Indian Freedom Struggle Part – 1 MCQ Questions and Answers

1. Ans D. (Karnataka) Sol.Karnataka was the linguistic region among the four in South India that remained largely unaffected by the Non-Cooperation Movement (1921-22).

While the movement saw significant participation in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, the impact in Karnataka was limited. Historical sources suggest that the political awakening in Karnataka gained momentum in the 1930s, after the Non-Cooperation Movement had been called off.

Sol. The Indian cultural Renaissance was marked by a conscious effort to rediscover and study India’s ancient heritage through a scholarly and research-oriented approach. Intellectuals and reformers delved into India’s history, archaeology, literature, and philosophy with a scientific spirit to revive pride in Indian civilization. Institutions like the Asiatic Society and movements inspired by figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy exemplified this trend, focusing on the critical examination and reinterpretation of India’s past.

Sol. The Satya Shodhak Society, founded by Jyotiba Phule in 1873, was the earliest movement that explicitly challenged Brahmanical dominance and worked for the upliftment of the lower castes. It aimed to liberate the oppressed classes by promoting education, social rights, and challenging caste-based discrimination. Unlike other associations mentioned, the Satya Shodhak Society directly addressed caste injustices and sought an egalitarian social order.

Sol. The Anti-Partition Movement was formally launched on 7 August 1905, at a massive meeting in the Town Hall of Calcutta. It was organized to protest against the partition of Bengal, which was seen as a deliberate attempt by the British to divide and rule. The movement encouraged Swadeshi goods and boycotting of British products as a form of resistance, marking a significant phase in India’s freedom struggle.

Sol. M.K. Gandhi made the powerful statement expressing his profound opposition to untouchability, even if it meant distancing himself from Hinduism. Gandhi viewed untouchability as a grave sin against humanity and worked tirelessly to eradicate it through movements like the Harijan campaign. His deep moral conviction led him to declare that he would not support any religion that sanctioned such discrimination.

Sol. The Central Hindu School, established by Mrs. Annie Besant in Varanasi, was later transformed into the Banaras Hindu University by Madan Mohan Malaviya. Recognizing the potential of the institution and with the vision of creating a premier center of higher education combining traditional Indian learning with modern scientific education, Malaviya expanded and elevated it into a full-fledged university in 1916.

Sol. In 1780, during the Second Anglo-Mysore War, an anti-British alliance was formed consisting of the Marathas, Mysore under Hyder Ali, Berar (part of the Bhonsle dynasty), and the Nizam of Hyderabad. These powers, although driven by their individual interests, recognized the threat posed by British expansion and temporarily set aside rivalries to counter British dominance.

Sol. In 1888, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan founded the Patriotic Association to promote unity among Indians and encourage loyalty to the British government while safeguarding the interests of Indian Muslims. He believed that promoting mutual understanding among communities and collaboration with the colonial administration was essential for the socio-political advancement of Indians, particularly Muslims.

Sol. Swami Vivekananda, with his profound belief in nationalism and spiritual awakening, proclaimed that “Patriotism is religion and religion is love for India.” He saw service to the nation as a form of worship and emphasized that true religious sentiment should manifest in love for the country and efforts toward its upliftment. His teachings inspired a generation of Indians to link spiritual growth with national service.

Sol. Gopal Hari Deshmukh, a prominent social reformer from Maharashtra, adopted the pen name “Lokahitawadi,” meaning “one who works for the public good.” Through his writings, especially in newspapers, he advocated for social reforms like women’s education, caste equality, and the eradication of superstitions, playing a critical role in the social awakening of 19th-century Maharashtra.

Sol. Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, initiated the concept of ‘Sachcha Padshah’ (True King). After the martyrdom of his father, Guru Arjan Dev, he decided to take up arms to protect the Sikh community against Mughal oppression. He wore two swords symbolizing “Miri” (temporal power) and “Piri” (spiritual authority), thereby blending spiritual leadership with political sovereignty, establishing the Sikh community’s martial tradition.

Sol. The Vaikom Satyagraha, launched in Kerala in 1924, aimed at securing the right for lower-caste Hindus to access the roads leading to the Vaikom temple, and eventually for their entry into temples themselves. This non-violent movement was a significant step against caste discrimination and played an important role in the larger temple entry movement, reflecting the growing demand for social equality.

Sol. Guru Hargobind was granted the rank of 5000 zat (personal status) and 5000 sawar (cavalrymen) by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. This official recognition was a result of political considerations and the Guru’s increasing influence. However, despite this status, tensions between the Sikh community and the Mughal authorities eventually led to conflicts, as Guru Hargobind continued to assert Sikh autonomy.

