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Q81·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2014

Ilbert Bill Controversy

HistoryModern India - British Colonial PeriodFactual singleMediumStatic

Question

The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the

Options

a

imposition of certain restrictions to carry arms by the Indians

b

imposition of restrictions on newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages

c

removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans

Answer
d

removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth

Explanation

The Ilbert Bill controversy (1883) centered on the removal of disqualifications imposed on Indian magistrates, which would have allowed them to try European civilians in court. This sparked fierce opposition from Anglo-Indian communities and British settlers in India. The bill sought to establish judicial equality by removing racial discrimination from the Indian Penal Code. Option (a) relates to arms restrictions, (b) concerns press freedom, and (d) relates to trade duties—none of which were the focus of the Ilbert Bill controversy. The controversy represented a significant moment in Indian nationalism and colonial tensions over racial discrimination in the legal system.

Ilbert Bill = Indian magistrate equality in trying Europeans = Racial discrimination removed from judiciary

Answer: (c).

Question details

Year

2014

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q81

Subject

History

Sub-topic

Modern India - British Colonial Period

Type

Factual single

Difficulty

Medium

Nature

Static

Source hint

NCERT History - Modern India

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