UPSC PYQ on Freedom movement.

Freedom movement is important part of Indian History and its syllabus. Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers are invaluable resources for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. In this article we present important PYQ on Freedom movement.

Q- Consider the following freedom fighters: (2022)

Barindra Kumar Ghosh
Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee
Rash Behari Bose

Who of the above was/were actively associated with the Ghadar Party?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

Answer- Option D

EXPLANATION

In 1913, Indian revolutionaries in the United States of America and Canada formed the Ghadar (Rebellion) Party. While the majority of its members were Sikh peasants and soldiers, the leadership consisted mostly of educated Hindus or Muslims.

Notable leaders of the Ghadar movement included Baba Gurmukh Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Sohan Singh Bhakna, Rahmat Ali Shah, Bhai Parmanand, and Mohammad Barkatullah. Other revolutionaries were also actively involved in India and abroad.

In 1915, during an unsuccessful revolutionary effort, Jatin Mukerjea, commonly known as “Bagha Jatin,” sacrificed his life while engaging in a battle with the police at Balasore. Additionally, prominent Ghadar leaders outside India, such as Rash Bihari Bose, Raja Mahendra Pratap, Lala Hardayal, Abdul Rahim, Maulana Obaidullah Sindhi, Champak Raman Pillai, Sardar Singh Rana, and Madam Cama, played significant roles in revolutionary activities and propaganda.

Q- With reference to 8th August 1942 in Indian history, which one of the following statements is correct? (2021)

(a) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC.

(b) The Viceroy’s Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians.

(d) Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion status once the Second World War was over.

Answer- Option A

EXPLANATION

Statement A is Correct. The Quit India resolution was adopted by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) at Gowalia Tank in Bombay in August 1942.
Statement B is incorrect. The Government of India Act 1919 saw an increase in the number of Indians in the Viceroy’s executive council, whereas it was the Government of India Act 1909 that first included an Indian member in this council.
Statement C is incorrect. Congress resigned from ministries in seven provinces in 1939 due to their refusal to support the war effort, citing the contradiction of fighting for democratic freedom while India itself was denied freedom.
Statement D incorrect. While Cripps did propose dominion status for India, this proposal was not connected to events on August 8, 1942.

Q- Who among the following is associated with ‘Songs from Prison’, a translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics in English? (2021)

(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

(b) Jawaharlal Nehru

(d) Sarojini Naidu

Answer- Option C

EXPLANATION

Mahatma Gandhi was associated with “Songs from Prison”, translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics in English in 1934.

Q- Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School? (2021)

(a) Annie Besant

(b) Debandranath Tagore

(d) Sarojini Naidu

Answer- Option D

EXPLANATION

Prem Kumar Sehgal, Shah Nawaz Khan, and Gurubaksh Singh Dhillon, who were officers of the Indian National Army, underwent trial in 1945 at the Red Fort in Delhi. This marked the inaugural trial of Prisoners of War from the Indian National Army.

Q- In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around (2020)

(1) Women’s right to gain education

(2) Age of consent

(3) Restitution of conjugal rights

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- Option B

EXPLANATION

Rukhmabai, the first practicing female doctor in colonial India, was married off at the age of eleven to Dadaji Bhikaji, who was nineteen. Despite never living together, Bhikaji sought restitution of conjugal rights after twelve years. Rukhmabai, refusing to comply, continued her education, uncommon for women at the time. Bhikaji’s legal efforts led to numerous hearings, but societal pressure initially affirmed their marriage. Rukhmabai appealed directly to Queen Victoria, who overturned the court’s decision, dissolving the marriage. Rukhmabai’s case did not directly address women’s education rights.

Q- Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of (2020)

(a) peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters

(b) its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions

(d) Government control over the planters

Answer- Option B

EXPLANATION

Indigo, often dubbed “blue gold” due to its significant value in trade, imparts a blue tint to textiles. Its demand surged during Britain’s industrialization, prompting increased production. The fertile soil of India made it an ideal location for indigo cultivation, and British colonizers coerced Indian farmers into growing it.
The Charter Act of 1833 empowered planters to exploit farmers, who were burdened with high loans and compelled to cultivate indigo. This led to widespread discontent among farmers, as virtually all fertile land was dedicated to indigo cultivation.
However, by the late 19th century, synthetic indigo production began, pioneered by Karl Heumann in 1890 and commercialized by BASF in 1897. The advent of synthetic alternatives led to the decline of indigo cultivation in India, as it became economically unviable in the global market. Farmers were left with surplus indigo and debts, exacerbating their plight as demand dwindled.
Consequently, by the early 20th century, indigo cultivation in India had drastically diminished due to technological advancements in dye production.

Q- With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events? (2020)

(a) The Revolt of 1857

(b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921

(d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

Answer- Option D

EXPLANATION

Birsa Munda, born in 1874 to a sharecropper, received education from missionaries. He emerged as a vocal critic of traditional tribal customs, religious rituals, and beliefs. Birsa advocated for the Mundas community to combat superstitions, abandon animal sacrifices, and uphold the tribal tradition of worship in sacred groves. Additionally, the Munda Sardars fought against the encroachment on their communal land by jagirdars, thikadars (revenue farmers), and merchant moneylenders.

