Lord Curzon made this statement in 1900 when he was the Viceroy of India. He was referring to the Indian National Congress, which was the largest political organization in India at that time and was demanding greater autonomy and self-rule for India.

Lord Curzon's statement suggests that he saw the Congress as a threat to British rule in India and wanted to see it weakened and eventually dissolved. His use of the term "peaceful demise" implies that he hoped to achieve this through non-violent means, such as political maneuvering and suppression of dissent.

Explanation of the statement:

Lord Curzon's statement is significant because it reflects the British government's attitude towards the Indian National Congress during the early years of the 20th century. The Congress had been founded in 1885 as a platform for Indian political leaders to voice their grievances and demand greater representation in the British colonial government. However, by the turn of the century, the Congress had become increasingly radicalized and was calling for full independence from British rule.

Lord Curzon and other British officials saw the Congress as a threat to their authority and feared that its demands for independence would lead to widespread unrest and rebellion. They therefore sought to undermine the Congress by sowing divisions within its ranks, suppressing its leaders, and promoting alternative political organizations that were more amenable to British rule.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Lord Curzon's statement reflects the British government's determination to maintain control over India and its people, even in the face of growing calls for independence and self-rule. While his goal of a "peaceful demise" for the Congress may have been well-intentioned, it ultimately served to prolong British rule and delay the inevitable struggle for Indian independence.