Sparking YOUTH: Strategy for History of India and Indian National Movement

Ancient History

Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:(2011)
1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene,
2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a.) 1 only (b.) 2 only  (c.) Both 1 and 2 (d.) Neither 1 nor 2

Which of the following characterizes/ characterize the people of Indus Civilization? (2013)

1. They possessed great palaces and temples. 2. They worshipped both male and female deities. 3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare. 
Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 2 only  (c) 1, 2 and 3  (d) None of the statements given above is correct 

With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?(2012)

1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment 
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas 
3. Denial of efficacy of rituals 
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is /are correct? (2012)

1. Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them.

2. The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild.

3. The guild had judicial powers over its own members. 

Select the correct answer using the codes given below : 

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only  (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Medieval History

With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices? (2012)

1. Meditation and control of breath 2. Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place

3. Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only  (d) 1, 2 and 3

In medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for (2014)

1. Military officers

2. Village headmen

3. Specialists in Vedic rituals

4. Chiefs of craft guilds

Modern History

Which one of the following observations is not true about the Quit India Movement of 1942? (2011)

(a.) It was a non-violent movement  (b.) It was led by Mahatma Gandhi  (c.) It was a spontaneous movement (d.) It did not attract the labour class in general

Which amongst the following provided a common factor for tribal insurrection in India in the 19th century? (2011)

(a.) Introduction of a new system of land revenue and taxation- of tribal products (b.) Influence of foreign religious missionaries in tribal areas (c.) Rise of a large number of money lenders, traders and revenue farmers as middlemen in tribal areas (d.) The complete disruption of the old agrarian order of the tribal communities

The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for: (2013) 

(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 Zamindari system and the end of serfdom (d) writing off all peasant debts 

Quit India Movement was launched in response to: (2013)

(a) Cabinet Mission Plan  (b) Cripps Proposals  (c) Simon Commission Report (d) Wavell Plan

The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission because: (2013)

(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

Famous Personalities:

Mahatma Gandhi said that some of his deepest convictions were reflected in a book titled, “Unto this Last” and the book transformed his life. What was the message from the book that transformed Mahatma Gandhi? (2011)

(a.) Uplifting the oppressed and poor is the moral responsibility of an educated man (b.) The good of individual is contained in the good of all (c.) The life of celibacy and spiritual pursuit are essential for a noble life (d.) All the statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct in this context

With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for: (2011)

(a.) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement (b.) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference (c.) Leading a contingent of Indian National Army

(d.) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda? (2011)

1. The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought.

2. The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a.) 1 only (b.) 2 only

(c.) Both 1 and 2 (d.) Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements :(2012) 

The most effective contribution made by Dadabhai Naoroji to the cause of Indian National Movement was that he

1. Exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British 2. Interpreted the ancient Indian texts and restored the self-confidence of Indians 3. Stressed the need for eradication of all the social evils before anything else

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Which of the following parties were established by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar? (2012)

1. The Peasants and Workers Party of India 2. All India Scheduled Castes Federation 3. The Independent Labour Party

Select the correct answer using the codes given below : (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 2 and 3 only  (c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Mahatma Gandhi undertook fast unto death in 1932, mainly because: (2012)

(a) Round Table Conference failed to satisfy Indian political aspirations (b) Congress and Muslim League had differences of opinion  (c) Ramsay Macdonald announced the Communal Award

(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context

Annie Besant was: (2013)

1. Responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement 2. The founder of the Theo-sophical Society 3. Once the President of the Indian National Congress

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only  (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Colonial Rule in India & Socio-Religious Reform Movements

The tendency for increased litigation was visible after the introduction of the land settlement system of Lord Cornwallis in 1793. The reason for this is normally traced to which of the following provisions? (2011)

(a.) Making Zamindar’s position stronger vis-a-vis the ryot (b.)Making East India Company an overlord of Zamindars (c.) Making judicial system more efficient  (d.)None of the (a), (b) and (c) above

Consider the following :(2012)

1. Assessment of land revenue on the basis of nature of the soil and the quality of crops 2. Use of mobile cannons in warfare 3. Cultivation of tobacco and red chillies

Which of the above was/were introduced into India by the English? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3

(d) None

The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the: (2013) 

(a) Imposition restrictions the Indians of certain to carry arms by Indians (b) Imposition of restrictions on 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 

With reference to the period of colonial rule in India, “Home Charges” formed an important part of drain of wealth from India. Which of the following funds constituted “Home Charges”? (2011)

