UPSC Prelims PYQ › Modern History › General & Miscellaneous
General & Miscellaneous — UPSC Prelims Modern History previous year questions — page 4
145 solved previous year questions on General & Miscellaneous, papers from 1992 to 2022, drawn from State PCS, UPSC CSE Prelims, UPPCS. Each carries the printed answer key and the explanation from the source compilation.
- #121Practice setIn the context of Modern Indian history, consider the following events: 1. Lahore resolution for the separate state of Muslims 2. Individual Satyagraha 3. August offer 4. Beginnirtg of second World WarWhich of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?
- A1-2-3-4
- B4-1-3-2
- C4-2-1-3
- D4-1-2-3
Answer: (B) 4-1-3-2Explanation
Option b is the correct correct chronological sequence of the above events is - 4: The World war-II began on September 1, Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Then Britain declared war on Germany in response to 1: Lahore resolution for the separate state of passed by the Muslim League in March 1940. It called of geographically contiguous areas where in majority into independent 3: August offer of 1940 was proposed by the Linlithgow to seek cooperation of the Indians. the dominion status to India and expansion executive 2: Individual Satyagraha by selected the end of 1940. The demand of the be the freedom of speech against the war through declaration
- #122Practice setWith regards to the origm of Pakistan, which of the following statements are correct? 1. Choudhary Rehmat Ali first put forward the idea of a separate Muslim nation in 1933. 2. The name Pakistan was taken from the five provinces namely - Punjab, Afghan, Kashmir, Sind and Baluchistan. 3. Urdu poet Mohammad Iqbal mentioned the need for a "North West Indian Muslim state" in his presidential address to Muslim League.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 3Explanation
Option d is the correct 1 and 2 are correct. While at Rehmat Ali wrote pamphlets between 1935 where/he desired a separate national status provinces - Punjab, Afghan, Kashmir, Sind He was the first person to put forward of separate Muslim nation'. 3 is correct. Urdu poet Mohammad Iqbal forth the idea of a Muslim state in the north-west in his presidential address to the Muslim 1930. The proposal was put forward before the The Nehru Committee rejected it on the if carried into effect it would give a very unwieldy State
- #123Practice setWhich of the following personalities were associated with Krishak Praja Party? 1. A.K. Fazlul Huq 2. Sahajanand Saraswati 3. Ram Manohar Lohia 4. Abdur RahimSelect the correct answer using the codes given below
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 4 only
- D2, 4 only
Answer: (C) 1 and 4 onlyExplanation
Option c is the correct Krishak Sramik Party was a major anti-feudal in the British Indian province of Bengal and later Dominion of Pakistan's East Bengal and East 1 and 4 are correct. Krishak Sramik Party in 1929 as the Nikhil Banga Praja Samiti to interests of tenant farmers in Bengal's landed Sir Abdur Rahim (judge) was its first leader. Huq was elected leader in 1935 when the appointed as the president of the Central of party's politics played an important role in the Bengali Muslim political consciousness; it also from large sections of the Bengali Hindu resented the influence of the landed 2 and 3 are incorrect. Sahajanand Saraswati Manohar Lohia were associated with All India All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) (All India also known as the Akhil Bharatiya Kisan the peasants front of the Communist Party of important peasant movement formed by in 1936
- #124Practice setWhich of the following were the fundamental causes of the famines and resulting high deaths during Second World War in British India? 1. Foodstuff was diverted in order to feed the ever-growing armed personnel's of British. 2. There were frequent incidents of erratic monsoons and poor irrigation. 3. There was gross mismanagement and deliberate profiteering of food-grains under British rule. 4. Import of rice from Burma and South- East Asia was stopped.Select the correct answer using the codes given below
- A1 and 2 only
- B1, 2 and 4 only
- C1, 3 and 4 only
- D1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (C) 1, 3 and 4 onlyExplanation
Option c is the correct were several famines in India during British worst-affected areas were south-west Bengal Tamluk-Contai-Diamond Harbour region, Tippera and Noakhali. Around 1.5 to 3 perished in this basically man-made famine,, (malaria, cholera, small pox), malnutrition The fundamental causes of the famine 1 is correct. The need to feed a vast foodstuffs during British rule. Nightingale reformist) pointed out that money and food famine was being diverted towards British in Afghanistan in 3 is correct. The famihe got aggravated by and profiteering; were belated and were confined to big citie 4 is correct. Rice imports from Bu.niia Asia had been 2 is incorrect. During famine period; it that production of food grains was norm al' to non-famine periods. The famines. were due to erratic monsoon. The main reason famines was mismanagement of the food grains by
- #125Practice setWhich of the statements most appropriately represent the impact of 'economic drain' from India by the British? 1. It deprived India of its productive capital. 2. Domestic capital formation in India was stalled. 3. It led to a fall of Indian handicraft industry.Select the correct option from the codes given below
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3Explanation
Option d is the correct Naoroji, the 'Grand Old Man of India' put theory of economic drain in Poverty and in India. The term 'economic drain' refers to a national product of India which was not available for its people but was being drained Britain for political reasons and India was not economic or material returns for 1 is correct: The drain theory incorporated of the nationalist critique that it denuded India productive capital. According to nationalist economic drain at that time was more than the revenue, or half the total government revenue, or of the total savings (in today's terms, it amounted to cent of the national 2 is correct: The drain of wealth checked capital formation in India while the same wealth accelerated the growth of British economy. from British economy re-entered India as further draining India of its wealth. Now the on the same invested capital also flew out of
- #126Practice setWhich of the following are associated with Civil Services in India under the British rule?
