History · Civics Polity

Modern Indian History

8,125 Questions

Modern Indian History covers the colonial period, the freedom struggle, and key political movements. It includes questions on important leaders, the Indian National Congress, and social reforms. Mastering these questions is vital for clearing competitive government exams.

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Modern Indian History Questions

Multiple choice

Which of the following is/are true in relation to the Poona Pact?

  1. It was promised that a certain percentage of the seats, which were hitherto reserved for Muslims, would be now allotted to the depressed classes.
  2. The Congress also accepted that adequate representation would be given to the depressed classes in the Civil Services.
  3. The depressed classes represented by Dr. Ambedkar accepted the principle of joint electorates.

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2 and 3

  3. Only 1 and 3

  4. Only 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: It was promised that a certain percentage of the seats, which were hitherto reserved for Non-Muslims, would be now allotted to the depressed classes.

  1. The Congress also accepted that adequate representation would be given to the depressed classes in the Civil Services.
  2. The depressed classes represented by Dr. Ambedkar accepted the principle of joint electorates.
Multiple choice

Arrange the following events in the correct chronological order:

  1. Launch of Individual Satyagraha
  2. August Declaration
  3. Cripps Mission
  4. Rajaji Formula

  1. 1 2 3 4

  2. 2 1 3 4

  3. 1 2 4 3

  4. 1 3 2 4
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The correct chronological order is

  1. August Declaration - 1917
  2. Launch of Individual Satyagraha - 1934
  3. Cripps Mission - 1942
  4. Rajaji Formula - 1944 It should be noted that there is a difference between August Declaration (1917) and August Declaration (1940). 
Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is incorrect?

  1. The Swarajists were also known as ‘pro-changers’.

  2. The Swaraj Party was formed in January, 1923.

  3. The Swarajists wanted to change the methodology of the struggle for independence by opposing the Congress’ methodology.

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Option A is correct - the Swarajists were called 'pro-changers' because they wanted to change Congress tactics by entering councils. Option B is correct - the Swaraj Party was indeed formed in January 1923. Option C is correct in substance - the Swarajists wanted to change the methodology from non-cooperation to council entry. Since all statements A, B, and C are factually correct, Option D (None of these) is logically correct as there is no incorrect statement among A-C.

Multiple choice

In September 1923, a compromise was reached between 'no-changers' and 'pro-changers', where the former would continue with the constructive programme whereas the latter could contest the upcoming elections. Where was this special session of Congress held?

  1. Lahore

  2. Delhi

  3. Gaya

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

In September 1923, a special session of Congress was held in Delhi to resolve the conflict between the 'no-changers' (led by Gandhi, who wanted to continue constructive program) and 'pro-changers' (Swarajists who wanted to contest elections). The Delhi compromise allowed both groups to pursue their respective strategies within the Congress framework.

Multiple choice

Which of the following demands were raised by Indians in Nehru Report in 1928?

  1. Responsible government - both at the center and in the provinces
  2. Purna Swaraj or complete independence
  3. Universal adult suffrage
  4. Equal rights for women

  1. Only 1 and 2

  2. Only 2 and 3

  3. Only 1, 3 and 4

  4. Only 1 and 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Demands raised by the Indians in the Nehru Report, 1928 were:

  1. Responsible government - both in the center and in the provinces
  2. Dominion status, not complete independence
  3. Universal adult suffrage
  4. Equal rights for women
  5. Freedom to form trade unions
  6. Dissociation of the state from religion in any form
Multiple choice

In which session of the Indian National Congress did Jwaharlal Nehru move a resolution demanding complete independence instead of dominion status?

  1. Madras Session, December 1927

  2. Lahore Session, December 1929

  3. Lahore Session, December 1930

  4. Karachi Session, March 1931
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

It should be noted that the resolution demanding complete independence instead of dominion status was moved by Jwaharlal Nehru in Madras Session in 1927. Later, based on this resolution, the INC declared 'purna swaraj' or complete independence as its aim in the Lahore Session, 1929.

Multiple choice

Arrange the following events in the correct chronological order. A. Chittagong Armoury Case B. Inauguration of Civil Disobedience Movement C. Gandhi-Irwin Pact D. Arrest of Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan in Peshawar

  1. A, B, C, D

  2. B, A, D, C

  3. D, B, C, A

  4. B, C, A, D
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The correct chronological order of the events given is option B. A. Chittagong Armoury Case - 18th April, 1930 B. Inauguration of Civil Disobedience Movement - 6th April, 1930 C. Gandhi-Irwin Pact - 5th March, 1931 D. Arrest of Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan in Peshawar - 23rd April, 1930

Multiple choice

Which of the following events in the Indian National Movement was described as the 'kindergarten stage of revolution'?

  1. Arrival of Simon Commission

  2. Chauri Chaura Incident

  3. Dandi March

  4. Formation of the Swaraj Party
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Mr. Brailsford, an English journalist, described Gandhiji's Dandi March as the 'kindergarten stage of revolution' and ridiculed the notion that 'king emperor will be unseated by boiling sea water in a kettle'.

Multiple choice

Which of the following was/were the cause(s) of the revolt of 1857?

  1. Nana Sahib was refused pension as he was not the natural heir to his empire.
  2. Lucknow was annexed in 1856 owing to Doctrine of Lapse.

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both of these

  4. Neither of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Cause 1 is correct: Nana Sahib was refused pension as he was the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II. Cause II is incorrect: Lucknow was annexed in 1856 on the charges of maladministration, not owing to Doctrine of Lapse.

Multiple choice

Which of the following was/were the reason(s) of the revolt of 1857?

  1. Use of greased catridges
  2. British social reforms
  3. Low salaries to Indian soldiers in the British army

  1. Only 1 and 3

  2. Only 1

  3. Only 1 and 2

  4. All of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The then people of India were unhappy with the British social reforms like widow remarriage, abolition of Sati, school for girls, etc. They took these efforts as interference into their traditions, customs and beliefs.

Multiple choice

Which of the following historians has written about the nature of the movement of 1857 that “It was neither first nor national nor a war of independence”?

  1. T. R. Holmes

  2. R. C. Majumdar

  3. S. B. Chaudhuri

  4. G. B. Mallison
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

R.C. Majumdar, the prominent historian, argued that the 1857 movement was neither the first war of independence, nor a truly national movement, nor a war of independence in the modern sense. He emphasized its limitations in terms of participation, leadership, and national consciousness. This critical perspective contrasts with nationalist interpretations of the revolt.

Multiple choice

Which of the following were the reasons for the failure of the revolt of 1857?

  1. Limited territorial and social base
  2. Lack of resources
  3. Hindu-Muslim conflicts
  4. Lack of central leadership

  1. Only 1 and 3

  2. Only 1 and 2

  3. Only 1, 2 and 4

  4. Only 2 and 4
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

It should be noted that at the time of the revolt of 1857, there was complete harmony among the people of India, and there were no incidences of Hindu-Muslim conflicts. Though, Bahadur Shah II was unanimously taken as the leader of the revolt, however, the revolt lacked central leadership due to many reasons.

Multiple choice

Which of the following classes did not participate in the revolt of 1857?

I. Agricultural labourers II. Peasants III. Zamindars IV. Money lenders

Choose your answer from the codes given below.

  1. I

  2. I and IV

  3. IV

  4. III and IV
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The revolt of 1857 saw participation from peasants, many zamindars (though some sided with British), and agricultural laborers. However, moneylenders (class IV) generally did NOT participate and often sided with the British, as they were seen as exploiters by the rebelling masses. Option C correctly identifies that only moneylenders (IV) did not participate.