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.
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In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of (1884) revolved around?
- women’s right to gain education
- age of consent
- restitution of conjugal rights
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 only
The Rakhmabai case (1884) was a landmark litigation concerning a child marriage where Rakhmabai refused to live with her husband Dadaji Bhikaji, who then filed a suit for restitution of conjugal rights. The case sparked nationwide debate on child marriage and age of consent, ultimately contributing to the Age of Consent Act, 1891.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The case did not revolve around women's right to education; though Rakhmabai was educated and later became a doctor, the legal dispute concerned her marital obligations.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The case generated significant public discourse on child marriage and directly influenced the passage of the Age of Consent Act, 1891, which raised the age of consent from 10 to 12 years.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The litigation was initiated by her husband seeking restitution of conjugal rights after Rakhmabai refused to cohabit with him following their child marriage when she was 11 years old.
📝 Short Notes: Rakhmabai Case and Social Reforms
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1884-1888 |
| Parties | Dadaji Bhikaji (husband) vs Rakhmabai (wife) |
| Core Issue | Restitution of conjugal rights in a child marriage |
| Marriage Age | Rakhmabai was married at age 11; refused to cohabit as an adult |
| Court Decision | Initially ruled in favor of husband; later Rakhmabai was allowed to avoid cohabitation by paying compensation |
| Social Impact | Sparked national debate on child marriage, women's rights, and consent |
| Legislative Outcome | Age of Consent Act, 1891 - raised age of consent from 10 to 12 years |
| Rakhmabai's Later Life | Became one of India's first practicing female doctors; studied medicine in London |
Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions
The decline of indigo cultivation in India by the early 20th century was primarily due to the invention of synthetic dyes in Germany (1880s), which were cheaper, easier to produce, and more consistent in quality than natural indigo. This led to a collapse in the global demand for natural indigo, making its cultivation economically unviable for planters in India. While peasant resistance (especially the Indigo Revolt of 1859-60) did occur earlier, the decisive factor for decline was the economic obsolescence caused by synthetic alternatives.
📝 Short Notes: Indigo Cultivation in India
- Colonial Indigo System: European planters forced Indian peasants to cultivate indigo on their land through tinkathia system (3/20th of land) and oppressive contracts.
- Indigo Revolt (1859-60): Peasant uprising in Bengal against exploitative planters, supported by missionaries and Bengali intellectuals; led to government inquiry (Indigo Commission, 1860).
- Champaran Satyagraha (1917): Gandhi's first major movement in India against indigo planters in Bihar, forcing abolition of the tinkathia system.
- Synthetic Dyes (1880s): German chemist Adolf von Baeyer synthesized indigo artificially; commercial production began in 1897 by BASF.
- Economic Impact: By 1913, synthetic indigo dominated the market; natural indigo cultivation became unprofitable and virtually disappeared by 1920s.
Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — Indian handicrafts were ruined
The Industrial Revolution in Britain during the first half of the 19th century led to the mass production of cheap machine-made goods, which flooded Indian markets. This resulted in the deindustrialization and ruin of India's traditional cottage and handicraft industries, particularly textiles, as they could not compete with British imports.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The Industrial Revolution in Britain led to cheap machine-made goods that destroyed traditional Indian handicrafts and cottage industries through unfair competition.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Machines were not introduced in Indian textile industry in large numbers during the first half of the 19th century; modern mills with imported machinery only started emerging in the 1850s in cities like Bombay and Ahmedabad.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Railway lines were not laid in many parts during the first half of the 19th century; the first railway line (Bombay-Thane) was inaugurated only in 1853, and significant expansion occurred only in the latter half of the century.
❌ Statement 4 – Incorrect: Heavy duties were not imposed on British imports; rather, British goods enjoyed duty-free or low-duty access to Indian markets, while Indian goods faced high tariffs in Britain, creating an unequal trade relationship.
📝 Short Notes: Economic Impact of Industrial Revolution on India
| Aspect | Impact on India (First Half of 19th Century) |
|---|---|
| Deindustrialization | Traditional handicrafts and cottage industries (especially textiles) were destroyed due to competition from cheap British machine-made goods |
| Trade Policy | Unequal trade: British goods entered India duty-free or with low duties, while Indian exports to Britain faced high tariffs |
| Drain of Wealth | Raw materials exported from India at cheap prices; finished goods imported at high prices, leading to economic drain |
| Industrial Development | Minimal mechanization in India during this period; first modern textile mills emerged only in 1850s (Bombay, Ahmedabad) |
| Infrastructure | Railway development began only in 1853 (Bombay-Thane line); major expansion occurred in latter half of 19th century |
| Artisan Class | Millions of weavers, spinners, and artisans lost their livelihood and were forced into agriculture, increasing rural poverty |
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With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs:
- Aurang — In-charge of treasury of the State
- Banian — Indian agent of the East India Company
- Mirasidar — Designated revenue payer to the State
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 only
This question tests knowledge of specific historical terms used during the colonial and pre-colonial periods in India. Only pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched, while pair 1 incorrectly describes Aurang.
