This comprehensive guide presents 50 objective questions on various topics in Indian History, ranging from ancient civilizations to the modern independence struggle. Each question is accompanied by its correct answer and a detailed explanation, drawing insights primarily from “Indian History by Krishna Reddy, Second Edition”. This resource is designed to enhance your understanding and aid in preparation for competitive examinations.
Modern India (Continued)
51. The Simon Commission came to India in:
A) 1925
B) 1927
C) 1928
D) 1930
Answer: C
Explanation: The Simon Commission, a seven-member body led by Sir John Simon, was appointed by the British government in November 1927. Its primary objective was to review the working of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 and recommend further constitutional reforms for India. The Commission arrived in India on February 3, 1928. However, it faced widespread protests and boycotts from all major Indian political parties, including the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, because it did not include any Indian members. The popular slogan “Go Back Simon” echoed across India during its visits.
52. The capital of British India was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in:
A) 1910
B) 1911
C) 1912
D) 1913
Answer: B
Explanation: The momentous decision to shift the capital of British India from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi was announced by King George V during a grand Delhi Durbar held in 1911. This move was part of a larger administrative reorganization that also included the annulment of the controversial Partition of Bengal. Delhi, with its long history as a political and imperial center, was chosen for its strategic location and symbolic significance.
53. The Rowlatt Act was passed in:
A) 1917
B) 1918
C) 1919
D) 1920
Answer: C
Explanation: The Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, popularly known as the Rowlatt Act, was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council in March 1919. This highly repressive act empowered the British government to arrest and imprison any person without a warrant or trial by jury, effectively curtailing civil liberties. The passing of this act led to widespread condemnation and protests across India, with Mahatma Gandhi launching a nationwide Satyagraha against it, which tragically culminated in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
54. Who started the Home Rule Movement in India?
A) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
B) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
C) Dadabhai Naoroji
D) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: B
Explanation: The Home Rule Movement in India was initiated by two prominent leaders, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, who established separate Home Rule Leagues in 1916. Tilak launched his league in April 1916, primarily active in Maharashtra (excluding Bombay), Karnataka, Central Provinces, and Berar. Annie Besant’s league, founded in September 1916, covered the rest of India. The movement aimed to achieve ‘Swaraj’ or self-government for India within the British Empire through constitutional means, mobilizing public opinion and putting pressure on the British government.
55. The Dandi March started from:
A) Ahmedabad
B) Porbandar
C) Sabarmati
D) Surat
Answer: C
Explanation: The historic Dandi March, which marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement, was initiated by Mahatma Gandhi on March 12, 1930. He commenced the march from his Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, accompanied by a group of 78 followers. Their destination was Dandi, a coastal village on the Arabian Sea, approximately 240 miles (385 km) away. The march was a non-violent protest against the British salt monopoly and tax, aiming to illegally produce salt from seawater, thereby challenging an unjust law. Thousands of people joined the march along its route, turning it into a powerful symbol of Indian resistance.
56. The first Indian to qualify for ICS was:
A) Dadabhai Naoroji
B) Satyendranath Tagore
C) Surendranath Banerjee
D) A.O. Hume
Answer: B
Explanation: Satyendranath Tagore, the elder brother of the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore, achieved the distinction of being the first Indian to successfully qualify for the prestigious Indian Civil Service (ICS) in 1863. He formally joined the service in 1864, marking a significant milestone for Indians aspiring to hold high administrative positions under British rule. His entry demonstrated the intellectual capabilities of Indians and paved the way for more Indians to join the civil services.
57. Subhas Chandra Bose was elected INC President in:
A) 1936
B) 1937
C) 1938
D) 1939
Answer: C
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose was elected President of the Indian National Congress for the first time at the Haripura session in 1938. Demonstrating his popularity, he was re-elected for a second term at the Tripuri session in 1939, defeating Mahatma Gandhi’s preferred candidate, Pattabhi Sitaramayya. However, due to ideological differences and a rift with Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress Working Committee, he resigned from the presidency in April 1939 and subsequently formed the Forward Bloc.
58. The All India Muslim League was formed in:
A) 1905
B) 1906
C) 1909
D) 1910
Answer: B
Explanation: The All India Muslim League was formally established on December 30, 1906, in Dacca (now Dhaka, Bangladesh). Key founding members included Aga Khan III, Nawab Salimullah of Dacca, and Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk. The primary objectives behind its formation were to protect and advance the political rights and interests of Muslims in British India, and to foster loyalty towards the British government, while also addressing Muslim grievances.