Sol. The transformation of the Sikhs into a martial community began with Guru Hargobind. Following the execution of Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Hargobind recognized the need for the Sikh community to defend itself against persecution. He emphasized military training, established the Akal Takht (the Throne of the Timeless One), and encouraged Sikhs to be both saintly and soldierly, laying the foundation for the later militarization under Guru Gobind Singh.

Sol. The Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 proposed the creation of a loose Union of States in India, where provinces and princely states would retain a high degree of autonomy, while the Union would control only three subjects: defense, foreign affairs, and communications. This arrangement was meant to keep India united while accommodating the demands of both the Congress and the Muslim League to some extent.

Sol. Dadabhai Naoroji presented his famous ‘Drain of Wealth’ theory in his book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India, published in 1901. In this work, he meticulously analyzed how British economic policies systematically transferred India’s wealth to Britain without any adequate economic return, causing persistent poverty and underdevelopment in India.

Sol. Dadabhai Naoroji described the economic exploitation under British rule as the “evil of all evils” because he believed the drain of wealth was the root cause of India’s poverty. According to him, the continuous outflow of India’s resources to Britain deprived the country of capital necessary for its own development and improvement of living standards.

Sol. Dadabhai Naoroji is rightly regarded as the founder of the ‘Drain Theory,’ where he exposed how India’s wealth was being systematically siphoned off to Britain. His theory became a cornerstone for nationalist economic critique against British colonialism and was instrumental in shaping the early economic demands of the Indian National Congress.

Sol. Banda Bahadur, a significant figure in Sikh history, was originally named Lachhman Das. He later became a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh and was given the name Banda Bahadur. Under his leadership, the Sikhs conducted major military campaigns against Mughal oppression and established Sikh rule in parts of Punjab.

Sol. Thakkar Bappa, a notable social reformer and leader of tribal welfare activities, was the first to use the term “Adivasi” to refer to the tribal people. He emphasized the rights, welfare, and upliftment of these indigenous communities and sought to bring their issues into the mainstream of national attention.

Sol. Annie Besant was instrumental in launching the Home Rule Movement in 1916 to demand self-governance for Indians within the British Empire. She also served as the President of the Indian National Congress in 1917. However, she was not the founder of the Theosophical Society; it was founded by Madame H.P. Blavatsky and Colonel H.S. Olcott in 1875. Annie Besant became a prominent leader of the Society much later.

Sol. The Ilbert Bill, introduced in 1883 by Viceroy Ripon’s law member Sir Courtenay Ilbert, sought to allow Indian judges to preside over cases involving British subjects. The proposal led to a strong backlash from the European community in India, exposing racial prejudices and ultimately leading to a compromise that limited Indian judges’ powers over Europeans.

Sol. The Radcliffe Committee, chaired by Sir Cyril Radcliffe in 1947, was tasked with demarcating the boundary lines between India and Pakistan in Punjab and Bengal. The committee had to decide the borders based on religious majorities amidst tremendous political pressure and communal violence, resulting in hurried and controversial boundary decisions.

Sol. Azimullah Khan served as the Minister and Chief Advisor to Nana Saheb Peshwa during the 1857 revolt against British rule. He was an influential figure who traveled to England seeking diplomatic support and played a key role in formulating strategies during the rebellion, advocating for India’s independence from British control.

Sol. Queen Victoria’s Proclamation of 1858 declared the British Crown’s direct control over Indian governance, ending the rule of the East India Company. It also assured the Indian princes and people that there would be no further annexation of princely states. However, it did not concern the regulation of the East India Company’s trade, which had already been curtailed earlier by legislative measures.

Sol. The Cabinet Mission of 1946 was the last major effort to negotiate a constitutional settlement and avoid the partition of India. It proposed a federal structure and a united India, but disagreements between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, especially over the grouping of provinces and the nature of the central government, led to its eventual failure, paving the way for partition.

Sol. The educated middle class largely remained neutral during the Revolt of 1857. They were influenced by Western education and ideas of gradual reform rather than violent uprising. Many saw British rule as a source of modernization and were hesitant to support a revolt largely led by traditional rulers and soldiers.

Sol. Tantya Tope, one of the prominent leaders of the 1857 revolt, was betrayed by a local chieftain, captured by the British, and subsequently executed. Despite his relentless guerrilla warfare tactics and bravery, the betrayal by a supposed ally led to his downfall and arrest in April 1859.

Sol. The First, Second, and Third Round Table Conferences (1930–32) were actually parts of a single extended conference process divided into three sessions rather than three completely separate conferences. Each session addressed different stages of constitutional discussions, but collectively they formed a continuous dialogue on India’s political future.

