During whose tenure was the Factory Act 1881 passed?
Ripon
Understanding the Factory Act 1881 and Viceroy Tenure
The question asks about the Viceroy of India during whose tenure the significant Factory Act of 1881 was enacted. Identifying the correct Viceroy is crucial for understanding the early legislative efforts concerning labour conditions in British India.
Analysis of the Factory Act 1881
The Factory Act of 1881 was the first law in British India aimed at regulating the conditions of labour in factories. While limited in scope, it was a pioneering step. Key provisions included:
- Prohibition of employment of children below 7 years of age.
- Limitation of working hours for children between 7 and 12 years to 9 hours a day.
- Four holidays per month for children.
- Provision for inspection of factories.
This Act primarily applied to factories employing 100 or more workers and did not cover women or adult male workers.
Identifying the Viceroy
To determine the Viceroy during whose tenure the Factory Act 1881 was passed, we need to know the period when each of the given options served as Viceroy of India.
| Viceroy | Tenure (Approximate) | Notable Events during Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Lord Dufferin | 1884 – 1888 | Third Anglo-Burmese War, Formation of Indian National Congress (1885) |
| Lord Ripon | 1880 – 1884 | Repeal of Vernacular Press Act (1882), Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883), Local Self-Government Resolution (1882), Factory Act 1881 |
| Lord Mayo | 1869 – 1872 | First Census of India (1872), Establishment of Statistical Survey of India, Assassinated in 1872 |
| Lord Lytton | 1876 – 1880 | Great Famine of 1876-78, Royal Titles Act (1876), Vernacular Press Act (1878), Second Anglo-Afghan War |
Based on the table, the tenure of Lord Ripon was from 1880 to 1884. The Factory Act 1881 falls within this period. Therefore, the Factory Act 1881 was passed during the tenure of Lord Ripon.
Conclusion
Reviewing the tenures of the Viceroys listed, it is clear that the Factory Act 1881 was enacted while Lord Ripon was the Viceroy of India. His tenure is also known for other significant reforms and events in British Indian history.
The correct answer is Ripon.
Revision Table: Key Viceroys and Legislation
| Legislation/Event | Year | Viceroy |
|---|---|---|
| Factory Act | 1881 | Lord Ripon |
| Repeal of Vernacular Press Act | 1882 | Lord Ripon |
| Vernacular Press Act | 1878 | Lord Lytton |
| Formation of INC | 1885 | Lord Dufferin |
| First Census of India | 1872 | Lord Mayo |
Additional Information on Lord Ripon's Tenure
Lord Ripon's tenure as Viceroy (1880-1884) is often considered a period of progressive measures compared to his predecessor, Lord Lytton. Besides the Factory Act 1881, other notable actions during his time included:
- Local Self-Government: He is known as the 'Father of Local Self-Government in India' due to the resolution passed in 1882 which aimed at giving Indians more representation in local bodies.
- Education: The Hunter Commission (1882) was appointed to review the progress of education in India since the Woods Despatch of 1854.
- Ilbert Bill Controversy: Introduced in 1883, the bill aimed to allow Indian judges to try Europeans. This led to significant backlash from the European community and had to be amended, highlighting racial tensions of the time.
- Repeal of Vernacular Press Act: Ripon repealed the controversial Vernacular Press Act passed by Lytton, restoring freedom of the press for Indian language newspapers.
These actions portray Lord Ripon as a Viceroy who attempted to introduce reforms and address some of the prevailing issues, including early industrial labour conditions through the Factory Act 1881.
Important Questions from Viceroy and Governor
Which Governor General of Bengal underwent impeachment proceedings in the British Parliament?
Consider the following statements related to Wellesley's administration:
1) In the six years of Wellesley's administration, the army accounted for 42.5 percent of the Company's total expenditure.
2) Wellesley's administrative measures were restricted to the affairs of the Company and had nothing to do with the commercial and military affairs of the Indian ruling families.
Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?Who among the following introduced the Permanent Settlement of Bengal in 1793?
Soon after the formation of Indian National Congress, the British became suspicious of nationalists. Who among the following called Congress representing only the elite --'a microscopic minority'?
The arms Act which disallowed Indians from having arms was passed in ______.
