Welcome to “Set 10” of our “Indian History – UPSC MCQ Series”! This final set in the series covers the climactic period of the Indian independence struggle, the partition of the subcontinent, and the foundational years of independent India. You’ll explore questions on the declaration of Poorna Swaraj, Mahatma Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience Movement including the iconic Dandi March, and the crucial Round Table Conferences. This set also delves into significant events like the Communal Award and Poona Pact, the Cripps Mission, the Quit India Movement, and the role of the Indian National Army under Subhas Chandra Bose. Finally, it addresses the Cabinet Mission Plan, the tragic Direct Action Day, the Mountbatten Plan leading to Partition and Independence, the formation of the Constituent Assembly, and the adoption of India’s Constitution. This set is crucial for understanding India’s transition from colonial rule to a sovereign republic.
Set 10
451. The Lahore Session of Congress (1929) declared:
A. Poorna Swaraj as the goal
B. Support for Khilafat
C. Repeal of Rowlatt Act
D. Hindu-Muslim unity
Answer: A
Explanation: The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in 1929 CE, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, famously declared “Poorna Swaraj” (complete independence) as the ultimate goal of the Indian people, moving beyond the demand for Dominion Status.
452. The President of Congress at the 1929 Lahore Session was:
A. Gandhi
B. Sardar Patel
C. Motilal Nehru
D. Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: D
Explanation: The historic 1929 Lahore Session, which declared Poorna Swaraj, was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru.
453. The date 26 January was first celebrated in 1930 as:
A. Congress Day
B. Republic Day
C. Independence Day
D. Swaraj Day
Answer: C
Explanation: Following the Poorna Swaraj resolution at the Lahore Session, the Indian National Congress called upon people to celebrate January 26, 1930 CE, as “Independence Day” (Purna Swaraj Day) across the country. It was later chosen as Republic Day when the Constitution came into force.
454. The Civil Disobedience Movement began with:
A. Quit India Call
B. Swadeshi Resolution
C. Dandi March
D. Non-Cooperation
Answer: C
Explanation: The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi with the iconic Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) in March 1930 CE.
455. The Dandi March began on:
A. 12 March 1930
B. 26 January 1930
C. 5 April 1930
D. 13 April 1930
Answer: A
Explanation: The famous Dandi March began from Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram on March 12, 1930 CE, with a group of 78 followers.
456. Gandhi broke the salt law at:
A. Sabarmati
B. Dandi
C. Ahmedabad
D. Surat
Answer: B
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi reached the coastal village of Dandi on April 6, 1930 CE, and formally broke the oppressive British salt law by picking up a handful of salt from the seashore.
457. The first Round Table Conference was held in:
A. 1929
B. 1930
C. 1931
D. 1932
Answer: B
Explanation: The First Round Table Conference was held in London from November 1930 CE to January 1931 CE. The Indian National Congress boycotted this conference.
458. Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference in:
A. 1930
B. 1931
C. 1932
D. 1933
Answer: B
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi, as the sole representative of the Indian National Congress, attended the Second Round Table Conference in London in September-December 1931 CE, following the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
459. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in:
A. March 1930
B. July 1930
C. March 1931
D. August 1931
Answer: C
Explanation: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact, an agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Viceroy Lord Irwin, was signed on March 5, 1931 CE, leading to the temporary suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
460. The Civil Disobedience Movement was withdrawn in:
A. 1931
B. 1932
C. 1934
D. 1935
Answer: C
Explanation: The Civil Disobedience Movement was officially called off and withdrawn by Mahatma Gandhi in 1934 CE, though it had been effectively suspended earlier in 1933.
461. The Communal Award was announced by:
A. Lord Irwin
B. Lord Linlithgow
C. Ramsay MacDonald
D. Lord Willingdon
Answer: C
Explanation: The Communal Award, which proposed separate electorates for minority communities including depressed classes, was announced by the British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald in August 1932 CE.
