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Socio-Religious Reform — UPSC Prelims Modern History previous year questions — page 3

96 solved previous year questions on Socio-Religious Reform, papers from 1994 to 2023, drawn from State PCS, UPPCS, UPSC CSE Prelims. Each carries the printed answer key and the explanation from the source compilation.

1. #81Practice set
   Who among the following were in favour of participation in elections to the Central Legislature after the withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement? 1. M.A. Ansari 2. S. Satyamurthy 3. Jawaharlal Nehru 4. Asaf Ali 5. B.C. RoySelect the correct answer using the code given below
   • A1 and 2 only
   • B1, 2, 4 and 5 only
   • C3, 4 and 5 only
   • D1, 3, 4 and 5 only
   Answer: (B) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct the withdrawal of the Civil three perspectives were put forward: on Gandhian lines, participation in elections to legislature and continuation of I, 2, 4 and 5 are correct: M.A. Ansari, Asaf Desai, S. Satyamurthy and B.C. Roy were in favour of a constitutional struggle in elections to the Central Legislature ( 1934). They argued that in a period of political and council work could be utilised to keep up interest and morale of the people. elections and council work did not amount to faith politics but will set up a political front help build up Congress and prepare the masses next phase. A strong presence in councils would serve equivalent to the movement. Option 3 is incorrect: Jawaharlal Nehru and other leftist leader were critical of both constructive work entry in place of the suspended civil disobedience movement. They believed that it would side-track politic

2. #82Practice set
   With reference to the Kanpur Bolshevik Conspiracy case, consider the following statements: 1. It tried to frame and punish communist nationalists in India on charges of treason. 2. It led to the arrest of revolutionary nationalists like Khudiram Bose and M N Roy. 3. It resulted in popularisation of Communist ideology among the Indian masses.How many of the above given statements are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (B) Only two
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct especially the years after the disappointment of Movement saw a spread of communist ideologies in India. In order to stop these the very outset, the Britishers framed many in India in a series of cases of treason such as Conspiracy case, the Kanpur Conspiracy case Meerut Conspiracy 1 is correct: The Kanpur Bolshevik was a case instituted by the British government in 1924. It tried to curb the activities of the early leaders who believed in communist ideas as a means/ method to achieve independence They claimed that certain Indian leaders wanted violent revolution to bring an end to the British India which was considered rightful by them. So were charged with treason against the by seeking to deprive it of its Indian 2 is incorrect: It led to the arrest of leaders of communist ideologies like S A Dange, Ahmed, Shaukat Usmani, Nalini Chettiar and Ghulam Hussain. The

3. #83Practice set
   The 1 Defense of India Act was enforced during the Second World War due to which of the following reasons?
   • ATo enforce restrictions on civil liberties of the common
   • BTo ensure the public safety and the defense of British India
   • CTo provide compensation for the 1 and acquired for defense purpose
   • DAll of the above
   Answer: (D) All of the above
   Explanation

   Option d is the correct Defense of India Act, 1939 was an Act passed by Legislature in 1939 which effectively declared in India. Although it was enacted on 29 September was deemed to come into force on 3 September 1939, when the Second World War a is correct: Even before the declaration of the powers had been acquired by the Centre in provincial subjects by amending the 1935 Act. Defense Act had been enforced the day the War was restricting civil liberties of the common bis correct: The act empowered the Viceroy to for the public safety and the defense of British India. provided for punishments in case of any included death or transportation for life. The the punishment were the intent to assist any State at His Majesty or that of waging war against His c is correct: The act also provided for land for defense purposes and provided the land acquired. It expired six months after of the war

