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British Administration & Policy — UPSC Prelims Modern History previous year questions — page 2
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.
- #41Practice setConsider the following statements about the Regulating Act of 1773: 1. It extended East India Company's role to administrative and political fields. 2. It proved to be a long-term solution to concerns over the Company's affairs. 3. It marked the first step towards parliamentary control over Company's affairs.How many of the statements given above are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (B) Only twoExplanation
Option b is the correct l is correct. The Regulating Act of that the Company's role in India mere trade to administrative and political introduced the element of centralized 2 is incorrect. The Act did not prove to be solution to concerns over the company's India Act was therefore subsequently enacted in a more radical 3 is correct. It marked the first step control over the company and in India
- #42Practice setConsider the following statements about Charter Act 1813: 1. It encouraged the development of education in India. 2. It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Company's territories in India.Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (B) 2 onlyExplanation
Option b is the correct Gaidinliu was a Naga spiritual and political leader against British colonial rule in 1 is incorrect: Due to her activities during movement, she was arrested in 1932 British and sentenced to life imprisonment. She prison time from 1933 to 1947 in various jails. achieved independence, Rani Gaidinliu was prison. She was resolved to work for the the Zeliangrong people. Therefore, she was in jail time period of quit-India movement. Hence statement 2 is correct: In 1927, at the age of 13, with her cousin Haipou Jadonang, joined the which aimed at the revival of the Naga and establish self-rule of the Nagas (Naga Raj)
- #43Practice setWith respect to the Charter Act of 1833, which of the following statement/s is/are correct? 1. It is also known as Saint Helena Act. 2. The Act provided for disqualification from company's services on the basis of religion and place of birth. 3. The Act made a provision for the nomination of Indians to the covenanted of the country.Select the correct answer from the options given below
- A1 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Answer: (A) 1 onlyExplanation
Option a is the correct answer. Statement 1 is correct. Charter Act of 1833 is also known as the Saint Helena Act. The act transferred the control of the island of Saint Helena from the East India Company to the British Crown. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Charter Act of 1833 clearly mention that religion and place of birth will not be condition for disqualification for company servies. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Act of 1833 made no provision for securing a place for the Indians in the covenanted civil services of the East India Company. Important Tips Charter Act of 1833: Section 87 of the Act declared that "no native or natural born subject of the crown resident in India should be by reason only of his religion, place of birth, descent, colour or any of them be disqualified for any place in the
- #44Practice setWith reference to the Council of India provided by Government of India Act, 1858, consider the following statements: 1. The Commander-in-Chief, who headed the Army department was one of its members. 2. The Viceroy of India could not overrule its decisions. 3. It did not have any Indian member.How many of the statements given above are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (B) Only twoExplanation
Option b is the correct 1 is incorrect. The Government of India provided for India Council to assist the Secretary to run Indian affairs. The Commander-in-Chief a member of India Council. He was a member of executive 2 is correct. India Council was an to Secretary of State who could overrule its could hot overrule the decisions of India 3 is correct. Council of India had 15 were retired British-Indian officials. No Indian with India Council
- #45Practice setConsider.the following statements with respect to judicial reforms introduced by the British government: 1. Lord Wellesley opposed the concentration of judicial and executive powers in Governor-General. 2. Th; origin of personal laws in India can betraced to the reign of Warren Hastings. 3. In criminal cases,, European subjects could be tried by European judges only.How many of the statements given above are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (C) All threeExplanation
Option c is the correct I is correct. Lord Wellesley followed the restricting administrative interference by separating and the judiciary function of the He made the Sadar Diwani and Nizamat of the supervision of the governor-general 2 is correct. The genesis of 'personal laws' traced back to the time of the first Hastings. In his intent, helet the natives be the 'customs of their own land', made a clear the civil, criminal and 'family' law and left beyond the jurisdiction of the English courts of 3 is correct. The British established the law thorough the codification of Indian laws- Code (1859), an Indian Penal Code (1860) Criminal Procedure Code (1861). Even though were brought under the jurisdiction, in they could be tried by European judges only
- #46Practice setWhich of the following acts of British government included Indians in the administration for the first time?
