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British Administration & Policy — UPSC Prelims Modern History previous year questions

61 solved previous year questions on British Administration & Policy, papers from 1990 to 2023, drawn from UPSC CSE Prelims, UPPCS, State PCS. Each carries the printed answer key and the explanation from the source compilation.

1. #1UPPCS 1994
   Indians were assured of many things in the declaration by Queen Victoria in 1858. Which among the following assurances was fulfilled by the British Government
   • APolicy of annexation will be abandoned
   • B'Status quo' of the native rulers would be maintained
   • CEqual treatment would be given to all subjects, Indians, and Europeans
   • DThere would be no interference in the social and religious beliefs of the Indians
   Answer: (A) Policy of annexation will be abandoned
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct a is correct: After the declaration by Queen 1858, Policy of annexation was abandoned. Policies Doctrine of Lapse was b is incorrect: Though it was said in that 'Status quo' of the native rulers would But Britishers did not abide by it. For wanted to include princely state of Manipur rule in 1891 after the Anglo-Manipur war Manipur was the last of the independent states to into British c is incorrect: It was said in the proclamation treatment would be given to all subjects, Indians, But it did not happen in reality. For classified Indian castes into the 'martial' caste 'non-martial' caste based of allegiance shown during of 1857. Caste, religion and ethnicity or race crucial while enlisting a soldier. Indians were still to the rank of officers in any of the army d is incorrect: It was said in the proclamation would be no interference in the social and of the India

2. #2Previous year
   Which of the following is/a.re of the Ryotwari system? 1. It was the brainchild of Thomas Munro. 2. It was meant to reduce intermediaries. 3. Cultivating peasants were gradually impoverished by the system. 4. It was introduced in parts of Madras and Bengal Presidency.Select the correct answer using the code give below. [CAPF 2016
   • A1 only
   • B1, 2 and 3
   • C2 and 4 only
   • D2, 3 and 4 Work nmlm
   Answer: (B) 1, 2 and 3
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct 1 is correct: Munro was a British served as Governor of Madras from 1820 to 1827. the architect of the Ryotwari 2 is correct: The Ryotwari system was designed the intermediaries who had traditionally revenue from the cultivators. This was done in give the cultivators direct ownership of their land and the amount of revenue that was lost to 3 is correct: The Ryotwari system led to rates, in dryland and in the wetland, impoverished many cultivators. The rates and unlike the Permanent System, they were open increased. Additionally, tax rates were fixed, but of agricultural produce fluctuated. As a result, often found themselves unable to pay the 4 is incorrect: The Ryotwari system in parts of Madras and Bombay presidencies, as in Assam and Coorg. However, it was not Bengal presidency

3. #3UPSC CSE Prelims 2008
   Who was the Viceroy of India when the Rowlatt Act was passed?
   • ALord Irwin
   • BLord Reading
   • CLord Chelmsford
   • DLord Wavell
   Answer: (A) Lord Irwin
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct Canning was the Governor-General of India Sepoy mutiny of 1857. He had the unique become the Governor-General as well as the first to the Government of India Act 1858

4. #4UPSC CDS 2014
   Which among the following was the reason of the resignations of the Indian Ministers in all the provinces in the year 1939?
   • AThe Governors refused to act as constitutional heads
   • BThe Centre did not provide the required financial help to provinces
   • CThe Governor-General converted Indian administration from federal to unitary one because of the beginning of the World War
   • DIndia was declared a party to the World War without the consent of the provincial government
   Answer: (D) India was declared a party to the World War without the consent of the provincial government
   Explanation

   Option d is the correct answer The reason for the resignations of the Indian Ministers the provinces in the year 1939 was India was declared to World War without the consent of the 1939, World War broke out, and the British consulting the elected Indian representatives governments, declared India as a party to the decision was seen as a violation of the principles of self governance and consent

5. #5State PCS 2008
   In which province Muslim League formed their government after 1946 elections?
   • ABengal
   • BNorth-East province
   • CPunjab
   • DBihar
   Answer: (A) Bengal
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct Muslim League representing mostly Muslims government in Bengal and Sindh after 1946 contrast, Congress representing the majority population, was to go on to form governments provinces of Madras, Bombay, United Provinces, Central Provinces and Berar and NWFP. Important Tips Announcement of 1946 Election: On September 19, 1945, following negotiations between Indian leaders and members of the 1946 Cabinet Mission from the United Kingdom, Viceroy Lord Wavell announced that elections for provincial and central legislatures would take place from December 1945 to January 1946. It was also revealed that an executive council would be established, and a constitution-making body would convene after these elections. Summary of 1946 Election: Central Assembly- In the December 1945 elections for the central assembly, Congress secured 57 seats, the League obtained 30, Independen