Sol. The Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 did not accept the idea of a separate Pakistan. Instead, it proposed a united India with a federal structure, allowing considerable autonomy to provinces. The plan aimed to keep India united while addressing Muslim League’s concerns but ultimately failed due to differences between the Congress and the Muslim League.

Sol. The Partition of Bengal, carried out by Lord Curzon in 1905, faced intense opposition and was eventually annulled by King George V during the Delhi Durbar of 1911. The move was a response to the strong Swadeshi Movement and nationalist agitation, aimed at appeasing Indian sentiments.

Sol. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as V.D. Savarkar, organized ‘Abhinav Bharat’ in 1904. It was a secret society aimed at fostering revolutionary activities to overthrow British rule through armed resistance and promote Indian nationalism among youth.

Sol. Gandhi’s first major political activity at an all-India level was the Champaran Movement in 1917. He led the movement to address the grievances of indigo cultivators against oppressive plantation systems in Bihar, using his methods of nonviolent civil disobedience for the first time in India.

Sol. The Khudai Khidmatgars, or Red Shirts, led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, advocated non-violent resistance and sought the unity of the Pashtuns against British colonial rule. They aligned with the Indian National Congress and worked towards national freedom, emphasizing peaceful methods over violence.

Sol.While there was initial opposition to Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Resolution at the Calcutta special session of the Indian National Congress in 1920, Moti Lal Nehru was one of the prominent leaders who supported it. C.R. Das initially opposed it but later changed his stance at the Nagpur session. B.C. Pal and Madan Mohan Malviya were among those who remained opposed.

Sol. Aruna Asaf Ali emerged as a key leader during the Quit India Movement of 1942, where she played a prominent role in organizing underground activities against British rule. She is especially remembered for hoisting the Indian National Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay during the launch of the movement after senior leaders were arrested.

Sol. The National Social Conference was established because the Indian National Congress, during its early sessions, decided to confine itself to political issues and avoid discussing social reforms. Consequently, leaders like M.G. Ranade and others initiated the formation of a separate forum dedicated exclusively to social reform activities.

Sol. Swami Vivekananda represented India and Hinduism at the World’s Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893. His speech beginning with “Sisters and Brothers of America” earned him overwhelming applause and established him as a major advocate of interfaith understanding and Indian spirituality on a global platform.

Sol. The correct chronological order is: Civil Disobedience Movement (launched in 1930), followed by the Cripps Mission (1942) during World War II, and finally the Cabinet Mission’s Plan (1946), which aimed to transfer power from British rule to Indian leadership while attempting to maintain Indian unity.

Sol. The Tebhaga Movement, initiated by sharecroppers in Bengal in 1946–47, demanded that the share of the produce given to landlords be reduced from one-half to one-third. The movement was driven by the struggle for greater rights by tenant farmers who were oppressed under the traditional sharecropping system.

Sol. The Indian Muslims were generally not attracted to the Extremist movement largely because the Extremist leaders often emphasized Hindu symbols, festivals, and traditions, which made Muslim participation feel unwelcome. Movements like the use of ‘Vande Mataram’ and the promotion of Ganesh festivals appeared sectarian, creating a sense of alienation among Muslims.

Sol. The Kondo Dora revolt broke out in Andhra Pradesh. It was an uprising of the tribal Kondo Dora community against British colonial exploitation and oppressive land revenue systems. The revolt reflected broader tribal resistance movements across India against colonial encroachment on indigenous rights.

Sol. Before launching the Quit India Movement in August 1942, the British government planned a preemptive action known as ‘Operation Zero Hour,’ which involved the arrest and detention of Mahatma Gandhi and other top Congress leaders to prevent them from mobilizing mass resistance.

Sol. The resolution demanding ‘Purna Swaraj’ or complete independence was passed during the tenure of Lord Irwin at the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in December 1929. This historic declaration marked a shift from demands for dominion status to complete independence from British rule.

Sol. Mahatma Gandhi first used hunger strike as a method of protest during the Ahmedabad Mill Strike in 1918. He undertook the fast to support mill workers in their demand for better wages and to uphold the principle of non-violence and moral persuasion against injustice.

Sol. The Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, observed Direct Action Day on 16th August 1946 to demand the creation of Pakistan. The day led to widespread communal riots, particularly in Calcutta (now Kolkata), and intensified communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims across India.

Sol. During the Quit India Movement of 1942, a parallel government called the ‘Jatiya Sarkar’ was formed at Tamluk in Bengal (present-day West Bengal). It undertook administrative functions like law and order, education, and even conducted relief work, demonstrating Indian capability for self-governance.

