Q61. Which of the following acts was NOT utilized by the British colonial government as a tool for political repression and censorship?
British Political and Administrative Policies: RAS Prelims MCQs
64 RAS Prelims MCQs on British political and administrative policies cover the constitutional Acts, the civil services, the police and the judiciary, press laws, sedition and divide and rule. The Government of India Act 1858, the Councils Acts of 1861 and 1892, the 1909 and 1919 reforms and the Partition of Bengal are asked with their provisions and dates.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 61–64 of 64 questions
Q62. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The creation of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) in 1901 by carving out territories from Punjab was purely driven by linguistic considerations.
Statement II: British territorial reorganization frequently aimed to break the solidarity of linguistically and culturally unified communities.
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: The creation of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) in 1901 by carving out territories from Punjab was purely driven by linguistic considerations.
Statement II: British territorial reorganization frequently aimed to break the solidarity of linguistically and culturally unified communities.
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The North-West Frontier Province was created in 1901 for strategic and administrative reasons, not linguistic ones, so Statement I is false. British reorganisation often aimed to break the solidarity of linguistic and cultural groups, so Statement II is true.
Q63. What was the impact of the codification of personal and civil laws by the British on traditional Indian legal systems?
Explanation
The introduction of a formalized, Western-style legal system and its codification led to an increase in complex and expensive litigation. This system often disadvantaged the rural poor, who found it difficult to navigate the new rules and pay for legal assistance. It also undermined the traditional authority of local panchayats, as cases were increasingly moved to the new centralized courts established by the British.
Q64. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the constitutional transition triggered by the Revolt of 1857?
Explanation
The Government of India Act 1858 marked the formal end of East India Company rule. The British Crown assumed direct responsibility for the administration of India, and the Company’s territories and powers were transferred to the monarch. While the Governor-General remained as the executive head, he now acted as the Viceroy, representing the Crown, ensuring a more centralized and direct imperial control.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (b) The Ilbert Bill, 1883 |
| 62 | (d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true. |
| 63 | (a) It created a complex litigation process that disadvantaged the rural poor |
| 64 | (b) The British Crown formally assumed direct responsibility for the administration of India, ending the era of Company rule. |
Key facts from British Political and Administrative Policies
- The Government of India Act 1858 transferred power from the Company to the Crown and created the Secretary of State and the India Council.
- Section 124A (sedition) was inserted into the IPC in 1870; the Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878 under Lytton and repealed by Ripon.
- The Indian Councils Act 1861 introduced the portfolio system; the Act of 1892 let members discuss the budget and ask questions.
- The Morley-Minto Reforms 1909 introduced communal electorates; Dyarchy came with the 1919 Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.
- The Frazer Commission (1902) reviewed police; the Indian Police Act of 1861 placed the police under the District Magistrate.
- Curzon’s 1905 Partition of Bengal aimed at weakening nationalism and was annulled in 1911.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on British Political and Administrative Policies?
This page has 64 practice MCQs on British Political and Administrative Policies (Modern Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What did the Government of India Act 1858 do?
It transferred the government of India from the East India Company to the British Crown, abolished the Board of Control and the Court of Directors and created the Secretary of State for India, helped by a Council of India.
What did the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 introduce?
Separate (communal) electorates for Muslims in the legislative councils, along with some expansion of Indian representation. The communal electorate hardened religious identities in politics and is seen as a key step in divide and rule.
Who was the first Indian to clear the ICS?
Satyendranath Tagore, in 1863. The ICS examination was held in England, and the Lytton-era reduction of the age limit to 19 later made it even harder for Indians to compete.