300 Questions from Modern Indian History (upto 1947)
Q.1) Which Portuguese explorer was the first European to reach India via the Cape of Good Hope in 1498?
Answer: Vasco da Gama
Explanation: He landed at Calicut (now Kozhikode) on the Malabar Coast and was received by the local ruler, the Zamorin.
Q.2) Where did the Portuguese establish their first factory in India?
Answer: Calicut (and later a permanent one at Cochin)
Explanation: Cochin (Kochi) served as the early capital of the Portuguese in India before it was shifted to Goa.
Q.3) Who was the first Portuguese Viceroy in India who introduced the "Blue Water Policy"?
Answer: Francisco de Almeida
Explanation: The policy aimed to make the Portuguese the masters of the Indian Ocean by focusing on naval supremacy rather than territorial conquest.
Q.4) Which Portuguese Governor is considered the real founder of Portuguese power in India for capturing Goa in 1510?
Answer: Alfonso de Albuquerque
Explanation: He captured Goa from the Sultan of Bijapur and encouraged Portuguese men to marry Indian women to create a permanent settlement.
Q.5) In which year was the English East India Company (EEIC) granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I?
Answer: 1600 CE
Explanation: The charter gave the company a 15-year monopoly on trade with the East Indies (the "Governor and Company of Merchants of London trading into the East Indies").
Q.6) Who was the first English representative to visit the court of Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1608?
Answer: Captain William Hawkins
Explanation: He was an envoy of King James I and sought permission to establish a factory at Surat.
Q.7) Where did the English East India Company establish its first permanent factory in 1613?
Answer: Surat
Explanation: This followed the issuance of a 'Farman' (royal decree) by Jahangir after the English defeated the Portuguese in the Battle of Swally.
Q.8) Which English diplomat visited Jahangir's court in 1615 and secured significant trade concessions for the Company?
Answer: Sir Thomas Roe
Explanation: He stayed in the Mughal court for three years and gained permission for the English to trade and establish factories across the empire.
Q.9) The French East India Company was formed in 1664 under the patronage of which King?
Answer: Louis XIV (by his minister Colbert)
Explanation: It was the last of the major European companies to enter the Indian trade market.
Q.10) Which city was founded by Job Charnock in 1690 by combining three villages (Sutanuti, Kalikata, and Govindpur)?
Answer: Calcutta (Kolkata)
Explanation: This became the nucleus of British power in Eastern India, later protected by Fort William.
Q.11) The "Golden Farman" issued by the Sultan of Golkonda in 1632 allowed the English to do what?
Answer: Trade freely in the ports of Golkonda
Explanation: In return, the English paid a fixed annual custom duty of 500 Pagodas.
Q.12) The "Carnatic Wars" were fought primarily between which two European powers?
Answer: The British and the French
Explanation: These wars (1746–1763) were the Indian theatre of global Anglo-French rivalries, resulting in British dominance.
Q.13) Who was the brilliant French Governor who almost succeeded in establishing a French empire in India?
Answer: Joseph François Dupleix
Explanation: He introduced the system of 'subsidiary alliances' by interfering in the internal politics of Indian rulers to gain influence.
Q.14) In which battle (1760) did the British decisively defeat the French, ending French dreams of an empire in India?
Answer: Battle of Wandiwash
Explanation: The British forces led by Sir Eyre Coote defeated the French under Comte de Lally.
Q.15) What was the "Black Hole Tragedy" of 1756?
Answer: The imprisonment of British soldiers in a small room by Siraj-ud-Daulah.
Explanation: This incident served as a primary pretext for the British to launch a military strike against the Nawab of Bengal.
Q.16) Which battle in 1757 marked the formal beginning of British political rule in India?
Answer: Battle of Plassey
Explanation: Robert Clive defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, largely through the treachery of the Nawab’s general, Mir Jafar.
Q.17) In which battle (1764) did the British defeat the combined forces of Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah, and Shah Alam II?
Answer: Battle of Buxar
Explanation: This was a more militarily significant victory than Plassey as it defeated the Mughal Emperor himself.
Q.18) Which treaty was signed in 1765 after the Battle of Buxar, granting the British 'Diwani Rights'?
Answer: Treaty of Allahabad
Explanation: The British gained the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, while the Mughal Emperor became a pensioner.
Q.19) Who introduced the "Dual Government" system in Bengal (1765–1772)?
Answer: Robert Clive
Explanation: Under this, the Company held the 'Diwani' (finance) while the Nawab held the 'Nizamat' (administration), leading to massive corruption and famine.
Q.20) Which was the first act passed by the British Parliament to regulate the affairs of the East India Company?
Answer: Regulating Act of 1773
Explanation: It created the office of Governor-General of Fort William (Bengal) and established a Supreme Court at Calcutta.
Q.21) Who was the first Governor-General of Bengal?
Answer: Warren Hastings
Explanation: He abolished the Dual Government system and moved the treasury from Murshidabad to Calcutta.
Q.22) Which British act established the "Board of Control" to manage the political affairs of the Company?
Answer: Pitt’s India Act of 1784
Explanation: It created a system of 'dual control' between the Company and the British Crown that lasted until 1858.
Q.23) Who introduced the "Permanent Settlement" of land revenue in Bengal in 1793?
Answer: Lord Cornwallis
Explanation: Also known as the Zamindari system, it made Zamindars the legal owners of the land with a fixed revenue obligation to the state.
Q.24) Who is known as the "Father of Civil Services in India"?
Answer: Lord Cornwallis
Explanation: He purged the administration of corruption, increased salaries, and separated the judiciary from the executive.
Q.25) Which Governor-General introduced the "Subsidiary Alliance" system to bring Indian states under British control?
Answer: Lord Wellesley
Explanation: Under this, an Indian ruler had to maintain a British force at his expense and station a British Resident in his court.
Q.26) Which Indian state was the first to accept the Subsidiary Alliance?
Answer: Hyderabad (The Nizam)
Explanation: The Nizam of Hyderabad signed the alliance in 1798.
Q.27) In which Anglo-Mysore War did Tipu Sultan die fighting at Seringapatam?
Answer: Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799)
Explanation: This ended the resistance of Mysore, and the state was placed under a puppet Wodeyar ruler.
Q.28) Who was the first Governor-General of India (under the Charter Act of 1833)?
Answer: Lord William Bentinck
Explanation: The Charter Act of 1833 renamed the Governor-General of Bengal as the Governor-General of India.
Q.29) Which social reform was enacted by Lord William Bentinck in 1829 at the urging of Raja Ram Mohan Roy?
Answer: Prohibition of Sati
Explanation: The practice of Sati was declared illegal and punishable by law.
Q.30) Who introduced the "Doctrine of Lapse" to annex Indian princely states?
Answer: Lord Dalhousie
Explanation: Under this, if a ruler of a protected state died without a natural heir, his state would 'lapse' to the British.
Q.31) Which was the first state to be annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse?
Answer: Satara (1848)
Explanation: Other annexed states included Sambalpur, Jhansi, and Nagpur.
Q.32) On what grounds was the state of Awadh (Oudh) annexed in 1856?
Answer: Misgovernment (Maladministration)
Explanation: Dalhousie annexed Awadh despite its ruler, Wajid Ali Shah, being a loyal ally.
Q.33) In which year was the first railway line in India opened?
Answer: 1853
Explanation: It ran between Bombay and Thane, a distance of 34 kilometres.
Q.34) Who is known as the "Father of Indian Railways"?
Answer: Lord Dalhousie
Explanation: He also introduced the electric telegraph and the uniform postage system (Postal Act of 1854).
Q.35) What was the immediate cause of the Revolt of 1857?
Answer: The introduction of the 'Greased Cartridges' in the Enfield rifle.
Explanation: Rumours that the cartridges were greased with cow and pig fat offended both Hindu and Muslim sepoys.
Q.36) Who was the sepoy who fired the first shot of the 1857 Revolt at Barrackpore?
Answer: Mangal Pandey
Explanation: He refused to use the new cartridges and attacked his superior officer on March 29, 1857.
Q.37) Who was the symbolic leader of the 1857 Revolt at Delhi?
Answer: Bahadur Shah Zafar (the last Mughal)
Explanation: The rebel sepoys proclaimed him the 'Shahenshah-i-Hindustan'.
