Rau’s IAS, bring these Modern History UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions (PYQ) with Solutions right at your fingertips, starting from 2013 all the way through 2022.
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2022
In the Government of India Act 1919, the functions of Provincial Government were divided into "Reserved" and "Transferred" subjects. Which of the following were treated as "Reserved" subjects?
- Administration of Justice
- Local Self-Government
- Land Revenue
- Police
- A 1, 2 and 3 only
- B 2, 3 and 4 only
- C 1, 3 and 4 only
- D 1, 2 and 4 only
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
Consider the following freedom fighters:
- Barindra Kumar Ghosh
- Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee
- Rash Behari Bose
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 3 only
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements:
- The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Princely States.
- Any Province, which is not prepared to accept the new Constitution would have the right to sign a separate agreement with Britain regarding its future status.
- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements :
- The Dutch established their factories/warehouses on the east coast on lands granted to them by Gajapati rulers.
- Alfonso de Albuquerque captured Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate.
- The English East India. Company established a factory at Madras on a plot of land leased from a representative of the Vijayanagara empire.
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
2021
In the first quarter of seventeenth century, in which of the following was/were the factory/factories of the English East India Company located?
- Broach
- Chicacole
- Trichinopoly
- A 1 only
- B 1 and 2 only
- C 3 only
- D 2 and 3 only
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
Consider the following statements:
- St. Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order.
- St. Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to him there.
- The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year.
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
Who among the following is associated with 'Songs from Prison', a translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics in English?
- A Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- B Jawaharlal Nehru
- C Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
- D Sarojini Naidu
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct sequence in ascending order in terms of size?
- A Paragana—Sarkar—Suba
- B Sarkar—Paragana—Suba
- C Suba—Sarkar—Paragana
- D Paragana—Suba—Sarkar
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
Consider the following statements:
- The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 recommended granting voting rights to all the women above the age of 21.
- The Government of India Act of 1935 gave women reserved seats in legislature.
- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
With reference to 8th August, 1942 in Indian history, which one of the following statements is correct?
- A The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC.
- B The Viceroy's Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians.
- C The Congress ministries resigned in seven provinces.
- D Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion Status once the Second World War was over.
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon are remembered as
- A leaders of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
- B members of the Interim Government in 1946
- C members of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly
- D officers of the Indian National Army
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School?
- A Annie Besant
- B Debendranath Tagore
- C Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
- D Sarojini Naidu
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
Consider the following statements:
- 21st February is declared to be the International Mother Language Day by UNICEF.
- The demand that Bangla has to be one of the national languages was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.
- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
2020
In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around
- women’s right to gain education
- age of consent
- restitution of conjugal rights
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of
- A peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters
- B its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions
- C national leaders’ opposition to the cultivation of indigo
- D Government control over the planters
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
With reference to the history of India, "Ulgulan" or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events?
- A The Revolt of 1857
- B The Mappila Rebellion of 1921
- C The Indigo Revolt of 1859 - 60
- D Birsa Munda's Revolt of 1899 – 1900
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because
- A he was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so
- B he wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India
- C he wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment
- D he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?
- A Indian handicrafts were ruined.
- B Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.
- C Railway lines were laid in many parts of the country.
- D Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures.
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
With reference to the book "Desher Katha" written by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during the freedom struggle, consider the following statements:
- It warned against the Colonial State's hypnotic conquest of the mind.
- It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs.
- The use of 'desh' by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal.
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following?
- Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference
- Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement
- Acceptance of Gandhiji's suggestion for enquiry into police excesses
- Release of only those prisoners who were not charged with violence
- A 1 only
- B 1, 2 and 4 only
- C 3 only
- D 2, 3 and 4 only
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
The Vital-Vidhvansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchable people as its target audience was published by
- A Gopal Baba Walangkar
- B Jyotiba Phule
- C Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
- D Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
2019
With reference to Swadesh Movement consider the following statements:
- It contributed to the revival of the indigenous artisan crafts and industries.
- The National Council of Education was established as a part of Swadeshi Movement.
- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
Consider the following pairs:
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
| Movement/Organization | : | Leader | |
| 1. | All India Anti-Untouchability League | : | Mahatma Gandhi |
| 2. | All India Kisan Sabha | : | Swami Sahajanand Saraswati |
| 3. | Self-Respect Movement | : | E. V. Ramaswami Naicker |
- A 1 only
- B 1 and 2 only
- C 2 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements:
- Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of Indentured labour'.
- In Lord Chelmsford's War Conference', Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
- Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 1 and 3 only
- C 2 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
Consider the following statements about 'the Charter Act of 1813':
- It ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade with China.
- It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Indian territories held by the Company
- The revenues of India were now controlled by the British Parliament.
