Q1. The factors that led Europeans to the quest for a sea route to India were:
1. Arab domination of land and sea routes made it difficult for Europeans to establish direct
contact with India.
2. During the Renaissance, the economic development of many regions of Europe was
declining rapidly, making it difficult for Europeans to purchase oriental goods at high
prices.
Which among the above statement(s) is/ are true?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None of the above
Answer
Correct Answer: (a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct:
In 1453, Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks, who were on the
ascendant. Merchandise from India went to the European markets through Arab Muslim
intermediaries. The Red Sea trade route was a state monopoly from which Islamic rulers
earned tremendous revenues. The land routes to India were also controlled by the Arabs. In
the circumstances, these Europeans were keen to find a direct sea route to India.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The economic development of many regions of Europe was also
progressing rapidly with expansion of land under cultivation, the introduction of an improved
plough, scientific crop management such as crop rotation, and increased supply of meat (which
called for spices for cooking as well as for preservation). Prosperity also grew, and with it the
demand for oriental luxury goods also increased.
Q2. Which of the following is/are true about the Treaty of Tordesillas?
1. Under the treaty, the rulers of Portugal and Spain divided the non-Christian world
between them by an imaginary line in the Atlantic.
2. Under the treaty, Portugal could claim and occupy everything to the west of the line,
while Spain could claim everything to the east.
Select the correct answer given below
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both
(d) None
Answer
Correct Answer: (a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct:
In 1497, under the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494), the rulers of Portugal
and Spain divided the non-Christian world between them by an imaginary line in the
Atlantic, some 1,300 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands.
Statement 2 is incorrect:
Under the treaty, Portugal could claim and occupy everything to
the east of the line, while Spain could claim everything to the west. The situation was thus
prepared for the Portuguese incursions into the waters around India.
Q3. Blue Water Policy was the vision of:
(a) Alfonso de Albuquerque
(b) Francisco De Almeida
(c) Nino da Cunha
(d) Pedro Alvarez Cabral
Answer
Correct Answer: (b) Francisco De Almeida
Almeida’s vision was to make the Portuguese the master of the Indian Ocean. He opposed
establishing a territorial empire in India and wanted that the Portuguese should maintain
supremacy on sea and confine their activities to purely commercial transactions. This policy was
known as Blue water policy. The Blue water policy was reversed by Alfonso de Albuquerque.
Q4. Consider the following statements about Farrukhsiyar’s Farmans
1. The East India Company’s imports and exports were exempted from additional customs
duties excepting the annual payment of 3,000 rupees in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.
2. The Company was permitted to issue dastaks.
3. It was decreed that the coins of the Company minted at Bombay were to have currency
throughout India.
Which among the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer
Correct Answer: (b) 2 only Farrukhsiyar’s Farmans
In 1715, an English mission led by John Surman to the court of the Mughal emperor
Farrukhsiyar secured three famous farmans, giving the Company many valuable privileges in
Bengal, Gujarat and Hyderabad. The farmans thus obtained were regarded the Magna Carta of
the Company. Their important terms were:
● In Bengal, the Company’s imports and exports were exempted from additional customs
duties excepting the annual payment of 3,000 rupees as settled earlier. Hence statement
1 is wrong.
● The Company was permitted to issue dastaks (passes) for the transportation of such
goods. Hence statement 2 is correct.
● The Company was permitted to rent more lands around Calcutta.
● In Hyderabad, the Company retained its existing privilege of freedom from duties in trade
and had to pay the prevailing rent only for Madras.
● In Surat, for an annual payment of 10,000 rupees, the East India Company was exempted
from the levy of all duties.
● It was decreed that the coins of the Company minted at Bombay were to have currency
throughout the Mughal empire. Hence statement 3 is wrong.
Q5. Consider the following statements about First Carnatic War
1. The First Carnatic War was an extension of the Anglo-French War in Europe which was
caused by the Austrian War of Succession.
2. The First Carnatic War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Peace of Paris, bringing
the Austrian War of Succession to a conclusion.
Which among the above statement(s) is/are true?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both
(d) None
Answer
Correct Answer: (a) 1 only First Carnatic War (1740–48)
Background:
Carnatic was the name given by the Europeans to the Coromandel Coast and its
hinterland. The First Carnatic War was an extension of the Anglo-French War in Europe which
was caused by the Austrian War of Succession. Hence statement 1 is correct.
Result:
The First Carnatic War ended in 1748 when the Treaty of Aix-La Chapelle was signed,
bringing the Austrian War of Succession to a conclusion. Under the terms of this treaty, Madras
was handed back to the English, and the French, in turn, got their territories in North America.
Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
Q6. Consider the following statements
1. The first Battle of Panipat in 1526 was between Babur and Hemu.
2. The Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 was between Akbar and Ibrahim Lodi.
3. The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 was between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Which among the above statement(s) is/ are true?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 2 only
Answer
Correct Answer: (c) 3 only
● The first Battle of Panipat in 1526 was between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. The result
of the battle laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire by ending the rule of the Delhi
Sultanate.
● The Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 was between Akbar and Hemu; it decided in
favour of the continuation of the Mughal rule.
● The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali
put an end to the Maratha ambition of ruling over India.