Q.38) Who led the 1857 Revolt at Lucknow?
Answer: Begum Hazrat Mahal
Explanation: She led the revolt on behalf of her minor son, Birjis Qadr.
Q.39) Who was the British officer who suppressed the revolt in Jhansi?
Answer: Sir Hugh Rose
Explanation: He described Rani Lakshmi Bai as "the best and bravest military leader of the rebels."
Q.40) Which act ended the rule of the East India Company and transferred power to the British Crown?
Answer: Government of India Act 1858
Explanation: This act followed the 1857 Revolt; the Governor-General was given the title of 'Viceroy'.
Q.41) Who was the first Viceroy of India?
Answer: Lord Canning
Explanation: He presided over the transition from Company rule to Crown rule.
Q.42) Which commission was appointed to reorganize the Indian Army after the 1857 Revolt?
Answer: Peel Commission
Explanation: It recommended increasing the ratio of European soldiers to Indian soldiers to prevent future mutinies.
Q.43) Who was the founder of the "Brahmo Samaj" in 1828?
Answer: Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Explanation: He is known as the "Father of Modern India" and the "Prophet of Indian Nationalism."
Q.44) Who founded the "Arya Samaj" in 1875 and gave the slogan "Go back to the Vedas"?
Answer: Swami Dayananda Saraswati
Explanation: He wrote the famous book 'Satyarth Prakash'.
Q.45) Which social reformer founded the "Ramakrishna Mission" in 1897?
Answer: Swami Vivekananda
Explanation: He founded it in memory of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramahansa, to promote social service.
Q.46) Who was the primary leader of the "Aligarh Movement"?
Answer: Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan
Explanation: He founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (later Aligarh Muslim University) to promote modern education among Muslims.
Q.47) Who wrote the book 'Satyashodhak Samaj' and campaigned against untouchability?
Answer: Jyotirao Phule (Jyotiba Phule)
Explanation: He also wrote the book 'Gulamgiri'.
Q.48) Who was the first President of the Indian National Congress (1885)?
Answer: Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee
Explanation: The first session was held at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay.
Q.49) Who is known as the "Grand Old Man of India"?
Answer: Dadabhai Naoroji
Explanation: He was the first Indian to be elected to the British House of Commons and proposed the 'Drain of Wealth' theory.
Q.50) Which Viceroy was responsible for the Partition of Bengal in 1905?
Answer: Lord Curzon
Explanation: The partition triggered the Swadeshi and Boycott movements.
Q.51) Which British official founded the "Indian National Congress" along with Indian leaders in 1885?
Answer: Allan Octavian (A.O.) Hume
Explanation: A retired British civil servant, he acted as a facilitator to provide a "safety valve" for the growing political discontent among educated Indians.
Q.52) Who was the first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress (1887)?
Answer: Badruddin Tyabji
Explanation: He presided over the third session of the Congress held in Madras, advocating for the involvement of all communities in the national movement.
Q.53) Which British Act introduced the principle of "Election" for the first time, though in an indirect manner?
Answer: Indian Councils Act of 1892
Explanation: It increased the number of members in the legislative councils and allowed them to discuss the budget and address questions to the executive.
Q.54) Who started the "Shivaji Festival" (1894) and "Ganpati Festival" (1893) to stimulate nationalism?
Answer: Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Explanation: He used these traditional religious and historical festivals to bypass British restrictions on political gatherings and to mobilize the masses.
Q.55) Who was the first Indian to be elected to the British House of Commons in 1892?
Answer: Dadabhai Naoroji
Explanation: Elected on a Liberal Party ticket, he used his position to highlight Indian grievances and the economic drain caused by British rule.
Q.56) In which year did the "Partition of Bengal" come into effect?
Answer: October 16, 1905
Explanation: This day was observed as a 'Day of Mourning' across Bengal; the partition aimed to divide the nationalist stronghold along communal lines.
Q.57) Who founded the "Servants of India Society" in 1905?
Answer: Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Explanation: The society aimed to train "national missionaries" for the service of India and promote social and human development through peaceful means.
Q.58) The "Swadeshi Movement" was formally proclaimed at a meeting in which city?
Answer: Calcutta (Town Hall)
Explanation: On August 7, 1905, a resolution to boycott British goods was passed, officially launching the Swadeshi movement in response to the Bengal partition.
Q.59) Where was the "All India Muslim League" founded in 1906?
Answer: Dhaka
Explanation: It was founded under the leadership of Nawab Salimullah, Aga Khan, and Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk to protect the political rights of Muslims.
Q.60) In which session did the Indian National Congress split into "Moderates" and "Extremists"?
Answer: Surat Session (1907)
Explanation: Known as the 'Surat Split', disagreements over the methods of agitation and the presidency led to a formal division in the party.
Q.61) Who was the first Indian to be appointed to the Viceroy’s Executive Council?
Answer: Satyendra Prasanna (S.P.) Sinha
Explanation: He was appointed as the Law Member following the Morley-Minto Reforms, marking a significant step in Indian representation in high governance.
Q.62) Which Act introduced "Separate Electorates" for Muslims for the first time?
Answer: Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act 1909)
Explanation: This move institutionalized communal representation, a key part of the British 'Divide and Rule' policy.
Q.63) Which British King visited India in 1911 during the Delhi Durbar?
Answer: King George V
Explanation: He announced the annulment of the Partition of Bengal and the shifting of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi.
Q.64) In which year was the capital of British India officially shifted from Calcutta to Delhi?
Answer: 1911
Explanation: The announcement was made during the Delhi Durbar, though the official move and construction of the new capital (New Delhi) took several years.
Q.65) Who founded the "Ghadar Party" in San Francisco in 1913?
Answer: Lala Hardayal and Sohan Singh Bhakna
Explanation: It was a revolutionary organization of Indians abroad aimed at overthrowing British rule through an armed uprising in India.
Q.66) In which year did Mahatma Gandhi return to India from South Africa?
Answer: January 9, 1915
Explanation: This day is celebrated as 'Pravasi Bharatiya Divas' to commemorate his return and the contribution of the Indian diaspora.
Q.67) Who launched the "Home Rule League" movement in 1916?
Answer: Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant
Explanation: They started two separate leagues to demand 'Home Rule' or self-government for India within the British Empire.
Q.68) The "Lucknow Pact" of 1916 was an agreement between which two groups?
Answer: Indian National Congress and the Muslim League
Explanation: It marked a temporary period of Hindu-Muslim unity where both parties agreed to demand self-government from the British.
Q.69) Where was Mahatma Gandhi's first Satyagraha in India (1917) located?
Answer: Champaran (Bihar)
Explanation: It was launched to support the indigo farmers against the oppressive 'Tinkathia' system enforced by European planters.
Q.70) Who was the first woman President of the Indian National Congress (1917)?
Answer: Annie Besant
Explanation: She presided over the Calcutta session following her leadership in the Home Rule movement and her imprisonment by the British.
Q.71) The "Kheda Satyagraha" (1918) was launched by Gandhi in support of whom?
Answer: Peasants
Explanation: The peasants of Kheda (Gujarat) were unable to pay taxes due to crop failure, and Gandhi led a movement for the remission of revenue.
Q.72) What was the "Rowlatt Act" of 1919 popularly known as?
Answer: The Black Act
Explanation: It allowed the government to imprison people without trial, leading to widespread protests and the slogan "No Dalil, No Vakil, No Appeal."
Q.73) Who was the British officer responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre on April 13, 1919?
Answer: General Dyer
Explanation: He ordered troops to fire on a peaceful crowd gathered to celebrate Baisakhi and protest the arrest of leaders, killing hundreds.
Q.74) Who surrendered his Knighthood as a protest against the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre?
Answer: Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation: He returned the honour to express his pain and protest against the "enormity of the measures" taken by the British in Punjab.
Q.75) The "Khilafat Movement" (1919-1920) was launched to protest against the treatment of which leader?
Answer: The Khalifa of Turkey
Explanation: Indian Muslims were outraged by the perceived harsh treatment of the Ottoman Sultan (the spiritual head) by the British after WWI.
Q.76) In which year was the "Non-Cooperation Movement" launched?
Answer: 1920
Explanation: Approved at the Nagpur session, it was the first mass movement led by Gandhi, involving the boycott of foreign goods, schools, and titles.
Q.77) Which incident led Mahatma Gandhi to call off the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922?
