Indian history MCQ – Change your future

521. By the Act of 1858, the powers of the Board of Control and the Court of Directors were transferred to.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) The Secretary of State.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, IAS Prelims, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Act of 1858, also known as the Government of India Act 1858, transferred the powers of the Board of Control and the Court of Directors of the East India Company to the Secretary of State for India.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the roles of the Secretary of State with those of the Viceroy or the Commander-in-Chief, as all these positions were involved in the governance of India during the colonial period.

Explanations: The Act of 1858 marked the end of the East India Company's rule in India and the beginning of the British Crown's direct rule. The powers of the Board of Control and the Court of Directors, which were responsible for overseeing the East India Company's administration, were transferred to the Secretary of State for India. This Secretary of State was a member of the British Cabinet and was responsible for the governance of India on behalf of the Crown.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Secretary of State for India was given the powers of the Board of Control and the Court of Directors.
Option B: Incorrect. Parliament did not directly take over these powers; they were transferred to the Secretary of State.
Option C: Incorrect. The Viceroy was appointed to represent the Crown in India but did not receive the powers of the Board of Control and the Court of Directors.
Option D: Incorrect. The Commander-in-Chief was responsible for military matters and did not receive these administrative powers.

522. In which year, Imperial Records Department (IRD) was established, which is now known as National Archives of India?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) 1891.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, IAS Prelims, SSC CGL

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Imperial Records Department (IRD) was established in 1891 and is now known as the National Archives of India.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the year with other significant dates in Indian history, such as the establishment of the Indian National Congress in 1885.

Explanations: The Imperial Records Department (IRD) was established in 1891 to manage and preserve official records of the British Raj. This department later evolved into the National Archives of India, which continues to serve as the repository for important historical documents and records.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1885 is incorrect as it is the year the Indian National Congress was founded, not the IRD.
Option B: 1887 is incorrect as it does not correspond to the establishment of the IRD.
Option C: 1889 is incorrect as it does not correspond to the establishment of the IRD.
Option D: 1891 is the correct year when the Imperial Records Department was established.

523. According to..... the Mutiny was a popular rebellion.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) V A Smith.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: V A Smith is known for his interpretation of the Indian Mutiny of 1857 as a popular rebellion rather than a mere military mutiny.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the interpretations of different historians, leading to incorrect selection of the answer.

Explanations: V A Smith, a British historian, viewed the Indian Mutiny of 1857 as a widespread popular rebellion against British rule, rather than a localized military mutiny. This interpretation emphasizes the broader social and political context of the event, highlighting the widespread discontent among the Indian population. Therefore, the correct answer is V A Smith.

Option Analysis:

Option A: V D Sarkar did not view the Mutiny as a popular rebellion.
Option B: V A Smith interpreted the Mutiny as a popular rebellion.
Option C: L Mukherjee did not specifically frame the Mutiny as a popular rebellion.
Option D: Chabbra did not interpret the Mutiny as a popular rebellion.

524. The National Liberal Federation was founded by

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) S N BanneIjee.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, IAS, Competitive History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The National Liberal Federation was a political organization in India that was founded by Surendranath Banerjee in 1907.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the founder with other prominent Indian leaders of the same era, such as Motilal Nehru or Abul Kalam Azad.

Explanations: Surendranath Banerjee, a key figure in the Indian Nationalist movement, founded the National Liberal Federation in 1907. This organization aimed to promote liberal and nationalist ideas, and Banerjee was instrumental in its establishment.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Surendranath Banerjee founded the National Liberal Federation.
Option B: Incorrect. Motilal Nehru was a prominent Indian nationalist and lawyer, but not the founder of the National Liberal Federation.
Option C: Incorrect. Abul Kalam Azad was a senior leader of the Indian nationalist movement, but not the founder of the National Liberal Federation.
Option D: Incorrect. Mrs Annie Besant was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement, but not the founder of the National Liberal Federation.

Mnemonic: NLF - SBN (National Liberal Federation - Surendranath Banerjee)

525. The Non-Cooperation Movement under Gandhi was in full swing during the Viceroyalty of

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Reading.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, IAS, Competitive History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Non-Cooperation Movement was a significant phase of the Indian independence struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi. It began in 1920 and was in full swing during the Viceroyalty of Lord Reading.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the timeline of the Non-Cooperation Movement with other movements or the tenure of other Viceroys.

Explanations: The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in 1920 and continued until 1922. Lord Reading served as the Viceroy of India from 1921 to 1926. Therefore, the movement was in full swing during his tenure. This aligns with the historical context and the timeline of the Indian independence movement.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Chelmsford was the Viceroy before Reading and did not oversee the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Option B: Irwin was the Viceroy after Reading and did not oversee the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Option C: Reading was the Viceroy during the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Option D: Hardinge was the Viceroy before Chelmsford and did not oversee the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Mnemonic: Non-Cooperation Reading, 1920s.

526. The writers of the East India Company had their training in the college at..... in England.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Haileybury.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The East India Company trained its writers at Haileybury College in England.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the location with other major cities in England where the East India Company had significant operations, such as London, Manchester, or Liverpool.

Explanations: The East India Company established Haileybury College in Hertfordshire, England, specifically for the training of its writers and clerks. This institution was crucial for preparing individuals to work in the administrative and clerical roles within the company's operations.

Option Analysis:

Option A: London was the capital and a major hub for the East India Company, but it was not the location of the training college for writers.
Option B: Manchester was an important industrial city but not associated with the East India Company's training college.
Option C: Liverpool was a significant port city for the East India Company but not the location of the training college.
Option D: Haileybury was the correct location for the East India Company's training college for writers.

