Correct option is A
Lord Macaulay, known for his role in shaping British education policy in India, is also associated with a critical view of universal suffrage. While he did not explicitly coin the term "vast spoliation," his writings and speeches reflect a general skepticism about extending voting rights to the masses. Macaulay believed that political power should remain with the educated and property-owning elite, fearing that widespread suffrage could lead to instability and economic redistribution detrimental to society's upper classes.
Information Booster:
1. Lord Macaulay is remembered for his Minute on Indian Education (1835), advocating for Western-style education for administrative efficiency.
2. His views on governance reflected a preference for limited suffrage and elitist control.
3. "Vast spoliation" aligns with conservative fears during the 19th century about redistributive democracy.
4. Macaulay, like Maine, supported gradual reforms rather than radical democratization.
5. His perspectives influenced colonial policies, focusing on stability over egalitarian principles.
6. Debates over suffrage during his time often revolved around fears of economic instability and social upheaval.