Q- With reference to the book “Desher Katha” written by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during the freedom struggle, consider the following statements : (2020)

(1) It warned against the Colonial State’s hypnotic conquest of the mind.

(2) It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs.

(3) The use of ‘desh’ by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- Option A

EXPLANATION

Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar (1869-1912) was closely associated with Sri Aurobindo. He received his education at Deoghar School and later became a teacher there. Deuskar authored a book titled “Desher Katha,” which meticulously detailed the British exploitation of India’s commercial and industrial sectors. It educated readers about Swadeshi street plays and folk songs, becoming essential reading for Swadeshi activists. Despite its popularity, the government of Bengal banned the book in 1910 and confiscated all copies due to its critical portrayal of British exploitation. “Desher Katha” summarized the works of M.G. Ranade and D. Naoroji in accessible language and warned against the colonial state’s psychological manipulation. While Deuskar introduced the term “Swaraj,” Sri Aurobindo associated it with its English equivalent, “Independence.” However, it is incorrect to attribute the first use of “Swaraj” to Deuskar, as he instead used “desh” to refer to the nation, highlighting the complexities of nationalism and identity, particularly in relation to Bengal and India.

Q- The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following? (2020)

(1) Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference

(2) Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement

(3) Acceptance of Gandhiji’s suggestion for enquiry into police excesses

(4) Release of only those prisoners who were not charged with violence

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer- Option B

EXPLANATION

In 1930, Gandhi gained international attention through the Salt Satyagraha, which led to the imprisonment of many prominent leaders by the British. On 5 March 1931, the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed by Gandhi on behalf of the Congress and Lord Irwin representing the Government. While the Indian National Congress abstained from the First Round Conference, the British authorities urged their participation in the second round table conference. Therefore, Statement 1 is correct. Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Congress President, authorized Gandhi to engage in discussions with Lord Irwin. Gandhi subsequently met with Lord Irwin during the Second Round Table Conference in London in 1931.
Proposed agenda included: halting the Salt March by the Indian National Congress (INC), lifting all ordinances restricting INC activities, dropping prosecutions for various offenses except those involving violence, releasing prisoners arrested during the Salt March, and abolishing the salt tax. Following the Conference, the British Government agreed to revoke ordinances related to the Civil Disobedience Movement, release political prisoners except those involved in violence, allow peaceful picketing of liquor and foreign cloth shops, lift the ban on the INC, return confiscated properties to Satyagrahis, permit salt collection by coastal residents, waive outstanding fines, and treat government servants who resigned during the civil disobedience movement leniently.

Q- -The Vital-Vidhvansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchable people as its target audience was published by (2020)
(a) Gopal Baba Walangkar
(b) Jyotiba Phule
(c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
(d) Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

Answer- Option A

EXPLANATION

Vital-Vidhvansak, the inaugural monthly publication aimed at untouchable individuals, was launched by Gopal Baba Walangkar. Gopal Baba hailed from a family belonging to the Mahar caste, classified as a scheduled caste.

Q- With reference to the Swadeshi Movement, consider the following statements: (2019)

(1) It contributed to the revival of the indigenous artisan crafts and industries.

(2) The National Council of Education was established as a part of the Swadeshi Movement.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- Option C

EXPLANATION

The Swadeshi Movement emphasized self-reliance, which led to the revitalization of indigenous artisan crafts and industries. In August 1906, the National Council of Education was founded to promote the cause of national education.

Q- Consider the following pairs: (2019)

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?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- Option D

EXPLANATION

1. All India Anti-Untouchability League – Mahatma Gandhi
2. All India Kisan Sabha – Swami Sahajanand Saraswati
3. Self-Respect Movement – E. V. Ramaswami Naicker

Q- With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements: (2019)

(1) Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of ‘indentured labour’

(2) In Lord Chelmsford’s ‘War Conference’, Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.

(3) 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?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- Option B

EXPLANATION

Gandhi played a key role in ending the indentured labor system in the British Empire, thus Statement 1 is correct. However, in Lord Chelmsford’s ‘War Conference’, Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War I, as mentioned in Statement 2. On March 12, 1930, Gandhi initiated the famous Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) from his residence at Sabarmati, protesting against the 1882 Salt Act. On April 6, 1930, he defied the Salt laws at Dandi. Consequently, in January 1932, the colonial rulers declared the Indian National Congress illegal due to the defiance of the Salt Law by the Indian people, thus Statement 3 is correct.

