लॉर्ड _________ ने देशभर मीठावर एकसारखा (uniformed) कर लावला.

The correct answer is Option C (Lyton).

Key Points:
• Background & Policy Analysis:
• Lord Lytton (Viceroy of India from 1876 to 1880) implemented significant fiscal and taxation reforms during his tenure.
• One of his major administrative measures was standardizing and equalizing the salt duties across British India.
• Prior to this reform, wide disparities existed in salt tax rates between different presidencies and provinces (e.g., Bengal, Madras, and Bombay), necessitating the maintenance of the massive Inland Customs Line (also known as the Great Hedge of India).
• By equalizing the salt duty across the entire country, Lord Lytton eliminated inter-provincial tariff barriers and facilitated the gradual dismantling of the Inland Customs Line.
• Impact: While it streamlined tax administration and boosted British colonial revenue, it placed a heavy economic burden on the poor population across India.
• Key Takeaway: Lord Lytton introduced a uniform salt tax across British India, enabling the abolition of the Inland Customs Line.