Answer: Chauri Chaura Incident
Explanation: A violent mob set fire to a police station in Uttar Pradesh, killing 22 policemen; Gandhi withdrew the movement as it had turned violent.
Q.78) Who founded the "Swaraj Party" in 1923?
Answer: Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das
Explanation: They wanted to end the "boycott of councils" and enter the legislative assemblies to "wreck the government from within."
Q.79) Who was the first Indian woman President of the Indian National Congress (1925)?
Answer: Sarojini Naidu
Explanation: She presided over the Kanpur session; she was a prominent poet and a key leader in the Civil Disobedience movement.
Q.80) Why was the "Simon Commission" (1927) boycotted by Indians?
Answer: It had no Indian members
Explanation: The commission was sent to review constitutional reforms, but the exclusion of Indians was seen as an insult to India's self-respect.
Q.81) Who died due to injuries sustained during a lathi charge while protesting against the Simon Commission in 1928?
Answer: Lala Lajpat Rai
Explanation: Known as 'Punjab Kesari', he died after being brutally beaten by the police during a peaceful protest in Lahore.
Q.82) The "Nehru Report" of 1928 was a response to which challenge?
Answer: The challenge to draft a constitution for India
Explanation: Lord Birkenhead challenged Indians to produce a constitution acceptable to all parties; the report was the first major Indian attempt at constitution-making.
Q.83) In which Congress session was the "Purna Swaraj" (Complete Independence) resolution passed?
Answer: Lahore Session (1929)
Explanation: Under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru, the Congress declared January 26, 1930, as Independence Day.
Q.84) Mahatma Gandhi began his "Dandi March" (Salt Satyagraha) from where?
Answer: Sabarmati Ashram
Explanation: He marched 240 miles to the coastal village of Dandi to manufacture salt and defy the British salt tax on April 6, 1930.
Q.85) Which agreement led to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement and Congress's participation in the Second Round Table Conference?
Answer: Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)
Explanation: Signed between Gandhi and Lord Irwin, it involved the release of political prisoners and the permission to make salt for personal use.
Q.86) Who was the only Indian leader to attend all three Round Table Conferences (1930-1932)?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: He represented the Depressed Classes and argued for separate electorates to ensure their political representation.
Q.87) What was the "Poona Pact" of 1932?
Answer: An agreement on seat reservation between Gandhi and Ambedkar
Explanation: It replaced the 'Communal Award' of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes with reserved seats within the general electorate.
Q.88) Which Act serves as the main blueprint for the present Constitution of India?
Answer: Government of India Act 1935
Explanation: It introduced provincial autonomy and envisioned a federal structure for India, though many parts were never implemented.
Q.89) In which year did the Congress ministries resign from the provinces?
Answer: 1939
Explanation: They resigned in protest against the British government's decision to involve India in World War II without consulting Indian leaders.
Q.90) Who gave the "August Offer" in 1940 to gain Indian support during World War II?
Answer: Lord Linlithgow
Explanation: It offered 'Dominion Status' after the war and the expansion of the Viceroy's council, but it was rejected by both the Congress and the League.
Q.91) Who was the first "Individual Satyagrahi" selected by Gandhi in 1940?
Answer: Vinoba Bhave
Explanation: He was followed by Jawaharlal Nehru; the movement was designed to assert the right to free speech against the war.
Q.92) Which mission visited India in 1942 and was described by Gandhi as "a post-dated cheque on a crashing bank"?
Answer: Cripps Mission
Explanation: Led by Stafford Cripps, it offered Dominion status and a constitution-making body after the war, which was seen as inadequate.
Q.93) On which date was the "Quit India" resolution passed by the Congress at Wardha?
Answer: August 8, 1942
Explanation: Launched at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay, Gandhi gave the famous call of "Do or Die" (Karo ya Maro).
Q.94) Who was the woman leader famous for hoisting the Indian flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan during the Quit India Movement?
Answer: Aruna Asaf Ali
Explanation: Known as the 'Grand Old Lady' of the Independence Movement, she hoisted the tricolour after the British arrested almost all senior Congress leaders in 'Operation Zero Hour'.
Q.95) Which secret underground radio station was operated by Usha Mehta during the Quit India Movement?
Answer: Congress Radio
Explanation: This clandestine station broadcasted news of the movement and patriotic messages from hidden locations in Bombay to bypass British censorship.
Q.96) Which British Viceroy was in charge when the Quit India Movement was launched in 1942?
Answer: Lord Linlithgow
Explanation: He served as Viceroy from 1936 to 1943, the longest tenure in that position, and oversaw the initial heavy suppression of the movement.
Q.97) Who was the primary founder of the "Azad Hind Fauj" (Indian National Army) in its first phase in 1942?
Answer: Captain Mohan Singh
Explanation: It was initially formed in Malaya with the support of the Japanese, primarily consisting of Indian Prisoners of War (POWs) from the British Indian Army.
Q.98) In which city did Subhas Chandra Bose formally set up the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind) in 1943?
Answer: Singapore
Explanation: From Singapore, Bose took command of the INA and declared war on the British and American forces with the famous slogan "Chalo Delhi".
Q.99) Which two islands were handed over to the Azad Hind Government by the Japanese and renamed 'Shaheed' and 'Swaraj'?
Answer: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Explanation: These islands became the first Indian territories to be liberated from British rule, though they remained under the operational control of the Japanese military.
Q.100) Who was the founder of the "Indian National Army" (Azad Hind Fauj) in Singapore?
Answer: Rash Behari Bose (later led by Subhas Chandra Bose)
Explanation: While initially formed by Mohan Singh, Subhas Chandra Bose took command in 1943 and led the fight against the British from outside India.
Q.101) What was the "C.R. Formula" (Rajaji Formula) proposed in 1944?
Answer: A proposal to settle the political deadlock between the Congress and the Muslim League.
Explanation: Proposed by C. Rajagopalachari, it suggested that the League support the demand for independence and a plebiscite be held in Muslim-majority areas to decide on a separate state.
Q.102) Which famous series of talks took place in September 1944 based on the C.R. Formula?
Answer: Gandhi-Jinnah Talks
Explanation: The talks failed as Muhammad Ali Jinnah insisted on the "Two-Nation Theory" and rejected the idea of any common central authority for defence or commerce.
Q.103) What was the "Wavell Plan" presented at the Shimla Conference in 1945?
Answer: A proposal to reconstruct the Viceroy’s Executive Council with equal representation for Hindus and Muslims.
Explanation: The conference failed because Jinnah demanded that the Muslim League should have the sole right to nominate all Muslim members to the council.
Q.104) The "INA Trials" (Red Fort Trials) of 1945 were conducted against which three prominent officers?
Answer: P.K. Sahgal, Shah Nawaz Khan, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon.
Explanation: The trials sparked a massive wave of nationalism across India; they were defended by a legal team including Bhulabhai Desai, Tej Bahadur Sapru, and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Q.105) In which year did the "Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Mutiny" break out in Bombay?
Answer: 1946
Explanation: Ratings of the HMIS Talwar went on strike against racial discrimination, unpalatable food, and the INA trials; it was the last major blow to British military control in India.
Q.106) Which high-level mission was sent to India in March 1946 to negotiate the transfer of power?
Answer: Cabinet Mission
Explanation: It consisted of Pethick-Lawrence, Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander. It proposed a federal structure and rejected the immediate demand for a separate Pakistan.
Q.107) What was the "Direct Action Day" observed by the Muslim League on August 16, 1946?
Answer: A call for a separate Pakistan that led to massive communal riots.
Explanation: Also known as the "Great Calcutta Killings," it resulted in the deaths of thousands and forced the British to accelerate the partition process.
Q.108) Who headed the "Interim Government" of India formed in September 1946?
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: He served as the Vice-President of the Executive Council, while the Viceroy remained the President.
Q.109) On which date did British PM Clement Attlee declare that the British would leave India by June 1948?
Answer: February 20, 1947
Explanation: Known as the 'Attlee Declaration', it signalled the end of British rule regardless of whether Indian parties reached an agreement.
Q.110) What was the "Mountbatten Plan" popularly known as?
Answer: The June 3rd Plan
Explanation: It outlined the procedure for the partition of India into two independent dominions—India and Pakistan—and was accepted by both the Congress and the League.
