Modern History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

The Cripps Mission of 1942 was sent by the British government to secure Indian support during World War II in exchange for a promise of post war constitutional reforms. The Congress Party engaged in negotiations, although the proposal was ultimately rejected.

Option (c) is correct: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad were the official Congress negotiators with the Cripps Mission. They rejected the proposal because it did not grant immediate independence, allowed provinces to opt out of a united India, and retained British control during the war. Gandhi famously referred to the offer as a "post-dated cheque on a crashing bank", reflecting the discontent with the mission’s limited concessions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Bombay Manifesto openly opposed the preaching of socialist ideals, fearing that such policies would disrupt free enterprise and harm industrial growth. It was a response to the increasing influence of socialism within the Congress Party.

Statement 2 is incorrect: However the manifesto did not get support from a large section of the business community across India. The business community was positive about the government intervention and hand holding in running the enterprises and economy.

Explanation

After the Quit India Movement of 1942, C.

Rajagopalachari proposed a solution to the constitutional deadlock between the Indian National Congress, the Muslim League and the British Government through his pamphlet titled "The Way Out". It suggested that the Congress should accept the League’s demand for Pakistan through a plebiscite in Muslim-majority areas, provided the British granted complete independence to India. His proposal was an attempt to resolve the growing communal tensions and the deadlock over India’s future governance.

Explanation

The Karachi session of 1931, presided over by Sardar Patel, was significant for its adoption of the Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru laying the foundation for India’s socio-economic vision.The Resolution advocated for key socio-economic reforms such as labor rights, minimum wages, equality, and universal adult suffrage. The resolution underscored Congress’ commitment to political independence and social justice, serving as a foundation for shaping governance priorities in independent India.

Explanation

The Covenanted Civil Service of India, later known as the Indian Civil Service, was created by Lord Cornwallis during his tenure as Governor-General (1786-1793). He reorganized India’s administration, introducing a system where British recruits were sent to India as high-paid administrators with various privileges. Civil Services in British India were classified as covenanted and uncovenanted services on the basis of the nature of work, pay-scales and appointing authority.

Explanation

The "Instrument of Instructions" from the Government of India Act of 1935 were important guidelines from the British Government. They directed the Governors in British India on how to use their discretionary powers. In 1950, these guidelines influenced the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution of India (Part IV). These principles help the State create laws and policies that improve people’s welfare and build a fair and just society.

Explanation

The date 16th October 1905 is historically significant as it marks the Partition of Bengal, a controversial administrative decision by Viceroy Lord Curzon. The Partition of Bengal in 1905 aimed ostensibly for administrative efficiency divided the province along religious lines, with East Bengal primarily Muslim and West Bengal predominantly Hindu. It was met with widespread protests and ignited a strong nationalist movement. While the partition was annulled in 1911, it left a lasting impact fueling the Swadeshi and Boycott movements.

Explanation

The Rowlatt Act was officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919. Popular indignation arose because it allowed the government to detain individuals suspected of anti-government activities without trial for up to two years, violating basic civil rights. The Rowlatt Act (1919) was unrelated to religion. Its primary focus was on curbing political activities, particularly revolutionary movements against British rule. The Act did not address education in any form. Its provisions targeted political dissent and civil liberties rather than cultural or educational systems. The Act was not specifically aimed at trade unions. Its focus was on political repression, targeting freedom fighters and those involved in revolutionary activities.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi founded the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association in 1920 to improve the working and living conditions of textile workers in Ahmedabad. The association emphasized non-violent methods and arbitration to resolve labour disputes, aligning with Gandhian principles. N.M. Joshi was labour leader and founder of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) in 1920 but unrelated to this association.

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.