1. Which among the following events took place during the tenure of Lord Curzon?
1. Partition of Bengal
2. Enactment of Punjab Land Alienation Act
3. Appointment of a Famine Commission
4. Establishment of Imperial Cadet Corps
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1, 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Answer: [D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Some important things done by Lord Curzon:
- Appointed Famine Commission which submitted its report in 1901
- Extension of Railways and Irrigation
- All other agencies except the government forbidden to mint coins
- Reduction of Sales tax to Half.
- British Pound made legal tender in India @15 Rupees.
- Limit of Taxable land increased from 500 to 1000 rupees a month
- CID department established in every province Salary of constables were increased.
- Official element in the management of universities was increased.
- Ancient Monument preservation act was passed
- Imperial Cadet Corps was founded in 1901
- Partition of Bengal.
Further, Lord Curzon had introduced the Punjab Land Alienation Act in 1900. In this act, it was laid down that non-peasant could NOT buy lands from the peasants and neither could be attached their lands in case of nonpayment of debts and nor keep the land in mortgage. The result was the moneylenders stopped lending money and Lord Curzon had to open banks and these societies.
2. Consider the following viceroys of India:
1. Lord Elgin
2. Lord Mayo
3. Lord Lytton
4. Lord Northbrook
The tenure of which of the above was collectively called as Policy of Masterly Inactivity?
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Answer: [C] Only 1, 2 & 4
Policy of Masterly Inactivity (1862-76)
The reigns of Lord Elgin-1 862-63, Lord Lawrence (1864-69), Lord Mayo (1869- 72) and Lord Northbrook (1872-76) is called the period of Policy of masterly inactivity in history. The main object of the policy during this period was let things go quietly on to give the land rest.
- It was a policy as opposed to Forward Policy followed by Lord Lytton.
3. With reference to the office of “Secretary of State for India”, consider the following statements:
1. This office was created by merging Board of Control and Board of Trade of East India Company
2. Lord Stanley was first Secretary of State for India
Which among the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: [B] Only 2
First statement is not correct because the powers of the Court of Director and the Board of Control were transferred to the Secretary of State for India, assisted by a council of 15 members. Both of these were thus abolished. The first Secretary of state was Lord Stanley, who prior to 2 August 1858, served as President of the Board of Control. The Secretary of State was now the political head of the India.
Also, check: UPESSC Assistant Professor Test Series for General Studies in English and Hindi
4. Which among the following was the most significant outcome of the Punjab Land Alienation Act in 1900?
[A] Condition of the peasants improved significantly
[B] The land revenue from peasants improved significantly
[C] Various cooperative societies of peasants came up
[D] The large land holdings got split into small land holdings
Answer: [C] Various cooperative societies of peasants came up
Lord Curzon had introduced the Punjab Land Alienation Act in 1900. In this act, it was laid down that non-peasant could buy lands from the peasants and neither could be attached their lands in case of non-payment of debts and nor keep the land in mortgage for more than 20 years. The result was the moneylenders stopped lending money and Lord Curzon had to open banks and these societies. Thus, various Cooperative societies of the agriculturists and Agricultural Banks were established during the time of Lord Curzon
5. The Vernacular press act:
1. Was passed during the times of Lord Lytton
2. Empowered the magistrate to deposit a security, which could be confiscated if the printer violated the Bond
3. Was repealed during times of Lord Ripon
Which among the above is / are correct statements?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: [D] 1, 2 & 3
All given statements are correct
6. Identify the famous viceroy of India with the help of given information:
1. He introduced Ilbert Bill
2. He passed resolution on local self-government
3. He appointed Hunter commission for educational reforms
Select the correct option from codes given below:
[A] Lord Mayo
[B] Lord Lytton
[C] Lord Dufferin
[D] Lord Ripon
Answer: [D] Lord Ripon
Correct answer is Lord Ripon
Kindly, note the work during the reign of Lord Ripon
- The Vernacular Press Act was repealed in 1882
- A Resolution in 1882 set off the institution of local self- government in India
- Hunter Commission came in 1882 for the purpose of education reforms
- The age for entry in the Civil Services was once again raised to 21 years
- The First factory Act was enacted in 1881
- Introduction of Ilbert Bill in severely compromised state.
