History

Modern Indian Historical Figures

1,804 Questions

Attempt questions covering prominent modern Indian historical figures, including freedom fighters, Maratha leaders, and key political personalities. This topic is a staple in the general studies section of civil services and state exams. Review these questions to strengthen your knowledge of India's colonial and postcolonial leaders.

Freedom fighters and leadersBritish era officialsMaratha empire leadersColonial visits and policiesHistorical controversiesMilitary and political figures

Modern Indian Historical Figures Questions

Multiple choice
  1. Lord Wavell

  2. Lord Mountbatten

  3. Lord Linlithgow

  4. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In the summer of 1945, a conference was convened at Simla by the Viceroy, Lord Wavell, who had recently returned from England with the approval of the Newspaper report of the outcome of the Shimla Conference British Cabinet to a proposal for reconstituting the Executive Council in consultation with Indian leaders.

Multiple choice
  1. Lord Irwin

  2. Lord Hardinge

  3. Lord Willington

  4. Lord Chelmsford

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Home Rule Movement was launched in 1916 during Lord Hardinge's tenure (1910-1916). Led by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, it demanded self-government for India, inspired by Ireland's Home Rule movement.

Multiple choice
  1. Lord Northbrook

  2. Lord Canning

  3. Lord Mayo

  4. Lord Cornwallis

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Lord Canning (1856-1862) withdrew the Doctrine of Lapse after the 1857 revolt. This doctrine, initiated by Lord Dalhousie, allowed annexation of Indian states without a male heir. Its withdrawal was an attempt to calm Indian anger after the uprising.

Multiple choice
  1. Lord Irwin

  2. Lord Chelmsford

  3. Lord Reading

  4. Lord Hardinge

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) visited India in 1921-1922 during Lord Reading's tenure (1921-1926). This visit was significant in the context of the Non-Cooperation Movement and growing nationalist sentiment.

Multiple choice
  1. Sir Curzon Wyllie, Secretary of State for India

  2. Lord Curzon, former Vicerory of India

  3. Sir Michael O' Dwyer

  4. Lord Morley, Secretary of State for India

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Madan Lal Dhingra (1883-1909) was an Indian revolutionary freedom fighter. While studying in England, he assassinated Sir William Hutt Curzon Wyllie, a British official, hailed as one of the first acts of revolution in the Indian independence movement in the 20th century.

Multiple choice
  1. Budler Committee

  2. White Committee

  3. Lyall Committee

  4. Hunter Committee

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The committee appointed by the English to probe into the the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy was Hunter Committee. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre provoked a strong public reaction in India and England. The Government pointed a Committee of Enquiry (consisting of four British entry Indian members) under the chairmanship of Lord Hunter to enquire into the Punjab disturbances.

Multiple choice
  1. Warren Hastings

  2. Robert Clive

  3. Cornwallis

  4. Dalhousie

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The 1st Marquess Charles Cornwallis Governor General (1786-1805), Cornwallis introduced the Cornwallis code to secure administrative control of India since the East India Company. Tipu Sultan was killed in the storming of his stronghold at the Battle of Seringapatam by the British in May 1799. He was known as the 'Tiger of Mythusre'. He pursued a campaign of aggression and intrigue against the British; this, in the end, brought about his downfall.

Multiple choice
  1. William Hamilton

  2. Edward Stephenson

  3. John Surman

  4. Thomas Fox

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

John Surman led the English Mission to the Mughal Court in 1715 that successfully obtained a farman from Emperor Farrukhsiyar in 1717. This farman granted the British valuable trade concessions and exemption from customs duties. The mission was significant in strengthening British commercial position in India.

Multiple choice
  1. Lord Mayo

  2. Lord Rippon

  3. Lord Cornwallis

  4. Lord Wellesley

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

No doubt, Lord Rippon is known as the “father of local self government”, but it was Lord Mayo's Resolution (for decentralisation of power to bring about administrative efficiency in meeting people's demand and to add to the finances of colonial regime) that gave the needed impetus to the development of local institutions. It was a landmark in the evolution of colonial policy towards local government.