UPSC CSE Prelims
Modern History Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Solved Previous Year Questions (PYQs) for Modern History in UPSC CSE Prelims in English & Hindi Medium.
Chapter Breakdown: Scroll →
Which of the following factors contributed to the formation of the Forward Bloc by Subhas Chandra Bose in 1939 ?
- Bose failed to win the confidence of Mahatma Gandhi.
- The Congress Left was disunited and failed to support Bose.
- The Communists did not support Bose in his endeavours.
- The supporters of M.N. Roy and socialist leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan preferred Congress unity to supporting Bose.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Detailed Explanation:
Statement 1 — Correct. After Bose's re-election as INC President in 1939, Gandhi declared the defeat of his candidate Pattabhi Sitaramayya as his own personal defeat — clearly indicating his lack of confidence in Bose. This irreconcilable difference made Bose's continuation within the mainstream Congress untenable.
Statement 2 — Correct. The Congress Left was deeply fragmented during the Tripuri Crisis. The Congress Socialist Party, Communists, and Royists failed to present a united front behind Bose — leaving him politically isolated despite being the elected President.
Statement 3 — Incorrect. While Communists did not actively support Bose's radical approach, this was not a direct factor in the formation of the Forward Bloc. Their stance was primarily about maintaining Congress unity under Gandhi rather than directly opposing Bose's endeavours.
Statement 4 — Correct. Supporters of M.N. Roy and socialist leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan chose Congress unity over supporting Bose. They abstained from voting on the Govind Ballabh Pant resolution — effectively withdrawing support from Bose to prevent a split in the Congress.
Key Takeaway: The Forward Bloc (1939) was born out of Bose's political isolation — abandoned by Gandhi, the Congress Left, and socialist groups who all prioritised organisational unity over ideological alignment with Bose.
Consider the following statements regarding the British policy in Awadh immediately after its annexation in 1856 :
- The taluqdars were dispossessed of their estates but allowed to retain their arms and forts.
- A Summary Revenue Settlement was made in 1856 assuming that the taluqdars were outsiders.
- The British believed in taking revenue directly from the peasants by removing the taluqdars.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Detailed Explanation:
Statement 1 — Incorrect. Prior to annexation, Awadh's taluqdars maintained private armies and forts. After the British takeover in 1856, they were not merely dispossessed — they were also disarmed and their forts completely destroyed. The statement wrongly claims they were "allowed to retain their arms and forts."
Statement 2 — Correct. The first British land revenue settlement in Awadh was the Summary Settlement of 1856, explicitly based on the assumption that taluqdars were "interlopers" (outsiders/intruders) who had no permanent or hereditary stakes in the land — allegedly having seized control through force and fraud.
Statement 3 — Correct. The primary objective of the Summary Settlement was to bypass the taluqdars entirely and settle land revenue directly with the actual cultivators (peasants/ryots). British land revenue officers believed this would:
- Reduce peasant exploitation
- Increase state revenue streams
Key Connection: The dispossession and humiliation of taluqdars under this policy was one of the major causes of the 1857 Revolt — they joined the rebellion en masse to reclaim their lost estates and honour.
Consider the following assertion :
The genesis of political alliances based on community lay in the very nature of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919.
Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion ?
- Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates.
- Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger.
- Deprived classes rallied around the favours inherent in separate electorates.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Detailed Explanation:
All three statements support the assertion. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) retained and expanded separate electorates to several communities, encouraging politics based on communal identities.
The British used this system as a divide-and-rule strategy to weaken the growing nationalist movement. It also encouraged various communities and deprived groups to organize politically to secure representation and benefits.
Therefore, Option D (1, 2 and 3) is correct.
| Separate Electorates meant that members of a particular community could vote only for candidates from their own community. First introduced for Muslims in 1909, the system was expanded in 1919 and contributed to the growth of communal politics in India. |
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The artificially fixed rupee-sterling exchange rate prescribed by the Hilton-Young Commission (1926) was adopted by the British Government for which one of the following reasons ?
Detailed Explanation:
The Hilton-Young Commission (1926) recommended fixing the rupee-sterling exchange rate at an artificially high level of 1s 6d per rupee.
The British government adopted this rate mainly to facilitate the payment of Home Charges (administrative expenses, pensions, debt payments, etc.) to Britain and to maintain India's financial credibility in London.
Therefore, Option A is correct.
| Home Charges were the payments made by colonial India to Britain for administrative costs, military expenses, pensions, and interest on debt. An artificially strong rupee reduced the number of rupees needed to buy sterling, making these remittances easier for the colonial government. This policy, however, hurt Indian exporters by making their goods costlier abroad. |
Which one of the following statements about the Eka Movement and Bardoli Satyagraha is correct ?
