Welcome to “Set 9” of our “Indian History – UPSC MCQ Series”! This set covers a pivotal period in Indian history, marking the emergence and early evolution of the Indian National Movement. Dive into questions on the formation of the Indian National Congress, the key social and religious reform movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the escalating struggle against British rule. Explore the impact of the Partition of Bengal, the rise of Extremist nationalism, the formation of the Muslim League, and crucial events like the Morley-Minto Reforms, the Home Rule Movement, the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, and the Non-Cooperation Movement. This set also touches upon revolutionary activities and the arrival of the Simon Commission, setting the stage for further independence struggles.
Set 9
401. The Indian National Congress was founded in:
A. 1883
B. 1885
C. 1887
D. 1890
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded on December 28, 1885 CE, by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, with the aim of creating a platform for civil and political dialogue among educated Indians.
402. Who presided over the first session of the Indian National Congress?
A. Dadabhai Naoroji
B. Surendranath Banerjee
C. W.C. Bonnerjee
D. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Answer: C
Explanation: The first session of the Indian National Congress, held in Bombay, was presided over by Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee.
403. The first session of the Congress was held in:
A. Calcutta
B. Bombay
C. Madras
D. Pune
Answer: B
Explanation: The inaugural session of the Indian National Congress took place in Bombay (Mumbai), at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, in December 1885 CE.
404. The founder of the Arya Samaj was:
A. Raja Ram Mohan Roy
B. Swami Dayanand Saraswati
C. Swami Vivekananda
D. Keshab Chandra Sen
Answer: B
Explanation: The Arya Samaj, a Hindu reform movement advocating for a return to Vedic principles, was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875 CE.
405. The motto of Arya Samaj was:
A. Back to the Vedas
B. Truth Alone Triumphs
C. Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
D. Spiritual Unity
Answer: A
Explanation: The core principle and motto of the Arya Samaj, as propagated by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, was “Back to the Vedas,” signifying a belief in the infallibility of the Vedas as the ultimate source of truth.
406. Aligarh Movement was started by:
A. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
B. Syed Amir Ali
C. Maulana Azad
D. Shah Waliullah
Answer: A
Explanation: The Aligarh Movement, a movement for the modern education and empowerment of the Muslim community in British India, was initiated by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in the late 19th century. He founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (later Aligarh Muslim University) as part of this effort.
407. The Theosophical Society was founded in India at:
A. Calcutta
B. Pune
C. Adyar
D. Allahabad
Answer: C
Explanation: While the Theosophical Society was founded in New York in 1875, its international headquarters was established at Adyar, near Madras (Chennai), India, in 1882 CE.
408. The Theosophical Society was founded by:
A. Annie Besant and Tilak
B. Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott
C. Annie Besant and Aurobindo
D. Swami Vivekananda and Besant
Answer: B
Explanation: The Theosophical Society was founded in 1875 CE in New York by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott.
409. Swami Vivekananda represented Hinduism in:
A. The Congress of Religions at Chicago
B. The World Peace Summit, London
C. The Oxford Parliament of Faiths
D. The Paris Religious Assembly
Answer: A
Explanation: Swami Vivekananda rose to international fame after delivering inspiring speeches representing Hinduism at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893 CE.
410. The Brahmo Samaj was founded in:
A. 1815
B. 1828
C. 1832
D. 1836
Answer: B
Explanation: The Brahmo Samaj, a socio-religious reform movement, was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828 CE (initially as the Brahmo Sabha), advocating for monotheism and rationalism.
411. Ramakrishna Mission was founded by:
A. Ramakrishna Paramhansa
B. Swami Vivekananda
C. Dayananda Saraswati
D. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Answer: B
Explanation: The Ramakrishna Mission, an organization based on the teachings of the saint Ramakrishna Paramhansa, was founded by his chief disciple, Swami Vivekananda, in 1897 CE.
412. Indian Association was founded in 1876 by:
A. W.C. Bonnerjee
B. Surendranath Banerjee
C. Dadabhai Naoroji
D. Justice Ranade
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indian Association of Calcutta, one of the most important pre-Congress political organizations, was founded in 1876 CE by Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose.
413. The term “Drain of Wealth” was popularized by:
A. Dadabhai Naoroji
B. R.C. Dutt
C. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
D. M.G. Ranade
Answer: A
Explanation: The economic critique of British rule, particularly the concept of the “Drain of Wealth” from India to Britain, was most extensively propounded and popularized by Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the “Grand Old Man of India.”
414. The book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India was written by:
A. Tilak
B. Naoroji
C. Lala Lajpat Rai
D. Gokhale
Answer: B
Explanation: Dadabhai Naoroji authored the influential book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India (published in 1901), in which he systematically analyzed the economic exploitation of India under British rule and elaborated on his “Drain Theory.”
415. The Servants of India Society was founded by:
A. Tilak
B. Annie Besant
C. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
D. Ranade
Answer: C
Explanation: The Servants of India Society, dedicated to promoting social and humanitarian causes, was founded by the moderate nationalist leader Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1905 CE.
