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

Name the famous incident which occurred in the Gorakhpur district on 4th Feb 1922 during which police open fired on large group of protesters participating in the Non-cooperation movement.

  1. Khilafat

  2. Chauri Chaura

  3. Swadeshi Movement

  4. Jallianwalan Bagh
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Chauri Chaura incident occurred at Chauri Chaura in the Gorakhpur district of the United Province, British India on 4th February 1922, when a large group of protesters participating in the Non-cooperation movement turned violent, leading to police firing. In retaliation, the demonstrators attacked and set fire to a police station, killing all of its occupants. 

Multiple choice

In order to advance the cause of English education in India, who among the following introduced the regulation that all public s'ervices were to be filled by an open competitive examination held by the Council of Education, preference being given to the knowledge of English?

  1. Lord Wellesley

  2. Lord William Bentinck

  3. Lord Hardings

  4. Lord Dalhousie
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Lord Hardinge (1844-1848) issued the resolution in 1844 that declared that for public service, preference would be given to those educated in English-medium institutions.

Multiple choice

Who among the following introduced a scheme of administration which centered around a class of officials called Commissioners, each of whom was placed in charge of a division comprising several districts?

  1. Lord Cornwallis

  2. Lord Warren Hastings

  3. Lord Wellesley

  4. Lord William Bentinck
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Lord William Bentinck introduced the office of the Divisional Commissioner in 1829 to supervise the district collectors and improve administrative efficiency.

Multiple choice

Match List - I with List - II and select the correct answer.

List - I List - II
A. Governor-General of Presidency of Fort William in Bengal (under Regulating Act, 1773) 1. Archibald Percival Wavell, Viscount and Earl Wavell
B. Governor-General of India (under Charter Act, 1833) 2. James Andrew Broun-Ramsay, Earl and Marquess of Dalhousie
C. Governor-General and Viceroy of India (under Indian Council Act, 1858) 3. Charles Cornwallis 2nd Earl and first Marquess of Cornwallis
D. Governor-General and Crown Representative (under Government of India Act, 1935) 4. Gilbert John Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, Earl of Minto
5. Louis Mountbatten, Earl Mountbatten of Burma

  1. A - 3; B - 2; C - 4; D - 1

  2. A - 1; B - 2; C - 3; D - 4

  3. A - 2; B - 5; C - 3; D - 1

  4. A - 2; B - 4; C - 5; D - 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Earl Cornwallis took office on 12th September, 1786 and left office on 28th October, 1793. Marquess Cornwallis took office on 30th July, 1805 and left office on 5th October, 1805. James Andrew Broun-Ramsay, 1st Marquess of Dalhousie, served as Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India (1947) and the first Governor-General of the independent Dominion of India (1947-48). Viscount Wavell's tenure was 1st October, 1943 - 21st February, 1947.

Multiple choice

Who among the following streamlined the Maratha administration after Sambhaji?

  1. Raja Ram

  2. Balaji Vishwanath

  3. Ganga Bai

  4. Nanaji Deshmukh
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Best answer is Balaji Vishwanath. As Sambhaji (1680-89) were succeeded by Rajaram, Shivaji II, Tarabai and Shahu ji. Balaji Vishwanath played a crucial role in the final victory of Shahu by winning over almost all the Maratha sardars to the side of Shahu. Under Baji Rao I, Maratha power reached a zenith, but that option is not given. 

Multiple choice

Banda Bahadur was executed on the orders of

  1. Shah Alam

  2. Aurengzeb

  3. Shah Jahan

  4. Farukh Siyar
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Banda Bahadur was captured and executed in Delhi in 1716 under the orders of the Mughal Emperor Farrukh Siyar.

Multiple choice

The founder of the line of Peshwas was

  1. Shivaji

  2. Sambhaji

  3. Rajaram

  4. Balaji Vishwanath
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Balaji Vishwanath was the first of the hereditary Peshwas, appointed by Shahu in 1713, establishing the line of Peshwas.