"The Congress is tottering to its fall and one of my great ambitions while in India, is to assist it to a peaceful demise." This statement is attributed to
A
Lord Dufferin
B
Lord Curzon
C
Lord Lytton
D
None of the above
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. The statement reflects a condescending view of the Indian National Congress, seeing it as weakening and expressing a desire to see its end.
2. This attitude is famously associated with Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905.
3. Lord Curzon held the Congress in low regard and implemented policies like the Partition of Bengal (1905) partly to weaken the nationalist movement.
4. Lord Dufferin was Viceroy when the Congress was formed (1885) and initially had a more neutral stance. Lord Lytton was Viceroy earlier (1876-1880) and known for repressive measures, but this specific quote is attributed to Curzon.