4. #84Practice set
   Which of the following is/ are correct about the Royal,Nivy 1. The mutiny was first started the Calcutta Harbour 2. The mutineers demanded the release of INA prisoners. 3. The mutiny was outrightly 1,y Mahatma GandhiSelect the correct answer using the given below
   • A1 only
   • B2 only
   • C2 and 3 only
   • D1, 2 and 3
   Answer: (B) 2 only
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct 1 is incorrect: The Royal Indian Navy on February 18, 1946, in Bombay. It quickly spread naval bases in India, including Karachi, Madras, 2 is correct: The ratings of the Royal Indian the release of all political prisoners, who were held for their involvement in the movement, as well as the release of the who were being held by the British 3 is incorrect: Gandhi, criticised the strikers without the call of a 'prepared revolutionary without the 'guidance and intervention' of of their choice'. Newly formed Naval Central (NCSC), Bomb,ay Students' Union and the called for a in support of the mutiny NCSC had asked people to make it a success. In was clearly unsupportive of ihe and Sardar Patel even asked people to 'go work as usual'. For once, the people rejected the The strike was 'total' and processions rolled city

5. #85Practice set
   Consider the following statements with reference to rebellion by Naval Ratings in 1946: 1. The revolt was started by Royal Indian navy ratings of HMIS Talwar in Bombay. 2. One of the reasons for the protest was the use Indian troops abroad. 3. There were strikes by the Royal Indian air force in support of naval ratings.How many of the above given statements are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (C) All three
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct there were many agitations against the the armed forces. One of them was the protest Naval Ratings in 1 is correct. The Royal Indian Navy or also called. as Royal Indian Navy Revolt Bombay harbour on 18 February 1946 by Ratings (noncommissioned officers and sailors) against the British. Indian Navy Mutiny started as a strike by ratings for a sailor subfrdinate to officers) food and The ratings of a shore establishment also had seething their seniors for similar reasons. 2 is correct. Royal Indian Navy (RIN) ratings Talwar went on a strike to protest racial demanding equal pay for Indian and white unpalatable abuse by superior arrest of a rating for scrawling 'Quit India' on HMIS INA trials Use of Indian troops in Indonesia, demanding their 3 is correct. The protest spread across ratings revolted in other naval centres too. of the HMIS Hindustan took the lead in Ka

6. #86Practice set
   fpllow,ing statements, with different schools of thoµght in Britain and their views on Indian society and culture: 1. The Conservatives considered Indian Civilisation necessarily inferior to European civilisation. 2. The Paternalistic Imperialists justified economic and political enslavement of India. 3. The Radicals wanted to make India a part of the modern progressive world of science and humanism.How many of the given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (A) Only one
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct in India escalated during the Muslim northern India after the 11th-century, Slavery in through the 18th and 19th 1 is incorrect: Indians were taken into of the world as slaves by various European as part of the Indian Ocean slave trade. million indentured labourers (referred to as the Indian subcontinent were transporteci to colonies in Africa, Asia and the Americas to plantations and 2 is correct:. Unlike slaves in Europe, who treated as menials, the condition of slaves in better. They were treated more as hereditary to the generations of the family they 3 is incorrect: People belonging to higher as Khatri, Rajputs and Kayasthas, generally slave for domestic 4 is incorrect: The Charter Act of Company to ensure improvement in conditions and ultimately try to abolish it, In 1843, l,,anning slavery in its Indian territories. in British Indian territories, despite th

7. #87Practice set
   Consider the following pairs: 1. Lord Curzon Appointment of Frazer Commission 2. Lord Lytton Categorisation of civil services into imperial, provisional and subordinate 3. Lord Queen Victoria Lansdowne assuming the title of 'Kaiser-i-HindHow many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (A) Only one
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct 1 is matched correctly. Lord Curzon appointed Commission in 1902 under Sir Andrew Frazer police 2 is matched incorrectly. Categorisation df ihto imperial provisional a.nd subordinate Lord Lansdowne. Lord Lansdowne was viceroy' of the period 3 is matched incorrectly. Queen Victoria assumed of 'Kaiser-i-Hind' or Queen Empress of India in the tenure of Lord Lytton as the Governor India

