Question

Discuss in brief how the Ilbert Bill controvery helped in the growth of Nationalism in India.

Answer 1

The Ilbert Bill Controversy: Lord Ripon, during his Viceroyalty, took a very bold and just step. He was in favour of giving the Indian judges the authority to hear cases against the Europeans also. For this purpose, this law member, Mr. Ilbert drafted a Bill which was to give the Indian judges and magistrates the power to try European nationals for criminal offense. Naturally all the Englishmen who were so proud, and had so far adopted totally discriminatory attitude, opposed this Bill vehemently, Lord Ripon had to bow down before the opposition and amend the Bill. The European offenders were given the right to demand trial by the jury. In their case half of the Judges had to be Europeans. The Ilbert Bill controversy thus helped the growth of Nationalism in India.