Sol. At the Karachi Session of the Indian National Congress in 1931, Mahatma Gandhi remarked, “Gandhi may die but Gandhism will remain forever.” This statement reflected his belief that the principles of truth, non-violence, and moral courage would outlast his personal life and continue to inspire future generations.

Sol. Surendranath Banerjee, one of the early nationalist leaders, authored the book A Nation in the Making. The book chronicles his political life, thoughts, and the evolution of the early Indian nationalist movement, providing valuable insights into the socio-political conditions of that era.

Sol. The Ahmadiyya Movement was founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in 1889 in Punjab. It aimed to reform Islamic practices, promote peaceful coexistence, and counteract Christian missionary activities, emphasizing rationality and spiritual rejuvenation within Islam.

Sol. Aruna Asaf Ali played a prominent role as a woman organizer of underground activities during the Quit India Movement of 1942. After the arrest of top Congress leaders, she continued the movement by coordinating secret communications, organizing protests, and sustaining the spirit of resistance against British rule.

Sol. Rabindranath Tagore bestowed the title of ‘Desh Nayak’ (Leader of the Nation) on Subhas Chandra Bose in recognition of his fierce patriotism and immense contribution to India’s freedom struggle. This title highlighted Bose’s popularity and the deep respect he commanded among the Indian people.

Sol. During the First World War, Raja Mahendra Pratap established a Provisional Government of India in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1915 with the support of anti-British forces. The government aimed to seek international recognition and rally support for India’s independence from British colonial rule.

Sol. Mahatma Gandhi believed that the destruction of foreign clothes was a necessary step in undermining British economic interests in India. He encouraged mass burning of British-manufactured cloth as part of the Swadeshi Movement, promoting the use of indigenous khadi as a symbol of self-reliance and resistance.

Sol. When Congress volunteers raided the Dharasana Salt Depot as part of the Salt Satyagraha in 1930, Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned in Yerwada Jail. His arrest was part of British efforts to suppress the non-violent civil disobedience movement sparked by the Dandi March.

Sol. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar attended all three Round Table Conferences held in London between 1930 and 1932. He represented the depressed classes and actively voiced their concerns, particularly focusing on issues like separate electorates and political safeguards for the Scheduled Castes.

Sol. During the Quit India Movement, Jayaprakash Narayan managed to escape from Hazaribagh Central Jail and went on to organize underground activities against the British. His daring escape and continued resistance symbolized the indomitable spirit of the movement.

Sol. The correct chronological order is: Moplah Rebellion (1921), Appointment of Simon Commission (1927), and Irwin-Gandhi Pact (1931). These events marked important phases in India’s freedom struggle, each contributing significantly to the growing demand for independence.

Sol. The Ulgulan, led by Birsa Munda in the late 19th century, was not a precursor to the 1857 revolt. It occurred much later and was primarily a tribal uprising in the Chotanagpur region against British land policies and exploitation, unlike the Santhal Rising, Sanyasi Revolt, and Faraizi Movement, which were earlier uprisings.

Sol. The Swadeshi Movement mainly promoted the use of indigenous goods and boycott of foreign products within India. It led to the growth of Indian industries, literature, education, and journalism, but it did not focus on or result in building a market for Indian goods abroad.

Sol. Early nationalists, such as Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, strongly advocated for the Indianisation of the higher administrative services. They believed that increasing Indian participation would lead to a more sympathetic administration and reduce racial discrimination in governance.

Sol. The War of Independence of 1857 failed due to multiple factors: lack of proper organization, absence of coordinated leadership, limited support from all sections of society, and internal differences among rebels. These combined weaknesses allowed the British to suppress the revolt effectively.

Sol. Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in 1905 with the aim of promoting education, social reform, and nationalism among Indians. The organization focused on preparing dedicated workers who would devote their lives to the cause of the nation.

Sol. Dadabhai Naoroji, often called the “Grand Old Man of India,” carried out active propaganda in England to influence British public opinion and Parliament. Through writings, speeches, and his role as a member of the British Parliament, he sought to draw attention to Indian grievances and advocate for constitutional reforms.

Sol. Although social reformers did work towards women’s education, the primary focus of the Moderate political demands between 1885 and 1905 was on administrative and constitutional reforms, economic issues, and greater Indian participation in governance. Women’s educational and employment issues were not a principal agenda in their political agitation.

