Q1) What is the most accurate description of the 'safety valve theory' regarding the formation of the

Indian National Congress (INC)?

(a) It was formed by bourgeois leaders to safeguard the interest of zamindars.

(b) It was formed by the British to provide a platform for releasing the growing discontent of the
Indians.
(c) Its formation was a natural culmination of the political work done by early nationalists.
(d) It was formed to promote socio-religious and political reforms in Indian society.

Answer-b

Explanation

The "safety valve theory" is a historical interpretation that suggests that the British colonial authorities
supported the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) as a means of channeling and controlling
the growing discontent and political aspirations of the Indian population.

Q2) Consider the following statements regarding the Quit India Movement:

1. 'Praja Mandals' were established as parallel governments during the movement.

2. The Muslim League did not support the movement.
3. The movement witnessed no communal violence.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer-a

Explanation

The Quit India Movement, like many mass movements, witnessed incidents of communal violence in
certain regions. While the movement itself was primarily focused on demanding an end to British
colonial rule, communal tensions did flare up in some places due to various factors, including inter-
community conflicts, misunderstandings, and provocations. However, the movement as a whole was not
primarily driven by communal tensions.

Q3) There was no independent development of industries in India during British rule because of the:

(a) absence of heavy industries

(b) scarcity of foreign capital
(c) scarcity of natural resources
(d) preference of the rich to invest in land
Answer: a
 Explanation: The economy under the Britishers worked on the principle that India would
producer of raw materials. The raw materials like cotton, iron ore; indigo etc would then be
bought at low rates and exported to England for its industries to consume. India would then be
used also as a market to sell off finished goods. Hence there was no need of any heavy industry
here.

Q4) Which of the following statements correctly explain the impact of the 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 number.
(c) Railway lines were laid in many parts of the country.
(d) Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures.
Answer: a
Explanation: The Industrial Revolution in Britain led to the mass production of goods using
machinery, which made British manufactured goods cheaper and more readily available. This
had a detrimental impact on India's traditional handicraft industries, as Indian artisans and
craftsmen found it difficult to compete with the machine-made products from Britain. As a
result, many Indian handicrafts and cottage industries suffered, and the livelihoods of many
artisans were negatively affected.

Q5) Consider the following statements in relation to the Guruvayur Satyagraha:

1. The Kerala Provincial Congress Committee introduced it.

2. It attempted to resolve the peasants' anger toward zamindars because of their demand for
exorbitant taxes.

Which of the afore mentioned statements is true?

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

Answer-a

Explanation

Guruvayur Temple Entry Satyagraha, led by K. Kelappan, was organised under the auspices of the Kerala
Provincial Congress Committee (KPCC). The upliftment of the oppressed sections of the Hindu
community was always on the agenda of the Indian National Congress (INC).

Q6) Who were the members of the Interim Government in 1946?

1. Liaquat Ali Khan

2. C H Bhabha
3. Somnath Lahiri
4. I. I. Chundrigar
Select the correct answer from the code given below:

a) 1, 2, and 3 only
b) 2, 3, and 4 only
c) 1, 2, and 4 only
d) 1, 3, and 4 only

Answer-C

Explanation

Liaquat Ali Khan: Liaquat Ali Khan was a prominent leader of the All-India Muslim League and played a
key role in the Interim Government. He held the position of the Finance Member, which made him
effectively the Finance Minister of the Interim Government.

C. H. Bhabha: C. H. Bhabha, also known as Homi Bhabha, was a member of the Interim Government. He
was a distinguished physicist and played a role as the Minister of Commerce in the Interim Government.

I. I. Chundrigar: I. I. Chundrigar, also known as Jinnahbhai, was a member of the Interim Government. He
was associated with the All-India Muslim League and held the position of the Minister of Commerce and
Industry.

Q7) Arrange the following events in the correct chronological sequence:

1. Formation of Muslim League

2. Formation of Hindu Mahasabha
3. Lucknow Pact
4. Pakistan Resolution

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1-2-3-4
(b) 1-3-2-4
(c) 2-1-4-3
(d) 2-1-3–4

Answer-a

Explanation:

Formation of Muslim League: The Muslim League was formed in 1906 as a response to perceived Muslim
political and social grievances and to protect the interests of Muslims in India.

