Welcome to “Set 17” of our “Indian History – UPSC MCQ Series”! This meticulously curated set is designed to deepen your understanding of pivotal social reform movements, the evolution of nationalist thought, and the foundational aspects of independent India’s constitutional framework. Explore the intellectual currents that shaped the demand for Swaraj, the contributions of influential social reformers like Jyotiba Phule, Narayana Guru, and B.R. Ambedkar, and their efforts to address caste discrimination. Delve into the ideological shifts within the Indian National Congress, key milestones leading to independence such as the Cabinet Mission and Cripps Mission, and the dramatic events surrounding the Partition. Furthermore, this set rigorously tests your knowledge of the Indian Constitution, its key features, fundamental rights, directive principles, amendments, and the institutional pillars of the Indian Republic. Prepare to tackle high-level MCQs that cover both the freedom struggle and the formative years of modern India.
Set 17
801. Who among the following first demanded Swaraj as a constitutional right?
A. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
B. Annie Besant
C. Dadabhai Naoroji
D. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Answer: C
Explanation: While Bal Gangadhar Tilak famously declared “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it” during the Home Rule Movement, Dadabhai Naoroji was the first to explicitly demand ‘Swaraj’ (self-government) as a constitutional right within the framework of the British Empire at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress in 1906. He called for ‘Swaraj’ on the lines of the self-governing Dominions like Canada and Australia.
802. The Positive Philosophy of Auguste Comte inspired which Indian thinker the most?
A. Rajaram Mohan Roy
B. Dadabhai Naoroji
C. Jyotiba Phule
D. M.G. Ranade
Answer: C
Explanation: The “Positive Philosophy” of Auguste Comte, which emphasized empirical observation, scientific inquiry, and social progress over traditional dogma, significantly influenced Jyotiba Phule. His rationalist approach to social reform, particularly his critique of caste and promotion of education, resonated with Comte’s positivist ideals.
803. Who founded the Satya Shodhak Samaj (1873)?
A. Periyar
B. Gopal Baba Walangkar
C. Jyotiba Phule
D. B.R. Ambedkar
Answer: C
Explanation: The Satya Shodhak Samaj (Truth-Seekers’ Society) was founded by Jyotiba Phule in Maharashtra in 1873. Its primary aim was to seek truth and advocate for social justice and rights for the marginalized sections of society, especially the lower castes and women, by challenging Brahmanical dominance.
804. The first all-India organization for backward castes was founded by:
A. Periyar
B. Narayana Guru
C. Jyotiba Phule
D. Shahu Maharaj
Answer: D
Explanation: While Jyotiba Phule laid the foundational work for anti-caste movements, and Periyar and Narayana Guru focused primarily on regional movements, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur was instrumental in providing patronage and leadership that fostered the emergence of all-India forums for backward castes. He actively promoted the upliftment of non-Brahmins and depressed classes and was a key figure in the formation of various organizations and conferences, including the All-India Depressed Classes Conference in 1920, which brought together leaders like B.R. Ambedkar on a broader platform.
805. Which thinker promoted the slogan “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind”?
A. Dayananda Saraswati
B. Narayana Guru
C. Periyar
D. Ambedkar
Answer: B
Explanation: The spiritual leader and social reformer from Kerala, Narayana Guru, advocated for social equality and spiritual freedom with his famous slogan, “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind” (Oru Jathi, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam Manushyanu). He challenged the caste system and promoted universal brotherhood.
806. B.R. Ambedkar’s political party in 1936 was called:
A. Scheduled Castes Federation
B. Independent Labour Party
C. Dalit Mahasabha
D. Bahujan Samaj Party
Answer: B
Explanation: In 1936, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar founded the Independent Labour Party (ILP). This party contested the provincial elections of 1937 and performed reasonably well. He later disbanded the ILP and founded the Scheduled Castes Federation in 1942.
807. Which one of the following books is not written by B.R. Ambedkar?
A. Annihilation of Caste
B. Thoughts on Linguistic States
C. Discovery of India
D. The Problem of the Rupee
Answer: C
Explanation:
- A. Annihilation of Caste (1936) – Written by B.R. Ambedkar.
- B. Thoughts on Linguistic States (1955) – Written by B.R. Ambedkar.