Sol. The Swadeshi Movement was initiated in 1905 as a direct response to Lord Curzon’s decision to partition Bengal. Nationalists saw the division as an attempt to weaken the growing unity and strength of the Bengali nationalist movement, leading to mass protests, boycotts of British goods, and promotion of Indian industries.

Sol. The Jiatrang Movement originated in Manipur in the early 20th century. It was started by Jadonang, a Rongmei Naga leader, who aimed to reform the traditional religious practices of the Zeliangrong people (a collective term for the Rongmei, Liangmai, and Zeme Naga tribes) and assert their socio-political identity. The movement initially focused on religious and cultural revival but gradually took on a political dimension, advocating for self-rule and resistance against British colonial rule. After Jadonang’s execution by the British in 1931, his movement was carried forward by his cousin, Rani Gaidinliu, and eventually merged with the Heraka movement, further intensifying the struggle for Zeliangrong autonomy and cultural preservation in Manipur and the surrounding regions.

Sol. While the British government publicly stated that the 1905 partition of Bengal was for administrative convenience, the primary underlying objective was to cripple the burgeoning nationalist movement that was strongest in Bengal. The British viewed Bengal as the epicenter of Indian political activism and sought to weaken its influence by dividing the province. This strategy aimed to fragment the unified nationalist forces, making it more difficult for them to organize and mobilize effectively against British rule. 1 By undermining the nerve center of the independence movement, the British hoped to stem the growing tide of nationalism across India.

Sol. Although exclusion from higher administrative posts did create frustration among Indians, the major causes for the rise of Extremism were more immediate factors like dissatisfaction with constitutional reforms, repressive laws such as the Seditious Meetings Act, and general disillusionment with British rule rather than solely employment issues.

Sol. The Extremists in the Congress, although aggressive in their methods like boycott, swadeshi, and passive resistance, did not officially advocate or justify terrorist and revolutionary violence. Their aim was mass mobilization and moral pressure, not secret conspiracies or violent overthrow by force or fraud.

Sol. Among the early secret societies of revolutionary youth, Anushilan Samiti, founded in Bengal in 1902, was the most important. It played a major role in organizing revolutionary activities against British rule, promoting physical training, and conducting political education among youth.

Sol. While economic exploitation was a significant issue, the specific reference to the “global expansion of the British Empire” was not a direct or immediate cause for the rise of extremism. The other factors, like famines, Curzon’s policies, and victories of non-European nations, had a more immediate psychological and political impact on Indian nationalists.

Sol. Bal Gangadhar Tilak and others were imprisoned in 1897 because their speeches and writings, particularly articles in Kesari and Mahratta, were interpreted as inciting hatred and hostility against the British government, especially in the context of the plague riots in Poona.

Sol. The Europeans in India strongly opposed the Ilbert Bill because it proposed to allow Indian judges to try European offenders. They feared racial humiliation and thus demanded to be exempted from the jurisdiction of Indian magistrates, leading to widespread agitation against the bill.

Sol. The Faraizi Movement, led by Haji Shariatullah in Bengal, arose primarily because Muslim tenants suffered severe oppression under the East India Company’s zamindari system. The movement aimed at religious revivalism and the socio-economic upliftment of the oppressed Muslim peasantry.

Sol. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was sentenced to six years of transportation in 1908 because of his seditious writings published in his Marathi newspaper Kesari. His articles were deemed to have incited hatred and encouraged revolutionary activities against the British government.

Sol. The Indian National Movement in the early twentieth century was significantly influenced by Japan’s victory over Russia in the Russo-Japanese War (1904–05). It shattered the myth of European invincibility and inspired Indian nationalists by demonstrating that an Asian nation could defeat a major European power.

Sol. The first large-scale expression of militant nationalism was in response to the Partition of Bengal in 1905. This event triggered widespread protests, boycotts of British goods, and the emergence of a more assertive nationalist sentiment demanding self-rule.

Sol. The Surat session of the Indian National Congress in 1907 was marked by fierce rivalry between Extremists and Moderates over the election of the Congress President, attempts by Moderates to modify earlier radical resolutions, and the session ending in chaos and a split between the two factions.

Sol. The immediate cause for the Surat Split was the Extremists’ push to have Bal Gangadhar Tilak elected as the Congress President. The Moderates opposed this move, fearing his radical methods, leading to a violent rift and the formal division of the Congress into Extremist and Moderate factions.

Sol. Raja Rammohan Roy advocated several reforms to improve the condition of peasants, such as promoting the ryotwari system, reducing taxes and rents, and compensating revenue losses by taxing luxuries. However, he did not favor fixity of rents along the lines of the Permanent Settlement, as he opposed zamindari privileges and preferred a more direct relationship between cultivators and the government.

