UPSC 2005 Modern History Questions with Answers

Explanation

The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress, held in December 1929, was a landmark event in India’s struggle for independence. Under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru, this session marked a significant shift in the Congress’s approach towards British rule. The Congress formally adopted the resolution of Purna Swaraj (complete independence), rejecting the earlier goal of dominion status within the British Empire.

Option (b) is correct: One of the key outcomes was the authorization given to the Congress Working Committee to launch a program of civil disobedience if the British government failed to meet Indian demands.

Explanation

The Shimla Conference (1945) aimed to discuss India’s future governance but failed due to Congress-Muslim League disagreements. The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946) saw Indian sailors revolt against British rule, protesting poor conditions and discrimination.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The conference took place in June

1945 under Lord Wavell, who served as Viceroy from 1943 to 1947. Mountbatten only assumed the role in March 1947, shortly before India’s independence.

Statement 2 is correct: The Indian Navy Revolt began on February 18, 1946, with sailors in Bombay and Karachi protesting poor conditions and discrimination. They demanded national independence and the release of INA and political prisoners, symbolizing India’s growing nationalist sentiment.

Explanation

The Round Table Conferences (1930-1932) were three meetings in London between British officials and Indian leaders to discuss constitutional reforms.

Statement 1 is correct: At the First Round Table Conference in London in 1930, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar represented the depressed classes (now Scheduled Castes) and demanded separate electorates to ensure their adequate representation and protect their interests.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Poona Pact was an agreement between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi(his representatives) in 1932. It provided reserved seats for the depressed classes (Scheduled Castes) in provincial legislatures and ensured their political representation. This pact replaced the separate electorates initially proposed for depressed classes.

Statement 3 is correct: The Indian National Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, boycotted the Third Round Table Conference in London in 1932. The Congress had reservations about the British government’s proposals, believing the discussions would not yield a satisfactory outcome for India’s future.

Explanation

Government of India Act, 1935, which introduced significant constitutional reforms. All the three given statements are correct: The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for:

Provincial autonomy, granting greater powers to provincial legislatures. The establishment of a Federal Court to resolve disputes between the central and provincial governments. The creation of an All-India Federation at the center, though it was never fully implemented. The expansion of the electorate, allowing more Indians to vote. The introduction of a bicameral legislature at the center, consisting of the Council of States and the Federal Assembly.

Explanation

The Vernacular Press Act was enacted in 1878 by Lord Lytton to curb the growing influence of Indian-language newspapers that were critical of British rule. It imposed strict controls on the press, particularly targeting vernacular (Indian-language) publications. However, Lord Ripon, who succeeded Lytton as Viceroy, repealed the Act in 1882, marking a significant step towards promoting press freedom and reducing colonial censorship in India.

Explanation

Kunwar Singh, a prominent leader of the Revolt of 1857, belonged to Jagdispur, located in present-day Bihar. He was a key figure in the rebellion and is remembered for his bravery and leadership despite being in his 80s at the time of the revolt. Other prominent leaders:

Leader of 1857 Revolt Location Mangal Pandey Barrackpore Bahadur Shah Zafar Delhi General Bakht Khan Delhi Tantia tope Kanpur Azimullah Kanpur Begum Hazrat Mahal Lucknow Maulvi Ahmadullah Faizabad

Explanation

Chittor (located in present-day Rajasthan) was not strongly affected by the Revolt of 1857. The revolt had a strong impact on regions like Jhansi, Jagdishpur, and Lucknow, where prominent leaders such as Rani Lakshmibai, Kunwar Singh, and Begum Hazrat Mahal played significant roles in the rebellion. However, Chittor remained largely untouched by the uprising. Major Centers affected by Revolt of 1857:

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a key figure in the Bengali Renaissance, played a significant role in the development of women’s education in India. While he was associated with the Bethune School, which was founded by J.E.D. Bethune in 1849, Vidyasagar’s efforts greatly contributed to the promotion of female education in Bengal. Hence, the statement is correct in associating him with this cause.

Statement 2 is correct: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was one of the early notable figures of Indian literature. The first graduate of Calcutta University was actually Bankim Chandra and he received his degree in 1858.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While Keshav Chandra Sen was a prominent social reformer who campaigned against Sati, it was Raja Ram Mohan Roy whose efforts led to the enactment of the Bengal Sati Regulation Act of 1829, which banned the practice of Sati. The law was passed by Governor-General William Bentinck.

Explanation

Fabianism is a socialist movement that advocates for gradual reforms through parliamentary means, as opposed to revolutionary methods. It was developed by the Fabian Society in the UK, where ideas of democratic socialism were promoted. Annie Besant was a prominent member of the Fabian Society and played a key role in advocating for Fabian principles, which aimed at social reform and the creation of a welfare state. Her efforts were crucial in spreading the ideas of Fabianism through her writings and political activism. Annie Besant popularized the Theosophical Society in among Indians. Through her constant efforts and generous contributions from a few wealthy Indians, she opened the Central Hindu College at Benares in 1898, with Dr. Arthur Richardson as its principal.

Explanation

Subhash Chandra Bose founded the All India Forward Bloc in 1939 after resigning from the presidency of the Indian National Congress due to ideological differences with Mahatma Gandhi and other Congress leaders. The Forward Bloc was a left-wing nationalist political party aimed at consolidating the radical forces within the Congress and achieving complete independence for India. It’s moto was "All Power to the Indian People". It mobilized youth, workers, and farmers for direct action against British rule. It mainly attracted radical nationalists, socialists, and workers who were dissatisfied with Congress’ moderate policies.