- AHunter Commission
- BRaleigh Commission
- CCommission
- DLee Commission
Answer: (D) Lee CommissionExplanation
Option d is the correct Commission was appointed by the British 1923 to consider the ethnic composition of the public services of the Government of India. was Lord Lee of Fareham, and there were of Indian and British members
- #127Practice setWith reference to the portfolio system of the British administration, consider the following statements: 1. It was introduced by Lord Mayo. 2. It laid the foundation of cabinet system 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 bis the correct 1 is incorrect. The portfolio system by Lord Canning (and not by Lord the Indian Councils Act of 2 is correct. The system laid the cabinet government in India, each branch of having its official head and spokesman government, who was responsible for its 6 members in execut'ive council took charge of
- #128Practice setWhich of the following was/were the main provisions of Cornwallis Code? 1. There was a separation of revenue and justice administration. 2. Government officials were not answerable to the civil courts for actions done in their official capacity.Select the correct answer using the code given below
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A) 1 onlyExplanation
Option a is the correct 1 is correct. There was a separation of justice administration. As a part of the Cornwallis collector was now responsible only for the with no magisterial functions. were also relieved of their police 2 is incorrect. Government officials were to the civil courts for actions done in capacity
- #129Practice setConsider the following statements with reference to.i'fhe commercialization of agriculture: 1. Some crops began to be gr for the sale in the national and international market than for the consumption in villages. 2. The commercialization of agriculture reached the highest level of development in the plantation sector. 3. Commercialization of agrkulture seemed to be a forced process to the Indian peasant.How many the statements given above are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnlv iwo
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (C) All threeExplanation
Option c is the correct the latter half of the nineteenth century, significant emerged was of the commercialization of I is correct. Agriculture began to be commercial considerations. Certain specialized to be grown not for consµmption in the village sale in the national and even international crops like jute, groundnut, tobacco, etc., were more remunerative than 2 is correct. The commercialization the highest level of development in the i.e., in tea, coffee, rubber, indigo, etc., which owned by Europeans and the produce was for sale wider 3 is correct. For the Indian seemed a forced process 1 B Important Tips Process of commercialization of Agriculture: There was hardly any surplus for farmers to invest in commercial crops, subsistence level at which he lived, while commercialization linked Indian agriculture with international market trends and their fluctuations. For instance, the cot
- #130Practice setthe tollowing statements with reference to the development of modern industry in British era: 1. Regional disparities caused by Industrialization hampered the process of nation building. 2. Modern machine-based industries started coming up in India after the 3. Development of power generation was neglected under the British era.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 2 is correct. It was only in the second half of century that modern machine-based coming up in India. The first cotton textile mill up in 1853 in Bombay by Cowasjee and jute mill came up in 1855 in Rishra (Bengal). But the modern industries were foreign-owned and British managing 1 and 3 are correct. The colonial factor certain structural and institutional changes. development was characterized by. a The development of core and heavy industries generation were neglected and some regions more than the others-causing regional regional disparities hampered the process building. In the absence of careful nurturing education, the industry lacked sufficient Socially, the rise of an industrial capitalist the working class was an important feature of this phase
- #131Practice setWhich of the following is not the reason behind the decline of Indian iron smelting industry in 19 th century?