Detailed Explanation:
The Bardoli Satyagraha (1928), led by Vallabhbhai Patel, was launched against a 22% increase in land revenue imposed by the British government in Gujarat.
The Eka Movement (1921–22), led by Madari Pasi, was a peasant protest in Awadh against excessive rents, illegal cesses, and exploitation by landlords and contractors.
Therefore, Option C is correct.
| The Eka Movement was part of the wider peasant unrest in Awadh and focused on reducing rent burdens and ending landlord oppression. |
| The Bardoli Satyagraha became a landmark non-violent movement and earned Vallabhbhai Patel the title "Sardar" due to his successful leadership. |
Sedition has become my religion' was the famous statement given by Gandhiji at the time of
Detailed Explanation:
The statement "Sedition has become my religion" is associated with Mahatma Gandhi's Salt Satyagraha (1930) and the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Gandhi believed that when a government becomes unjust and oppressive, non-violent resistance against it becomes a moral duty. The violation of the Salt Law at Dandi symbolized this spirit of peaceful defiance against British rule.
Why other options are wrong:
| Option | Why not correct? |
|---|---|
| Champaran Satyagraha | Focused on the grievances of indigo farmers in Bihar. |
| Second Round Table Conference | It was a constitutional discussion in London, not linked to this statement. |
| Quit India Movement | Launched in 1942, much later than the Salt Satyagraha. |
📝 Short Notes: Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March)
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1930 |
| Leader | Mahatma Gandhi |
| Route | Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi |
| Distance | About 390 km |
| Objective | Protest against the British Salt Tax |
| Outcome | Beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement |
Consider the following fruits:
I. Papaya
II. Pineapple
III. Guava
How many of the above were introduced in India by the Portuguese in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?
Detailed Explanation:
The Portuguese played an important role in introducing several New World crops and fruits to India during the 16th and 17th centuries.
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I. Papaya ✅ – Native to Central America; introduced by the Portuguese.
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II. Pineapple ✅ – Native to South America; brought to India by the Portuguese.
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III. Guava ✅ – Native to Central America; introduced by the Portuguese.
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Therefore, all three fruits were introduced into India by the Portuguese, making Option C the correct answer.\
📝 Short Notes: Portuguese Contributions to Indian Agriculture
Major Crops/Fruits Introduced by the Portuguese
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Papaya
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Pineapple
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Guava
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Cashew
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Tobacco
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Maize
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Tomato
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Potato
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Chilli
Why is it Important?
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These crops originated in the Americas and reached India through the Columbian Exchange.
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Many of them later became an integral part of Indian agriculture and cuisine.
Important Fact
-
Among all introduced crops, chilli had the most significant impact on Indian food habits.
Who among the following was the founder of the 'Self-Respect Movement'?
Detailed Explanation:
The Self-Respect Movement was founded by 'Periyar' E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker in 1925 in Tamil Nadu.
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Periyar launched the movement to fight caste discrimination, social inequality, and Brahminical dominance.
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The movement promoted self-respect, rationalism, women's rights, and equality.
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Therefore, Option A is the correct answer.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
| Option | Why Incorrect |
|---|---|
| Dr. B. R. Ambedkar | Led movements against untouchability and for Dalit rights, but did not found the Self-Respect Movement. |
| Bhaskarrao Jadhav | Associated with the Non-Brahmin Movement in Maharashtra, not the Self-Respect Movement. |
| Dinkarrao Javalkar | A social reformer from Maharashtra, but not the founder of the movement. |
📝 Short Notes: Self-Respect Movement
What was the Self-Respect Movement?
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Started in 1925 by E. V. Ramasamy.
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Sought to create a society based on equality, rationalism, and social justice.
Major Objectives
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End caste-based discrimination.
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Oppose untouchability and social hierarchy.
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Promote women's rights and self-respect marriages.
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Encourage scientific thinking and rationalism.
Important Fact
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The movement became the ideological foundation of the Dravidian Movement in South India and influenced later political parties in Tamil Nadu.
Who provided legal defence to the people arrested in the aftermath of Chauri Chaura incident?
Detailed Explanation:
The Chauri Chaura Incident (1922) led to the arrest of hundreds of people, many of whom were awarded severe punishments, including death sentences.
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Madan Mohan Malaviya and his son Krishna Kant provided legal defence to the accused.
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Their efforts in the Allahabad High Court helped reduce many death sentences and saved numerous people from execution.
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Therefore, Option B is the correct answer.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
| Option | Why Incorrect |
|---|---|
| C. R. Das | He was a prominent nationalist leader and lawyer but did not defend the Chauri Chaura accused. |
| Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Khwaja Hasan Nizami | They were associated with the Khilafat and nationalist movements, not the Chauri Chaura trial. |
| M. A. Jinnah | He was not involved in providing legal defence in this case. |
📝 Short Notes: Chauri Chaura Incident (1922)
What Happened?
