Modern Indian History MCQs
Rajeev
0
36
1. The Portuguese built their first fortress in India at __?
[A] Kochi
[B] Goa
[C] Anjidiv
[D] Cannanore
Answer: A [Kochi]
Notes: The Portuguese built their first fortress in India at Kochi in 1503. The fortress, named Fort Emmanuel after King Manuel I of Portugal, was constructed with the permission of the ruler of the Kingdom of Kochi. Strategically located near the Malabar coast’s spice trade routes, Fort Emmanuel enabled the Portuguese to consolidate power along India’s southwestern shores. For over a century, it served as the epicenter from which the Portuguese promoted trade interests and religious proselytization in the subcontinent. Though the fort now lies in ruins on Fort Kochi Beach, it inaugurated a era of direct European involvement in Indian political and mercantile affairs.
2. Which among the following observed the Direct Action Day on August 16, 1946?
[A] Muslim League
[B] Christian League
[C] Sikh League
[D] Hindu League
Answer: A [Muslim League]
Notes:
Muslim League observed the Direct Action Day on August 16, 1946. The objective of Muslim league was to create an environment of communal riots and terrorism to exhibit that Hindus and Muslims could not reside together.
Muslim League observed the Direct Action Day on August 16, 1946. The objective of Muslim league was to create an environment of communal riots and terrorism to exhibit that Hindus and Muslims could not reside together.
3. Which among the following was NOT annexed into the East India territories via the Doctrine of Lapse?
[A] Satara
[B] Nagpur
[C] Jhansi
[D] Mysore
Answer: D [Mysore]
Notes:
The company took over the princely states of Satara (1848), Jaitpur and Sambalpur (1849), Nagpur and Jhansi (1854), Tanjore and Arcot (1855) and Awadh (Oudh, 1856, with the reason that the ruler was not ruling properly) and Udaipur using this doctrine. Mysore was not among them.
The company took over the princely states of Satara (1848), Jaitpur and Sambalpur (1849), Nagpur and Jhansi (1854), Tanjore and Arcot (1855) and Awadh (Oudh, 1856, with the reason that the ruler was not ruling properly) and Udaipur using this doctrine. Mysore was not among them.
4. In 1612, at which among the following places, the British established their first factory (trading post) in India ?
[A] Cochin
[B] Surat
[C] Kassim Bazar
[D] Hughli
Answer: B [Surat]
Notes:
On March 12, 1612, Jahangir granted a firman permitting the British establishing factories at Surat, Gogha, Ahmedabad and Cambay. Thus, Surat became the first established settlement of British in India and a factory was established there in 1612-13.
On March 12, 1612, Jahangir granted a firman permitting the British establishing factories at Surat, Gogha, Ahmedabad and Cambay. Thus, Surat became the first established settlement of British in India and a factory was established there in 1612-13.
5. During British Era, East India Company had established botanical gardens at 4 locations as centers for improving botanical knowledge and experimentation under the local Governments. Which among the following is not among them ?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Poona
[C] Sibpur
[D] Madras
Answer: A [Lucknow]
Notes:
The East India Company had established botanical gardens at Sibpur, pune, Saharanpur and Madras. On 13 February 1890, Botanical Survey of India was established by the East India Company.
The East India Company had established botanical gardens at Sibpur, pune, Saharanpur and Madras. On 13 February 1890, Botanical Survey of India was established by the East India Company.
6. Who among the following assassinated Lt. Colonial Sir William Curzon Wiley, Political ADC to the Secretary of State for India in 1909, as one of the first acts of revolution in the Indian independence movement?
[A] Madan Lal Dhingra
[B] Har Dayal
[C] Udham Singh
[D] Roshan Singh
Answer: A [Madan Lal Dhingra]
Notes:
Madan Lal Dhingra was an Indian student at the University of London. He was associated with the India House of London which was set up by Shyamji Krishna Varma and The Indian Sociologist. Sir William Curzon Wiley was assassinated in London on 1st July 1909 by Dhingra at the Imperial Institute while he attending an event organised by the National Indian Association.
Madan Lal Dhingra was an Indian student at the University of London. He was associated with the India House of London which was set up by Shyamji Krishna Varma and The Indian Sociologist. Sir William Curzon Wiley was assassinated in London on 1st July 1909 by Dhingra at the Imperial Institute while he attending an event organised by the National Indian Association.
