12 RAS Prelims MCQs on the Revolt of 1857 test the political grievances, the centres of revolt and the leaders. The Doctrine of Lapse, the annexation of Jhansi, the order in which the revolt broke out at different centres and the roles of Khan Bahadur Khan and Kunwar Singh are asked as facts and sequences.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 11–12 of 12 questions
RAS PrelimsModern Indian History · Revolt of 1857
Q11. Match the British suppressors in List I with the areas of operation in List II.
British Suppressors
Areas of Operation
A. John Nicholson
i. Jhansi and Gwalior
B. Sir Hugh Rose
ii. Delhi
C. William Taylor
iii. Kanpur and Lucknow
D. Colin Campbell
iv. Arrah (Bihar)
Explanation
Different British military officers were assigned to crush the rebellion in specific regions. John Nicholson led the assault on Delhi, while Sir Hugh Rose focused on the difficult campaigns in Jhansi and Gwalior. William Taylor operated in the Bihar region, specifically around Arrah, and Sir Colin Campbell was instrumental in reclaiming the major centers of Kanpur and Lucknow from rebels.
RAS PrelimsModern Indian History · Revolt of 1857
Q12. Which octogenarian Zamindar from Bihar orchestrated a brilliant guerrilla war against the British, remaining unvanquished until his natural death?
Explanation
Kunwar Singh, the octogenarian Zamindar of Jagdishpur in Bihar, was one of the most remarkable leaders of the revolt. Despite his advanced age, he employed sophisticated guerrilla tactics to defeat British detachments across Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh. He maintained his resistance and remained undefeated in the field until he succumbed to injuries and natural causes in April 1858.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
11
(a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii
12
(c) Kunwar Singh
Key facts from Revolt of 1857
The Doctrine of Lapse was the main political grievance that alienated many Indian princes.
Jhansi was annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse in 1853; Rani Lakshmibai joined the revolt after the British refused to recognise her adopted son as heir.
The revolt broke out at Barrackpore, Meerut, Delhi and Lucknow in that order.
Khan Bahadur Khan led the resistance in Rohilkhand.
Kunwar Singh, an octogenarian zamindar of Bihar, fought a brilliant guerrilla war against the British.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Revolt of 1857?
This page has 12 practice MCQs on Revolt of 1857 (Modern Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What was the Doctrine of Lapse?
A British policy under which a princely state without a natural male heir would pass to the Company, and an adopted heir would not be recognised. It angered many rulers, and the annexations of Satara, Jhansi and Nagpur are among the causes of 1857.
Why did Rani Lakshmibai join the revolt?
The British refused to recognise her adopted son as the heir of Jhansi and annexed the state in 1853 under the Doctrine of Lapse. This personal and political grievance drew her into the revolt of 1857.
Who was Kunwar Singh?
An aged zamindar of Jagdishpur in Bihar who led a skilful guerrilla campaign against the British in 1857-58. He remained unbeaten until his death, and he is among the best-known leaders of the revolt in eastern India.
