Social And Cultural Awakening, The Lower Caste, Trade Union And Peasants Movements MCQs for UPPSC (UP) Exam

Chronological order of Civil uprisings:

1. Sanyasi revolt
2. Revolt in Bednur
3. Poligars revolt
4. Parlakimidi outbreak

Explanation:

1. Sanyasi revolt:
- The Sanyasi revolt took place in the late 18th century (1763-1800), during the British Raj in India.
- The Sanyasis were a group of ascetics who were unhappy with the British rule and the newly introduced land revenue system.
- They launched a rebellion against the British, which was mainly concentrated in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
- The revolt was eventually suppressed by the British.

2. Revolt in Bednur:
- The Bednur revolt took place in 1837-38, in the state of Karnataka.
- The revolt was led by Veera Rani Abbakka, the queen of Ullal (a small principality near Mangalore).
- She rebelled against the British East India Company, which was trying to annex her kingdom.
- The revolt continued for two years, but eventually, Abbakka was captured and imprisoned by the British.

3. Poligars revolt:
- The Poligars revolt took place in the late 18th century (1799-1805), in the southern parts of India, especially in the regions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- The Poligars were local chieftains who were unhappy with the British rule and the imposition of new taxes and regulations.
- They launched a rebellion against the British, which was mainly concentrated in the districts of Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Ramnad.
- The revolt was eventually suppressed by the British.

4. Parlakimidi outbreak:
- The Parlakimidi outbreak took place in 1942, during the Quit India Movement, which was launched by the Indian National Congress.
- The movement was a call for the British to leave India immediately.
- In the small town of Parlakimidi, in the state of Odisha, a group of Indian freedom fighters attacked a local police station and killed several British officials.
- The British responded by sending in troops, and the rebellion was eventually suppressed.

Therefore, the correct chronological order of these civil uprisings is 1-3-2-4, as the Sanyasi revolt took place before the Poligars revolt, which in turn took place before the Bednur revolt. The Parlakimidi outbreak was the most recent of these uprisings, taking place in 1942, long after the others had been suppressed.

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar played a crucial role in raising the age of consent for girls in India through the Act of 1860. The details are as follows:

Background:
During the colonial period, India witnessed a rise in the number of child marriages, which were often forced and resulted in the exploitation of young girls. The British authorities recognized this problem and introduced various laws to protect women and girls from abuse.

Efforts of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar:
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a social reformer and educationist, campaigned for the raising of the age of consent for girls. He argued that girls should not be married off before they reached puberty, as it put their health and well-being at risk. He also highlighted the fact that young girls were often unable to give informed consent to marriage.

Vidyasagar's efforts led to the introduction of the Age of Consent Bill in 1860, which proposed to raise the age of consent for girls from 12 to 14. However, the bill faced opposition from conservative sections of society, who argued that it was a violation of tradition and religion.

The Act of 1860:
Despite the opposition, the Age of Consent Bill was passed in 1860, raising the age of consent for girls to 10. While this was still a low age by modern standards, it was a significant improvement over the previous age limit of 12.

The Act of 1860 also introduced other provisions to protect women and girls from exploitation, such as criminalizing rape and prohibiting the abduction of women for marriage.

Legacy of Vidyasagar:
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's efforts to raise the age of consent for girls were part of his broader campaign for social reform and education in India. He believed that education was the key to empowering women and improving their status in society.

Vidyasagar's legacy continues to inspire social reformers and activists in India today, who work to promote gender equality and women's rights.

Singphos' Rebellion - Assam Ahoms' Revolt - Assam Kukis' Revolt - Manipur

Satya Prakash in Gujarati

Satya Prakash was a Gujarati-language newspaper that was started in 1852. It was founded with the purpose of advocating for widow remarriage, which was a progressive idea during that time. The newspaper played a crucial role in spreading awareness and promoting the cause of widow remarriage in Gujarat.

Founder of Satya Prakash

The person who started Satya Prakash in Gujarati was Karsondas Mulji. He was a social reformer and a prominent figure in the movement for widow remarriage in Gujarat. Karsondas Mulji recognized the importance of education and enlightenment in bringing about social change, and he believed that the medium of newspapers could be an effective tool for spreading awareness and challenging societal norms.