Q.111) Who was the chairman of the two Boundary Commissions appointed to demarcate the borders of Punjab and Bengal?
Answer: Sir Cyril Radcliffe
Explanation: The borders were drawn based on religious demographics, leading to the creation of the 'Radcliffe Line'.
Q.112) On which date was the "Indian Independence Act 1947" passed by the British Parliament?
Answer: July 18, 1947
Explanation: This act gave legal effect to the partition and provided for the termination of British suzerainty over the princely states.
Q.113) Who was the first Governor-General of independent India?
Answer: Lord Mountbatten
Explanation: He continued in the post at the request of the Indian government to oversee the transition until June 1948.
Q.114) Who was the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India?
Answer: C. Rajagopalachari
Explanation: He succeeded Mountbatten in 1948 and served until India became a Republic in 1950.
Q.115) Who is known as the "Bismarck of India" for integrating the princely states?
Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Explanation: Along with V.P. Menon, he persuaded 562 princely states to join the Indian Union through the 'Instrument of Accession'.
Q.116) Through which military operation was the state of Hyderabad integrated into India in 1948?
Answer: Operation Polo
Explanation: It was a 'police action' launched after the Nizam of Hyderabad refused to join India and his 'Razakars' (militia) caused unrest.
Q.117) Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: He is hailed as the 'Modern Manu' and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
Q.118) On which date did the Constitution of India come into force?
Answer: January 26, 1950
Explanation: This date was chosen to honour the 'Purna Swaraj' declaration of 1930.
Q.119) Who was the first President of the Republic of India?
Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Explanation: He was the President of the Constituent Assembly and was elected as the first President of India on January 24, 1950.
Q.120) Which event on January 30, 1948, is marked as Martyrs' Day (Shaheed Diwas) in India?
Answer: Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: He was shot by Nathuram Godse at Birla House in Delhi during his evening prayer meeting.
Q.121) Who founded the "Atmiya Sabha" in 1815?
Answer: Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Explanation: It was a philosophical discussion circle aimed at promoting monotheistic ideals and social reforms in Bengal.
Q.122) Which social reformer is known as "Lokhitwadi"?
Answer: Gopal Hari Deshmukh
Explanation: He was a social reformer from Maharashtra who advocated for rationalism and social equality through his writings in the weekly 'Prabhakar'.
Q.123) Who was the first Indian to pass the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination in 1863?
Answer: Satyendranath Tagore
Explanation: He was the elder brother of Rabindranath Tagore and served as a civil servant in the Bombay Presidency.
Q.124) Which Viceroy passed the "Vernacular Press Act" of 1878 to restrict the freedom of Indian newspapers?
Answer: Lord Lytton
Explanation: The act was specifically aimed at newspapers like 'Amrita Bazar Patrika' to prevent the spread of anti-British sentiment.
Q.125) Who repealed the Vernacular Press Act in 1882, earning the title "Liberator of the Indian Press"?
Answer: Lord Ripon
Explanation: He was one of the most popular Viceroys due to his liberal reforms, including the first Factory Act and the Local Self-Government resolution.
Q.126) What was the "Ilbert Bill Controversy" (1883) about?
Answer: Allowing Indian judges to try European defendants in criminal cases.
Explanation: The bill faced fierce opposition from the white community, highlighting the racial discrimination inherent in British law.
Q.127) Who founded the "Theosophical Society" in New York in 1875?
Answer: Madam Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott
Explanation: They moved their headquarters to Adyar (Madras) in 1882; the movement later gained widespread fame under Annie Besant.
Q.128) Who founded the "Deccan Education Society" in 1884?
Answer: G.G. Agarkar, M.G. Ranade, and B.G. Tilak.
Explanation: It was established to provide affordable, nationalist-oriented education to Indian youth, leading to the creation of Fergusson College.
Q.129) Which revolutionary secret society was founded by V.D. Savarkar in 1904?
Answer: Abhinav Bharat Society
Explanation: It grew out of the 'Mitra Mela' and was dedicated to achieving independence through armed revolution.
Q.130) Who was the youngest revolutionary to be hanged by the British for the Muzaffarpur bombing in 1908?
Answer: Khudiram Bose
Explanation: He and Prafulla Chaki attempted to assassinate District Judge Kingsford, but the bomb accidentally killed two British women.
Q.131) Who founded the "Anushilan Samiti" in Bengal?
Answer: Pramathanath Mitra (P. Mitra)
Explanation: It was a prominent revolutionary organisation that played a key role in the early militant nationalist phase in Bengal.
Q.132) Which revolutionary assassinated Curzon Wyllie in London in 1909?
Answer: Madan Lal Dhingra
Explanation: He was a member of the 'India House' in London and was executed for this political assassination.
Q.133) Who was the leader of the "Chittagong Armoury Raid" in 1930?
Answer: Surya Sen (Masterda)
Explanation: A school teacher by profession, he led a group of revolutionaries to seize the British armoury and declared a provisional revolutionary government.
Q.134) Who founded the "Hindustan Republican Association" (HRA) in 1924?
Answer: Ram Prasad Bismil, Sachindra Sanyal, and Yogesh Chandra Chatterjee.
Explanation: The organisation aimed to establish a 'Federal Republic of the United States of India' through armed struggle.
Q.135) The "Kakori Train Action" (1925) was a robbery of government funds carried out by which group?
Answer: Hindustan Republican Association (HRA)
Explanation: Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and others were later hanged for their involvement in this incident.
Q.136) Who renamed HRA to "Hindustan Socialist Republican Association" (HSRA) in 1928?
Answer: Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh.
Explanation: The addition of the word 'Socialist' reflected the group's shift towards Marxist and egalitarian ideologies at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi.
Q.137) Why did Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt throw smoke bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly in 1929?
Answer: To protest against the 'Public Safety Bill' and the 'Trade Dispute Bill'.
Explanation: Their intention was not to kill but to "make the deaf hear" and draw attention to the repressive British laws.
Q.138) Who died in Lahore jail after a 63-day hunger strike demanding better rights for political prisoners?
Answer: Jatin Das
Explanation: His sacrifice created a massive wave of sympathy and anger against the British treatment of Indian revolutionaries.
Q.139) Who killed Michael O'Dwyer in London in 1940 to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre?
Answer: Udham Singh
Explanation: O'Dwyer was the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab during the 1919 massacre; Udham Singh waited 21 years to take his revenge.
Q.140) Who founded the "Forward Bloc" within the Congress in 1939?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation: He formed this radical faction after resigning as Congress President due to ideological differences with the right-wing leadership.
Q.141) The "Woods Despatch" of 1854 is famously known as the:?
Answer: Magna Carta of English Education in India.
Explanation: It recommended the creation of universities in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras and emphasized primary education in local languages.
Q.142) Who was the first Indian to be appointed as a member of the Viceroy's Executive Council?
Answer: Satyendra Prasanna Sinha (Lord Sinha)
Explanation: He was appointed as the Law Member in 1909 following the Morley-Minto reforms.
Q.143) Which British act introduced "Diarchy" (Dual Government) in the Provinces?
Answer: Government of India Act 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms).
Explanation: It divided administrative subjects into 'Reserved' (controlled by the Governor) and 'Transferred' (controlled by Indian ministers).
Q.144) Who founded the "All India Trade Union Congress" (AITUC) in 1920?
Answer: N.M. Joshi (Lala Lajpat Rai was its first President).
Explanation: It was the first central organisation to coordinate the activities of labour unions across India.
Q.145) Who led the "Bardoli Satyagraha" in 1928 against the hike in land revenue?
Answer: Vallabhbhai Patel
Explanation: The successful movement earned him the title of "Sardar" from the women of Bardoli.
Q.146) What was the "Communal Award" announced by British PM Ramsay MacDonald in 1932?
Answer: A provision of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes (Dalits).
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi opposed this as a move to divide Hindu society and went on a fast until the Poona Pact was signed.
Q.147) Who started the "Self-Respect Movement" in Tamil Nadu in 1925?
Answer: E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker (Periyar)
Explanation: The movement aimed at achieving a society where backward castes had equal human rights and rejected Brahminical dominance.
Q.148) Who was the author of the book "Gulamgiri" (Slavery)?
Answer: Jyotirao Phule
Explanation: Published in 1873, the book was a scathing critique of the caste system and was dedicated to the American movement to abolish slavery.
