intense revision plan history compilations ancient...

Intense Revision Plan History Compilations

Ancient History

1. Which of the following statements are correct?

1. Upanishad provides information about classical dance forms.

2. Puranas are silent about dances.

3. Natya shastra is the 5 th veda.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) All are correct

Ans C

Explanation

● Upanishad deals with philosophy and is silent about dance forms. Puranas do mention

about dances. Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni is also called as 5 th veda.

2.Which of the following locations have been famous ancient centers for higher education?

1. Nalanda in Bihar

2. Takshashila

3. Valabhi, in Gujarat

4. Kanchipuram, in Tamil Nadu

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 , 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 , 3 and 4 only

(d) 1 , 2 , 3 and 4

Ans D

Explanation

● Apart from nalanda , taxila and valabhi, Further centers include Telhara in Bihar

(probably older than Nalanda), Odantapuri, in Bihar (circa 550 - 1040), Somapura, in

Bangladesh (from the Gupta period to the Turkic Muslim conquest), Sharada Peeth,

Pakistan, Jagaddala Mahavihara, in Bengal (from the Pala period to the Turkic Muslim

conquest), Nagarjunakonda, in Andhra Pradesh, Vikramashila, in Bihar (circa 800-1040),

Valabhi, in Gujarat (from the Maitrak period to the Arab raids), Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh

(eighth century to modern times), Kanchipuram, in Tamil Nadu, Manyakheta, in

Karnataka, Mahavihara, Abhayagiri Vihāra, and Jetavanaramaya, in Sri Lanka.

3. Consider the statements regarding Indus valley civilisation:

1. Harappan architecture was characterised by the absence of stone buildings.

2. IVC is called as the first urban civilisation because all the sites exhibit the features of

urban planning and life style.

3. Indus valley people had the knowledge for construction of canals for irrigation.

Which of the above statements is/are true?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 , 2 and 3

Ans C

Explanation

● Not all indus sites exhibit features of an urban civilization.

4. Consider the following statements regarding rigvedic period:

1. Rig vedic economy marked a continuation of its preceding civilizations

2. Rigvedic period was characterised by the extensive use of iron tools.

3. Establishment of vast trade networks with far-off countries was a feature of rig-vedic era.

Which of the above statements is/are NOT true?

(a) 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 , 2 and 3

Ans D

Explanation

● Rigvedic literature do not mention iron tools

● Rigvedic economy was a pastoral economy whereas IVC economy was agrarian.

● There are no evidences of establishment of long trade relations.

5. Which of the following statements are correct about Mahajanapadas?

1. Bali was land tax and bhaga was produce tax.

2. Anirudha and Munda were kings of Haryanka dynasty.

3. Nanda dynasty was established by Ugrasena.


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) All are correct

Ans D

Explanation

● Nanda dynasty was established by Mahapadma Nanda / Ugrasena. Anirudha and Munda

were towards the end of Haryanka dynasty.

6. Which of the following ancient port towns is wrongly matched with its location?

1. Lothal A.Gujarat

2. Tamralipta B.Karnataka

3. Bharuch C.Maharashtra

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) None of the above is wrongly matched

Ans B

Explanation

● Bharuch is in Gujarat and Tamralipta in Odisha.

7. Consider the following statements regarding Mauryan Administration:

1. Mauryan administration exhibited strong feudal characteristics.

2. Mauryan rulers often relied on the principle of divine right to kingship to legitimize their

position.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans D

Explanation

● Mauryan administration was highly centralised in nature and hence not feudal in nature.

● Kautilya gives extensive powers to the kings and attaches an element of divinity. His

foremost duty is protection of the subjects and their property. King’s sources of power

revolving around three sources– Prabhu Shakti (the power of the army and the

treasury),Manta Shakti (advice of wise men, specially the council of ministers) and Utsah

Shakti (charisma). Duties of Kings Kautilya’s Arthashastra does not believe in the

‘Theory of Divine’ origin of the Monarch. According to him, state is a human

institution and it should be manned by a human being. So, the king should be the

protector of the dharma of whole society. Arthashastra pointed out duties of kings are :

● Should follow his rajya dharma.

● Should exhibit attributes, i.e. Atma Vrata (self-control) l Should ease the six enemies—

Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Lobh (greed), Mana (vanity), Mada (haughtiness), and

Harsh (overjoy).

8. Which of the following statements are incorrect about Indus valley civilization?

1. Integral use of sculpture in their art.

2. Absence of external influence.

3. Concentration on utility factor than artistic factor.


(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) All the above

Ans A

Explanation

● Art work of Indus valley civilization are indigenous art with no external influence. No

integral use of sculpture is an important aspect of their art. The art gave more importance

to utility factor

9. Which of the following statements are true about Social life of Rig Vedic Aryans?

1. Family was patriarchal and was joint family type.

2. Women had access to education but not free to choose partner.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) None of these

Ans A

Explanation

● Family was patriarchal and boy preferring. Joint family was the system. Women were

treated with respect and had access to education. They were free to choose their partners.

Widow Remarriage was also allowed.

10. Which of the following is not a known reason for the decline of Gupta empire?

(a) Lose of imperial authority caused by the rise of feudal lords.

(b) Invasion by the Huna peoples from Central Asia.

(c) Competition from the Vakatakas and the rise of Yashodharman in Malwa.

(d) Invasion by Turkish invaders from the Middle east.

Ans D

Explanation

● The empire gradually declined because of many factors such as substantial loss of

territory and imperial authority caused by their own erstwhile feudatories and the

invasion by the Huna peoples (Ephthalite Huns) from Central Asia.

● In addition to the Hun invasion, the factors, which contribute to the decline of the empire

include competition from the Vakatakas and the rise of Yashodharman in Malwa.

11. Which of the following statements are true about Sangam age?

1. Society was harmonious but there was friction between local and Vedic traditions.

2. Buddhism and Jainism were widespread in the Sangam era.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) None of these

Ans D

Explanation

● Society was harmonious and there was synthesis of local and Vedic tradition. There was

no friction between the two traditions. Buddhism was widespread in sangam age. But

Jainism was very limited.

12. Which of the following are true about Neolithic sites in India?

1. Neolithic period is from present to 10,000 years ago and is characterized by microliths.

2. Burzahom in Kashmir is a Neolithic site where cooking hearths were found only inside

the house.

