Socio-Religious Movements: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Modern History)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Socio-Religious Movements (Modern History). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2016Modern History · Socio-Religious Movements
Q1. Satya Shodhak Samaj organized:
Explanation
On 24 September 1873, Jotirao Govindrao Phule formed Satyashodhak Samaj to focus on the rights of depressed groups such as women, the Shudra, and the Dalit in Maharashtra. The Satyashodhak Samaj opposed idolatry and the caste system, advocating for reason and equality. It rejected the need for priests and promoted simple religious practices for all. The group’s viewpoints were voiced through the Deenbandhu newspaper. Members included Muslims, Brahmins, and government officials, with financial support primarily from Phule’s Mali caste.
UPSC 2016Modern History · Socio-Religious Movements
Q2. Consider the following: 1. Calcutta Unitarian Committee 2. Tabernacle of New Dispensation 3. Indian Reform Association Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?
Explanation
Option (1) is incorrect: The Calcutta Unitarian Committee (1823) was founded by Rammohan Roy, Dwarkanath Tagore, and William Adam to promote Unitarian beliefs and social reforms, but Keshab Chandra Sen was not involved in its formation.
Option (2) is correct: The Tabernacle of New Dispensation (1881) was established by Keshab Chandra Sen as part of his Nava Vidhan (New Dispensation) movement, which aimed to integrate the teachings of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and other religions into a universal faith. It reflected his belief in religious harmony and spiritual unity
Option (3) is correct: Indian Reform Association (1870), focusing on social reforms such as women’s rights, education, widow remarriage, and temperance (restrictions on alcohol consumption). The association played a crucial role in advocating progressive changes in Indian society.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2016
(c) an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra
2
2016
(b) 2 and 3 only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Socio-Religious Movements?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Socio-Religious Movements (Modern History), asked from 2001 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Socio-Religious Movements?
Questions on Socio-Religious Movements (Modern History) are available for 5 years, from 2001 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