Q7. Consider the following statements
1. The Successor States were the states set up by the rebels against the Mughal empire.
2. The New States were the Mughal provinces that turned into states after breaking away
from the empire without challenging the sovereignty of the Mughal ruler and remaining
virtually independent.
3. Independent Kingdoms were those states that came into existence primarily due to the
destabilisation of the Mughal control over the provinces
Which among the above statement(s) is/ are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer
Correct Answer: (b) 3 only
(i) Successor States:
These were the Mughal provinces that turned into states after breaking
away from the empire. Though they did not challenge the sovereignty of the Mughal ruler, the
establishment of virtually independent and hereditary authority by their governors showed the
emergence of autonomous polity in these territories. Some examples are Awadh, Bengal, and
Hyderabad.
(ii) Independent Kingdoms: These states came into existence primarily due to the
destabilisation of the Mughal control over the provinces, examples being Mysore and the
Rajput states.
(iii) The New States: These were the states set up by the rebels against the Mughal empire,
examples being the Maratha, the Sikh, and the Jat states.
Q8. Consider the following pairs:
Maratha Family Associated Region
1. Gaekwad Nagpur
2. Bhonsle Baroda
3. Holkars Indore
4. Sindhias Gwalior
5. Peshwa Nashik
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All five pairs
Answer
Correct Answer: (b) Only two pairs
Bajirao I (1720–40), considered greatest of all the Peshwas, had started a confederacy of
prominent Maratha chiefs to manage the rapidly expanding Maratha power, and to some extent
appease the Kshatriya section of the Marathas (Peshwas were brahmins) led by the Senapati
Dabodi. Under the arrangement of the Maratha confederacy, each prominent family under a chief
was assigned a sphere of influence which he was supposed to conquer and rule, but in the name
of the then Maratha king, Shahu. The Maratha families which emerged prominent were:
a. Gaekwad of Baroda
b. Bhonsle of Nagpur
c. Holkars of Indore
d. Sindhias of Gwalior
e. Peshwa of Poona
Q9. With reference to the British administrative policy during the late 18th century and the late
19th century, consider the following statements:
1. Warren Hastings followed a policy of ring-fence, which aimed at creating buffer zones to
defend the Company’s frontiers.
2. The subsidiary alliance system was used by Lord Wellesley, which allowed the
permanent stationing of a British force within the territory of an allying Indian ruler and
to pay a subsidy for its maintenance.
3. Under the doctrine of lapse policy followed by Lord Dalhousie, the adopted son could be
the heir to his foster father’s private property, but not the state; it was for the paramount
power (the British) to decide whether to bestow the state on the adopted son or to annex
it.
Which among the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer
Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
The Policy of Ring-Fence:
Warren Hastings took charge as the governor general at a critical
period of British rule when the British were to encounter the powerful combination of the
Marathas, Mysore, and Hyderabad. He followed a policy of ring-fence which aimed at creating
buffer zones to defend the Company’s frontiers. Broadly speaking, it was the policy of defence of
their neighbours’ frontiers for safeguarding their own territories.
Subsidiary Alliance:
The subsidiary alliance system was used by Lord Wellesley, who was
governor general from 1798–1805, to build an empire in India. Under the system, the allying
Indian state’s ruler was compelled to accept the permanent stationing of a British force within his
territory and to pay a subsidy for its maintenance. The Indian ruler had to agree to the posting of
a British resident in his court. The Indian ruler could not employ any European in his service
without the prior consultation with the Company. Nor could he go to war or negotiate with any
other Indian ruler without consulting the governor-general. In return for all this, the British
would defend the ruler from his enemies and adopt a policy of non-interference in the internal
matters of the allied state.
Doctrine of Lapse:
In simple terms, the doctrine stated that the adopted son could be the heir to
his foster father’s private property, but not the state; it was for the paramount power (the British)
to decide whether to bestow the state on the adopted son or to annex it. Though this policy is
attributed to Lord Dalhousie, he was not its originator. Dalhousie showed too much zeal in
enforcing this policy which had been theoretically enunciated on some previous occasions.
Q10. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
(a) Battle of Buxar—Mir Jafar vs. Clive
(b) Battle of Wandiwash—French vs. East India Company
(c) Battle of Chilianwala—Dalhousie vs. Marathas
(d) Battle of Kharda—Nizam vs. East India Company
Answer
Correct Answer: (b) Battle of Wandiwash—French vs. East India Company Battle of Wandiwash in 1760 - French were finally defeated by the English.
Battle of Buxar (1764) - English under Munro defeated Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-daula and Shah
Alam II.
The Battle of Chillianwala was fought in January 1849 during the Second Anglo-Sikh War.
The Battle of Kharda took place in 1795 between Nizam and Maratha Empire, in which
Nizam was badly defeated.
Q11. Who among the following was the first European to initiate the policy of taking part in the
quarrels of Indian princes with a view to acquire territories?
(a) Robert Clive
(b) Dupleix
(c) Albuquerque
(d) Warren Hastings
Answer
Correct Answer: (b) Dupleix
Dupleix succeeded Dumas as the French governor of Pondicherry. His ambition was to acquire
for France vast territories in India. For this purpose, he entered into relations with the native
princes and adopted a style of oriental splendour in his dress and surroundings. He built an
army of native troops, called sepoys, who were trained as infantrymen in his service, that also
included the famous Hyder Ali of Mysore.