Advocating Widow Remarriage

During the mid-19th century, widow remarriage was considered taboo in Indian society, particularly among certain communities. Widows were often subjected to social ostracism and were deprived of their basic rights and dignity. The practice of widow remarriage was seen as a threat to the traditional patriarchal structure and was met with resistance from conservative sections of society.

The establishment of Satya Prakash in Gujarati aimed to challenge these regressive beliefs and advocate for the rights of widows to remarry. The newspaper provided a platform for intellectuals, social reformers, and progressive thinkers to express their views and raise awareness about the importance of widow remarriage for the well-being and empowerment of women.

Impact and Legacy

Satya Prakash played a significant role in changing societal attitudes towards widow remarriage in Gujarat. It helped in breaking down stereotypes and challenging the orthodox mindset prevalent at that time. The newspaper's advocacy for the cause of widow remarriage contributed to the gradual acceptance of this practice in society.

The establishment of Satya Prakash also paved the way for other social reform movements in Gujarat and inspired individuals to question prevailing norms and customs. It was a symbol of progress and enlightenment and played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and promoting social change.

In conclusion, Karsondas Mulji started Satya Prakash in Gujarati in 1852 to advocate for widow remarriage. The newspaper played a crucial role in challenging societal norms, raising awareness, and contributing to the acceptance of widow remarriage in Gujarat.

Causes for the tribal revolts under British rule:

1. Tribal lands and forests:
- The tribal revolts were sparked off by several factors, with an important one being the issue of tribal lands or forests.
- The British rule led to the encroachment and exploitation of tribal lands and forests, which were traditionally owned and used by the tribes.
- The tribes relied on these lands for their livelihoods, sustenance, and cultural practices. The loss of their lands and forests disrupted their way of life and led to resistance.

2. Disruption of social fabric:
- The British's land settlements and policies affected the joint ownership tradition among the tribals.
- The tribal communities had a collective system of land ownership and usage, where land was held in common and shared among the members.
- The British land settlements introduced individual ownership and disrupted the traditional social fabric of the tribes.
- This led to conflicts within the tribal communities and created divisions among them.

3. Loss of land due to agriculture:
- As agriculture was extended in a settled form by the Company government, the tribals lost their land.
- The British encouraged the expansion of agriculture in tribal areas, often at the expense of tribal lands.
- Tribals who relied on shifting cultivation or other traditional agricultural practices found themselves displaced and marginalized.
- This loss of land and livelihood further fueled resentment and resistance among the tribal communities.

4. Influx of non-tribals:
- The influx of non-tribals to tribal areas also contributed to the tribal revolts.
- The British administration brought in settlers, traders, and other outsiders to exploit the resources of tribal lands.
- This influx of non-tribals led to conflicts over land, resources, and cultural differences.
- The tribes felt marginalized and threatened by the presence of these outsiders, leading to resistance and revolts.

5. Curbing of shifting cultivation:
- Shifting cultivation, a traditional practice among many tribal communities, was curbed by the British administration.
- Shifting cultivation involved the rotation of cultivated fields to allow for natural replenishment of nutrients in the soil.
- The British considered this practice inefficient and sought to replace it with settled agriculture.
- The curbing of shifting cultivation further disrupted the tribal way of life and contributed to their resistance.

In conclusion, the tribal revolts under British rule were caused by a combination of factors including the encroachment on tribal lands and forests, disruption of their social fabric, loss of land due to agriculture, influx of non-tribals, and curbing of traditional practices like shifting cultivation. These factors collectively led to resentment, marginalization, and resistance among the tribal communities. Hence, option D, which includes all these causes, is the correct answer.

Matching of Uprisings with their Leaders

The correct matching of uprisings with their leaders is as follows:

1. Kondh Uprising - Chakra Bishnoi
2. Santhal Uprising - Sido and Kanhu
3. Kol Uprising - Buddho Bhagat

Explanation:

Kondh Uprising:

- The Kondh uprising took place in 1942 in the present-day state of Odisha.
- The Kondhs were a tribal community who were forced to pay high taxes and were exploited by the British.
- Chakra Bishnoi was a Kondh leader who led the uprising against the British.

