Modern History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Government of India Act, 1935, which introduced significant constitutional reforms. All the three given statements are correct: The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for:

Provincial autonomy, granting greater powers to provincial legislatures. The establishment of a Federal Court to resolve disputes between the central and provincial governments. The creation of an All-India Federation at the center, though it was never fully implemented. The expansion of the electorate, allowing more Indians to vote. The introduction of a bicameral legislature at the center, consisting of the Council of States and the Federal Assembly.

Explanation

The Vernacular Press Act was enacted in 1878 by Lord Lytton to curb the growing influence of Indian-language newspapers that were critical of British rule. It imposed strict controls on the press, particularly targeting vernacular (Indian-language) publications. However, Lord Ripon, who succeeded Lytton as Viceroy, repealed the Act in 1882, marking a significant step towards promoting press freedom and reducing colonial censorship in India.

Explanation

Kunwar Singh, a prominent leader of the Revolt of 1857, belonged to Jagdispur, located in present-day Bihar. He was a key figure in the rebellion and is remembered for his bravery and leadership despite being in his 80s at the time of the revolt. Other prominent leaders:

Leader of 1857 Revolt Location Mangal Pandey Barrackpore Bahadur Shah Zafar Delhi General Bakht Khan Delhi Tantia tope Kanpur Azimullah Kanpur Begum Hazrat Mahal Lucknow Maulvi Ahmadullah Faizabad

Explanation

Chittor (located in present-day Rajasthan) was not strongly affected by the Revolt of 1857. The revolt had a strong impact on regions like Jhansi, Jagdishpur, and Lucknow, where prominent leaders such as Rani Lakshmibai, Kunwar Singh, and Begum Hazrat Mahal played significant roles in the rebellion. However, Chittor remained largely untouched by the uprising. Major Centers affected by Revolt of 1857:

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a key figure in the Bengali Renaissance, played a significant role in the development of women’s education in India. While he was associated with the Bethune School, which was founded by J.E.D. Bethune in 1849, Vidyasagar’s efforts greatly contributed to the promotion of female education in Bengal. Hence, the statement is correct in associating him with this cause.

Statement 2 is correct: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was one of the early notable figures of Indian literature. The first graduate of Calcutta University was actually Bankim Chandra and he received his degree in 1858.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While Keshav Chandra Sen was a prominent social reformer who campaigned against Sati, it was Raja Ram Mohan Roy whose efforts led to the enactment of the Bengal Sati Regulation Act of 1829, which banned the practice of Sati. The law was passed by Governor-General William Bentinck.

Explanation

Fabianism is a socialist movement that advocates for gradual reforms through parliamentary means, as opposed to revolutionary methods. It was developed by the Fabian Society in the UK, where ideas of democratic socialism were promoted. Annie Besant was a prominent member of the Fabian Society and played a key role in advocating for Fabian principles, which aimed at social reform and the creation of a welfare state. Her efforts were crucial in spreading the ideas of Fabianism through her writings and political activism. Annie Besant popularized the Theosophical Society in among Indians. Through her constant efforts and generous contributions from a few wealthy Indians, she opened the Central Hindu College at Benares in 1898, with Dr. Arthur Richardson as its principal.

Explanation

Subhash Chandra Bose founded the All India Forward Bloc in 1939 after resigning from the presidency of the Indian National Congress due to ideological differences with Mahatma Gandhi and other Congress leaders. The Forward Bloc was a left-wing nationalist political party aimed at consolidating the radical forces within the Congress and achieving complete independence for India. It’s moto was "All Power to the Indian People". It mobilized youth, workers, and farmers for direct action against British rule. It mainly attracted radical nationalists, socialists, and workers who were dissatisfied with Congress’ moderate policies.

Explanation

The 18th and 19th centuries were marked by a series of wars between the British and various Indian powers as part of the British East India Company’s efforts to consolidate control.

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: AD 1767-69 marks the First Anglo-Mysore War, not the First Anglo-Maratha War. The First Anglo-Maratha War occurred later, from 1775 to 1782.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: AD 1790-92 corresponds to the Third Mysore War, fought between the British East India Company and Tipu Sultan.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: AD 1824-26 corresponds to the First Anglo-Burmese War, which resulted in British territorial expansion in Burma.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: AD 1845-46 marks the First Sikh War, not the Second Sikh War. The Second Sikh War occurred in 1848-49.

Explanation

The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, initially aimed to promote political dialogue between Indians and the British government. Early sessions focused on constitutional reforms, Indian rights, and critique of economic impact of British rule.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The first session of the Indian National Congress (INC) was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1885, not in Calcutta.

Statement 2 is correct: The Second Session of the Indian National Congress (1886) was indeed presided over by Dadabhai Naoroji.

Statement 3 is correct: The Indian National Congress and the Muslim League held their sessions in Lucknow in 1916, where they concluded the Lucknow Pact. The Lucknow Pact was a historic agreement, marking a significant step towards Hindu-Muslim unity and paving the way for joint political efforts in the struggle for self-rule.

Explanation

The Montagu-Chelmsford Report, published in 1918, proposed constitutional reforms for India, recommending the introduction of dyarchy in provinces and expanding the legislative councils. These recommendations formed the basis for the Government of India Act, 1919.