UPSC 1998 Modern History Questions with Answers

Explanation

The Indian National Congress reluctantly agreed to the partition in 1947 primarily to prevent large-scale communal riots and bloodshed. Communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims had escalated to violent proportions, particularly after the Direct Action Day in 1946 and the failure of attempts to find a united solution. Congress leaders, including Nehru and Patel realized that accepting partition was the only way to avoid a full-scale civil war and ensure a relatively peaceful transition to independence.

Explanation

At the time of India’s Independence in 1947, Mahatma Gandhi was not a member of the Congress. He had distanced himself from formal political roles and the organizational activities of the Indian National Congress, instead, he focused on social reform, communal harmony, and grassroots movements. Gandhi was deeply involved in peace efforts during the communal riots that accompanied Partition, working tirelessly in Bengal and Delhi to curb violence and promote unity. Despite his lack of an official role, he remained a guiding moral force for Congress leaders.

Explanation

The statement is attributed to Lord Curzon, who served as the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905. This remark reflects his deep opposition to the Indian National Congress (INC) and his belief in maintaining British control over India. Appointment of Police Commission (1902) under Sir Andrew Frazer to review police administration, Partition of Bengal (1905) and curbing press freedom through Official Secrets Act (1904) were other instances of Lord Curzon’s suppressing acts during his tenure. While Curzon believed his policies would weaken the Congress, many of his actions galvanized the nationalist movement instead. The backlash led to the Swadeshi Movement and laid the groundwork for a more united and organized fight for Indian independence.

Explanation

The Educated Indians largely remained neutral and regarded the Revolt of 1857 as a reactionary movement that sought to restore the feudal order and resist the social, political, and economic changes brought about by modernity. They viewed the uprising as a protest by traditional forces, including rulers, landlords, and soldiers, who were unwilling to adapt to the evolving world. These educated individuals, exposed to Western ideas, had high hopes that British rule would bring about an era of modernization through reforms like education, infrastructure development, and legal systems.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Theodore Beck served as the Principal of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College (now Aligarh Muslim University) in Aligarh.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: The Ilbert Bill was introduced in 1883 during the Viceroyalty of Lord Ripon. It aimed to allow Indian judges to try European defendants.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Pherozeshah Mehta was one of the founding members of the Indian National Congress (INC) and played a prominent role in its early years.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: Badruddin Tyabji was a prominent lawyer and an important figure in the Indian National Congress. He was the first Muslim to preside over a session of the Congress in 1887. He was not associated with the Muslim League.

Explanation

The Ghadar Party was established in 1913 by Indian expatriates, primarily in San Francisco, United States. Its primary aim was to overthrow British rule in India through armed rebellion.

Option (b) is correct: Lala Har Dayal (1884-1939) was a prominent Indian revolutionary and intellectual who played a key role in the Indian independence movement, particularly as a founder of the Ghadar Party in 1913. Some of the prominent Ghadar leaders were: Baba Gurmukh Singh, Kartar Singh Saraba, Sohan Singh Bhakna, Rahmat Ali Shah, Bhai Parmanand, and Mohammad Barkatullah.