Indian National Movement III (1930-1947): UPSC Previous Year Questions (Modern History)
6 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Indian National Movement III (1930-1947) (Modern History). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–6 of 6 questions
UPSC 2009Modern History · Indian National Movement III (1930-1947)
Q1. Which one of the following began with the Dandi March?
Explanation
The Dandi March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, was a pivotal event in India’s independence movement. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, it began on March 12, 1930, from Sabarmati Ashram and ended on April 6, 1930, in Dandi, Gujarat. Covering 240 miles, Gandhi and his followers protested against the British salt tax by producing salt from the sea, violating colonial laws.
Option (c) is correct: This act of nonviolent resistance marked the formal launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement, which aimed to challenge British authority through mass protests and the boycott of imperial policies.
UPSC 2009Modern History · Indian National Movement III (1930-1947)
Q2. With which one of the following movements is the slogan "Do or Die" associated?
Explanation
Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan "Do or Die" during his speech at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay on August 8, 1942. The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Movement or August Kranti Movement, began on this day. Gandhi’s speech was a final push to force the British to leave India. He said, "We shall do or die. We shall either free India or die in the attempt; we shall not live to see the perpetuation of our slavery".
UPSC 2009Modern History · Indian National Movement III (1930-1947)
Q3. In the ‘Individual Satyagraha’, Vinoba Bhave was chosen as the first Satyagrahi. Who was the second?
Explanation
Mahatma Gandhi chose the Satyagrahis for the Individual Satyagraha movement which is also known as ‘Delhi Chalo Movement’. The movement began on October 17, 1940. It was non-violent and symbolic in nature, and was meant to affirm the right to speech. The movement was a response to the August Offer made by the then Viceroy of India, Linlithgow. Following were the first few satyagrahis in Individual Satyagraha:
UPSC 2009Modern History · Indian National Movement III (1930-1947)
Q4. Consider the following statements: The Cripps Proposals include the provision for 1. Full independence for India. 2. Creation of constitution-making body. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
The Cripps Proposals were introduced by Sir Stafford Cripps in March 1942 during World War II to secure Indian support for the Allied war effort. Cripps aimed to address India’s demand for self-rule by offering a post-war framework.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Cripps Proposals did not offer full independence to India. Instead, it offered the possibility of dominion status for India, which meant self-government within the British Commonwealth.
Statement 2 is correct: The Cripps Proposals included provisions for the creation of a Constitution-making body in India. This body, called the Constituent Assembly, would be responsible for drafting the new constitution. It would consist of representatives from various Indian provinces and political parties, with the authority to shape the country’s future governance
UPSC 2009Modern History · Indian National Movement III (1930-1947)
Q5. During the freedom struggle, Aruna Asaf Ali was a major woman organizer of underground activity in:
Explanation
Aruna Asaf Ali was an important figure in the Indian freedom struggle. She actively participated in various underground activities and played a significant role in the Quit India Movement. These activities included organizing secret meetings, distributing leaflets and pamphlets, and spreading awareness about the movement. One of the most iconic moments of Aruna Asaf Ali’s involvement in the Quit India Movement was when she hoisted the Indian National Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay (now Mumbai).
UPSC 2009Modern History · Indian National Movement III (1930-1947)
Q6. Who of the following Prime Ministers sent the Cripps Mission to India?
Explanation
In March 1942, the British government sent the Cripps Mission to gain full Indian cooperation in the war effort. The mission was led by Sir Stafford Cripps, a senior left-wing Labourite and a member of Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s War Cabinet.
Additional insight:
About reasons for sending Cripps Mission:
Because of the reverses suffered by Britain in South-East Asia, the Japanese threat to invade India seemed real and Indian support became crucial. There was pressure on Britain from the Allies (USA, USSR, China) to seek Indian cooperation. Indian nationalists had agreed to support the Allied cause if substantial power was transferred immediately and complete independence given after the war.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2009
(c) Civil Disobedience Movement
2
2009
(d) Quit India Movement
3
2009
(b) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
4
2009
(b) 2 only
5
2009
(c) Quit India Movement
6
2009
(d) Winston Churchill
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Indian National Movement III (1930-1947)?
This page covers 6 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Indian National Movement III (1930-1947) (Modern History), asked from 1996 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Indian National Movement III (1930-1947)?
Questions on Indian National Movement III (1930-1947) (Modern History) are available for 24 years, from 1996 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
