British India after 1858 -1905

Lord Canning became first Viceroy of India in 1858 after Govt of India Act. Queen's Proclamation remained basis of policy for more than 60 years.

Lord Lytton (1876-80)

• Prevailing famine and political disturbances in NW causing great worry to British. Famine of 76-78 resulted from failure of monsoons and affected almost entire country and 60 million people. 5 million died in single year; cholera and fever added to misery. Lytton's govt failed to take quick action. First Famine Commission under Richard Strachey made many commendable recommendations, Famine Code was passed in 1883.
• Vernacular Press Act 1878 - empowered a magistrate to secure undertaking from publisher that nothing against English Govt will be published - equipment will be seized. This Act crushed freedom of Indian press.
• Arms Act 1878 - prevented Indians to keep arms without appropriate license, made it criminal offense. Europeans and Anglo-Indians were allowed.
• Lytton introduced uniform salt tax throughout British India. Abolished many import duties and supported Free Trade Policy. Provincial govt empowered with some control of expenditure such as land revenue, excise, stamps, law and justice. Lytton wanted to strengthen financial power and position of provinces. Introduced Statutory Civil Services for Indians in 1878, which was abolished later.
• Second Afghan War (1878-80) - based on assumed threat of Russian invasion. 1st war was disastrous for British. Lytton was told to follow a forward policy. British captured territory bw Kabul and Kandahar. British concluded Treaty of Gandamak with Yakub Khan, British resident sent but murdered. Lytton was forced to resign by new govt - situation in Afghan, millions dead due to famines and Vernacular Press Act.

Lord Ripon (1880-84)

• Staunch liberal democrat with faith in self govt, instructed to reverse Afghan policy of Lytton, made peace with Afghans, Mysore was transitioned to Hindu ruler and repealed Vernacular Press Act.
• Local self govt 1882 - Ripon believed in self-govt. Helped growth of local bodies such as Municipal Committees and Local Boards. Entrusted with care of local amenities, sanitation, drainage, water supply, primary education. Members of these boards were elected non-officials. Advocated election of local bodies as against selection by govt. Diffused administration and brought govt closer to people.
• Education - champion of education of Indians. Hunter Commission 1882 for expansion and improvement of elementary education of masses. Commission recommended two channels for secondary education - university through entrance exams and other was vocational career. Encouraged local bodies to manage the elementary education.
• First Factory Act 1881 - to service condition of factory workers in India, banned child labor below age 7. Reduced working hours for children. Dangerous machines to be properly fenced.
• Ilbert Bill Agitation 1984 - earlier, European could be tried only by European judge/magistrate. C. P. Ilbert introduced a bill to remove the discrimination but was vehemently opposed by Europeans through organization called Defense Association and were ultimately successful. But it helped the cause of Indian nationalism. Ripon was disillusioned and tendered his resignation. Led to birth of Indian National Congress in 1885 under Lord Dufferin.
• Most popular Viceroy ever sent to India, handled problems with compassion and sympathy.

Lord Curzon (1899-1905)

• Thorough imperialist. Overhauled the entire administrative machinery.
• Educational reforms - he felt universities were degenerating into factories for producing political revolutionaries, set up Universities Commission 1902 and Indian Universities Act 1904 which brought all universities under control of govt.
• Policy and military reforms - believed in efficiency and discipline. Police Commission in 1902 under Andrew Frazer. Set up training schools for officers and constables and introduced provincial police service. Commander of Curzon, Lord Kitchener did remodeling of army. Founded Imperial Cadet Corps.
• Calcutta Corporation Act 1899 - strength of elected members reduced and officials increased, gave more representation to English people.
• Archaeological preservation - most active of all Viceroys in this field. Passed Ancient Monuments Act 1904 which made it obligatory for govt and local authorities to preserve monuments of archaeological importance.
• Partition of Bengal - into two provinces in July 1905. Partition divided Hindus and Muslims of Bengal and led to anti-partition movement and intensified National Movement.