Modern History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

The Drain Theory was propounded by Dadabhai Naoroji arguing that the British colonial rule in India resulted in the economic drain of wealth from India to Britain. Naoroji contested that a significant portion of India’s resources, including revenue and raw materials, were being transferred to Britain without equivalent returns. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan had a moderate approach and believed that British Rule could benefit India particularly in terms of education and infrastructure. He advocated for cooperation with the British and emphasized the need for Indian Muslims to adopt Western education and progress within the colonial framework. Supporters of the Drain Theory were Dadabhai Naoroji, R.C. Dutt, M.G. Ranade etc.

Explanation

The accurate chronological order is Hindu College (1817), Adam’s Report (1835), Wood’s Despatch (1854), and University of Calcutta (1857). Founded in 1817, the Hindu College in Calcutta was established through the joint efforts of Raja Rammohan Roy, David Hare, and Alexander Duff. Adam’s Report: William Adam, a Scottish missionary, conducted surveys on indigenous education in Bengal and Bihar between 1819 and 1838. His reports provided a detailed account of the state of education during that period. The Wood’s Despatch of 1854, known as the "Magna Carta of English Education in India," established a modern educational framework focused on scientific learning. The dispatch recommended the creation of universities in Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay. Following this recommendation, the University of Calcutta was established on January 24, 1857.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi suggested the winding up of the Indian National Congress after India attained independence. He believed that the Congress had achieved its primary goal of securing independence and should now transform itself into a Lok Sevak Sangh (People’s Service Organization) to focus on social and economic reconstruction rather than remaining a political party. His suggestion was not accepted by the Congress leadership.

Explanation

Mahadev Govind Ranade was jurist and social reformer who worked for education, women empowerment, widow remarriage and against child marriages. He established the Indian National Social Conference(INSC) in 1887. He was also among the initial members of Indian National Congress(INC) and addressed his INSC along with the annual sessions of the INC.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: JL Nehru was the first Prime Minister and Union Minister of External affairs of Independent India. He was the President of INC at Lahore Session in 1929 where the congress passed the resolution of Purna Swaraj. In the Karachi session he was credited for drafting resolutions on Fundamental Rights and National Economic Programme. Kripalani was the Congress president in 1947.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Rajendra Prasad was the president of the Constituent Assembly.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The first Congress-led government in the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) was formed in 1937 but it was headed by Govind Ballabh Pant, not Jawaharlal Nehru.

Explanation

During the colonial period, Indian literature saw significant growth influenced by nationalism, social reforms, and Western education. Writers began using novels and newspapers to address socio-political issues, preserve cultural identity, and inspire freedom movements.

Option (b) is correct: Durgesh Nandini was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1865 and is considered one of the first major novels in Bengali literature. It marked the beginning of the historical novel genre in India and played a crucial role in promoting nationalist sentiment during the colonial period.

Option (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Rast Goftar, an Anglo-Gujarati newspaper (1851) was founded by Dadabhai Naoroji and it promoted social reform and rational thinking. Maratha (1881), an English newspaper, was launched by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who spread nationalist ideas. Nibandhamala, a marathi monthly, by Vishnushastri Chipulankar, analyzed socio-economic issues and advocated reforms.

Explanation

Surendranath Banerjee, M.K. Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Lala Lajpat Rai were prominent freedom fighters who played pivotal roles in India’s struggle for independence, advocating nationalism, non-violence, armed resistance, and social reforms. A is matched with 4: Sir Surendranath Banerjee was a key figure in early Indian nationalism, advocating for reforms within the framework of British rule. His book, A Nation in Making, reflects his vision for India’s future. B is matched with 1: Hind Swaraj was authored by M.K. Gandhi (1909) critiques Western civilization and advocates for self-rule through self-reliance, traditional values, and non-violence, marking a significant shift in nationalist thought. C is matched with 2: Subhas Chandra Bose wrote the The Indian Struggle (1942) which outlines his analysis of India’s independence movement and his call for more radical action against British colonialism. D is matched with 3: The Story of My Deportation (1908) by Lala Lajpat Rai is an Autobiographical writing.

Explanation

A is matched with 4: Abhinav Bharat Society was founded by V.D. Savarkar, a revolutionary nationalist group aimed at overthrowing British rule. The society was inspired by Giuseppe Mazzini’s Young Italy and played a significant role in organizing revolutionary activities in India and abroad. B is matched with 1: Anushilan Samiti was a revolutionary group based in Bengal, influenced by Aurobindo Ghosh. It aimed to achieve independence through armed revolution and was involved in several high-profile actions against British rule. C is matched with 2: Gadar Party was founded by Lala Hardayal and other Indian expatriates in the United States and Canada, and it aimed for armed rebellion against British rule. D is matched with 3: The Swaraj Party was founded in 1923 by Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru after the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement. The party aimed to contest elections and obstruct British governance from within the legislative councils.

Explanation

A is matched with 4: The first session of the National Conference was held at Calcutta in 1883 to discuss political issues and laid the groundwork for the Indian National Congress, which was established in 1885. B is matched with 3: The All-India Muslim League was formed on December 30, 1906 at Dacca (now Dhaka) to represent the interests of Indian Muslims. C is matched with 2: All India State Peoples Conference was formed in 1927. This conference united representatives from princely states to push for democratic reforms. D is matched with 1: Announcement of Communal Award from Whitehall by the British government in August 1932 introduced separate electorates for minorities, including Dalits (then termed Depressed Classes), causing widespread controversy. v v v