Formation of Hindu Mahasabha: The Hindu Mahasabha was founded in 1915, aiming to assert and
protect the rights of Hindus in the Indian political landscape.

Lucknow Pact: The Lucknow Pact was signed in 1916 between the Congress and the Muslim League,
representing a cooperative approach between Hindus and Muslims within the Indian political context.
Pakistan Resolution: The Pakistan Resolution, passed in 1940, was a landmark event that set the
foundation for the demand for a separate Muslim state, leading to the eventual creation of Pakistan in
1947.

Q9) Regarding the distinction between the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Non-Cooperation
Movement, please assess the following statements:

1. The Civil Disobedience Movement aimed for Purna Swaraj (complete independence), while the
Non-Cooperation Movement sought Swaraj (self-rule).
2. In comparison to the Civil Disobedience Movement, Muslim participation was relatively lower
during the Non-Cooperation Movement.

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

Answer-a

Explanation

Muslim participation was relatively higher during the Non-Cooperation Movement compared to the Civil
Disobedience Movement. The Non-Cooperation Movement witnessed broad-based support from various
sections of Indian society, including Muslims. However, during the Civil Disobedience Movement, some
Muslims were cautious due to certain political and communal factors.

Q10) Which of the following statements regarding the Swaraj Party is/are not correct?

1. The Swaraj Party was established by Jawaharlal Nehru.

2. The Swaraj Party worked as a part of Congress but participated in Council Elections.
3. The Swaraj Party won all the seats in the Central Legislative Assembly in their first election.

Select the correct answer from the options below:

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

Answer-b

Explanation:

The Swaraj Party was founded by Motilal Nehru and Chittaranjan Das, not Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Swaraj Party did indeed work within the Indian National Congress and participated in council
elections to advocate for self-governance within the legislative framework.
While the Swaraj Party performed well in the elections and won a significant number of seats, they did
not win all the seats in the Central Legislative Assembly. Their success marked a significant development
in advocating for Indian self-governance through constitutional means.

Q11) Consider the following pairs in the context of Mahatma Gandhi's motives/thoughts:

Movement/Idea Motives

1. Salt satyagraha - economic reforms

2. Charkha - self-sufficiency
3. Harijan - social issue
4. Satyagraha - wider mass participation

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer-d

Explanation

Gandhi used the Salt Satyagraha to involve a wider mass of people in the struggle for independence and
civil disobedience, which aligns with the concept of wider mass participation.

The promotion of the charkha was rooted in Gandhi's belief in self-sufficiency and reducing dependence
on imported goods, thus aligning with the concept of self-sufficiency.

Gandhi's efforts regarding the Harijan movement focused on addressing social inequalities and
discrimination, making it related to social issues.

Satyagraha, as a philosophy of nonviolent resistance, aims to involve a wider mass of people in

movements for justice and change, aligning with the concept of wider mass participation.

Q12) What were the principal provisions of the Nehru Report?

1. Attainment of Purna Swaraj (complete independence).

2. Establishment of a Federation in India.
3. Conducting elections based on adult suffrage.
4. Introduction of a separate electorate for Linguistic Minorities.

Select the correct answer using the code provided below:

(a) 1, 2, and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3, and 4

Answer-c
Explanation

The Nehru Report primarily focused on proposing a federal structure for India. It did not explicitly call for
complete independence (Purna Swaraj) or introduce a separate electorate for linguistic minorities.

Q13) Which of the following statements about the Rowlatt Act of 1919 is/are true?

1. The Rowlatt Act was passed by the Indian Government in March 1919.
2. The Act granted the Government the power to imprison individuals without trial or conviction in
a court of law.
3. Only some Indian members of the Central Legislative Council opposed the Rowlatt Act.

Select the correct answer using the code provided below:

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

Answer: a

Explanation

The Rowlatt Act was not passed by the Indian Government but by the British colonial authorities.

The Act did indeed grant the Government the power to imprison individuals without trial or conviction in
a court of law.

