Which British Viceroy of India is credited with repealing the repressive Vernacular Press Act, thereby easing restrictions on Indian-language newspapers?

Introduction / Context:
The Vernacular Press Act (1878) was a controversial law passed by the British government in India to curb the freedom of Indian-language newspapers that criticised colonial policies. Later, a more liberal Viceroy repealed this Act, gaining popularity among Indian nationalists. This question asks you to identify that Viceroy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on the repeal, not the introduction, of the Vernacular Press Act.
• Several viceroys are listed: Lytton, Dufferin, Lansdowne, and Ripon, among others.
• We assume standard textbook accounts of press policies in British India.
• The correct answer should match the reputation of a comparatively liberal administrator.

Concept / Approach:
We must distinguish between the Viceroy who enforced harsh press restrictions and the Viceroy who later remedied them. Lord Lytton is associated with passing the Vernacular Press Act in 1878, while Lord Ripon is known for his comparatively liberal measures and support for local self-government. It was under Lord Ripon that the Act was repealed.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that the Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878 during the viceroyalty of Lord Lytton, targeting Indian-language newspapers.2. Indian nationalists strongly opposed this law, considering it repressive and discriminatory.3. Lord Ripon, who succeeded Lytton and served as Viceroy from 1880 to 1884, is remembered for his liberal reforms, including steps towards local self-government and more lenient press policies.4. Under Lord Ripon, the Vernacular Press Act was repealed, restoring greater freedom to the Indian-language press.5. Lords Dufferin and Lansdowne came later and are not associated with the repeal of this specific Act.6. Therefore, the correct answer is Lord Ripon.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard histories of the Indian press and nationalist movement clearly attribute the passing of the Vernacular Press Act to Lord Lytton and its repeal to Lord Ripon. Lord Ripon's overall reputation as a 'good' or 'liberal' Viceroy among Indian nationalists matches his role in easing press restrictions and promoting local self-governance.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Lord Dufferin: Came after Ripon and is not linked to the repeal of this Act.
• Lord Lytton: Responsible for introducing the Vernacular Press Act, not repealing it.
• Lord Lansdowne: Served later; associated with other measures, not this repeal.
• Lord Curzon: A much later Viceroy known for controversial measures like the partition of Bengal, not for liberalising press laws.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse the Viceroy who made the unpopular law (Lytton) with the one who removed it (Ripon). Another mistake is to guess based on name familiarity rather than recalling the ideological reputation of each Viceroy. Remember the simple association: Lytton passed the Vernacular Press Act; Ripon repealed it.

Final Answer:
The Vernacular Press Act was repealed by Lord Ripon.