7. Consider the following committees / commissions during British India:
1. Sargent Plan
2. MacDonnell Commission
3. Fraser Commission
4. Hartog Committee
Which among the above was / were related to Education?
[A] 1 & 2
[B] 1, 2 & 3
[C] 2, 3 & 4
[D] 1 & 4
Answer: [D] 1 & 4
8. With reference to the Government of India Act 1858, which among the following statements is / are correct?
1. A system of legislative devolution began in India with this act
2. The secretary of state was given responsibility to present statements of Revenues and Expenditures in British India
3. The secretary of state was given the power to appoint Viceroy and Governor-General of presidencies
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: [B] Only 2
The first statement is incorrect. A system of legislative devolution began in India with Indian Councils Act 1861 which was enacted 3 years later.
The second statement is correct. With this act, the Secretary of State for India was given the responsibility to lay the statements of Revenues and Expenditures (might be a prototype of Budget) in the British Parliament. The secretary of state had to present report on Revenue, Railways, Law and Construction before the House of Commons, the lower house of British Parliament. Without the permission of Parliament, except in emergency case, Indian revenue could not be utilized in military expedition/mission outside the Indian Territory. The British Parliament could ask questions from the secretary of state in governance and revenue. The parliament was empowered to criticize him and remove him.
The third statement is incorrect. The power to appoint Viceroy and Governor-General and governors of Presidencies (Bombay, Madras) was given to the British crown. The power to appoint Lieutenant Governor was given to Viceroy after getting approval from the British Government.
9. Consider the following pairs:
1. Lord Dalhousie: Prohibition of Sati
2. Lord William Bentinck: Local Self-Government
3. Lord Rippon: Division of Bengal
4. Lord Curzon: Doctrine of Lapse
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] 1, 2 and 4
[C] 1, 3 and 4
[D] All are correct
Answer: B [1, 2 and 4]
Lord Dalhousie is known for the Doctrine of Lapse policy in British India. Lord William Bentinck is notable for his work to prohibit the Sati practice. Local self-government was introduced by Lord Rippon and Lord Curzon was associated with the controversial partition of Bengal in 1905.
10. Who was the Viceroy of India when the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny took place?
[A] Lord Wavell
[B] Lord Linlithgow
[C] Lord Minto II
[D] Lord Mountbatten
Answer: A [Lord Wavell]
Notes:
Royal Indian Navy Mutiny took place in the year 1946 (18th February). Lord Wavell was the Viceroy of India at that time. Lord Wavell was the viceroy of India from 1943 to 1947.
11. Maximum number of Famines attacked India during__?
[A] 1750-1800
[B] 1800-1850
[C] 1850-1900
[D] 1900-1950
Answer: [C] 1850-1900
This period is known for at least 2 dozen severe famines in India. Some important were:
- 1866-67 United Provinces,
- 1872-73; Punjab, Rajputana,
- 1874-Bihar,
- 1876 Deccan,
- Chhappania Akal 1899-1900.
12. Identify the famous movement in India’s freedom struggle, with the help of given information:
1. The movement was a declaration of right to self-government not of the dominion variety
2. The movement was featured by widespread hartals, strikes and other outbreaks, called the “Great August Uprising“.
3. Within a week’s time after the launch of movement, Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Abul Kalam Aazad and many other leaders were sentenced to jails.
Select the correct answer from options given below:
[A] Civil disobedience Movement
[B] Quit India Movement
[C] Non Cooperation Movement
[D] Khilafat Movement
Answer: [B] Quit India Movement
The above features are of Quit India Movement.
In July 1942, the Congress Working Committee met at Wardha. Here a long resolution was passed that demanded that the “British Rule in India must end immediately”.
This resolution was an outcome of the change in attitude of Congress and Gandhi himself towards British.
The attitude changed because in the Second World War the Japanese were triumphing and they had already overrun Singapore and Malaya. They were nearly reaching Burma and India. So it was thought that “Presence of British in India was an invitation to Japan to invade”.
The Wardha Resolution is also known as “Quit India Resolution”. This resolution was ratified in the All India Congress Committee at Bombay on August 7, 1942. Here a nonviolent mass struggle under the leadership of Gandhi was sanctioned in the “August Kranti Maidan”.