59. Who was the first Indian woman President of INC?
A) Sarojini Naidu
B) Annie Besant
C) Indira Gandhi
D) Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
Answer: A
Explanation: Sarojini Naidu, famously known as the “Nightingale of India” (Bharat Kokila), made history by becoming the first Indian woman President of the Indian National Congress. She presided over the Kanpur session of the INC in 1925. A prominent poet and freedom fighter, she was also the first woman Governor of an Indian state (Uttar Pradesh) after independence.
60. Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement in:
A) 1929
B) 1930
C) 1931
D) 1932
Answer: B
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement on April 6, 1930, following the conclusion of the Dandi March. This movement aimed to achieve complete non-cooperation with the British government through non-violent means. It involved various forms of civil disobedience, including the breaking of the salt law, picketing of liquor shops and foreign cloth shops, and refusal to pay taxes, symbolizing a widespread challenge to British authority.
61. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place in which city?
A) Amritsar
B) Lahore
C) Delhi
D) Meerut
Answer: A
Explanation: The horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab. On that day, thousands of unarmed Indians, including women and children, had gathered peacefully in the Jallianwala Bagh enclosure to protest against the repressive Rowlatt Act and the arrest of two prominent nationalist leaders. Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on the trapped crowd without any warning, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries, a brutal act that deeply shocked the nation and intensified the nationalist movement.
62. Who founded Arya Samaj?
A) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
B) Swami Dayananda Saraswati
C) Swami Vivekananda
D) Ramakrishna Paramhansa
Answer: B
Explanation: The Arya Samaj, a Hindu reform movement, was founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875 in Bombay. Swami Dayananda’s motto was “Go back to the Vedas,” emphasizing the infallibility of Vedic knowledge. He condemned idol worship, polytheism, ritualism, and the caste system. The Arya Samaj played a significant role in promoting social reforms such as widow remarriage, education for women, and rejecting child marriage, aiming to revitalize Hindu society on the principles of the Vedas.
63. Who started the Aligarh Movement?
A) Badruddin Tyabji
B) Sayyid Ahmed Khan
C) M.A. Jinnah
D) Shah Waliullah
Answer: B
Explanation: The Aligarh Movement was initiated by Sir Sayyid Ahmed Khan in 1875, a prominent Muslim reformer and educationist. The movement’s primary objective was to modernize the educational system for Muslims in India by blending Western scientific education with Islamic teachings. A key aspect of the movement was the founding of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh in 1875, which later evolved into the Aligarh Muslim University in 1920. Sir Sayyid also aimed to promote loyalty among Muslims towards the British government and advocate for their political rights.
64. The Ilbert Bill controversy occurred during the tenure of:
A) Lord Ripon
B) Lord Curzon
C) Lord Lytton
D) Lord Canning
Answer: A
Explanation: The Ilbert Bill controversy took place during the tenure of Viceroy Lord Ripon (1880-1884). In 1883, Ripon introduced the Ilbert Bill, which aimed to remove the disqualification of Indian judges and magistrates from trying European British subjects in criminal cases, a privilege previously reserved for European judges. This proposal ignited intense opposition and outrage from the European community in India, who viewed it as an infringement on their racial superiority. The widespread protests ultimately forced the government to amend the bill significantly, highlighting the deep-seated racial prejudice within the colonial administration and society.
65. Who was the Viceroy at the time of Quit India Movement?
A) Lord Linlithgow
B) Lord Wavell
C) Lord Mountbatten
D) Lord Irwin
Answer: A
Explanation: Lord Linlithgow served as the Viceroy of India from 1936 to 1943. The Quit India Movement, a major civil disobedience movement demanding an immediate end to British rule, was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in August 1942 during his viceroyalty. Linlithgow’s tenure also saw the visit of the Cripps Mission in 1942, which offered constitutional proposals that were rejected by the Indian National Congress.
66. Who founded the Ramakrishna Mission?
A) Swami Vivekananda
B) Ramakrishna Paramhansa
C) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
D) Aurobindo Ghosh
Answer: A
Explanation: The Ramakrishna Mission was founded by Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of the saint Ramakrishna Paramhansa, in 1897. Headquartered at Belur Math near Kolkata, the Mission is a global spiritual and philanthropic organization. Its objectives include spreading the universal teachings of Vedanta as embodied by Ramakrishna Paramhansa, promoting harmony among religions, and undertaking extensive social service activities in areas such as education, healthcare, rural development, and disaster relief.
