Modern History of India Archives

171. Which of the following are true in the context of Swadeshi movement in

Which of the following are true in the context of Swadeshi movement in 1905 ?

1. Massive demonstrations were held in Bengal
2. Hartal was observed in Calcutta
3. The movement was initiated by the moderates, but was taken over by the revolutionary nationalists at a later stage

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3″ option2=”1 and 2 only” option3=”2 and 3 only” option4=”1 and 3 only” correct=”option2″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2019

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The correct answer is B) 1 and 2 only.

The Swadeshi Movement in 1905 was a widespread and intense reaction, particularly in Bengal, to the Partition of Bengal announced by Lord Curzon.

* Statement 1: Massive demonstrations were held in Bengal. This is true. The movement began on 7th August 1905, with a massive demonstration in Calcutta Town Hall. Protests and demonstrations were widespread throughout Bengal and spread to other parts of India.
* Statement 2: Hartal was observed in Calcutta. This is true. Hartals (strikes) were a key method of protest during the Swadeshi movement, especially in Calcutta, which was the epicenter of the protests against the partition.
* Statement 3: The movement was initiated by the moderates, but was taken over by the revolutionary nationalists at a later stage. This statement is partially true but misleading in its terminology. The movement *was* initially led by Moderate leaders (like Surendranath Banerjea, Krishna Kumar Mitra), who believed in constitutional methods like prayers and petitions. However, the leadership soon passed into the hands of Extremist or Militant Nationalists (like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Aurobindo Ghosh, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai) who advocated for more assertive methods like boycott, passive resistance, and Swadeshi. While revolutionary nationalist groups (like Anushilan Samiti, Jugantar) were also active and emerged during this period, they represented a different, often more underground, stream aiming at armed struggle. The mass movement was largely led by the ‘Extremists’, not primarily the ‘revolutionary nationalists’ in the strict sense taking over the *leadership of the mass movement* from Extremists. Given the options, statements 1 and 2 are clearly and unequivocally true about the nature of the Swadeshi movement’s activities in 1905. Statement 3’s phrasing is debatable and less precise than the first two.

Therefore, based on the definite truth of statements 1 and 2, Option B is the most accurate choice.

The Swadeshi Movement emphasized using Indian-made goods, boycotting British products, and promoting national education. It was a significant phase in the Indian freedom struggle, broadening the base of the movement and introducing new forms of protest.

173. Which one of the following Forest Acts divided forests of India into r

Which one of the following Forest Acts divided forests of India into reserved, protected and village forests ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Forest Act 1864″ option2=”Forest Act 1865″ option3=”Forest Act 1866″ option4=”Forest Act 1878″ correct=”option4″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2019

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The correct answer is D) Forest Act 1878.

The British Indian government passed several Forest Acts to assert control over forests and regulate their use, primarily for timber extraction.

* The Indian Forest Act of 1865 was the first significant step towards monopolizing forest resources by the state. It applied to forests in British India and empowered the government to declare forests as government property.
* The more comprehensive Indian Forest Act of 1878 built upon the 1865 Act. It was enacted by the British colonial government based on recommendations from the German forester Dietrich Brandis.
* A key feature of the 1878 Act was the classification of forests into three categories:
* **Reserved Forests:** These were the most strictly controlled forests, intended primarily for timber production. Local people’s rights were severely restricted or extinguished.
* **Protected Forests:** These forests were also under government control, but some customary rights of local people (like collection of minor forest produce, grazing) might be allowed, often with restrictions.
* **Village Forests:** These were forests assigned to village communities, allowing for their use for local needs, but often still under government supervision.
* This classification system was a significant aspect of the 1878 Act, which aimed at systematic management and exploitation of forest resources while controlling local access and usage.

Therefore, the Forest Act of 1878 is the one that divided forests into reserved, protected, and village forests.

These Forest Acts had a profound impact on the lives of forest-dwelling communities in India, restricting their traditional rights and access to resources, leading to various forest movements and resistance. The subsequent Forest Act of 1927 further consolidated these laws.

174. According to which one of the following plans/reports, the decision wi

According to which one of the following plans/reports, the decision with regard to the partition of Punjab and Bengal was to be taken on the basis of voting of the Members of the respective Legislative Assemblies ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Nehru report” option2=”Cripps mission plan” option3=”Beveridge report” option4=”Mountbatten plan” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2019

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The decision regarding the partition of Punjab and Bengal was taken on the basis of voting of the Members of the respective Legislative Assemblies according to the Mountbatten Plan.

