Modern History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Statement (a) is correct: Goa attained full statehood on May 30, 1987 to become the 25th state of India. Statement (b) is correct: Diu is indeed an island located in the Gulf of Khambhat (Cambay), off the coast of Gujarat. It was part of Portuguese India until 1961. Statement (c) is correct: The 56th Amendment of the Constitution of 1987 led to Goa becoming a full-fledged state, while Daman and Diu continued as a Union Territory. Statement (d) is incorrect: Dadra and Nagar Haveli were not under French colonial rule. They were under Portuguese rule until 1954 when local freedom fighters and activists liberated the region and integrated into India in 1961.

Explanation

The expansion of British India was a significant aspect of British’s colonial policy, with the British seeking to expand the territory of British India through annexations, wars, and treaties.

Option (b) is correct:

The last major extension of British Indian territory occurred during Lord Dalhousie’s tenure as Governor-General (1848-1856). Dalhousie is particularly noted for his aggressive policy of annexation and territorial expansions. For example, under Doctrine of Lapse(Jhansi, Satara, Nagpur, etc) and on the basis of Misgovernance (Awadh) were annexed.

Explanation

Upon returning to India from South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi initiated his first successful satyagraha in Champaran in 1917. The movement arose in response to the plight of indigo farmers in Bihar, who were compelled by British planters to grow indigo under oppressive conditions, leading to widespread exploitation. To support these farmers, Gandhi led a peaceful and nonviolent resistance movement, advocating for their rights and justice.

Explanation

The Early Nationalists movement, also known as the Moderates phase of freedom struggle, was led by a group of political leaders between 1885 and 1907. Most of the early nationalist leaders were drawn from educated middle-class professionals including lawyers, teachers and government officials and they adopted a constitutional and peaceful approach to achieve their objectives. Assertion (A) is True: The early nationalists failed to draw the masses into the mainstream of the national movement such that their area of influence remained limited to urban educated Indians. Reason (R) is False: The movement advocated for reforms like better representation in legislative councils, the reduction of discriminatory practices, and educational reforms. While it did not initially address the economic hardships of peasants or workers, it did aim at broader social and political changes within British India.

Explanation

The Government of India Act of 1935 was a landmark legislation that introduced significant constitutional reforms in British India. It aimed to establish a federal structure, provide provincial autonomy, and extend self-government. The Act also created a bicameral central legislature and granted limited political participation, though it fell short of full independence.

Option (a) is correct: As per the Government of India Act of 1935, dyarchy which was provided for the Federal Executive. Dyarchy in the provinces was abolished. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect: As the act did provide for:

The Act provided for a bicameral legislature at the centre, consisting of the Council of States (Upper House) and the Legislative Assembly (Lower House). Provincial Autonomy i.e., the distinction between Reserved and Transferred Subjects was abolished and full responsible government was established Establishment of an All-India Federation (proposed, but not implemented)

Explanation

The Indian National Army (INA) was formed during World War II with the objective of fighting against British rule in India. The idea of INA was first conceived in Malaya by Captain Mohan Singh in 1942. The Indian National Army was officially formed in Singapore in 1943. It was led by Subhas Chandra Bose, who sought support from the Axis powers (primarily Japan) to organize an army that could help achieve Indian independence. Bose gave the INA the slogan "Chalo Delhi" to inspire the troops to march towards Delhi to overthrow British rule.

Explanation

As the partition of India became imminent in 1947, Mahatma Gandhi opposed the idea of dividing the country along communal lines. Gandhi proposed that Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leader of the Muslim League, be invited to form the central government of India as a last-ditch effort to avoid partition. Gandhi believed this move would address Jinnah’s demand for Muslim representation and avert the division of the country. However, this suggestion was not accepted by either the Congress or the Muslim League.

Explanation

The native state of Tripura, a princely state during British rule, became involved in the freedom movement due to its geographical proximity to Bengal and the political dynamics of the early 20th century. The native state of Tripura became part of the freedom movement early in the 20th century because some groups in the state were against the king’s rule and his support from the British. They wanted to challenge the king’s power and reduce British influence in the region. These efforts were linked to the larger fight for India’s independence, inspired by the freedom movement in nearby Bengal and other areas.

Explanation

The Quit India Movement (August Movement) of 1942 was a significant phase in India’s struggle for independence. The movement saw widespread participation from various sections of society, including students, workers, and peasants. Assertion (A) is true: Lord Linlithgow considered the Quit India Movement a significant challenge, as it led to widespread uprisings, destruction of infrastructure, and disruption of administration. Reason (R) is true: In regions like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, and Maharashtra, peasants actively participated, leading to violent clashes with British authorities, giving the movement a mass character. Reason (R) correctly explains the Assertion (A).

Explanation

During the time of India’s partition in 1947, as the Indian subcontinent was divided into India and Pakistan, there were various political movements and regional aspirations for different parts of British India. Some groups in Punjab, including the Akali Dal, proposed that the province should remain united and independent instead of being split between India and Pakistan. They were worried about the division of the region. However, this idea was not accepted, and Punjab was divided between India and Pakistan.