67. Who was known as ‘Lokmanya’?
A) B.G. Tilak
B) G.K. Gokhale
C) Dadabhai Naoroji
D) Subhas Bose
Answer: A
Explanation: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a towering figure in the Indian independence movement, was popularly known by the honorific title ‘Lokmanya’, meaning “revered by the people.” He was a part of the extremist faction of the Indian National Congress and is famous for his powerful slogan, “Swaraj (self-rule) is my birthright, and I shall have it!” Tilak played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion through his newspapers, Kesari and Mahratta, and his advocacy for self-rule.
68. Who said “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom”?
A) Mahatma Gandhi
B) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
C) Subhas Chandra Bose
D) Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: C
Explanation: The inspiring and revolutionary slogan “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom” was famously proclaimed by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He delivered this powerful message to the Indian National Army (INA) soldiers in 1944 in Burma, urging them to make the ultimate sacrifice for India’s independence. This slogan became a rallying cry for Indian revolutionaries who believed in armed struggle against the British Raj.
69. Who was the first Indian Governor-General of independent India?
A) Rajendra Prasad
B) Nehru
C) Mountbatten
D) C. Rajagopalachari
Answer: D
Explanation: Following India’s independence on August 15, 1947, Lord Mountbatten served as the first Governor-General. However, C. Rajagopalachari, popularly known as “Rajaji,” succeeded Mountbatten in 1948 and became the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India. He held this prestigious office until January 26, 1950, when India adopted its Constitution and became a republic, with Dr. Rajendra Prasad becoming its first President.
70. The Indian Independence Act was passed in the British Parliament in:
A) June 1947
B) July 1947
C) August 1947
D) September 1947
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indian Independence Act, a landmark legislation, was passed by the British Parliament on July 18, 1947. This Act formally provided for the partition of British India into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan, effective from August 15, 1947. It also ended British paramountcy over the princely states, giving them the option to accede to either India or Pakistan or remain independent. The Act marked the legal culmination of the Indian freedom struggle and the transfer of power.
71. Who started the Bhoodan Movement?
A) Mahatma Gandhi
B) Vinoba Bhave
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) Sardar Patel
Answer: B
Explanation: The Bhoodan Movement, or the Land Gift Movement, was a voluntary land reform movement initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave in 1951. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles, Bhave travelled across India on foot, appealing to wealthy landowners to voluntarily donate a portion of their land to landless poor villagers. The movement aimed to bring about social and economic equality by redistributing land without coercion, emphasizing moral persuasion and social justice.
72. Who was the founder of Banaras Hindu University?
A) Rabindranath Tagore
B) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
C) Madan Mohan Malaviya
D) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Answer: C
Explanation: Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of India’s most prestigious central universities, was founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1916. Malaviya, a renowned educationist and nationalist, envisioned a university that would blend modern scientific education with traditional Indian knowledge and values. He received significant support from Annie Besant and various princely states for this monumental educational endeavor.
73. Who was the political guru of Gandhi?
A) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
B) Dadabhai Naoroji
C) B.G. Tilak
D) Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: A
Explanation: Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a prominent moderate leader of the Indian National Congress, is widely regarded as the political guru (mentor) of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi held Gokhale in high esteem and considered him his guide in Indian politics. Gokhale advocated for constitutional methods and gradual reforms to achieve self-rule. He also founded the Servants of India Society in 1905, dedicated to social service and national upliftment.
74. The Kakori conspiracy was associated with:
A) INA
B) HSRA
C) Ghadar Party
D) Hindustan Republican Association
Answer: D
Explanation: The Kakori Conspiracy, also known as the Kakori Train Robbery, was a daring act of armed robbery that occurred on August 9, 1925, near Kakori, a village outside Lucknow. This incident was orchestrated by revolutionary members of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), including Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and Roshan Singh. Their objective was to seize railway funds to finance their revolutionary activities aimed at overthrowing British rule. The incident led to the arrest and subsequent trial of many revolutionaries, with some being hanged.
75. Who was the leader of Indigo revolt in Bengal?
A) Motilal Nehru
B) Rabindranath Tagore
C) Digambar Biswas
D) Dadabhai Naoroji
Answer: C
Explanation: The Indigo Revolt, a significant peasant uprising in Bengal, occurred in 1859-60. It was a rebellion by indigo farmers against the oppressive practices of European indigo planters who forced them to cultivate indigo under exploitative terms. The revolt was primarily led by brothers Digambar Biswas and Bishnucharan Biswas of Nadia district. Their resistance inspired thousands of peasants and drew widespread support from Bengali intellectuals, leading to the appointment of the Indigo Commission by the government.