- ADue to imposition of forest laws, people were prevented from collecting wood for charcoal
- BIron smelters had to pay heavy tax for the furnace used
- CImport of iron and steel from Britain
- DLower standards of steel produced by Iron smelters
Answer: (D) Lower standards of steel produced by Iron smeltersExplanation
Option d is the correct a is correct. Forest laws prevented p.eople the reserved forests, and thus the iron not get wood for charcoal Defying forest laws, entered the forests secretly and collected wood, could not sustain their occupation on this basis Many gave up their craft and looked for other b is correct. In some areas the government access to the forest. But the iron smelters had to very high tax to the forest department for every used. This reduced their c is correct. By the late nineteenth century, steel was being imported from Britain. Ironsmiths began using the imported iron to manufacture implements. This inevitably lowered the demand produced by local d is incorrect. Lower standards of steel were reason. It was the lack of availability ofraw materials high taxation, lower demand which led to decline and smelting industry in 19 th century. Important Tips Important trends abou
- #132Practice setWith reference to the evolution of police system in modern India, which of the following statements is correct?
- ACornwallis restored the institution of faujdars which was abolished earlier
- BLord Mayo relieved the zamindars of their police duties
- CWilliam Bentick made collector the head of police force in his jusrisdiction
- DThe Police Commission of 1860, recommended the establishment of a Central Intelligence Bureau at the Centre
Answer: (C) William Bentick made collector the head of police force in his jusrisdictionExplanation
Option c is the correct a is incorrect. In 1770, the institution of and amils were abolished. However, in 1774, restored the institution of faujdars and asked to assist them in suppression of dacoits, disorder. Statement b is incorrect. Cornwallis organized a force to maintain law and order and office of superintendent of police He relieved the zamindars of their police C is correct. Bentinck
- #133Practice setConsider the following stf'-tements about the Policy of Ring Fence employed by the British in India: 1. It was first introduced and employed by Lord Wellesley in India. 2. The States brought under the ring fence system were provided assured military assistance against external aggression at the Company's expense. 3. The company employed this policy on the frontiers of Awadh to prevent its rule from the attacks of Marathas and Afghans.How many of the statements given above are incorrect?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (B) Only twoExplanation
Option b is the correct 1 is incorrect: 'Ring-fence' policy was the Governor Ge.neral Warren Hastings and not by Rather, the latter resort to the.Subsidiary stronghold company's position in India Statement 2 is incorrect: The policy aimed at creating to defend the Company's frontiers. Broadly was the policy of defence of their neighbours' frontiers their own territories. The states brought ring-fence system were asi,ured of military external aggression-but at their own other words, these allies were required to forces which were to be organised, equipped by the officers of the Company who, in to be paid by the rulers of these 3 is correct: The chief danger to the was from the Afghan invaders and the safeguard against these dangers company adopted fence policy. Under this, the Company organise the defence of the frontiers of Awadh on that the Nawab would defray the expenses defending army
- #134Practice setConsider the following statements regarding the progress of education in Bengal during the British rule: 1. Fort William college was started in Calcutta for doing research in the history 2. The Calcutta Madarsa was established with the objective to produce competent Muslim officers.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1
- B2 or lly
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (B) 2 or llyExplanation
Option b is the correct 1 is incorrect. Fort William college was Calcutta for the instruction and training of the servants of the company in language and customs Asiatic society of Bengal was founded for in the history and antiquities, the arts, sciences of 2 is correct. The Calcutta Madarsa in 1781 by Warren Hastings to promote the the Arabic and Persian languages, for the study of and related subjects. Its other objective was to Muslim officers for the courts of Justice responsible and lucrative offices in the state
- #135Practice setWhich of the following statements is/are incorrect with reference to the contribution of Charles Grant in the field of education?