13. Which act gave recognition to the ‘portfolio system’ introduced by Lord Canning in 1859?
[A] Indian Councils Act, 1861
[B] Indian Councils Act, 1892
[C] Government of India Act, 1858
[D] None of the Above
Answer: A [Indian Councils Act, 1861]
Notes:
The Indian Councils Act, 1861 recognized the portfolio system introduced by Lord Canning. Under this system, a member of the Viceroy’s council was made in-charge of one or more departments of the government and was authorized to issue final orders on behalf of the council on matters of this department.
14. Who of the following Viceroy started the statutory civil service?
[A] Lord Northbrook
[B] Lord Lawrence
[C] Lord Mayo
[D] Lord Lytton
Answer: D [Lord Lytton]
Civil service in India was introduced by Lord Cornwallis. The statutory Civil Service was started by Lord Lytton.
15. After the death of King Edward VII, who replaced him as the Emperor of India?
[A] Edward I
[B] George VI
[C] Edward VIII
[D] George V
Answer: D [George V]
In the year 1910 (6th May), King Edward VII died. He was replaced by George V as the Emperor of India. In the same year (November) Lord Minto II left India.
16. The McMohan Line was defined between Tibet and British India in which year?
[A] 1858
[B] 1899
[C] 1905
[D] 1914
Answer: D [1914]
In the year 1914, at the Simla conference, British colonial administrator Henry McMahon defined the boundary line between Tibet and India. Lord Hardinge II was the then Viceroy of India.
17. Which of the following acts introduced an open competition system of recruitment in Civil Service?
[A] Charter Act of 1813
[B] Charter Act of 1833
[C] Charter Act of 1853
[D] Government of India Act of 1858
Answer: C [Charter Act of 1853]
The Charter Act of 1833 tried to introduce Civil Service but the Court of Directors opposed it at that time. Finally, an open competition system of recruitment in Civil Service was introduced by the Charter Act of 1853. Macaulay Committee was appointed for Civil Service in India in the year 1854.
18. Which of the following was the journal of the British Committee of the Indian National Congress which was set up in 1889?
[A] India
[B] Indian Sociologist
[C] Young India
[D] Foreign India
Answer: A [India]
In the year 1889, the British Committee of the Indian National Congress was established in Britain. The name of their journal was ‘India’. The views of Congress were published in this journal.
19. The Shivaji Festival was started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in which year?
[A] 1890
[B] 1891
[C] 1895
[D] 1899
Answer: C [1895]
In the year 1895 Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the Shivaji Festival in the Raigarh Fort. In the year 1894, he started the Ganapati Festival.
20. Who is known as Punjab Kesari?
[A] Lala Lajpat Rai
[B] Lala Hardayal
[C] C.R. Das
[D] Ajit Singh
Answer: A [Lala Lajpat Rai]
Lala Lajpat Rai is popularly known as Punjab Kesari. He took a significant role in the Indian freedom movement.
21. Jyotirao Phule took his inspiration from which among the following book?
[A] The Rights of Man
[B] Development as freedom
[C] Disposable people
[D] The tyranny of experts
Answer: A [The Rights of Man]
Jyotirao Phule took his inspiration from the book “The Rights of Man” which was written by Thomas Paine.
22. By which of the following treaty the English East India Company gained the Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa?
[A] Treaty of Murshidabad
[B] Treaty of Hoogly
[C] Treaty of Allahabad
[D] Treaty of Hariharpur
Answer: C [Treaty of Allahabad]
Notes:
The Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765 between the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and Robert Clive, of the East India Company. Shah Alam II granted the East India Company Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
23. The “Two-Nation Theory” was propounded in which of the following session of the Muslim League?
[A] Lahore Session, 1940
[B] Bombay Session, 1915
[C] Delhi Session, 1918
[D] Calcutta Session, 1917
Answer: A [Lahore Session, 1940]
Notes:
The two-nation theory was a founding principle of the Pakistan Movement and the partition of India in 1947. The Muslim League propounded the “Two-Nation Theory” in the Lahore Session, 1940 which was preceded by Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
24. Which among the following movements during the freedom struggle of India were abruptly withdrawn due to violence?
1. Non-cooperation Movement
2. Civil Disobedience Movement
3. Quit India Movement
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 1& 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: [A] Only 1
End of NCM
On February 5, 1922, in the Chauri Chaura, after violent clashes between the local police and the protesters in which three protesters were killed by police firing, the police chowki was set on fire by the mob, killing 22 of the police occupants. Gandhi felt that the revolt was veering off-course, and was disappointed that the revolt had lost its non-violent nature. He did not want the movement to degenerate into a contest of violence, with police and angry mobs attacking each other back and forth, victimizing civilians in between. Gandhi appealed to the Indian public for all resistance to end, went on a fast lasting 3 weeks, and called off the mass non-cooperation movement. So, this is a correct option.
