MasteryExams
History • Modern IndiaEasy

The repressive Vernacular Press Act of 1878, intended to silence critical nationalist newspapers in regional languages, was enacted during the viceroyalty of:

A. Lord Lytton✓ Correct Answer
B. Lord Ripon
C. Lord Dufferin
D. Lord Curzon

💡 Solution & Explanation

Lord Lytton enacted the repressive Vernacular Press Act in 1878 to muzzle the Indian-language press, which was fiercely criticizing British imperial policies. This draconian act was later repealed in 1882 by his liberal successor, Lord Ripon. This episode remains a critical milestone in the history of the Indian freedom struggle and the evolution of press freedom.

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