Correct Option
The statement, "The Congress is tottering to its fall and one of my great ambitions while in India, is to assist it to a peaceful demise," is attributed to Lord Curzon, who served as the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905. His administration was characterized by a strong opposition to the Indian National Congress (INC) and a policy aimed at weakening nationalist movements. Key actions reflecting this stance included:
- The Partition of Bengal in 1905, which was intended to weaken Bengali nationalism and, by extension, the INC.
- The Indian Universities Act of 1904, designed to increase government control over universities and curb nationalist activities within educational institutions.
Incorrect Options
Lord Dufferin (1884-1888): The Indian National Congress was founded during his tenure. While he later expressed some criticism of its demands, his attitude was not characterized by an explicit ambition to assist its "peaceful demise" in the same hostile manner as Curzon.
Lord Lytton (1876-1880): This option is incorrect as the Indian National Congress was founded in 1885, after Lord Lytton's tenure as Viceroy. His administration is notable for measures such as the Vernacular Press Act (1878) and the Arms Act (1878).
None of the above: This option is incorrect because Lord Curzon is accurately identified as the author of the statement.