Modern India MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Modern India - Download Free PDF

• The statement, "If our goal is to take Mother India to new heights in the world, then the first condition for that is unity, peace, and harmony," is attributed to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a prominent leader in India’s independence movement and the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India.
• Sardar Patel, often referred to as the "Iron Man of India," is celebrated for his pivotal role in uniting the princely states to form a cohesive and unified India after independence in 1947.
• This quote reflects his vision for national integration, which he considered essential for India's progress, prosperity, and standing on the global stage.
• Patel's emphasis on unity and harmony aligns with his lifelong dedication to forging a united nation, overcoming regional, cultural, and political divides.

• Rationale: Mahatma Gandhi, known as the "Father of the Nation," was a key figure in India’s independence movement and an advocate for nonviolence and truth. While Gandhi often spoke about peace and harmony, this specific quote is not attributed to him.
• Gandhi’s philosophy emphasized the importance of self-reliance, nonviolent resistance, and communal harmony, but his quotes are distinct in tone and content from the one in question.

• Rationale: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, was a champion of social justice and equality. His focus was on eradicating caste-based discrimination and ensuring equal rights for all citizens.
• While Ambedkar emphasized the need for unity and equality, his quotes usually addressed social reform and constitutional principles rather than national integration in the specific context of the given quote.

• Rationale: Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent nationalist leader and founder of the Indian National Army (INA), is remembered for his fiery speeches and revolutionary ideas. His famous slogans include "Give me blood, and I will give you freedom" and "Jai Hind."
• The quote in question does not align with Bose’s revolutionary and militaristic approach to India’s independence struggle, which focused more on direct action than on unity and harmony.

• The quote underscores the importance of unity, peace, and harmony as prerequisites for a nation’s progress, a concept central to Sardar Patel’s vision for India. Among the given options, Sardar Patel is the correct attribution for this quote.
• His legacy as a unifier of India and a proponent of national integration makes him the most appropriate figure for this statement, distinguishing him from the other leaders listed.

The correct answer is  Retired Indian Civil Servant

Key Points

• Retired Indian Civil Servant:

  • A.O. Hume was part of the Indian Civil Service (ICS) during the British rule in India and served in various administrative roles.
  • He is most famously known for his role in founding the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885, which played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement.

Additional Information

•  Businessman

  • A.O. Hume was not engaged in commercial businesses or industrial enterprises.
  • His primary role was within the civil service, focusing on administrative and political reforms in colonial India.
     

• A Politician

• • While A.O. Hume engaged in political activities and worked towards political reform in India, he was primarily known for his administrative role and as a civil servant rather than a politician in the conventional sense.
  • His political engagement was more in the context of advocating for Indian representation and public involvement in governance rather than holding an elected office.

.

•  Governor General of India

  • The Governor General of India was the head of the British administration in India, responsible for overseeing colonial governance.
  • Notable persons who held this position include Lord Ripon and Lord Curzon, amongst others.

Key Points

• "Tuhfat Ul Mujahideen" (Gift to the Holy Warriors) was written by Sheikh Zainuddin Makhdum II in 16th century Malabar.
• The book is the first-ever historical record of Portuguese atrocities in India, particularly in Malabar (Kerala).
• It urged Muslims and local rulers to wage Jihad (holy war) against the Portuguese.
• Written in Arabic, it was an anti-colonial text encouraging the Mappila Muslims and Hindu rulers to resist foreign oppression.

Important Points

• Sheikh Zainuddin Makhdum II was a scholar from Ponnani, Kerala, a center of Islamic learning.
• His book detailed Portuguese attacks on Muslim traders, mosques, and local rulers.
• He played a crucial role in uniting the Zamorin of Calicut and the Mappilas against Portuguese aggression.
• The book was translated into English by Rowlandson in 1833.
• Additional Information:
• The Portuguese arrived in India in 1498 under Vasco da Gama and later established colonial rule in Goa and parts of Kerala.
• Zamorin of Calicut and the Mappilas (Muslim traders of Malabar) resisted Portuguese dominance in the spice trade.
• Tuhfat Ul Mujahideen is one of the earliest anti-colonial literary works in Indian history.