8. #88Practice set
   Which of the following factors made it necessary for British to establish local bodies? 1. Financial difficulties faced by the Government, due to over centralisation. 2. British wanted to check politicization of Indians by establishing these bodies. 3. To provide Indians an opportunity to experience direct democracy. 4. British were reluctant to tax the rich uppe_r class. Select 'correct answer using the code given below
   • A1, 2 and 3 only
   • B1, 2 and 4 only
   • C2 and 4 only
   • D1 aµd 4 only
   Answer: (B) 1, 2 and 4 only
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct 1 is correct. Financial difficulties faced by due to overcentralisation, made So it it necessary to establish local Some B,ritish policy makers of Indians with the administrationi but British supremacy in India. They wanted increasing politicisation of Indians by 3 is incori,-ect. The British government to provide loqil bodies as a tool of direct local bodies so established lacked adequate financial powers, nor did it provided adult 4 is correct. The British were reluctant to rich upper class ptherwise it would have So Local bodies were mainly established to criticism

9. #89Practice set
   With reference to the phenomenon of ruralisation of India during British rule, consider the following statements: 1. This phenomenon was caused due to deindustrialization of the economy. 2. This became one of the major causes of poverty in India under British rule. 3. It negatively impacted the self-sufficient village economy.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (C) All three
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct 1 is correct: In Bengal, during the artisans were paid low wages and forced to sell at low prices. So, they abandoned their to villages and took to agriculture. Thus, of Indian economy led to the decline and a process of ruralisation of India. This resulted pressure on 2 is correct: The deindustrialization of led to the increased dependence of the people This increasing pressure on agriculture was the major causes of the extreme poverty of India rule. On the one hand, millions of peasants, supplemented their income by part-time spinning now had to rely overwhelmingly on the other, millions of rural artisans lost their and became agricultural laborers or petty tiny 3 is correct: The British rule also upset the selfasufficient economic life in the villages. The from villages fed the domestic handicraft the rural areas were the markets for the gradual destruction of

10. #90Practice set
    With reference to the Proyinces and Presidencies of British territories, consider the following statements; 1. The Presidencies were controlled directly by the Crown, while the provinces were under the Governor General 2. The Provinces were administered by lieutenant governors appointed by the Governor General.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 bis the correct British territory in India was divided into various administrative units as the British empire in grow in size during the 19th century. were two broad divisions - Presidencies and Provinces, below 1 is incorrect: Although the the Presidencies were made by the Crown, both and the Provinces were under the control Governor General/ Viceroy who in turn was and answerable to the 2 is correct: The Provinces were administered Lieutenant Governor or a Chief Commissioner who by the Governor the other hand, the Presidencies were administered by with an executive council of 3 members who directly by the Crown

11. #91Practice set
    "It was established in 1908 to study the problems related to decentralisation, especially at the level of bodies. It recommended a gradual and cautious expansion of the powers of village panchayats. It also recommended a withdrawal of grants in aid to local bodies accompanied by an increase in their powers of taxation. It favoured the transfer of important local functions to the local bodies, especially education?' Which of the following commissions the British Rule is being described by the paragraph above?
    • AFloud Commission
    • BButler Commission
    • CHuntington Commission
    • DHobhouse Commission
    Answer: (D) Hobhouse Commission
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct Hobhouse Commission, the popular name for Commission on Decentralisation was appointed to look into the issues plaguing local governance. that lack of finance was a major hurdle in the of local self-governance bodies. It went on that the Panchayats should be gradually strengthened by giving them control over like sanitation, roads, etc, especially particular primary and middle education in further recommended that in order to help these function properly their financial situation needs to To do this it proposed granting powers of taxes be shifted to these local bodies and grants be withdrawn so that these local bodies become self sustaining and functional in time

12. #92Practice set
    Consider the following pairs: 1. Darpan Dadabhai Naoroji 2. Indian Mirror N. N. Sen 3. Swadesamitran G. Subramaniya AiyarHow many of the above given pairs are correctly matched?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (B) Only two
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct answer. Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. Darpan was started by Balshastri Jambhekar (and not Dadabhai Naoroji) in 1832. Jambhekar used the Darpan to awaken the people. to awareness of social reforms, such as widow remarriage, and to instil in the masses a scientific approach to life. In 1840, he started Digdarshan which published articles on scientific subjects as well as history. Pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched. Many newspapers emerged during 1870 to 1918 under distinguished and fearless journalists. These included The Hindu and Swadesamitran under G. Subramaniya Aiyar, These newspapers were established to form and propagate nationalist ideology and train, mobilise and consolidate public opinion. depicted almost all aspects of life in colonial India from around the onwards. From the onwards, they tracked the major events during the freedom struggle. Important T