❌ Pair 1 – Incorrect: Aurang was not in-charge of the treasury; it was a Persian term for a warehouse or workshop where goods were collected and processed before sale.
✅ Pair 2 – Correct: Banian (or Baniya) refers to Indian agents employed by the East India Company who managed business transactions, served as interpreters, brokers, and cash-keepers, often functioning as trading partners rather than mere servants.
✅ Pair 3 – Correct: Mirasidar (from Persian 'miras' meaning inheritance) was a hereditary landowner and co-proprietor who was designated as a revenue payer to the state.
📝 Short Notes: Colonial Administrative and Commercial Terms
| Term | Meaning/Function | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Aurang | Warehouse or workshop for collection and processing of goods before sale | Persian |
| Banian/Baniya | Indian agent of East India Company; interpreter, broker, cash-keeper, business manager | Indian commercial term |
| Mirasidar | Hereditary landowner, co-proprietor, designated revenue payer to the state | Persian (miras = inheritance) |
| Dewan/Diwan | Chief revenue officer or finance minister | Persian/Arabic |
| Gomashta | Agent employed by East India Company to supervise weavers and collect supplies | Bengali/Persian |
The Vital-Vidhvansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchable people as its target audience was published by
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — Gopal Baba Walangkar
Gopal Baba Walangkar published the monthly journal Vital-Vidhvansak (Destroyer of Brahmanical or Ceremonial Pollution) in 1888, which was the first journal specifically targeted at untouchable communities. He was a pioneering social reformer who addressed caste discrimination and raised consciousness about the rights and dignity of Dalits through his writings in this journal and other publications.
📝 Short Notes: Early Dalit Social Reform Movement
- Gopal Baba Walangkar (1840-1900): First intellectual rebel from the Dalit community to launch systematic criticism of the caste system; considered the pioneer of Dalit activism in Maharashtra.
- Vital-Vidhvansak (1888): Monthly journal meaning 'Destroyer of Ceremonial Pollution'; first publication targeting untouchable audiences; aimed at raising social consciousness.
- Vital Viduvansan (1889): Pamphlet with 26 questions addressed to Maharashtrian elites, protesting the position of untouchables in society.
- Walangkar's Ideology: Concluded from reading Hindu texts that caste was contrived by Aryan invaders to control indigenous Anaryan people.
- Other Contributions: Wrote articles for Marathi newspapers like Sudharak and Deenbandhu; composed inspirational Marathi couplets for the masses.
- Historical Significance: Laid the foundation for later Dalit movements led by figures like Jyotiba Phule and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
With reference to the book “Desher Katha” written by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during freedom struggle, consider the following statements
- It warned against the Colonial State’s hypnotic conquest of the mind.
- It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs.
- The use of ‘desh’ by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — 1 and 2 only
Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar's "Desher Katha" (1904) was a seminal work during the Swadeshi Movement that critiqued British colonial exploitation and inspired nationalist consciousness. Statements 1 and 2 are correct while statement 3 is incorrect regarding the scope of 'desh'.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The book warned against the colonial state's psychological conquest and mental subjugation, exposing economic exploitation and urging Indians to recognize British imperial designs.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Deuskar's passionate nationalist writings inspired swadeshi cultural expressions including street plays, folk songs, and popular theatre that spread nationalist ideas among masses.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Deuskar used 'desh' in the broader context of India as a nation, not specifically Bengal; though written in Bengali, the book addressed pan-Indian concerns and national consciousness.
📝 Short Notes: Desher Katha and Early Nationalist Literature
- Author: Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar (1869-1912), a Maharashtrian who grew up in Bengal and bridged the renaissance movements of both regions.
- Publication: Written in Bengali in 1904, during the height of the Swadeshi Movement and before the partition of Bengal.
- Content: Exposed British economic drain, criticized colonial education system, and warned against mental colonization; presented statistical evidence of India's impoverishment under British rule.
- Impact: Became one of the most influential texts of early nationalism; inspired swadeshi activism, cultural performances, and nationalist consciousness among the masses.