- AGovernment of India Act, 1858
- BIndian Councils Act, 1861
- CIndian Councils Act, 1892
- DIndian Councils Act, 1909 --1111
Answer: (B) Indian Councils Act, 1861Explanation
Option bis the correct the Indian Councils Act of 1861, non-official were appointed to the Council. This part Council, with legislative powers, came to be called Legislative Council. Thus, the Act of 1861 a share in the administration of their own the first Ume. The power granted to the Viceroy Councils Act of 1861 of increasing the strength of altered its composition significantly, since half new members were to be non-official
- #47Practice setConsider the following pairs: 1. The Charter Separation of the Act of 1833 Executive and Legislative functions of Government 2. The Charter Authorisation to the Act of 1813 Local Governments in India to impose taxes on persons. 3. The Charter Introduction of an Act of 1853 open competition system of selection and recruitment of civil servantsHow many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (B) Only twoExplanation
Option b is the correct 1 is incorrectly Charter Act of 1853 (and not the Charter Act of for the first time, the legislative and of the Governor-General's council. 2 is correctly Charter Act of 1813 stated: 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 China. It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Company's territories in India. 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 persons for not paying 3 is correctly matched. The Charter Act of 1853 stated: It introduced an open competition system of selection and recruitment of civil servants. The covenanted civil serv
- #48Practice setConsider the following pairs 1. Permanent Northern part of settlement Madras 2. Mahalwari Bombay, Madras system 3. Ryotwari system PunjabHow many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
- AOnly, one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (A) Only, oneExplanation
Option a is the correct 1 is correct. Permanent settlement was introduced in 1793 through the Permanent Settlement settlement was implemented in Bengal, and the district of Benares. Under it, recognized as the owner of the lands. Zamindars the rights to collect the rent from the 2 is incorrect. Mahalwari system was introduced parts of NWFP, central provinces and Punjab. settlement was to be made village by village or estate by estate with village 3 is incorrect. The Ryotwari settlement was Madras, Bombay Malabar, Bellary, Here land revenue was collected directly or peasant itself. Initially, the state demanding about the estimated gross produce of the land but later it to I/3rd of revenue
- #49Practice setConsider the following statements with reference to the Doctrine of Lapse: 1. Lord Dalhousie is considered as the originator of the policy of Doctrine of Lapse. 2. Nagpur and Baghat were some of the states that were annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse policy. 3. The adopted son of a ruler could not inherit his foster father's private property.How many of the statements given above are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (A) Only oneExplanation
Option a is the correct 1 is incorrect. Though Doctrine of lapse attributed to Lord Dalhousie (1848-56), he was not originator. It was a coincidence that during his governor generalship several important cases arose in which could be applied. Dalhousie showed too in enforcing this policy which had been on some previous occasions. His acted on the general principle of avoiding annexation could be avoided; Dalhousie in turn acted on the of annexing if he could do so 2 is correct. It was a matter of chance that Dalhousie's term many rulers of states died without issue and seven states were annexed under the Lapse. The most important of these were Satara and Nagpur (1854). The other small states (Bundelkhand), Sambhalpur (Orissa), and 3 is incorrect. The Doctrine of Lapse that the adopted son could be the heir to his private property, but not the state. It was for to decide whether to bestow
- #50Practice setWith reference to the Mahalwari system of revenue settlement, consider the following statements: 1. It was introduced by Reed and Munro. 2. The North-West Provinces, parts of Central India, and the Punjab followed this land settlement system. 3. The revenue settlement was directly made with the peasants of an estate called mahals.How many of the statements given above are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (A) Only oneExplanation
Option a is the correct 1 is incorrect: Mahalwari System by Holt Mackenzie (the Secretary to the Commissioners) which came into effect in 1822. revenue of each plot within a village was added calculate the revenue that each village (mahal) had to demand was to be revised periodically, not 2 is correct: Mahalwari System was the Gangetic valley, the North-West Provinces, parts India, and the 3 is incorrect: Under this system, the unit settlement was the entire village. The revenue was to be made village by village or estate estate with landlords or heads of families who to be the landlords of the village or the charge of collecting the revenue and paying it to was given to the village headman, rather than Important Tips Mahalwari System was devised to preserve the village that was an important social institution in north Indian society. Under this system, collectors went from village to vi
- #51Practice setWith reference to the history of India, consider the following statements: Assertion (A): After more reactionary imperialist polices were reflected in working of various Viceroys. Reason This was done to attract more British capital to India. Select the correct answer from the code given below
- ABoth A and R is correct and R is the correct explanation of A
- BBoth A and R is correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
- CA is correct and R is incorrect
- DBoth A and R is incorrect
Answer: (A) Both A and R is correct and R is the correct explanation of AExplanation