- C. Discovery of India (1946) – Written by Jawaharlal Nehru.
- D. The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution (1923) – Written by B.R. Ambedkar.
Therefore, “Discovery of India” was not written by B.R. Ambedkar.
808. The Servants of India Society aimed to:
A. Fight caste discrimination
B. Promote constitutional reforms
C. Train national missionaries
D. Organize industrial strikes
Answer: C
Explanation: The Servants of India Society, founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1905, aimed to train national missionaries for the service of India. Its members were required to take a vow of poverty and dedicate their lives to social work, education, and political reform within a moderate, constitutional framework.
809. Which social reformer started Widow Remarriage Association in Maharashtra?
A. Tilak
B. Phule
C. Gopal Baba
D. Vishnushastri Pandit
Answer: D
Explanation: While Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a pioneer of widow remarriage in Bengal, in Maharashtra, Vishnushastri Pandit was a prominent advocate and founded the Widow Remarriage Association in 1866 to promote this cause.
810. The book “Precepts of Jesus” was published by:
A. Keshab Chandra Sen
B. Raja Ram Mohan Roy
C. Tagore
D. Ishwar Vidyasagar
Answer: B
Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy published his book “Precepts of Jesus, the Guide to Peace and Happiness” in 1820. In this work, he tried to separate the moral and ethical teachings of Jesus from the miraculous stories, believing the former could unify Hindus and Muslims.
811. The Brahmo Samaj was officially founded in:
A. 1815
B. 1828
C. 1830
D. 1843
Answer: B
Explanation: The Brahmo Samaj, a monotheistic reformist movement of the Hindu religion, was officially founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in Calcutta on August 20, 1828. It sought to purify Hinduism and promote rationalism.
812. The first woman to become President of the Indian National Congress was:
A. Annie Besant
B. Sarojini Naidu
C. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
D. Sucheta Kriplani
Answer: A
Explanation: Annie Besant, an Irish-born British socialist, Theosophist, women’s rights activist, and Indian nationalist, was the first woman to be elected President of the Indian National Congress. She presided over the Calcutta session in 1917. Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman President (1925).
813. The Theosophical Society was founded in India at:
A. Bombay
B. Madras
C. Pune
D. Adyar
Answer: D
Explanation: The Theosophical Society was founded in New York City in 1875 by H.P. Blavatsky and H.S. Olcott. Its international headquarters were later established at Adyar, Madras (now Chennai), in India in 1882.
814. Who called Dayananda Saraswati the “Martin Luther of Hinduism”?
A. Annie Besant
B. Gandhi
C. Swami Vivekananda
D. Max Mueller
Answer: A
Explanation: Annie Besant referred to Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, as the “Martin Luther of Hinduism.” This comparison highlights Dayananda’s reformist zeal, his call to return to the Vedas, and his rejection of later Hindu scriptures, idolatry, and the caste system, much like Martin Luther challenged the authority of the Catholic Church.
815. Who coined the term “Depressed Classes”?
A. Ambedkar
B. Gandhi
C. Tilak
D. Shahu Maharaj
Answer: B
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi started using the term “Depressed Classes” to refer to the untouchables and campaigned for their upliftment. He later popularized the term ‘Harijans’ (children of God) for them. B.R. Ambedkar generally preferred “Scheduled Castes” or “Dalits.”
816. Periyar E.V. Ramasamy started which movement?
A. Self-Respect Movement
B. Anti-Brahmin Movement
C. Temple Entry Movement
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Periyar E.V. Ramasamy was the driving force behind the Self-Respect Movement (A), which he launched in 1925. This movement, by its very nature, was strongly Anti-Brahmin (B), challenging Brahminical dominance and caste hierarchy. He was also a staunch supporter and leader in the Temple Entry Movement (C), advocating for the right of untouchables to enter temples. Therefore, “All of the above” accurately reflects the movements and core aspects of his activism.
817. The Poona Pact was signed between:
A. Gandhi and Tilak
B. Gandhi and Ambedkar
C. Gandhi and Shahu Maharaj
D. Ambedkar and Nehru
Answer: B
Explanation: The Poona Pact, a historic agreement, was signed in 1932 between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, representing the Depressed Classes. It resolved the dispute over separate electorates for Dalits, replacing them with reserved seats within the general electorate.