3. There is no evidence of neolithic site in north east india.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) None of the above

Ans D

Explanation

● Mesolithic are characteristics of Megalithic period.

● Daojing Halding is a neolithic site in Northeast India.

13. Consider the following statements regarding Sangam age:

1. Hereditary monarchy was the form of government during the Sangam period

2. Both internal and foreign trade was well organized and briskly carried on in the Sangam

Age.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans C

Explanation

● Refer http://civils360.com/2016/12/26/sangam-age-kingdoms-south-india/

14.With regards to Sangam age history the terms Kurinji , Mullai , Marudam, Neydal and

Palai refers to:

(a) The five-fold division of lands.

(b) Flowering plants having religious significance.

(c) Popular tamil poetry of the age.

(d) Popular mensuration units used.

Ans A

Explanation

● Tolkappiyam refers to the five-fold division of lands –

Kurinji (hilly tracks), Mullai (pastoral), Marudam (agricultural), Neydal (coastal) and

Palai (desert).

people living in these five divisions had their respective chief occupations as well as gods

for worship

Kurinji – chief deity was Murugan – chief occupation, hunting and honey collection.

Mullai – chief deity Mayon (Vishnu) – chief occupation, cattle-rearing and dealing with

dairy products

Marudam – chief deity Indira – chief occupation, agriculture.

Neydal – chief deity Varunan – chief occupation fishing and salt manufacturing.

Palai – chief deity Korravai – chief occupation robbery

● http://civils360.com/2016/12/26/sangam-age-kingdoms-south-india/

http://civils360.com/2016/12/26/sangam-age-kingdoms-south-india/

http://civils360.com/2016/12/26/sangam-age-kingdoms-south-india/

15. A harappan site is characterised by the discovery of a perpendicular ploughed fields,

which among the following fits the description?

(a) Lothal

(b) Kalibangan

(c) Sutkagendor

(d) Mohenjodaro

Ans B

Explanation

● Kalibangan is unique for its fire altars and ploughed field.

16. Consider the following statements regarding Rig vedic era:

1. Tax collected in the form of coins was the major source of income for the monarch.

2. The king used to maintain a standing army to protect his kingdom.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans D

Explanation.

● Tax was the voluntary Bali and coins were not in use in rigvedic times and the king did

not maintained a standing army.

17. Consider the following statements regarding emperor Harsha’s regime:

1. When compared to Gupta era , the trade and commerce had declined during Harsha’s

period.

2. Fourfold varna system was not rigid during his regime.

3. The maintenance of public records was the salient feature of Harsha’s administration


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 , 2 and 3

Ans C

Explanation

● The fourfold division of the society – Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vysya and Sudra – was

prevalent. The Brahmins were the privileged section of the society and they were given

land grants by the kings.

● The trade and commerce had declined during Harsha’s period. This is evident from the

decline of trade centres, less number of coins, and slow activities of merchant guilds. The

decline of trade in turn affected the handicrafts industry and agriculture.

● The maintenance of public records was the salient feature of Harsha’s administration.

The archive of the Harsha period was known as nilopitu and it was under the control of

special officers.Both good and bad events happened during his time had been recorded.

18. Consider the following statements regarding sabha and samiti:

1. Sabha performed judicial functions, which the Samiti did not.

2. During early vedic times women were allowed to take part in Sabhas.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans C

Explanation

● The term Sabha denotes both the assembly (in early Rig-Vedic) and the assembly hall

(Later Rig-Vedic). Women who were called Sabhavati also attended this assembly. It was

basically a kin-based assembly and the practice of women attending it was stopped in

later-Vedic times. RigVeda speaks of the Sabha also as a dicing and gambling assembly,

along with a place for dancing, music, witchcraft, and magic. It discussed pastoral affairs

and performed judicial and administrative functions and exercised judicial authority.

● The references to samiti come from the latest books of the Rig-Veda showing that it

assumed importance only towards the end of the Rig-Vedic period. Samiti was a folk

assembly in which people of the tribe gathered for transacting tribal business. It discussed

philosophical issues and was concerned with religious ceremonies and prayers.

● The only difference between Sabha and Samiti seems to be the fact that Sabha performed

judicial functions, which the Samiti did not. Later, the sabha became a small aristocratic

body and samiti ceased to exist.

19. Consider the following statements regarding Magadha?

1. It became the most prominent Mahajanapada owing to its large standing army and walled

city.

2. The capital was initially Rajagriha and then shifted to Pataliputra.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 and 2

Ans B

Explanation

● Girvaja is another name of rajgriha.

20. .Consider the statements regarding Gupta period.

1. The period was characterised by the revivalism of Hinduism

2. Jati panchayats got strengthened in this period.

Which of the above statements is/are not true?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 and 2

Ans D

Explanation

● Gupta age or golden age was characterised by revival of Hinduism

● Jati panchayats were strengthened

Art and Culture and Medieval History 1. Which of the following schools of philosophy is NOT considered as belonging to Astika

tradition?

(a) Samkhya

(b) Nyaya

(c) Cārvāka

(d) Mimāṃsā

Ans C

Explanation

● A list of six systems or ṣaḍdarśanas (also spelled Sad Darshan) consider Vedas as a

reliable source of knowledge and an authoritative source.These are the Nyaya,

Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimāṃsā and Vedanta schools of Hinduism, and they are

classified as the āstika schools

● The main schools of Indian philosophy that reject the Vedas were regarded as heterodox

in the Brahmanical tradition:Buddhism, Jainism, Cārvāk, Ājīvika

2. Which of the following statements correctly describe the difference between different

schools of sculpturing in ancient India?

1. Gandhara school of art was heavily influenced by Hellenistic sculpturing whereas

Mathura school was more or less indigenously developed.

2. The theme of Gandhara school was mainly inspired from Buddhism whereas Mathura

school was influenced by all the major religions in the Indian subcontinent at that time.

3. Sculptures of Gandhara were made initially on stone and later on Stucco, both grey in

colors but Mathura model sculptures were made on White-spotted red stones.


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 , 2 and 3

Ans D

Explanation

● Gandhara School of art -

● Theme is mainly Buddhist, depicting various stories from the life of Buddha and more

stress is given to the bodily features and external beauty.

