UPSC Prelims 2016
Modern History Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — Extremists' lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government

The Surat Split of 1907 occurred due to fundamental ideological differences between Moderates and Extremists. The Extremists (Tilak, Lal-Bal-Pal) rejected the Moderates' methods of petitions and constitutional agitation, believing they were ineffective in achieving Swaraj, especially after the 1905 Partition of Bengal failed to be reversed through moderate tactics.

The immediate trigger was the disagreement over Congress presidency — Extremists proposed Lala Lajpat Rai while Moderates insisted on Rash Behari Ghosh — leading to a complete organizational split at the Surat session.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 only

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Calcutta Unitarian Committee was founded by William Adam and Raja Rammohun Roy in 1821, not by Keshab Chandra Sen.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Keshab Chandra Sen established the Tabernacle of New Dispensation on 24th January 1868 as his mandir, marking the first Brahmo street procession in Calcutta.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Indian Reforms Association was established by Keshab Chandra Sen in 1870 upon his return from Europe to promote social reforms including education, women's rights, and temperance.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 4 — India should be given Dominion status

The Cripps Mission of March 1942, led by Sir Stafford Cripps, proposed that after World War II, India would be granted Dominion status with the right to frame its own constitution through a constituent assembly. The plan envisaged that provinces unwilling to join the Indian Union could form separate unions with their own constitutions. However, the plan did not promise immediate complete independence or partition; rather, it offered post-war Dominion status similar to that of Canada or Australia, allowing India to remain within the British Commonwealth. Both Congress and the Muslim League rejected the proposals—Congress demanded immediate independence, while the League found the provisions regarding separate unions inadequate. The mission ultimately failed to secure Indian cooperation for the war effort.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — Agitation against the Partition of Bengal

The 'Swadeshi' (use of indigenous goods) and 'Boycott' (of British goods and institutions) were first adopted as organized methods of political struggle during the Anti-Partition Movement (1905-1911). When Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal in 1905 to divide Hindus and Muslims, it sparked massive protests. Leaders like Surendranath Banerjee, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai mobilized people to boycott British textiles, promote indigenous industries, and establish Swadeshi enterprises. This movement marked the shift from petitioning to mass mobilization in India's freedom struggle. While earlier leaders had occasionally promoted indigenous goods, the systematic use of Swadeshi and Boycott as political weapons began with this movement. The Home Rule Movement (1916), Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), and Simon Commission protests (1928) came much later and adopted these methods after they had already been established.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 4 — constitutional reforms

The Montagu-Chelmsford Proposals (1918) were recommendations for constitutional reforms in British India, presented by Edwin Montagu (Secretary of State for India) and Lord Chelmsford (Viceroy of India). These proposals formed the basis of the Government of India Act 1919, which introduced the system of dyarchy in provinces (dividing subjects into Transferred and Reserved categories), established bicameral legislature at the Centre (Council of State and Legislative Assembly), introduced direct elections for the first time (though with limited franchise), and separated provincial and central budgets. The reforms aimed at gradual introduction of responsible government in India.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra

Satya Shodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) was founded by Jyotirao Phule in Pune, Maharashtra, on 24 September 1873. Its primary objective was to liberate the lower castes—Shudras, Dalits, and women—from Brahmanical domination and social exploitation. Phule challenged the caste system through his writings, notably 'Gulamgiri' (Slavery), and established institutions for the education of women and depressed classes. His wife Savitribai Phule led the women's section of the Samaj. The movement was distinctly an anti-caste reform initiative in Maharashtra, not related to tribal upliftment in Bihar, temple-entry in Gujarat, or peasant movements in Punjab.