- AHe prepared the first formal blue-print on language and education for India
- BHe suggested English to be adopted as the official language of the Government
- CHis observations provided the basis for opposing the or ientalists
- DHe recommended a system of grants-in- aid to encourage private enterprise
Answer: (D) He recommended a system of grants-in- aid to encourage private enterpriseExplanation
Option d is the correct a is correct: Charles Grant prepared the blue-print on language and education for 1792. It was a treatise called "Observations on the Society among the Asiatic Subjects of Great with respect to Morals: and the Means it:' In the treatise, Grant argued in favour of language, education and b is correct: He wanted English to be India as the medium of instruction in a western education. Moreover, he suggested English to be the official language of the Government for between the rulers and the c is correct: Grant's Observations were 1797 in the form of a book and provided a basis opinion against the Company's policy in favour dis incorrect: The Wood's Despatch creation of a large number of Anglo-Vernacular teach literacy at primary levels. It also recommended of grants-in-aid to encourage private enterprise
- #136Practice setConsider the statements: 1. The Calcutta Madrasah was established for the study of Muslim law./ 2. Fort William College set up for training of civil servants in Indian languages and customs. 3. In the first half of eighteenth century, British sought to promote mass education in India.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 correct. The Calcutta Madrasah was by Warren Hastings in 1781 to study the Muslim related subjects. It sought to provide a regular qualified Indians to help the administration of law in 2 is correct. Fort William College was set Lord Wellesley in 1800. Its purpose was to train of the Company in languages and customs 3 is incorrect. Education remained a during the first sixty years of Company's rule in the early years of eighteenth century, British planned a small section of upper and middle classes only
- #137Practice setWith regards to spread of education and Christian thought in early 19th century, some British institutions and missionaries:made efforts for the spread of western education and ideologies in India. In this regard, consider the following statements: 1. The Schwarz Schools were established in Tanjore 2. The London Missionary Society was active in Western India. 3. The Serampore Missionaries established the Baptist Missionary PressHow many of the statements given above are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (C) All threeExplanation
Option c is the correct is correct. Schwarz school was established German missionary named Christian Frederik 1784 in 2 is correct. The London Missionary Society society of Christian missionaries which established Chinsurah (Danish occupied territory) and in many places in Western 3 is correct. The Baptist Missionary Press in the Danish occupied territory of published books on Christianity
- #138Practice setRegarding the Fort William College in Calcutta, which of the following statement/ s is/are correct?. l. Fort William college was founded by Lord Wellesly in 1800. 2. It was established to encourage the teaching of English language. 3. It was also known as "The Oxford of the East".Select the correct answer from the options given below
- A1 only
- B2 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Answer: (C) 1 and 3 onlyExplanation
Option c is the correct 1 is correct. Fort William college was an oriental studies and a centre of learning. It was Lord Wellesly in 2 is incorrect. The Fort William College primarily for the encouragement of Oriental 3 is correct. The Fort William College is the "Oxford of the East"
- #139Practice setWith reference to Hunter Commission on Education, consider the following statements: 1. It recommended that secondary education be divided into literary and vocational courses. 2. It recommended sanction of five lakh rupees per annum for five years for improvement of higher education. 3. It recommended for transferring control of primary to newly set up district and municipal boards.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 1882, the Government appointed a chairmanship of W.W. Hunter to review the education in the country since the Wood's 1854. The Hunter Commission mostly confined to primary and secondary l is correct. The Hunter Commission its recommendations to primary and It recommended that secondary (High should have two divisions - literary-leading up and vocational-for commercial 2 is incorrect. As per the Indian Universities - five lakh rupees were to be sanctioned rper five years for improvement of higher education The recommendation was based on and not Hunter 3 is correct. The Hunter to transfer the control of primary newly set up district and municipal boards
- #140Practice setWith reference to the Resolution on Education Policy of 1913, consider the following statements: 1. It urged provincial governments to take steps to provide free elementary education to the backward sections. 2. The government accepted the policy of removal of illiteracyWhich of the above statements is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2Explanation
Option c is the correct Government Resolution on Education Policy, 1913 attempt of the British Government to compensate raised for compulsory primary 1 is correct. In its 1913 Resolution on the British government accepted the policy of illiteracy and urged provincial governments to take to provide free elementary education to the more backward sections. Private efforts were to for this and the quality of secondary schools be 2 is correct. In this Resolution, the the policy of removal of illiteracy. However, to take up the responsibility of compulsory was also decided that a university was to be established province and teaching activities of universities were encouraged
- #141Practice setWith reference to 'Orientalists' during the colonial period, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Orientalists like Warren Hastings opposed the introduction of English laws and English ways in India. 2. They argued against introduction of any kind of western education in Indian schools. 3. They attempted to recondle the British rule with the Indian institutions.Select the correct answer using the code given below
