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
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Lord Minto II
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Lord Hardinge
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Lord Irwin
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Lord Curzon
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Lord Hardinge's tenure was a memorable one, seeing the visit of King George V and the Delhi Durbar of 1911, as well as the move of the capital from Calcutta to New Delhi in 1912.
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Lord Wavell
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Lord Mountbatten
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Lord Linlithgow
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None of these
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.
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Lord Bentinck
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Lord Lansdowne
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Lord Ripon
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Lord Cornwallis
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Lord Stephenson
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Lord Hamilton
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Lord Harris
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Lord Macartney
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Lord Macartney was the British Governor of Madras who concluded the Treaty of Mangalore with Tipu Sultan.
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Lord Irwin
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Lord Hardinge
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Lord Willington
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Lord Chelmsford
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.
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Lord Northbrook
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Lord Canning
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Lord Mayo
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Lord Cornwallis
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.
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Lord Irwin
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Lord Chelmsford
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Lord Reading
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Lord Hardinge
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.
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Sir Curzon Wyllie, Secretary of State for India
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Lord Curzon, former Vicerory of India
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Sir Michael O' Dwyer
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Lord Morley, Secretary of State for India
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.
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Budler Committee
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White Committee
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Lyall Committee
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Hunter Committee
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.
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Saadat Khan Burhan-ul Mulk
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Wajid Ali Shah
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Birjis Qadar
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Safdar Jung
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was accused of having misgoverned his state and of refusing to introduce reforms. His state was, therefore, annexed in 1856.
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James Thomson
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Thomas Munro
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Lord Cornwallis
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Mount Stuart Elphinstone
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Ryotwari Settlement was introduced by Thomas Munro
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Warren Hastings
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Robert Clive
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Cornwallis
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Dalhousie
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.
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William Hamilton
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Edward Stephenson
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John Surman
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Thomas Fox
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.
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Lord Mayo
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Lord Rippon
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Lord Cornwallis
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Lord Wellesley
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.
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Lord Cornwallis
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Lord Wellesley
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Sir John Shore
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Lord Hastings
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The permanent settlement system of revenue was planned by Sir John Shore. It was implemented by Lord Cornwallis.
Lord Hastings introduced the ryotwari system of revenue.