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
With reference to Indian National Movement, consider the following pairs:
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
| Person | : | Position held | |
| 1. | Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru | : | President, All India Liberal Federation |
| 2. | K. C. Neogy | : | Member, The Constituent Assembly |
| 3. | P. C. Joshi | : | General Secretary, Communist Party of India |
- A 1 only
- B 1 and 2 only
- C 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
2018
Which one of the following statements does not apply to the system of Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Lord Wellesley?
- A To maintain a large standing army at other's expense
- B To keep India safe from Napoleonic danger
- C To secure a fixed income for the Company
- D To establish British paramountcy over the Indian States
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
Regarding Wood's Dispatch, which of the following statements are true?
- Grants-in-Aid system was introduced.
- Establishment of universities was recommended.
- English as a medium of instruction at all levels of education was recommended.
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
Which of the following led to the introduction of English Education in India?
- Charter Act of 1813
- General Committee of Public Instruction, 1823
- Orientalist and Anglicist Controversy
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
In 1920, which of the following changed its name to "Swarajya Sabha"?
- A All India Home Rule League
- B Hindu Mahasabha
- C South Indian Liberal Federation
- D The Servants of India Society
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
Which among the following events happened earliest?
- A Swami Dayanand established Arya Samaj.
- B Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neeldarpan.
- C Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Anandmath.
- D Satyendranath Tagore became the first Indian to succeed in the Indian Civil Services Examination.
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
With reference to educational institutions during colonial rule in India, consider the following pairs :
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
| Institution | Founder | ||
| 1. | Sanskrit College at Benaras | - | William Jones |
| 2. | Calcutta Madarsa | - | Warren Hastings |
| 3. | Fort William College | - | Arthur Wellesley |
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 3 only
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?
- The territories called 'Santhal Paraganas' were created.
- It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.
- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
Economically, one of the results of the British rule in India in the 19th century was the
- A increase in the export of Indian handicrafts
- B growth in the number of Indian owned factories
- C commercialization of Indian agriculture
- D rapid increase in the urban population
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
Consider the following events :
- The first democratically elected communist party government formed in a State in India.
- India's then largest bank, imperial Bank of India', was renamed 'State Bank of India'.
- Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier.
- Goa became a part of independent India.
- A 4-1-2-3
- B 3-2-1-4
- C 4-2-1-3
- D 3-1-2-4
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
In the Federation established by The Government of India Act of 1935, residuary powers were given to the
- A Federal Legislature
- B Governor General
- C Provincial Legislature
- D Provincial Governors
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
The staple commodities of export by the English East India Company from Bengal in the middle of the 18th century were
- A Raw cotton, oil-seeds and opium
- B Sugar, salt, zinc and lead
- C Copper, silver, gold, spices and tea
- D Cotton, silk, saltpetre and opium
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha?
- A Active all-India participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement
- B Active involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement
- C Joining of peasant unrest to India's National Movement
- D Drastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial crops
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
Who among the following were the founders of the "Hind Mazdoor Sabha" established in 1948?
- A B. Krishna Pillai, E.M.S. Namboodiripad and K.C. George
- B Jayaprakash Narayan, Deen Dayal Upadhyay and M.N. Roy
- C C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, K. Kamaraj and Veeresalingam Pantulu
- D Ashok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
2017
Consider the following pairs :
- Radhakanta Deb — First President of the' British Indian Association
- Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty — Founder of the Madras Mahajana Sabha
- Surendranath Banerjee — Founder of the Indian Association.
- A 1 only
- B 1 and 3 only
- C 2 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
In the context of Indian history, the principle of 'Dyarchy (diarchy)' refers to
- A Division of the central legislature into two houses.
- B Introduction of double government i.e., Central and State governments.
- C Having two sets of rulers; one in London and another in Delhi
- D Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
With reference to" Indian freedom struggle, consider the following events :
- Mutiny in Royal Indian Navy
- Quit India Movement launched
- Second Round Table Conference
- A 1-2-3
- B 2-1-3
- C 3-2-1
- D 3-1-2
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
The object of the Butler Committee of 1927 was to
- A Define the jurisdiction of the Central and Provincial Governments.
- B Define the powers of the Secretary of State for India.
- C Impose censorship on national press.
- D Improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States.
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of Ryotwari Settlement in India during the British rule?
- Lord Cornwallis
- Alexander Read
- Thomas Munro
- A 1 only
- B 1 and 3 only
- C 2 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
Consider the following statements :
- The Factories Act, 1881 was passed with a view to fix the wages of industrial workers and to allow the workers to form trade unions.
- N.M. Lokhande was a pioneer in organizing the labour movement in British India.
- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
2016
The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to
- A social reforms
- B educational reforms
- C reforms in police administration
- D constitutional reforms
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
Satya Shodhak Samaj organized
- A a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar
- B a temple-entry movement in Gujarat
- C an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra
- D a peasant movement in Punjab
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?
- A Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto
- B 'Extremists' lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government
- C Foundation of Muslim League
- D Aurobindo Ghosh's inability to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War
- A India should be granted complete independence
- B India should be partitioned into two before granting independence
- C India should be made a republic with the condition that she will join the Commonwealth
- D India should be given Dominion status
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?