● Sculptures were made initially on stone and later on Stucco, both grey in color.

● This school is influenced by Greeco-Roman techniques to a greater extent.

● Mathura school of art -

● Theme may vary from Buddhist to Brahmanical to sometimes secular. ore stress is given

to the inner beauty and facial emotions rather than bodily gesture.

● Sculptures were made on White-spotted red stones.

● For the Mathura school, the material was red sandstone, and they were depicted as more

human and less spiritual. It was wholly influenced by Indian sculptures.

3. Which of the following statements is/are true regarding Karma Kagyu School?

1. It is one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

2. This school belongs to the Hinayana Buddhism


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 and 2

Ans A

Explanation

● What is karma Kagyu School? The Gyalwang Karmapa is the head of the Karma

Kagyu school, one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the 2nd largest

and certainly the most widely practiced lineage within the Kagyu school. This school

belongs to the Vajrayana branch of Mahayana Buddhism. Central teaching of the Karma

Kagyu is the doctrine of Mahamudra, also known as the "Great Seal". This doctrine

focuses on 4 principal stages of meditative practice namely: The development of single-

pointedness of mind. The transcendence of all conceptual elaboration. The cultivation of

the perspective that all phenomena are of a "single taste". The fruition of the path, which

is beyond any contrived acts of meditation

4. Consider the following pairs , regarding the tax imposed on medieval India :

1. Kharaj - Land

2. Jizya - On non-Muslims

3. Khams - On property

Which of the pairs given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation

● Khams was imposed on booty captured during war

5. Arrange the following rulers in Chronological order:

1. Satavahanas

2. Rashtrakutas

3. Chalukyas

4. Vakatakas


(a) 1-2-3-4

(b) 1-4-3-2

(c) 1-3-4-2

(d) 4-3-2-1

Answer: B

Explanation

● The Satavahanas were an ancient Indian dynasty based in the Deccan region. Most

modern scholars believe that the Satavahana rule began in first century BCE and lasted

until the second century CE, although some assign the beginning of their rule to as early

as the 3rd century BCE.

● The Vakataka Empire was a dynasty from the Indian subcontinent that originated from

the Deccan in the mid-3rd century CE.

● The Chalukya dynasty was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and

central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries.

● Rashtrakuta was a royal dynasty ruling large parts of the Indian Subcontinent between the

sixth and 10th centuries. The earliest known Rashtrakuta inscription is a 7th-century

copper plate grant detailing their rule from Manapura, a city in Central or West India.

6. Which of the following factors were responsible for the decline of Mughal empire ?

1. Depletion of military and financial resources in wars.

2. Growing power of Mansabdars.

3. Peasant and zamindari rebellion.s

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : D

Explanation

● peasant revolts were sometimes caused by the pressures of mounting taxes.

● Other reasons were:

● The Mughals did not follow any definite law of succession.

● The successors of Aurangzeb were both weak and incompetent. This reduced the

effectiveness of imperial administration.

● New powers such as the Sikhs, Jats and Marathas came onto the scene.Gradually they

broke off from the Mughal domination and established their own independent states.

● Governors (subadars) often controlled the offices of revenue and military administration

(diwani and faujdari) as well. This gave them extraordinary political, economic and

military powers over vast regions of the Mughal Empire. As the governors consolidated

their control over the provinces, the periodic remission of revenue to the capital declined.

● The Europeans, especially the British, by way of diwani rights; fortification etc played an

important role in putting an end to the Mughal Empire. The invasions of Nadir Shah and

Ahmad Shah Abdali proved fatal for the Mughal Empire.

.

7. Which of the following statements is/are correct about Akbar and his administration?

1. He was tolerant towards other religions.

2. Akbar’s nobles commanded large armies.

3. Subedar carried out political functions only.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: a

Explanation

● Subadar carried out both political and military functions.

8. Which of the following statements about Mughal Empire is/are correct?

1. Mughal emperors had a close relationship with Sufis.

2. The capital cities of Mughal Emperors shifted frequently.

3. Mughal Kings celebrated Iranian new year


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation

● Mughal Kings celebrated 3 festivals: solar and lunar birthdays of monarch and Nauroz,

Iranian New Year.

9. After consolidating his power, Balban assumed the grand title of

(a) Tute-i-Hind

(b) Kaisr-i-Hind

(c) Zil-i-Ilahi

(d) Din-i-Ilahi

Answer: c

10. In Indian history, who was Abdul Hamid Lahori?

(a) An important military commander during Akbar’s reign

(b) An official historian of the reign of Shah Jahan

(c) An important noble and confidant of Aurangzeb

(d) A chronicler and poet during the reign of Muhammad Shah

Answer: B

Explanation

● Abdul Hamid Lahori was a traveller and historian during the period of Shah Jahan who

later became a court historian of Shah Jahan. He wrote the book Padshahnama also

referred as Badshahnama, about the reign of Shah Jahan. He has described Shah Jahan's

life and activities during the first twenty years of his reign in this book in great detail

11. Which is/are correct about Nayanar female bhakts in Bhakti tradition?

1. They renounced their social obligations

2. They formed an alternative order and became nuns

3. Their existence posed a challenge to patriarchal norms


(a) 1,2 and 3

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: D

Explanation

● they did not form an alternative social order and did not become nuns

12. The first city of Siri was built by

(a) Ala-ud-Din Khalji

(b) Jalal-ud-Din Khalji

(c) Iltutmish

(d) Mohd. Bin Tughlaq

Answer: a

13. Consider the following statements:

1. Amir Khusrau was a contemporary of Ala-ud-din Khilji.

2. Amir Khusrau invented the musical instrument Sitar.

3. Dara, Shikoh translated the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita into Persian.

Which of these statements are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : d

Explanation

● Ab'ul Hasan Yamīn ud-Dīn Khusrau better known as Amīr Khusrow, was a Sufi

musician, poet and scholar. He was an iconic figure in the cultural history of the Indian

subcontinent.

14. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Tantric rituals, in medieval India were followed by lower caste only

2. Tantric practitioners were influenced by Shaivism and Buddhism

3. Practitioners of tantric practice ignored authority of Vedas


(a) 1,2 and 3

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: c

Explanation

● tantric practices were open to women and practitioners ignored caste, class differences

within ritual context

15. Which of the following is/are correct about Shivaji's rule?

1. Families of soldiers got pension after their death

2. Women also participated in military camps

3. Shivaji abolished Zamindari system


(a) 1,2 and 3

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: d

Explanation

● Women were not allowed in military camps

16. Consider the following statements about Bhimbetka rock shelters.

1. They were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

2. It is a Mesolithic site.

3. It is in Maharashtra.

4. The paintings of Bhimbetka depicts hunting by Men only

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1,2,3 and 4

(b) 1,3 and 4 only

(c) 1 and 4 only

(d) 1only

Answer D

Explanataion

● The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site of the Paleolithic, exhibiting the

earliest traces of human life on the Indian Subcontinent, and thus the beginning of the

Indian Stone Age. It is located in the Raisen District in the Indian state of Madhya

Pradesh, near Abdullaganj town and inside the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary. At least

some of the shelters were inhabited by Homo erectus over 100,000 years ago. Some of

the Stone Age rock paintings found among the Bhimbetka rock shelters are some 30,000

years old. The caves also deliver early evidence of dance. They were declared a World

Heritage Site in 2003.

● In the Bhimbetka a painting depicts a woman with her child tied to her waist throwing

an arrow. From this we know that women were also involved in hunting.

17. Which of the following is/are incorrect statement(s) about Bhakti movement?

1. Originated out of devotion of a single soul to a personal god

2. There is an influence of folk elements in its origin

3. Offshoots Shaivism, Vaishnaivism, Shaktism had no link with orthodox Brahminism

4. Sects of Bhakti developed mutually exclusively with Jainism and Buddhism in the

country


(a) 1,2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Ans C

Explanation

● Sects developed in bhakti movement which were considered as the components of

orthodox brahmanism, these sects in the course of time came to have a significant impact

on buddhism and jainism

18. The plot of Ancient Indian play Mudrarakshasa of Visakhadutt is-

(a) Fight between demon bhasmasura and lord siva.

(b) Story of asura king Ravana.

(c) A story of the power struggle between Aryans and lower caste people.

(d) The court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta Maurya.

Ans D

19. Which of the following is/are correct about Mughal Empire?

1. The eldest son inherited his father’s estate.

2. Afghans were an immediate threat to Mughal authority.

3. Peasant revolts were absent in the Mughal Empire


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 1 only

Ans B

Explanation

● The Mughals did not believe in the rule of primogeniture, where the eldest son inherited

his father’s estate. Instead they followed the Mughal and Timurid custom of coparcenary

inheritance, or a division of the inheritance amongst all the sons.peasant revolts

challenged the stability of the Mughal Empire from the end of the seventeenth century

20. Which of the statements given below are correct about the age of Harshavardhana?

1. Most of the understanding about the age is from Hiuen tsang's work

2. Forced labour was a common practice

3. Harsha gave grants to both Hindus and Buddhists but later became more inclined towards

Buddhism


(a) 1,2 and 3

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Ans D

Explanation

● According to Hiuen Tsang's work, there was no forced labour.

Modern Indian History

1. Which among the following are the reasons for resurgence of Nationalist movement post

1919?

1. Paris peace conference

2. Russian revolution.

3. Failure of Moderates.


(a) 2 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 , 2 and 3

Ans B

Explanation

● Moderates cannot be considered as a complete failure .Moreover the effect of failure of

moderates was not a main reason for the resurgence

2.Consider the following statements regarding Simons commission:

1. The premises for constitution of the commission can be traced back to the times of

Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms.

2. Clement Attlee who later became British PM was a member of the commission.

3. All the major Indian parties unilaterally boycotted the commission.


(a) 3 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 2 only

Ans C

Explanation

● Government of India Act 1919 had introduced the system of dyarchy to govern the

provinces of British India. This act had a provision that a commission would be

appointed after 10 years to investigate the progress of the governance scheme and suggest

new steps for reform. The Government in England was a conservative Government which

was not in very much favour of giving any control to Indians. In March 1927, his

majesty’s Government announced its decision to appoint the “Statutory Commission” in

advance of the prescribed date

● Unionists in Punjab and justice party in south decided not to boycott the commission.

3. Which of the following acts first introduced an element of election for memberships to

Imperial Legislative Councils?

(a) Indian Councils Act 1892

(b) Indian Councils Act 1861

(c) The Government of India Act 1858

(d) Indian Councils Act 1909

Ans A

Explanation

● Indian Councils Act 1892 was passed by the British Parliament to increase in the size of

the legislative councils. This act marks the beginning of representative form of

Government in India

● A system of indirect elections was introduced to elect the members of the councils. The

universities, district board, municipalities, zamindars and chambers of commerce were

empowered to recommend members to provincial councils.

4. Consider the following statements regarding Swarajya Party:

1. They believed in the use of constitutional methods for achieving freedom for the country.

2. Though initially opposed to Swarajist methodologies, Gandhi later reconciled with them

and expressed solidarity for council entry.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans B

Explanation

● They didn’t believe in the efficacy of constitutional methods for achieving freedom. For

thm council entry was only a means of exposing real intention of British and weakness of

1919 act to people.

●

5. Consider the following statements regarding Rowlatt Act.

1. It enabled the government to suspend all writs excluding habeas corpus.

2. The act empowered government to imprison person without any trail.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 and 2

Ans B

Explanation

● It enabled the government to suspend all writs including habeas corpus.

6. Consider the following statements regarding Gandhi's initial phase.

1. He understood the limitations of the moderate phase.

2. He was not in favour of Home rule movement.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 and 2

Ans C

Explanation

● He did not favour HRL as he felt it will not be beneficial to agitate the British in time of

war.

7. Consider the following statements regarding Bhagat Singh:

1. Bhagat singh along with Rajguru and Sukhdev were sentenced to death for throwing

bomb on inside the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi.

2. He was a founding member of Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) .


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans D

Explanation

● Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) was a revolutionary organization of India

established in 1924 at village Bhola Change in East Bengal by Sachindra Nath Sanyal,

Narendra Mohan Sen and Pratul Ganguly as an offshoot of Anushilan Samiti. Its

objective was to establish a “Federated Republic of the United States of India” through an

organized and armed revolution.