Key PointsKerala did not exist as a single state in 1951.

• The present-day Kerala region was politically divided into Travancore-Cochin and Malabar (which was under Madras State). 
• Travancore-Cochin was a princely state that merged with India in 1949.
• Travancore and Cochin were independent princely states under British rule.
• They merged on July 1, 1949, to form the Travancore-Cochin state.
• This region participated separately in India’s first general elections in 1951.
• Malabar was a district under the Madras Presidency.
• During British rule, Malabar was part of the Madras Presidency.
• After independence, it remained a part of Madras State (which later became Tamil Nadu).
• It participated in the 1951 General Elections as part of Madras State.
• The demand for a unified Kerala had started before the 1951 elections.
• The Aikya Kerala Movement (United Kerala Movement) was gaining strength, calling for a separate state for Malayalam-speaking people.
• Kerala was officially formed in 1956.
• On November 1, 1956, under the States Reorganization Act,
• Travancore-Cochin, Malabar, and Kasaragod (from South Canara district of Madras State) were merged to form the state of Kerala.
• First Chief Minister of Kerala (1956):
• E.M.S. Namboodiripad became Kerala’s first Chief Minister in 1957 after the first state assembly elections.
• Important Information:
• The 1951 elections were the first general elections of independent India.
• The Indian National Congress (INC) dominated the elections in both Travancore-Cochin and Madras State (including Malabar).
• The States Reorganization Commission (SRC) recommended state formation based on linguistic lines.
• Kasaragod was part of South Canara under Madras State but was later merged with Kerala.

Additional Information

• Travancore-Cochin & Malabar’s Political Scenario in 1951:
• Travancore-Cochin had its own legislature and government before merging with Kerala in 1956.
• Malabar was represented in the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1951.
• Formation of Kerala (1956):
• The States Reorganization Act of 1956 was based on linguistic divisions.
• The Aikya Kerala Movement played a crucial role in the merger.
• The Significance of the 1951 Elections:
• Marked India’s transition to democratic governance after independence.
• Kerala’s current political landscape was shaped by the merger of these regions after the 1951 elections.

The correct answer is: 'Option 4'.

Key Points

• Matching List-I with List-II
  • Khilafat Movement (A) - 1919-1920 (IV)
  • The Khilafat Movement was launched in 1919 and continued until 1920. It was a significant movement by Indian Muslims to protect the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I.
  • Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (B) - 1919 (III)
  • The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occurred on April 13, 1919. British troops under General Dyer fired on a peaceful gathering, leading to numerous deaths.
  • Kemal Ataturk (C) - Turkish ruler (II)
  • Kemal Ataturk was the founder of modern Turkey and its first President. He led reforms that transformed Turkey into a secular, modern nation-state.
  • Louis Fischer (D) - Mahatma Gandhi's biographer (I)
  • Louis Fischer was an American journalist and author who wrote an acclaimed biography of Mahatma Gandhi.

Incorrect Statements

• Option 1: (A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (IV)
  • This option incorrectly matches Khilafat Movement with Mahatma Gandhi’s biographer and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre with Turkish ruler, which is not accurate.
• Option 2: (A) - (I), (B) - (IV), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)
  • This option incorrectly matches Khilafat Movement with Mahatma Gandhi’s biographer and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre with 1919-1920, which is not accurate.
• Option 3: (A) - (III), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)
  • This option incorrectly matches Khilafat Movement with 1919 and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre with Mahatma Gandhi’s biographer, which is not accurate.

Hence, Option 4 is correct, and Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect.