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 only
- C1 and 3 only
- DJ,2 and 3
Answer: (C) 1 and 3 onlyExplanation
Option c is the correct 1 is correct. Orientalist administrators importance to Indian classical education and that India should be ruled according to its own laws. Warren Hastings, an orientalist, was not in introducing English laws and English ways in India. idea was to rule the 'conquered in their own 2 is incorrect. According to Orientalists should be put on imparting traditional to Indians and western education should be prepare students to take up jobs only. Hence, were the supporter of Traditional for Indians, they did not oppose western 3 is correct. The approach of Orientalists reconcile British rule with the Indian inevitably meant more intensive investigation 'manners and customs' of the country and an of the literature and laws of the Indians which easier to rule the nation. Important Tips Orientalism was a school of thought among a group of British colonial administrators and
- #142Practice setWith respect to 'downward filtration theory' in colonial rule, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. In 1854, Charles Wood prepared a despatch on educational system asking the government to focus on downward filtration for education. 2. The theory advocated for the creation of few intellectual Indians to act as interpreters between the government and the masses. 3. The theory stated that government instead of focusing on mass education should open few English schools and colleges.Select the correct answer using the code given below
- A2 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Answer: (B) 2 and 3 onlyExplanation
Option b is the correct 'downward filtration theory' in colonial rule was the British to spread education but only to fulfil 1 is incorrect. The theory was given by in 1835. In 1854, Charles Wood prepared on an educational system for India. Considered Carta of English Education in India", It asked of India to assume responsibility for the masses, thus repudiating the 'downward at least on 2 is correct. The British planned to educate section of upper and middle classes, thus class "Indian in blood and colour but English in opinions, in morals and in intellect" who would act between the government and masses enrich the vernaculars by which knowledge of and literature would reach the 3 is correct. The government soon made the medium of instruction in its schools and opened a few English schools and colleges a large number of elementary schools, thus education. This was because government th
- #143Practice setConsider the following statements about Madam Bhikaji Cama: 1. She was the first Indian lady to unfurl the Indian flag abroad. 2. She founded the 'Paris Indian Society'. 3. She was the publisher of the well-known magazine "Bande Mataram".How many of the above given statements are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (C) All threeExplanation
Option c is the correct Bhikaji Cama was a noted Indian Coming from an affluent Parsi. family, Bhikaji towards the nationalist cause eady age. Exiled for years, she 1 is cottect: She was the person Indian' flag abroaa, calling it' the'' ''Flag of while attertding the secorid sbbalist Stuttgart, Germany; 2 is correct: While Jtaying' in 'ion don, she that she will be to return to India only if a statement not-,to She refused to oblige, and. sometime later in shifted to Paris. The same year she co-founded the Society: as a branch of Indian Home Rule along with Munchershah Burjorji Godrej and S. She gave shelter to many world revolutionaries in home which was also visited by 3 is correct: She joined hands with members living in exile and penned literary works for the national. movement them in Switzerland and the Netherlands them. One such literary work was the publication from Paris, 'Bande
- #144Practice setWhich of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? Conservatives Indian civilization to be inferior. 2. Radical They applied advanced humanistic and rational thought to the Indian situation. 3. Paternalistic They advocated imperialists t_he introduction of modern western science, philosophy and literature Bracticebook,- Selectthe correct answerusingthe code below: '
- A1 and 2 only
- B3 only
- C2 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Answer: (C) 2 onlyExplanation
Option c is the correct I is incorrect. The Conservatives of as few changes as 2 is correct. The Radicals went beyond the and imperialistic outlook of the the Imperialists and applied advanced humanistic thought to the Indian situation. They thought had the capacity to improve and that they must country do that. They wanted to make India a part modern progressive world of science and humanism advocated the introduction of modern philosophy and literature. Some of the who came to India after 1820 were Radicals. strongly supported by Raja Rammohan Roy and 3 is incorrect. The Paternalistic Imperialists especially after 1800. They were sharply Indian Society and culture and used to justify political enslavement of India. Important Tips Conservatives view on Indian civilization: Indian civilization, they felt, was different from the European one but not necessarily inferior to it. Many of the
- #145Practice setWith reference to the Assam accord, consider the following statements: 1. It was a result of a massive movement against illegal immigrants. 2. It provided for constitutional and legislative safeguards to protect the Assamese culture. 3. United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) was one of the parties to the accord. 4. The Home Ministry was the nodal Ministry for the implementation of the Accord.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. Assam Accord is a tripartite between the Government of India, State Assam and the leaders of the Assam Movement in signing of the Accord led to the conclusion of a six year agitation that was launched by All Assam (AASU) in 1979, demanding the identification of illegal 2 is correct. Clause 6 of the Assam Accord the constitutional, legislative and to protect, preserve and promote the linguistic identity and heritage of the 3 is incorrect. Assam Accord is a tripartite between the Government of India, State Assam and the leaders of the Assam Movement in Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) was not a the 4 is correct. The Home Ministry was the for the implementation of the Accord Ptacticebook