Which among the following viceroy’s period the title of ‘Rai Bahadur’ and ‘Khan Bahadur’ began to confer to Indian?

Correct answer: (e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Explanation

After the Revolt of 1857, the British set out to win the confidence of the princely rulers, zamindars and others who had helped them, with titles, robes of honour (khil'at), land grants, loan waivers, etc. The main title for Hindus was ‘Rai Bahadur’, and the matching title for Muslims and Parsis was ‘Khan Bahadur’.

Evidence of these titles being conferred is found from 1859–1860 A.D. onwards, in Lord Canning’s time. That is earlier than all four viceroys in the options: Lord Mayo (1869–1872), Lord Lytton (1876–1880), Lord Ripon (1880–1884) and Lord Dufferin (1884–1888). So none of them began the practice, and the Commission’s key is (e).