Modern History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

The Ghadar revolutionaries were primarily based in North America, particularly in regions like California, USA, and British Columbia, Canada. They established the Ghadar Party in 1913 to organize revolutionary activities against British colonial rule in India specifically in cities like San Francisco and Vancouver. The party played a significant role in spreading revolutionary ideas and organizing uprisings, particularly during World War I, aiming to incite mutiny in the British Indian Army and disrupt British operations in India. Central America, West America, and South America regions did not serve as significant bases for the Ghadar revolutionaries.

Explanation

The resolution on Fundamental Rights and the National Economic Program was drafted by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for the Karachi session of the Indian National Congress in 1931. The Resolution on Fundamental Rights guaranteed free speech and free press, the right to form associations, the right to assemble, universal adult franchise, equal legal rights irrespective of caste, creed and sex, free and compulsory primary education, protection to culture, language, the script of minorities and linguistic groups

Explanation

In October 1920, M.N. Roy (Manabendra Nath Roy) headed a group of Indians in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to establish the Communist Party of India (CPI). This marked the formal introduction of communism in India. The party was founded with the support of the Comintern (Communist International), reflecting global efforts to spread Marxist ideologies. This group, influenced by the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 in Russia, sought to establish a Marxist-oriented political organization in India.

Explanation

The U.P. Kisan Sabha was formed in February 1918 to address the grievances of peasants in the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh). It was initiated by Madan Mohan Malviya, Gauri Shankar Misra, and Indra Narain Dwivedi, who worked together to mobilize the peasantry against oppressive taxes, such as high rents, land revenue, and exploitation by landlords. Jawaharlal Nehru was not directly associated with the formation of U.P. Kisan Sabha.

Explanation

Pair (1) is correctly matched: Rajendra Prasad actively participated in Champaran Satyagraha under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership to address the grievances of indigo farmers against oppressive plantation laws.

Pair (2) is incorrectly matched: Ahmedabad Mill Workers Strike was led by Mahatma Gandhi to secure fair wages and better working conditions for mill workers in Ahmedabad in 1918. Morarji Desai was not involved in this movement.

Pair (3) is correctly matched: Vallabhbhai Patel, under Gandhi’s guidance, led the movement in 1918 to demand tax remission for peasants affected by famine in the Kheda district of Gujarat.

Explanation

The Quit India Movement (QIM) was a mass civil disobedience campaign launched by the Indian National Congress in August 1942, led by Mahatma Gandhi, demanding an end to British rule in India. Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect: Mahatma Gandhi promoted non-violent resistance during the Quit India Movement but did not ask government servants to quit their roles. He focused on mass civil disobedience and non-cooperation, urging Indians to refuse support for British rule and demand independence. Gandhi ji did not ask soldiers to leave their posts.

Statement 3 is correct: Gandhi preached self-rule (Swaraj) and independence from British rule, advocating for the princely states to embrace their people’s sovereignty.

Explanation

In the 1936-37 elections, the Indian National Congress formed a ministry in 8 out of 11 provinces under the Government of India Act, 1935. Congress did not secure a majority in Punjab. Instead, the Unionist Party, a coalition of landlords and representatives of various religious communities, led by Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan, formed the government with support from the Muslim League.

Explanation

The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress, held in December 1929, was a landmark event in India’s struggle for independence. Under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru, this session marked a significant shift in the Congress’s approach towards British rule. The Congress formally adopted the resolution of Purna Swaraj (complete independence), rejecting the earlier goal of dominion status within the British Empire.

Option (b) is correct: One of the key outcomes was the authorization given to the Congress Working Committee to launch a program of civil disobedience if the British government failed to meet Indian demands.

Explanation

The Shimla Conference (1945) aimed to discuss India’s future governance but failed due to Congress-Muslim League disagreements. The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946) saw Indian sailors revolt against British rule, protesting poor conditions and discrimination.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The conference took place in June

1945 under Lord Wavell, who served as Viceroy from 1943 to 1947. Mountbatten only assumed the role in March 1947, shortly before India’s independence.

Statement 2 is correct: The Indian Navy Revolt began on February 18, 1946, with sailors in Bombay and Karachi protesting poor conditions and discrimination. They demanded national independence and the release of INA and political prisoners, symbolizing India’s growing nationalist sentiment.

Explanation

The Round Table Conferences (1930-1932) were three meetings in London between British officials and Indian leaders to discuss constitutional reforms.

Statement 1 is correct: At the First Round Table Conference in London in 1930, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar represented the depressed classes (now Scheduled Castes) and demanded separate electorates to ensure their adequate representation and protect their interests.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Poona Pact was an agreement between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi(his representatives) in 1932. It provided reserved seats for the depressed classes (Scheduled Castes) in provincial legislatures and ensured their political representation. This pact replaced the separate electorates initially proposed for depressed classes.

Statement 3 is correct: The Indian National Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, boycotted the Third Round Table Conference in London in 1932. The Congress had reservations about the British government’s proposals, believing the discussions would not yield a satisfactory outcome for India’s future.