6. #6CGPSC 2017
   Which of the following were the main events of the year 1945: 1. Wavell Plan 2. Shimla Conference 3. Naval Mutiny 4. INA TrialSelect the correct answer using the codes given below
   • A1, 2, 3
   • B2, 3, 4
   • C1, 2, 4
   • D1, 3, 4
   Answer: (C) 1, 2, 4
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct Plan, May 1945: The Wavell Plan proposed Viceroy's Executive Council with a of Indian communities, excluding Commander-in-Chief, and transfer of foreign to an Indian member. It aimed to encourage participation in governance while retaining a power sharing Conference, June 1945: The Shimla Indian leaders, including Gandhi and Jinnah, discuss the Wavell Plan. Differences emerged as on exclusive Muslim League representation and The conference failed, leading to dissolution and of Indian Trials, Nov 1945: INA Trials were held against Army (INA) officers who had fought British during World War II. The trials were and they ultimately led to the release of Mutiny, Feb 1946: This was a mutiny of Indian the Royal Indian Navy. The mutiny was triggered by of grievances, including low pay and poor The mutiny was suppressed by the British, but a major impact on Indian politics

7. #7UPSC CSE Prelims 2023
   By which one of the following Acts was the Governor General of Bengal designated as the Governor General of India?
   • AThe Regulating Act
   • BThe Pitt's India Act
   • CThe Charter Act of 1793
   • DThe Charter Act of 1833
   Answer: (C) The Charter Act of 1793
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct Chandra Vidyasagar was the secretary of established in 1849 also known as Hindu He was one of the pioneers of higher education in India

8. #8UPSC CSE Prelims 1993
   The foundation of the modern educational system in India was laid by
   • AThe Charter Act of 1813
   • BMacaulay's Minutes of 1835
   • CThe Hunter Commission of 1882
   • DWoods Dispatch of 1854 Other Examination Previous Years' Questions
   Answer: (B) Macaulay's Minutes of 1835
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct 1687, the first municipal corporation in India up at Madras. The Chennai Municipal the Corporation of Chennai), formerly known Corporation of Madras, is the civic body that city of Chennai (formerly Madras), India. September 29, 1688, under a Royal Charter issued James on December 30, 1687, as the Corporation it is the oldest municipal body of the Nations outside Great Britain. It is headed by a presides over 200 councillors, each of whom of the 200 wards of the city. It is also the second in the world

9. #9UPSC CSE Prelims 2004
   Consider the following Viceroys of India during the British rule: 1. Lord Curzon 2. Lord Hardinge 3. Lord Chelmsford 4. Lord IrwinWhich one of the following is the correct chronological order of their tenure?
   • A1, 2, 3, 4
   • B2, 4, 1, 3
   • C1, 4, 2, 3
   • D2, 3, 1, 4
   Answer: (B) 2, 4, 1, 3
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct Theory as propounded by Dadabhai Naoroji the concept that a part of India's national wealth annual product was being drained or exported without commensurate material returns to calculated that India was losing about million to drain theory was based on the following factors: The excess of exports over imports, which meant that India was sending more goods to Britain than it was receiving from Britain. The high salaries paid to British officials in India, which were then sent back to Britain. The profits made by British companies in India, which were also sent back to Britain. The cost of the British military in India, which was paid for by the Indian government. Important Tips Impacts of Wealth Drain from India: Reduced Local Circulation of Money: Money sent abroad hindered local economic circulation, impacting trade, industries, and agriculture. This deprived lo

10. #10UPSC CSE Prelims 1999
    At a time when empires in Europe were crumbling before the might of Napoleon, which one of the following Governors- General kept the British flag flying high in India?
    • ALord Dalhousie
    • BLord Cornwallis
    • CLord Wellesley
    • DLord Hastings
    Answer: (C) Lord Wellesley
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct of the reasons for considering the Charter Act of for India is it made a financial allocation education of Indian people. It provided for the western education among the inhabitants of the in India. A sum of one lakh rupees was to aside for the revival, promotion, and encouragement learning, and science among the natives of year. Important Tips The features of Charter Act, 1813: It abolished the trade monopoly of the company in India i.e., the Indian trade was thrown open to all British merchants. However, it continued the monopoly of the company over trade in tea and trade with It allowed the Christian missionaries to come to India for the purpose of enlightening the people. It authorised the Local Governments in India to impose taxes on persons. They could also punish the people for not paying taxes. The regulations made by the Councils of Madras, Bombay, and Ca

