UPSC 2025 Modern History Questions with Answers

Explanation

Statement I is correct: Raja Ram Mohan Roy deeply respected the philosophical core of Indian traditions, especially Vedanta, and focused on monotheism, rational inquiry, and spiritual unity. His approach was reformist; he wanted to purify Indian philosophy rather than reject it. Roy’s efforts reflect a synthesis of Eastern spiritual wisdom and Western rational thought.

Statement II is correct: Raja Ram Mohan Roy was an ardent advocate of rationalism, scientific temper, and humanism. He actively campaigned against sati and promoted women’s rights and education. His ideals were shaped by a belief in human dignity, social equality, and freedom of thought, inspired by Enlightenment values and Christian humanitarianism. He was a key figure in the Bengal Renaissance, encouraging Indians to embrace modernity while retaining ethical values

Explanation

In September 1920, at a special session in Calcutta, the Congress approved a non-cooperation programme till the Punjab and Khilafat wrongs were removed and swaraj was established. The programme was to include: boycott of government schools and colleges; boycott of law courts and dispensation of justice through panchayats instead; boycott of legislative councils; (there were some differences over this as some leaders like C.R. Das were not willing to include a boycott of councils, but bowed to Congress discipline; these leaders boycotted elections held in November 1920 and the majority of the voters too stayed away); boycott of foreign cloth and use of khadi instead; also practice of hand-spinning to be done; renunciation(not retention) of government honours and titles; the second phase could include mass civil disobedience including resignation from government service, and non-payment of taxes. During the movement, the participants were supposed to work for Hindu-Muslim unity and for removal of untouchability, all the time remaining non-violent.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Indian National Congress under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership declared Swaraj (self-rule) as its ultimate objective through the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22). The movement emphasized the use of all legitimate and peaceful means such as boycott of British goods, law courts, educational institutions, and titles. The commitment to non-violence and peaceful protest was a foundational principle.

Statement 2 is correct: The strategy of the Non-Cooperation Movement was phased or staged. Gandhi proposed that the movement would initially involve peaceful non-cooperation (boycotts, resignation from government jobs, etc.). If Swaraj was not achieved within a year and if the British government resorted to repression, the next stage would involve more intense actions such as civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes. This conditional phased approach was meant to give the British government a chance to negotiate but also prepared Indians for escalated resistance if necessary.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi made the famous statement "Sedition has become my religion" in 1930 during the Salt Satyagraha while publicly breaking the Salt Law at Dandi as part of the Civil Disobedience Movement. This act of defiance against the British salt monopoly was a turning point in India’s freedom struggle. Gandhi used this phrase to express how opposing unjust laws and British colonial rule had become his moral duty and central to his life’s mission.

Explanation

After the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, where a mob set fire to a police station killing 22 policemen, many people were arrested and faced trial, with several sentenced to death. Madan Mohan Malaviya, a respected lawyer and freedom fighter, along with Krishna Kant, provided legal defence to these accused individuals. Malaviya’s defence efforts succeeded in getting the death sentences of many of them commuted.

Explanation

After the Poona Pact of 1932, Mahatma Gandhi intensified his campaign against untouchability and formally included the upliftment of ‘Harijans’ (a term he used for the so-called untouchables) in his political and social programme. The Poona Pact was an agreement between Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar regarding the separate electorates for the depressed classes proposed in the Communal Award of 1932. Gandhi, opposing the idea of separate electorates for untouchables (as it would, in his view, divide Hindu society), undertook a fast unto death. The eventual compromise, the Poona Pact, provided for reserved seats for the depressed classes in provincial legislatures within the general Hindu electorate. Post this, Gandhi launched a countrywide movement for Harijan upliftment, including campaigns for temple entry, access to public utilities, and the eradication of untouchability from Hindu society.

Explanation

The Portuguese introduced several fruits and crops to India during the 16th and 17th centuries, and among them were: 1. Papaya -- Introduced by the Portuguese from the Americas (specifically from the Caribbean/Central America region). 2. Pineapple -- Also brought by the Portuguese from the Americas, where it is native. 3. Guava -- Native to tropical America, it too was introduced to India by the Portuguese. So, all three fruits -- Papaya, Pineapple, and Guava -- were introduced in India by the Portuguese during the colonial era.

Explanation

The Self-Respect Movement was founded by E. V.

Ramaswamy Naicker, popularly known as Periyar, in 1925 in Tamil Nadu. The movement aimed to promote:

Rationalism Equality Annihilation of caste Upliftment of the oppressed sections, especially the non-Brahmin communities in South India. It challenged the social inequalities of the caste system, advocated for women’s rights, and encouraged people to question religious superstitions and blind beliefs. Periyar became a central figure in Tamil social reform and political activism through this movement.