- Cultural Significance: The book contributed to the development of nationalist literature in regional languages and promoted the use of 'desh' (nation) as a unifying concept beyond regional identities.
Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India
Lord Wellesley established Fort William College in Calcutta in 1800 primarily to train young British civil servants in Indian languages, customs, and administrative practices. The college aimed to create a cadre of well-trained administrators who could effectively govern British territories in India, as Wellesley was dissatisfied with the existing training provided by the East India Company in London.
📝 Short Notes: Fort William College
- Established: 1800 by Lord Wellesley (Governor-General, 1798-1805) at Calcutta
- Primary Purpose: Training British civil servants in Indian languages (Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, Bengali, Hindi), customs, laws, and administrative practices
- Background: Wellesley believed the Company's Haileybury College in London provided inadequate training for Indian administration
- Curriculum: Oriental languages, Indian history, culture, legal systems, and administrative procedures
- Opposition: The Court of Directors in London opposed it due to high expenses and established Haileybury College (1806) as an alternative
- Later Status: Fort William College continued but was reduced to mainly a language school after 1854
- Significance: Promoted Oriental studies and helped create a professional civil service, though it also served colonial administrative interests
With reference to the history of India, Ulgulan or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — Birsa Munda's Revolt of 1899-1900
The term "Ulgulan" meaning "Great Tumult" specifically refers to the rebellion led by Birsa Munda during 1899-1900 among the Munda tribes of Chhotanagpur region. This uprising was directed against the British colonial administration and the exploitative jagirdari system that had destroyed the traditional common land holdings of the Mundas. Birsa Munda proclaimed "Abua Raj Seter Jana, Maharani Raj Tundu Jana" (Let the kingdom of the queen be ended and our kingdom be established), making it a movement for self-rule and restoration of tribal rights.
📝 Short Notes: Major Tribal Uprisings in India
| Uprising | Year | Leader | Region | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ulgulan (Great Tumult) | 1899-1900 | Birsa Munda | Chhotanagpur (Jharkhand) | Against British and jagirdari system; proclaimed Munda Raj |
| Santhal Rebellion | 1855-56 | Sidhu-Kanhu | Rajmahal Hills (Bihar-Bengal) | Against zamindars and moneylenders |
| Kol Uprising | 1831-32 | Buddho Bhagat | Chhotanagpur | Against transfer of land to outsiders |
| Khond Uprising | 1846-55 | Chakra Bisoi | Odisha hills | Against British suppression of human sacrifice and land alienation |
| Rampa Rebellion | 1922-24 | Alluri Sitarama Raju | Andhra Pradesh | Against forest laws and forced labor |
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following?
- Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference
- Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement
- Acceptance of Gandhiji’s suggestion for enquiry into police excesses
- Release of only those prisoners who were not charged with violence
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 1, 2, and 4 only
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 1931) was a landmark agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Viceroy Lord Irwin that led to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement. The pact included Congress participation in the Second Round Table Conference, withdrawal of ordinances, and release of non-violent political prisoners, but did not accept Gandhi's demand for an inquiry into police excesses.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The British government agreed to invite the Indian National Congress to participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London as part of the pact.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The pact provided for the withdrawal of repressive ordinances that had been promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: While Gandhi raised the issue of police excesses during negotiations, the British government refused to accept his suggestion for an inquiry into police brutality, making this a point of contention.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: The pact stipulated the release of political prisoners arrested during the Civil Disobedience Movement, except those convicted of violence.
📝 Short Notes: Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 5, 1931)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Delhi Pact |
| Parties | Mahatma Gandhi and Viceroy Lord Irwin |
| Main Provisions |
|
| British Refusals |
|
| Significance | First bilateral agreement between Congress and British government as equals; however, criticized for limited gains |
| Outcome | Gandhi attended Second RTC (1931) but it failed; CDM resumed in 1932 |
With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements:
- Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of ‘indentured labour’.
- In Lord Chelmsford’s ‘War Conference’, Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
- Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 1 and 3 only
This question tests knowledge of Mahatma Gandhi's role in various colonial-era issues and British responses to Indian nationalist movements. Statement 2 is incorrect as Gandhi actually supported the recruitment resolution at the War Conference, while statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect historical facts.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Mahatma Gandhi actively campaigned against the exploitative system of indentured labour, which was finally abolished in 1920 following his persistent efforts and advocacy for labourers' rights both in South Africa and India.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: At Lord Chelmsford's War Conference in 1918, Gandhi actually supported the British war effort and the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War I, believing that Indian loyalty would earn political concessions and dominion status.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Following the Salt Satyagraha launched by Gandhi on March 12, 1930, and the subsequent mass breaking of salt laws, the British government declared the Indian National Congress illegal and arrested thousands of Congress leaders and activists.
