UPSC 2009 Modern History Questions with Answers

Explanation

The date 16th October 1905 is historically significant as it marks the Partition of Bengal, a controversial administrative decision by Viceroy Lord Curzon. The Partition of Bengal in 1905 aimed ostensibly for administrative efficiency divided the province along religious lines, with East Bengal primarily Muslim and West Bengal predominantly Hindu. It was met with widespread protests and ignited a strong nationalist movement. While the partition was annulled in 1911, it left a lasting impact fueling the Swadeshi and Boycott movements.

Explanation

The Rowlatt Act was officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919. Popular indignation arose because it allowed the government to detain individuals suspected of anti-government activities without trial for up to two years, violating basic civil rights. The Rowlatt Act (1919) was unrelated to religion. Its primary focus was on curbing political activities, particularly revolutionary movements against British rule. The Act did not address education in any form. Its provisions targeted political dissent and civil liberties rather than cultural or educational systems. The Act was not specifically aimed at trade unions. Its focus was on political repression, targeting freedom fighters and those involved in revolutionary activities.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi founded the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association in 1920 to improve the working and living conditions of textile workers in Ahmedabad. The association emphasized non-violent methods and arbitration to resolve labour disputes, aligning with Gandhian principles. N.M. Joshi was labour leader and founder of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) in 1920 but unrelated to this association.

Explanation

The Dandi March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, was a pivotal event in India’s independence movement. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, it began on March 12, 1930, from Sabarmati Ashram and ended on April 6, 1930, in Dandi, Gujarat. Covering 240 miles, Gandhi and his followers protested against the British salt tax by producing salt from the sea, violating colonial laws.

Option (c) is correct: This act of nonviolent resistance marked the formal launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement, which aimed to challenge British authority through mass protests and the boycott of imperial policies.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan "Do or Die" during his speech at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay on August 8, 1942. The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Movement or August Kranti Movement, began on this day. Gandhi’s speech was a final push to force the British to leave India. He said, "We shall do or die. We shall either free India or die in the attempt; we shall not live to see the perpetuation of our slavery".

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi chose the Satyagrahis for the Individual Satyagraha movement which is also known as ‘Delhi Chalo Movement’. The movement began on October 17, 1940. It was non-violent and symbolic in nature, and was meant to affirm the right to speech. The movement was a response to the August Offer made by the then Viceroy of India, Linlithgow. Following were the first few satyagrahis in Individual Satyagraha:

Satyagrahi Name 1 Vinoba Bhave 2 Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru 3 Brahma Dutt

Explanation

The Cripps Proposals were introduced by Sir Stafford Cripps in March 1942 during World War II to secure Indian support for the Allied war effort. Cripps aimed to address India’s demand for self-rule by offering a post-war framework.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Cripps Proposals did not offer full independence to India. Instead, it offered the possibility of dominion status for India, which meant self-government within the British Commonwealth.

Statement 2 is correct: The Cripps Proposals included provisions for the creation of a Constitution-making body in India. This body, called the Constituent Assembly, would be responsible for drafting the new constitution. It would consist of representatives from various Indian provinces and political parties, with the authority to shape the country’s future governance

Explanation

Aruna Asaf Ali was an important figure in the Indian freedom struggle. She actively participated in various underground activities and played a significant role in the Quit India Movement. These activities included organizing secret meetings, distributing leaflets and pamphlets, and spreading awareness about the movement. One of the most iconic moments of Aruna Asaf Ali’s involvement in the Quit India Movement was when she hoisted the Indian National Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay (now Mumbai).

Explanation

In March 1942, the British government sent the Cripps Mission to gain full Indian cooperation in the war effort. The mission was led by Sir Stafford Cripps, a senior left-wing Labourite and a member of Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s War Cabinet.

Explanation

The British introduced modern communication systems in colonial India to enhance administrative efficiency and control. They developed an extensive railway network, postal system, and telegraph lines to facilitate military movement, trade, and governance. These innovations unified diverse regions, boosted economic integration, and significantly influenced India’s modernization, despite serving colonial interests. Majority of developments happened under the rule of Governor General Dalhousie.

Statement 1 is correct: The first telegraph line in India was laid between Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and Diamond Harbour in 1850. It became operational in 1851.

Statement 2 is correct: The first Export Processing Zone in India was set up in Kandla, Gujarat, in 1965. It was established to promote exports and boost foreign trade.