Spectrum Test: The Freedom Struggle- 2 - Free MCQ with solutions for UPSC

In 1831, Dwarkanath Tagore had established the “Landholders Society” along with Prasanna Kumar Tagore, Radhakanta Deb, Ramkamal Sen and Bhabani Charan Charan Mitra. It was followed by British India Society in 1839. Then the Madras Native Association was formed in 1852. The British Indian Association was established on 31 October 1851. Its formation was a major event of 19th century India.  After this The East India Association was founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1866, in collaboration with Indians and retired British.

The correct chronological order will be as follows:
(2) Appointment of the first Famine Commission
(4) Passing of the first Indian Factory Act
(1) Repeal of the Vernacular Press Act.
(3) Passing of the Ilbert Bill

• Digdarsana was the first Bengali monthly magazine, focusing on social and cultural topics. Hence, it matches with "First Bengali monthly."
• The Bengal Gazette (also known as Hicky's Bengal Gazette) is considered the first Bengali newspaper. Hence, it matches with "First Bengali newspaper."
• Mirat-ul-Akhbar was a Persian-language journal published by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. It is notable for being the first journal in Persian, which is why it matches with "First journal in Persian."
• Jam-i-Jahan Numa was the first Urdu newspaper. Hence, it matches with "First paper in Urdu."

• Banga-duta, while known as an early newspaper from Bengal, is historically significant for its multilingual nature. It was published in four languages — Bengali, Persian, Hindi, and English. Thus, it matches with (3), "A Weekly paper in four languages."
• Madras Courier was indeed the first newspaper published from Madras (now Chennai) in 1785. It was primarily focused on colonial news and was influential in South India. Hence, it matches with (2), "First paper from Madras."
• Bombay Herald, started in 1790, was one of the earliest newspapers in the Bombay Presidency, making it the first paper from Bombay (now Mumbai). Hence, it matches with (1).
• Bombay Samachar, launched in 1822, is not only one of the oldest newspapers in India but also the first paper in Gujarat. It was published in Gujarati, catering to the local population. Hence, it matches with (4), "First paper in Gujarat."

A is the correct option.

• Dada bhai Nauroji was the president of the second session of the Congress at Calcutta.
• Badruddin Tyyabdin was the president of the third session of the Congress at Madras.
• George Yule was the president of the fourth session of the Congress at Allahabad. 
• Sir William Bedderbum was the president of the fifth session of the Congress at Bombay.
• Pherozeshah Mehta was the president of the sixth session of the Congress at Calcutta.

• The Hindu Mahasabha was founded in 1915 to protect Hindu interests and counter Muslim political organizations.
• The Indian Liberal Federation was established in 1918 by moderates after breaking away from the Indian National Congress.
• The Muslim League was founded in 1906 to protect Muslim political rights in British India, eventually leading to the demand for Pakistan.
• The Home Rule Leagues were established in 1916 by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant to campaign for self-governance within the British Empire.

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a prominent leader of the Indian freedom movement. He passed away on August 1, 1920, marking the end of an era in India's fight for independence. This event is correctly matched with 1920 (iii).
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale, another leading figure in the Indian independence struggle and a mentor to Mahatma Gandhi, died on February 19, 1915. He was known for his moderate approach in seeking reforms under British rule. This is correctly matched with 1915 (iv).
• Surendranath Banerjee, one of the earliest leaders of the Indian National Congress, resigned from the Congress in 1918 due to ideological differences, particularly concerning the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms. This event is correctly matched with 1918 (i).
• Colonel Francis Younghusband led a British military expedition to Tibet in 1904, which was a significant event aimed at asserting British influence in the region amidst concerns over Russian expansion. This is correctly matched with 1904 (ii).

The correct option is C.
Jamia Millia Islamia is a Central University located in Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, India.Originally established at Aligarh, United Provinces (present day Uttar Pradesh, India) during the British Raj in 1920, it moved to its current location in Okhla in 1935. It was given the deemed status by University Grants Commission in 1962. On 26 December 1988, it became a central university.

Mahatma Gandhi met Lord Irwin on 17th February, 1931 and after the prolonged discussions, they came into an agreement. As per the terms of Gandhi – Irwin pact, the Indian National Congress agreed to withdraw the Civil disobedience movement and to participated in the second round table conference and the most important terms agreed by the British Indian Government.
1. To withdraw all the orders and the pending petition.
2. To release all the political prisoners except those who were guilty of violence.
3. To restore the confiscated properties of the satyagrahis.
4. The government agreed to permit the peaceful picketing of liquor, opium and foreign cloths shop.
5. Abolition of the Salt law and the monopoly of Salt making etc.