416. The Partition of Bengal was announced in:
A. 1903
B. 1905
C. 1907
D. 1911
Answer: B
Explanation: The controversial Partition of Bengal was officially announced by Lord Curzon in July 1905 CE and implemented in October of the same year.
417. The partition of Bengal was carried out by:
A. Lord Curzon
B. Lord Minto
C. Lord Ripon
D. Lord Hardinge
Answer: A
Explanation: The decision to partition Bengal and its execution was primarily undertaken by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon (1899–1905 CE).
418. The Swadeshi Movement emerged after:
A. Formation of INC
B. Revolt of 1857
C. Partition of Bengal
D. Simon Commission
Answer: C
Explanation: The Swadeshi Movement (advocating for the use of indigenous goods and boycotting foreign products) and the related Boycott movement emerged as a direct response to the British government’s decision to implement the Partition of Bengal in 1905 CE.
419. The extremist leaders of INC included:
A. Surendranath, Naoroji, Gokhale
B. Tilak, Bipin Chandra, Lala Lajpat Rai
C. Annie Besant, C.R. Das, Nehru
D. Gandhi, Tilak, Gokhale
Answer: B
Explanation: The prominent leaders of the Extremist faction within the Indian National Congress, known for their assertive nationalism and demand for Swaraj (self-rule), included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai (popularly known as ‘Lal-Bal-Pal’).
420. Tilak gave the slogan:
A. India for Indians
B. Freedom is my birthright
C. Back to the Vedas
D. Swaraj is our aim
Answer: B
Explanation: Bal Gangadhar Tilak famously declared, “Freedom is my birthright, and I shall have it!” This slogan became a rallying cry for the nationalist movement.
421. Kesari and Maratha were newspapers founded by:
A. Naoroji
B. Tilak
C. Gokhale
D. Vivekananda
Answer: B
Explanation: Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded and edited two influential newspapers: Kesari (in Marathi) and Mahratta (in English), which he used to propagate nationalist ideas.
422. The first split in Congress occurred in:
A. 1885
B. 1905
C. 1907
D. 1916
Answer: C
Explanation: The first major split in the Indian National Congress between the Moderates and Extremists occurred in 1907 CE.
423. The 1907 split of Congress took place at:
A. Surat
B. Calcutta
C. Bombay
D. Madras
Answer: A
Explanation: The 1907 split in the Congress, known as the “Surat Split,” took place during the Congress session held in Surat.
424. The Muslim League was founded in:
A. 1905
B. 1906
C. 1907
D. 1909
Answer: B
Explanation: The All-India Muslim League was founded in Dhaka (then part of British India, now Bangladesh) in 1906 CE, primarily to protect the political rights and interests of Muslims in British India.
425. The first president of the Muslim League was:
A. Aga Khan
B. Nawab Salimullah
C. Syed Ahmed Khan
D. Liaquat Ali
Answer: A
Explanation: While Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka was instrumental in its formation, Aga Khan III (Sultan Muhammad Shah) was the first permanent president of the All-India Muslim League.
426. The Morley-Minto Reforms were passed in:
A. 1905
B. 1907
C. 1909
D. 1911
Answer: C
Explanation: The Morley-Minto Reforms, officially known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909, were passed in 1909 CE. These reforms introduced a limited increase in Indian participation in legislative councils.
427. The 1909 Act introduced:
A. Diarchy
B. Separate Electorates
C. ICS recruitment
D. Hindu-Muslim pact
Answer: B
Explanation: A controversial feature of the Morley-Minto Reforms (1909 Act) was the introduction of Separate Electorates for Muslims, meaning Muslim members were to be elected only by Muslim voters, which institutionalized communalism in politics.
428. The Home Rule Movement was launched in:
A. 1914
B. 1916
C. 1919
D. 1920
Answer: B
Explanation: The Home Rule Movement, demanding self-government for India within the British Empire, was launched in 1916 CE. Two prominent leagues were formed, one by Tilak and another by Annie Besant.
429. The leaders of Home Rule Movement were:
A. Gandhi and Nehru
B. Tilak and Annie Besant
C. Gokhale and Lala Lajpat Rai
D. Tagore and Ranade
Answer: B
Explanation: The Home Rule Movement in India was jointly championed by Bal Gangadhar Tilak (who started his league in April 1916) and Annie Besant (who started hers in September 1916).
430. The Lucknow Pact was signed in:
A. 1914
B. 1915
C. 1916
D. 1917
Answer: C
Explanation: The significant Lucknow Pact, an agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League, was signed in 1916 CE during their joint session in Lucknow.
431. The Lucknow Pact was an agreement between:
A. Congress and British
B. Congress and Muslim League
C. Extremists and Moderates
D. India and Burma
Answer: B
Explanation: The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was a historic agreement reached between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League to present common political demands to the British. It also saw the reunification of the Extremist and Moderate factions of the Congress.
432. Tilak passed away in:
A. 1915
B. 1920
C. 1922
D. 1930
Answer: B
Explanation: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a towering figure of Indian nationalism, passed away on August 1, 1920 CE, the very day Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement.
433. The Montagu Declaration was issued in:
A. 1915
B. 1917
C. 1919
D. 1921
Answer: B
Explanation: The Montagu Declaration (also known as the August Declaration), promising the gradual development of self-governing institutions in India with a view to progressive realization of responsible government, was issued by Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State for India, on August 20, 1917 CE.