● Bhagat singh was sentenced to death for Saunders murder trial, which was also known as

the Lahore Conspiracy Case

8. Consider the following statements regarding Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan:

1. He was a political and spiritual leader known for his nonviolent opposition to the British

Raj.

2. He strongly opposed the All-India Muslim League's demand for the partition of India.

3. He became the congress president in 1931 following insistence of Gandhi.


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 , 2 and 3

Ans A

Explanation

● Abdul Ghaffār Khān' nicknamed Bāchā Khān or Pāchā Khān was a Pashtun

independence activist against the rule of the British Raj.

● He was a political and spiritual leader known for his nonviolent opposition, and a lifelong

pacifist and devout Muslim

● Badshah Khan strongly opposed the All-India Muslim League's demand for the partition

of India.When the Indian National Congress declared its acceptance of the partition plan

without consulting the Khudai Khidmatgar leaders, he felt very sad and told the Congress

"you have thrown us to the wolves.

● In 1931 the Congress offered him the presidency of the party, but he refused

9.The younger sections of congress vehemently criticized the Nehru report mainly on

account of which of the following reasons?

(a) Provision for separate electorates for minorities.

(b) Demand for dominion status.

(c) Formation of linguistic states.

(d) Federal structure of governance

Ans B

Explanation

● Not only were the Muslim League, the Hindu Mahasabha and the Sikh communalists

unhappy about the Nehru Report, but the younger section of the Congress led by

Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhash Bose was also angered.

● The younger section regarded the idea of dominion status in the report as a step

backward, and the developments at the All Parties Conference strengthened their

criticism of the dominion status idea. Nehru and Subhash Bose rejected the Congress’

modified goal and jointly set up the Independence for India League.

10. Which of the following statements is/are true regarding Govt. of India Act 1919?

1. The Act introduced dyarchy in both central and provincial legislative councils.

2. At the centre, legislature had no control over viceroy and his executive council.

3. Women were given right to vote in provincial legislative councils.

4. A bicameral legislature was introduced in central level.


(a) 1 , 2 and 3 only



(d) 2 and 3 only

Ans B

Explanation

● Dyarchy was introduced only in centre.

11. Identify the correctly matched pair from the below:

1. Champaran Satyagraha A. First Civil Disobedience Movement

2. Rowlatt Satyagraha B. First mass strike

3. Kheda Satyagraha C. First Non-cooperation movement

4. Ahmedabad Mill strike D. First Hunger strike


(a) 1 and 2 only



(d) 1 , 2, 3 and 4

Ans D

12. Consider the following statements regarding orientalist and anglicist debates regarding

education system in India:

1. The Orientalists were sure that a social change was required in India and that change

would come when Indian rediscovered the roots of their civilization whereas Anglicists

argued that the aim of the British should be to teach useful learning and that Hindu and

Muslim literature contained only a small portion of any utility.

2. Macaulay's minutes of 1835 settled the debate and was skewed in the favour of

orientalists.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans A

Explanation

● The Orientalists were sure that a social change was required in India and that change

would come when Indian rediscovered the roots of their civilization.

● It is in 1832 that Macaulay makes his first appearance, as a member of the Select

Committee in Britain which looked into the affairs of the East India Company.

● The Committee had concluded that the cultivation of English was needed for placing

natives in positions of trust as well for operating on their habits and character.

● Macaulay was an anglicist

13. Which of the following statements regarding Quit India Movement is/are correct?

1. Quit India Movement was a civil disobedience movement launched by Gandhi

demanding an end to British Rule of India.

2. Gandhi asked Govt. servants and soldiers to resign from their posts.

3. Quit India movement was the major reason behind the occurrence of the Royal Indian

Navy mutiny.


(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

Ans A

Explanation

● Gandhi did not asked govt servants and soldiers to resign but to pledge their allegiance to

freedom movement and not to fire on innocent people

● The mutiny started as a strike by the ratings to protest against the hardships regarding

pay, food and racial discrimination.

14. Consider the following statements regarding August offer:

1. For the first time it recognized the exclusive rights of Indians to frame their own

constitution.

2. It made Indians a majority in the Viceroy’s executive council.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans B

Explanation

● It did not recognize the exclusive right of indians.

15. Why Mahatma Gandhi launched individual satyagrahas in 1940:

(a) As a reaction against the failure of August Offer.

(b) To protest against British decision to make India join second world war.

(c) To affirm the right of speech for Indians.

(d) To prepare masses for quit India movement.

Ans C

Explanation

● The Congress was in a confused state again after the August Offer. The radicals and

leftists wanted to launch a mass Civil Disobedience Movement, but here Gandhi insisted

on Individual Satyagraha. The Individual Satyagraha was not to seek independence but to

affirm the right of speech.

16. Which among the following were the reason for the resurgence of Revolutionary

movement post 1920.

1. Influence of Russian revolution and Marxist ideas.

2. Sudden withdrawal of non cooperation movement by Gandhiji.

3. Increase in activism by working class.


(a) 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1 ,2 and 3

Ans D

17. Which of the following are correct regarding constitutional reforms in pre independent

India?

1. Provision of an All India Federation – Government of India Act, 1935

2. Introduction of separate electorates – Government of India Act, 1919

3. Dyarchy in provinces – Council Acts, 1892


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 , 2 and 3

Ans C

Explanation

● Separate electorates were first introduced in Government of India Act, 1909 (Morley

Minto reforms). Dyarchy in provinces was a feature of government of India Act, 1919

18. Consider the following statements regarding Bombay plan of 1944:

1. The plan was formulated by INC to map an economic programme for post-independent

India.

2. The plan proposed that state intervention in market is significant to post independent

Indian economy.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans B

Explanation

● The Bombay Plan is the name commonly given to a World War II-era set of proposals the

development of the post-independence economy of India. The plan, published in

1944/1945 by eight leading Indian industrialists, proposed state intervention in the

economic development of the nation after independence from the United Kingdom

(which occurred in 1947).

19. The Aitchison Commission was set up in 1886 under the chairmanship of Sir Charles

Aitchison for:

(a) To suggest reforms in public services under British Raj.

(b) To improve the standard of elementary education in India.

(c) To recommend revocation of press act.