B is the correct option.

• Motilal Nehru actually passed away in 1931, not 1925, making this an incorrect match.
• Lala Lajpat Rai died in 1928 after sustaining injuries during a protest against the Simon Commission. This is a correct match.
• Chittaranjan Das passed away in 1925, not 1931, making this an incorrect match.
• Rabindranath Tagore died in 1941, making this a correct match.

• Suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement: The tragedy at Chauri Chaura, a village in Gorakhpur district in Uttar Pradesh, occurred on February 5, 1922. A procession of about 3,000 peasants marched to the police station to protest against the police officer who had beaten some volunteers picketing a liquor shop. The police fired at the peasants. This infuriated the demonstrators and they set the nearby police station on fire, killing 22 policemen who were inside the police station. There were a few violent incidents in other parts of the country. Gandhiji, a believer in 'Ahimsa' was greatly shocked at these incidents and he withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement on February 12, 1922.
• During the Madras Session in December 1927, young leaders like Jawahar Lal Nehru had proposed the resolution for complete independence which was however defeated and the action of Jawahar Lal was not appreciated by Gandhi.
• Gandhi returned to active politics afters 
• The annual session of the Congress was held at Lahore 1929 where Jawaharlal Nehru was elected the president. As per the Poorna Swaraj resolution passed at the Lahore Congress the word Swaraj in the Congress Constitution would mean complete independence
• The Congress met at Karachi in March 1931 to endorse the Gandhi-Irwin or the Delhi Pact.It was presided over by Sardar Patel. This session became memorable for its resolution on the Fundamental Rights and the National Economic Programs.In short , It set the parameters of the Swaraj was reflected the then dominant leftwing ting of the national movements.It was drafted by the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

(iii) Resignation of the Congress Ministries (1939): After the outbreak of World War II, the British government declared India a participant in the war without consulting Indian leaders. In protest, the Congress Ministries, which were in power in several provinces, resigned in 1939.

(ii) Celebration of the “Deliverance Day” by the Muslim League (1939): Following the resignation of the Congress Ministries, Muhammad Ali Jinnah declared December 22, 1939 as "Deliverance Day" to celebrate the end of Congress rule, which the Muslim League viewed as oppressive to Muslims.

(iv) Lahore Resolution of the League demanding a separate state for Muslims (1940): The Lahore Resolution was passed by the Muslim League in March 1940, which called for the creation of independent states for Muslims in the north-western and eastern zones of India, later known as the demand for Pakistan.

(i) Escape of Subhas Chandra Bose from India (1941): Subhas Chandra Bose, after being put under house arrest by the British, escaped from India in January 1941 to seek foreign support for India's independence.

(v) "Quit India" Resolution by the Congress (1942): The Quit India Movement was launched in August 1942 by the Indian National Congress, demanding an end to British rule in India.

(ii) Formation of the Azad Hind Government at Singapore by S.C. Bose (1943): Subhas Chandra Bose established the Azad Hind Government (Provisional Government of Free India) in October 1943 in Singapore, aiming to fight British rule with the help of Axis powers (Japan, Germany).

(iii) Gandhi-Jinnah Talks (1944): The Gandhi-Jinnah talks were held in September 1944 to discuss the political deadlock between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League over the demand for Pakistan.

(i) Simla Conference (1945): The Simla Conference was convened by the British Viceroy, Lord Wavell, in June 1945. It aimed to discuss the future governance of India and included leaders of major political parties like the Congress and the Muslim League.

(v) INA Trials (1945-46): The Indian National Army (INA) Trials began in November 1945. The British government prosecuted members of the INA, which had fought alongside Japan under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose.

(iv) Naval Mutiny (1946): The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Mutiny broke out in February 1946, with sailors protesting against the British government due to poor conditions and their support for the INA and the freedom movement.

(ii) Cabinet Mission (March 1946): The Cabinet Mission was sent by the British government in March 1946 to discuss the transfer of power from British rule to Indian leadership and to form an interim government.

(iii) Direct Action Day by the Muslim League (August 1946): Direct Action Day, called by the Muslim League on August 16, 1946, was intended to press for the creation of Pakistan, resulting in violent riots, particularly in Calcutta.

(i) Formation of the Interim Government by the Congress (September 1946): The Congress formed the Interim Government in September 1946 under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, based on the proposals made by the Cabinet Mission.