Q12. Consider the following princely States of the British rule in India:
1. Jhansi
2. Sambalpur
3. Satara
The correct chronological order in which they were annexed by the British is:
(a) 1, 2, 3
(b) 1, 3, 2
(c) 3, 2, 1
(d) 3, 1, 2
Answer
Correct Answer: (c) 3, 2, 1
These princely states were annexed by Lord Dalhousie under the Doctrine of Lapse. Jhansi -
1854, Sambalpur- 1849 and Satara - 1848.
Annexed Lapsed States
It was a matter of chance that during Lord Dalhousie’s term, many rulers of states died without a
male issue, and seven states were annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse. The most important of
these were Satara (1848), Jhansi, and Nagpur (1854). The other small states included Jaitpur
(Bundelkhand), Sambhalpur (Orissa), and Baghat (Himachal Pradesh).
Lord Dalhousie annexed Awadh in 1856 after deposing Nawab Wajid Ali Shah on the
grounds of misgovernment. Thus, Dalhousie annexed eight states during his eightyear tenure
(1848–56) as governor general. In these eight years, he annexed some quarter million square
miles of the territory of India. His reign almost completed the process of expansion of British
power in India, which began with the victory over Siraj-ud-Daulah at Plassey in 1757.
Q13. Consider the following
1. The officials of the Company made rampant misuse of its trade privileges that adversely
affected the finances of the nawab of Bengal.
2. The workers of the company stopped paying the taxes.
3. The English fortified Calcutta without the nawab’s permission.
Which among the above factors led to the Battle of Plassey?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer
Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3 The Battle of Plassey (1757 AD):
The Battle of Plassey was a decisive victory of the British
East India Company over the Nawab of Bengal and his French allies on 23 June 1757.
Background:
The officials of the Company made rampant misuse of its trade privileges that
adversely affected the nawab’s finances. The English fortified Calcutta without the nawab’s
permission. Also, The workers of the company stopped paying the taxes. The Company further
tried to mislead him and compounded their sin by giving asylum to a political fugitive, Krishna
Das, son of Raj Ballabh, who had fled with immense treasures against the nawab’s will. The
Company, on its part, suspected that Siraj would drastically reduce its trade privileges in collusion with the French in Bengal. Thus, when Siraj attacked and seized the English fort at
Calcutta, it brought their hostility into the open.
Q14. Arrange the following in chronological order
1. First Anglo-Burmese War
2. First Anglo-Afghan War
3. First Anglo-Maratha War
4. First Anglo-Mysore War
Select the correct code from below
(a) 1-2-3-4
(b) 4-3-1-2
(c) 3-1-2-4
(d) 2-4-1-3
Answer
Correct Answer: (b) 4-3-1-2
First Anglo-Burmese War (1824- 26)
First Anglo-Afghan War (1838- 42)
First Anglo-Maratha War (1775- 82)
First Anglo-Mysore War (1767- 69)
Q15. The Treaty of Yandabo is related to
(a) Second Anglo-Afghan War
(b) Third Anglo-Maratha War
(c) First Anglo-Burmese War
(d) Second Anglo-Burmese War
Answer
Correct Answer: (c) First Anglo-Burmese War
The Treaty of Yandabo, or the Yandabu Accord, was the peace treaty that resulted in the end
of the First Anglo-Burmese War. This treaty was signed on February 24, 1826, after two years
of the war between the British and Burmese.
It led to the Annexation of Assam in British India. This treaty ended not only the most
expensive war of the British in Indian territory but also led to end of independence of
Burmese in due course. It resulted in end of the Third Burmese Empire (which was known as
terror of British India). Burma was no longer a threat to British on eastern frontiers.
Q16. Consider the following
1. The importance of this battle lay in the fact that not only the Nawab of Bengal but also
the Mughal Emperor of India was defeated by the English.
2. The victory made the English a great power in northern India and contenders for the
supremacy over the whole country.
3. This battle laid the real foundation of the English power.
The above facts are in reference to which of the following?
(a) Battle of Plassey
(b) Battle of Buxar
(c) Battle of Kharda
(d) Battle of Wandiwash
Answer
Correct Answer: (b) Battle of Buxar
The Battle of Buxar (1764)
The combined armies of Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Awadh, and Shah Alam II were defeated
by the English forces under Major Hector Munro at Buxar on October 22, 1764, in a closely
contested battle. The English campaign against Mir Kasim was short but decisive.
The importance of this battle lay in the fact that not only the Nawab of Bengal but also the
Mughal Emperor of India was defeated by the English. The victory made the English a great
power in northern India and contenders for the supremacy over the whole country.
Q17. Consider the following
1. He organised his army on the European model with Persian words of command.
2. He is credited as the ‘pioneer of rocket technology’ in India.
3. He gave his support to the French soldiers in his kingdom in setting up a Jacobin Club
and planted the Tree of Liberty.
The above statements depict which of the following prominent figure?
