Modern History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: Joseph François Dupleix, the French Governor-General in India, was the first European to actively involve himself in the disputes and power struggles of Indian rulers. Dupleix actively pursued a policy of interference in local Indian disputes, particularly during the Carnatic Wars (1746-1763) and the succession conflicts in Hyderabad. He supported rival claimants and used French military power to influence Indian politics. In the First Carnatic War (1746-1748), Dupleix allied with Chanda Sahib against Anwar-ud-Din, the Nawab of Arcot, to strengthen French influence in the region. During the Second Carnatic War (1749-1754), he backed Muzaffar Jung for the throne of Hyderabad and Chanda Sahib for the Nawabship of Arcot, aiming to expand French control in South India. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Robert Clive, known for expanding British rule in India, adopted similar strategies to Dupleix, especially after the Battle of Plassey (1757). Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese general, focused on maritime dominance, controlling key ports like Goa and Malacca, rather than engaging in local territorial disputes. Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of Bengal (1773-1785), implemented reforms but built upon the policies of Clive and Dupleix, not initiating the first interventions in princely conflicts.

Explanation

The Sarabandi Campaign was led by Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat. It was a non-violent protest where farmers refused to pay taxes, highlighting the oppressive tax policies of the British. This campaign strengthened Patel’s leadership role in the independence movement. It showcased the growing unity and defiance among Indians against British exploitation, setting the stage for future movements like the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Explanation

The Anarchical and Revolutionary Crime Act of 1919 was a draconian law enacted by the British government to curb revolutionary activities in India. It became infamous for its oppressive measures and the widespread protests it provoked. It was famously called the Rowlatt Act, which was passed in 1919, and it allowed the British government to imprison individuals without trial for up to 2 years and suppress civil liberties under the pretext of curbing revolutionary activities.

Explanation

Swaraj Party was an Indian political party founded by members of the Indian National Congress, notably Motilal Nehru and Chittaranjan Das, in late 1922-early 1923. They were termed Pro-changers, while their opponents were dubbed No-changers.

Option (a) is correct: The idea of a constituent assembly to draft a constitution for India was first mooted by the Swaraj Party in 1934. M.N. Roy, a pioneer of the idea of a constitution based on the will of the people, had also suggested this concept in 1934. The demand was later adopted by the Indian National Congress during its 1936 session and gained prominence in Indian politics.

Explanation

The Government of India Act, 1947 was the legal framework that formalized the partition of British India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, marking the end of British rule. Lord Mountbatten, as the last Viceroy of India, oversaw the implementation of the Act, ensuring the transfer of power and the division of territories on August 15, 1947. A is false: British sovereignty did not continue in free India after August 15, 1947. India became a dominion within the Commonwealth, and sovereignty transferred to the Indian people. R is true: Lord Mountbatten, the last British Governor-General, was appointed for a transitional period post-independence, but this does not imply the continuation of British sovereignty.

Explanation

Referring to the 1930-32 meetings as three separate conferences is technically incorrect because they were essentially three sessions of the same conference, aiming to address the same issues, such as constitutional reforms and representation. The Indian National Congress boycotted the First and Third Conferences but participated in the Second, represented by Gandhi. The fragmented nature of Indian representation and the British Government’s control over the proceedings also reduced their significance.

Explanation

Acharya Narendra Dev was a prominent leader of the Congress Socialist Party (CSP), formed in 1934 as a socialist wing within the Indian National Congress. He, along with leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and Ram Manohar Lohia, advocated for socialism as a means of achieving socio-economic equality in India. The CSP worked within the Congress framework to influence its policies toward socialism and economic justice.

Explanation

The Cabinet Mission, consisting of three British Cabinet members--Lord Pethick-Lawrence(chairman), Sir Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander--arrived in India in 1946 to negotiate with Indian leaders to find out ways and means for a negotiated, peaceful transfer of power to India.

Option (c) is correct: While the Mission did propose the provincial grouping, it did not accept the demand for creation of Pakistan. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect: The Mission proposals included:

Provincial Grouping: Group A(Hindu-majority provinces (e.g., Madras, Bombay, UP)), Group B: (Muslim-majority provinces (e.g., Punjab, Sind, NWFP, Baluchistan)) and Group C(Bengal and Assam). Each group could frame its own constitution. Interim Government: Interim coalition government until the Constitution was in place. The coalition included representatives from major parties (Congress and Muslim League). members (296 from provinces, 93 from princely states), elected by provincial assemblies.

Explanation

Governor-General of Presidency of Fort William in Bengal (under Regulating Act, 1773): This title refers to the position created by the Regulating Act of 1773, with Warren Hastings as the first appointee. However, in this case, Lord Cornwallis (Charles Cornwallis) is relevant because of his significant tenure under the same title. Governor-General of India (under Charter Act, 1833):

The Charter Act of 1833 centralized administration and established the title of Governor-General of India, with Lord William Bentinck being the first. In this context, Lord Dalhousie (James Andrew Broun-Ramsay), a later Governor-General, aligns with this description. Governor-General and Viceroy of India (under Indian Council Act, 1858): The Indian Council Act of 1858 replaced the East India Company’s rule with direct Crown governance. Lord Canning was the first to hold this dual role. The relevant entry in the list is Lord Minto (Gilbert John Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound). Governor-General and Crown Representative (under Government of India Act, 1935): This Act retained the Governor-General as the Crown’s representative in India. The relevant figure here is Lord Wavell (Archibald Percival Wavell), although Lord Mountbatten succeeded him shortly before independence.

Explanation

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar initially formed the Scheduled Castes Federation Party but lost the Bombay Presidency election to an Indian National Congress (INC) candidate. He was a prominent leader of the Dalits and an expert in law and economics. In 1946, after his defeat in the Bombay elections, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was elected to the Constituent Assembly from a seat in West Bengal. He later became the Chairman of the Drafting Committee responsible for framing the Indian Constitution and served as the first Minister of Law and Justice in independent India’s Cabinet.