(v) Joining of the League in the Interim Government (October 1946): The Muslim League initially refused to join the interim government but later agreed and joined in October 1946.

(iv) Recall of Lord Wavell and appointment of Lord Mountbatten as the Viceroy (February 1947): Lord Wavell was recalled, and Lord Mountbatten was appointed as the last Viceroy of India in February 1947 to oversee the final stages of British withdrawal from India.

(iii) Wood’s Despatch (1854): Wood's Despatch was issued in 1854 by Sir Charles Wood, the then President of the Board of Control of the East India Company. It is considered the first comprehensive plan for the development of education in India and laid the foundation for modern education in the country.

(iv) Hunter Commission (1882-83): The Hunter Commission, also known as the Indian Education Commission, was appointed in 1882 under Sir William Hunter. It focused on improving elementary and secondary education and emphasized mass education.

(ii) Raleigh Commission (1902): The Raleigh Commission was appointed in 1902 to review the condition of Indian universities. Its recommendations led to the Indian Universities Act of 1904.

(i) Sadler Commission (1917-19): The Sadler Commission, formed in 1917, studied the problems of the Calcutta University and suggested reforms to improve higher education in India. It recommended a 12-year schooling system before university education.

Under the Dyarchy system introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919, subjects in the provinces were divided into two categories:

• Reserved subjects: Administered by the Governor and his Executive Council.
• Transferred subjects: Administered by elected ministers.

Reserved subjects included key areas of governance that were considered essential for maintaining British control, such as:

1. Law and Order (i): The maintenance of public safety and order was a critical reserved subject.
2. Land Revenue (ii): The collection of taxes and revenue from land was also kept under the Governor's control.
3. Irrigation (vi): Large infrastructure projects like irrigation were under the Governor’s purview due to their importance for agricultural productivity and economic control.

The other subjects, like Agriculture (iii), Education (iv), and Industries (v), were considered transferred subjects, meaning they were administered by elected Indian ministers.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: i, ii, and vi.

The Government of India Act 1935 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It originally received Royal assent in August 1935. Until 1999, it was the longest Act of (British) Parliament ever enacted. Act led to- Bicameralism in 6 provinces (Bombay, Madras, Bengal, Bihar, Assam and United Provinces) out of 11 provinces.

• Sivanarayana Agnihotri was the founder of the Deva Samaj, a religious and social reform movement in India.
• Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 to promote Vedic principles and reform Hinduism.
• G.G. Agarkar was one of the founding members of the Deccan Education Society, which was established in 1884 to promote education in India.
• M.G. Ranade was actively involved in the Indian National Conference, a precursor to the Indian National Congress, which sought to address national issues.
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in 1905, aiming to train people to dedicate themselves to the service of India and its people.

Hence, the correct answer is Option C.

• Tankara is the birthplace of Dayanand Saraswati, who founded the Arya Samaj movement.
• Calcutta is associated with Swami Vivekananda, who was born and raised there and founded the Ramakrishna Mission.
• Radhanagar is the birthplace of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the founder of the Brahmo Samaj and a social reformer.
• Kamarpukur is the birthplace of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the spiritual leader who greatly influenced Swami Vivekananda.

Hence, the correct answer is Option A.

• Brahmo Samaj was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in Calcutta in 1828. It played a major role in social reform, particularly the abolition of practices like Sati.
• The Arya Samaj was founded by Dayanand Saraswati in Bombay in 1875. It was a Hindu reform movement that emphasized a return to the teachings of the Vedas.
• The Ramakrishna Mission was founded by Swami Vivekananda in Calcutta in 1897 to promote social welfare and spiritual values based on the teachings of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
• The Indian National Social Conference was held in Bombay in 1887 and was closely associated with the Indian National Congress, focusing on social reform alongside political discussions.
• The Deccan Education Society was founded in Poona in 1884 by leaders like G.G. Agarkar and Bal Gangadhar Tilak to promote education and social reform.

Hence, the correct answer is Option D.

• The Landholders' Society, established in 1838, was one of the earliest political associations in India, founded by Dwarkanath Tagore and other zamindars to address issues related to land revenue.
• The British India Association was formed in 1851, replacing the Landholders' Society. It was founded by William Adam and others to present Indian interests to the British Parliament.
• The East India Association was founded in 1867 by Dadabhai Naoroji in London to represent Indian concerns to British authorities and to educate British citizens about India.
• The National Indian Association was established in 1870 by Mary Carpenter to promote education, healthcare, and social reforms in India.
• The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha was formed in 1870 in Pune, and S.H. Chiplunkar was a prominent leader involved in its establishment, aiming to provide a platform for public opinion and political discussion in the Bombay Presidency.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C.