(a) Chatrapati Shivaji
(b) Peshwa Baji Rao I
(c) Hyder Ali
(d) Tipu Sultan
Answer
Correct Answer: (d) Tipu Sultan
Tipu Sultan was born in November 1750 to Haidar Ali and Fatima. A well-educated man, he
could freely converse in Arabic, Persian, Kanarese, and Urdu.
Tipu was a great warrior (he
was known as the ‘Tiger of Mysore’) and gave maximum care to the raising and maintenance
of an efficient military force. He organised his army on the European model with Persian
words of command. Though he took the help of the French officers to train his soldiers, he
never allowed them (French) to develop into a pressure group. Like his father, Tipu realised the
importance of a naval force.
In 1796, he set up a Board of Admiralty and planned for a fleet of
22 battleships and 20 large frigates. Three dockyards were established at Mangalore, Wajedabad,
and Molidabad. However, his plans did not fructify.
Tipu was a patron of science and technology. He is credited as the ‘pioneer of rocket
technology’ in India. He wrote a military manual explaining the operation of rockets. He was
also a pioneer
in introducing sericulture to the Mysore State.
Tipu was a great lover of democracy and a great diplomat. He gave his support to the
French soldiers at Seringapatam in setting up a Jacobin Club in 1797. He ordered a salute of
2,300 cannons and 500 rockets to celebrate the occasion. Tipu himself became a member of the
Jacobin Club and allowed himself to be called Citizen Tipu.
He planted the Tree of Liberty at
Seringapatam.
Q18. The Governor-General who followed a spirited "Forward" policy towards Afghanistan was:
[ UPSC 1999]
(a) Minto
(b) Dufferin
(c) Elgin
(d) Lytton
Answer
Correct Answer: (d) Lytton Lord Lytton (1876-80)
The forward policy followed under the Viceroyalty of Lord Lytton was a set of foreign
policies applicable to territorial ambitions and disputes in which emphasis was placed on
securing control of targeted territories by invasion and annexation or by the political creation of
compliant buffer states.
It became the standard policy during the Great Game, a period where the Russian and British
Empires both tried to control Afghanistan either through military or political means. Lord Lytton
was criticized for his aggressive pursuit of this policy as it put economic pressure on British
India. Hence option (d) is correct.
Q19. Who among the following Indian rulers established embassies in foreign countries on
modern lines? [ UPSC 2001]
(a) Haider Ali
(b) Mir Qasim
(c) Shah Alam II
(d) Tipu Sultan
Answer
Correct Answer: (d) Tipu Sultan
Tipu Sultan established embassies in France, Turkey and Egypt on modern lines.
Q20. Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the battles fought in India
in the 18th Century? [2005 UPSC]
(a) Battle of Wandiwash–Battle of Buxar–Battle of Ambur–Battle of Plassey
(b) Battle of Ambur–Battle of Plassey–Battle of Wandiwash–Battle of Buxar
(c) Battle of Wandiwash–Battle of Plassey–Battle of Ambur–Battle of Buxar
(d) Battle of Ambur–Battle of Buxar–Battle of Wandiwash–Battle of Plassey
Answer
Correct Answer: (b) Battle of Ambur–Battle of Plassey–Battle of Wandiwash–Battle of Buxar
Battle of Ambur-1749, Battle of Plassey-1757, Battle of Wandiwash-1760, Battle of Buxar-1764.
1. Name the philosopher who believed that freedom is the keynote of spiritual
life.?
a) Gopala Krishna Gokhale b ) Nehru
c) Ambedkar d) Vivekanada
Answer
Correct Answer: d) Vivekanada
2. Who is the chief exponent of Two nation theory
a) Vivikananda b ) Gokhale
c) Gandhiji d) Mohammed Ali Jinnah
Answer
Correct Answer: d) Mohammed Ali Jinnah
3. The doctrine of Hindutva was expounded by
a) V. D. Savarkar b) Tilak c) Gandhiji d) Nehru
Answer
Correct Answer: a) V. D. Savarkar
4. The theory of ‘Cultural Nationalism’ was expounded by
a) Gokhale b) Vivekananda c) Savarkar d) Nehru
Answer
Correct Answer: c) Savarkar
5. V.D Savarkar was born in
a)1885 b) 1883 c) 1888 d) 1870
Answer
Correct Answer: b) 1883
6. Mohammed Ali Jinnah was born in
a) Lahore b) Bombay c) Delhi d) Karachi
Answer
Correct Answer: d) Karachi
7. In which year Mohammed Ali- Jinnah was elected to the Imperial Legislative
Council from Bombay?
a)1910 b) 1914 c) 1919 d) 1924
Answer
Correct Answer: a)1910
8. Tilak regarded that Swaraj was not only a right but a
a) Justice b) Dharma c) power d) Status
Answer
Correct Answer: b) Dharma
9. Sree Narayana Guru was born in
a) Sivagiri b) Aruvipuram c) Chempazanthi d) Kollam
Answer
Correct Answer: c) Chempazanthi
10.SNDP Yogam was formed in the year
a)1903 b) 1896 c) 1908 d) 1914
Answer
Correct Answer: a)1903
11. The doctrine of Ramarajya was expounded by
a) Tilak b) Gokhale c) Gandhiji d) Nehru
Answer
Correct Answer: c) Gandhiji
12. Who is the Champion of secularism?
a) Jinnah b) Nehru c) Savarkar d) Thilak
Answer
Correct Answer: b) Nehru
13. Who regarded the villages as the centre of Indian economic organization?
a) Gandhiji b) Vivekananda
c) Raja Ram Mohan Roy d) Thilak
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Gandhiji
14. Gandhism is not merely a political creed it is
a) A programme of action b) A message
c) theory d) Working class movement
Answer
Correct Answer: b) A message
15.Name the important work of V.D. Savarkar
a) Princess b) Politics
c) Freedom struggle d) Hindutva
Answer
Correct Answer: d) Hindutva
16.Who is regarded as the pragmatic social reformer?