Additional Information

• Khilafat Movement:
  • It was a pan-Islamist political protest campaign launched by Muslims in British India to influence the British government and protect the Ottoman Caliphate.
  • The movement collapsed by late 1920s after the abolition of the Caliphate by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre:
  • The massacre was a turning point in Indian history, leading to widespread anger and increased support for the Indian independence movement.
  • It exposed the brutality of British rule in India and had a profound impact on the Indian freedom struggle.
• Kemal Ataturk:
  • He implemented sweeping reforms in Turkey, including secularism, modernization of education, and adoption of Western legal systems.
  • Ataturk's policies profoundly influenced the development of modern Turkey.
• Louis Fischer:
  • Fischer's biography of Gandhi, titled "The Life of Mahatma Gandhi", is one of the most comprehensive accounts of Gandhi's life and philosophy.
  • His works provide valuable insights into Gandhi's thoughts and the Indian independence movement.

The correct answer is Tax-collector.Key Points

• In the early modern period, tax collectors were known as "ummal" in Arabic.
• The word "ummal" literally means "people" or "community," but it came to be used specifically to refer to tax collectors.
• This is because tax collectors were responsible for collecting taxes from the community on behalf of the state.
• They were often seen as corrupt and oppressive, and they were often the target of popular resentment.
• The role of the tax collector in the early modern period was a complex one.
• On the one hand, they were essential to the functioning of the state.
• Taxes were a major source of revenue for the state, and tax collectors were responsible for ensuring that these revenues were collected.
• On the other hand, tax collectors were often seen as corrupt and oppressive.
• They were often accused of demanding excessive taxes, and they were often accused of using violence to collect taxes.
• The role of the tax collector in the early modern period was a source of both conflict and cooperation.
• On the one hand, tax collectors were often at odds with the people they were supposed to be collecting taxes from.
• On the other hand, tax collectors were also essential to the functioning of the state, and they often worked closely with the state to ensure that taxes were collected.
• The role of the tax collector in the early modern period is a reminder of the complex relationship between the state and the people.
• Taxes are a necessary evil, but they can also be a source of conflict and oppression.

• The tax collector is a symbol of this conflict, and they often find themselves caught in the middle.

​Therefore we conclude that in the early modern period, Tax-collector was known as 'Ummal'.

Additional Information

• Tax-payer: 
  • In the early modern period, tax-payers were known as rayats.
  • They were the common people who were required to pay taxes to the state.
  • The amount of tax they paid varied depending on their social status and the type of land they owned. 
• Zamindar: 
  • A zamindar was a large landowner who held land from the state in return for collecting taxes from the peasants who worked on the land.
  • Zamindars were often powerful and influential figures, and they played an important role in local government.
• Head of the village: 
  • The head of the village was known as Patel or Malguzar.
  • They were responsible for collecting taxes from the villagers and ensuring that the village ran smoothly.
  • Patels were often chosen from the most respected families in the village, and they were expected to be fair and just in their dealings with the villagers.

The correct chronological order is D, A, B, C

• In 1895 Tilak and his group ousted Ranade and Gokhale from the control of Poona Sarvajanik Sabah.
• In 1897 Bal Gangadhar Tilak was tried and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.
• At the Lucknow session of the Congress (Dec. 1899). Tilak's attempt to move a resolution condemning Governor Sandhurst's administration of Bombay was also blocked.
• In 1908, Bal Gangadhar Tilak was sent to jail for six years
•  

The correct answer is 'William Jones : Hindu College'

Key Points

• William Jones:
  • William Jones was a British philologist and scholar of ancient India, particularly known for his work in Sanskrit.
  • He was one of the founders of the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784, which played a significant role in the study and promotion of Indian culture and history.
  • However, he was not associated with the establishment of Hindu College. Hindu College, later known as Presidency College, was established in 1817 by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and David Hare in Kolkata.

Additional Information

• Jeremy Bentham : Utilitarian School:
  • Jeremy Bentham was an English philosopher and the founder of modern utilitarianism.
  • Utilitarianism is a theory in normative ethics holding that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, generally defined as maximizing happiness and reducing suffering.
• Jonathan Duncan : Sanskrit College:
  • Jonathan Duncan was a British administrator in India and the Governor of Bombay.
  • He is credited with the founding of the Sanskrit College in Varanasi in 1791, aimed at promoting the study of Hindu law and literature.
• William Carey : Serampore College:
  • William Carey was a British Christian missionary and a key figure in the modern missionary movement.
  • He founded Serampore College in 1818 in Serampore, West Bengal, with the aim of providing higher education in arts and sciences to students of all castes and creeds.