Santhal Uprising:

- The Santhal Uprising took place in 1855-56 in present-day Jharkhand and West Bengal.
- The Santhals were a tribal community who were being exploited by the British and the Zamindars.
- The uprising was led by two brothers, Sido and Kanhu, who mobilized the Santhal community to fight against the oppression.

Kol Uprising:

- The Kol Uprising took place in 1831-32 in present-day Jharkhand and West Bengal.
- The Kol tribe was being exploited by the British and the Zamindars who forced them to work as bonded laborers.
- The uprising was led by Buddho Bhagat, a tribal leader who mobilized the Kol community to fight against the oppression.

Conclusion:

All the three uprisings were led by tribal leaders who fought against the oppression and exploitation by the British and the Zamindars. These uprisings played an important role in the Indian freedom struggle and inspired other communities to fight for their rights and freedom.

The correct answer is option 'A', Jotiba Phule.

Jotiba Phule was a social reformer, thinker, and activist who played a significant role in the social and educational upliftment of the marginalized communities in India. He founded the Dinbandhu Sarvajanik Sabha in 1884 as a platform to advocate for the rights and welfare of the lower castes and untouchables.

**The Dinbandhu Sarvajanik Sabha:**
The Dinbandhu Sarvajanik Sabha, also known as the Native Public Association, was established by Jotiba Phule in Pune, Maharashtra in 1884. It was one of the earliest organizations in India dedicated to social reform and the upliftment of the oppressed communities.

**Objectives:**
The main objective of the Dinbandhu Sarvajanik Sabha was to address the social inequities prevailing in society, particularly the caste-based discrimination and oppression faced by the lower castes and untouchables. The Sabha aimed to create awareness among the masses, promote social equality, and fight for the rights of the marginalized sections.

**Activities:**
The Sabha organized various activities and initiatives to achieve its objectives. It conducted public meetings, seminars, and discussions to raise awareness about caste-based discrimination and the need for social reform. The Sabha also played a crucial role in spreading education among the lower castes and untouchables by establishing schools and educational institutions.

**Impact:**
The establishment of the Dinbandhu Sarvajanik Sabha was a significant step towards creating a platform for the oppressed communities to voice their concerns and fight for their rights. It laid the foundation for the social reform movements that followed and inspired many other individuals and organizations to work towards social equality.

**Jotiba Phule's Contribution:**
Jotiba Phule, along with his wife Savitribai Phule, was at the forefront of the social reform movement in Maharashtra. He challenged the orthodox Brahmanical social order and fought against caste-based discrimination. Through his writings, speeches, and activism, he advocated for the rights and empowerment of the lower castes and untouchables. The establishment of the Dinbandhu Sarvajanik Sabha was one of his initiatives to bring about social change.

Phule's work laid the foundation for the future social reform movements led by leaders like B.R. Ambedkar and D.K. Karve. His ideas and efforts continue to inspire and guide the fight against social inequality and injustice in Indian society.

In conclusion, Jotiba Phule founded the Dinbandhu Sarvajanik Sabha in 1884 as a platform to advocate for the rights and welfare of the lower castes and untouchables. The Sabha played a significant role in raising awareness about social inequality and promoting social reform in India.

**Raja Rammohan Roy died on 7th September 1833 at Bristol, United Kingdom.**

**Explanation:**

Raja Rammohan Roy was a prominent social reformer and intellectual from India who played a significant role in the Bengal Renaissance during the 19th century. He is often referred to as the "Father of the Indian Renaissance" for his efforts in promoting social, educational, and religious reforms in the country.

Raja Rammohan Roy traveled to the United Kingdom in 1830 with the intention of seeking reforms and support for his causes from the British government and influential individuals. During his stay in the UK, he actively participated in various intellectual circles and made significant contributions to the fields of education, law, and social reform.