a) Nehru b) Thilak
c) Sree Narayana Guru d) Mahathma Gandhi
Answer
Correct Answer: c) Sree Narayana Guru
17.Who condemned Gandhism as a reactionary social philosophy?
a) Gopalakrishna Gokhale b) M.N.Roy
c) Nehru d) Lohia
Answer
Correct Answer: b) M.N.Roy
18.Independent India was founded by :
a)Gopalakrishna Gokhale b) Thilak
c) M.N. Roy d) Jayaprakas Narayanan
Answer
Correct Answer: c) M.N. Roy
19.Doctrine of Total Revolution was expounded by
a)Jayaprakas Narayanan b) M.N Roy
c) Gandhiji d) Thilak
Answer
Correct Answer:a)Jayaprakas Narayanan
20.Radical Democratic party was organised by
a)Lohia b) M.N.Roy
c) Jayaprakash Narayanan d) Thilak
Answer
Correct Answer: b) M.N.Roy
21. Who is the champion of the doctrine of ‘social revolution through human
Revolution’?
a)M.N.Roy b) Lohia
c) Jayaprakash Narayanan d) Nehru
Answer
Correct Answer: c) Jayaprakash Narayanan
22. Jinnh’s Two –nation Theory was adopted on
a)1935 b) 1940 c) 1925 d) 1947
Answer
Correct Answer: b) 1940
23. The concept of four pillar state was advocated by
a)Lohia b) M.N.Roy c) Nehru d) Ambedker
Answer
Correct Answer: a)Lohia
24. Who considered Jinnah as an ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity?
a) Gandhiji b) Thilak c) Sarojini Naidu d) Vivekananda
Answer
Correct Answer: c) Sarojini Naidu
25. Jinnah’s two nation theory was adopted as the
a) Lahore Resolution b) Karachi Resolution
c) Dacca Declaration d) Bombay resolution
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Lahore Resolution
26. Azad Muslim conference’ was formed in
a)1939 b) 1940 c) 1941 d) 1947
Answer
Correct Answer: b) 1940
27. Name the political leader who supported two nation theory
a) Gandhiji b) Gokhale c) Jinnah d) Tilak
Answer
Correct Answer: c) Jinnah
28.All Indian Muslim League was started in :
a)1960 b) 1906 c) 1921 d) 1928
Answer
Correct Answer: b) 1906
29. Glimpses of world History’ was written by
a) Nehru b) Gandhiji c) Thilak d) Ambedkar
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Nehru
30. Who is the author of Discovery of India?
a) Gandhiji b) Vivekananda c) Nehru d) Gokhale
Answer
Correct Answer: c) Nehru
31.The fundamental principles of Pancha shila were laid down in the year;
a)1961 b) 1955 c) 1954 d) 1950
Answer
Correct Answer: c) 1954
32.B.R. Ambedker was born in
a)1891 b) 1893 c) 1898 d) 1901
Answer
Correct Answer: a)1891
33. A public meeting was held on 13th April 1919 at ................in a smallpark
enclosed by buildings on all sides to protest against the Rawlatt Act.
a) Jallianwala Bagh b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Mumbai d) Delhi
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Jallianwala Bagh
34.Brigadier-General ..................with his British troops entered the park at
Jallianwala Bagh , closed the entrance of the park and commanded his army to
fire on the gathered people without any warning.
a) Reginald Dyer b) Sir Stafford Cripps
c) Sir Claude Auchinleck d) General Sir Rob Lockhart.
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Reginald Dyer
35.Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2nd October..............
a)1869 b) 1859 c) 1889 d) 1900
Answer
Correct Answer: a)1869
36. Gandhiji came back to India from South Africa, in the year...
a)1914 b) 1915 c) 1916 d) 1917
Answer
Correct Answer: b) 1915
37.. ........., who led the Congress party, introduced Mahatma Gandhi to
the concerns in India and the struggle of the people.
a) Tej Bahadur Sapru b) Rabindranath Tagore
c) Mohammad Ali Jinnah d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Tej Bahadur Sapru
38. A series of non-violence campaigns of Civil Disobedience Movement were
launched by the Indian National Congress under the leadership
of............................
a) Mohammad Ali Jinnah b) Sri Aurabindo
c) Motilal Nehru d) Mahatma Gandhi
Answer
Correct Answer:d) Mahatma Gandhi
39.The Kheda Satyagraha and Champaran agitation in 1918 was one
of...................first significant steps to achieve Indian independence.
a) Rabindranath Tagore’s b) Gandhiji
c) Motilal Nehru’s d) Mohammed Ali Jinnah’s
Answer
Correct Answer: b) Gandhiji
40.Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, .............gave the call for Quit India Movement.