Q.149) The "Hunter Commission" (1882) was appointed to review the progress of:?
Answer: Education in India
Explanation: It focused on primary and secondary education, following the guidelines set by the Woods Despatch.
Q.150) Who was the first Indian woman to address a session of the Indian National Congress in 1890?
Answer: Kadambini Ganguly
Explanation: She was one of the first two female graduates from India (and the British Empire) and a pioneering physician.
Q.151) Which major tribal revolt took place in 1855-56 in the Rajmahal Hills against the oppression of Zamindars and moneylenders?
Answer: Santhal Rebellion (Santhal Hool)
Explanation: Led by brothers Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, it was one of the fiercest tribal insurgencies against the British 'Diku' (outsider) system before 1857.
Q.152) Who led the 'Ulgulan' (Great Tumult) or the Munda Rebellion in the Chotanagpur region between 1899 and 1900?
Answer: Birsa Munda
Explanation: He aimed to establish 'Munda Raj' and is worshipped as 'Dharti Aba' (Father of the Earth). The rebellion led to the passing of the Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act (1908).
Q.153) The 'Indigo Revolt' (Nil Vidroha) of 1859-60 started in which village of Bengal?
Answer: Govindpur (Nadia district)
Explanation: Led by Digambar Biswas and Bishnu Biswas, the peasants refused to grow indigo under the oppressive conditions of European planters.
Q.154) Which famous Bengali play, written by Dinabandhu Mitra, depicted the atrocities committed by Indigo planters?
Answer: Neel Darpan
Explanation: It played a crucial role in awakening the conscience of the intelligentsia and the British government regarding the plight of indigo farmers.
Q.155) The 'Pabna Agrarian Leagues' (1873) in East Bengal were formed to protest against what?
Answer: Unfair rent hikes and eviction by Zamindars.
Explanation: Unlike many other revolts, this was largely a legalistic movement where peasants took the landlords to court, leading to the Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885.
Q.156) The 'Deccan Riots' of 1875 in Maharashtra were primarily directed against whom?
Answer: Moneylenders (Sahukars)
Explanation: Distressed farmers in Pune and Ahmednagar burnt debt bonds and account books, leading to the Deccan Agriculturists' Relief Act (1879).
Q.157) Who led the Rampa Rebellion (1922-24) in the Andhra region against the British forest laws?
Answer: Alluri Sitarama Raju
Explanation: He adopted guerrilla warfare tactics and was inspired by the Non-Cooperation Movement, though he did not strictly follow the principle of non-violence.
Q.158) The 'Moplah Rebellion' (1921) took place in which region of India?
Answer: Malabar (Kerala)
Explanation: It began as a peasant grievance against landlords but later took a communal turn during the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation era.
Q.159) Which commission was appointed in 1927 to look into the condition of the Indian States (Princely States) and their relationship with the Paramount Power?
Answer: Butler Committee (Indian States Committee)
Explanation: It recommended that the British Crown should remain the paramount power but emphasized the protection of the states from interference by British India.
Q.160) Who was the founder of the 'All India Kisan Sabha' in 1936?
Answer: Sahajanand Saraswati
Explanation: It was the first pan-India peasant organization, and its first session was held in Lucknow with N.G. Ranga as the general secretary.
Q.161) Which act first introduced 'Open Competitive Examinations' for the Indian Civil Services?
Answer: Charter Act of 1853
Explanation: It ended the patronage of the Court of Directors and opened the civil services to Indians in theory, though the exam was held only in London.
Q.162) The 'Lee Commission' (1923) was associated with which aspect of administration?
Answer: Public Services (Indianization of Civil Services)
Explanation: It recommended that 50% of the recruits to the Indian Civil Service should be Indians within 15 years.
Q.163) Who was the first Governor-General of Bengal to be impeached by the British Parliament?
Answer: Warren Hastings
Explanation: He was impeached upon his return to England (led by Edmund Burke) for corruption and high-handedness, though he was eventually acquitted.
Q.164) The 'MacDonnell Commission' (1900) was appointed by Lord Curzon to investigate what?
Answer: Famine Relief
Explanation: It recommended a more proactive approach to famine prevention and the establishment of a Famine Commissioner.
Q.165) Which act ended the East India Company's monopoly on tea trade and trade with China?
Answer: Charter Act of 1833
Explanation: This made the Company a purely administrative body and removed its commercial character entirely.
Q.166) Who was the first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress at the 1925 Kanpur session?
Answer: Sarojini Naidu
Explanation: Known as the 'Nightingale of India', she was a prominent poet and the first woman to serve as the Governor of an Indian state (United Provinces).
Q.167) Which British official is known as the 'Clemency' Governor-General for his moderate stance after the 1857 Revolt?
Answer: Lord Canning
Explanation: He refused to carry out large-scale vengeful executions against Indians after the revolt, earning him the nickname 'Clemency Canning'.
Q.168) The 'Sadler University Commission' (1917) was appointed to report on the conditions of which university?
Answer: Calcutta University
Explanation: Its recommendations, however, influenced the development of secondary and university education across the entire country.
Q.169) Who founded the 'Bharat Stree Mahamandal' in 1910, the first major women's organization in India?
Answer: Sarala Devi Chaudhurani
Explanation: It aimed to promote women's education and improve their social status without the direct involvement of men.
Q.170) The 'Sarda Act' (1929) was aimed at what social reform?
Answer: Discouraging Child Marriage
Explanation: Also known as the Child Marriage Restraint Act, it fixed the minimum age of marriage for girls at 14 and boys at 18.
Q.171) Which movement in 1924-25 in Travancore sought the right for lower castes to use roads near the Vaikom Temple?
Answer: Vaikom Satyagraha
Explanation: It was a significant milestone in the anti-untouchability movement and saw the participation of leaders like K. Kelappan and E.V. Ramaswamy.
Q.172) Who was the founder of the 'Servants of God' (Khudai Khidmatgar) or 'Red Shirts' movement in the North-West Frontier Province?
Answer: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Badshah Khan)
Explanation: He was a staunch follower of Gandhi and is also known as the 'Frontier Gandhi'.
Q.173) Which act introduced for the first time 'Direct Elections' in India?
Answer: Government of India Act 1919
Explanation: It significantly expanded the franchise, though it was still restricted by property, tax, and education qualifications.
Q.174) The 'Hartog Committee' (1929) was concerned with the development of which sector?
Answer: Education
Explanation: It highlighted the "mass of wastage" in primary education and recommended consolidation rather than mere expansion.
Q.175) Who was the author of the famous patriotic song 'Sare Jahan Se Achha'?
Answer: Muhammad Iqbal
Explanation: Though he later became a proponent of the idea of Pakistan, this song remains a symbol of Indian national pride.
Q.176) Which Congress session in 1931 endorsed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact and passed a resolution on Fundamental Rights?
Answer: Karachi Session
Explanation: Presided over by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, this session also adopted the National Economic Programme.
Q.177) The 'August Offer' (1940) was given by which Viceroy?
Answer: Lord Linlithgow
Explanation: It was an attempt to get Indian cooperation in WWII by promising a constitution-making body after the war.
Q.178) Who was the first person to use the word 'Pakistan' and outline the concept of a separate Muslim state?
Answer: Choudhry Rahmat Ali
Explanation: He coined the name in 1933 while studying at Cambridge in a pamphlet titled 'Now or Never'.
Q.179) Which plan of 1944 aimed at the economic development of India and was prepared by eight leading industrialists?
Answer: Bombay Plan
Explanation: It envisioned a significant role for the state in industrialization and social welfare in post-independence India.
Q.180) Who was the founder of the 'All India Scheduled Castes Federation' in 1942?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: It was a political party aimed at representing the interests of the Dalit community.
Q.181) The 'Cunningham Circular' (1930), which prohibited students from participating in politics, was issued in which province?
Answer: Assam
Explanation: It led to a massive student strike and boycott during the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Q.182) Which revolutionary led the 'Chittagong Armoury Raid' in April 1930?
Answer: Surya Sen
Explanation: He was an inspiration for many, and his group briefly established a revolutionary government in Chittagong.
Q.183) Who was the first Indian woman to fly an aircraft and later participated in the freedom struggle?