Mnemonic: H for Haileybury, Home of the East India Company's writers.

527. Who had formulated and perfected the use of the subsidiary alliance system?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Lord Wellesley.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services,

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Lord Wellesley, the Governor-General of India from 1798 to 1805, formulated and perfected the use of the subsidiary alliance system.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Lord Wellesley with other British officials who were active during the colonial period, such as Lord Dalhousie or Lord Curzon.

Explanations: Lord Wellesley introduced the subsidiary alliance system as a means to expand British influence in India. Under this system, Indian rulers were required to maintain a British military force within their territories and pay for its maintenance. This allowed the British to control the Indian states without direct annexation, ensuring their dominance and strategic advantage. Lord Wellesley's implementation of this system was a significant factor in the expansion of British power in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lord Mayo was not associated with the subsidiary alliance system. He was Governor-General of India from 1869 to 1872 and is known for his policies on education and the establishment of Mayo College.
Option B: Lord Curzon was Governor-General of India from 1899 to 1905 and is known for his administrative reforms and the partition of Bengal. He did not formulate the subsidiary alliance system.
Option C: Lord Dalhousie was Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856 and is known for his policy of annexation, particularly the Doctrine of Lapse. He did not formulate the subsidiary alliance system.
Option D: Lord Wellesley formulated and perfected the use of the subsidiary alliance system during his tenure as Governor-General of India from 1798 to 1805.

Mnemonic: Wellesley's Wily Ways

528. Who had been the first to emphasise the instruction in literature and science through the English Language was essential for building a modern India?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Raj Ram Mohun Roy.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, IAS, Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Raj Ram Mohun Roy was a pioneer in advocating for the use of the English language in education to modernize India.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Raj Ram Mohun Roy with other social reformers of the time, such as Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar or MM Malaviya.

Explanations: Raj Ram Mohun Roy was a prominent social reformer and is often credited with being the first to emphasize the importance of instruction in literature and science through the English language for the modernization of India. He believed that English education would help Indians gain access to modern knowledge and technology, thereby contributing to the overall development of the country.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a key figure in the Bengali renaissance and advocated for women's education and widow remarriage, but he was not the first to emphasize English education for modernization.
Option B: GK Gokhale was a prominent Indian nationalist and social reformer, but he did not specifically emphasize the use of English for modernization.
Option C: Raj Ram Mohun Roy was the first to emphasize the importance of English education for modernizing India.
Option D: MM Malaviya was a prominent educationist and founder of Banaras Hindu University, but he did not initiate the emphasis on English education for modernization.

Mnemonic: Raj Ram Mohun Roy, Modernizer of India

529. The Deccan Riots of 1874-75 in Maharashtra were directed against

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Moneylenders.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Deccan Riots of 1874-75 in Maharashtra were primarily directed against moneylenders.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the targets of the riots with other groups such as landlords or revenue collectors.

Explanations: The Deccan Riots were a series of agrarian protests in Maharashtra against the oppressive practices of moneylenders. These moneylenders often exploited farmers by charging exorbitant interest rates, leading to widespread indebtedness and hardship. The riots were a direct response to the financial exploitation and the inability of farmers to repay their debts. Therefore, the primary target of the riots was the moneylenders.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Big landlords were not the primary target of the riots, although they may have been involved in some grievances.
Option B: Moneylenders were the main target due to their exploitative practices.
Option C: Revenue collectors were not the primary focus of the riots.
Option D: British opium planters were not involved in the Deccan Riots.

Mnemonic: Moneylenders Misery: M for Moneylenders, M for Misery.

530. Bal Gangadhar Tilak earned the epithet of Lokamanya during

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) The Home Rule Movement.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, IAS, Competitive History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Bal Gangadhar Tilak was given the title of Lokamanya during the Home Rule Movement, which he led to demand self-governance for India.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the timing of Tilak's title with other significant events in his life, such as his trial or the Lucknow Pact.

Explanations: Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a prominent Indian nationalist and freedom fighter. He was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and is known for his role in the Home Rule Movement. During this movement, Tilak's leadership and contributions earned him the title of Lokamanya, which means "respected by all." This title was a recognition of his widespread influence and respect among the Indian populace.

Option Analysis:

Option A: His trial in 1907-08 was significant but did not result in the title of Lokamanya.
Option B: The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was an agreement between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, not directly related to Tilak's title.
Option C: The Home Rule Movement was a period of intense political activity where Tilak's leadership earned him the title of Lokamanya.
Option D: The Congress Session in 1917 was important but not the event that led to Tilak being called Lokamanya.

Mnemonic: Lokamanya, Home Rule, Tilak

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11 thoughts on “Indian history MCQ - Set 53”

ramanasri January 11, 2020

IAS UPSC Mathematics Optional Syllabus 2020
Ashish February 10, 2020

Its really helpful MCQ’s for Government Exam preparations. I hope we will get more in future. Really thankful for such an amazing work by Gatecseit team!
Jumma February 21, 2020

Very Useful Or Informative Article For preparations.
DreamNaukri March 4, 2020

this question is awesome and very important for all exam. this is a unique collection which gives by your team. Thanks of lots
Shankar March 12, 2020

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yoga ttc in india March 20, 2020

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Jayashankar Naik June 3, 2020

MCQ in history is really helpful to any competitive exam
Kunwar Yoga September 15, 2020

thansks for sharing these mcq question with us.
Rajib Gosh February 28, 2021

It is helpful for preparing exam. Thanks
Krishna November 19, 2021

Bahut acche prashna hain
yoga school in rishikesh October 4, 2023

Thanks for sharing this MCQ.

11 thoughts on “Indian history MCQ - Set 53”

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