Option a is the correct period after is often described as the Era Investments and International Competition It began owing to several changes in the - Britain's industrial supremacy was several countries, the pace of industrialization and the world market became more unified due in the means of international is correct: After Britain made to consolidate its control over India. Liberal got replaced with reactionary imperialist were reflected in the viceroyalties of Lytton, and Curzon. Now, the aim of British rule as permanent 'trusteeship' over the Indians. tried to justify their rule over Indians for come-all in the name of civilizing a barbaric people- Man's is correct: The strengthening of colonial rule was meant to keep out the rivals as well as to capital to India and provide it security. A of British capital got invested in railways, loans Government of India), trade, plantations,
- #52Practice setWith reference to the 'Doctrine of Lapse', consider the following statements: 1. It declared that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, his kingdom would become part of Company's territory. 2. Lord Dalhousie was the inventor of this doctrine. 3. The princely states of Nagpur and Satara were under the Doctrine of Lapse.How many of the statements giyen above are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (B) Only twoExplanation
Option b is the correct doctrine of lapse was a policy of annexation the East India Company in the.Indian.subcontinent princely states, and applied until the year 1858, Company rule was succeeded by the British Raj British 1 is correct: The doctrine declared that if. ruler died without a male heir his kingdom that is, become part of Company 2 is incorrect: Lord Dalhousie applied the. for annexing Indian princely states, but the not his 3 is correct: It was a matter of chance that Dalhousie's term many rulers of states died male issue and seven states were annexed under of Lapse. The most important of these were Jhansi, and Nagpur (1854). Important Tips The Court of Directors of the East India Company had articulated this early in 1834. As per the policy of annexation, the Company annexed Mandvi in 1839, Kolaba and Jalaun in 1840 and Surat in 1842. The other small states annexed under Doc
- #53Practice setWith reference to Mahalwari settlement, consider the following statements: 1. Holt Mackenzie devised this settlement system for North Western Provinces of the Bengal Presidency. 2. In British revenue records, mahal is a revenue estate which may be a village or a group of villages. 3. The estimated revenue of each mahal was to be revised periodically. 4. The charge of collecting the revenue and paying it to the Company was given to the zamindar.How many of the above given statements are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- COnly three
- DAll four
Answer: (C) Only threeExplanation
Option c is the correct 1 is correct. In the North Western of this area is now in Uttar Pradesh), an Holt Mackenzie devised the new system which effect in 1822. This system came to be known as 2 is correct. In British revenue records, a revenue estate which may be a village or a group Holt Mackenzie felt that the village was an institution in north Indian society and needed to Under his directions, collectors went from village, inspecting the land, measuring the fields, the customs and rights of different 3 is correct. The estimated revenue of each a village was added up to calculate the revenue village (mahal) had to pay. This demand was to periodically, not permanently 4 is incorrect. The charge of collecting and paying it to the Company was given to headman, rather than the zamindar. Important Tips Mahalwari system ofland revenue was introduced in the North-West Frontier, Agra, Centra
- #54Practice setWhich of the following Indian newspapers stopped publication due to Licensing Regulations, 1823?
- AMirat-Ul-Akbar
- BSom Prakash
- CAmrit Bazaar Patrika
- DKesari
Answer: (A) Mirat-Ul-AkbarExplanation
Option a is the correct a is correct. Pres restrictions were directed Regulations, 1823 chiefly against Indian or those edited by Indians. Rammohan had to stop b is incorrect. Som Prakash was which started in c is incorrect. Amrita Bazar Patrika was 1868 by Sisir Kumar d is incorrect. Kesari is a Marathi was founded in 1881 by Lokmanya Bal Important Tips The acting governor-general, John Adams enacted Licensing Regulations, 1823. It made starting or using a press without licence as a penal offence. Later on, the Act was extended to cover journals, pamphlets and books
- #55Practice setWith reference to the Press Act of 1835, consider the following statements: 1. It was brought to repeal the Licensing Regulations, 1823. 2. It was brought during the tenure of William Bentinck as the governor-general of India.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A) 1 onlyExplanation
Option a is the correct 1 is correct. The Press Act of 1835 or was brought to repeal the Licensing Regulations, Regulations, 1823 provided for a penal starting and using a press without 2 is incorrect. It was brought by who was the governor-general between act earned him the epithet, 'liberator of the Indian Press'
- #56Practice setIn the context of Indian history, consider the following statements: 1. The Macaulay's Minute settled the Orientalist-Anglicist controversy in favour of Anglicists. 2. The Charter Act of 1813 sanctioned an annual sum of one lakh rupees towards education. 3. The establishment of Sanskrit College at Calcutta was the outcome of General Committee of Public Instruction.How many of the statements given above are correct? mlfl
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (C) All threeExplanation
Option c is the correct 1 is correct. The Lord Macaulay's the Orientalist-Anglicist controversy in favour 2 is correct. In 1813, the Charter Act annual sum of Z 1,00,000 towards 'the revival of literature and the encouragement learned natives of India and for the introduction of knowledge of the science among the the British territories of 3 is correct. Sanskrit College, Calcutta in 1824 during the administration of A General Committee of Public Instruction Bengal Presidency was formed by a resolution the Governor General in Council on 17 July Committee had ten members comprising men like Thomas Babington Macaulay and Horace Majority members of the committee Studies, and the outcome was the proposal for of Sanskrit College at Calcutta. Important Tips Proposal by Macaulay's committee to settle Orientalist- Anglicist controversy: The limited government resources were to be devoted to teach
