2013 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2013 · GS Paper I
Question 81: History and Culture
The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the
aimposition of certain restrictions to carry arms by the Indians
bimposition of restrictions on newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages
cremoval of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans
dremoval of a duty on imported cotton cloth
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
The Ilbert Bill (1883), introduced by the Law Member Courtenay Ilbert under Viceroy Ripon, proposed to let Indian judges and magistrates try European British subjects in courts outside the Presidency towns, which was till then barred. Europeans, especially planters, agitated fiercely and the Bill was diluted. The controversy exposed racial prejudice and helped awaken Indian nationalism.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. Restrictions on carrying arms were the Arms Act of 1878.
- (b) Wrong. Restrictions on Indian-language newspapers were the Vernacular Press Act of 1878.
- (c) Correct. It removed the disqualification on Indian magistrates trying Europeans.
- (d) Wrong. Duty on imported cotton cloth was a separate tariff issue.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.