11. #11UPPCS 2004
    Which one of the following Viceroy of India was murdered by a convict in Andaman and Nicobar Island while he was on tour?
    • ALord Curzon
    • BLord Ripon
    • CLord Mayo
    • DLord Minto
    Answer: (D) Lord Minto
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct 1 is correct- The Permanent Settlement by Lord Cornwallis during his tenure as of Bengal. It was implemented in aimed to fix the land revenue demand in zamindars (landlords) in certain parts of British in Bengal, Bihar, and 2 is correct- The Ryotwari Settlement by Thomas Munro, who served as a in India during the 19th century. system involved direct settlement of land individual peasants (ryots) who were recognized cultivators and became the owners of their land. It in areas such as Madras Presidency, and some parts of Central 3 is correct- The Mahalwari Settlement by Holt Mackenzie, a British administrator as the Governor of the North-Western the early 19th century. The Mahalwari the settlement of land revenue with (mahals) collectively, where the village as the unit of revenue assessment and collection. implemented in areas such as Punjab, parts of Bihar, and so

12. #12UPPCS 1990
    The tnmsfer of capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi was affected during the period of
    • ALord Mayo
    • BLord Lawrence
    • CLord Minto
    • DLord Hardinge
    Answer: (B) Lord Lawrence
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct Ryotwari system was a system of land revenue in the Madras Presidency of British India by Thomas Munro. Under the Ryotwari system, were given the right to own the land they were cultivating and to pay land revenue directly to the The Ryotwari system was intended to give more incentive to improve their land and to more prosperous

13. #13CGPSC 2011
    Which company started the First Railway Service in India?
    • AEastern Railway
    • BGreat Indian Peninsula Railway
    • CMadras Railway
    • DAwadh-Tirhut Railway
    Answer: (B) Great Indian Peninsula Railway
    Explanation

    Option bis the correct Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR) was the company in India that started the first in India on 16 April 1853. The first train ran (now Mumbai) to Thane, covering a distance of with 14 coaches and 400 passengers. The flagged off by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General at that time. The GIPR was incorporated in England and was one of the largest and oldest railway Asia. It later became part of the Central Railway zone Railways

14. #14JPSC 2016
    The British Monarch at the time of Indian Independence was
    • AGeorge V
    • BGeorge VI
    • CKing Edward VII
    • DNone of these
    Answer: (C) King Edward VII
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct Plan, May 1945: The Wavell Plan proposed Viceroy's Executive Council with a of Indian communities, excluding Commander-in-Chief, and transfer of foreign to an Indian member. It aimed to encourage participation in governance while retaining a power sharing Conference, June 1945: The Shimla Indian leaders, including Gandhi and Jinnah, discuss the Wavell Plan. Differences emerged as on exclusive Muslim League representation and The conference failed, leading to dissolution and of Indian Trials, Nov 1945: INA Trials were held against Army (INA) officers who had fought British during World War II. The trials were and they ultimately led to the release of Mutiny, Feb 1946: This was a mutiny of Indian the Royal Indian Navy. The mutiny was triggered by of grievances, including low pay and poor The mutiny was suppressed by the British, but a major impact on Indian politics

15. #15State PCS 2013
    Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
    • ALord Dalhousie - Annexation of Awadh
    • BLord Dufferin - Establishment of Indian National Congress
    • CLord William Bentinck - Passing of the Charter Act, 1833
    • DLord Lytton - Beginning of first Anglo- Afghan
    Answer: (D) Lord Lytton - Beginning of first Anglo- Afghan
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct Lytton was the Viceroy of India from 1876 to he was responsible for initiating the Second War in 1878, not the first one. The First War was fought from 1839 to 1842, during of Lord Auckland as the Governor-General of British invaded Afghanistan to replace the emir Khan, who was seen as pro-Russian, with Shah Shuja, who was more favorable to Britain. Important Tips Lord Dalhousie was the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, and he annexed Awadh in 1856 under the Doctrine of Lapse, which allowed the British to take over any Indian state whose ruler died without a natural heir. Lord Dufferin was the Viceroy of India from 1884 to 1888, and he favoured the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 as a platform for the educated Indians to express their grievances to the British. Lord William Bentinck was the Governor-General of Bengal from 1828 to 1834

16. #16State PCS 2013
    Consider the following statements: 1. Asaf Ali looked after the work of Railway Ministry in the interim Government (1946) 2. 'Ancient Monuments Preservation Act' was passed when Lord Curzon was Governor-General. 3. The Haripura Session of the Indian National Congress was presided over by C.R. Das. 4. Swami Shraddhanand suggested a no-tax campaign as a protest against the Rowlatt Act. Of these statements
    • AOnly 1 and 2 are correct
    • BOnly 2 and 3 are correct
    • COnly 1, 2 and 4 are correct
    • DOnly 1, 2 and 3 are correct
    Answer: (C) Only 1, 2 and 4 are correct
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct l is correct: Asaf Ali was an Indian and noted lawyer. He looked after the work Ministry in the interim Government 2 is correct: The Ancient Monuments 1904, enacted during Lord Cnrzon's British aimed to safeguard historic monuments, traffic and excavations, and protect and archaeological, historical, or artistic artif sites through the Archaeological Survey of 3 is incorrect: The Indian its fifty-first session in Haripura in Gujarat. It was held on 19th by Subhash Chandra Bose. Statement 4 is correct: The British Colonial the "Rowlatt Act" which gave power to the arrest any person without any reason. The purpose Act was to curb the growing nationalist upsurge in Mahatma Gandhi called upon the people to against the act. Swami Sharaddhanand tax campaign (non-payment of Lagaan/Rent) in Rowlatt Act. Important Tips Haripura Congress Session, 1938: The 51st session of t