13. #93Practice set
    The Raleigh Commission, in the context of history of colonial rule in India, was set up for the purpose of
    • AEvaluate the Functioning of local bodies like panchayats and urban municipalities
    • BTo study conditions and prospects of universities in India
    • CCreation of Separate electorates for depressed class
    • DTo suggest criteria for inclusion of Indians in Civil Services
    Answer: (B) To study conditions and prospects of universities in India
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct a is incorrect Royal Commission (1908) evaluated the functioning bodies like panchayats and urban pointed out the lack of financial resources as the block in the effective functioning of local bis correct - In 1902, Raleigh Commission was to go into conditions and prospects of universities and to suggest measures for improvement in and working. The commission precluded on primary or secondary education. Based on the Indian Universities Act was passed c is incorrect - This was the role of or Indian d is incorrect - Commissions has to look after the inclusion of Indians and their Civil Services. Some of them are Aitchison Public Services (1886), Less Commission (1924). the House of Commons in England passed a holding of simultaneous examination in England; but the resolution was never Important Tips Lothian Committee: The Communal Award, based on the findings of the

14. #94Practice set
    With reference to the All-India States People Conference, consider the following statements: 1. It was a democratic extension of Praja Mandals. 2. It supported Government of India Act 1935 for its federal structure. 3. Nehru became President of All India State People's Conference in 1939 and remained its President until 1946.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 1 is correct: Initially, there were Praja in most of the princely states in early the democratic aspirations of people in assumed a concrete organisational form based initiative of leaders from states like Bal want Rai Kothari and G. R. Abhyankar, who led to of the All-India States' People's Conference 1927. Thus, All India States' People's was on the lines of Praja Manda! Movements was extension of 2 is incorrect: All-India States People opposed the provisions of federation related states, enacted under Government of India They decried the scheme as undemocratic as it that states' representatives would be nominated rulers, not democratically 3 is correct: Nehru became president of All People's Conference in 1939 and remained After, winning of the election by INC in majority provinces, it led to great influence on minds of the princely states which led to their po

15. #95Full-length test
    Which one of the following statements is incorrect regarding Raja Rammohan Roy?
    • AHe rejected the practice of polygamy and demanded the right of inheritance and property for women
    • BHe was given the title of 'Raja' by the British Government for his efforts in abolishing the practice of Sati. 49
    • CHe established a Vedanta College to provide mix of Indian and Western-style education to students
    • DHe wrote a treatise in Persian entitled "Tuhfat-Ul-Muwahhidin"
    Answer: (B) He was given the title of 'Raja' by the British Government for his efforts in abolishing the practice of Sati. 49
    Explanation

    Option bis the correct answer. Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a prominent social reformer, philosopher, and intellectual who played a key role in the Indian Renaissance during the 19th century. Statement a is correct: As a campaigner for women's rights, Roy condemned the general subjugation of women and opposed prevailing misconceptions which formed the basis of according an inferior social status to women. Roy attacked polygamy and the degraded state of widows and demanded the right of inheritance and property for women. Statement bis incorrect: The title of Raja was conferred on him by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in recognition of his contributions to society and his service to the Statement c is correct: Raja Ram Mohan Roy established the Vedanta College in Kolkata in 1825, which was one of the first institutions in India to provide Western-style education students. In the college, courses in bo

16. #96Full-length test
    Consider the following statements regarding Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar:{ founded the Widow Remarriage Association in 2. Barna Parichay, a book on Bengali alphabet is written by him. 3. He opposed the priestly monopoly of scriptural knowledge.How many of the above given statements are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three (cl) None
    • D2 and 3 only
    Answer: (B) Only two
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct 1 is incorrect. Widow Remarriage was founded by Vishnu Shashtri Pandit and not Ishwar Chandra 2 is correct. He wrote down the Bengali we know it today. His original publication on the called Barna Parichay literally, An Introduction to 3 is correct. He was strongly against the of scriptural knowledge. For this he opened college to Non-Brahmins

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