(d) To suggest feasibility of constitutional reforms

Ans A

Explanation

● The Aitchison Commission (Public Service Commission) was set up in 1886 under the

chairmanship of Sir Charles Umpherston Aitchison to come up with a scheme for

fulfilling the claims of Indians to higher and more extensive employment in public

service.

20. Consider the following statements regarding communalism.

1. The rivalry for jobs, trade and industry between the two communities resulted in the

spread of communalism.

2. Modern political consciousness emerged late in Muslim community

3. The activities of Muslim league and Hindu Mahasabha.


(a) 1 and 2

(b) 1 and 3

(c) 2 and 3

(d) All the above

Ans D

Modern History Part - II

Q1. Why victory of Bengal in Battle of Plassey was important to British ?

1. It raised their prestige immensely and presented them as a strong contender in India.

2. Bengal was one of the richest province sat that time and it helped British to amass huge

wealth from its exploitation and maintain a large army.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

● British victory of Bengal in Battle of Plassey was important from following grounds –

● It raised their prestige immensely and presented them as a strong contender in India.

● British also gained an upper hand on their colonial rival France and it paved way or

decline of French influence in India.

● Bengal was one of the richest province sat that time and it helped British to amass huge

wealth from its exploitation and maintain a large army.

● Further, while British plundered the state, they had no accountability.

● After the Battle of Plassey in 1757 CE, they had become the real masters of Bengal. They

used political control over Bengal to increase their trade and export of foreign goods.

They eliminated the Indian as well as foreign rivals in trade so that there could be no

competition.

Q2. Which of the following are features of Subsidiary Alliance ?

1. British stationed their forces permanently in their allies and the Indian ruler has to pay for

them and also accept British paramountcy.

2. Indian ruler could keep his force along with British force but was also debarred from

making any transactions from other foreign power without British approval.

3. British promised non-interference in internal affairs of allies.


(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: d

● Subsidiary Alliance had following features –

● Indian rulers were made to sign alliance under which British stationed their forces

permanently in their allies and the Indian ruler has to pay for them and also accept British

paramountcy.

● Indian ruler himself has to disband his own forces and Was also debarred from making

any transactions from other foreign power without British approval.

● A Resident of British was appointed in the court of ruler as British representative.

● Ruler was promised protection from external attacks.

● British also promised non-interference in internal affairs, but this promise was broken

● more often than was kept.

● Thus, Indian rulers have to pledge their independence through this treaty. The treaty had

a great adverse effect on Indian rulers.

Q3. Which of the following style or features is/are incorporated while constructing New

Delhi ?

1. Classical Greek.

2. Stupa at Sanchi

3. Mughal architecture


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

● Foundation of New Delhi – New Delhi was constructed as a 10-square-mile city on

Raisina Hill, south of the existing city. Two architects, Edward Lutyens and Herbert

Baker, were called on to design New Delhi and its buildings. The features of these

government buildings were borrowed from different periods of India’s imperial history,

but the overall look was Classical Greece (fifth century BCE).

● The central dome of the Viceroy’s Palace – now Rashtrapati Bhawan was copied from

the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi

● The red sandstone and carved screens or jalis were borrowed from Mughal architecture.

But

● the new buildings had to assert British importance, that is why the architect made sure

that the Viceroy’s Palace was higher than Shah Jahan’s Jama Masjid.

Q4. Consider the following pairs :

1. Khond Uprising - Orissa.

2. Santhal Rebellion - Bengal

3. Kuki Movement - Nagaland


a) 1,2 and 3

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: d

● Tribal Movements during colonial times were –

● I. Khond Uprising – These tribal lived mainly in Orissa and they were led by Chakra

Bisoi.

● II. Chaur Uprising, 1832 – Uprising by the Tribals in Bihar and Bengal region.

● III. Kol and Ho Uprising, Chota Nagpur, 1832 – They belonged to Chota Nagpur belt, the

kols inhabited large portion of the Chota Nagpur region. They rebelled to resist British

entry into their dominion.Soon they joined the Munda rebellion. In Kol uprising the chief

leader was – Buddho Bhagat

● IV. Koli Revot – In Sahyadri Hills

● V. Satara Revolt, 1840 – Nar Singh and Dhar Rao

● VI. Santhal Rebellion, 1856 – They belonged to Bengal Region, commonly known as

SANTHAL HOOL was a native rebellion in present day Jharkhand, in eastern India

against both the British colonial authority and corrupt upper caste zamindari system by

the Santal people. Led by Sidhha and Kanku

● VII. Nayak Dae Revolt, Gujarat, 1858 – Leaders were Roop Singh and Joria Bhagat

● VIII. Rampa Rebellion, Andhra, 1879 – It was against money lenders. These tribes paid a

regular tribute to a zamindar or mansabdar who was a subject of British India. The then

zamindar of the region, an illegitimate son of his predecessor, was an oppressive tyrant.

To make matters worse, the Madras government introduced a law making toddy tapping

illegal and introducing a toddy tax. This led to a full-scale rebellion in early 1879.

● IX. Bhil Uprising, Rajasthan, 1913 – Led by Gobind Guruin Gujarat belt

● X. Khonds Revolt,Orissa, 1914 – leader was Chakra Bisayi

● XI. Oraon Revolt, Chota Nagpur, 1914 – Led by Jatra Bhagat

● XII. Kuki Revolt, Manipur, 1917-19.The first Resistance movement by the kuki People

was the kuki Rebellion of 1917-19. It was against the British hegemony. Kuki country

was subjugated by the British and divided between British India and British Burma

administrations following the 'Kuki Uprising of 1917-19'.Up until the fateful defeat in

1919, the Kukis were an independent people

● ruled by their chieftains.Jado Nang was major leader.

● XIII. Chinchu Revolt, Andhra, 1921 – led by Hanumanthu

● XIV. Koyas Revolt or Gudem Hill Revolt or Rampa Rebellion, Andhra, 1922 – This was

during the Non Cooperation Movement and was led by Alluri Sitaram Raju. The Gudem

rebels attacked police stations, attempted to kill British officials and carried on guerrilla

warfare for achieving swaraj. Raju was captured and executed in 1924, and over time

became a folk hero.

