The repressive policies of Lord Lytton became a catalyst to the growth of nationalism. Mention any three of his repressive policies to justify this statement.

(1) The Vernacular Press Act of 1878, which imposed severe restrictions on newspapers published in Indian languages while leaving the English press untouched — an openly discriminatory measure. (2) The Arms Act of 1878, which forbade Indians to keep arms without a licence while exempting Europeans, treating Indians as a subject people. (3) The lowering of the maximum age for the Indian Civil Service examination from 21 to 19 years, which made it still harder for Indians to enter the service; and the holding of the lavish Delhi Durbar of 1877 while a terrible famine raged in South India.

One mark per policy. The two Acts of 1878 are the essential pair — name them with their year and, crucially, say WHY each was resented: both discriminated between Indians and Europeans. The Durbar-during-famine point is the one that shows real understanding, because it captures the insensitivity that turned moderate opinion against the Raj. Lytton was Viceroy from 1876 to 1880.