488 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on modern Indian history are on this page, in 12 chapters. They cover British expansion and early resistance, the Anglo-Sikh wars, the Revolt of 1857, colonial policies, reform movements, the rise of nationalism, the Gandhian era, revolutionary movements and Partition, and nation-building up to 2000. Each question has an answer and an explanation, in the formats the exam uses.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 381–390 of 488 questions
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RAS PrelimsModern Indian History · Post-Independence: State Reorganisation and Nehruvian Institutions
Q381. Match the princely states in List I with their corresponding key issues during integration in List II: List I: (Princely State) A. Travancore B. Jodhpur C. Bhopal D. Junagadh List II: (Key Issue during Integration) i. Nawab wanted to join Pakistan despite having a Hindu majority population ii. Dewan Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Aiyar declared intention to remain independent iii. Maharaja Hanwant Singh considered joining Pakistan for better border terms iv. Nawab Hamidullah Khan wanted to remain independent and delayed accession
Explanation
The integration of princely states involved unique challenges for each region. Travancore’s Dewan declared an intention for independence, while Jodhpur’s Maharaja considered joining Pakistan for better border terms. Bhopal’s Nawab delayed accession due to independence aspirations, and Junagadh’s ruler attempted to join Pakistan against the wishes of the state’s Hindu majority. These negotiations were vital for national unity.
RAS PrelimsModern Indian History · Post-Independence: State Reorganisation and Nehruvian Institutions
Q382. What was the primary mandate of the Boundary Commissions chaired by Sir Cyril Radcliffe in 1947?
Explanation
The Boundary Commissions, led by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, were tasked with demarcating the international borders between India and Pakistan in the provinces of Punjab and Bengal. This process involved dividing territories based on religious demographics while considering factors like irrigation systems and communication lines. The resulting borders defined the geographic limits of the two newly formed independent nations in 1947.
RAS PrelimsModern Indian History · Post-Independence: State Reorganisation and Nehruvian Institutions
Q383. Consider the following statements regarding the integration of princely states: I. The Instrument of Accession restricted the Government of India’s jurisdiction strictly to Defense, External Affairs, and Communications. II. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel established the States Department in July 1947 to handle matters relating to princely states. III. VP Menon was appointed as the Minister of the States Department to assist Sardar Patel. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel headed the States Department established in July 1947 to manage the integration of various princely states. The Instrument of Accession was the legal mechanism used, where states surrendered jurisdiction over defense, external affairs, and communications. While VP Menon served as the Secretary of the department, Patel led the political negotiations necessary to unify the Indian dominion.
RAS PrelimsModern Indian History · Post-Independence: State Reorganisation and Nehruvian Institutions
Q384. Which of the following princely states did not initially sign the Instrument of Accession by 15 August 1947?
Explanation
By the time India gained independence on 15 August 1947, most princely states had signed the Instrument of Accession. However, Junagadh, Hyderabad, and Jammu and Kashmir remained holdouts, each presenting unique political and geographical complications. These states required further diplomatic and military efforts over the following years to ensure their full integration into the sovereign territory of the Indian Union.
RAS PrelimsModern Indian History · Post-Independence: State Reorganisation and Nehruvian Institutions
Q385. Match the personalities in List I with their corresponding roles during the Kashmir integration in List II:
Personality
Role during Kashmir Integration
A. Hari Singh
i. Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir during the time of accession
B. Mehr Chand Mahajan
ii. Leader of the National Conference who led the popular movement
C. Sheikh Abdullah
iii. Governor-General who accepted the Instrument of Accession
D. Lord Mountbatten
iv. The Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation
Several key figures played pivotal roles during the integration of Jammu and Kashmir. Maharaja Hari Singh was the state’s ruler, while Mehr Chand Mahajan served as the Prime Minister during the accession process. Sheikh Abdullah led the popular National Conference movement, supporting ties with India. Lord Mountbatten, as the Governor-General of India, officially accepted the Instrument of Accession in 1947.
RAS PrelimsModern Indian History · Post-Independence: State Reorganisation and Nehruvian Institutions
Q386. The temporary provisions with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir were incorporated into the Indian Constitution under which Article?
Explanation
Article 370 was incorporated into the Indian Constitution as a temporary provision to grant a special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It allowed the state to have its own constitution and limited the legislative powers of the Indian Parliament over the region. This provision was intended to manage the unique circumstances under which the state had acceded.