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On 4 February 1922, protesters clashed with police at Chauri Chaura Incident in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
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An angry mob set a police station on fire, resulting in the death of 22 policemen.
Impact
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The incident convinced Mahatma Gandhi that the movement was turning violent.
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As a result, Gandhi withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922.
Important Fact
-
Initially, 172 persons were sentenced to death by the Sessions Court. After the appeal argued by Madan Mohan Malaviya and Krishna Kant, the number of death sentences was drastically reduced.
Subsequent to which one of the following events, Gandhiji, who consistently opposed untouchability and appealed for its eradication from all spheres, decided to include the upliftment of 'Harijans' in his political and social programme?
Detailed Explanation:
Simple Explanation:
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Mahatma Gandhi strongly opposed untouchability and the British proposal of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes under the Communal Award (1932).
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After the Poona Pact (1932) between Mahatma Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar, Gandhi made the upliftment of Harijans (Depressed Classes) a major part of his social and political programme.
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He later established the Harijan Sevak Sangh and started the journal Harijan to fight untouchability.
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Therefore, Option A is the correct answer.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
| Option | Why Incorrect |
|---|---|
| Gandhi-Irwin Agreement (1931) | Related to the Civil Disobedience Movement, not Harijan upliftment. |
| Quit India Movement arrests (1942) | Occurred much later and had no connection with the beginning of Gandhi's Harijan campaign. |
| Government of India Act, 1935 | Concerned constitutional reforms, not the launch of Gandhi's anti-untouchability programme. |
📝 Short Notes: Poona Pact (1932)
What was the Poona Pact?
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Signed on 24 September 1932 between Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
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Replaced the proposal of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes with reserved seats in joint electorates.
Importance
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Ended Gandhi's fast unto death in Yerwada Jail.
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Increased political representation of Depressed Classes.
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Marked the beginning of Gandhi's intensive campaign against untouchability.
Important Fact
-
Gandhi began referring to the Depressed Classes as "Harijans" (Children of God) and launched nationwide social reform campaigns.
Consider the following subjects with regard to Non-Cooperation Programme:
I. Boycott of law-courts and foreign cloth
II. Observance of strict non-violence
III. Retention of titles and honours without using them in public
IV. Establishment of Panchayats for settling disputes
How many of the above were parts of Non-Cooperation Programme?
Detailed Explanation:
The Non-Cooperation Programme (1920) aimed to weaken British rule through boycott, non-violence, and self-reliance.
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Statement I is Correct: Boycott of law courts and foreign cloth was an important part of the programme.
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Statement II is Correct: Strict non-violence was the foundation of the movement.
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Statement III is Incorrect: People were asked to surrender British titles and honours, not retain them.
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Statement IV is Correct: Panchayats were encouraged to settle disputes outside British courts.
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Therefore, Statements I, II and IV are correct, making Option C the correct answer.
📝 Short Notes: Non-Cooperation Programme (1920)
Main Objectives
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Achieve Swaraj through peaceful and non-violent means.
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Withdraw cooperation from British institutions.
Major Components
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Boycott of schools, colleges, courts, and elections.
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Boycott of foreign cloth and promotion of Khadi.
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Surrender of titles and honours.
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Establishment of national educational institutions and Panchayats.
Important Fact
-
The movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi and became the first mass movement of the Indian freedom struggle.
Consider the following statements in respect of the Non-Cooperation Movement:
- The Congress declared the attainment of 'Swaraj' by all legitimate and peaceful means to be its objective.
- It was to be implemented in stages with civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes for the next stage only if 'Swaraj' did not come within a year and the Government resorted to repression.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Statement 1 is Correct: At the Nagpur Session (1920), the Indian National Congress adopted 'Swaraj' through legitimate and peaceful means as its objective.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Non-Cooperation Movement was planned in phases. If Swaraj was not achieved and the government became repressive, the movement could advance to civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes.
Therefore, both statements are correct.
📝 Short Notes: Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)
What was the Non-Cooperation Movement?
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Launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 against British rule.
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It combined the issues of Khilafat Movement and Punjab atrocities (Jallianwala Bagh) with the demand for Swaraj.
Major Programmes
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Boycott of government schools, colleges, courts, and elections.
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Surrender of titles and honours.
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Boycott of foreign goods and promotion of Swadeshi.
Why was it withdrawn?
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Withdrawn in 1922 after the Chauri Chaura Incident, where a violent clash led to the death of policemen.