818. The first Indian to be elected to British Parliament was:
A. M.G. Ranade
B. Dadabhai Naoroji
C. Surendranath Banerjee
D. S.N. Tagore
Answer: B
Explanation: Dadabhai Naoroji made history as the first Indian to be elected to the British House of Commons. He was elected as a Liberal Party Member of Parliament (MP) for Finsbury Central in 1892.
819. The book “Economic History of India” was authored by:
A. Dadabhai Naoroji
B. R.C. Dutt
C. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
D. Pherozeshah Mehta
Answer: B
Explanation: The pioneering work, “The Economic History of India” (in two volumes, 1902-1904), was authored by Romesh Chunder Dutt (R.C. Dutt). This book provided a detailed and critical analysis of the economic impact of British colonial policies on India.
820. The Indian National Army trials were held in which fort?
A. Agra Fort
B. Red Fort
C. Fort William
D. Golconda Fort
Answer: B
Explanation: The highly publicized trials of officers of the Indian National Army (INA), accused of treason by the British, were held at the Red Fort in Delhi in 1945-1946. These trials are famously known as the Red Fort Trials.
821. Who among the following rejected Gandhiji’s leadership and formed a new party in 1939?
A. Nehru
B. Subhas Chandra Bose
C. Maulana Azad
D. C. Rajagopalachari
Answer: B
Explanation: In 1939, Subhas Chandra Bose clashed with Mahatma Gandhi over ideological differences and the direction of the freedom struggle. After defeating Gandhi’s preferred candidate (Pattabhi Sitaramayya) for the Congress presidency, Bose resigned from the post and subsequently formed his own party, the Forward Bloc, asserting his independent political path.
822. The term “Pakistan” was first used by:
A. M.A. Jinnah
B. Rahmat Ali
C. Liaquat Ali Khan
D. Syed Ahmed Khan
Answer: B
Explanation: The term “Pakistan” was coined by Choudhary Rahmat Ali, a Punjabi Muslim nationalist and student at Cambridge University, in his 1933 pamphlet “Now or Never; Are We to Live or Perish Forever?”. He proposed it as an acronym for the Muslim-majority areas (Punjab, Afghan (North-West Frontier Province), Kashmir, Sindh, and Baluchistan).
823. The Cabinet Mission Plan recommended:
A. Immediate partition
B. Interim government
C. Grouping of provinces
D. Dominion status
Answer: C
Explanation: The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) proposed a unique constitutional framework for India. It explicitly rejected the idea of immediate partition and instead recommended a federal union with a weak center and the grouping of provinces into three sections (A, B, and C) based on religious majority, allowing them significant autonomy. An Interim Government was also part of its immediate proposals (B), but the structural recommendation was grouping.
824. The Interim Government (1946) was headed by:
A. Rajendra Prasad
B. Sardar Patel
C. Jawaharlal Nehru
D. M.A. Jinnah
Answer: C
Explanation: The Interim Government of India, formed on September 2, 1946, was led by the Congress. While the Viceroy, Lord Wavell, remained its President, Jawaharlal Nehru served as the Vice-President of the Executive Council, effectively acting as the head of government (Prime Minister-designate) during this period.
825. The Cripps Mission (1942) offered:
A. Federation
B. Dominion status after war
C. Immediate independence
D. Communal electorates
Answer: B
Explanation: The Cripps Mission (1942), sent by the British government during World War II, offered India Dominion status after the war and the right to frame its own constitution. However, it did not offer immediate independence or transfer of power, which led to its rejection by Indian leaders.
826. The Wavell Plan (1945) failed because:
A. Gandhi rejected it
B. Muslim League insisted on parity
C. Congress wanted full independence
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: The Wavell Plan (1945), proposed by Viceroy Lord Wavell, aimed to resolve the political deadlock in India. Its failure was due to multiple factors, including:
- B. Muslim League insisted on parity: The League demanded equal representation with the Congress and the exclusive right to nominate all Muslim members to the Viceroy’s Executive Council, which was unacceptable to the Congress. This was the primary direct reason for its failure.
- C. Congress wanted full independence: While the Congress was willing to cooperate for the war effort, its ultimate goal remained full independence, and the plan fell short of that.