Answer: Sarla Thakral (Note: In the context of the freedom movement, Sarojini Naidu and others were more politically active, but Sarla represents the modern Indian woman of that era).
Q.184) The 'National Planning Committee' was set up in 1938 by the Congress under whose initiative?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose (with Jawaharlal Nehru as Chairman).
Explanation: This laid the groundwork for the planned economy of independent India.
Q.185) Which British Prime Minister announced the 'Communal Award' in 1932?
Answer: Ramsay MacDonald
Explanation: It provided separate electorates for minorities and the depressed classes, leading to Gandhi's fast in Yerwada jail.
Q.186) Who was the main leader of the 'Tebhaga Movement' (1946-47) in Bengal?
Answer: The Bengal Provincial Kisan Sabha (leaders like Kamparam Singh).
Explanation: The peasants demanded two-thirds (Tebhaga) of the harvest for themselves instead of the traditional half.
Q.187) The 'Peshawar Incident' (1930) involved the refusal of which regiment to fire on peaceful protesters?
Answer: Garhwal Rifles
Explanation: Under Chandra Singh Garhwali, the soldiers refused to fire on fellow Indians during the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Q.188) Who was the founder of the 'Radical Democratic Party' in 1940?
Answer: M.N. Roy
Explanation: He was a pioneer of the communist movement in India but later shifted to 'Radical Humanism'.
Q.189) Which act granted 'Dominion Status' to India and Pakistan?
Answer: Indian Independence Act 1947
Explanation: It converted India and Pakistan into two independent dominions within the British Commonwealth.
Q.190) Who wrote the book 'Economic History of India' (1901)?
Answer: R.C. Dutt
Explanation: It was a classic critique of the British colonial economy and its devastating impact on Indian agriculture and industry.
Q.191) The 'Pagri Sambhal Jatta' movement (1907) was an agrarian protest in which province?
Answer: Punjab
Explanation: Led by Ajit Singh (uncle of Bhagat Singh), it protested against the Colonization Bill and water rate hikes.
Q.192) Which Viceroy is associated with the 'Policy of Masterly Inactivity' towards Afghanistan?
Answer: John Lawrence
Explanation: He avoided active interference in Afghan internal affairs, unlike his predecessor Auckland.
Q.193) Who founded the 'Mahila Seva Samiti' in 1917?
Answer: Annie Besant
Explanation: It was one of many organizations she influenced to promote women's involvement in social reform.
Q.194) The 'Athenaeum' was a literary society founded by which group of students?
Answer: Young Bengal Movement (followers of Derozio).
Explanation: They were radical thinkers who questioned traditional customs and religious dogmas.
Q.195) Who was the leader of the 'Kuka Movement' (Namdhari) in Punjab?
Answer: Baba Ram Singh
Explanation: It was both a socio-religious reform movement and a political struggle against British rule.
Q.196) The 'Whitley Commission' (1929) was appointed to investigate:?
Answer: Labour conditions in industrial establishments.
Explanation: Its recommendations led to several labor reforms and the Royal Commission on Labour.
Q.197) Which act first provided for a 'High Commissioner for India' in London?
Answer: Government of India Act 1919
Explanation: This official took over some of the agency functions previously performed by the Secretary of State for India.
Q.198) Who was the first Indian to hold the post of 'Member of the Secretary of State’s Council' in London?
Answer: K.G. Gupta and Syed Hussain Bilgrami (1907).
Explanation: This was part of the early attempts to include Indians in the highest levels of British imperial administration.
Q.199) The 'Linlithgow Commission' (1926) was related to:?
Answer: Agriculture
Explanation: It led to the establishment of the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research (now ICAR).
Q.200) Who was the architect of the 'New Delhi' (Lutyens' Delhi) capital city?
Answer: Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
Explanation: They designed the majestic administrative heart of India, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House.
Q.201) Who was the first Governor-General to introduce the 'Portfolio System' in the Executive Council?
Answer: Lord Canning
Explanation: Introduced in 1859 and formalised by the Indian Councils Act of 1861, this system laid the foundation for modern cabinet-style government in India.
Q.202) The 'Strachey Commission' (1880) was the first commission appointed to investigate which issue?
Answer: Famine
Explanation: It recommended that the government should provide employment to the able-bodied during famines and suggested the creation of a Famine Fund.
Q.203) Which British Act first introduced the principle of 'Dyarchy' at the Centre?
Answer: Government of India Act 1935
Explanation: While the 1919 Act introduced Dyarchy in the Provinces, the 1935 Act moved it to the Centre, though this part of the act was never implemented.
Q.204) Who founded the 'Indian Association' of Calcutta in 1876?
Answer: Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose
Explanation: It was the most important of the pre-Congress nationalist organisations and aimed to create a strong public opinion on political questions.
Q.205) The 'Aitchison Commission' (1886) was appointed to recommend reforms in which sector?
Answer: Civil Services
Explanation: It recommended the classification of services into Imperial, Provincial, and Subordinate Civil Services.
Q.206) Who was the first Indian to be appointed as a judge of a High Court?
Answer: Sambhunath Pandit
Explanation: He was appointed to the Calcutta High Court in 1863, marking a significant step in the Indianisation of the judiciary.
Q.207) The 'Raleigh Commission' (1902) was appointed by Lord Curzon to look into the condition of:
Answer: Universities in India
Explanation: Its recommendations led to the Indian Universities Act of 1904, which increased government control over universities.
Q.208) Who was the author of the famous book 'The Indian War of Independence, 1857'?
Answer: Vinayak Damodar (V.D.) Savarkar
Explanation: Written in 1909, this book was the first to describe the 1857 revolt as a planned war for national independence rather than a mere sepoy mutiny.
Q.209) The 'Welby Commission' (1895) was appointed to inquire into:
Answer: Indian Expenditure
Explanation: Dadabhai Naoroji was the first Indian to be a member of this royal commission, using it to highlight the economic drain.
Q.210) Which woman leader founded the 'Desh Sevika Sangha' during the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer: Sarojini Naidu (along with others in Bombay)
Explanation: These groups were instrumental in picketing liquor shops and foreign cloth stores during the salt satyagraha.
Q.211) Who was the founder of the 'Prarthana Samaj' in Bombay (1867)?
Answer: Atmaram Pandurang
Explanation: Inspired by the Brahmo Samaj, it focused on social reforms like widow remarriage, women's education, and the abolition of the caste system.
Q.212) Which socio-religious movement was started by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in 1889?
Answer: Ahmadiyya Movement
Explanation: It was based on liberal principles and aimed at the universal brotherhood of all religions while remaining within the fold of Islam.
Q.213) Who founded the 'Rahnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha' (Religious Reform Association) for the Parsis?
Answer: Naoroji Furdonji, Dadabhai Naoroji, and S.S. Bengalee
Explanation: It aimed at the regeneration of the Parsi social condition and the restoration of the Zoroastrian religion to its pristine purity.
Q.214) The 'Satnami Movement' in Central India was founded by whom to improve the social status of leather workers?
Answer: Ghasidas (Guru Ghasidas)
Explanation: He campaigned against the caste system and preached the worship of one God (Satnam).
Q.215) Who was the first Indian to be elected as the President of the UN General Assembly?
Answer: Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit (1953)
Explanation: (Post-independence context) She was the sister of Jawaharlal Nehru and a prominent diplomat and freedom fighter.
Q.216) The 'Butler Committee' (1927) was related to the relationship between the British Crown and:
Answer: The Princely States
Explanation: It was appointed to investigate the 'Paramountcy' of the British Crown over the Indian rulers.
Q.217) Who was the founder of the 'All India Depressed Classes Association' in 1930?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: He used this platform to demand separate electorates and social rights for the Dalits at the Round Table Conferences.
Q.218) The 'Aravippuram Movement' (1888) in Kerala was led by whom?
Answer: Narayana Guru
Explanation: He installed a Shiva idol in Aravippuram to challenge the monopoly of Brahmins over temple rituals, giving the slogan "One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man."
Q.219) Who was the author of the song 'Vande Mataram'?
Answer: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
Explanation: It was first published in his novel 'Anandamath' (1882) and became the anthem of the Swadeshi movement.
Q.220) Which Viceroy is associated with the 'Policy of Equal Federation' (1935-1947)?
Answer: Lord Linlithgow
Explanation: This policy aimed at bringing the Princely States and British Indian Provinces into a single federal structure.
