Modern History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

The arrival of European trading powers in India marked a turning point in the subcontinent’s history. The Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French came at different times, competing for control over trade and resources. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in India, with Vasco da Gama reaching Calicut in 1498. The Dutch East India Company established trading posts in India starting in the early 17th century,, with their first factory in Masulipatnam (in Andhra) in 1605. The English East India Company began operations in India in the early 17th century, with their first factory established in Surat in 1613. Over time, they became dominant in India. The French were the last Europeans to arrive as traders in India. The French East India Company was founded in 1664, and they established their first factory in Surat in 1668, followed by Pondicherry (Puducherry) in 1674.

Explanation

The British East India Company established forts to secure trade routes, defend against rival European powers, and later assert political control over territories.

Option (b) is correct: Fort St George Was constructed in 1644 in Madras (Chennai), was the first fort built by the British in India. It marked the beginning of British colonial expansion and served as a major administrative and military base for the East India Company in South India. Options(a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Fort William, located in Calcutta (now Kolkata), was built later in 1696 and served as the British administrative headquarters in Bengal. Fort St David, located near Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, was acquired by the British in 1690 and became a secondary stronghold after Fort St George. Fort St Angelo in Kannur (Kerala), was constructed by the Portuguese, not the British.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: The First Factory Act was enacted in 1881 during the tenure of Lord Ripon. It marked the beginning of labor reforms in India by limiting the working hours of women and children in factories. The act also allowed local governments to implement and enforce rules to ensure compliance, making it a significant step towards improving labor conditions. Options(a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Lord Lytton (1876-1880) is known for the Vernacular Press Act and the grand Delhi Durbar of 1877, he did not initiate labor reforms. Lord Bentinck (1828-1835) is famous for his abolition of Sati and other social reforms, his tenure predates the Factory Act. Lord Canning (1856-1862) was the first Viceroy of India, remembered for the Revolt of 1857 and administrative changes following it, but unrelated to the Factory Act.

Explanation

The governance of British India underwent significant changes over time, with key administrative reforms reshaping the roles and designations of officials.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Robert Clive, often referred to as the "founder of the British Empire in India," served as the Governor of Bengal twice (1757-1760 and 1765-1767). However, he was not the first Governor-General of Bengal. This title belongs to Warren Hastings, who was appointed as the first Governor-General of Bengal under the Regulating Act of 1773.

Statement 2 is correct: William Bentinck became the first Governor-General of India in 1833 under the Charter Act, which extended the Governor-General of Bengal’s authority to all British territories in India.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi’s first Satyagraha in India was initiated in Champaran, Bihar, in 1917. The farmers were forced to grow indigo under oppressive conditions, often receiving very low prices for their crops, and were subjected to high taxes. Gandhi’s non-violent protest led to an official inquiry, resulting in relief for the farmers and marking a significant victory for the Indian freedom movement. This marked the beginning of his non-violent struggle for social and economic justice in the country.

Explanation

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre (April 13, 1919) was a tragic event where British General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to fire on a peaceful gathering of unarmed Indians, killing hundreds, in protest associated with the repressive Rowlatt Act. The Act allowed the British government to imprison people without trial, which infringed upon basic civil liberties.

Explanation

The Wavell Plan (1945), proposed by Lord Wavell, aimed to resolve the political deadlock between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League. It proposed forming a framework for an interim government. Assertion (A) is true: According to the Wavell Plan, the number of Hindu and Muslim members in the Executive Council were to be equal. Reason (R) is false: Wavell Plan did not aim to prevent partition but rather to create a framework for political dialogue and the transfer of power from British rule to Indian self-rule.

Explanation

The song "Amar Sonar Bangla" (My Golden Bengal) was written by Tagore in 1905 during the Swadeshi Movement, which was a protest against the partition of Bengal by the British colonial government. The song was a rallying cry for unity and resistance against colonial rule. The song’s emotional appeal and patriotic fervor made it immensely popular among Bengalis. It later became the national anthem of Bangladesh after the country’s liberation in 1971.

Explanation

Somprakash was started by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and played a pivotal role in fostering nationalism during the era of colonial India. Its weekly publication every Monday earned it the name "Somprakash." Its impact was particularly pronounced in raising the awareness of the ryots, challenging landlord injustices and the exploitation of indigo farmers and vociferously criticizing the British taxation policies that burdened the impoverished masses. Moreover, it played a significant role in advocating for industrialization.

Explanation

Chandra Vidyasagar (1820-1891) was a renowned Bengali social reformer, educator, and writer during the 19th century. He played a pivotal role in advocating for women’s rights, including widow remarriage and the abolition of polygamy. The book "Bahubivah" (Polygamy) was written by Vidyasagar as a critique of the practice of polygamy in Hindu society. He argued against the custom, highlighting its detrimental effects on women and families. His work was part of a broader effort to reform Hindu social practices and promote gender equality. His writings and activism contributed significantly to the passage of the Widow Remarriage Act of 1856 and other social reforms in colonial India.