Many Indian members of the Central Legislative Council opposed the Rowlatt Act, and it faced significant
opposition from Indian leaders and the public.

Q14) Which leaders led the Salt Satyagraha in different regions of India?

1. Rajagopalchari led Salt Satyagraha from Tiruchirapalli to Vedaranniyam on the Tanjore (or
Thanjavur) coast.
2. Ambika Kant Sinha led the Salt march in Puri district
3. Kelappan led Salt Satyagraha from the Malabar region.

Select the correct answer using the code provided below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

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

Answer-c

Explanation:
Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) led the Salt Satyagraha in Tamil Nadu from Tiruchirapalli to Vedaranyam,
covering the Tanjore coast.

Ambika Charan Sinha was indeed associated with the Indian independence movement and the Quit India
Movement. However The Salt Satyagraha in Puri was led by Krushna Mahatab.

K. Kelappan, also known as Kerala Gandhi, led the Salt Satyagraha in the Malabar region of Kerala,
contributing to the larger movement for Indian independence.

Q15) Which one of the following submitted in 1875 a petition to the House of Commons demanding
India's direct representation in the British parliament?

(a) The Deccan Association

(b) The Indian Association
(c) The Madras Mahajan Sabha
(d) The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha
Answer: d
Explanation: Poona Sarvajanik Sabha was established in 1870 by M.G. Ranaday and Joshi. It
submitted in 1875 a petition to the House of Commons demanding India's direct representation
in the British Parliament

Q16) Which of the following statements regarding the Round Table Conferences is/are correct?

1. Congress declined to participate in the first and third Round Table Conferences.
2. The First Round Table Conference marked the first occasion where British and Indians were
placed on an equal footing.
3. One of the outcomes of the Round Table Conference was the possibility of a unilateral British
Communal Award.
4. The recommendations of the third Round Table Conference were incorporated into the
Government of India Act 1935.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Answer-a

Explanation

While the First Round Table Conference (1930-1931) did bring together British and Indian
representatives to discuss constitutional reforms, the discussions were not entirely on an equal footing.
The British government still held a significant degree of control and authority over the proceedings, and
the terms of the discussions were largely determined by the British side.
The third Round Table Conference (1932) did not result in substantial agreements or recommendations
that were incorporated directly into the Government of India Act 1935. The discussions during the third
conference were marked by significant disagreements, and no comprehensive consensus was reached on
key issues.

Q17) Consider these claims in light of the ideological distinctions between Mahatama Gandhi and B.R.
Ambedkar:

1. B.R. Ambedkar disagreed with Mahatma Gandhi over the Panchayati Raj system of government.
2. Unlike Mahatama Gandhi, B.R Ambedkar believed that means are just when the ends were just.
3. Unlike Mahatama Gandhi, B.R Ambedkar advocated for complete separation of the state and the
religion

Which of the following statements is true?

(a) 1 and 2 only

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

Answer-c

Explanation:

B.R. Ambedkar disagreed with Mahatma Gandhi over the Panchayati Raj system of government.

Unlike Mahatma Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar believed that means are just when the ends were just.

Unlike Mahatma Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar advocated for complete separation of the state and religion.

Q18) Which of the following trio of Indian nationalist leaders was known as ‘Lal-Bal-Pal’?

(a) Lala Hardyal, Bipin Chandra Pal and Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(b) Lala Lajpat Rai, Gopal Krishna Gokhale and B.R Ambedkar
(c) Lal Bahadur Shastri, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Ram Chandra Pal
(d) Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal

Answer-d

Explanation:

The term 'Lal-Bal-Pal' was used to refer to Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal,
who were prominent leaders of the Indian nationalist movement during the early 20th century. They
played key roles in advocating for self-governance, fighting against colonial rule, and promoting Indian
identity, culture, and self-reliance. The contributions of Lal Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin
Chandra Pal were significant in shaping the course of India's struggle for independence.

Q19) Consider the following statements in relation to the work done by provincial ministries in 1937 as a
result of the Government of India Act 1935:
 1. As a result of their efforts, individuals were able to exercise their civil liberties without any
provincial leaders being detained.
2. Following the start of the Second World War, Congressmen left their posts in every state.
3. The government's enacted agrarian reform laws were not applicable to large farms.

