Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.

(1) The vernacular Press Act (1878) → Overnight ban of all press/newspapers which were in vernacular (local) language. This infuriated many national leaders. (2) Arms Act (1878) → arms were not allowed to keep. Many put into jail. (3) Foreign Adventure: Afghan War. Heavy war expenditure, antagonised freedom fighter, who wanted the money to be invested to uplift poor people (4) Handling of famine of 1876-78 poor handling → many died

This led to :- (1) Aspiration of Indians to speak up against the injustice. (2) They thought that better governance can come if pressure is applied by people and government is made accountable (3) Ban of Press → led to leaders coming out in public → to raise political awareness

Lord Ripon's policies

(1) Repeal of vernacular press Act (1882) (2) Govt. resolution on local self govt (1882) (3) Appointment of Education Commission under Hunter (1882) (4) Ilbert bill controversy

This led to :-

1. Proliferation of vernacular newspaper as ban was lifted → spread of political ideas → mobilised them.
2. local self government promised Indians better governance.
3. Education Commission → to spread mass education.
4. Indian congress formed to voice the concerns of India to Britishers