RAS PrelimsModern Indian History · Post-Independence: State Reorganisation and Nehruvian Institutions
Q387. Consider the following statements about the Constituent Assembly of India: I. It was constituted in November 1946 under the scheme formulated by the Cabinet Mission Plan. II. Members of the Constituent Assembly were directly elected by the people on the basis of universal adult franchise. III. The representatives of the princely states were to be nominated by the heads of the princely states. IV. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was elected as the temporary President of the Assembly. V. After partition, the membership of the Constituent Assembly was reduced to 299. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Constituent Assembly was established in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan. Its members were indirectly elected by provincial assemblies, while princely states nominated their own representatives. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha served as the initial temporary president. Following the partition of India, the total membership was adjusted to 299. These members were responsible for drafting the sovereign nation’s foundational legal framework.
RAS PrelimsModern Indian History · Post-Independence: State Reorganisation and Nehruvian Institutions
Q388. The ‘Objectives Resolution’ adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 22 January 1947 essentially provided for:
Explanation
The Objectives Resolution, moved by Jawaharlal Nehru and adopted by the Constituent Assembly in January 1947, defined the guiding principles of the new nation. It outlined the commitment to sovereignty, democracy, and social justice, serving as the philosophical foundation for the Constitution. This resolution later evolved into the Preamble, reflecting the collective aspirations of the Indian people for their future.
RAS PrelimsModern Indian History · Post-Independence: State Reorganisation and Nehruvian Institutions
Q389. On which date was the Constitution of India formally adopted and enacted by the Constituent Assembly?
Explanation
The Constitution of India was formally adopted and enacted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949. This significant date is now celebrated annually as Constitution Day in India. While the full document came into force on 26 January 1950 to mark Republic Day, many provisions regarding citizenship and elections were implemented immediately upon its adoption in late 1949.
RAS PrelimsModern Indian History · Post-Independence: State Reorganisation and Nehruvian Institutions
Q390. Identify the odd one out among the following leaders regarding membership in the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly:
Explanation
The Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly consisted of seven members, including Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, K.M. Munshi, and N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, however, was the President of the Constituent Assembly and did not serve as a member of this specific committee. His role involved presiding over the entire assembly’s debates and administrative functions.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
381
(a) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i
382
(c) To demarcate the boundaries of the two parts of Bengal and Punjab
383
(d) I and II only
384
(c) Junagadh, Hyderabad, and Kashmir
385
(d) A-iv, B-i, C-ii, D-iii
386
(a) Article 370
387
(b) I, III, IV, and V only
388
(b) The philosophical foundation and guiding principles of the Indian Constitution
389
(b) 26 November 1949
390
(c) Rajendra Prasad
Key facts from Modern Indian History
The RPSC syllabus covers the period from the early 19th century to 2000: British imperialism, the Revolt of 1857, colonial policies, reform movements, nationalism, the freedom struggle, Partition and nation-building.
Questions on colonial rule often turn on a single Act or reform and its year, such as the Government of India Act 1858 or the Indian Councils Act 1861.
Freedom-struggle questions pair a movement with its leader, place and date, for example Champaran in 1917 and the Dandi March in 1930.
Statement and chronology questions are common in the freedom struggle chapters, so learn events in order.
The post-independence chapters cover state reorganisation, planning, bank nationalisation and the growth of science and technology.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Modern Indian History?
This page has 488 practice MCQs on Modern Indian History. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the modern Indian history set cover?
Twelve chapters: British imperialism and early resistance, Anglo-Sikh wars and the Doctrine of Lapse, the Revolt of 1857, political and administrative policies, economic policies, socio-religious reform movements, early nationalism, the Gandhian era, revolutionary and regional movements and Partition, state reorganisation, planning and reforms, and science and technology.
Which period does RAS Prelims modern history cover?
RPSC lists the modern period from the early 19th century to 2000, including British imperialism and resistance, the Revolt of 1857, British policies, nationalism, the freedom struggle, Partition and post-independence nation-building.
How should I prepare modern history for RAS Prelims?
Build a timeline of Acts, movements and leaders first. Then attempt each chapter, read the explanation for every miss and note the leader, place and year. Chronology questions are common, so revise the order of events a few times.