Q5. Consider the following statements with reference to ‘Sanyasi Rebellion’ :

1. It took place around Murshidabad and Baikunthupur forests of Jalpaiguri.

2. Sanyasis oppressed by the British policies retaliated by organizing raids on the companies

factories and state treasuries under leadership of ‘Kena Sarkar’ and ‘Dirji Narayan’ in

West Bengal and Bihar.

3. The book ‘Neel Darpan’ gives details about ‘Sanyasi Rebellion’.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: a

● SANYASI REBELLION (1770 onwards)

● The Sannyasi Rebellion or Sannyasi is a term used to describe activities of sannyasis and

fakirs, or Hindu and Muslim ascetics respectively, in Bengal, India in the late 18th

century. It took place around Murshidabad and Baikunthupur forests of Jalpaiguri.

● Sanyasis oppressed by the British policies retaliated by organizing raids on the companies

factories and state treasuries under leadership of ‘Kena Sarkar’ and ‘Dirji Narayan’ in

West Bengal and Bihar.

● Perhaps, the best reminder of the Rebellion is in literature, in the Bengali novel

Anandamath, written by India's first modern novelist Bankim Chandra Chatterjee

● ‘Neel Darpan’ – It is the name of a book and famous play by writer Deen Bandhu Mitra.

It highlighted the plight of Indigo farmers.

Q6. Consider the following statements about Bahadur Shah Zafar

1. He was the last Mughal ruler

2. He was killed in the 1857 revolt


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: a

http://civils360.com/2017/01/11/decline-mughal-empire/

● Mirza Abu Zafar Sirajuddin Muhammad Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal

emperor. He was the second son of and became the successor to his father, Akbar II,

upon his death on 28 September 1837. He used Zafar, (translation: victory) a part of his

name, for his nom de plume (takhallus) as an Urdu poet, and wrote many Urdu ghazals.

He was a nominal Emperor, as the Mughal Empire existed in name only and his authority

was limited only to the city of Delhi

● (Shahjahanbad). Following his involvement in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British

exiled him to Rangoon in British-controlled Burma, after convicting him on conspiracy

charges in a kangaroo court.

Q7. During the colonial period in India, what was the purpose of the Whitley Commission?

(a) To review the fitness of India for further political reforms

(b) To report on the existing conditions of labour and to make recommendations

(c) To draw up a plan for financial reforms for India

(d) To develop a comprehensive scheme for Civil Services in India

Answer: b

● Also known as Joint Industrial Council (JIC)/National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) is a

council of employers and trade unions established in the initially in United Kingdom. It

works as a connecting channel between employers and worker groups for consultation

between to foster better and friendly industrial relations. It was brainchild of John

Whitley. During World War I, in 1917, John Henry Whitley chaired a committee which

produced a report on the ‘Relations of Employers and Employees’ identifying good

industrial relations as a vital need for industrial relations. Whitely proposed a system of

regular formal consultative meetings between workers and employers to address

industrial unrest which evolved as wage negotiating bodies over the time. Councils were

established from 1919. They typically worked to determine wage rates, terms and

conditions in a specific industry. There were several of these, one for each industry and

most of them were established between the 1920s and the 1940s. These are empowered to

cover issues of pay and conditions of service and works as a forum between employers

and employees.

8. Which of the following women Became president of Indian National Congress Before

independence of India?

1. Annie Besant

2. Sarojini Naidu

3. Aruna Asaf Ali


a. 1 and 2 only

b. 2 and 3 only

c. 1 and 3 only

d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: a

Before Independence of India, there were only 3 women presidents – Besant, Sarojini Naidu and

Nelli Sengupta

9. Consider the following statements with reference to history of Press in India :

1. First law to curb press was Censorship of Press Act, 1799 .

2. James Augustus Hicky began publication of Bengal Gazette on January 29, 1780

3. Charles Metcalfe lifted of restrictions from press. Thus he is termed as ‘liberator of press

in India’.


a. 1 and 2 only

b. 2 and 3 only

c. 1 and 3 only

d. 1, 2 and 3

● Answer: d

First newspaper Bengal Gazette started as early as 1780. First law to curb press also

followed soon with Censorship of Press Act, 1799 under which all the material has to be

sent for scrutiny before publishing. Then came licensing regulation of 1823. However,

Charles Metcalfe became acting Governor General and he lifted of the restrictions from

press. Thus he is termed as ‘liberator of press in India’.

●

After the revolt of 1857, the attitude to freedom of the press changed. Canning assumed

office and several restrictions including Licensing Act of 1857. Enraged Englishmen

demanded a clamp down on the ‘native’ press. As vernacular newspapers became

assertively nationalist, the colonial government began debating measures of stringent

control.

In 1876, Dramatic Performances Act and in 1878, the Vernacular Press Act curbing the

freedom of the press, modelled on the Irish Press Laws. Vernacular Press Act provided

the government with extensive rights to censor reports and editorials in the

● vernacular press. From now on the government kept regular track of the vernacular

newspapers published in different provinces. When a report was judged as seditious, the

newspaper was warned, and if the warning was ignored, the press was liable to be seized

and the printing machinery confiscated.

● Vernacular Press Act was however repealed in 1882 by Lord Ripon.

Q10. Consider the following pairs :

1. William Jones : Asiatic Society.

2. Charles Wilkins : Translation of the Bhagavad Gita

3. Alexander Cunningham : Decipherment of Mauryan Brahmi script


a) 1,2 and 3

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1 and 3 only

● Answer: c

William Jones (28 September 1746 – 27 April 1794) studied ancient Indian texts on law,

philosophy, religion, politics, morality, arithmetic, medicine and the other sciences and

founded Asiatic Society.

● Henry Thomas Colebrooke and Nathaniel Halhed were also busy discovering the ancient

Indian heritage, mastering Indian languages and translating Sanskrit and Persian works

into English. Together with them, Jones set up the Asiatic Society of Bengal (1784), and

started a journal called Asiatick Researches.

● Charles Wilkins published the first English translation of the Bhagavad Gita in 1785 The

most important of the society's achievements was the decipherment of Mauryan Brahmi

script by James Prinsep in 1837. This successful decipherment inaugurated the study of

Indian palaeography.