a)1942 b) 1920 c) 1930 d) 1940
Answer
Correct Answer: a)1942
41...................called on all Congressmen and Indians to maintain discipline via
nonviolence and Do or Die in order to achieve ultimate freedom.
a) Mahatma Gandhi b) Motilal Nehru
c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak d) Sri Aurobindo
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Mahatma Gandhi
42.On 9th of August, 1942, Mahatma Gandhi and the entire Congress Working
Committee were arrested in................
a) UP b) Delhi c) Ahmedabad d) Mumbai
Answer
Correct Answer: d) Mumbai
43.In 1946, upon persuasion of....................., Mahatma Gandhi reluctantly accepted
the proposal of partition and independence offered by the British cabinet, in order
to evade a civil war.
a) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel b) Rajguru
c) Sukhdev d) Mohammed Ali Jinnah
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
44.During the First World War, ................joined the central powers against
Britain.
a) America b) Britain c) France d) Turkey
Answer
Correct Answer: d) Turkey
45.A Khilafat Committee was formed under the leadership of Mahammad Ali,
...................., Maulana Azad and Hasrat Mohini to organise a Country-wide
agitation.
a) Shaukat Ali b) Qutubuddin Ahmad
c) Shamsuddin Hussain d) Mohammed Ali Jinnah
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Shaukat Ali
46.The main object of Khilafat Movement was to force the ..............Government
to change its attitude towards Turkey and to restore the Sultan.
a) British b) Austrian c) American d) Serbian
Answer
Correct Answer: a) British
47.October 17, ................was observed as Khilafat Day, when the Hindus along
with Muslims in fasting observed hartal on that day.
a)1908 b)1909 c) 1916 d)1919
Answer
Correct Answer: d)1919
48.An All India Khilafat Conference was held at ..............on November 23,1919
with Gandhi as its president.
a) Calcutta b) Punjab c) Gujarat d) Delhi
Answer
Correct Answer: d) Delhi
49.Congress leaders, like Lokamanya Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi, viewed the
....................as an opportunity to bring about Hindu-Muslim unity against British.
a) Khalifat Movement b) Khudai Khidmatgars
c) Peasant movement d) Womens’ movement
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Khalifat Movement
50..............visited Malabar in 1921, giving a further impetus to the Khilafat
movement.
a) Gandhiji b) Motilal Nehru
c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak d) Sri Aurobindo
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Gandhiji
51.The speed with which the Khilafat agitation spread, especially in
the..............and Valluvanad taluks in Malabar, created alarm in official circles.
a) Eranad b) Tellicherry c) Kannur d) Edappal
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Eranad
51. The Constitution of ....................is the largest written liberal democratic
constitution of the world.
a) India b) America c) Pakistan d) Afghanistan
Answer
Correct Answer: a) India
52. The Constitution of ...................provides for a mixture of federalism and Unitarianism, and flexibility and with rigidity.
a) Afghanistan b) America c) Pakistan d) India
Answer
Correct Answer: d) India
53. since its inauguration on 26th January.............., the Constitution of India has
been successfully guiding the path and progress of India.
a)1905 b)1915 c)1930 d) 1950
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1950
54. Indian Constitution consists of ................ Articles divided into 22 Parts with
12 Schedules and 94 constitutional amendments.
a)295 b)305 c)388 d) 395
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 395
55. The Constitution of India indeed much bigger than the US Constitution
which has only 7 Articles and the ..................Constitution with its 89 Articles.
a) French b) Dutch c) Pakistan d)Afghanistan
Answer
Correct Answer: a) French
56. The constitution of India became fully operational with effect
from 26thJanuary..........................
a)1905 b)1935 c)1947 d) 1950
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1950
57. Although, right from the beginning the Indian Constitution fully reflected
the spirit of democratic socialism, it was only in ................. that the Preamble was
amended to include the term ‘Socialism’.
a)1936 b)1946 c)1956 d) 1976
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1976
58.India has an elected head of state (President of India) who wields power for a
fixed term of ................... years.
a)2 b)3 c)4 d) 5
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 5
59. All men and women of ................. years or above of age whose
names are registered in the voters lists vote in elections for electing the
members of Lok Sabha
a)14 b)16 c) 17 d) 18
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 18
60.. Every voter of .................years or above of age is eligible to contest elections
to the Lok Sabha.
a)21 b)23 c)24 d) 25
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 25
61. The tenure of the Lok Sabha is ........................ years.
a)2 b)3 c)4 d) 5
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 5
62.The key person behind the Constitution of India was..................
a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c)Mahatma Gandhi d)Sardar Vallabhai Patel
Answer
Correct Answer: b) Jawaharlal Nehru
63.The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms of .................... had brought a
large scale discontentment among the people of India.
a)1909 b)1911 c)1916 d) 1919
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1919
64.The Non-Cooperation Movement launched by ..................had fanned the fire
of this discontentment.
a) Gandhi b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c)Dr. B.R. Ambedkar d)Sardar Vallabhai
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Gandhi
65. In order to give some concession to Indians in the field of administration, the
Government of India Act, ................was designed on the basis of the
recommendation of Simon Commission.
a)1905 b)1915 c)1925 d) 1935
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1935
66. Diarchy was introduced by the Act. Of .......................
a)1908 b)1913 c)1915 d) 1919
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1919
67. The States Reorganization Act was passed by parliament in November..............
a)1916 b)1926 c)1946 d) 1956.