Sol. The correct chronological sequence of India’s major mass movements is: Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22), Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34), and Quit India Movement (1942). Each movement marked an escalation in India’s struggle for independence, showcasing increasing mass participation and resistance.

Sol. While Raja Rammohan Roy emphasized constitutional reforms, rule of law, and civil liberties, he did not advocate for the absolute ownership of property by individuals. His focus remained on administrative reforms and securing basic civil rights under colonial rule rather than promoting a capitalist property regime.

Sol. Lord Mountbatten was the last British Governor-General of India before Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari, who became the first and only Indian Governor-General after independence. Mountbatten served from 1947 until June 1948, after which Rajagopalachari took over.

Sol. Bal Gangadhar Tilak played a leading role in spreading the spirit of Swadeshi across India during and after the Bengal Partition agitation. His call for boycott of British goods and promotion of indigenous industries helped make the Swadeshi Movement a truly national phenomenon.

Sol. The Civil Disobedience Movement commenced with Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March on 12th March 1930. Gandhi undertook the 240-mile march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to produce salt in defiance of the British monopoly, symbolizing mass resistance against unjust colonial laws.

Sol. After the Revolt of 1857, Lord Canning announced at the Durbar held at Allahabad in 1858 the assumption of direct control of India by the British Crown, ending the rule of the East India Company and marking the beginning of the British Raj.

Sol. The All India Muslim League was founded in 1906 at Dhaka under the leadership of Nawab Salimullah, among others. The League aimed to represent and protect the interests of the Muslim community in India, and it later played a pivotal role in the creation of Pakistan.

Sol. The Nehru-Liaquat Pact, signed in 1950 between India and Pakistan, was intended to guarantee the rights and security of minorities in both countries. It was a response to communal tensions and violence that had persisted after the partition of India in 1947.

Sol. Muhammad Iqbal, the renowned Urdu poet and philosopher, was invited to attend the Second and Third Round Table Conferences. Iqbal made significant contributions to discussions on constitutional reforms and the future of Indian Muslims.

Sol. Dadabhai Naoroji was thrice elected as the President of the Indian National Congress — in 1886, 1893, and 1906. He was a pioneering nationalist leader who played a crucial role in articulating the economic exploitation of India under British rule through his ‘Drain Theory.’

Sol. Sir Cyril Radcliffe was not a member of the Cabinet Mission; he was associated with the demarcation of boundaries between India and Pakistan in 1947. The Cabinet Mission included Sir Stafford Cripps, A.V. Alexander, and Pethick Lawrence.

Sol. The Indian National Congress split into Moderates and Extremists during the Surat Session in 1907. Disagreements over leadership and methods for achieving political goals led to the division between the two factions.

Sol. The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, formally known as the Indian Councils Act 1909, expanded the size of both the Central and Provincial Legislative Councils and introduced separate electorates for Muslims, significantly affecting Indian political developments.

Sol. Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan was not a member of the Constituent Assembly. Leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Acharya J.B. Kripalani, and K.M. Munshi were prominent members involved in drafting the Constitution of India.

Sol. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru moved the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946. This resolution outlined the principles that would later form the foundation of the Preamble and the Constitution of India, emphasizing sovereignty, democracy, and justice.

Sol. Mahatma Gandhi’s concepts of non-violence and civil disobedience were deeply influenced by the works of John Ruskin, Leo Tolstoy, and Henry David Thoreau. Ruskin’s ideas on social justice, Tolstoy’s writings on non-violence, and Thoreau’s essay on civil disobedience profoundly shaped Gandhi’s philosophy and methods.

Sol. The statement that in Gandhian movements leadership had no role is incorrect. Leadership played a critical role in Gandhian movements, with Mahatma Gandhi himself providing moral, strategic, and organizational leadership to mobilize the masses effectively in a disciplined, non-violent manner.

Sol. After Raja Rammohan Roy’s death, the Brahmo Samaj split into two factions: the Brahmo Samaj of India under Keshab Chandra Sen and the Adi Brahmo Samaj led by Debendranath Tagore. The split was mainly due to differences in views on social reforms and religious interpretations.

Sol. October 26, 1947, marks the date when Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir signed the Instrument of Accession, officially agreeing to join the Indian Union. This event was crucial in the political integration of the princely states during India’s independence process.

Sol. Rabindranath Tagore surrendered his title of ‘Sir’ to protest the brutal massacre at Jallianwala Bagh in 1919 and the subsequent imposition of martial law in Punjab. His act was a powerful expression of solidarity with the victims and a denunciation of British colonial brutality.