434. The Rowlatt Act was passed in:
A. 1917
B. 1918
C. 1919
D. 1920
Answer: C
Explanation: The highly unpopular and repressive Rowlatt Act (Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act) was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council in March 1919 CE. It allowed for arrest and detention without trial.
435. The Rowlatt Act was also called the:
A. Press Act
B. Black Act
C. Sedition Act
D. Emergency Act
Answer: B
Explanation: Due to its draconian provisions allowing political activists to be arrested and imprisoned without trial, the Rowlatt Act was widely condemned by Indians and popularly referred to as the “Black Act.”
436. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in:
A. March 1919
B. April 1919
C. May 1919
D. June 1919
Answer: B
Explanation: The horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on April 13, 1919 CE, when British troops under General Dyer opened fire on a peaceful gathering in Amritsar.
437. The Jallianwala massacre took place in:
A. Lahore
B. Amritsar
C. Delhi
D. Lucknow
Answer: B
Explanation: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in the city of Amritsar, Punjab.
438. The Hunter Commission was appointed to investigate:
A. Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
B. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
C. Khilafat Movement
D. Press Censorship
Answer: B
Explanation: The Hunter Commission was appointed by the British government in October 1919 CE to investigate the events surrounding the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
439. The Khilafat Movement was launched by:
A. Mahatma Gandhi
B. Maulana Azad
C. Ali Brothers
D. Badruddin Tyabji
Answer: C
Explanation: The Khilafat Movement, a pan-Islamic political protest campaign, was launched in India by the Ali Brothers—Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar and Maulana Shaukat Ali—along with other Muslim leaders, to support the Ottoman Caliph.
440. The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in:
A. 1919
B. 1920
C. 1921
D. 1922
Answer: B
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement on August 1, 1920 CE, as a widespread nonviolent protest against British rule, particularly in response to the Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the Khilafat issue.
441. The Chauri Chaura incident took place in:
A. 1920
B. 1921
C. 1922
D. 1923
Answer: C
Explanation: The Chauri Chaura incident, where a violent mob set fire to a police station, leading to the death of several policemen, occurred on February 5, 1922 CE, in Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh.
442. The Non-Cooperation Movement was withdrawn due to:
A. Death of Tilak
B. Gandhi’s arrest
C. Chauri Chaura violence
D. Lack of support
Answer: C
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi decided to suddenly withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922 CE due to the outbreak of violence at Chauri Chaura, as it violated his principle of non-violence.
443. The Swaraj Party was founded in:
A. 1920
B. 1922
C. 1923
D. 1924
Answer: C
Explanation: The Swaraj Party (Congress-Khilafat Swarajya Party) was formed on January 1, 1923 CE, by leaders who advocated for council entry, after differences arose within the Congress following the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
444. The founders of Swaraj Party were:
A. Gandhi and Nehru
B. C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru
C. Tilak and Annie Besant
D. Patel and Bose
Answer: B
Explanation: The Swaraj Party was founded by Chittaranjan Das (C.R. Das) as president and Motilal Nehru as secretary.
445. Hindustan Republican Association was formed in:
A. 1918
B. 1920
C. 1924
D. 1928
Answer: C
Explanation: The Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), a revolutionary organization aimed at achieving independence through armed struggle, was formed in Kanpur in 1924 CE by leaders like Ram Prasad Bismil, Sachindra Nath Sanyal, and Chandrashekhar Azad.
446. The Kakori conspiracy took place in:
A. 1924
B. 1925
C. 1926
D. 1927
Answer: B
Explanation: The Kakori Conspiracy (or Kakori train robbery), a significant act by the HRA to fund their revolutionary activities, took place on August 9, 1925 CE, when they looted a train carrying government money.
447. The Simon Commission came to India in:
A. 1925
B. 1926
C. 1927
D. 1928
Answer: D
Explanation: The Simon Commission, a seven-member all-British commission appointed to review the working of the Government of India Act 1919, arrived in India on February 3, 1928 CE, sparking widespread protests.
448. The slogan Simon Go Back was given by:
A. Gandhi
B. Nehru
C. Lala Lajpat Rai
D. Subhas Bose
Answer: C
Explanation: During the protests against the Simon Commission, the powerful slogan “Simon Go Back” was famously raised by Lala Lajpat Rai, who later succumbed to injuries from a police lathi charge during one such protest.
449. Lala Lajpat Rai died due to injuries in:
A. 1927
B. 1928
C. 1929
D. 1930
Answer: B
Explanation: Lala Lajpat Rai received severe injuries from a police lathi charge during a protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore on October 30, 1928. He later succumbed to these injuries on November 17, 1928 CE.
450. The Nehru Report was prepared under the chairmanship of:
A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Motilal Nehru
C. M.A. Ansari
D. C.R. Das
Answer: B
Explanation: The Nehru Report, a draft constitution for India demanding dominion status, was prepared in 1928 CE by a committee headed by Motilal Nehru. His son, Jawaharlal Nehru, was the secretary of the committee.