With reference to colonial rule in India, what was sought by the Ilbert Bill in 1883?
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- ATo bring Indians and Europeans on par as far as the criminal jurisdiction of courts was concernedCorrect
- BTo impose severe restrictions on the freedom of the native press as it was perceived to be hostile to colonial rulers
- CTo encourage the native Indians to appear for civil service examinations by conduction them in India
- DTo allow native Indians to possess arms by amending the Arms Act
Explanation
The correct answer is A because the Ilbert Bill, introduced during the viceroyalty of Lord Ripon, aimed to remove racial discrimination in the judicial system. Before this bill, Indian magistrates and judges were not allowed to try cases involving European subjects in criminal courts. The bill sought to grant Indian judges the same authority as their European counterparts, thereby bringing Indians and Europeans on par regarding criminal jurisdiction. This move faced heavy opposition from the British community in India, leading to a compromise that significantly modified the original proposal.
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