462. The Poona Pact (1932) was between:
A. Gandhi and Nehru
B. Gandhi and Ambedkar
C. Gandhi and Jinnah
D. Congress and British
Answer: B
Explanation: The Poona Pact, signed in September 1932 CE, was an agreement between Mahatma Gandhi (representing caste Hindus) and B.R. Ambedkar (representing depressed classes) regarding the electoral representation of the depressed classes, modifying the Communal Award.
463. The Cripps Mission was sent to India in:
A. 1940
B. 1942
C. 1945
D. 1946
Answer: B
Explanation: The Cripps Mission, led by Sir Stafford Cripps, was sent to India by the British government in March 1942 CE to secure Indian cooperation in World War II, offering certain constitutional proposals.
464. The Cripps Mission failed because:
A. Gandhi rejected it
B. Congress demanded complete independence
C. Muslim League opposed it
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: The Cripps Mission failed because its proposals were rejected by both the Indian National Congress (who found the offer of Dominion Status inadequate and disliked the principle of provinces opting out of the Indian Union) and the Muslim League (who found the offer of Pakistan inadequate). Gandhi famously called it a “post-dated cheque on a crashing bank.” Thus, all of the above factors contributed to its failure.
465. The Quit India Movement was launched on:
A. 8 August 1942
B. 15 August 1942
C. 26 January 1942
D. 9 August 1942
Answer: A
Explanation: The Quit India Resolution was passed by the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) in Bombay on August 8, 1942 CE. While widespread arrests and the actual start of mass protests largely occurred on August 9th, the call to “Quit India” and the resolution were adopted on the 8th.
466. The Quit India Movement was also called:
A. August Revolution
B. Salt Satyagraha
C. Poorna Swaraj
D. Bharat Chhodo Andolan
Answer: A
Explanation: The Quit India Movement, launched in August 1942 CE, is often referred to as the “August Revolution” due to its spontaneous and widespread nature, leading to significant disruption of British rule.
467. The slogan “Do or Die” is associated with:
A. Non-Cooperation
B. Civil Disobedience
C. Quit India
D. INA
Answer: C
Explanation: The powerful slogan “Do or Die” (Karo Ya Maro) was given by Mahatma Gandhi during his speech at the AICC session on August 8, 1942 CE, urging Indians to either achieve independence or die in the attempt, as part of the Quit India Movement.
468. The Indian National Army (INA) was originally founded by:
A. Subhas Chandra Bose
B. Mohan Singh
C. Ras Behari Bose
D. Captain Lakshmi
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indian National Army (INA) was first conceived and formed in Malaya by Captain Mohan Singh in 1942 CE, primarily from Indian prisoners of war captured by the Japanese.
469. Subhas Chandra Bose re-organized INA in:
A. 1939
B. 1942
C. 1943
D. 1945
Answer: C
Explanation: While Mohan Singh initially formed the INA, it was later revived and significantly reorganized under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose in 1943 CE in Singapore. He officially took over its command in October 1943.
470. The famous slogan Jai Hind was given by:
A. Bhagat Singh
B. Subhas Chandra Bose
C. Jawaharlal Nehru
D. Rajguru
Answer: B
Explanation: The patriotic slogan “Jai Hind” (Victory to India) is widely attributed to Subhas Chandra Bose and was adopted as the official greeting of the Indian National Army.
471. The Rani Jhansi Regiment was part of:
A. Revolutionary groups
B. Congress Volunteer Corps
C. Azad Hind Fauj
D. Women’s Wing of INC
Answer: C
Explanation: The Rani of Jhansi Regiment was the women’s regiment of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army), formed by Subhas Chandra Bose. It was a pioneering effort to include women in combat roles.
472. Bose’s government-in-exile was established in:
A. Burma
B. Singapore
C. Germany
D. Tokyo
Answer: B
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose established the Provisional Government of Free India (Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind) in Singapore on October 21, 1943 CE.