- #57Practice setWith reference to the Hunter Commission of Education, consider the following statements: 1. Mahatma Phule had submitted a representation to the Commission demanding compulsory primary education. 2. The commission was appointed during the tenure of Viceroy Lord Ripon. 3. It recommended the transfer of control of primary education to municipal boards.How many of the statements given above are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (C) All threeExplanation
Option c is the correct 1 and 2 are correct. Hunter commission 1882, was appointed during the tenure of Ripon. In 1882, Mahatma Jotirao Phule representation to Sir William Hunter, Chairman of Commission. He demanded compulsory 3 is correct. The Hunter Commission its recommendations to primary and It recommended transfer of control of to newly set up district and municipal boards
- #58Practice setConsider the following statements about Indian Universities Act: 1. The act increased the number of fellows and their period in office. 2. It was enacted during the term of Viceroy Lord Minto II. 3. The act was based on the recommendations of Raleigh Commission.How many of the statements given above are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (A) Only oneExplanation
Option a is the correct 1 is incorrect. The Indian Universities (and not increased) the number of fellows. of and their period in office were reduced and were to be nominated by the 2 is incorrect. This act was enacted in the term of Viceroy Lord Curzon (and not 3 is correct. In 1902, Raleigh commission up to go into conditions and prospects of India. Based on its recommendation, the Act 1904 was passed
- #59Practice setConsider the following statements with respect to Lord Cornwallis: 1. He raised the. salary of civil servants to check corruption. 2. He relieved the Zamindars of their police duties. 3. He brought European subjects under the jurisdiction of Indian courts. 4. He established Sadar Diwani Adalat and Sadar Nizamat Adalat at Allahabad.How many of the statements given above are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- COnly three
- DAll four
Answer: (C) Only threeExplanation
Option c is the correct India Company officials had become super-rich in India. Many people in Britain feared that upset the political environment of their country. Regulating Act ofl 773 was implemented to overhaul of the East India Company's rule in 1 is correct: The 1773 Regulating Act Company's role in India extended beyond administrative and political fields, and element of centralized administration as it Governor-General-in Council to frame regulations Provincial Courts and Councils. The sotne. powers over Bombay and Madras. Governor General was Lord Warren 2 is incorrect: Under the Charter Act of Madras, Bombay and all other territories complete control of the governor-general. of Madras and Bombay were deprived legislative powers and left with a right to propose governorcgeneral the projects of law which they be expedient. It was not done under the Regulation Act So, statement 2
- #60Practice setWhich of the following are correctly matched? 1. Ryotwari System in Lord Hastings Madras 2. Government of Lord Reading India Act 1935 3. Purna Swaraj Lord Linlithgow Declaration 4. Cabinet Mission Lord WavellSelect the correct answer using the code given below
- A1 and 4 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D2 and 4 only
Answer: (B) 2 and 3 onlyExplanation
Option b is the correct a is incorrect: Act for Better Government 1858 ended Comp.any Rule in India and decreed Indian territories will now be directly governed by government in the name of Queen the Charter Act of 1853 law member became the of the governor-general's executive b is correct: India was to be governed by and name of the Crown through a secretary of state and of 15. The initiative and the final decisions were with the secretary of state and the council was to be in nature. The dual system introduced by the Act came to an end by abolishing the Board of Court of c is incorrect: Indian Councils Act. the Viceroy to make rules and orders for the transaction of business in the council. It a recognition to the 'portfolio' system, introduced Canning in 1859. Under this, a member of the was made in-charge of one or more departments Government and was authorised to is sue final orders
- #61Full-length testConsider the following statements: 1. The Constitutional position of the British territories in India was defined explicitly for the first time under the Charter Act of 1813. 2. The Charter Act of 1833 was responsible for the legislative and administrative decentralization of British rule in India. 3. The legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General's council were separated with the passage of the Charter Act of 1853.How many of the above given statements are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (D) NoneExplanation
Option d is the correct Accounts Committee was set up first in 1921 provisions of the Government of India Act of has since been in existence. At present, it consists members (15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the The committee performs an important role a check on the I is correct: Public Accounts Committee appropriation accounts and the finance accounts Union government and any other accounts laid Lok Sabha. The appropriation accounts compare expenditure with the expenditure sanctioned by through the Appropriation Act, while the show the annual receipts and disbursements of 2 is correct: One of the functions of the to examine the annual audit reports of the Auditor General of India (CAG), which are laid Parliament by the President. The committee is assisted CAG in the fulfilment of its 3 is correct: Public Account Committee money spent on any service during a financial excess of the amou