Q.221) The 'Pioneer' newspaper (started in 1865) was originally based in which city?
Answer: Allahabad
Explanation: It was one of the most influential English-language newspapers in India during the colonial era.
Q.222) Who founded the 'National Social Conference' (1887), often called the social reform cell of the Congress?
Answer: M.G. Ranade and Raghunath Rao
Explanation: It met annually alongside the Congress sessions to discuss social issues like child marriage and dowry.
Q.223) Which British official started the first Census in India in 1872?
Answer: Lord Mayo
Explanation: However, the first synchronous (complete) census was conducted in 1881 under Lord Ripon.
Q.224) Who was the only Viceroy of India to be assassinated while in office?
Answer: Lord Mayo
Explanation: He was killed by Sher Ali Afridi, a convict, during a visit to the Andaman Islands in 1872.
Q.225) The 'Hardinge Bomb Case' (1912) involved an attempt on the life of the Viceroy by whom?
Answer: Rash Behari Bose and Sachindra Sanyal
Explanation: A bomb was thrown at Lord Hardinge during his ceremonial entry into Delhi, the new capital.
Q.226) Who was the first woman to be arrested during the Salt Satyagraha in 1930?
Answer: Rukmini Lakshmipathi
Explanation: She was a prominent leader from Madras who participated in the Vedaranyam Salt March.
Q.227) Which revolutionary group was responsible for the 'Asher Case' (assassination of Collector Ash) in 1911?
Answer: Bharat Mata Association (led by Vanchinathan)
Explanation: This occurred in the Tirunelveli district of Madras Presidency as a protest against the repression of the Swadeshi movement.
Q.228) Who founded the 'Radical Democratic Party' in 1940?
Answer: M.N. Roy
Explanation: He had moved away from orthodox Communism towards a philosophy he called 'New Humanism'.
Q.229) The 'Inchecape Committee' (1923) was related to:
Answer: Retrenchment (Reduction) of Government Expenditure
Explanation: It was appointed to suggest ways to reduce the financial burden on the Indian treasury after WWI.
Q.230) Who was the author of the book 'The Discovery of India'?
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: He wrote it while imprisoned in Ahmednagar Fort (1942–1945) during the Quit India Movement.
Q.231) Which act created the 'Federal Court' of India, which started functioning in 1937?
Answer: Government of India Act 1935
Explanation: This court was the predecessor to the Supreme Court of India.
Q.232) Who was the founder of the 'Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha' (1924)?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: Its objective was to promote education and socio-economic improvement among the Dalits.
Q.233) The 'Temple Entry Proclamation' (1936) was issued in which princely state?
Answer: Travancore
Explanation: It was a historic decree that allowed all Hindus, regardless of caste, to enter temples controlled by the state government.
Q.234) Who was the last Governor-General of India before the office was abolished in 1950?
Answer: C. Rajagopalachari
Explanation: He served from 1948 until the inauguration of the Republic on January 26, 1950.
Q.235) The 'Montagu Declaration' of 1917 promised what for India?
Answer: Gradual development of self-governing institutions.
Explanation: It was a response to the Home Rule movement and aimed at increasing Indian participation in every branch of administration.
Q.236) Who was the first Indian to be a member of the 'Imperial Legislative Council' under the Act of 1861?
Answer: Raja of Benaras, Maharaja of Patiala, and Sir Dinkar Rao.
Explanation: They were nominated by the Viceroy as non-official members.
Q.237) Which Act first used the term 'Scheduled Castes'?
Answer: Government of India Act 1935
Explanation: It replaced earlier terms like 'Depressed Classes' for administrative and electoral purposes.
Q.238) Who was the founder of the 'All India Women's Conference' (AIWC) in 1927?
Answer: Margaret Cousins
Explanation: It remains one of the oldest and most prominent women's rights organisations in India.
Q.239) The 'Simon Commission' report (1930) recommended the abolition of:
Answer: Diarchy in the Provinces
Explanation: It suggested that provinces should be given full autonomy, though it did not recommend Dominion status.
Q.240) Who was the leader of the 'Eka Movement' (1921) in Uttar Pradesh?
Answer: Madari Pasi
Explanation: It was a peasant movement against the high rents and oppressive practices of the Thikadars (revenue contractors).
Q.241) Which revolutionary was known as 'Bagha Jatin'?
Answer: Jatindranath Mukherjee
Explanation: He died in a heroic gunfight with the British police at Balasore (Odisha) in 1915.
Q.242) The 'Komagata Maru' incident (1914) involved a ship carrying Indian immigrants to which country?
Answer: Canada
Explanation: The Canadian government refused them entry, leading to a tragic clash at Budge Budge (Calcutta) upon their forced return.
Q.243) Who was the author of the poem 'Jhansi ki Rani' ("Khoob ladi mardaani...")?
Answer: Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
Explanation: This iconic poem immortalised Rani Lakshmi Bai in the Indian national memory.
Q.244) The 'Swaraj Party' split in 1926 was caused by a group called 'Responsivists'. Who led them?
Answer: Lala Lajpat Rai and M.M. Malaviya
Explanation: They wanted to cooperate with the government to protect Hindu interests, unlike the original 'No-Changers' or 'Swarajists'.
Q.245) Who was the British Prime Minister during the 1857 Revolt?
Answer: Lord Palmerston
Explanation: He was succeeded by Lord Derby, under whom the Government of India Act 1858 was passed.
Q.246) The 'Wood's Despatch' (1854) recommended the setting up of Universities on the model of:
Answer: London University
Explanation: This led to the creation of the first three modern universities in India in 1857.
Q.247) Who was the first Indian to hold the post of 'President of the Central Legislative Assembly' (1925)?
Answer: Vithalbhai Patel
Explanation: He was a prominent Swarajist leader and the elder brother of Vallabhbhai Patel.
Q.248) The 'Bandi Jiwan' was a famous book written by which revolutionary?
Answer: Sachindra Nath Sanyal
Explanation: It was considered the 'textbook' for Indian revolutionaries in the early 20th century.
Q.249) Which Act ended the 'Company's monopoly of trade' with India but preserved it for 'Tea and China'?
Answer: Charter Act of 1813
Explanation: This opened the Indian market to other British merchants, reflecting the influence of Adam Smith's free-trade ideas.
Q.250) Who was the founder of the 'Indian Home Rule Society' in London (1905)?
Answer: Shyamji Krishna Varma
Explanation: He also established 'India House' as a hostel for Indian students which became a hub for revolutionary activities.
Q.251) The 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India' (1901) was written by:
Answer: Dadabhai Naoroji
Explanation: This seminal work provided the statistical basis for the 'Drain of Wealth' theory.
Q.252) Which Viceroy is associated with the 'Policy of Masterly Inactivity' towards Afghanistan?
Answer: Sir John Lawrence (1864–1869)
Explanation: He believed in non-interference in the internal tribal wars of Afghanistan, provided they did not threaten British borders.
Q.253) Who founded the 'Atmiya Sabha' in 1815?
Answer: Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Explanation: It was a philosophical discussion circle aimed at promoting monotheistic ideals and social reforms in Bengal.
Q.254) Which social reformer is known as "Lokhitwadi"?
Answer: Gopal Hari Deshmukh
Explanation: He was a social reformer from Maharashtra who advocated for rationalism and social equality through his writings in the weekly 'Prabhakar'.
Q.255) Who was the first Indian to pass the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination in 1863?
Answer: Satyendranath Tagore
Explanation: He was the elder brother of Rabindranath Tagore and served as a civil servant in the Bombay Presidency.
Q.256) Which Viceroy passed the "Vernacular Press Act" of 1878?
Answer: Lord Lytton
Explanation: The act was specifically aimed at newspapers like 'Amrita Bazar Patrika' to prevent the spread of anti-British sentiment.
Q.257) Who repealed the Vernacular Press Act in 1882?
Answer: Lord Ripon
Explanation: He was one of the most popular Viceroys due to his liberal reforms, including the Local Self-Government resolution.
Q.258) What was the "Ilbert Bill Controversy" (1883) about?
Answer: Allowing Indian judges to try European defendants in criminal cases.
Explanation: The bill faced fierce opposition from the white community, highlighting the racial discrimination inherent in British law.
Q.259) Who founded the "Theosophical Society" in New York in 1875?