- A. Gandhi rejected it: Gandhi, while initially open, ultimately found the plan’s proposals insufficient and objectionable on several grounds, including the parity issue. Thus, a combination of these factors led to its failure.
827. The Directive Principles of State Policy aim to:
A. Guarantee justice and equality
B. Bind courts
C. Limit fundamental rights
D. Promote socialism
Answer: A
Explanation: The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) in Part IV of the Indian Constitution are guiding principles for the state to establish a welfare state in India. Their broad aim is to create a society where justice (social, economic, and political) and equality prevail, ensuring the overall well-being and development of all citizens. While some DPSPs reflect socialist ideals (D), their overarching goal is to achieve social and economic democracy, guaranteeing justice and equality for all. They are not justiciable and do not bind courts (B) or limit fundamental rights (C).
828. The idea of Fundamental Duties was inspired from:
A. USA
B. UK
C. Russia (USSR)
D. Ireland
Answer: C
Explanation: The concept of Fundamental Duties (Part IVA, Article 51A) was added to the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976. This idea was inspired by the Constitution of the erstwhile Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).
829. The first Draft Constitution of India was published in:
A. 1946
B. 1947
C. 1948
D. 1949
Answer: C
Explanation: The Drafting Committee, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, prepared and submitted the first Draft Constitution of India to the President of the Constituent Assembly on February 21, 1948. This draft was then subjected to extensive public discussion and debate.
830. The language of proceedings in the Constituent Assembly was:
A. Hindi
B. English
C. Hindi and English
D. Sanskrit
Answer: C
Explanation: The proceedings in the Constituent Assembly were conducted in both Hindi and English. Members were allowed to speak in their regional languages as well, with translation facilities provided.
831. The first Constitution Day was celebrated in India on:
A. 26 January 1950
B. 26 November 2015
C. 15 August 1947
D. 14 April 1990
Answer: B
Explanation: While the Indian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and fully enacted on January 26, 1950, Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) was officially declared by the Government of India in 2015. The first Constitution Day was thus celebrated on November 26, 2015, to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
832. The term “Secular” was added to the Preamble by which amendment?
A. 42nd
B. 44th
C. 52nd
D. 61st
Answer: A
Explanation: The term “Secular” was added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, during the Emergency. Along with ‘Socialist’ and ‘Integrity’, it reinforced the nature of the Indian state.
833. The Fundamental Right to Property was removed by:
A. 44th Amendment
B. 42nd Amendment
C. 86th Amendment
D. 73rd Amendment
Answer: A
Explanation: The Right to Property ceased to be a Fundamental Right with the enactment of the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act in 1978. It was moved from Part III to Part XII of the Constitution and made a legal right under Article 300A.
834. The Anti-Defection Law was passed in:
A. 1984
B. 1985
C. 1987
D. 1990
Answer: B
Explanation: The Anti-Defection Law was incorporated into the Indian Constitution through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1985. This law aimed to prevent political defections by elected representatives from one party to another.
835. Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists languages?
A. 6th
B. 7th
C. 8th
D. 10th
Answer: C
Explanation: The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the official languages of India. Originally, it listed 14 languages, and currently, it lists 22 languages.
836. India became a republic on:
A. 15 August 1947
B. 26 November 1949
C. 26 January 1950
D. 30 January 1950
Answer: C
Explanation: India officially became a republic on January 26, 1950, when the Constitution of India came into full effect, replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India and establishing India as a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic.
837. The term “We the people of India” signifies:
A. India is a democracy
B. Popular sovereignty
C. Socialism
D. Judicial review
Answer: B
Explanation: The opening phrase of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, “We the people of India,” signifies the principle of Popular Sovereignty. It means that the Constitution derives its authority from the people of India themselves, and the ultimate power rests with the people.
838. The idea of judicial review is borrowed from:
A. USA
B. UK
C. Ireland
D. Canada
Answer: A
Explanation: The concept of Judicial Review, which allows the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive orders, was largely borrowed from the Constitution of the USA (United States of America).
839. The Concurrent List was borrowed from:
A. Canada
B. Australia
C. UK
D. USA
Answer: B
Explanation: The concept of the Concurrent List (List III in the Seventh Schedule), on which both the Union and State governments can legislate, was borrowed from the Constitution of Australia.