76. Who was the first Indian to preside over the UN General Assembly?
A) Jawaharlal Nehru
B) S. Radhakrishnan
C) V.K. Krishna Menon
D) Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
Answer: D
Explanation: Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, a prominent diplomat and politician from India, holds the distinction of being the first woman and the first Indian to preside over the United Nations General Assembly. She was elected as the President of the Eighth Session of the UN General Assembly in 1953, showcasing India’s growing stature on the international stage. She was also the sister of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
77. Gandhi’s first Satyagraha in India was at:
A) Champaran
B) Ahmedabad
C) Kheda
D) Dandi
Answer: A
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi’s first experiment with Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) in India was the Champaran Satyagraha, launched in 1917 in the Champaran district of Bihar. This movement was aimed at protesting against the oppressive “tinkathia system,” under which European indigo planters forced local peasants to cultivate indigo on 3/20ths of their land and exploited them through illegal cesses and high rents. Gandhi’s successful intervention in Champaran marked his entry into mainstream Indian politics and demonstrated the effectiveness of Satyagraha as a tool for social justice.
78. Who was known as the Frontier Gandhi?
A) Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
B) Sardar Patel
C) Subhas Chandra Bose
D) Maulana Azad
Answer: A
Explanation: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a revered Pashtun independence activist, was widely known as the ‘Frontier Gandhi’ (Sarhadi Gandhi) due to his unwavering commitment to Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violent resistance. He founded the Khudai Khidmatgar (“Servants of God”) movement, also known as the “Red Shirts,” in the North-West Frontier Province. This movement played a significant role in the Indian freedom struggle, advocating for a united and independent India through peaceful means, even in the face of severe British repression.
79. The Poona Pact was signed in:
A) 1928
B) 1930
C) 1932
D) 1934
Answer: C
Explanation: The Poona Pact was a significant agreement signed on September 24, 1932, between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at the Yerawada Central Jail in Poona (now Pune). The pact resolved the contentious issue of separate electorates for the depressed classes (later known as Scheduled Castes). Instead of separate electorates, which Gandhi feared would fragment Hindu society, the pact provided for reserved seats for the depressed classes within the general electorate in provincial and central legislative councils, with a larger number of reserved seats than those proposed by the Communal Award.
80. Who introduced the Subsidiary Alliance system in India?
A) Lord Wellesley
B) Lord Hastings
C) Lord Dalhousie
D) Lord Canning
Answer: A
Explanation: The Subsidiary Alliance system, a cunning diplomatic and military strategy to expand British influence, was introduced by Lord Wellesley, the Governor-General of India, in 1798. Under this system, Indian rulers who entered into an alliance with the British East India Company were forced to accept a permanent stationing of British troops within their territory and pay for their upkeep. They also had to surrender their external relations to the British and allow a British Resident at their court. This policy effectively stripped Indian states of their sovereignty and brought a large number of them under indirect British control without direct annexation.
81. Who was the Viceroy during the Bengal Partition?
A) Lord Curzon
B) Lord Minto
C) Lord Hardinge
D) Lord Ripon
Answer: A
Explanation: The controversial Partition of Bengal was enacted in 1905 during the viceroyalty of Lord Curzon (1899-1905). While the British government cited administrative efficiency as the reason, the partition was widely perceived by Indians as a deliberate attempt to weaken the growing nationalist movement by dividing Bengal along communal lines (Hindu-Muslim). This act sparked widespread protests, leading to the launch of the powerful Swadeshi and Boycott Movement, aimed at promoting indigenous goods and boycotting foreign products.
82. The capital of India was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in the year:
A) 1910
B) 1911
C) 1912
D) 1915
Answer: B
Explanation: The momentous decision to transfer the capital of British India from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi was announced by King George V during the Delhi Durbar of 1911. This decision was formally enacted and implemented in the same year. The shift aimed to consolidate British power and symbolize the continuity of imperial rule in India, as Delhi had historically served as the capital for various powerful empires.
83. Who founded the Indian Home Rule League in London?
A) Annie Besant
B) Tilak
C) Dadabhai Naoroji
D) Shyamji Krishna Varma
Answer: D
Explanation: The Indian Home Rule League in London was founded by Shyamji Krishna Varma in 1905. He established India House in London, which became a significant center for Indian students and nationalist activities, promoting the cause of Indian self-rule and acting as a hub for revolutionary ideas among Indian expatriates in Britain.