• The Chapekar Brothers were responsible for the assassination of Mr. Rand and Lt. Ayherst in 1897. These British officers were held responsible for their harsh treatment of the Indian population during the bubonic plague outbreak in Pune.
• Madanlal Dhingra assassinated Curzon Wyllie, a British official, in London in 1909. This was one of the early revolutionary acts against the British Empire.
• Gopinath Saha mistakenly killed Mr. Day, a British businessman, in 1924 in an attempt to assassinate Charles Tegart, a senior British police officer in Calcutta.
• Bhagat Singh, along with Rajguru and Sukhdev, assassinated John Saunders, a British police officer, in 1928 as revenge for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai during a protest against the Simon Commission.

Thus, the correct answer is Option D.

The emergence of a common national outlook in India in the last quarter of the 19th century was influenced by multiple factors:

1. Administrative and Economic Unification: The British introduced uniform systems of administration, law, and transportation (like railways and telegraphs), which brought different parts of India closer together. This helped people from different regions realize they faced similar challenges under British rule.
2. Western Thought and Education: Exposure to Western education and ideas like liberty, equality, and democracy played a significant role in shaping Indian minds. It helped develop a sense of national unity and the desire for self-rule. The educated middle class started questioning British policies and governance.
3. Role of the Press and Literature & Rediscovery of India’s Past: The press and literature became powerful tools for spreading nationalist ideas. Newspapers, magazines, and books written in local languages raised awareness about political issues and British exploitation. Additionally, the rediscovery of India’s glorious past inspired pride in the nation's heritage and motivated people to fight for independence.

All these factors worked together to foster a common national identity and create a united front against colonial rule. Therefore, the correct answer is D: All of the above.

The correct option is B.

• Between the years 1870 and 1880, Indian people had become politically conscious and by the year 1885, there was a platform ready for establishment of a political organization on a national basis. The credit for giving a definite structure to the all India organization goes to a retired British officer A.O. Hume. He was a liberal minded person. Hume had been feeling a need for a political organization which would bridge the gap between the rulers and the people being ruled. Hume wanted the people to adopt the path of valid politics instead of violence and aggression. With the efforts of Mr. Hume, "Indian National Union" was formed.
• Hume obtained the permission from Lord Dafrin to convene a meeting of "Indian national Union" between 25th December and 313st December in Pune. The objective of the meeting was to acquaint the work force with one another, which was working for the national development and define a political agenda for the development.
• Although the place of convention was decided to be Pune, the venue was changed to Mumbai in the last minute. The convention was held at Mumbai on 28th December 1885 in Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College. At the suggestion of Sir Hume the meeting was named "Indian national Congress" and thus, Indian National Congress was born. There were 72 representatives in this convention of the Indian National Congress. Vyomesh Chandra Benarjee was the president of the first convention of Indian National Congress.
• The Objectives of establishment of Indian National Congress- Historians believe that, with the direction from British Government Huma and his colleagues had founded Indian National Congress as a protective shield for British Government. Hume did not want the people of India to adopt violent and aggressive measures to register their discontent and anger against British Rule. Hume wanted to encourage people to take a legitimate path of protest like-appeals, memorandum, delegations to influence the British Government, in order to fulfil the demands.
• The leaders of Congress accepted the leadership of A.O. Hume in the foundation of Indian National Congress because they were not in the position of having an open conflict with the British Government in the existing circumstances. This was more sensible to cooperate with Hume, in order to have a common platform wherein they could discuss the problems of the country.

Lord Lytton, who served as the Viceroy of India from 1876 to 1880, implemented several policies that caused significant discontent among Indians, intensifying their opposition to British rule:

1. Vernacular Press Act (1878): This act was designed to curtail the freedom of the Indian-language press, which had been critical of British policies. It censored publications that criticized the government, causing widespread anger.
2. Second Afghan War (1878-1880): Lytton involved India in an expensive and unpopular war with Afghanistan, draining Indian resources and leading to resentment among Indians.
3. Delhi Durbar (1877): Despite the devastating famine of 1876-1878 that killed millions of people, Lytton organized a lavish Delhi Durbar to proclaim Queen Victoria as the Empress of India, which many Indians saw as a display of British arrogance and insensitivity.
4. Lowering of Import Duties on Cotton: Lytton reduced import duties on British textiles, which harmed the Indian cotton industry and worsened the economic conditions of Indian weavers.