7. Who among the following led the rebels during the “Siege of Cawnpore”?
[A] Nana Sahib
[B] Bajirao II
[C] Raghunathrao
[D] None of them
Answer: A [Nana Sahib]
Notes:
Siege of Cawnpore happened between 5-25 June, 1857. In this episode, the rebels besieged the company forces and civilians in Cawnpore (Kanpur). The British needed to surrender to the rebels for a safe passage to Allahabad but their evacuation turned into a massacre, resulting into death of around 120 British. The British forces from Allahabad recaptured Kanpur and then engaged into widespread retaliation with rebel soldiers and civilians. The leader in siege of Cawnpore was Nana Sahib.
Siege of Cawnpore happened between 5-25 June, 1857. In this episode, the rebels besieged the company forces and civilians in Cawnpore (Kanpur). The British needed to surrender to the rebels for a safe passage to Allahabad but their evacuation turned into a massacre, resulting into death of around 120 British. The British forces from Allahabad recaptured Kanpur and then engaged into widespread retaliation with rebel soldiers and civilians. The leader in siege of Cawnpore was Nana Sahib.
8. Which among the following cities saw the first instance of Satyagraha in India?
[A] Surat
[B] Kheda
[C] Champaran
[D] Ahmedabad
Answer: D [Ahmedabad]
Notes:
The first satyagraha in India was Champaran Satyagraha and the first Rajkumar Shukla requested Gandhiji to intervene into the matter of the indigo planters of Champaran. The planter were forced to grow indigo on 3/20th of the land . It was known as Tinkathia System. The agitation of Gandhiji eventually abolished the system and helped to recover 25% of the illegally taken money of the planters from the authority. In March 1918, under the leadership of Gandhi, there was a strike in the cotton mills in Ahmedabad. It was at this juncture that Gandhi began the ‘first’ of his seventeen ‘fasts unto death’ on 15 March, 1918.
The first satyagraha in India was Champaran Satyagraha and the first Rajkumar Shukla requested Gandhiji to intervene into the matter of the indigo planters of Champaran. The planter were forced to grow indigo on 3/20th of the land . It was known as Tinkathia System. The agitation of Gandhiji eventually abolished the system and helped to recover 25% of the illegally taken money of the planters from the authority. In March 1918, under the leadership of Gandhi, there was a strike in the cotton mills in Ahmedabad. It was at this juncture that Gandhi began the ‘first’ of his seventeen ‘fasts unto death’ on 15 March, 1918.
9. When did Nino da Cunha (Portuguese Governor) transferred his capital from Cochin to Goa?
[A] 1531 AD
[B] 1529 AD
[C] 1532 AD
[D] 1530 AD
Answer: D [1530 AD]
Notes:
The Portuguese Governor, Nino da Cunha (1529-38) transferred his capital from Cochin to Goa in 1530 AD and established factories at San thome (Madras) and Hughli (Bengal). In 1534 AD, he captured Diu and Bassein from the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah.
The Portuguese Governor, Nino da Cunha (1529-38) transferred his capital from Cochin to Goa in 1530 AD and established factories at San thome (Madras) and Hughli (Bengal). In 1534 AD, he captured Diu and Bassein from the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah.
10. Who among the following leaders led the Revolt of 1857 in Goa?
[A] Deepuji Rana
[B] Surender Sai
[C] Mulbagal Swami
[D] Kadam Singh
Answer: A [Deepuji Rana]
Notes:
Deepuji Rana led the Revolt of 1857 in Goa.
Deepuji Rana led the Revolt of 1857 in Goa.
11. Which of the following leaders were associated to Faraidi Movement (1804)?
[A] Haji Shariatullah
[B] Dadu Mian
[C] Nowa Mian
[D] All of the above
Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Faraidi ( or Faraizi) movement (1804): It was founded by Haji Shariatullah of village Bahadurpur in Faridpur district, Bengal. The movement had emphasis on strict monotheism and to remove un-Islamic practices from the Muslim society as well as to revive and restore Muslim rule once again by expelling the Christians from India. His successors Dudu Mian and Nowa Mian successfully mobilized the Muslim peasants of central and eastern Bengal against the zamindars and money lenders who were mostly Hindus and the indigo planters who were British. Finally, the movement was suppressed by the Bengal government after a series of arrests, trials and persecutions.