473. Subhas Chandra Bose died in:
A. Plane crash
B. Naval battle
C. Jail
D. Execution
Answer: A
Explanation: The widely accepted official account states that Subhas Chandra Bose died in a plane crash in Taipei, Taiwan, on August 18, 1945 CE, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain a subject of historical debate.
474. The Cabinet Mission Plan came to India in:
A. 1944
B. 1945
C. 1946
D. 1947
Answer: C
Explanation: The Cabinet Mission, consisting of three British cabinet ministers (Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander), arrived in India in March 1946 CE to negotiate the transfer of power.
475. Cabinet Mission proposed:
A. Partition of India
B. Separate electorates
C. Grouping of provinces
D. Princely states independence
Answer: C
Explanation: The Cabinet Mission Plan proposed a federal union of India, with a weak center and provinces having considerable autonomy. It famously suggested a scheme of grouping of provinces into three sections (Hindu-majority, Muslim-majority in Northwest, and Muslim-majority in Northeast) to address the Muslim League’s concerns without outright partition.
476. The Interim Government of India was formed in:
A. August 1946
B. October 1946
C. January 1947
D. March 1947
Answer: B
Explanation: The Interim Government of India was initially formed on September 2, 1946, by the Indian National Congress. However, the Muslim League initially boycotted it and then joined on October 26, 1946, making it a more comprehensive interim setup. Given the options, October 1946 is the closest that reflects the full formation and participation.
477. The Muslim League observed Direct Action Day on:
A. 14 August 1946
B. 16 August 1946
C. 15 August 1946
D. 17 August 1946
Answer: B
Explanation: The Muslim League, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah, observed August 16, 1946 CE, as “Direct Action Day” to press for its demand for Pakistan. This day led to widespread communal riots, particularly in Calcutta, escalating tensions.
478. The last British Viceroy of India was:
A. Lord Wavell
B. Lord Linlithgow
C. Lord Mountbatten
D. Lord Irwin
Answer: C
Explanation: Lord Louis Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of British India, serving from March 1947 until August 15, 1947, when he became the first Governor-General of independent India.
479. The Mountbatten Plan proposed:
A. Independence by 1948
B. Formation of a Constituent Assembly
C. Partition of India
D. End of British trade
Answer: C
Explanation: The Mountbatten Plan, announced on June 3, 1947 CE, officially proposed the partition of India into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan, along with the transfer of power.
480. The Indian Independence Act was passed in:
A. June 1947
B. July 1947
C. August 1947
D. September 1947
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indian Independence Act 1947 was passed by the British Parliament and received royal assent on July 18, 1947 CE. It formalized the partition of India and granted independence to both India and Pakistan.
481. India became independent on:
A. 15 January 1947
B. 26 July 1947
C. 15 August 1947
D. 26 January 1948
Answer: C
Explanation: India officially gained independence from British rule at midnight on August 15, 1947 CE.
482. India’s first Governor-General after independence was:
A. Nehru
B. Rajendra Prasad
C. Lord Mountbatten
D. C. Rajagopalachari
Answer: C
Explanation: After India gained independence on August 15, 1947, Lord Louis Mountbatten continued to serve as the first Governor-General of independent India until June 1948.
483. Who was the first Indian Governor-General of independent India?
A. Rajendra Prasad
B. Jawaharlal Nehru
C. Sardar Patel
D. C. Rajagopalachari
Answer: D
Explanation: Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (C. Rajagopalachari) became the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India, succeeding Lord Mountbatten in June 1948 and serving until January 26, 1950, when India became a republic.
484. The Constituent Assembly was formed in:
A. 1945
B. 1946
C. 1947
D. 1948
Answer: B
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly of India was formed in 1946 CE under the scheme formulated by the Cabinet Mission Plan, to draft the Constitution of India.
485. The chairman of the Constituent Assembly was:
A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. B.R. Ambedkar
C. Rajendra Prasad
D. Sardar Patel
Answer: C
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent President (Chairman) of the Constituent Assembly on December 11, 1946.