End of CDM:
There were outbreaks of violence in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Karachi, and Gujarat during CDM Movement. Unlike his suspension of Satyagraha after violence broke out during the Non-cooperation movement, this time Gandhi was “unmoved”. Appealing for violence to end, at the same time Gandhi honoured those killed in Chittagong and congratulated their parents “for the finished sacrifices of their sons…. A warrior’s death is never a matter for sorrow”. So this option is not correct.
End of QIM:
Gandhi was imprisoned. All the members of the Party’s Working Committee (national leadership) were imprisoned as well. Due to the arrest of major leaders, a young and till then relatively unknown Aruna Asaf Ali presided over the AICC session on 9 August and hoisted the flag; later the Congress party was banned. These actions only created sympathy for the cause among the population. Despite lack of direct leadership, large protests and demonstrations were held all over the country. Workers remained absent en masse and strikes were called. Not all demonstrations were peaceful, at some places bombs exploded, government buildings were set on fire, electricity was cut and transport and communication lines were severed. The British swiftly responded with mass detentions. Over 100,000 arrests were made, mass fines were levied and demonstrators were subjected to public flogging.
Hundreds of resisters and innocent people were killed in police and army shootings. Many national leaders went underground and continued their struggle by broadcasting messages over clandestine radio stations, distributing pamphlets and establishing parallel governments.
The British sense of crisis was strong enough that a battleship was specifically set aside to take Gandhi and the Congress leaders out of India, possibly to South Africa or Yemen but ultimately did not take that step out of fear of intensifying the revolt. Gandhi’s wife Kasturbai Gandhi and his personal secretary Mahadev Desai died in months and Gandhi’s health was failing, despite this Gandhi went on a 21-day fast and maintained his resolve to continuous resistance. Although the British released Gandhi on account of his health in 1944, Gandhi kept up the resistance, demanding the release of the Congress leadership. The QIM was violent movement which was ruthlessly suppressed but was NOT withdrawn. So option is not correct.
25. Which among the following was / were envisaged in the Non-cooperation movement?
1. Boycott of elections under the Government of India Act, 1919
2. Boycott of government schools and colleges
3. Violation and breaking the civil laws
4. Boycott of foreign goods
5. Surrender of titles and honorary offices
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 2, 3, 4 & 5
[B] Only 1, 2, 4 & 5
[C] Only 1, 4 & 5
[D] Only 2, 3 & 5
Answer: [B] Only 1, 2, 4 & 5
All of the above were envisaged in the NCM but not the violation and breaking the civil laws, though boycott of the courts was there.
26. The Quit India Movement was supported by:
1. Hindu Mahasabha
2. Communist Party of India
3. Princely states
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] None of them
Answer: [D] None of them
The Congress had little success in rallying other political forces under a single flag and program. Smaller parties like the Hindu Mahasabha opposed the call. The Communist Party of India strongly opposed the Quit India movement and supported the war effort because of the need to assist the Soviet Union, despite support for Quit India by many industrial workers. In response the British lifted the ban on the party. The movement had less support in the princely states, as the princes were strongly opposed and funded the opposition.
27. The Civil Disobedience Movement was finally withdrawn in ___?
[A] March 1933
[B] April 1934
[C] August 1934
[D] January 1935
Answer: [B] April 1934
Civil Disobedience Movement was finally withdrawn in April 1934.
28. The Chauri-Chaura incident is one of the most remembered events of the Freedom Struggle of India. What was / were the outcome of this incident?