The correct answer is New English School.Key Points

• The Fergusson College was developed from the New English School, which was founded in 1880 by four young men: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Vishnushastri Chiplunkar, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, and Madhavrao Namjoshi.
• The school was established to provide modern education to Indians, and it quickly became one of the most prestigious schools in the country.
• In 1884, the Deccan Education Society was formed to manage the New English School and to establish a college.
• The college, which was named after Sir James Fergusson, the then Governor of Bombay, opened its doors in 1885.
• The Fergusson College was one of the first colleges in India to offer a liberal arts education.
• It was also one of the first colleges to be established by Indians, and it quickly became a center of Indian nationalism.
• The college's alumni include many prominent figures in Indian history, including Lokmanya Tilak, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, and R.G. Bhandarkar.
• The Fergusson College has continued to be a leading institution of higher education in India.
• It is now a constituent college of the University of Pune, and it offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• The college is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, and it has produced many notable scholars and scientists. 
• The Fergusson College is a proud institution with a long and distinguished history.

• It is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders, and it continues to play an important role in the development of India.

​So we can say that the Fergusson College was developed from New English School of 1880s.

Additional Information

• Deccan English School:
  • ​There was no Deccan English School in India.
  • The Deccan Education Society was founded in Pune, India by a group of Indian intellectuals, including Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, and Mahadev Govind Ranade.
• ​Anglo-British School:
  • ​The Anglo-British School was a school for the children of British residents in India.
  • It was founded in 1854 by the East India Company and was located in Simla, Himachal Pradesh.
  • The school was co-educational and offered a British-style education. It was closed in 1947, after India gained independence.
• Poona English School :
  • ​The Poona English School was founded in 1824 by the British East India Company.
  • The school was located in Poona (now Pune), Maharashtra, India.
  • The school was initially intended for the children of British officials and military personnel, but it was later opened to Indian students as well.
  • The school offered a British-style education, including instruction in English, mathematics, science, and history.
  • The school was a popular institution and had a good reputation.
  • The school closed in 1947, after India gained independence.

• The statement, "If our goal is to take Mother India to new heights in the world, then the first condition for that is unity, peace, and harmony," is attributed to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a prominent leader in India’s independence movement and the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India.
• Sardar Patel, often referred to as the "Iron Man of India," is celebrated for his pivotal role in uniting the princely states to form a cohesive and unified India after independence in 1947.
• This quote reflects his vision for national integration, which he considered essential for India's progress, prosperity, and standing on the global stage.
• Patel's emphasis on unity and harmony aligns with his lifelong dedication to forging a united nation, overcoming regional, cultural, and political divides.

• Rationale: Mahatma Gandhi, known as the "Father of the Nation," was a key figure in India’s independence movement and an advocate for nonviolence and truth. While Gandhi often spoke about peace and harmony, this specific quote is not attributed to him.
• Gandhi’s philosophy emphasized the importance of self-reliance, nonviolent resistance, and communal harmony, but his quotes are distinct in tone and content from the one in question.

• Rationale: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, was a champion of social justice and equality. His focus was on eradicating caste-based discrimination and ensuring equal rights for all citizens.
• While Ambedkar emphasized the need for unity and equality, his quotes usually addressed social reform and constitutional principles rather than national integration in the specific context of the given quote.

• Rationale: Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent nationalist leader and founder of the Indian National Army (INA), is remembered for his fiery speeches and revolutionary ideas. His famous slogans include "Give me blood, and I will give you freedom" and "Jai Hind."
• The quote in question does not align with Bose’s revolutionary and militaristic approach to India’s independence struggle, which focused more on direct action than on unity and harmony.