17. #17UKPSC 2016
    James Andrew Ramsay was the real name of which Governor-General of India?
    • ALord Dalhousie
    • BLord Canning
    • CLord North
    • DLord Curzon
    Answer: (A) Lord Dalhousie
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct Andrew Ramsay was the real name of the of Dalhousie, who served as the of India from 1848 to 1856. He was also known as of Dalhousie between 1838 and 1849. He was a and colonial administrator who is credited with 1 creating the map of modern India through his conquests of independent provinces. He also reforms in India, such as railways, telegraph, public works, education, and administration. He infamous for his policy of the Doctrine of Lapse, the British to annex any Indian state whose without a natural heir. This policy was widely the Indian princes and contributed to the outbreak of Rebellion of 1857, one year after his retirement. Important Tips The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy of annexation that was applied by the British East India Company in India until 1858. It stated that any princely state under the control of the Company would be annexed if the ruler

18. #18UKPSC 2006
    Who was the person to conduct Census in India for the first time?
    • ARipon
    • BLytton
    • CDufferin
    • DLord Mayo
    Answer: (D) Lord Mayo
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct answer. Lord Mayo was the Viceroy of India from 1369 to he conducted the first census of India in 1872. was the first complete and systematic the population of British India, covering an area of acres and a population of 254 million people. collected data on age, sex, caste, religion, infirmities, and marital status. The census the number of houses, their construction, and The census was conducted by local officials supervision of provincial superintendents, who British officers

19. #19Practice set
    Consider the following statements regarding the Treaty of Lhasa, 1904: 1. Lord Curzon was the Viceroy of India when this treaty was concluded. 2. The Treaty of Lhasa mandated Tibet to recognize and accept the border of Sikkim. 3. The treaty provided that England can negotiate with the Tibet only through the mediation of the Chinese government.How many of the statements given above are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (B) Only two
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct was ruled by a theocracy of Buddhist monks nominal suzerainty of China. The British efforts friendly and commercial relations with Tibet yielded any result in the past and a deadlock had by the time of Curzon's arrival in 1 is correct: Lord Curzon served as viceroy from 1899 to 1905. The treaty of Lhasa was 1904. Hence Curzon was the viceroy of India when of Lhasa was 2 is provisions of the treaty of Lhasa of Lhasa Tibet would pay an indemnity of 75 lakh rupees at the rate of one lakh rupees per as a security for payment, the Indian Government would occupy the Chumbi Valley (territory between Bhutan and Sikkim) for 75 Tibet would respect the frontier of Trade marts would be opened at Yatung, Gyantse, Gartok; Tibet would not grant any concession for railways, roads, telegraph, etc., to any foreign state, but give Great Britain some control over foreign affairs of o

20. #20Practice set
    'Policy of Intrusive Surveillance' was adopted by which of the following Governor-Generals?
    • ALord Wellesly
    • BLord Dalhousie
    • CLord Minto
    • DLord Curzon
    Answer: (D) Lord Curzon
    Explanation

    Option (d) is the correct Curzon adopted the policy of Patronage and He thought the relation between states were neither feudal nor federal, but a type on a treaty but consisting of a series of grown under different historical conditions that, course of time, gradually conformed to a single line dependent on British government and an integral part of Indian Political system. The new to reduce all states to a single on the British Government and considered as part of Indian political system. The policy of began to counter progressive and in the face of large-scale political unrests

21. #21Practice set
    With reference to modern Indian history, 'sunset law' is related to which of the following?
    • ARaleigh Commission
    • BMahalwari System
    • CPermanent Settlement
    • DMacdonnell Commission
    Answer: (C) Permanent Settlement
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct permanent settlement, fixed revenue demand would a sense of security and, assured of returns investment, encourage them to improve their demands were very high. The revenue was of the harvest, and had to be paid punctually. according to Sunset Law, if payment did not come sunset of the specified date, the zamindari was liable auctioned