1. Civil Disobedience movement was called off by Mahatma Gandhi
2. There was a schism in the Congress
3. Swaraj Party took a resolution to boycott elections and not rest before attaining Swaraj
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: [B] Only 2
1. Civil Disobedience movement was called off by Mahatma Gandhi This statement is incorrect because the event led Gandhi to call off the Non-cooperation movement from Bardoli in February 1922 and not the Civil Disobedience movement.
2. There was a schism in the Congress The second statement is correct that there was a schism in the Congress.
3. Swaraj Party took a resolution to boycott elections and not rest before attaining Swaraj Moti Lal Nehru, C R Das, N C Kelkar, GS Gharpade and S Srinivas founded the Swaraj party.
The third statement is incorrect, as they chose a middle path, as none of them was capable to lead such a large scale movement. So, they decided Swaraj within the British Raj and that’s what led them to contest the elections and win some handsome number of seats.
29. The proposals of the August Offer of Lord Linlithgow included:
1. Establishment of a constitution making body for India
2. Expansion of Viceroy’s Executive Council
3. Freedom after war
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: [A] Only 1 & 2
1. After the war a representative Indian body would be set up to frame a constitution for India.
2. Viceroy’s Executive Council would be expanded without delay
3. Third statement is not correct. This offer promised dominion status. The minorities were assured that the government would not transfer power “to any system of government whose authority is directly denied by large and powerful elements in Indian national life.”
30. When was Delhi declared as the capital of India?
[A] 1901
[B] 1911
[C] 1913
[D] 1921
Answer: B [1911]
Notes:
In December 1911 King George V of Britain decreed that the capital of British India would be moved from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi. Construction began in 1912 at a site about 3 miles (5 km) south of the Delhi city centre, and the new capital was formally dedicated in 1931. The name “New Delhi” was given in 1927, and the new capital was inaugurated on 13 February, 1931.
31. Who among of the following started Marathi fortnightly newspaper ‘Bahishkrit Bharat’?
[A] Vir Savarkar
[B] Lokmanya Tilak
[C] Vinoba Bhave
[D] Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Answer: D [Dr. B. R. Ambedkar]
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar published the Marathi fortnightly, ‘Bahishkrit Bharat’ on 2 April, 1927. He stated that the reason for starting the paper was that many types of political and social changes were taking place in the country, and he felt that by 1930 many big political improvements would take place in India. In such a situation, the untouchables of India should get rights in accordance with their numbers.
32. In which of the following sessions, the concession was given by the congress to Muslim League in acceptance of separate electorates in 1916?
[A] Calcutta
[B] Lucknow
[C] Allahabad
[D] Lahore
Answer: B [Lucknow]
During the Lucknow session of Indian National Congress in 1916, the Congress and Muslim League together started demanding common reforms to the government. Since the year 1906, Muslim league had been demanding separate electorate for them. Through the Lucknow Pact, the Congress and Muslim League agreed to allow representation to religious minorities in the provincial legislatures.
33. Who attended the second round table conference with Mahatma Gandhi?
[A] Subhash Chandra Bose
[B] Dr. Rajendra Prasad
[C] Jawaharlal Nehru
[D] Sarojini Naidu
Answer: D [Sarojini Naidu]
Notes:
The Second Round Table Conference was held in London during the viceroyalty of Lord Willingdon during September-December 1931. Gandhi represented Indian National Congress and Sarojini Nayudu represented Indian women at the conference. Gandhi’s attendance at the conference was made possible by the Gandhi-Irwin Pact that was signed on 5 March 1931.
34. Who among the following with Mahatma Gandhi signed Poona Pact?
[A] Muhammad Ali Jinnah
[B] Lord Irwin
[C] Subhash Chandra Bose
[D] B.R Ambedkar
Answer: D [B.R Ambedkar]
Notes:
Poona Pact was an agreement between Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi signed on September 24, 1932.
35. Consider the following events during British India:
1. Provision of Separate Electorate
2. Diarchy in the Provinces
3. Provision of an establishment of Constituent assembly
4. Provincial Autonomy
Which among the following is the correct chronological order in which they happened?
[A] 1 2 3 4
[B] 1 2 4 3
[C] 1 3 2 4
[D] 1 3 4 2
Answer: [B] 1 2 4 3
- Provision of Separate Electorate: Morley Minto Reforms, 1909
- Diarchy in the Provinces : Montague Chelmsford Reforms, 1919
- Provision of an establishment of Constituent assembly : August Offer 1940
- Provincial Autonomy : Act of 1935
36. After the Government of India Act 1935, a Federal Court of India was established, which was later absorbed by Supreme Court of India after independence? The appeal from this Federal Court of India could be taken to ____?