486. The Drafting Committee chairman was:
A. Rajendra Prasad
B. B.R. Ambedkar
C. Nehru
D. Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: B
Explanation: The most important committee of the Constituent Assembly, the Drafting Committee, responsible for preparing the draft constitution, was chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who is often regarded as the “Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution.”
487. The Indian Constitution was adopted on:
A. 15 August 1947
B. 26 November 1949
C. 26 January 1950
D. 26 January 1949
Answer: B
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly formally adopted the Constitution of India on November 26, 1949 CE. This day is celebrated as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Diwas).
488. The Constitution of India came into force on:
A. 26 November 1949
B. 15 August 1947
C. 26 January 1950
D. 30 January 1950
Answer: C
Explanation: The Constitution of India officially came into force on January 26, 1950 CE, marking India’s transition into a republic. This day is celebrated as Republic Day.
489. The National Song Vande Mataram was composed by:
A. Rabindranath Tagore
B. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
C. Iqbal
D. Subramania Bharati
Answer: B
Explanation: The National Song of India, “Vande Mataram,” was composed in Sanskrit by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the 1870s and was included in his novel Anandamath (1882).
490. The National Anthem Jana Gana Mana was written by:
A. Bankim Chandra
B. Subramania Bharati
C. Rabindranath Tagore
D. Iqbal
Answer: C
Explanation: The National Anthem of India, “Jana Gana Mana,” was originally composed as Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore.
491. Gandhi was assassinated in:
A. 1947
B. 1948
C. 1949
D. 1950
Answer: B
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948 CE, in New Delhi.
492. Gandhi’s assassin was:
A. Nathuram Godse
B. Madan Lal
C. Veer Savarkar
D. R.K. Karanjia
Answer: A
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, on January 30, 1948.
493. The Mountbatten Plan is also known as:
A. August Offer
B. 3rd June Plan
C. Wavell Plan
D. Cripps Proposal
Answer: B
Explanation: The Mountbatten Plan, which proposed the partition of India and transfer of power, was officially announced on June 3, 1947 CE, and is thus also known as the “3rd June Plan.”
494. The princely state that refused to join India initially:
A. Hyderabad
B. Mysore
C. Baroda
D. Travancore
Answer: A
Explanation: Among the princely states, Hyderabad, along with Junagadh and Jammu & Kashmir, initially refused to accede to the Indian Union. Hyderabad was later integrated through police action (Operation Polo) in 1948.
495. The Iron Man of India is:
A. Rajendra Prasad
B. Subhas Chandra Bose
C. Vallabhbhai Patel
D. Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: C
Explanation: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is famously known as the “Iron Man of India” for his instrumental role in the integration of over 500 princely states into the Indian Union after independence.
496. The first Prime Minister of independent India was:
A. Gandhi
B. Patel
C. Nehru
D. Rajendra Prasad
Answer: C
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of independent India on August 15, 1947 CE.
497. The first President of independent India was:
A. Nehru
B. Rajendra Prasad
C. S. Radhakrishnan
D. Zakir Husain
Answer: B
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of independent India on January 26, 1950, when the Constitution of India came into force.
498. The song “Sare Jahan Se Achha” was composed by:
A. Tagore
B. Bankim Chandra
C. Iqbal
D. Bharati
Answer: C
Explanation: The patriotic Urdu song “Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara” was composed by the renowned poet Muhammad Iqbal in 1905.
499. The Constituent Assembly adopted the National Flag on:
A. 22 July 1947
B. 15 August 1947
C. 26 January 1950
D. 26 November 1949
Answer: A
Explanation: The design of the Indian National Flag (Tiranga) was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on July 22, 1947 CE, a few weeks before India’s independence.
500. The slogan Inquilab Zindabad was popularized by:
A. Subhas Bose
B. Bhagat Singh
C. Gandhi
D. Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: B
Explanation: The revolutionary slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” (Long Live Revolution) was originally coined by Hasrat Mohani, but it was Bhagat Singh who popularized it through his speeches and actions during the Indian freedom struggle.