These policies under Lytton’s rule greatly contributed to the growing discontent against foreign rule by the early 1880s, making him a key figure in intensifying Indian opposition to British control.

Thus, the correct answer is B: Lytton.

The Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878 during the viceroyalty of Lord Lytton. This act was aimed at curbing the freedom of the Indian-language press, which had become increasingly critical of British policies. The act allowed the government to censor reports and editorials in the vernacular press (newspapers and publications in Indian languages), which were seen as fueling anti-British sentiments.

• Racial Bitterness: The act did not apply to English-language newspapers, highlighting the racial bias and discrimination in its enforcement. It was a direct attempt to suppress the voices of educated Indians who were using the press to raise public awareness and criticize the British administration.
• The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 led to widespread anger and resentment among Indians, as it was seen as an infringement on free speech and an attempt to silence dissent.

Thus, the correct answer is D: 1878.

The character act of 1833 had provided for the holding of the competitive exams in London for thr recruitment to higher service under the company. Yhe british bureaucracy in india was opposed to the entry of Indians into the civil services. Lord Lytton was also one of the same and wanted to close the doors of covenanted services to the indian altogether. Having failed to do so he took steps calculated to discourage Indians from competing for the said examination by lowering te maximum age from 21 to 19 years in 1878.

The Correct Answer is Lord Ripon.

Key Points

• During the viceroyship of Lord Ripon in 1883, Sir Coutney Pergine Ilbert, a law member of the Viceroy's council, prepared a bill known as the Ilbert Bill.
• It was proposed that cases involving British staff in India be presided over by senior Indian magistrates. The bill was fiercely opposed by the owners of British tea and indigo plantations in Bengal.
• Viceroy Ripon (who had proposed the Bill) passed an amendment in response to public criticism of the Ilbert Bill by a majority of English women, requiring a jury of 50% Europeans if an Indian judge was to face a European on the dock.

Important Points

• The Ilbert Bill was drafted by Sir Courtenay Peregrine Ilbert, a legitimate member of the Council of the Governor-General of India, and formally presented on 9 February 1883 during the Viceroyalty of the Marquess of Ripon.
• The "Bill to reform the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1882, so far as it relates to the exercise of jurisdiction over European British subjects," drafted by Courtenay Ilbert, was later known as the Ilbert Bill.
• He moved for leave to submit the bill on February 2, 1883, and it was officially presented on February 9, 1883. 
• Lord Ripon is also regarded as the father of local self-government in India.​

Additional Information

• George Frederick Samuel Robinson, 1st Marquess of Ripon, known as The Earl of Ripon in 1859 and The Earl de Grey and Ripon from 1859 to 1871, was a British politician who served in every Liberal cabinet from 1861 until his death in 1909.

The Landholders’ Society, established in 1838, was the earliest public association in modern India. It was primarily founded by influential zamindars (landholders) of Bengal, including Dwarkanath Tagore, with the goal of safeguarding the interests of landowners and addressing issues related to land revenue and taxation under British rule.

This society was not focused on broader political reform but on the specific concerns of the landowning class. However, it laid the foundation for future political associations that would take a more active role in advocating for Indian rights.

Thus, the Landholders' Society was founded in 1838.

• Birsa Munda led an important tribal uprising against the British.
  • This is a true statement. Birsa Munda organized the Munda Rebellion (also known as the Ulgulan or "The Great Tumult") in the Chotanagpur area during the late 1800s to fight against British exploitation and to regain tribal independence.
• He encouraged religious reforms among the Munda people.
  • This is also true. Birsa Munda urged the Munda community to return to their traditional religious practices and to reject superstitions. He started a religious reform movement to bring the tribal people together and to build a sense of cultural pride and identity.
• The movement aimed to take back the land from the British.
  • This statement is correct. A major goal of Birsa’s movement was to recover tribal lands that had been taken by non-tribal landlords (known as dikus) and the British through unfair land revenue practices.
• Incorrect statement:
  • Birsa Munda's movement was completely non-violent.
  • This is not true. Birsa Munda's movement involved actions of resistance that were not entirely peaceful. His followers sometimes clashed with British authorities and landlords to oppose their harsh practices.
  • The movement included efforts to reclaim land and assert Munda independence, which sometimes required armed resistance.

Therefore, the correct statements are: 1, 2, and 3.