[A] Viceroy of India
[B] Secretary of State for India
[C] King of England
[D] Privy Council
Answer: [D] Privy Council
There was a right of appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London from the Federal Court of India. The Judicial Committee of Privy Council acted as an appellate body since 1726 with the establishment of Mayor’s Court in India. It first started working via the system of committees and sub-committees. This system was not perfect and created problems. Via the Judicial Committee Act, 1833, the Privy Council was reformed and then it came into formal existence. Privy Council was thus created on 14th Aug. 1833 by the Act of the Parliament. Via this act, the Privy Council was empowered to hear appeals from the courts in British Colonies. Under the Indian High Courts Act, 1861 the high Courts were established at three Provinces. It was the amalgamation of King’s Courts and Company’s Courts. This Act provided for the right to appeal from High Courts to Privy Council from all of its judgments except in Criminal matters. In addition to this, there was a provision of Special leave to Appeal in certain cases to be so certified by the High Courts.
The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for the establishment of Federal Court in India. The Federal Court was given exclusive original jurisdiction to decide disputes between the Center and constituent Units. The provision was made for filing of appeals from High Courts to the Federal Court and from Federal Court to the Privy Council. The Federal Court also had jurisdiction to grant Special Leave to Appeal and for such appeals a certificate of the High Court was essential. India retained the right of appeal from the Federal Court of India to the Privy Council after the establishment of the Dominion of India. Then, the Federal Court Enlargement of Jurisdiction Act, 1948 was passed. This Act enlarged the appellate jurisdiction of Federal Court and also abolished the old system of filing direct appeals from the High Court to the Privy Council. Finally in 1949, the Abolition of Privy Council Jurisdiction Act was passed by the Indian Government. This Act accordingly abolished the jurisdiction of Privy Council to entertain new appeals and petitions as well as to dispose of any pending appeals and petitions. It also provided for transfer of all cases filed before Privy Council to the Federal Court in India. All powers of the Privy Council regarding appeals from the High Court were conferred to the Federal Court. Thereafter with the commencement of the Constitution of India in 1950, the Supreme Court has been established and is serving as the Apex Court for all purposes in India. It hears appeals from all the High Courts and Subordinate Courts. With this the appellate jurisdiction of the Privy Council finally came to an end.
37. The Indian National Congress was represented in the Partition Council by ___:
1. Jawahar Lal Nehru
2. Sardar Patel
3. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
4. Abul Kalam Azad
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] 1 & 2
[B] 2 & 3
[C] 3 & 4
[D] 1 & 4
Answer: [B] 2 & 3
Before the Partition Council, a Partition Committee was formed which was chaired by Lord Mountbatten and its members were Vallabh Bhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Liaqat Ali Khan and Abdur Rab Nishtar. Later this committee was replaced by a Partition Council. In this council, Congress was represented by Sardar Patel and Dr Rajendra Prasad with Rajagopalachari as alternate member. Muslim league was represented by Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Liaqat Ali Khan and Abdur Rab Nishtar as alternate member. Please note that even after 15 August 1947, this partition council was in existence, but the composition was changed as 2 members from each dominion. Patel and Dr. Prasad kept representing Indian Domain even at that time.
38. On the basis of which of the following grounds, the Cabinet Mission Plan ruled out the partition of India?
1. Creation of Pakistan would not solve the communal minority problem
2. Partition would be injurious to the transportation, postal and communication system
3. There was a 700 miles distance between the two halves of the proposed Pakistan
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: [D] 1, 2 & 3
39. The Wavell Plan offered that:
1. A new Executive Council was to be formed at the Centre in which all but the Viceroy and the Commander in Chief will be Indians
2. This executive council was for the time being till a new permanent constitution could be agreed upon and come to force.