Which of the aforementioned statements is true?

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

Answer-a

Explanation

While the Government of India Act 1935 introduced provincial autonomy and elected ministries in some
provinces, it did not completely eliminate issues related to civil liberties and detention of leaders. The
Act did grant more powers to the elected provincial governments, but some limitations on civil liberties
remained, and there were instances of leaders being detained, especially during times of political unrest.

The Government of India Act 1935 did provide for certain agrarian reforms and the redistribution of land
in some provinces. However, the specifics of these reforms and their applicability to large farms might
vary from province to province.

Q20) 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
Answer: b
Explanation: In 1911 King George V visited India. A durbar was held at Delhi and The capital of
India was transferred from Calcutta to Delhi also Partition of Bengal was annulled.

Q21) Consider the following statements regarding the Government of India Act 1935:

1. It extended the practice of maintaining separate electorates based on religion.

2. It established direct elections for the Federal Assembly (lower house) and indirect elections for the
Council of State (upper house).

3. The majority of the federal budget was made votable.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

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

Answer-b

Explaination

The Government of India Act 1935 did not make the majority of the federal budget votable. In fact, the
Act maintained a significant portion of the federal budget as non-votable. The so-called "excluded" and
"reserved" expenditures were not subject to the vote of the Federal Assembly, limiting its financial
control over certain important areas.

Q22) Why did Lord Curzon appoint the Raleigh Commission under Sir Thomas Raleigh? Consider the
statements below and select the correct ones.

1. It is appointed by Dulhousie
2. Appointed to review the Indian Universities and the college were slowly becoming cradle
of Propaganda against the Government.
3. The Viceroy, was motivated by imperialistic designs and wanted to maintain control over the
Indian Universities.

Select the correct statements using the codes below:

(a) a and b
(b) b and c
(c) a and c
(d) Only b

Answer: b

Explanation

The Raleigh Commission was appointed by Lord Curzon, not Lord Dalhousie. Lord Dalhousie was a
Viceroy who served earlier, and he was associated with other administrative and policy decisions during
his tenure.

Q23) Consider the following statements regarding the Quit India Movement:

1. A number of covert operations were carried out to supply weapons and ammunition.
2. Across India, there were numerous large-scale racial conflicts during the movement.
3. The Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha opposed the movement.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

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

Answer-c

Explanation
The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Kranti, was a massive civil disobedience movement
launched by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress in 1942. While there were widespread
protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience against British rule, the focus was on nonviolent
resistance and non-cooperation, rather than large-scale racial conflicts.

Q24) Consider the following statements regarding Mountbatten Plan:

1. To weaken India's unity as much as possible, it was intended to divide the country.
2. Congress rejected the dominion status offered by the Plan.
3. It designated Lord Mountbatten as the joint governor-general of Pakistan and India.

Which of the statements given above is/ are not correct?

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

Answer-a

Explanation

The Mountbatten Plan, officially known as the "Mountbatten Plan for Indian Independence," was
formulated to address the complex issue of India's partition and transition to independence. The plan
aimed to facilitate the transfer of power from British rule to Indian hands and to deal with the challenge
of partition due to communal tensions. While the partition did result in the creation of India and
Pakistan as separate countries, the primary goal of the plan was to manage this transition, not to weaken
India's unity.

The Mountbatten Plan did not designate Lord Mountbatten as the joint governor-general of Pakistan and
India. Lord Mountbatten served as the last Viceroy of India and was responsible for overseeing the
transfer of power and the partition process. He later became the Governor-General of independent India
until his departure in 1948.

Q25) Consider the following statements regarding the Constituent Assembly:

1. All political parties had equal representation in the Constituent Assembly.

2. Because all members were elected directly by the public, the Constituent Assembly represented
the people of 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

Answer D

Explanation
The representation in the Constituent Assembly was not equal among all political parties, and the
members were not directly elected by the general public of India. The Constituent Assembly's
composition was complex and influenced by various factors, including communal and regional
considerations, princely state agreements, and negotiations among different stakeholders.

