Administrative Changes after 1857: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Modern History)
22 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on administrative changes and Acts are on this page, from 1998 to 2021. They cover the Revolt of 1857 and its leaders, Queen Victoria’s Proclamation, the Ilbert Bill, dyarchy under the 1919 Act and the federation planned by the 1935 Act. The explanations state what each measure changed.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
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UPSC 2000Modern History · Administrative Changes after 1857
Q21. "In this instance we could not play off the Mohammedans against the Hindus." To which one of the following events did this remark of Aitchison relate?
Explanation
The remark, "In this instance we could not play off the Mohammedans against the Hindus," by Sir Charles Aitchison, refers to the Revolt of 1857. During the rebellion, the British were frustrated because their usual strategy of dividing Hindus and Muslims was ineffective. Instead of fighting each other, both communities united against the British, which posed a significant challenge to British rule. This unity between Hindus and Muslims during the revolt was unexpected and disrupted British efforts to exploit religious divisions.
UPSC 1998Modern History · Administrative Changes after 1857
Q22. The educated middle class in India:
Explanation
The Educated Indians largely remained neutral and regarded the Revolt of 1857 as a reactionary movement that sought to restore the feudal order and resist the social, political, and economic changes brought about by modernity. They viewed the uprising as a protest by traditional forces, including rulers, landlords, and soldiers, who were unwilling to adapt to the evolving world. These educated individuals, exposed to Western ideas, had high hopes that British rule would bring about an era of modernization through reforms like education, infrastructure development, and legal systems.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
21
2000
(a) Revolt of 1857
22
1998
(c) remained neutral to the revolt of 1857
What UPSC has tested in Administrative Changes after 1857
The Government of India Act, 1919 introduced dyarchy in the provinces, dividing powers between the Centre and the provinces.
The Ilbert Bill (1883) sought to let Indian judges try European offenders.
Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858) disclaimed any intention of extending British territory and promised religious non-interference.
The Butler Committee (1927) examined the relationship between the paramount power and the Indian states.
Under the 1935 Act’s federation, residuary powers were given to the Governor-General.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Administrative Changes after 1857?
This page covers 22 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Administrative Changes after 1857 (Modern History), asked from 1998 to 2021. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
What was dyarchy?
A system under the 1919 Act in which provincial subjects were divided into reserved subjects, run by the Governor, and transferred subjects, run by Indian ministers answerable to the legislature, so power in the provinces was shared.
What was the Ilbert Bill controversy?
In 1883 the Ilbert Bill proposed that Indian judges be allowed to try Europeans in the districts. The Europeans protested fiercely and it was diluted, which showed Indians the racial bias of the colonial system.
What did Queen Victoria’s Proclamation of 1858 promise?
It took over the Company’s rule, promised not to annex further Indian territory, pledged respect for Indian princes’ rights, offered religious tolerance and equal treatment in public service, and announced a pardon to those not involved in the murder of British subjects.
