This page lists 2 previous year UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (General Studies Paper-I) questions on Modern History in the UPSC 2024 Prelims. Choose an option to see the correct answer and the full explanation on the same page.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2024Modern History · Indian National Movement III (1930-1947)
Q1. With reference to the Government of India Act, 1935, consider the following statements: 1. It provided for the establishment of an All India Federation based on the union of the British Indian Provinces, and Princely States. 2. Defence and Foreign Affairs were kept under the control of the federal legislature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
The Government of India Act was passed by the British parliament in 1935 and came into effect in 1937. It was based on a report by a Joint Select Committee, led by Lord Linlithgow, set up the two houses of the British parliament. Some of the key features of the Act were:
The creation of a ‘Federation of India’ that consisted of two levels: a central executive and parliament, and below it, provinces and princely states. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. It discarded the ‘dyarchy’ system at the provincial level and allowed for the emergence of popularly elected provincial legislatures. Dyarchy was introduced at the central level, key subjects like defence and foreign affairs were under the direct control of the Governor General. Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect. A federal court was established. The franchise was expanded to 14% of the population from 3%. Separate electorates were provided for Muslims, Sikhs and others, but not to Depressed Classes. The governor enjoyed critical emergency powers.
Exam tip:
For S2, Would the British Empire in 1935 be willing to hand over Defence and Foreign Affairs -- its most critical imperial powers -- to an Indian legislature? Unlikely Hence plausibly false.
UPSC 2024Modern History · Economic Policies of the British
Q2. With reference to revenue collection by Cornwallis, consider the following statements: 1. Under the Ryotwari Settlement of revenue collection, the peasants were exempted from revenue payment in case of bad harvests or natural calamities. 2. Under the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, if the Zamindar failed to pay his revenues to the state, on or before the fixed date, he would be removed from his Zamindari. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: In Ryotwari system the government revenue was a fixed amount, irrespective of crop output, and was to be paid in cash. Thus during periods of bad crops or low prices the peasants were forced to pay the land revenue, even if it required borrowing from moneylenders.
Statement 2 is correct: In the Zamindari system the revenue was invariable, regardless of the harvest, and had to be paid punctually. According to the Sunset Law, if payment did not come in by sunset of the specified date, the zamindari was liable to be auctioned.
Exam tip:
For S1, would a colonial revenue system -- dependent on land tax -- really exempt peasants systematically in bad years? That’s wishful logic, not colonial logic. Hence likely false.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2024
(a) 1 only
2
2024
(b) 2 only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Modern History?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Modern History in the UPSC 2024 Prelims, asked between 1996 to 2024. 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 Modern History?
Questions on Modern History in the UPSC 2024 Prelims are available for 29 years, from 1996 to 2024. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