📝 Short Notes: Gandhi's Political Movements and British Responses
| Event/Movement | Year | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Indentured Labour System | Abolished 1920 | Gandhi campaigned against this system since South Africa days; system involved bonded labour sent to colonies under exploitative contracts |
| War Conference 1918 | April 1918 | Gandhi supported British war efforts; believed cooperation would lead to Home Rule; faced criticism from nationalists like Tilak |
| Salt Satyagraha | March-April 1930 | Dandi March (March 12-April 6); Gandhi broke salt law at Dandi on April 6; triggered mass civil disobedience nationwide |
| Congress Declared Illegal | 1930-31 | Following Salt Satyagraha; led to arrest of over 60,000 people including Gandhi and Nehru; Congress banned until Gandhi-Irwin Pact 1931 |
With reference to Swadeshi Movement, consider the following statements:
- It contributed to the revival of the indigenous artisan crafts and industries.
- The National Council of Education was established as a part of Swadeshi Movement.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Both 1 and 2
The Swadeshi Movement (1905-1911) aimed at promoting indigenous industries and self-reliance by boycotting foreign goods. Both statements correctly capture key aspects of this movement.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The Swadeshi Movement led to the revival of indigenous artisan crafts and industries, including handloom weaving, silk industry, and cottage industries, with new cotton mills and textile units being established.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The National Council of Education was founded in Bengal in 1906 as part of the Swadeshi Movement to provide nationalist education and promote science, technology, and industrial education independent of British control.
📝 Short Notes: Swadeshi Movement (1905-1911)
- Background: Launched in response to the Partition of Bengal (1905) by Lord Curzon, aimed at dividing Bengal along communal lines.
- Economic Aspects: Boycott of British goods, promotion of indigenous industries, revival of handloom and cottage industries, establishment of Swadeshi stores and banks.
- Educational Initiatives: National Council of Education (1906), Bengal National College established with Aurobindo as Principal, promotion of technical and industrial education.
- Cultural Revival: Encouragement of Indian art, literature, music; use of indigenous products in daily life; celebration of national festivals.
- Key Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal (Lal-Bal-Pal), Aurobindo Ghosh, Rabindranath Tagore (initially).
- Impact: Strengthened nationalist sentiment, laid foundation for mass politics, promoted self-reliance and economic nationalism.
- Limitations: Limited mass appeal beyond Bengal, did not significantly involve peasants and workers, gradually declined after 1908.
With reference to Indian National Movement, consider the following pairs:
| Person | Position Held |
|---|---|
| 1. Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru | President, All India Liberal Federation |
| 2. K.C. Neogy | Member of the Constituent Assembly |
| 3. P.C. Joshi | General Secretary, Communist Party of India |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — 1, 2 and 3
All three pairs are correctly matched. Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru was a prominent liberal leader who served as President of the All India Liberal Federation. K.C. Neogy was indeed a member of the Constituent Assembly representing West Bengal. P.C. Joshi was the first General Secretary of the Communist Party of India from 1935 to 1947.
✅ Pair 1 – Correct: Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru was President of the All India Liberal Federation and a distinguished liberal leader.
✅ Pair 2 – Correct: K.C. Neogy was a member of the Constituent Assembly from West Bengal.
✅ Pair 3 – Correct: P.C. Joshi served as the first General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (1935-1947).
📝 Short Notes: Key Personalities of Indian National Movement
| Person | Key Role/Position | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru (1875-1949) | President, All India Liberal Federation | Eminent lawyer, liberal leader, member of various round table conferences, advocate of moderate constitutional reform |
| K.C. Neogy (1897-1973) | Member, Constituent Assembly (West Bengal) | Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation in Nehru Cabinet, worked on refugee rehabilitation post-partition |
| P.C. Joshi (1907-1980) | General Secretary, CPI (1935-1947) | First General Secretary of CPI, led the party during crucial pre-independence years, replaced by B.T. Ranadive in 1947 |
- All India Liberal Federation: Formed in 1918 by moderate leaders who believed in constitutional methods and cooperation with British reforms.
- Constituent Assembly: Established in 1946 to frame India's Constitution; had 299 members representing different provinces and princely states.
- Communist Party of India: Founded in 1925, played significant role in trade union movements and peasant struggles during the freedom movement.
