People in India were dissatisfied with British rule in the 1870s and 1880s due to various reasons. The dissatisfaction was part of the larger movement for independence that emerged during this period. The following factors contributed to the discontent:

1. Economic Exploitation:
- British policies such as heavy taxation, land revenue system, and the introduction of cash crops led to the impoverishment of Indian farmers and artisans.
- The British also imposed high tariffs on Indian goods, which hindered industrial growth and disrupted local industries.

2. Social and Cultural Suppression:
- The British undermined Indian traditional systems of education and patronized English education, leading to the erosion of Indian culture and identity.
- They also implemented discriminatory laws and policies, such as the Vernacular Press Act of 1878, which restricted the freedom of the press and curtailed the spread of nationalist ideas.

3. Political Marginalization:
- Indians had limited participation in the administration and were excluded from high-ranking positions in the government.
- The Indian Civil Service (ICS) was dominated by British officers, and this lack of representation fueled resentment among educated Indians.

4. Religious Discrimination:
- The British showed favoritism towards Christian missionaries and often interfered in religious matters, leading to conflicts with the majority Hindu and Muslim population.
- The British policies like the Ilbert Bill in 1883, which aimed to give Indian judges equal jurisdiction with British judges, but faced opposition from the European community, further highlighted the discrimination.

5. Resentment towards British Rule:
- The Indian Rebellion of 1857, which was brutally suppressed by the British, left a lasting impact on the collective memory of Indians.
- The British rule was seen as oppressive and exploitative, leading to a growing sense of nationalism and the desire for self-governance.

Overall, the dissatisfaction with British rule in the 1870s and 1880s was fueled by economic exploitation, social and cultural suppression, political marginalization, religious discrimination, and the memory of the 1857 rebellion. These factors laid the foundation for the emergence of the national movement, which aimed at challenging British rule and demanding independence.