22. #22Practice set
    Consider the following statements: 1. British territories were broadly divided into administrative units called Presidencies and were ruled by a Governor. 2. The role of a Collector was to collect revenue and taxes and maintain law and order in his district. 3. From 1772, the criminal courts were presided by the European district collectors. 4. Under the Regulating Act of 1773, a court of appeal called the Sadar Nizamat Adalat was set up at Calcutta.How many of the above given statements are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • COnly three
    • DAll four
    Answer: (C) Only three
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct Hastings (Governor-General from 1773 to 1785) of the many important figures who played a in the expansion of Company power. By his time had acquired power not only in Bengal, but also and 1 is correct. British territories were into administrative units called Presidencies. three Presidencies: Madras and Bombay. ruled by a Governor. The supreme head of the was the 2 is correct. The principal figure in an was the Collector. As the title suggests, his was to collect revenue and taxes and maintain law in his district with the help of judges, police 3 is incorrect. Warren Hastings introduced reforms, notably in the sphere of justice. a new system of justice was established. Each to have two. courts - a criminal court (faujdari a civil court (diwani adalat). Maulvis and Hindu laws for the European district presided over civil courts. The criminal courts under a qazi and

23. #23Practice set
    Which of the following are the reasons which contributed towards the deindustrialization of India in the 19th century? 19. 1. Introduction of the Charter Act of 1813. 2. Introduction of railways in India. 3. British policies of conquest in India.Select the correct answer using the code given below
    • A1 and 2 only
    • B2 and 3 only
    • C1 and 3 only
    • D1, 2 and 3
    Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct answer. Statement 1 is correct. The Charter Act of 1813 ended the trading monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade with China. The abolition of exclusive rights to trade enabled a flood of cheap and machine-made imports from England. Now, Indian products found it difficult to compete within India and abroad. Statement 2 is correct. The rail network facilitated swift movement of cheap European products within the country while Indian products failed to expand their reach to remote regions in the country. Statement 3 is correct. The British policies of conquest like doctrine of lapse, subsidiary alliance etc. contributed to deindustrialization and loss of livelihoods. As patronage of Indian kings vanished, it led to decline of many cities. In that scenario, many artisans and craftsmen found it difficult to sustain their livelihoo

24. #24Practice set
    Regarding the Deccan Riots of which of the following statements is incorrect?
    • AThe root cause of the protest was the introduction of Ryotwari system
    • BThe Satyashodhak Samaj organised campaign for the peasants' cause
    • CSocial boycott was used as a major instrument of protest
    • DIt led to the passage of the Deccan Agriculturists Relief Act in 18 79. rnllll
    Answer: (B) The Satyashodhak Samaj organised campaign for the peasants' cause
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct modern nationalist intelligentsia of the peasants' cause. The Poona Sarvajanik by Justice Ranade, (and not Satyashodhak Samaj) a successful campaign among the the land revenue settlement. It also presented in case for a revision of the revenue rates and sent the villages to arouse the Kunbi peasants against rates

25. #25Practice set
    With reference to colonial India, which of the following were the major causes of the early (pre 20th century) peasant movements? 1. Laws brought by colonial government enabling commodification of land. 2. Introduction of an alien system of courts and laws. 3. Desire to end zamindari syste 1 4. Rigid land tenures with extremely high rents.Select the correct option using the code given below
    • A1, 2 and 3 only
    • B2, 3 and 4 only
    • C1, 2 and 4 only
    • D1, 2, 3 and 4
    Answer: (C) 1, 2 and 4 only
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct movements of 19th century were aimed to solve grievances of peasants and had limited 1 is correct: Land in Indian villages used to ownership, and those that were privately never mortgaged or sold. However new tenures and revenue systems introduced by the as the Permanent Settlement and Ryotwari land alienable by the government, or the landlord moneylender (when mortgaged to pay high peasants thus lost their precious lands to which attached emotionally as well, became vulnerable) for which they resented and their Indian agents like the zamindars and This led to a number of peasant 2 is correct: The British introduced a new civil and criminal laws and a new system of courts cases. All these were too complex for the understand and made them feel powerless against like the zamindars and the moneylenders literate, understood the laws, as well unlike them money to fight

26. #26Practice set
    With respect to "Dual Control" of military member in the Viceroy's Executive Council, which of the following statement is/are correct? 1. Military member was under the direct control of Commander-in-chief. 2. It led to Curzon-Kitchener controversy resulted in resignation of Lord Curzon.Select the correct answer from the codes given below
    • A!/only
    • Bd
    • C1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (B) d
    Explanation

    53. Solution Option b is the correct answer. Exp) Option bis the 1 is incorrect: The Military member in the Darpan was starte.d by Balshastri not. executive council was under the control of Viceroy. He Dadabhai 1832. Janibhekar used the Darpan to. as eyes and ears of viceroy in matters of military awaken the people to awareness of social reforms, It was called as dual control because in the council was from the military but was also widow remarriige, and' to instil in' the a 1 Ji approach to life. 1840, he started Digdarshari' under executive control of Viceroy. published wen''as 2 is correct: Kitchener was a respected Britain and when he was appointed as Many newspapers em,ergtd to 1918, he demanded that the post of Military member to distinguished a,nd fearless joumalists. abolished. This led to a conflict and ultimately Lord Hindu.and Swadesamitran under had to resign. These newspaper

