In which year was the Arms Act disallowing Indians from possessing arms passed?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. 1878.
The Arms Act disallowing Indians from possessing arms was passed in 1878 during the British rule in India. Enacted under Viceroy Lord Lytton, the Act aimed to restrict Indians from owning weapons without a license, while Europeans living in India were largely exempted. This law was seen as a direct attempt to suppress potential uprisings and maintain colonial control over the Indian population. It reflected the British fear of another revolt like the 1857 uprising. The Act was widely resented by Indians, who saw it as discriminatory and an affront to their dignity and rights under colonial rule.