3. All portfolios except the Defense would be held by the Indian Members
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: [D] 1, 2 & 3
The above schemes of were Wavell plan given by Lord Wavell in 1945. To discuss the provisions of the Wavell Plan a conference of 21 Indian Political leaders was invited to the Summer Capital of British Government Shimla. The leaders included Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who was the President of the Congress at that time. Mohammad Ali Jinnah also reached in the conference. But here, Jinnah made a strange claim. He said that no non-league Muslim should be represented to the Executive Council because only Muslim League has right to represent the Muslims of India. So, it was said that Congress had no right to nominate any Muslim in the Executive council.
40. As per Gandhi Irwin Pact, the British Government agreed to:
1. Release all political prisoners except those guilty of violence
2. Abolish the salt tax
3. Withdraw all ordinances and prosecutions
4. Accept Indian National Congress as sole representative of Indians
Choose the correct statements from the codes given below:
[A] 1, 2 & 3
[B] 1, 3 & 4
[C] 1 & 3
[D] 1 & 2
Answer: [C] 1 & 3
British Government agreed to:
1. Withdraw all ordinances and end prosecutions
2. Release all political prisoners, except those guilty of violence
3. Permit peaceful picketing of liquor and foreign cloth shops
4. Restore confiscated properties of the satyagrahis
5. Permit free collection or manufacture of salt by persons near the sea-coast
6. Lift the ban over the congress.
41. Which among the following statements is / are correct?
1. The first political organization of the Bombay Presidency was the Bombay Association
2. The first organization in the Madras Presidency was Madras Mahajan Sabha
3. Mary Carpenter established National Indian Association on advice of Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Choose the correct option from the options given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: [A] Only 1
The first political organization of the Bombay Presidency was the Bombay Association which was started on 26 August 1852, to vent public grievances to the British. The first organization in the Madras Presidency to vent for the rights of Indians was the Madras Native Association which was established by Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty in 1849. In May 1884, S Ramaswami Mudaliar and P Anandacharlu established the Madras Mahajana Sabha. Mary Carpenter came to India in 1866, to fulfill her long cherished desire to, after she met Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1833. But in India, she met Keshab Chandra Sen, the leader of Brahmo Samaj, who asked her toform an organization in Britain to improve communication between British and Indian reformers. In 1870 she established National Indian Association.
42. Brahmo Samaj:
1. Was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy
2. Does not permit idol or image worship
3. Permitted worship only through prayers, meditation and readings from Upanishads
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 and 3 Only
[C] 1 and 2 Only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Answer: [D] 1, 2 and 3
Brahmo Samaj was started by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828.It was open to members from all caste to worship Brahma. It denied the authority of Vedas and does not permitted idol or image worship. It permitted worship only through prayers, meditation and readings from Upanishads.
43. Henry Vivian Derozio was the leader of __:
[A] Self Respect Movement
[B] Justice Party Movement
[C] Young Bengal Movement
[D] Seva Sadan
Answer: [C] Young Bengal Movement
Henry Louis Vivian Derozio was an Indian poet and assistant headmaster of Hindu College, Kolkata, a radical thinker and one of the first Indian educators to disseminate Western learning and science among the young men of Bengal. In 1828, Raja Ram Mohan Roy established the Brahmo Samaj, which kept Hindu ideals but denied idolatry. This resulted in a backlash within orthodox Hindu society. It is in the perspective of these changes that Derozio was appointed at Hindu college, where he helped released the ideas for social change already in the air. At 17 years of age, he was considered a great scholar and a thinker. Within a short period of time, he drew around him a group of intelligent boys in college. He constantly encouraged them to think freely, to question and not to accept anything blindly. His teachings inspired the development of the spirit of liberty, equality and freedom. His activities brought about intellectual revolution in Bengal. It was called the Young Bengal Movement and his students, also known as Derozians, were fiery patriots.