The Mountbatten Plan, officially known as the June 3rd Plan, outlined the process for the partition of British India and the transfer of power to independent India and Pakistan.

The Mountbatten Plan proposed that the provincial legislative assemblies of Punjab and Bengal would meet in two groups, one representing the Muslim-majority districts and the other the rest of the province. Each group would vote separately on whether the province should be partitioned. A simple majority in either group for partition would result in the division of the province. This mechanism was specifically laid out in the Mountbatten Plan to determine the boundaries of the new dominions.

175. Which among the following statements about the Jallianwala bagh massac

Which among the following statements about the Jallianwala bagh massacre is/are correct ?

1. In Jallianwala bagh troops opened fire upon an unarmed crowd
2. The troops were under the command of General Dyer
3. The troops did not issue any warning to the people before opening fire

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”1 and 2 only” option3=”1, 2 and 3″ option4=”2 and 3 only” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2019

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The correct option is C.

Let’s evaluate each statement about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre:
1. In Jallianwala bagh troops opened fire upon an unarmed crowd: This is CORRECT. On April 13, 1919, a large crowd, which included Baisakhi pilgrims and protestors against the Rowlatt Act and arrest of nationalist leaders, had gathered peacefully in the enclosed ground of Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. The crowd was largely unarmed.
2. The troops were under the command of General Dyer: This is CORRECT. Brigadier General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops (mostly Gurkha, Baloch, Rajput, and Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army) to open fire on the crowd.
3. The troops did not issue any warning to the people before opening fire: This is CORRECT. General Dyer ordered his troops to fire without any prior warning to the assembled crowd and blocked the main narrow entrance to prevent people from escaping. The firing continued for about 10-15 minutes until the ammunition was nearly exhausted.
All three statements accurately describe events related to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries, as officially reported, although actual numbers are believed to be much higher. The incident was a turning point in the Indian independence movement, leading to widespread outrage and protests against British rule. General Dyer was later relieved of command but received support from some sections of the British public and officials.

176. Which of the following statements about Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar is/ar

Which of the following statements about Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar is/are NOT correct ?

1. Vidyasagar’s writings significantly helped to develop the Bengali language
2. He received the title ‘Vidyasagar’ from Presidency College, Kolkata
3. He was enthusiastic about the spread of women’s education
4. Vidyasagar defended widow marriage without being convinced about scriptural support

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”2 and 4″ option2=”1 and 2″ option3=”4 only” option4=”3″ correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2019

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The correct option is A.

Let’s evaluate each statement about Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar:
1. Vidyasagar’s writings significantly helped to develop the Bengali language: This is CORRECT. Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar is considered one of the most important figures in the development of modern Bengali prose. He reformed the Bengali alphabet and contributed greatly to Bengali literature through his writings and translations.
2. He received the title ‘Vidyasagar’ from Presidency College, Kolkata: This is NOT CORRECT. Ishwarchandra Bandyopadhyay earned the title ‘Vidyasagar’ (Ocean of Knowledge) from the Sanskrit College in Kolkata, where he studied and later served as its principal. He received the title for his exceptional scholarship in Sanskrit studies.
3. He was enthusiastic about the spread of women’s education: This is CORRECT. Vidyasagar was a fervent advocate for women’s education and played a crucial role in establishing numerous schools for girls in Bengal, often collaborating with figures like John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune.
4. Vidyasagar defended widow marriage without being convinced about scriptural support: This is NOT CORRECT. Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar was a strong proponent of widow remarriage and provided detailed scriptural arguments, drawing primarily from the Parashar Samhita, to prove that the practice was sanctioned by Hindu scriptures, challenging the prevailing orthodox interpretations. His efforts were instrumental in the passing of the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act of 1856.
The question asks for statements that are NOT correct. Statements 2 and 4 are incorrect.

Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar was a polymath, social reformer, educator, and writer. His contributions to education, language, and social reform, particularly concerning the status of women and the caste system, were immense. He also opened the gates of Sanskrit College to non-Brahmin students, breaking centuries-old traditions.

177. Which of the following statements about Bhagat Singh is/are NOT true ?

Which of the following statements about Bhagat Singh is/are NOT true ?

1. Bhagat Singh was influenced by socialist ideas
2. He was a member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association
3. Bhagat Singh threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly in 1929 with the objective to kill as many people as possible

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 3″ option2=”2 and 3″ option3=”2 only” option4=”3 only” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2019

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The correct option is D.

