General Studies (Paper - 1) : Model Question & Answers

Question: ‘The Ilbert Bill was the most extreme but by no means an isolated expression of white racism.’ Critically analyse the statement.

Answer: C.P. Ilbert was the law member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council. At the insistence of the Viceroy (Ripon) Ilbert introduced a bill popularly known as the Ilbert Bill in the Legislative Council. The Bill sought to abolish at once and completely every judicial disqualification based merely on race distinctions. Till that time (1881) the provision was that Indian judges could not try Europeans in criminal cases. Ilbert Bill sought to give the Indian judges the same powers and rights as their European colleagues enjoyed. The Bill raised a storm of agitation among the members of the European community and Ripon had to modify it.

However, Ilbert Bill was not the only instance of white racism. Indians were also not given commissioned ranks in the army till late 19th century. In order to discourage Indians in the civil services maximum age for ICS exams was reduced from 21 to 19 years in 1877. The exam was still held in London. The nationalist leaders demanded increase of age and holding of simultaneous exam in India. Finally age was increased from 19 to 23 years in 1892. The GoI Act, 1919 provided for and exam for ICS to be held in India. The first such exam was held in India at Allahabad in 1922, even when Indians in bureaucracy were only 15% of the total strength.