44. For the regeneration of Hindu society and religion various means suggested by Raja Ram Mohan Roy included:
1. Western Education for both boys and girls
2. Freedom of India from British rule
3. Separation of religion from social practices
4. Rational approach towards religion
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Answer: [C] Only 1, 3 & 4
45. Arya Samaj:
1. Discarded all later than Vedas outgrowths
2. Upheld monotheism
3. Confined its educational efforts to Sanskrit studies only
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: [A] Only 1 & 2
A social reform body was founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875. Under the influence of western education and science many amongst the educated Indians were tending to become Christian. The arya samaj, like the brahma samaj and the prarthana samaj, was started to stop this process and largely succeeded in its efforts. Its motto was “ go back to the Vedas” and it wanted to reform society on the model of the Vedas and discard all later outgrowths. It upheld monotheism, condemned polytheism and the use of image. It was opposed to caste restriction and child marriages and it supported sea-voyage, female education and remarriages of widows. It aimed at uplifting the down-trodden classes or castes amongst the Indians. It claimed that Hinduism was a proselytizing religion and by what is known as the Suddhi (purification) movement it converted many non-Hindus to Hinduism and thus gave a new dynamic force to Hinduism. It has done a great deal of social and educational work, especially in the Punjab.
At first it confined its educational efforts to Sanskritic studies only, but later on one section of it led by Lala Hansraj supported the cultivation of western education as well as founded the Dayananda Anglo Vedic College at Lahore. The orthodox section continued to believe in the necessity of reviving the Vedic ideal in modern life and founded the Gurukul at Haridwar in 1902. It has a still a large following in upper India.
46. Which among the following statements conform to the ideology of the Arya Samaj?
1. The Vedas are infallible
2. The marriageable age of the boys and girls should be 25 and 16 respectively
3. Encouraging female education
4. Recognition of interreligious marriages
Select the correct statements from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Answer: [D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
The first statement is obviously correct. The Samaj regards the Vedas as infallible, eternal and divine. The second statement is also correct. The Samaj, to prevent child marriage, fixed the minimum marriageable age at 25 years for boys and 16 for girls. Inter-caste marriage and widow remarriage were encouraged. Third statement is also correct. Arya Samaj has been a pioneer for education of all. Arya Samaj promotes both Vedic religious and secular education for boys, girls and adults. Fourth statement is also correct albeit, it does not allow Muslims, Jews, Christians etc marriages unless they conform to their so called Shuddhi rituals and convert to Hinduism.
47. The Theosophical Society of India:
1. Supported the interest and pride in the ancient culture and philosophies of India
2. Advocated universal brotherhood
3. Recognized the Hindu doctrines of Karma and transmigration of soul and the Buddhist doctrine of Nirvana
Select the correct statements from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: [D] 1, 2 & 3
All the given statements are correct in this question. The society accepted the Hindu beliefs in re-incarnation, Karma and drew inspiration from the philosophy of the Upanishads and Samkhya, Yoga, Vedanta school of thoughts and Buddhist doctrine of Nirvana. It supported the ancient Indian culture and Philosophy. The basic objective was to advocate universal brotherhood.
48. Which among the following questions led to a schism in the Brahmo Samaj and formation of Bhartiya Brahmo Samaj?
[A] Infallibility of the Vedas
[B] Child-marriages
[C] Widow-remarriage
[D] Inter caste marriage
Answer: [A] Infallibility of the Vedas
49. Consider the following:
1. Humanism
2. Reason
3. Vedas and Upanishads
4. Ramayana and Mahabharata
Which of the above formed the twin pillars of Brahmo Samaj?
[A] 1 & 2
[B] 2 & 3
[C] 3 & 4
[D] 1 & 3
Answer: [B] 2 & 3
The twin pillars of Brahmo Samaj were Reason and Vedas & Upanishads.
50. Match the following correctly:
A. Ramakrishna Mission I. Swami Dayanand Saraswati
B. Arya Samaj II. Raja Rammohan Roy
C. Brahmo Samaj III. Keshab Chandra Sen
D. Prarthana Samaj IV. Swami Vivekananda
A B C D
[A] I II III IV
[B] III IV I II
[C] II III I IV
[D] IV I II III
Answer: D [IV I II III]
The Ramakrishna Mission was established in 1897 by Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Dayanand Saraswati Founded the Arya Samaj in Bombay in 1875. A few years later the headquarters of the Arya Samaj were established at Lahore. Raja Rammohan Roy founded Brahmo Samaj in 1828 in the name of Brahmo Sabha.
Prarthana Samaj was founded by Atmaram Pandurang in 1867 when Kesab Chandra Sen visited Maharashtra, with an aim to make people believe in one God and worship only one God.
UPESSC (UPHESC) Assistant Professor GK Paper Practice Test 2
UPESSC (UPHESC) Assistant Professor GK Paper Practice Test 1