Question map
Consider the following historical events in India carefully: 1. The Indian press failed to protest against the Vernacular Press Act of 1878. 2. The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was introduced by Viceroy Lytton against the counsel of his own Law Member. Which of the above is/are correct?
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Vernacular Press Act (VPA) of 1878 triggered widespread protests across India. Far from failing to protest, the Indian press and nationalist leaders organized massive public meetings. For instance, the Amrita Bazar Patrika famously converted into an English weekly overnight to circumvent the Act, demonstrating active resistance.
Statement 2 is correct. Viceroy Lord Lytton introduced the VPA to suppress the growing critical tone of the vernacular press. He bypassed ordinary legislative procedures and pushed the Act through the Council in a single sitting, ignoring the counsel and concerns of his Law Member, Arthur Hobhouse, who viewed the measure as unnecessary and discriminatory. The Act was specifically designed to target non-English publications, earning it the nickname the "Gagging Act." It was later repealed by Lord Ripon in 1882.