06-12-2024
06:32 AM
Prelims: History of India & Indian National Movement.
Mains: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
Lord Lytton served as the Viceroy of India from 1876 to 1880, a period marked by controversy and criticism. His administration's handling of the Great Famine of 1876–1878 was widely condemned for its inadequate relief efforts. Despite this, Lytton attempted to strengthen the Indian administration and pursued policies aimed at consolidating British control.
Lytton's aggressive foreign policy toward Afghanistan also drew criticism. His assertive stance was seen as a key factor leading to the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880), further tarnishing his legacy. His tenure is remembered for both his controversial domestic policies, such as the Vernacular Press Act, and his problematic approach to foreign affairs.
Lord Lytton served as the Viceroy of India from 1876 to 1880. Several changes and initiatives to secure British dominance in India defined Lyttons' interim viceroyalty. It marked the replacement of liberal imperialist policies with reactionary ones as he sent an expensive expedition to Afghanistan, which was financed out of Indian Revenue and also reduced the maximum age from 21 to 19 in 1976 for appearing in the Indian Civil Services Examination.
During his term, Lord Lytton enacted financial reforms to improve tax collection and regulate public spending to streamline British India's administration. However, by prioritising British interests, these changes frequently hurt the Indian economy. The financial burden of the Second Anglo-Afghan War and the lavish expenditures on the Delhi Darbar of 1877 worsened economic challenges.
Lytton offered Sher Ali, the Amir of Afghanistan, a favourable treaty, but Sher Ali wanted friendly relations with both Russia and British India. When Sher Ali refused a British envoy but accepted the Russian envoy, Lytton was angered and invaded Afghanistan leading to the Second Anglo-Afghan War. The war eventually ended with the Treaty of Gandamak (1879). Under the Treaty of Gandamak, the following demands were agreed:
The Great Famine of 1876–1878 during Lord Lytton's tenure was exacerbated by severe droughts and his policy of permitting grain exports to Britain. This decision contributed to millions of deaths, widespread economic devastation, and rising discontent, which later became a driving force in India’s struggle for independence.
During Lord Lytton’s tenure, significant acts like the Vernacular Press Act, Arms Act, and Royal Titles Act were implemented. These laws were aimed at suppressing dissent, disarming the Indian population, and consolidating British authority in colonial India.
During Lytton’s tenure, the Royal Titles Act of 1876 was passed. Under this Act, Queen Victoria had proclaimed the titles of “Empress of India” or “Kaiser-i-Hind”. This Act was part of a broader strategy to legitimise and consolidate British rule in India. By elevating the status of the British monarchy in India, Lytton aimed to strengthen British dominance and imperial authority.
The infamous Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was enacted during Lytton’s tenure to silence the voices of those who were critical of the government. It aimed to suppress the growing nationalist sentiments by restricting the publication of anti-British articles in vernacular newspapers. This act was heavily criticised and was considered a significant blow to the freedom of expression of Indians.
The Arms Act of 1878 was another controversial measure taken by Lord Lytton. This Act made it harder for Indians to acquire guns. Indians needed to get permission to own guns, whereas Europeans did not.
The 1877 Delhi Durbar was one of Lytton's most magnificent events. Queen Victoria assumed the title of “Empress of India”. Lord Lytton was asked to announce this on her behalf throughout India. For this, a Grand event in Delhi was planned. It was a display of wealth and power, also representing the might of the British Empire. The durbar was criticised for its luxury as it coincided with the Great Famine in southern India. Two important decisions were made at this event:
Q1.Why is Lord Lytton famous?
Ans. Lord Lytton is famous for his controversial policies, including his handling of the Great Famine (1876–1878), the Vernacular Press Act, and the Second Anglo-Afghan War.
Q2. What policy did Lord Lytton introduce?
Ans. Lord Lytton introduced the Vernacular Press Act (1878), which aimed to suppress the Indian-language press, and the Arms Act (1878), restricting Indians from possessing arms.
Q3. What was the foreign policy of Lord Lytton?
Ans. His foreign policy focused on aggressive expansion, leading to the Second Anglo-Afghan War to counter Russian influence in Afghanistan.
Q4. Who was the father of the Vernacular Press Act?
Ans. Lord Lytton is considered the father of the Vernacular Press Act (1878).
Q5. Who introduced the Arms Act?
Ans. Lord Lytton introduced the Arms Act in 1878.
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