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1956
68. In India, "the Emergency" refers to a 21-month period in 1975–77 when Prime
Minister................ unilaterally had an emergency declared across the country.
a) Indira Gandhi b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar d) Rajiv Gandhi
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Indira Gandhi
69. Officially issued by President................ Ahmed under Article 352(1) of
the Constitution for "internal disturbance", the Emergency was in effect from 25
June1975 until its withdrawal on 21 March 1977.
a) Fakhruddin Ali b) Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
c)Dr. Rajendra Prasad d)Manmohan Singh
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Fakhruddin Ali
70.On June 25, ......................prime minister Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency in
India citing grave threat to her government and sovereignty of the country from both internal and external forces.
a)1955 b)1965 c)1968 d) 1975
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1975
71. Indira Gandhi became the prime minister in January ............. and then emerged
victorious in the 1971 Lok Sabha elections.
a)1906 b)1916 c)1956 d) 1966
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1966
72. The socialist stalwart ...................openly led a mass movement against her
calling her corrupt and autocratic.
a) Jaya Prakash Narayan b) Fakruddin Ali Ahmed
c)EMS d)AKG
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Jaya Prakash Narayan
73. The firebrand trade union leader ....................had successfully organised an all
India Railways strike bringing the public transport and economy to a halt.
a) George Fernandes b) Fakruddin Ali Ahmed
c) Jaya Prakash Narayan d)EMS
Answer
Correct Answer: a) George Fernandes
74. The Emergency draft was hurriedly sent to the President of India ................
who signed it immediately.
a) Fakruddin Ali Ahmed b) George Fernandes
c)Dr.Rajendra Prasad d)ManmohanSingh
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Fakruddin Ali Ahmed
75................. second son Sanjay Gandhi, who was just 29 years old then, took
charge of the administration and started sending opposition leaders and workers
to jails across India.
a) Nanaji Deshmukh’s b) Morarji Desai’s
c) Indira Gandhi's d), Subramanian Swamy’s,
Answer
Correct Answer: c) Indira Gandhi's
76. Ramnath Goenka, the only newspaper owner who stood up to..................,
was harassed and he faced a series of troubles at the hands of her government.
a) Indira Gandhi b) JP, George Fernandes,
c) AB Vajpayee d)LK Advani,
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Indira Gandhi
77. However, .................... shocked everybody by declaring Lok Sabha
elections in January 1977 bringing an end to draconian Emergency.
a) Indira Gandhi b) Ramakrishna Hegde,
c) HD Deve Gowda, d)M Karunanidhi.
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Indira Gandhi
78. In the historic Lok Sabha election held in March 1977, ...............-led Congress
lost power.
a) Indira Gandhi b) JB Patnaik,
c) Jyoti Basu, d)Madhu Dandavate
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Indira Gandhi
79....................... succeeded her as the Prime Minister and led the Janata
Party government till 1980.
a) Morarji Desai b) Lalu Prasad Yadav,
c) Mulayam Singh Yadav d), Sharad Yadav
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Morarji Desai
80. In the ................... Lok Sabha polls, Indira Gandhi returned to power and
remainedin power till her assassination in 1984.
a)1908 b)1940 c)1970 d) 1980
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1980
81.................... started his career as the Prime Minister of independent India in
1947, and immediately launched a number of economic reforms.
a) Nehru b) Indira Gandhi c) Morarji Desai d)Rajiv Gandhi
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Nehru
82.One of Nehru's key economic reforms was the introduction of the Five Years
Plan in........................
a)1901 b)1911 c)1941 d) 1951.
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1951
83.Nehru's economic policies have often been considered to be .................in nature.
a) Socialist b) Communist
c) Capitalist d) Utopian Socialism
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Socialist
84.................... was the main architect of first green revolution of India listed
five components of Agricultural renewal
a) Dr. M.S. Swaminathan b) Lalu Prasad Yadav,
c) Mulayam Singh Yadav d) Sharad Yadav
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Dr. M.S. Swaminathan
85. Since......................., the Indian economy has pursued free market liberalisation , greater openness in trade and increase investment in infrastructure.
a)1961 b)1971 c)1981 d) 1991
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1991
86. The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) policy in India first came into inception on
April 1, ..........................
a)1900 b)1947 c)1991 d) 2000
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 2000
87.The prime objective of ................was to enhance foreign investment and
provide an internationally competitive and hassle free environment for exports.
a) SEZ b) Land Grabbing
c) Liberalization d) Privatization
Answer
Correct Answer: a) SEZ
88. ...............is a specifically delineated duty-free enclave and shall be deemed to
be foreign territory for the purposes of trade operations and duties and tariffs.
a) SEZ b) Liberalization
c) Privatization d) Globalization
Answer
Correct Answer: a) SEZ
89. In................, with the emergence of a new politically independent nation,
India continued to march ahead pursuing a programme of using
modern science and technology for national development.