Answer: Madam Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott
Explanation: They moved their headquarters to Adyar (Madras) in 1882; the movement later gained widespread fame under Annie Besant.
Q.260) Who founded the "Deccan Education Society" in 1884?
Answer: G.G. Agarkar, M.G. Ranade, and B.G. Tilak.
Explanation: It was established to provide affordable, nationalist-oriented education, leading to the creation of Fergusson College.
Q.261) Which revolutionary secret society was founded by V.D. Savarkar in 1904?
Answer: Abhinav Bharat Society
Explanation: It grew out of the 'Mitra Mela' and was dedicated to achieving independence through armed revolution.
Q.262) Who was the youngest revolutionary to be hanged by the British in 1908?
Answer: Khudiram Bose
Explanation: He was executed for his role in the Muzaffarpur bombing targeting District Judge Kingsford.
Q.263) Who founded the "Anushilan Samiti" in Bengal?
Answer: Pramathanath Mitra (P. Mitra)
Explanation: It was a prominent revolutionary organisation that played a key role in the early militant nationalist phase in Bengal.
Q.264) Which revolutionary assassinated Curzon Wyllie in London in 1909?
Answer: Madan Lal Dhingra
Explanation: He was a member of the 'India House' in London and was executed for this political assassination.
Q.265) Who was the leader of the "Chittagong Armoury Raid" in 1930?
Answer: Surya Sen (Masterda)
Explanation: A school teacher by profession, he led a group of revolutionaries to seize the British armoury.
Q.266) Who founded the "Hindustan Republican Association" (HRA) in 1924?
Answer: Ram Prasad Bismil, Sachindra Sanyal, and Yogesh Chandra Chatterjee.
Explanation: The organisation aimed to establish a 'Federal Republic' through armed struggle.
Q.267) The "Kakori Train Action" (1925) was carried out by which group?
Answer: Hindustan Republican Association (HRA)
Explanation: Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and others were later hanged for their involvement.
Q.268) Who renamed HRA to "Hindustan Socialist Republican Association" (HSRA) in 1928?
Answer: Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh.
Explanation: The addition of the word 'Socialist' reflected the group's shift towards Marxist ideologies.
Q.269) Why did Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt throw smoke bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly in 1929?
Answer: To protest against the 'Public Safety Bill' and the 'Trade Dispute Bill'.
Explanation: Their intention was not to kill but to "make the deaf hear."
Q.270) Who died in Lahore jail after a 63-day hunger strike?
Answer: Jatin Das
Explanation: He died demanding better rights and treatment for political prisoners in British jails.
Q.271) Who killed Michael O'Dwyer in London in 1940?
Answer: Udham Singh
Explanation: He sought revenge for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, as O'Dwyer was the Governor of Punjab at that time.
Q.272) Who founded the "Forward Bloc" in 1939?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation: He formed this radical faction after resigning as Congress President.
Q.273) The "Woods Despatch" of 1854 is famously known as:
Answer: Magna Carta of English Education in India.
Explanation: It recommended the creation of modern universities and primary education in local languages.
Q.274) Who was the first Indian member of the Viceroy's Executive Council?
Answer: Satyendra Prasanna Sinha (Lord Sinha)
Explanation: He was appointed following the 1909 Morley-Minto reforms.
Q.275) Which British act introduced "Diarchy" in the Provinces?
Answer: Government of India Act 1919
Explanation: It divided provincial administration into 'Reserved' and 'Transferred' subjects.
Q.276) Who founded the "All India Trade Union Congress" (AITUC) in 1920?
Answer: N.M. Joshi (Lala Lajpat Rai was its first President).
Explanation: It was the first central organisation to coordinate labour union activities.
Q.277) Who led the "Bardoli Satyagraha" in 1928?
Answer: Vallabhbhai Patel
Explanation: The successful movement earned him the title of "Sardar."
Q.278) What was the "Communal Award" of 1932?
Answer: Separate electorates for the Depressed Classes.
Explanation: Announced by Ramsay MacDonald, it led to Gandhi's fast and the subsequent Poona Pact.
Q.279) Who started the "Self-Respect Movement" in Tamil Nadu in 1925?
Answer: E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker (Periyar)
Explanation: It aimed at equality for backward castes and rejection of Brahminical dominance.
Q.280) Who was the author of the book "Gulamgiri"?
Answer: Jyotirao Phule
Explanation: It was a critique of the caste system, published in 1873.
Q.281) The "Hunter Commission" (1882) was appointed to review:
Answer: Education in India
Explanation: It focused on the progress of primary and secondary education.
Q.282) Who was the first Indian woman to address a session of the Congress in 1890?
Answer: Kadambini Ganguly
Explanation: She was one of India's first female graduates and a pioneering physician.
Q.283) The 'Vande Mataram' was first sung at a Congress session in which year?
Answer: 1896
Explanation: It was sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress.
Q.284) Who founded the 'Indian Home Rule Society' in London in 1905?
Answer: Shyamji Krishna Varma
Explanation: He also established 'India House' as a base for Indian students and revolutionaries.
Q.285) The 'Alipore Bomb Case' (1908) was conducted against which prominent leader?
Answer: Aurobindo Ghosh
Explanation: Although he was acquitted, he subsequently retired from politics and moved to Pondicherry.
Q.286) Who founded the 'Bharat Mata Society' in Punjab in 1907?
Answer: Ajit Singh and Sufi Ambaprasad
Explanation: It was a revolutionary organisation that supported the 'Pagri Sambhal Jatta' agrarian movement.
Q.287) Which Act first introduced the concept of 'Portfolio' in the Executive Council?
Answer: Indian Councils Act 1861
Explanation: It allowed the Viceroy to assign specific departments to members, creating a cabinet-like structure.
Q.288) Who was the author of 'Abhinav Bharat'?
Answer: V.D. Savarkar
Explanation: (Clarification: This was the name of his organisation; his major literary work on the revolt was 'The Indian War of Independence').
Q.289) The 'Young Bengal Movement' was started by whom?
Answer: Henry Vivian Derozio
Explanation: A teacher at Hindu College, he inspired his students to think rationally and question traditional customs.
Q.290) Who was the founder of 'Deoband Movement' (1866)?
Answer: Muhammad Qasim Nanotavi and Rashid Ahmad Gangohi
Explanation: It was an orthodox religious revivalist movement aimed at training religious leaders for the Muslim community.
Q.291) Which incident led to the death of Prafulla Chaki?
Answer: Muzaffarpur Bomb Case (1908)
Explanation: He committed suicide to avoid arrest after the attempt on Kingsford's life.
Q.292) Who was the British Viceroy when the Indian National Congress was founded?
Answer: Lord Dufferin
Explanation: He initially welcomed the organisation as a 'safety valve' for political discontent.
Q.293) The 'Tebhaga Movement' (1946) was a peasant struggle in which province?
Answer: Bengal
Explanation: Peasants demanded that they should keep two-thirds (tebhaga) of the harvest instead of half.
Q.294) Who was the founder of 'All India Kisan Sabha' (1936)?
Answer: Sahajanand Saraswati
Explanation: It was the first pan-India peasant organisation, held its first session in Lucknow.
Q.295) Which Act is known as the 'Act for the Better Government of India'?
Answer: Government of India Act 1858
Explanation: It transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown.
Q.296) Who founded the 'Seva Sadan' in 1885?
Answer: Behramji M. Malabari
Explanation: It was a social reform organisation dedicated to the welfare of women and the protection of child brides.
Q.297) The 'Hindustan Socialist Republican Association' (HSRA) was founded at which location?
Answer: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
Explanation: This meeting in 1928 marked the formal adoption of socialist goals by the revolutionaries.
Q.298) Who was the first Indian to hold the post of 'Governor' of a province under British rule?
Answer: Lord Satyendra Prasanna Sinha
Explanation: He was appointed as the Governor of Bihar and Orissa in 1920.
Q.299) The 'Delhi Manifesto' (1929) was related to:
Answer: The demand for a Round Table Conference to discuss Dominion Status.
Explanation: It was issued by Indian leaders in response to the 'Irwin Declaration'.
Q.300) Who was the British Prime Minister when India achieved Independence in 1947?
Answer: Clement Attlee
Explanation: He belonged to the Labour Party and had declared earlier that British rule would end by mid-1948.