Faraidi ( or Faraizi) movement (1804): It was founded by Haji Shariatullah of village Bahadurpur in Faridpur district, Bengal. The movement had emphasis on strict monotheism and to remove un-Islamic practices from the Muslim society as well as to revive and restore Muslim rule once again by expelling the Christians from India. His successors Dudu Mian and Nowa Mian successfully mobilized the Muslim peasants of central and eastern Bengal against the zamindars and money lenders who were mostly Hindus and the indigo planters who were British. Finally, the movement was suppressed by the Bengal government after a series of arrests, trials and persecutions.
12. When did the Partition of Bengal took place?
[A] 1903
[B] 1905
[C] 1907
[D] 1909
Answer: B [1905]
Notes:
Partition of Bengal (1905): By the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, through a royal Proclamation, the partition of Bengal took place on Oct 16, 1905. The partition reduced the old province of Bengal in size by creating East Bengal and Assam out of rest of Bengal and separated the largely Muslim eastern areas from the largely Hindu western areas. The purpose was to set up a communal gulf between Hindus and Muslims.
Partition of Bengal (1905): By the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, through a royal Proclamation, the partition of Bengal took place on Oct 16, 1905. The partition reduced the old province of Bengal in size by creating East Bengal and Assam out of rest of Bengal and separated the largely Muslim eastern areas from the largely Hindu western areas. The purpose was to set up a communal gulf between Hindus and Muslims.
13. Who founded the Anushilan Samiti in 1902?
[A] Pulin Das
[B] Barinder Kumar Ghosh
[C] Pramathanath Mitra
[D] Both 2 & 3
Answer: D [Both 2 & 3]
Notes:
Anushilan Samiti was launched on 24 March, 2002 by Barinder Kumar Ghosh, Jatindernath Banerji and Pramathanath Mitra.
Anushilan Samiti was launched on 24 March, 2002 by Barinder Kumar Ghosh, Jatindernath Banerji and Pramathanath Mitra.
14. “This is the Congress Radio calling on (a wavelength of) 42.34 meters from somewhere in India.” The above announcement was made by __?
[A] Usha Mehta
[B] Hansa Mehta
[C] Kamladevi Chattopadhyay
[D] Sucheta Kriplani
Answer: A [ Usha Mehta]
Notes:
Congress Radio was a clandestine and underground radio station, which operated for about three months during the Quit India Movement of 1942, a movement launched by Gandhi against the British Raj for independence of India. Congress Radio was the broadcasting mouthpiece of the Indian National Congress, and functioned from different locations from Bombay, currently known as Mumbai. It was organized by Usha Mehta (1920–2000), a veteran freedom fighter of India with the help of ham radio operators.
Congress Radio was a clandestine and underground radio station, which operated for about three months during the Quit India Movement of 1942, a movement launched by Gandhi against the British Raj for independence of India. Congress Radio was the broadcasting mouthpiece of the Indian National Congress, and functioned from different locations from Bombay, currently known as Mumbai. It was organized by Usha Mehta (1920–2000), a veteran freedom fighter of India with the help of ham radio operators.
15. In which of the following cities in 1857, a major rebellion against the British began?
[A] Bangalore
[B] Calcutta
[C] Meerut
[D] Bombay
Answer: C [Meerut]
Notes:
Many Indians and British were killed, including many British children and women. This rebellion led to the British government assuming sole control in place of the East India Company.
Many Indians and British were killed, including many British children and women. This rebellion led to the British government assuming sole control in place of the East India Company.
16. Who established the first political association in the Bombay Presidency?
[A] Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1905
[B] S. N. Bannerjee in 1894
[C] Dadabhai Naoroji in 1852
[D] Annie Besant in 1924
Answer: C [Dadabhai Naoroji in 1852]
Notes:
Bombay Association (1852): The first political association in Bombay presidency was founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1852, to express public grievances to the British.
Bombay Association (1852): The first political association in Bombay presidency was founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1852, to express public grievances to the British.
17. Who among the following was associated with the suppression of Thugs?
[A] General Henry Frendergast
[B] Captain Sleeman
[C] Alexander Burnes
[D] Captain Robert Pemberton
Answer: B [Captain Sleeman]
Notes:
Captain William Sleeman was appointed by Lord William Bentick to suppress the thugs. Major-General Sir William Henry Sleeman KCB was a British soldier and administrator in British India. He is best known for his work from the 1830s in suppressing the organized criminal gangs known as Thuggee.
Captain William Sleeman was appointed by Lord William Bentick to suppress the thugs. Major-General Sir William Henry Sleeman KCB was a British soldier and administrator in British India. He is best known for his work from the 1830s in suppressing the organized criminal gangs known as Thuggee.