Sol. The Constitution of the Muslim League, known as The Green Book, was drafted by Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar. He played a significant role in shaping the early ideological and organizational structure of the Muslim League.

Sol. The British Government appointed the Hunter Committee (or Hunter Commission) in 1919 to investigate the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Although the Committee condemned General Dyer’s actions, it fell short of delivering full justice, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among Indians.

Sol. Dyarchy was first introduced in India under the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (Montford Reforms) through the Government of India Act, 1919. It divided provincial subjects into “reserved” and “transferred” categories, with the latter administered by Indian ministers.

Sol. When Lord Mountbatten became the first Governor-General of independent India in 1947, Muhammad Ali Jinnah became the first Governor-General of Pakistan. Jinnah held this position until his death in 1948, symbolizing the new nation’s leadership.

Sol. Lala Lajpat Rai was seriously injured during a police lathi charge in Lahore while protesting against the Simon Commission in 1928. He succumbed to his injuries later that year. In retaliation, revolutionaries Bhagat Singh and Rajguru assassinated British officer J.P. Saunders, mistaking him for the police chief responsible for Rai’s death.

Sol. The Panchsheel Agreement outlined five principles: mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence. These principles were agreed upon by India and China in 1954 to promote friendly relations.

Sol. The statement that the revolt was supported whole-heartedly by the educated, elite Indians everywhere is incorrect. Many educated Indians, particularly those influenced by Western education, remained loyal to the British during the Revolt of 1857 and did not participate in the uprising.

Sol. According to Dadabhai Naoroji’s Drain Theory in his book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India, a significant part of India’s wealth was being exported to Britain without any economic benefit or material return to India, leading to the country’s impoverishment.

Sol. Under the Government of India Act, 1935, residuary powers were conferred upon the Governor-General. This meant that any matter not enumerated in the Federal or Provincial Lists could be legislated upon by the Governor-General, reflecting continued British control over key aspects of governance.

Sol. The statement envisioning an India where the poorest have a voice, and where all communities live in harmony without class distinctions, was made by Mahatma Gandhi. It reflects his ideal of Sarvodaya (welfare of all) and his lifelong commitment to social justice and communal unity.

Sol. Raja Rammohan Roy did not limit his reform efforts exclusively to the emerging middle class. His initiatives, such as campaigning against Sati, advocating for women’s rights, and promoting modern education, were aimed at broader social upliftment across different sections of Indian society.

Sol. Veera Gunnamma was a fearless woman leader of the peasant movement who laid down her life fighting for peasants’ rights. She is remembered for her courageous stand against the oppression of peasants by landlords and colonial authorities.

Sol. Clement Attlee, the British Prime Minister, made the statement in January 1947 in a private letter to Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin, recognizing that Britain could no longer govern India against the active opposition of a politically conscious Indian population.

Sol. In addition to his famous Minutes on Education, Lord Macaulay is credited with drafting the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 1837. The IPC became the basis for criminal law in India and remains largely in force today, illustrating his significant impact on the legal framework of British India.

Sol. Mahatma Gandhi was elected as the President of the All India Khilafat Conference held in Delhi in 1919. His leadership aimed to strengthen Hindu-Muslim unity through the Khilafat Movement, which protested against the dismemberment of the Ottoman Caliphate by the Allied powers after World War I.

Sol. The ‘privy purse’ was a payment made by the Government of India to the rulers of former princely states after their accession to the Indian Union. It was a form of compensation to persuade them to integrate with India while allowing them to retain certain privileges and titles.

Sol. To provide the Constituent Assembly a broader social basis after the Muslim League’s withdrawal, members from various castes, religious groups, women, and princely states were included, along with seeking opinions and submissions from the wider public.

Sol. The first effort to draft a Dominion Status Constitution for India came as a response to the Simon Commission’s visit in 1928, which led to the Nehru Report. This report proposed constitutional reforms, including granting India dominion status within the British Empire.

Sol. The Iron Pillar near Qutub Minar draws the attention of scientists primarily due to its rustlessness (remarkable resistance to corrosion). While its antiquity is a contributing factor to its historical significance, the scientific focus is on understanding the metallurgical processes that allowed it to remain largely rust-free for over 1600 years.

Sol. The Gandhi-Irwin Agreement of 1931 included the British government’s concession to release political prisoners who were not involved in violent crimes like arson. This agreement was reached to create a conducive environment for Congress’s participation in the Second Round Table Conference.

Sol. The Swadeshi Movement was a continuous movement inspired by Gandhian philosophy that emphasized economic self-sufficiency, non-violent resistance, and national pride through the promotion of indigenous industries, extending beyond the limits of a particular campaign.