• The quote underscores the importance of unity, peace, and harmony as prerequisites for a nation’s progress, a concept central to Sardar Patel’s vision for India. Among the given options, Sardar Patel is the correct attribution for this quote.
• His legacy as a unifier of India and a proponent of national integration makes him the most appropriate figure for this statement, distinguishing him from the other leaders listed.

The correct answer is - Baba Gurdit Singh

Key Points

• Baba Gurdit Singh
  • Baba Gurdit Singh was a prominent figure in the "Komagata Maru" incident, which occurred in 1914.
  • The Komagata Maru was a Japanese steamship that carried 376 passengers, mostly Sikhs, from British India to Canada.
  • The Canadian government refused to allow the passengers to disembark, enforcing discriminatory immigration laws against Asians.
  • Baba Gurdit Singh chartered the ship to challenge these exclusionary laws and was a key leader in this episode.
  • The incident highlighted the racial discrimination faced by Indian immigrants and became a significant event in the history of Indian diaspora and the struggle for Indian independence.

Additional Information

• Kartar Singh
  • Kartar Singh Sarabha was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and a prominent member of the Ghadar Party.
  • He was involved in revolutionary activities against the British rule in India but was not directly associated with the Komagata Maru incident.
• Sardar Rana Singh
  • Sardar Rana Singh's contributions to Indian history are not well-documented in mainstream records related to the Komagata Maru incident.
• Lala Hardayal
  • Lala Hardayal was a prominent Indian nationalist and one of the founders of the Ghadar Party.
  • He played a significant role in promoting the cause of Indian independence but was not directly involved in the Komagata Maru episode.

The correct answer is - 26 January 1930

Key Points

• 26 January 1930
  • This date marks the first celebration of Independence Day by the Indian National Congress.
  • On this day in 1930, the Congress declared "Purna Swaraj" or complete independence from British rule.
  • Celebrations were held across the country to mark the occasion, and it was a significant step towards the eventual independence of India in 1947.
  • The declaration was made at the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress, under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Additional Information

• 26 January 1946
  • This date is incorrect as it is not associated with any significant event related to the celebration of Independence Day by the Congress.
• 26 January 1947
  • This date is also incorrect. By 1947, India had gained independence on August 15, 1947, hence January 26, 1947, is not relevant in this context.
• 26 January 1950
  • This date is significant in Indian history as it marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect, making India a republic. However, it is not related to the first celebration of Independence Day by the Congress.

The correct answer is -16 October 1905

Key Points

• 16 October 1905
  • The anti-partition movement leaders of Bengal observed October 16, 1905, as "National Mourning Day" in response to the British government's decision to partition Bengal.
  • The partition was officially implemented on this day, leading to widespread protests and the observance of a day of mourning throughout Bengal.
  • Many people fasted, held processions, and organized rallies to express their grief and opposition to the partition.
  • The day is significant in the history of India's struggle for independence as it marked the beginning of a major anti-colonial movement.

Additional Information

• 16 August 1905
  • This date is not historically recognized as a significant day in the context of the anti-partition movement in Bengal.
• 7 August 1905
  • This date is associated with the Swadeshi Movement, which was launched as a response to the partition of Bengal. However, it is not the "National Mourning Day."
• 20 July 1905
  • This date does not have any direct relevance to the anti-partition movement or the observance of "National Mourning Day."

The correct answer is - 1786

Key Points

• Calcutta Chronicle
  • The "Calcutta Chronicle" was an English-language newspaper published in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).
  • It was first published in the year 1786, making it one of the earliest newspapers in India.
  • The newspaper served as a significant source of information and commentary during the British colonial period.
  • It played a role in disseminating news, opinions, and various aspects of British administration in India.

Additional Information

• 1782
  • 1782 is notable for other historical events, but it is not the correct year for the publication of the "Calcutta Chronicle".
• 1784
  • This year marks the establishment of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, an important scholarly institution, but not the publication of the "Calcutta Chronicle".
• 1785
  • In 1785, other significant events occurred, including the beginning of the British newspaper "The Times" (originally "The Daily Universal Register"), but not the "Calcutta Chronicle".