18. “In this instance we could not play off the Mohammedans against the Hindus”. To which one of the following events did this remark of Aitchison relate?
[A] Revolt of 1857
[B] Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
[C] Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement (1919-22)
[D] August Movement of 1942
Answer: A [Revolt of 1857]
Notes:
“In this instance we could not play off the Mohammedans against the Hindus.” This remark of Aitchison relate to Revolt of 1857. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 is also called the Indian Mutiny, the Sepoy Mutiny, North India’s First War of Independence or North India’s first struggle for independence. It began on 10 May 1857 at Meerut, as a mutiny of sepoys of the British East India Company’s army. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 had diverse political, economic, military, religious and social causes. A mutiny in several sepoy companies of the Bengal army was sparked by the issue of new gunpowder cartridges for the Enfield rifle February, 1857. A rumor was spread that the cartridges were made from cow and pig fat.
“In this instance we could not play off the Mohammedans against the Hindus.” This remark of Aitchison relate to Revolt of 1857. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 is also called the Indian Mutiny, the Sepoy Mutiny, North India’s First War of Independence or North India’s first struggle for independence. It began on 10 May 1857 at Meerut, as a mutiny of sepoys of the British East India Company’s army. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 had diverse political, economic, military, religious and social causes. A mutiny in several sepoy companies of the Bengal army was sparked by the issue of new gunpowder cartridges for the Enfield rifle February, 1857. A rumor was spread that the cartridges were made from cow and pig fat.
19. As an alternative to the partition of India, what was suggested by Gandhiji to Mountbatten?
[A] Postpone granting of independence
[B] invite Jinnah to form the government
[C] invite Nehru and Jinnah to form the government together
[D] invite the army to take over for some time
Answer: B [invite Jinnah to form the government]
Notes:
Mountbatten Plan came into existence on June 3, 1947. Gandhi ji suggested that he should invite Jinnah to form the government rather than partition of India.3 June plan was also known as the Mountbatten Plan. The British government proposed a plan announced on 3 June 1947 that included these principles: Principle of the Partition of British India was accepted by the British Government. Successor governments would be given dominion status.
Mountbatten Plan came into existence on June 3, 1947. Gandhi ji suggested that he should invite Jinnah to form the government rather than partition of India.3 June plan was also known as the Mountbatten Plan. The British government proposed a plan announced on 3 June 1947 that included these principles: Principle of the Partition of British India was accepted by the British Government. Successor governments would be given dominion status.
20. Sir Thomas Roe came to Jahangir’s court in which year?
[A] 1601
[B] 1605
[C] 1609
[D] 1615
Answer: D [1615]
Notes:
Sir Thomas Roe came to Jahangir’s court as an ambassador of King James I of England in the year 1615. Jahangir granted him some privileges.
Sir Thomas Roe came to Jahangir’s court as an ambassador of King James I of England in the year 1615. Jahangir granted him some privileges.
21. Under whose presidency a London branch of the All-India Muslim League was established in 1908?
[A] Agha Khan
[B] Ameer Ali
[C] Liaquat Ali Khan
[D] M.A. Jinnah
Answer: B [Ameer Ali]
Notes:
Syed Ameer Ali established the London Muslim League in 1908. This organisation was an independent body and not a branch of All India Muslim League. In 1909, he became the first Indian to sit as a member of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council on which he would serve till his death in 1928.
Syed Ameer Ali established the London Muslim League in 1908. This organisation was an independent body and not a branch of All India Muslim League. In 1909, he became the first Indian to sit as a member of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council on which he would serve till his death in 1928.
22. Which Act during British India abolished the monopoly of East India Company in tea trade with China?
[A] Charter Act of 1813
[B] Charter Act of 1833
[C] Charter Act of 1853
[D] Government of India Act of 1858
Answer: B [ Charter Act of 1833 ]
Notes:
The Charter Act of 1833 became a landmark in the constitutional history of India. The Company’s monopoly of tea trade with China was now abolished and henceforth it was meant only to have political functions.
The Charter Act of 1833 became a landmark in the constitutional history of India. The Company’s monopoly of tea trade with China was now abolished and henceforth it was meant only to have political functions.