27. #27Practice set
    Which one of the following conspiracy case was associated with the assassination of Viceroy of India, Lord Hardinge?
    • ADelhi Conspiracy Case
    • BMuzaffarpur Conspiracy Case
    • CPeshawar Conspiracy Case
    • DKanpur Bolshevik Conspiracy Case
    Answer: (A) Delhi Conspiracy Case
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct Delhi Conspiracy case, known as the Conspiracy, refers to., a conspiracy in 1912 the then Viceroy of India, Lord Hardinge, occasion of transferring the capital of British India to New Delhi. Basant Kumar Biswas, Amir Avadh Behari were convicted and executed in the trial Delhi Conspiracy Case

28. #28Practice set
    Consider the following statements with reference to colonial rule in India: 1. Calcutta Corporation Act of 1899 increased the number of elected Indian members in Calcutta municipal corporation. 2. Indian Universities Act of 1904 was passed based on the recommendations of the Raleigh commission. (Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (B) 2 only
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct Curzon believed in a strong centralized government bureaucracy to suppress the growth of 1 is incorrect. Lord Curzon was the and a supporter of the conservative party, viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905. With his the viceroy, he immediately introduced reform the Calcutta Corporation Act of 1899. It number of elected members in Calcutta and increased the strength of British giving British a majority. By the implementation act, Calcutta corporation become merely members were not happy with this act so all members resigned from the corporation to show 2 is correct. In 1902, Raleigh Commission up to go into conditions and prospects of India and to suggest measures for improvement in and working. The commission precluded on primary or secondary education. Based on the Indian Universities Act was 1904

29. #29Practice set
    Consider the following statements with reference to Deepawali Declaration made during British rule in I.ndia: 1. It was made by Lord Chelmsford. 2.. declared the intention of the British government to facilitate India in attaining dominion status: The signatory to the declaration included Moti Lal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi.How many of the statements given above correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (A) Only one
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct Nehru report, leaders of Indian nationalist increasingly vocal in demanding dominion status The Deepawali Declaration was made to quell 1 is incorrect: Deepavali Declaration was made by Lord Irwin, then Viceroy of India, October 1929 regarding the status of India in the It is also known as Irwin Declaration. There was because it was just three days before Deepavali called "Deepavali 2 i_s correct: The Deepawali Declaration attempted to clarify to its British audiences that of the British government was to facilitate,India,attaining dominion status in the future. However, no mention of any timeline. It was intended to ealm' leaders of the 'Indian nationalist movement who had become increasingly vocal in demanding dominion status for India. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Declaration was a five-line statement in simple non-legal language. There were no such as Moti La

30. #30Practice set
    The term 'Bhadhralok', in the context Indian Freedom Struggle refers to which of the following?
    • AThe idea of the peaceful country after getting independence from British
    • BA group of secretarial officers working with Viceroy
    • CA Clique of Congressmen
    • DAristocratic group of Bengali men
    Answer: (D) Aristocratic group of Bengali men
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct literally means 'gentleman' or in Bengali Language. The term was used for the of 'gentlefolk' Jrose during British rule in 1757 to 1947) in the Bengal region. Sekhar Bandyopadhyay, the Bhadraloks p/imarily, exclusively, belonged to the three ttaditional of Bengal. Wealth, English educatioh, and in terms of administrative service were the led to the rise of this aristocracy' and since number of the three upper citstes had and economic advantages, they formed the Bhadralok in 19th century Bengal, bil_t, the Bhadralok a closed status group, rather in practice it was an group. Important Tips During the Civil Disobedience Movement, the Bengal Congress, divided into two factions led by Subhas Chandra Bose and J.M Sengupta, was involved in the Calcutta Corporation election. This had resulted in alienation of most of Calcutta Bhadralok leaders from the rural masses

31. #31Practice set
    With reference to the offers made by British under Wavell Plan (1945), consider the following statements: 1. According to the plan, Caste Hindus and Muslims were to have equal representation in Governor General's executive council. 2. It proposed that all members of the Governor General's executive council will be Indians except the Viceroy. 3. The plan proposed that veto power of Governor General to bypass the ministerial decisions would be discontinued.How many of the statements given above are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (A) Only one
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct I is correct: Wavell Plan was proposed Viceroy's Executive Council would be and the number of its members would The Plan proposed that both Caste Hindus would have equal representation in general's executive council. The League wanted all to be League nominees because it feared that aims of other minorities-depressed classes, etc.-were the same as those of the arrangement would reduce the League to a 2 and 3 are incorrect: As per Wavell Plan, all of the executive council were to be Indians Viceroy and the Commander-in-chief (not only It provided for Governor General could veto to bypass the advice of ministers. Important Tips Other proposals of the Wavell Plan were: (i) The reconstructed Council was to function as an interim Government within the framework of the GOI Act, of 1935. (ii) The possibilities for negotiations on a new constitution were to be kept open o