a)1907 b)1917 c)1937 d) 1947
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1947
90.There is no doubt that J.L Nehru's India's first Prime Minister was fully
analysed the indispensability of science and technology in the economic
and the social independence.
a) J.L Nehru's b) Narasimha Rao
c) Prof. P.M.S Blackett d) Vajpayee
Answer
Correct Answer: a) J.L Nehru's
91. soon after becoming the Prime Minister of India, .................created a Ministry
of Scientific Research and Natural Resources and actively supported the atomic
energy programme for peaceful purposes.
a) Nehru b) Narasimha Rao
c) Prof. P.M.S Blackett d) Vajpayee
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Nehru
92. In.................., the Atomic Energy Act was passed and the Department of
Atomic Energy was directly under his charge was created.
a)1908 b)1938 c)1945 d) 1948
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1948
93. Under the farsighted leadership of ..................the nation, the government and
the public leaders became committed to the promotion of science and technology.
a) Nehru, b) Narasimha Rao
c) Prof. P.M.S Blackett d) Vajpayee
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Nehru
94. ......................appointed a scientific man power committee and five institutes of
technology came up at Kharagpur, Bombay, Madras, Kanpur and Delhi
besides a number of regional engineering colleges by his efforts.
a) J.L. Nehru b) Prof. P.M.S Blackett
c)Indira Gandhi d) Vajpayee
Answer
Correct Answer: a) J.L. Nehru
95.In................., Nehru directed the CSIR to prepare National Register of
Scientific and Technical personnel.
a)1908 b)1938 c) 1948 d)1958
Answer
Correct Answer: c) 1948
96.Defence organization was set up in 1948, on advice ................for the scientific
evolution of weapons and equipment, operational research and special studies.
a) Prof. P.M.S Blackett b) Vajpayee
c)Jawaharlal Nehru d)Indira Gandhi
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Prof. P.M.S Blackett
97.The enthusiastic efforts of Mr. ........................led to the expansion of the
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research into a chain of national laboratories
spanning a wide spectrum of science, technology, engineering and biomedical
sciences.
a) Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar b) Vajpayee
c) Jawaharlal Nehru d) Sardar Patel
Answer
Correct Answer: a) Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
98.The vision of Homi. ..................also led to advanced research in nuclear energy
and other fundamental areas through the creation of the Tata Institute of
Fundamental Research which is now known as the Bhabha Atomic Research
Center (BARC).
a) J. Bhabha b) Vajpayee
c) Jawaharlal Nehru d) Sardar Patel
Answer
Correct Answer: a) J. Bhabha
99. The economic liberalisation in India denotes the continuing financial reforms
which began since July 24, ..........................
a)1961 b)1971 c)1981 d) 1991
Answer
Correct Answer: d) 1991
100.In....................., the country experienced a balance of payments dilemma
following the Gulf War and the downfall of the erstwhile Soviet Union.
11. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Civil Disobedience Movement?
(i) There was a discernible absence of Hindu- Muslim unity.
(ii) The movement received massive business support.
(iii) There was large scale women's participation.
(iv) From September 1930 onwards the movement began to decline.
Choose the answer from codes given below
(A) (ii) and (iii)
(B) (ii) and (iv)
(C) (i) and (ii)
(D) All of the above
Answer
Correct Answer: [B] All of the above.
12. At the time of which of the following events/ movements Jawaharlal Nehru admitted that: "Never
before in history had such unified sentiments been manifested by various divergent sections of the
population"?
(A) INA Trial
(B) REN mutiny
(C) Quit India Movement
(D) Imphal campaign of the INA
Answer
Correct Answer: [A] INA Trial.
13. Which of the following organizations/persons did not approve of the Quit India Movement?
(A) B.R. Ambedkar
(B) Hindu Mahasabha
(C) Muslim League
(D) All of the above
Answer
Correct Answer: [B] All of the above.
14. On the basis of which formula/plan Gandhiji, in April 1944 proposed talks with Jinnah which Jinnah
refused to accept?
(A) Rajaji formula
(B) 3rd June Plan
(C) August offer
(D) Wavel plan
Answer
Correct Answer: [A] Rajaji formula.
15. Who of the following founded the Independent Labour Party In 1936?
(A) Jagjiban Ram
(B) Jayaprakash Narayan
(C) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
(D) M. C. Rajah
Answer
Correct Answer: [C] Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
16. Lord Macaulay was associated with
(A) Codification of Laws
(B) Permanent settlement
(C) Reforms in the army
(D) Abolition of Sati
Answer
Correct Answer: [A] Codification of Laws.
17. The British Government introduced the portfolio system for the first time in
(A) 1861
(B) 1892
(C) 1853
(D) 1858
Answer
Correct Answer: [A] 1861.
18. Which region in India provided the best quality saltpeter and opium to the Europeans?
(A) Bihar
(B) Malabar
(C) Coromandel
(D) Gujrat
Answer
Correct Answer: [C] Coromandel.
19. When and by whom was the Portuguese driven out of Hugli in Bengal?
(A) 1650-Prince Murad
(B) 1666-Prince Shuja
(C) 1625-Shaista Khan
(D) 1631-Qasim Khan
Answer
Correct Answer: [D] 1631-Qasim Khan.
20. what was the early capital of the Portuguese in India?