Q26) The Congress - Khilafat Swarajya Party was formed by which of the following persons?

a) Jawahar Lal Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose

b) Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Mulana Azad
c) C.R Das and Moti Lal Nehru
d) Lala Lajpat Rai and Madan Mohan Malviya

Answer-c

Explanation:

The Congress-Khilafat Swarajya Party was a political alliance between the Indian National Congress and
the Khilafat Movement. It was established in December 1922 during the annual session of the Indian
National Congress held in Gaya. The leaders who played a key role in forming this alliance were C.R. Das
(Chittaranjan Das) and Motilal Nehru.

The party aimed to unite the demand for self-rule (Swaraj) with the concerns of the Khilafat Movement,
which sought to support the Ottoman Caliphate and protest British policies in Turkey. The alliance aimed
to bring together Hindu and Muslim communities to work jointly for India's independence. However, the
alliance was short-lived and faced challenges due to differences in approaches and goals between the
Congress and the Khilafat Movement.

Q27) Which of the following actions were advocated by the 'No-changers' during the struggle for
independence in British India?

1. Opposing Council entry.

2. Advocating concentration on constructive work.
3. Continuing Boycott and Non-cooperation, and quietly preparing for the resumption of the
suspended Civil Disobedience Programme.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

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

Answer-d

Explanation

The 'No-changers' were a faction within the Indian National Congress who opposed the idea of
participating in the legislative councils introduced by the British through reforms. They believed that
participation in the councils would legitimize British rule and compromise the demand for complete
independence.
The 'No-changers' believed in focusing on constructive activities that would improve the socio-economic
conditions of the people and prepare them for self-governance in the future. They felt that such work
would lay the foundation for a strong and self-reliant nation.

They believed that these forms of protest should be suspended, and efforts should be directed towards
constructive work rather than resuming civil disobedience. They differed from the 'Pro-changers' who
advocated for more aggressive methods of protest, including the resumption of civil disobedience.

Q28) Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Swarajists?

1. They supported the cause of tenants against the Zamindars in Bengal.

2. Their propaganda led to the defeat of the Public Safety Bill in 1928.
3. Vithalbhai Patel was elected the speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1925.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

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

Answer-d

Explanation

The Swarajists, also known as the "Swaraj Party," were a faction within the Indian National Congress that
emerged after the Non-Cooperation Movement. They participated in the elections to the legislative
councils introduced by the Government of India Act 1919. In Bengal, they supported the cause of tenants
against the oppressive practices of Zamindars (landlords), which gained them popular support.

Q29) Which of the following was/were the recommendation(s) of the Simon Commission?

1. It recommended abolition of dyarchy in provinces.

2. The report rejected parliamentary responsibility at the centre.
3. It was, in principle, opposed to the idea of federalism.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

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

Answer-d

Explanation

The report suggested abolishing the diarchy system and setting up provincial units of governance that
worked with relevant representatives.
It suggested the setting up of communal electorates to resolve communal tensions between different
sects of society- primarily the Hindu-Muslim issue.

The Simon Commission report led to the Government of India Act of 1935. This act was of prime
importance as it served as the blueprint for the current Indian Constitution.

1937 saw the first provincial election in India, in which the Congress party won by a landslide majority in
most provinces.

This gave rise to Congress’ impetus into the Indian political scene and gave the Indian Independence
movement a lot of formidable leaders

Q30) Which one of the following statements is not correct?

(a) 'Neel Darpan' was a play based on the exploitation of the Indigo farmers.
(b) The author of the play 'Ghashiram Kotwal's is Vijay Tendulkar.
(c) The play 'Navann' by Nabin Chandra Das was based on the famine of Bengal.
(d) Urdu theatre used to depend heavily on Parsi theatre.
Answer: c
Explanation: Ghashiram Kotwal is a Marathi play written by playwright Vijay Tendulkar in 1972.
Neel Darpan, the Mirror of Indigo; translated as Neel Darpan; or, the Indigo Planting Mirror is a
Bengali play written by Dinabandhu Mitra in 1858- 1859. The play was essential to Neel Bidroha,
or Indigo Revolt.