Consider the following statements about Raja Ram Mohan Roy:
I. He possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophical systems of the East.
II. He desired his countrymen to accept the rational and scientific approach and the principle of human dignity and social equality of all men and women.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy is known as the Father of Indian Renaissance. He respected India's ancient philosophical traditions while also advocating modern values.
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Statement I is Correct: He had deep respect for Vedanta, Upanishads, and other Eastern philosophical traditions.
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Statement II is Correct: He promoted rational thinking, scientific temper, human dignity, and equality of men and women.
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He worked against social evils such as Sati and supported women's rights and modern education.
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Therefore, both statements are correct, making Option C the correct answer.
Statement-wise Analysis
| Statement | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I. He respected traditional Eastern philosophical systems | ✅ Correct | He drew inspiration from Vedanta and the Upanishads while advocating reforms. |
| II. He promoted rationalism, scientific thinking, and equality | ✅ Correct | He supported modern education, social reform, and gender equality. |
Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Who was Raja Ram Mohan Roy?
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Known as the Father of Indian Renaissance.
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Founder of the Brahmo Sabha (1828), later known as Brahmo Samaj.
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One of the earliest social and religious reformers in modern India.
Major Contributions
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Led the movement against Sati Pratha.
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Advocated women's rights and widow remarriage.
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Promoted modern Western education and scientific learning.
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Supported freedom of the press and constitutional governance.
Important Fact
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His efforts contributed to the abolition of Sati through the Bengal Sati Regulation Act, 1829 under Governor-General Lord William Bentinck.
With reference to revenue collection by Cornwallis, consider the following statements:
- Under the Ryotwari Settlement of revenue collection, the peasants were exempted from revenue payment in case of bad harvests or natural calamities.
- Under the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, if the Zamindar failed to pay his revenues to the state, on or before the fixed date, he would be removed from his Zamindari.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Correct Answer: ✅ 2 only
The question compares two land revenue systems of British India.
Ryotwari Settlement did not provide automatic exemption from revenue during bad harvests, though limited remissions could sometimes be granted.
Under the Permanent Settlement (1793) introduced by Lord Cornwallis, zamindars had to pay fixed revenue on time; failure could lead to loss or auction of their zamindari rights.
❌ Statement I is Incorrect: Ryotwari Settlement did not guarantee exemption from revenue payment during crop failure or natural calamities.
✅ Statement II is Correct: Under Permanent Settlement, failure to pay revenue by the fixed date could result in the zamindari being auctioned or taken away.
Short Notes: Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari and Mahalwari
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Permanent Settlement (1793) was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in Bengal.
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Revenue demand was fixed permanently between the British and zamindars.
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Under the Sunset Law, default in revenue payment could lead to auction of estates.
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Ryotwari System was developed by Thomas Munro and Alexander Reed in Madras and Bombay Presidencies.
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In Ryotwari, settlement was made directly with cultivators (ryots).
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Mahalwari System was introduced in parts of North-Western Provinces, Punjab and Central India.
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Mahalwari settlement was made with the village community (mahal) collectively.
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British land revenue systems often imposed high revenue demands, causing rural distress.
Consider the following pairs :
| Party | Its Leader |
|---|---|
| 1. Bharatiya Jana Sangh | Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee |
| 2. Socialist Party | C. Rajagopalachari |
| 3. Congress for Democracy | Jagjivan Ram |
| 4. Swatantra Party | Acharya Narendra Dev |
How many of the above are correctly matched?
Detailed Explanation:
Correct Answer: ✅ Only Two (Option B)
This question tests knowledge of major political parties and their founders/leaders in post-independence India.
✅ Pair 1 is Correct: Bharatiya Jana Sangh – Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee
Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951.
❌ Pair 2 is Incorrect: Socialist Party – C. Rajagopalachari
C. Rajagopalachari founded the Swatantra Party in 1959, not the Socialist Party.
✅ Pair 3 is Correct: Congress for Democracy – Jagjivan Ram
Jagjivan Ram established the Congress for Democracy (CFD) in 1977 during the Emergency period.
❌ Pair 4 is Incorrect: Swatantra Party – Acharya Narendra Dev
Acharya Narendra Dev was a prominent socialist leader associated with the Socialist movement, not the Swatantra Party.
Short Notes: Political Parties and Leaders in India
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Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1951) was founded by Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.
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Swatantra Party (1959) was founded by C. Rajagopalachari to oppose excessive state control and socialism.
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Acharya Narendra Dev is regarded as a pioneer of the socialist movement in India.
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Congress for Democracy (1977) was founded by Jagjivan Ram.
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Congress for Democracy later merged with the Janata Party.
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The Bharatiya Jana Sangh eventually evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1980.
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Socialist leaders included Jayaprakash Narayan, Acharya Narendra Dev, and Ram Manohar Lohia.