32. #32Practice set
    The National Defence Council was set up as a result of which of the following events?
    • AIndian National Session of Haripura
    • BCripps Mission
    • CAugust Offer
    • DIndian National Session of Faizpur
    Answer: (C) August Offer
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct 8 August 1940, the Viceroy Lord Linlithgow made called the August Offer which expanded Council to include more Indians. The Council was set up with purely advisory National Defence Council's main purpose was to war effort in the Provinces and States, as well as in of commerce, industry and labour, into more with the Central Government

33. #33Practice set
    Which of the following events occurred during the Viceroyship of Lord Linlithgow? 1. Rajkot Satyagraha 2. August Revolution 3. Separation of Burma from IndiaSelect the correct answer using the code given below
    • A1 and 2 only
    • B2 and 3 only
    • C1 and 3 only
    • D1, 2 and 3
    Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct Linlithgow was the longest serving viceroy of was the viceroy from 1936 to 1944. During his important events took 1 is correct: Rajkot Satyagraha took place in 1938

34. #34Practice set
    A series of events unfolded after British Government of India declared India's support for the World War 2 without consulting Indian opinion. In this context, arrange the following events in the correct chronological order: 1. Japan occupies Rangoon 2. August Offer proposed by the British government 3. Resignation of Congress Ministeries 4. Launch of Individual SatyagrahaWhich one of the following indicates the correct chronological order of the events in modern Indian history?
    • A1-3-2-4
    • B3-2-4-1
    • C1-2-3-4
    • D3-2-1-4
    Answer: (B) 3-2-4-1
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct answer. On September 1, 1939, Germany attacked Poland-the action that led to the Second World War. On September 3, 1939, Britain declared war against Germany and the British Government of India declared India's support for the war without consulting Indian opinion. This culminated into the events given below. The chronology of these historical events are as follows: Event 3: The Ministries resigned office in November 1939 on the ground that the Viceroy on its own had made India a participant in the imperial/st war without consulting the Congress. Event 2: August Offer (1940): The August Offer was a proposal made by the British government on August 8, 1940, during World War II, to give India greater self-governance, including the right to draft its own constitution, in exchange for Indian support for the war effort. Event 4: Individual Satyagraha: Towardil,the end

35. #35Practice set
    Which of the following were the proposals of the Wavell Plan? 1. It provided for the Executive Council in which all the members, except Governor General and in Chief; were to be Indians. 2. It made the Central Executive Council responsible to the Central Legislative Assembly. 3. The Governor Generals Executive Council was to function within the framework of the 1935 Act. 4. It provided for equal representation of caste Hindus and Muslims in the Governor General's Executive Council.How many of the statements given above are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • COnly three
    • DAll
    Answer: (C) Only three
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct Wavell Plan was initially introduced in 1945 at Conference. The Shimla Conference was held to reach an agreement on the Wavell Plan for However, the plan failed to take of a disagreement between the Muslim League Indian National Congress to reach an agreement. Statement l is correct: The Wavell plan intended to reconstruct the governor-general's executive council till the establishment of a new constitution. The plan an executive council in which all members except the governor-general and the commander-in-chief, were to 2 is incorrect: The Wavell plan did for making the Central executive to the Central legislative assembly. Plan placed defence of India in the hands of a till Power was transferred to the Indian 3 is correct: The reconstructed council was as an interim government within the the 1935 4 is correct: It is true that the Wavell for equal representation

36. #36Practice set
    "This plan emerged to resolve the deadlock on the constitutional question in India. The Plan suggested reconstitution of the Viceroy's Executive Council in which the Viceroy was to select persons nominated by the political parties. In this plan, different communities were also to get their due share in the Council and parity was reserved for Caste-Hindus and Muslims. All members of Viceroy's executive council except the Viceroy and the Commander-in-Chief were to be Indians. The above paragraph is referring to which of the following plan?
    • AWavell Plan
    • BCabinet mission plan
    • CMountbatten plan
    • DCripps mission plan
    Answer: (A) Wavell Plan
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct Plan was constituted to resolve the political existing India due to disagreement between leaders League and plan emerged to resolve the deadlock on question in India. The idea was to governor general's executive council pending of a new constitution. For this purpose, was convened by the viceroy, Lord Wavell, in June 1945. The proposals were all the the Council, except the Viceroy and the would be Indians. Caste Hindus and Muslims were equal representation. The reconstructed council function as an interim government within the the 1935 Act. Defence of India was to be in the a British General till Power was transferred to the Representatives of different parties were to list to the viceroy for nominations to the Muslim League claimed that all the in the Viceroy's Executive Council the nominees of the party. Congress also opposed of parity between the Cast-Hindus an