Unfortunately, Raja Rammohan Roy's health began to deteriorate during his time in the UK. He suffered from various ailments, including liver disease. Despite his declining health, he continued to work towards his goals and engage in intellectual discussions.

On 27th August 1833, Raja Rammohan Roy fell seriously ill and was confined to bed. He received medical treatment, but his condition did not improve. Finally, on 7th September 1833, he passed away in Bristol, United Kingdom.

His death was a great loss to the intellectual and reformist community in India. Raja Rammohan Roy's contributions to social and religious reform, as well as his advocacy for women's rights, freedom of speech, and education, laid the foundation for many future reform movements in the country.

Raja Rammohan Roy's legacy continues to inspire generations, and his ideas and principles remain relevant today. He is remembered as a visionary leader who fought against social injustices and worked tirelessly for the betterment of society.

The person who described the Derozians as the pioneers of the modern civilization of Bengal, the conscript fathers of our race whose virtues will excite veneration and whose failings will be treated with gentlest consideration is S.N. Banerjee.

Explanation:
The Derozians were a group of young intellectuals who emerged in the early 19th century in Bengal, India. They were the students of Hindu College, founded by David Hare, and were heavily influenced by their teacher Henry Louis Vivian Derozio. Derozio himself was a radical thinker and believed in questioning orthodoxies and promoting rationalism.

S.N. Banerjee, a prominent Indian nationalist and a contemporary of the Derozians, recognized their contributions to the modern civilization of Bengal. He considered them as pioneers who brought about significant changes in the social, cultural, and intellectual landscape of Bengal. Here are the reasons why S.N. Banerjee described them as such:

1. Promotion of Rationalism: The Derozians were known for their rationalist and scientific approach towards knowledge. They questioned traditional beliefs and superstitions and advocated for a more reasoned outlook. This emphasis on rationality and critical thinking played a crucial role in shaping the modern mindset of Bengal.

2. Social Reforms: The Derozians were actively involved in social reform movements. They fought against social evils like caste discrimination, sati (widow burning), and child marriage. Their progressive ideas and activism contributed to the social transformation of Bengal.

3. Literary and Cultural Renaissance: The Derozians were passionate about literature, poetry, and art. They encouraged creative expression and played a significant role in the Bengal Renaissance. Their literary works and intellectual pursuits added to the rich cultural heritage of Bengal.

4. Political Consciousness: The Derozians were politically conscious and believed in the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice. They were vocal about their opposition to British colonial rule and advocated for Indian nationalism. Their political activism laid the foundation for the future freedom struggle.

5. Influence on Future Generations: The Derozians inspired and influenced several generations of intellectuals and nationalists in Bengal. Their ideas and values continued to shape the intellectual discourse in Bengal for years to come.

In conclusion, S.N. Banerjee, recognizing the immense contributions and impact of the Derozians, described them as the pioneers of modern civilization in Bengal. Their rationalism, social reform initiatives, literary and cultural renaissance, political consciousness, and lasting influence on future generations make them deserving of such praise and veneration.

Weaknesses of People's Uprisings

Introduction:
People's uprisings have been a common phenomenon throughout history. However, these rebellions often fail to achieve their goals due to several weaknesses.

Local Grievances:
One of the weaknesses of people's uprisings is that they mostly arise out of local grievances. These grievances may not be shared by the wider population, leading to a lack of support for the rebellion.

Obsolete Methods and Arms:
Another weakness is that the methods and arms used in these rebellions are often obsolete. This puts the rebels at a disadvantage against the government forces who have access to modern weapons and tactics.

Centuries-Old Form and Ideology:
These rebellions were centuries old in form and ideological/cultural extent. This means that they were often based on outdated ideas and practices that were not effective in achieving their goals.

Semi-Feudal Leadership:
The leadership of these rebellions was often semi-feudal in character. This meant that they lacked the organizational skills and resources necessary to successfully challenge the government.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the weaknesses of people's uprisings include local grievances, obsolete methods and arms, centuries-old form and ideology, and semi-feudal leadership. These factors have contributed to the failure of many rebellions throughout history.