23. Arrange the following courts during the time of Cornwallis in ascending order of their judicial power
1. Munsif Court
2. Diwani Adalat
3. Sardar Diwani Adalat
4. Provincial Court
Choose the correct option from the codes given below :
2. Diwani Adalat
3. Sardar Diwani Adalat
4. Provincial Court
Choose the correct option from the codes given below :
24. Which of the following was the main reason for the annexation of Satara and Nagpur by the Doctrine of Lapse?
[A] Ruler of both state had no adopted son
[B] Both states had huge potential of natural resources
[C] Position of both state was significant
[D] None of the above
Answer: C [Position of both state was significant]
Notes:
According to Hindu law, adoption was legal. Ruler of both Satara and Nagpur had an adopted child but the British did not accept them as the legal heir as the position of the states was significant. Satara and Nagpur were situated on the way of Bombay to Madras and Madras to Kolkata respectively. That was the main reason for the annexation
According to Hindu law, adoption was legal. Ruler of both Satara and Nagpur had an adopted child but the British did not accept them as the legal heir as the position of the states was significant. Satara and Nagpur were situated on the way of Bombay to Madras and Madras to Kolkata respectively. That was the main reason for the annexation
25. Which among the following took place during the Viceroyship of Lord Dufferin?
1. Indian National Congress was established
2. Third Anglo Burmese war took place
3. The silver jubilee of Queen Victoria was celebrated
Choose the correct option from the codes given below :
2. Third Anglo Burmese war took place
3. The silver jubilee of Queen Victoria was celebrated
Choose the correct option from the codes given below :
26. Poona Pact was signed between which of the following?
[A] Gandhiji and Ramsay Macdonald
[B] Gandhiji and B.R. Ambedkar
[C] Gandhiji and Lord Irwin
[D] B.R. Ambedkar and Lord Irwin
Answer: B [Gandhiji and B.R. Ambedkar]
Notes:
Poona Pact was signed on 25th September 1932 between Gandhiji and Mahatma Gandhi. By protesting the Communal Electorate announced by Ramsay Macdonald, Gandhiji started fasting in Yeraveda Jail. In the meantime, Dr. Ambedkar tried to negotiate with Gandhiji. He managed to secure the joint electorate and reservation for the depressed class.
Poona Pact was signed on 25th September 1932 between Gandhiji and Mahatma Gandhi. By protesting the Communal Electorate announced by Ramsay Macdonald, Gandhiji started fasting in Yeraveda Jail. In the meantime, Dr. Ambedkar tried to negotiate with Gandhiji. He managed to secure the joint electorate and reservation for the depressed class.
27. Who is known as Punjab Kesari?
[A] Lala Lajpat Rai
[B] Lala Haradayal
[C] C.R. Das
[D] Ajit Singh
Answer: A [Lala Lajpat Rai]
Notes:
Lala Lajpat Rai is popularly known as Punjab Kesari. He took a significant role in the Indian freedom movement.
Lala Lajpat Rai is popularly known as Punjab Kesari. He took a significant role in the Indian freedom movement.
28. Gadar Party was founded in which year?
[A] 1905
[B] 1911
[C] 1913
[D] 1915
Answer: C [1913]
Notes:
In the year 1913, Gadar Party was founded by Sohan Singh Bhakna. The headquarter of the Ghadar Party is situated at San Francisco. Its main objective was to send arms and ammunition to India to fight against the British in India.
In the year 1913, Gadar Party was founded by Sohan Singh Bhakna. The headquarter of the Ghadar Party is situated at San Francisco. Its main objective was to send arms and ammunition to India to fight against the British in India.
29. Who of the following is considered as the father of the idea of Pakistan?
[A] Mohammad Iqbal
[B] Md. Ali Jinnah
[C] Choudhry Rahmat Ali
[D] None of the above
Answer: A [Mohammad Iqbal]
Notes:
Mohammad Iqbal (Allama Iqbal) is considered as the father of the idea of Pakistan. He is also known as the “Spiritual Father of Pakistan”.
Mohammad Iqbal (Allama Iqbal) is considered as the father of the idea of Pakistan. He is also known as the “Spiritual Father of Pakistan”.
30. Gopal Krishan Gokhale regarded whom as his Guru?
[A] Dadabhai Naoroji
[B] M.G. Ranade
[C] M.K. Gandhi
[D] Lala Lajpat Roy
Answer: B [ M.G. Ranade ]
Notes:
Gopal Krishan Gokhale was the political Guru of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahadev Govinda Ranade was considered as the “Guru” of Gopal Krishan Gokhale.
Gopal Krishan Gokhale was the political Guru of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahadev Govinda Ranade was considered as the “Guru” of Gopal Krishan Gokhale.