840. The minimum age to be a member of Rajya Sabha is:
A. 21
B. 25
C. 30
D. 35
Answer: C
Explanation: To be eligible for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), a person must be at least 30 years of age. For the Lok Sabha, the minimum age is 25 years.
841. The first woman judge of Supreme Court of India was:
A. Fathima Beevi
B. Leila Seth
C. Ruma Pal
D. Indira Banerjee
Answer: A
Explanation: Justice M. Fathima Beevi made history as the first woman judge appointed to the Supreme Court of India in 1989. (Leila Seth was the first woman Chief Justice of a High Court, Himachal Pradesh).
842. The first woman Speaker of Lok Sabha was:
A. Meira Kumar
B. Sumitra Mahajan
C. Sarojini Naidu
D. Sucheta Kriplani
Answer: A
Explanation: Smt. Meira Kumar served as the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) from 2009 to 2014.
843. The term “Socialist” in the Preamble was added by:
A. 42nd Amendment
B. 44th Amendment
C. 86th Amendment
D. 93rd Amendment
Answer: A
Explanation: The term “Socialist” was inserted into the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, along with ‘Secular’ and ‘Integrity’.
844. Right to Education (RTE) was made a Fundamental Right in:
A. 2001
B. 2002
C. 2005
D. 2010
Answer: B
Explanation: The Right to Education (RTE) was made a Fundamental Right by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002. This amendment inserted Article 21A into the Constitution, making education for children between 6 and 14 years of age a fundamental right. The Right to Education Act, which provided the framework for its implementation, was subsequently passed in 2009 and came into force in 2010. The question asks when it was made a Fundamental Right.
845. The Second Backward Classes Commission was headed by:
A. Kaka Kalelkar
B. B.P. Mandal
C. M.N. Srinivas
D. Jagjivan Ram
Answer: B
Explanation: The Second Backward Classes Commission, famously known as the Mandal Commission, was constituted in 1979 and was headed by B.P. Mandal. Its recommendations led to the implementation of reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs. (Kaka Kalelkar headed the First Backward Classes Commission).
846. The term “Basic Structure” was first used in:
A. Golaknath Case
B. Minerva Mills Case
C. Kesavananda Bharati Case
D. Shankari Prasad Case
Answer: C
Explanation: The revolutionary concept of the “Basic Structure Doctrine” of the Indian Constitution was first propounded and articulated by the Supreme Court of India in the landmark judgment of the Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala case in 1973.
847. Which Fundamental Right cannot be suspended even during Emergency?
A. Right to Life
B. Right to Religion
C. Right to Freedom
D. Right to Property
Answer: A
Explanation: As per Article 359 of the Indian Constitution (as amended by the 44th Amendment Act, 1978), the enforcement of Fundamental Rights guaranteed by Article 20 (Protection in respect of conviction for offences) and Article 21 (Protection of life and personal liberty) cannot be suspended even during a National Emergency.
848. The Finance Commission is constituted under which Article?
A. Article 265
B. Article 280
C. Article 300
D. Article 356
Answer: B
Explanation: The Finance Commission is a constitutional body in India constituted by the President every five years (or earlier) under Article 280 of the Constitution. Its primary function is to recommend the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States, and the allocation of shares among the States.
849. Swaraj Party (1923) was formed to:
A. Fight for Dominion Status
B. Demand complete independence
C. Enter Legislative Councils
D. Promote Hindu-Muslim unity
Answer: C
Explanation: The Swaraj Party was formed in 1923 by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru after the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement. Its main objective was to enter the Legislative Councils created by the Government of India Act of 1919 and then obstruct the government from within by non-cooperation and expose the shortcomings of the reforms, thereby advancing the cause of self-rule.
850. The term “Police Raj” was used by nationalists to criticize:
A. Preventive Detention
B. Rowlatt Act
C. Cripps Mission
D. Vernacular Press Act
Answer: B
Explanation: The Rowlatt Act of 1919 gave the British government immense powers to arrest and imprison people without trial, suspending the right of habeas corpus. This draconian law was vehemently opposed by Indian nationalists who termed it a “Police Raj” (police rule) or a “black bill,” as it allowed arbitrary repression.