● Alexander Cunningham, a protégé of Prinsep, carried out a detailed survey of the

Buddhist monuments which lasted for over half a century. Inspired by early amateur

archaeologists like the Italian military officer, Jean-Baptiste Ventura, Cunningham

excavated stupas across the length and breadth of India. While Cunningham funded many

of his early excavations himself, in the long run, he realized the need for a permanent

body to oversee archaeological excavations

● and the conservation of Indian monuments and used his stature and influence in India to

lobby for an archaeological survey. While his attempt in 1848 did not meet with success,

the Archaeological Survey of India was eventually formed in 1861 by a statute passed

into law by Lord Canning with Cunningham as the first Archaeological Surveyor.

Q11. Which one of the following Acts of British India strengthened the Viceroy’s authority

over his executive council by substituting “portfolio” or departmental system for corporate

functioning?

(a) Indian Council Act, 1861

(b) Government of India Act, 1858

(c) Indian Councils Act, 1892

(d) Indian Councils Act, 1909

Answer : a

Q12. At the battle of Biddera the English crushed the power of

(a) French

(b) Dutch

(c) Portuguese

(d) Danes

Answer: b

● The Battle of Chinsurah (also known as the Battle of Biderra) took place near Chinsurah,

India on 25 November 1759 during the Seven Years' War between a force of British

troops mainly of the British East India Company and a force of the Dutch East India

Company which had been invited by the Nawab of Bengal Mir Jafar to help him eject the

British and establish themselves as the leading commercial company in Bengal. Despite

Britain and the Dutch Republic not

● formally being at war, the Dutch advanced up the Hooghly River. They met a mixed

force of British and local troops at Chinsurah, just outside Calcutta. The British, under

Colonel Francis Forde, defeated the Dutch, forcing them to withdraw. The British

engaged and defeated the ships the Dutch used to deliver the troops in a separate naval

battle on November 24.

Q13. Consider the following Princely States of the British rule in India:

1. Jhansi

2. Sambalpur

3. Satara

The correct chronological order in which , they were annexed by the British is:

(a) 1-2-3

(b) 1-3-2

(c) 3-2-1

(d) 3-1-2

Answer: c

Q14. Which of the following are introduced by Lord Dalhousie ?

1. Railways

2. Public Works Department

3. Modern postal system

4. Census


a. 1, 2 and 3 only

b. 1, 2 and 4 only

c. 2, 3 and 4 only

d. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: d

● http://civils360.com/2017/03/22/early-governor-generals-lord-dalhousie/

Q15. With reference to the tenure of Lord Ripon, the purpose of the Ilbert Bill was to

(a) Enable the Europeans to keep arms freely while the Indians could not do so without

licence

(b) Give the Indian magistrates the power to try the Europeans

(c) Enable the British to annex the territories of native princes without heirs

(d) Introduce the western education in India

Answer: b

Q16. With reference to the period of colonial rule in India, “Home Charges” formed an

important part of drain of wealth from India. Which of the following funds constituted

“Home Charges”?

1. Funds used to support the India Office in London.

2. Funds used to pay salaries and pension of British personnel

3. Funds used for waging wars outside India by the British.

Select the Correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

● HOME CHARGES

● Home charges refer to the expenditure incurred in England by the Secretary of State on

behalf of India. Before the Revolt of 1857 the Home charges varied from 10% to 13% of

the average revenues of India. After the Revolt the proportion shot up to 24% in the

period 1897-1901. In 1901-02, the Home charges amounted to £ 17.36 million. During

1921-22, the Home charges sharply increased to 40% of the total revenue of the Central

Government. It is part of drain of wealth theory which included funds used to support

India Office in London; British Personnel Engaged in India; Funds used for waging wars

outside India by the British.

Q17. What was the purpose with which Sir William Wedderburn and W.S.Caine had set

up the Indian Parliamentary Committee in 1893 ?

(a) To agitate for Indian political reforms in the House of Commons.

(b) To campaign for the entry of Indians into the Imperial Judiciary.

(c) To facilitate a discussion on India’s Independence in the British Parliament.

(d) To agitate for the entry of eminent Indians into the British Parliament. in the House of

Commons.

● Answer: A

William Wedderburn was a liberal MP member of the Royal Commission on Indian

Expenditure in 1895 and chairman of Indian Parliamentary Committee. He was

considered a great friend of the Indian Progressive Movement and presided at the Indian

National Congress, 1889, later Chairman, British Committee of the Indian National

Congress. With their efforts, a resolution was passed that called for Civil Services exam

to be held simultaneously in London and India. He along with WS Caine

● set up ‘Indian Parliamentary Committee’ to agitate for the Indian political reforms in

house of commons.

Q18. Which of the following statements about the Satya Sodhak Samaj are correct?

1. It was founded by Jyotiba Phule.

2. The movement aimed at the complete abolition of the caste system.

3. The movement aimed to spread education among women and lower caste people.


(a) 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

●

Answer: d

Jyotiba Phule and his wife founded Satya Shodhak Samaj in Maharashtra where they

worked against untouchability and upliftment of lower caste women. Phule attacked the

Brahmans’ claim that they were superior to others, since they were Aryans. Phule argued

that the Aryans were foreigners, who came from outside the subcontinent, and defeated

and subjugated the true children of the country – those who had lived here from before

the coming of the Aryans. Phule claimed that before Aryan rule there existed a golden

age when warrior-peasants tilled the land and ruled the Maratha countryside in just and

fair ways. He proposed that Shudras (labouring castes) and Ati Shudras (untouchables)

should unite to challenge caste. In 1873, Phule wrote a book named Gulamgiri, meaning

slavery. Some ten years before this, the American Civil War had been fought, leading to

the end of slavery in America. Phule dedicated his book to all those Americans who had

fought to free slaves, thus establishing a link between the conditions of the “lower” castes

in India and the black slaves in America.

Q19. Which of the following British policies undermined the caste system?

1. Introduction of modern industries and railways

2. Free sale of land

3. Reforms in education system

4. Entrance into administrative services


(a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

ANSWER: D

Q20. Which of the following statements about the Theosophical Movement are correct?

1. The movement was founded in India by Annie Besant.

2. The movement glorified Indian religious and philosophical traditions.

3. The movement was revivalist in nature and lacked a positive programme.


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: b

● The movement was founded in the US and India by Madame Blavatsky and Colonel

Olcott.

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