Let’s evaluate each statement:
1. Bhagat Singh was influenced by socialist ideas: This is TRUE. Bhagat Singh was deeply influenced by socialist and communist ideologies and advocated for a socialist revolution. He was instrumental in renaming the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) to the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
2. He was a member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association: This is TRUE. Bhagat Singh was a prominent leader and member of the HSRA, playing a key role in reorganizing the revolutionary movement.
3. Bhagat Singh threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly in 1929 with the objective to kill as many people as possible: This is FALSE. On April 8, 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw two bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly (now Parliament) in Delhi. However, their stated objective was not to kill but “to make the deaf hear” the demands of the revolutionaries against oppressive laws like the Public Safety Bill and the Trade Disputes Bill. The bombs were deliberately thrown in a place where they would cause minimum injury, and they also threw leaflets explaining their motivations before surrendering.
The question asks for statements that are NOT true. Only statement 3 is not true.

Bhagat Singh’s act in the Assembly was intended as a symbolic protest and propaganda tool to raise public awareness about the revolutionary cause and government repression. Along with Batukeshwar Dutt, he surrendered peacefully after throwing the bombs. He was later tried and hanged along with Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar in the Lahore Conspiracy Case (related to the murder of police officer Saunders, who was responsible for the lathi charge that led to the death of Lala Lajpat Rai).

178. Who among the following was NOT associated with the Kakori Conspiracy

Who among the following was NOT associated with the Kakori Conspiracy Case ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Ramprasad Bismil” option2=”Rajendra Lahiri” option3=”Ashfaqulla Khan” option4=”Surya Sen” correct=”option4″]

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The correct option is D.

The Kakori Conspiracy Case (also known as Kakori Train Robbery) took place on August 9, 1925, when members of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) looted a train carrying government funds. Prominent revolutionaries involved in this incident included Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, Roshan Singh, Chandrasekhar Azad, Sachindra Nath Bakshi, and others. Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and Roshan Singh were arrested, tried, and subsequently hanged. Surya Sen (Masterda) was a prominent revolutionary leader known for the Chittagong Armoury Raid in 1930 and was active in Bengal, distinct from the UP-based HRA operations like the Kakori case.

The Kakori Conspiracy was a significant event in the Indian independence movement, aimed at funding revolutionary activities. The revolutionaries involved became martyrs for the cause. The HRA later transformed into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) under the influence of leaders like Bhagat Singh and Chandrasekhar Azad.

179. Who among the following was the author of Hind Swaraj?

Who among the following was the author of Hind Swaraj?

[amp_mcq option1=”Aurobindo Ghose” option2=”C. R. Das” option3=”Mahatma Gandhi” option4=”Rajendra Prasad” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2018

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Hind Swaraj or Indian Home Rule is a book written by Mohandas K. Gandhi in 1909. It expresses his views on Swaraj, modern civilization, mechanisation, etc.

Hind Swaraj is a key text outlining Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of Swaraj and his critique of Western civilization.

Aurobindo Ghose was a philosopher, yogi, guru, poet, and nationalist. C. R. Das (Chittaranjan Das) was a prominent freedom fighter and founder of the Swaraj Party. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India.

180. Which of the following statements about Binodini Dasi, a pioneering fi

Which of the following statements about Binodini Dasi, a pioneering figure in Bengali theatre in the late 19th-early 20th century, is/are correct?

1. She was one of the prime movers behind the setting up of the Star Theatre (1883) in Calcutta.
2. She serialized her autobiography Amar Katha (My Story) between 1910 and 1913.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2018

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The correct answer is C) Both 1 and 2.

Both statements about Binodini Dasi are correct:
1. Binodini Dasi (Noti Binodini) was a pivotal figure in the development of Bengali theatre. She was indeed instrumental in the establishment of the Star Theatre in Calcutta in 1883. She contributed significantly to the fundraising efforts for the theatre.
2. Her autobiography is titled ‘Amar Katha’ (My Story). It was first serialized in the periodical ‘Probashi’ between 1910 and 1913 before being published as a book. It provides valuable insights into her life, career, and the theatre world of her time.

Binodini Dasi was a highly successful actress who pioneered realistic acting on the Bengali stage. She worked with famous theatre personalities like Girish Chandra Ghosh and fostered the growth of public theatres in Calcutta. Her autobiography is considered a significant work in Bengali literature and history.