- A Georg Biihler
- B James Prinsep
- C Max Miiller
- D William Jones
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
The 'Swadeshi' and 'Boycott' were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the
- A agitation against the Partition of Bengal
- B Home Rule Movement
- C Non-Cooperation Movement
- D visit of the Simon Commission to India
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
Consider the following :
- Calcutta Unitarian Committee
- Tabernacle of New Dispensation
- Indian Reform Association
- A 1 and 3 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
2015
Who of the following was/were economic critic/ critics of colonialism in India?
- Dadabhai Naoroji
- G. Subramania Iyer
- R. C. Dutt
- A 1 only
- B 1 and 2 only
- C 2 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
With reference to Rowlat Satyagraha, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- The Rowlatt Act was based on the recommendations of the 'Sedition Committee'.
- In Rowlatt Satyagraha, Gandhiji tried to Utilize the Home Rule League.
- Demonstrations against the arrival of Simon Commission coincided with Rowlatt Satyagraha.
- A 1 only
- B 1 and 2 only
- C 2 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
With reference to Congress Socialist Party, consider the following statements:
- It advocated the boycott of British goods and evasion of taxes.
- It wanted to establish the dictatorship of proletariat.
- It advocated, separate electorate for minorities and oppressed classes.
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 3 only
- C 1, 2 and 3
- D None
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?
- Avanti
- Gandhara
- Kosala
- Magadha
- A 1, 2 and 3 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1, 3 and 4 only
- D 3 and 4 only
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
The Government of India Act of 1919 clearly defined
- A the separation of power between the judiciary and the legislature
- B the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments
- C the powers of the Secretary of State for India and the Viceroy
- D None of the above
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
Who of the following organized a march on the Tanjore coast to break the Salt Law in April 1930?
- A V. O. Chidambararn Pillai
- B C. Rajagopalachari
- C K. Karnaraj
- D Annie Besant
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
Consider the following statements
- The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu.
- The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji.
- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
With reference to the Cabinet Mission, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It recommended a federal government.
- It enlarged the powers of the Indian courts.
- It provided for more Indians in the ICS.
- A 1 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D None
Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
With reference to the cart and archeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?
- A Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
- B Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
- C Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
- D Varaha Image at Udayagiri
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/ elements of the feudal system?
- A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority
- Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land
- Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
Which one of the following movements has contributed to a split in the Indian National Congress resulting in the emergence of 'moderates' and 'extremists'?
- A Swadeshi Movement
- B Quit India Movement
- C Non-Cooperation Movement
- D Civil Disobedience Movement
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
2014
The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to
- A solve the problem of minorities in India
- B give effect to the Independence Bill
- C delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan
- D enquire into the riots in East Bengal
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until
- A the First World War when Indian troops were needed by the British and the partition was ended
- B King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911
- C Gandhiji launched his Civil Disobedience Movement
- D the Partition of India in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
The 1929 Session of Indian National Congress is of significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because the
- A attainment of Self-Government was declared as the objective of the Congress
- B attainment of Poorna Swaraj was adopted as the goal of the Congress
- C Non-Cooperation Movement was launched
- D decision to participate in the Round Table Conference in London was taken
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a
- A revolutionary association of Indians with headquarters at San Francisco
- B nationalist organization operating from Singapore
- C militant organization with headquarters at Berlin
- D communist movement for India’s freedom with headquarters at Tashkent
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)?
- To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States
- To place the Indian administration under the British Crown
- To regulate East India Company’s trade with India
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
2013
The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission because
- A Indians never wanted the review of the working of the Act of 1919
- B Simon Commission recommended the abolition of Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the Provinces
- C there was no indian member in the Simon Commission
- D the Simon Commission suggested the partition of the country
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
Quit India Movement was launched in response to
- A Cabinet Mission Plan
- B Cripps Proposals
- C Simon Commission Report
- D Waveil Plan
Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
With reference to Indian History, the Members of the Constituent Assembly from the Provinces were
- A directly elected by the people of those Provinces
- B nominated by the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League
- C elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies
- D selected by the Government for their expertise in constitutional matters
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for
- A the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third
- B the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land
- C the uprooting of Zamindsri system and the end of serfdom
- D writing off all peasant debts
Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
Annie Besant was
- responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement
- the founder of the Theosophical Society
- once the President of the Indian National Congress
- A 1 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the
- A imposition of certain restrictions to carry arms by the Indians
- B imposition of restrictions en newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages
- C removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans
- D removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth
Show Answer
The correct answer is C.
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See also:
| ANCIENT HISTORY MCQ | MEDIEVAL HISTORY MCQ |
| Indian ECONOMY MCQ | INDIAN POLITY MCQ |
| GEOGRAPHY MCQ | SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY MCQ |
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