1. Funds used to support the India Office in London. 2. Funds used to pay salaries and pensions of British personnel engaged in India. 3. Funds used for waging wars outside India by the British.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a.) 1 only  (b.) 1 and 2 only  (c.) 2 and 3 only

(d.) 1, 2 and 3

Important Reports, Sessions, Acts, Committees setup during the British period

With reference to the period of Indian freedom struggle, which of the following was/were recommended by the Nehru report? (2011)

1. Complete Independence for India. 2. Joint electorates for reservation of seats for minorities. 3. Provision of fundamental rights for the people of India in the Constitution.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a.) 1 only  (b.) 2 and 3 only (c.) 1 and 3 only (d.) 1, 2 and 3

What was the purpose with which Sir William Wedderburn and W.S. Caine had set up the Indian Parliamentary Committee in 1893? (2011)

(a.) To agitate for Indian political reforms in the House of Commons (b.) To campaign for the entry of Indians into the Imperial Judiciary (c.) To facilitate a discussion on India’s Independence in the British Parliament (d.) To agitate for the entry of eminent Indians into the British Parliament

The Rowlatt Act aimed at: (2012) 

(a) Compulsory economic support to war efforts  (b) Imprisonment without trial and summary procedures for trial (c) Suppression of the Khilafat Movement (d) Imposition of restrictions on freedom of the press

The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929) is very important in history, because (2012)

1.The Congress passed a resolution demanding complete independence 2. The rift between the extremists and moderates was resolved in that Session 3. A resolution was passed rejecting the two-nation theory in that Session

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only  (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3

(d) None of the above

During Indian freedom struggle, the National Social Conference was formed. What was the reason for its formation? (2012)

(a) Different social reform groups or organizations of Bengal region united to form a single body to discuss the issues of larger interest and to prepare appropriate petitions/representations to the government.

(b) Indian National Congress did not want to include social reforms in its deliberations and decided to form a separate body for such a purpose

(c) Behramji Malabari and M. G. Ranade decided to bring together all the social reform groups of the country under one organization

(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context

With reference to Indian History, the Members of the Constituent Assembly from the Provinces were: (2013)

(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

The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until (2014)

1. The First World War when Indian troops were needed by the British and the partition was ended. 2. King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Darbar in Delhi in 1911 3. Gandhiji launched his Civil Disobedience Movement 4. The Partition of India, in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan

The 1929 Session of Indian, National Congress is of significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because the (2014)

1. Attainment of Self-Government was declared as the objective of the Congress

2. Attainment of Poorna Swaraj Was adopted as the goal of the Congress

3. Non-Cooperation Movement was launched

4. Decision to participate in the Round Table Conference in London was taken

The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a (2014)

1. Revolutionary association of Indians with headquarters at San Francisco. 2. Nationalist organization operating from Singapore 3. Militant organization with headquarters at Berlin 4. Communist movement for India’s freedom with head-quarters at Tashkent

What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)? (2014)

1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States 2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown 3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1and 2 only 2. 2 only 3. 1and 3 only 4. 1,2 and 3

The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to (2014)

1. Solve the problem of minorities in India 2. Give effect to the Independence Bill 3. Delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan 4. Enquire into the riots in East Bengal

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Culture of India

Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes (2012)

(a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation (b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara

(c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory

(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context

Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two? (2013)

(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks

(b)Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks

(d) There is no material difference between the two

With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to (2014)

(a) an assembly of village elders

(b) a religious sect’

(d) an administrative functionary

Consider the following historical places: (2013)

Ajanta Caves

Lepakshi Temple

Sanchi Stupa

Which of the above places is / are also known for mural paintings?

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None 

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was (2014)

1.the mosque for the use of Royal Family

2. Akbar’s private chamber prayer

3.the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions.

4.the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs.

With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?(2012)

1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period. 2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music. 3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None of the above is correct

How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?(2012) 

1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.

2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?(2013)

(a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck

(b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters

(d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism

With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements: (2014)

1.Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama. 2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam. 3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.

Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

A.1 only

B.1 and 2 only

C.2 and 3 only

D.1,2 and 3

A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their (2014)

A. martial arts in North-East India

B. musical tradition in North-West India

C. classical vocal music in South India

D. pietra dura tradition in Central India

With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’? (2014)

a. It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India 

b. It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area

c. It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar

d. It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India 

Consider the following statements: (2014)

1.‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal.

2.The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only 

B. 2 only 

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

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Strategy for History of India and Indian National Movement