Sol. The Prarthana Samaj, established in 1867, mainly focused on social reforms like promoting women’s education, widow remarriage, and raising the age of marriage but did not prioritize the abolition of untouchability, which became a significant focus later under Gandhian reform efforts.

Sol. Ram Prasad Bismil was a key figure in the Kakori Conspiracy Case of 1925, where revolutionaries looted a train carrying British government funds to finance their activities for India’s independence movement.

Sol. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was the first to use the term ‘Swarajya’ (self-rule) in its political sense during the freedom struggle and advocated Hindi as a national language to unite the diverse linguistic population of India.

Sol. Satara was the first state annexed by Lord Dalhousie under the Doctrine of Lapse in 1848. According to this policy, Indian princely states without a natural heir were annexed by the British East India Company, leading to widespread resentment among Indian rulers.

Sol. The Nizam of Hyderabad remained loyal to the British during the Revolt of 1857. Unlike some other princely states and rulers, the Nizam provided support to the British, helping them suppress the uprising.

Sol. The most immediate cause for the spread of the Swadeshi Movement and the boycott of foreign goods was Lord Curzon’s partition of Bengal in 1905. The move was seen as an attempt to divide and weaken nationalist sentiment, provoking massive public outrage.

Sol. The Theosophical Society mainly propagated belief in karma, rebirth, universal brotherhood, and Vedantic philosophy. Although its leaders worked for social reforms, eradication of untouchability was not a primary principle promoted by the Society itself.

Sol. Bal Gangadhar Tilak opposed the Age of Consent Bill, 1891, which sought to raise the age of marriage for girls from 10 to 12 years. He considered it an unnecessary interference by the British in Hindu religious practices, distinguishing him from social reformers who supported the bill.

Sol. The Doctrine of Lapse, introduced by Lord Dalhousie, stipulated that if an Indian ruler died without a natural heir and if the adopted heir was not approved by the British authorities, the state would be annexed by the British East India Company. This policy led to widespread resentment among Indian rulers.

Sol. Gandhi had full trust in the bona fides of the Swarajist leaders such as Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das. Although he differed in strategy, he respected their commitment to the nationalist cause and maintained warm relations with them.

Sol. While Sri Aurobindo, Mahatma Gandhi, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak wrote influential commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita linking it to nationalism and ethics, Ram Manohar Lohia did not engage in such a commentary. His focus was more on socialism and political activism in the later phase.

Sol. V.V. Giri, though a prominent labor leader later, was not associated with the foundation of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) in 1920. The founders included N.M. Joshi, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Joseph Baptista, who played key roles in organizing the Indian labor movement.

Sol. Anjuman-e-Khawatin-e-Islam, founded in 1914, was the All India Muslim Ladies Conference. It was aimed at promoting education and social reforms among Muslim women and played a significant role in the early women’s emancipation movement within the Muslim community.

Sol. The British made this statement in the context of the Quit India Movement of 1942. They believed that Gandhi’s leadership was a major obstacle to any negotiated settlement with Indian leaders and that his removal would weaken the nationalist cause significantly.

Sol. The Young Bengal Movement, led by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, failed primarily because it was too radical for its time. Its emphasis on rationalism, secularism, and opposition to traditional practices alienated much of the conservative Indian society.

Sol. Under the Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931, the Congress agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement and participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London, although this did not lead to a long-term settlement with the British.

Sol. Indian National Congress ministries resigned from provincial governments in 1939 because the British government unilaterally declared India’s involvement in World War II without consulting Indian leaders, violating promises of democratic self-governance.

Sol. Mahatma Gandhi first articulated his key social ideals, including non-violence, swaraj (self-rule), and critique of modern civilization, in his seminal work Hind Swaraj, written in 1909 during his voyage from London to South Africa.

Sol. A.O. Hume was not associated with the Theosophical Society; rather, he was a key figure in the founding of the Indian National Congress. The Theosophical Society was associated with Madame H.P. Blavatsky, Col. H.S. Olcott, and later Mrs. Annie Besant, focusing on spiritual and philosophical issues.

Sol. The Ghadar Party, formed by Indian expatriates in the USA and Canada, chose Punjab as the province to initiate their planned armed revolt against British rule. Punjab was selected due to its strong military tradition and significant number of Indian soldiers in the British army.

Sol. Although Lord Dalhousie introduced major reforms like educational reforms, railways, telegraph, postal services, and public works, the Factories Act, aimed at improving the conditions of Indian laborers, was not among his initiatives. Labor reforms were taken up much later during the British colonial rule.