In modern Indian history, the formal system of local self-government and local bodies in British India was officially introduced by which Viceroy?

Introduction / Context:
This Indian history question tests your knowledge of the beginnings of local self-government under British rule. The development of local bodies such as municipal boards and district boards laid the foundation for today's Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies. Knowing which Viceroy is regarded as the “father of local self-government in India” is a very common objective question in competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on British India during the colonial period.
• We are looking for the Viceroy who formally introduced a system of local bodies and local self-government.
• Options are Lord Mayo, Lord Ripon, Lord Lytton and Lord Curzon.
• Standard exam-book interpretations of local self-government policy are assumed.

Concept / Approach:
Although earlier Viceroys took some steps related to municipalities and finance, it was Lord Ripon whose famous Resolution of 1882 is considered the real starting point of systematic local self-government in India. He advocated elected non-official majorities in local bodies and more autonomy in their functioning. For this reason, he is widely known as the “father of local self-government in India.” Other Viceroys in the list are associated with different policies, but not with this landmark reform in the same way.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the major Viceroys and their key reforms: Mayo, Ripon, Lytton and Curzon. Step 2: Remember that Lord Ripon issued the Local Self-Government Resolution in 1882. Step 3: Note that this resolution expanded local boards and pushed for elected members, giving Indians a measure of self-governance at local level. Step 4: Identify that this is why textbooks refer to him as the “father of local self-government in India.” Step 5: Choose Lord Ripon from the given options.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you quickly review standard Indian history summaries, you will see Lord Ripon consistently linked with three major reforms: local self-government (1882), repeal of the Vernacular Press Act (1882), and efforts related to Ilbert Bill (1883). Among these, the Local Self-Government Resolution is specifically mentioned as the formal introduction of local bodies with elected representation. None of the other Viceroys in the options receive this title in exam literature, which confirms that Lord Ripon is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Lord Mayo (option a) worked on financial decentralisation and created some local fiscal arrangements, but he is not given the title of father of local self-government. Lord Lytton (option c) is remembered for the Vernacular Press Act and the Delhi Durbar of 1877, not for nurturing local bodies. Lord Curzon (option d) is associated with the partition of Bengal (1905) and centralising tendencies, almost opposite in spirit to local self-government reforms. Hence, these options do not match the specific contribution mentioned in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent confusion arises between Mayo and Ripon, because both are connected to decentralisation in some form. Students may also mistakenly pick Curzon, simply because they recognise his name more easily. To avoid such errors, lock in the association “Local self-government resolution of 1882 – Lord Ripon – father of local self-government.” This one clear memory link will help you answer all similar MCQs correctly.

Final Answer:
The system of local bodies and local self-government in British India was formally introduced by Lord Ripon.