernacular Press Act of 1878, which had imposed
restrictions on Indian-language newspapers, restoring press freedom. 7. What was the Factory Act of 1881? The Factory
Act of 1881 regulated working conditions in Indian factories. It limited
working hours for women and children, set age restrictions for child labor,
and introduced health and safety standards. 8. What is the Mysore Rendition of 1881? The Mysore
Rendition restored local rule to Chamaraja Wadiyar X, the rightful
ruler of Mysore, after nearly 50 years of British control. 9. What were the contributions of the Hunter
Commission? The Hunter
Commission (1882), established by Lord Ripon, recommended improvements in
Indian education, including expanding primary and secondary education and
improving teacher training. 10. What is Lord Ripon's legacy? Lord
Ripon is remembered as one of the most progressive Viceroys of British India.
His reforms in governance, education, labor rights, and press freedom earned
him widespread respect. |
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