37. #37Practice set
    Which of the following for proposing the Wavell the British Government? 1. Japanese threat was present in parts of the world other than the Europe. 2. The Labor government had come to power in the Britain. 3. The British government was under pressure from the allied forces to seek cooperation from India. 4. British wanted to divert nationalist' energies to works which were more profitable for them.Select the correct answer from the codes given below
    • A1, 2 and 3 only
    • B1, 3 and 4 only
    • C1, 2 and 4 only
    • D2, 3 and 4 only
    Answer: (B) 1, 3 and 4 only
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct 1945, The conservative government in Britain led permitted Lord Wavell, the then viceroy, to with Indian leaders. Few of the reasons that such initiation by the British 1 is correct. Although the World War to an end in Europe in May 1945. But the still remained. It was because Japan had refused on the terms decided by Allied 2 is incorrect. The general election in scheduled for mid-1945. The Conservative Britain led by Churchill was constituted. It was keen a solution on the constitutional question in India. because the Conservatives wanted to be seen as reaching a 3 is correct. The British government was lot of pressure from the Allied Forces (The Great The Soviet Union and China). It was meant to Indian cooperation in the World War 4 is correct. The British government wanted energies of the Indian Nationalist leaders into were more profitable for the British. Co

38. #38Practice set
    With reference to Wavell Breakdown Plan, consider the following statements: 1. It recommended of balanced representation to both Hindus and Muslims in Governor General's executive council. proposed withd_rawal of British from the four, Hindu-majority provinces of Bombay, Maqras, Orissa an.d the Central Provinces It accepted the demand of Muslim League to incorporate undivided Bengal and Punjab in independent Pakistan.How many of the above given statements are correct?
    • AOnly one (p) Qnly,two
    • B1, 2 and 4 only
    • CAU three
    • DNor ie'
    Answer: (B) 1, 2 and 4 only
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct the failure of the Shimla Conference in 1945, (the Viceroy of India October 1943-March up with a secret scheme which has come to be history as Wavell's 'Breakdown 1 is correct. The plan proposed that executive council will have a of the main communities including of Muslims and caste Hindus along with representation to Scheduled 2 is correct. Wavell's Breakdown Plan in its required a phased withdrawal of British authority In initial phase it proposed withdrawal from the provinces of Bombay, Madras, Orissa Central Provinces; and finally, a general withdrawal rest of the country before March 1948. He believed a plan of withdrawal would not only avoid a India but also the civil war, which to all indications clearly on the 3 is incorrect. The plan aimed at preserving unity of India by the tactic of denying and Punjab to the Muslim League if the in its demand for a tot

39. #39Practice set
    "This legislation restricted the company's monopoly over trade with India. It gave the company, the right to collect revenue for 20 more years from British territories in India. It provided for the spread of western education among the inhabitants of the British territories in India. It allowed the Christian missionaries to come to India to preach their religion. The constitutional position of the British territories in India was explicitly defined for the first time in this Act:' Identify the Act to which the above description is related to
    • APitt's India Act of 1784
    • BThe Charter Act of 1793
    • CThe Charter Act of 1813
    • DThe Charter Act of 1833
    Answer: (C) The Charter Act of 1813
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct answer. In England, the business interests were pressing for an the Company's monopoly over trade in India a spirit of laissez-faire (the policy of allowing to develop without government control) and system by Napoleon by which the were closed for Britain. The Charter Act of to redress these grievances. The powers of the Control were further enlarged. It asserted the the British Crown over the Company's territories It has following provisions

40. #40Practice set
    Which of the following pairs is/ are matched correctly? 1. Charter Act of Company was 1793 empowered to give individual licences for private trade. 2. Charter Act of Law Members were 1833 made full member of Governor-General's executive Council. 3: Charter Ac( of Menibets weit! 1853' appointed the provincial governments of Madras; Bombay, Bengal and Agra in the Governor-general's council.Select the correct answer using the code given below
    • A1 and 2 only
    • B2 and 3 only
    • C1. and 3 only
    • D1, 2 and 3
    Answer: (C) 1. and 3 only
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct 1 is correctly matched: As per a of Act of 1793, the Company was empowered to to individuals as well as the Company's trade in India. The licences, known as 'privilege' trade', paved the way for shipments of opium 2 is incorrectly matched: The Charter Act of 1833 make laws members permanent in Governor 3 is correctly matched: The Charter Act of for the first time, local representation in Legislative Council. Of the six new of the governor-general's council, four appointed by the local (provincial) governments Bombay, Bengal.and Agra. Important Tips The Charter Act of 1833 only provided for a law member to be attached to the Governor-General's executive council, in an advisory role only for professional advice on law-making. The Charter Act of 1853, which made the law member a full-fledged member of the Governor- General's Executive Council

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