84. Who authored the book Discovery of India?
A) B.R. Ambedkar
B) Nehru
C) Rajendra Prasad
D) Maulana Azad
Answer: B
Explanation: The highly influential book “The Discovery of India” was authored by Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. He wrote this profound work during his imprisonment at Ahmednagar Fort between 1942 and 1946, while incarcerated for his participation in the Quit India Movement. The book provides a comprehensive and intellectual exploration of India’s rich history, philosophy, culture, and the challenges it faced.
85. Who introduced Doctrine of Lapse?
A) Lord Wellesley
B) Lord Hastings
C) Lord Dalhousie
D) Lord Canning
Answer: C
Explanation: The Doctrine of Lapse was an aggressive annexation policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. Under this doctrine, if a ruler of a princely state under British paramountcy died without a natural male heir, his state would not be allowed to adopt an heir without the permission of the British and would instead be annexed by the British East India Company. This policy led to the controversial annexation of several Indian states, including Satara, Jhansi, and Nagpur, contributing significantly to the resentment that fueled the Revolt of 1857.
86. The dual government system in Bengal was introduced by:
A) Warren Hastings
B) Robert Clive
C) William Bentinck
D) Lord Cornwallis
Answer: B
Explanation: The Dual Government system in Bengal was introduced by Robert Clive in 1765, following the Battle of Buxar. Under this system, the British East India Company acquired the ‘Diwani’ (the right to collect revenue and administer justice) for Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa from the Mughal Emperor. However, the ‘Nizamat’ (military and criminal justice administration) remained with the Nawab of Bengal. This arrangement effectively gave the Company immense power and revenue resources without any administrative responsibility, leading to rampant corruption, famine, and severe economic exploitation of the Bengali populace.
87. Who founded the Theosophical Society in India?
A) Annie Besant
B) Blavatsky and Olcott
C) Dayanand Saraswati
D) Ram Mohan Roy
Answer: A
Explanation: While the Theosophical Society was originally founded in New York City in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, its international headquarters were established at Adyar, near Madras (Chennai), in 1882. Annie Besant, who became its President in 1907, played an immensely significant role in popularizing and strengthening the Theosophical Society’s presence and influence in India, advocating for its spiritual and philosophical ideals and becoming deeply involved in Indian nationalist politics, including the Home Rule Movement. Her leadership greatly contributed to its growth and impact on Indian thought.
88. Who was known as the ‘Iron Man of India’?
A) Jawaharlal Nehru
B) Subhas Bose
C) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
D) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Answer: C
Explanation: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement and India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, was famously known as the ‘Iron Man of India’ (Bharat ka Loh Purush). This title was bestowed upon him due to his strong will, steely determination, and instrumental role in integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union after independence, a monumental task that required exceptional diplomatic skill and firmness.
89. The Cabinet Mission was led by:
A) Cripps
B) Pethick-Lawrence
C) Mountbatten
D) Linlithgow
Answer: B
Explanation: The Cabinet Mission, which arrived in India in March 1946, was a high-level delegation sent by the British government to discuss and plan for the transfer of power to Indian hands. The mission comprised three British Cabinet members: Lord Pethick-Lawrence (the Secretary of State for India, who led the mission), Sir Stafford Cripps (President of the Board of Trade), and A.V. Alexander (First Lord of the Admiralty). Their proposals aimed to create a unified India, albeit with considerable provincial autonomy, and establish an interim government, though their plan ultimately failed to prevent partition due to disagreements between the Congress and the Muslim League.
90. The INA trials were held at:
A) Lahore
B) Bombay
C) Calcutta
D) Red Fort
Answer: D
Explanation: The highly significant trials of the officers of the Indian National Army (INA), often referred to as the Red Fort Trials, commenced in November 1945 at the historic Red Fort in Delhi. These trials involved charges of “waging war against the King” against several INA officers, including Major General Shah Nawaz Khan, Colonel Prem Kumar Sahgal, and Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon. The trials garnered immense public sympathy and widespread protests across India, turning the INA officers into national heroes and intensifying the demand for immediate independence.
91. Who presided over the Lahore Session of Congress in 1929?
A) Gandhi
B) Nehru
C) Bose
D) Gokhale
Answer: B
Explanation: The landmark Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in 1929 was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru. This session was historically significant as it passed the resolution for ‘Purna Swaraj’ or complete independence for India from British rule, setting it as the ultimate goal of the Congress. It was also decided that January 26, 1930, would be celebrated as the first “Independence Day” (Purna Swaraj Din) across India, symbolizing the nation’s resolve for complete self-rule.