Consider the following statements about ‘the Charter Act of 1813’:
- It ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade with China.
- It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Indian territories held by the Company.
- The revenues of India were now controlled by the British Parliament.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — 1 and 2 only
The Charter Act of 1813 was a landmark legislation that ended the East India Company's trade monopoly in India (except for tea and China trade) and explicitly asserted British Crown sovereignty over Indian territories. However, direct parliamentary control over Indian revenues was not established by this Act.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The Act abolished the Company's trade monopoly in India, opening trade to all British merchants, but retained the monopoly over tea and trade with China for another 20 years.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The Act explicitly asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Indian territories held by the Company, marking a constitutional milestone in British-India relations.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The Act required separate accounts for commercial and territorial revenues, but direct parliamentary control over Indian revenues was only established through the Government of India Act 1858 after the Company's rule ended.
📝 Short Notes: Charter Acts and Company Rule
| Act/Year | Key Provisions |
|---|---|
| Regulating Act 1773 | Created post of Governor-General; Established Supreme Court in Calcutta; Company's affairs subjected to British Government scrutiny |
| Pitt's India Act 1784 | Dual system of control: Court of Directors (commercial) and Board of Control (political); Distinguished commercial and political functions |
| Charter Act 1813 | Ended trade monopoly (except tea & China trade); Asserted Crown sovereignty; Allocated funds for education; Christian missionaries allowed |
| Charter Act 1833 | Ended all commercial activities of Company; Governor-General of Bengal became Governor-General of India; Centralized administration |
| Charter Act 1853 | Separated legislative and executive functions; Introduced open competition for civil services; Extended British Parliament control |
| Government of India Act 1858 | Transferred power from Company to Crown; Created Secretary of State for India; Ended Company rule completely |
Consider the following pairs:
| Movement/Organization | Leader |
|---|---|
| 1. All India Anti-Untouchability League | Mahatma Gandhi |
| 2. All India Kisan Sabha | Swami Sahajanand Saraswati |
| 3. Self-Respect Movement | E.V. Ramaswami Naicker |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — 1, 2 and 3
All three pairs are correctly matched, linking important social and agrarian movements of colonial India with their respective leaders.
✅ Pair 1 – Correct: The All India Anti-Untouchability League was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1932 and later renamed as Harijan Sewak Sangh to work for the upliftment of Dalits.
✅ Pair 2 – Correct: The All India Kisan Sabha was founded by Swami Sahajanand Saraswati at the Lucknow session in 1936 to organize peasants and address agrarian issues.
✅ Pair 3 – Correct: The Self-Respect Movement was founded by E.V. Ramaswami Naicker (Periyar) in 1925 in Tamil Nadu as an anti-caste, anti-Brahmanical social reform movement.
📝 Short Notes: Social and Agrarian Movements in Colonial India
| Movement/Organization | Year | Leader | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| All India Anti-Untouchability League (Harijan Sewak Sangh) | 1932 | Mahatma Gandhi | Eradication of untouchability and upliftment of Dalits |
| All India Kisan Sabha | 1936 | Swami Sahajanand Saraswati | Organization of peasants, agrarian reforms, land rights |
| Self-Respect Movement | 1925 | E.V. Ramaswami Naicker (Periyar) | Anti-caste, anti-Brahminism, rationalism, social equality |
| All India Depressed Classes Association | 1920s | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar | Rights and representation of depressed classes |
| Satya Shodhak Samaj | 1873 | Jyotirao Phule | Social equality, education for lower castes |
Which among the following events happened earliest?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neeldarpan.
Among the given events, Dinabandhu Mitra's play Neeldarpan (The Indigo Mirror) was written in 1858-59, making it the earliest event. The play dramatically portrayed the brutal exploitation of indigo farmers by British planters in Bengal and played a significant role in raising awareness about their plight.
📝 Short Notes: Chronology of 19th Century Socio-Cultural Events
| Event | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Neeldarpan by Dinabandhu Mitra | 1858-59 | Bengali play exposing the oppression of indigo cultivators by British planters; led to widespread sympathy for the farmers |
| Satyendranath Tagore clears ICS | 1863 | First Indian to succeed in the Indian Civil Service examination, breaking British monopoly |
| Arya Samaj by Swami Dayanand Saraswati | 1875 | Founded in Bombay; Vedic reform movement emphasizing "Back to the Vedas" and opposing idol worship |
| Anandmath by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay | 1882 | Famous Bengali novel set during Sannyasi Rebellion; contains the patriotic song "Vande Mataram" |