92. Which session of Congress declared ‘Purna Swaraj’ as goal?
A) Lahore, 1929
B) Karachi, 1931
C) Haripura, 1938
D) Calcutta, 1928
Answer: A
Explanation: The Indian National Congress officially declared ‘Purna Swaraj’ (complete independence) as its ultimate goal at its historic Lahore Session in December 1929. The session, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, marked a decisive shift from the earlier demand for Dominion Status to full independence. During this session, the Congress also resolved to observe January 26, 1930, as “Purna Swaraj Day” or “Independence Day,” a tradition that continued until India achieved actual independence.
93. In which year was the Indian Constitution adopted?
A) 1947
B) 1948
C) 1949
D) 1950
Answer: C
Explanation: The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. This date is celebrated annually as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Diwas) in India. Although adopted on this date, the Constitution came into full effect on January 26, 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day, marking India’s transition to a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
94. The Constituent Assembly was formed in:
A) 1945
B) 1946
C) 1947
D) 1949
Answer: B
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly of India, tasked with framing the Constitution for independent India, was formed in 1946 under the provisions of the Cabinet Mission Plan. Its first meeting was held on December 9, 1946, with Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha as its interim president. Later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as its permanent president. The Assembly was comprised of indirectly elected representatives from the provincial legislative assemblies and nominated members from princely states.
95. Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee?
A) Jawaharlal Nehru
B) B.R. Ambedkar
C) Sardar Patel
D) Maulana Azad
Answer: B
Explanation: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a brilliant legal scholar, social reformer, and champion of the rights of the marginalized, served as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly. He played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian Constitution, meticulously guiding its drafting process and ensuring the inclusion of provisions for social justice, fundamental rights, and a secular democratic framework. He is widely regarded as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
96. The slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” was popularized by:
A) Bhagat Singh
B) Sukhdev
C) Rajguru
D) Chandra Shekhar Azad
Answer: A
Explanation: The powerful revolutionary slogan “Inquilab Zindabad!” (Long Live the Revolution!) was popularized by the legendary Indian revolutionary Bhagat Singh. Although originally coined by Hasrat Mohani, Bhagat Singh and his comrades of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) made it a rallying cry for the Indian freedom struggle. They famously shouted this slogan in the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi after throwing non-lethal bombs on April 8, 1929, to protest against oppressive laws, thereby ensuring its wide reach among the masses.
97. Who was the founder of Indian National Army (INA)?
A) Mohan Singh
B) Subhas Bose
C) Ras Behari Bose
D) Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: A
Explanation: The Indian National Army (INA), also known as Azad Hind Fauj, was initially conceived and formed by Captain Mohan Singh, an Indian officer of the British Indian Army, in Malaya in 1942. This occurred with the support of the Japanese, primarily from Indian prisoners of war. Later, the INA was famously reorganized and significantly expanded by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose from 1943, transforming it into a formidable force that fought against the British in Southeast Asia for India’s independence.
98. Who was the first President of Independent India?
A) Nehru
B) Rajendra Prasad
C) Sardar Patel
D) Radhakrishnan
Answer: B
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad, a distinguished lawyer, scholar, and a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement, became the first President of independent India. He assumed office on January 26, 1950, when the Constitution of India came into full effect, marking India’s transition into a sovereign republic. He served two terms as President, from 1950 to 1962.
99. Who called Gandhi “Father of the Nation”?
A) Nehru
B) Bose
C) Rajaji
D) Sardar Patel
Answer: B
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi was affectionately and reverently addressed as the “Father of the Nation” (Rashtrapita) by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Bose used this epithet in a radio broadcast from Rangoon (now Yangon) on July 6, 1944, while seeking Gandhi’s blessings for his fight for India’s independence through the Indian National Army (INA). This title has since been widely accepted and revered across India.
100. When did the Constituent Assembly adopt the Constitution of India?
A) 15 August 1947
B) 26 January 1950
C) 26 November 1949
D) 30 January 1950
Answer: C
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly of India formally adopted the Constitution of India on November 26, 1949. This date is celebrated annually as Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas. While major parts of the Constitution came into force on this day, the complete Constitution became effective on January 26, 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day, symbolizing the dawn of India’s full sovereignty.