Q- With reference to Indian National Movement, consider the following pairs: (2019)

Person	Position Held
1. Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru	President, All India Liberal Federation
2. K. C. Neogy	Member, The Constituent Assembly
3. P. C. Joshi	General Secretary, Communist Party of India

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- Option D

EXPLANATION

Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru served as the president of the All India Liberal Federation. The publication of the Montagu report in 1918 caused a division within the Congress, with moderates supporting it with some modifications and extremists rejecting it outright. This schism led to the formation of the Indian National Liberal Federation in 1919, with moderate leaders like Surendra Nath Banerjee founding the party.
Notable figures within the INLF included Tej Bahadur Sapru, V. S. Srinivasa Sastri, and M. R. Jayakar, with Sapru emerging as a prominent leader among the Liberals. K. C. Neogy chaired the first Finance Commission of India and was also a member of the Constituent Assembly. P. C. Joshi served as the general secretary of the Communist Party of India.

Q- Which among the following events happened earliest? (2018)

(a) Swami Dayanand established AryaSamaj.

(b) Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neeldarpan.

(d) Satyendranath Tagore became the first Indian to succeed in the Indian Civil Services Examination.

Answer- Option B

EXPLANATION

1859: Neeldarpan written
1863: Satyendranath cleared British-UPSC without coaching.
1875: Arya Samaj established
1882: Anandmath written.

Q- In 1920, which of the following changed its name to “Swarajya Sabha”? (2018)

(a) All India Home Rule League

(b) Hindu Mahasabha

(d) The Servants of India Society

Answer- Option A

EXPLANATION

The All India Home Rule League underwent a name change in 1920 to become the Swarajya Sabha. This organization, led by prominent freedom fighters such as Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, advocated for self-rule.

Q- Economically, one of the results of the British rule in India in the 19th century was the (2018)

(a) increase in the export of Indian handicrafts

(b) growth in the number of Indian owned factories

(d) rapid increase in the urban population

Answer- Option C

EXPLANATION

One of the economic outcomes of British rule in 19th-century India was the promotion of cash crops such as opium and indigo, leading to the commercialization of Indian agriculture.

Q- After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government? (2018)

(1) The territories called `Santhal Parganas’ were created.

(2) It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- Option C

EXPLANATION

The Santhals, an agricultural community originally settled in the Rajmahal Hills of Bihar, are indigenous to the Indian states primarily comprising Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. Following the Santhal Revolt of 1855-56, the Santhal Pargana was established, encompassing 5,500 square miles carved out from the districts of Bhagalpur and Birbhum. The colonial administration aimed to appease the Santhals by creating this new territory and implementing special laws within it. These laws prohibited Santhals from transferring land to non-Santhals, and the British government enacted measures to safeguard tribal land from outsiders, known as “dikus.”

Q- He wrote biographies of Mazzini, Garibaldi, Shivaji and Shrikrishna; stayed in America for some time; and was also elected to the Central Assembly. He was (2018)

(a) Aurobindo Ghosh

(b) Bipin Chandra Pal

(d) Motilal Nehru

Answer- Option C

EXPLANATION

Lala Lajpat Rai, a renowned nationalist leader of India, was not only a prolific writer but also an inspirational figure. He authored biographies of Mazzini, Garibaldi, Shivaji, Dayanand, and Shri Krishna to instill patriotic fervor among the masses.

Q- Who among the following were the founders of the “Hind Mazdoor Sabha” established in 1948 ? (2018)

(a) B. Krishna Pillai, E.M.S. Namboodiripad and K.C. George

(b) Jayaprakash Narayan, Deen Day al Upadhyay and M.N. Roy

(d) Ashok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta

Answer- Option D

EXPLANATION

The Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) is a National Trade Union Centre in India. It was founded in West Bengal in 1948. Its founders included Basawan Singh (Sinha), Ashok Mehta, R.S. Ruikar, Mani Benkara, Shibnath Banerjee, R.K. Khedgikar, T.S. Ramanujam, VS. Mathur, G.G. Mehta. Mr. R.S. Ruikar was elected President and Ashok Mehta was its General Secretary.

Q- Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha? (2018)

(a) Active all-India participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement

(b) Active involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement

(d) Drastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial crops

Answer- Option C

EXPLANATION

The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 centered around the issue of indigo cultivation under the Tinkathia System, where peasants were obligated to allocate 3/20th of their total land for indigo cultivation. Gandhi successfully persuaded authorities to abolish this system, resulting in the acceptance of the demand and the provision of 25% compensation to the affected peasants. This marked Gandhi’s first Satyagraha campaign in India and underscored the integration of peasant unrest into the broader national movement.

Q- Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of the Ryotwari Settlement in India during the British rule? (2017)

(1) Lord Cornwallis

(2) Alexander Read

(3) Thomas Munro

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- Option C

EXPLANATION

Lord Cornwallis was associated with the Permanent Settlement of Bengal in 1793.
Munro and Reed were associated with the introduction of Ryotwari system in the Deccan.

Q- Consider the following pairs: (2017)

(1) Radhakanta Deb — First President of the British Indian Association

(2) Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty —Founder of the Madras Mahajana Sabha

(3) Surendranath Banerjee — Founder of the Indian Association

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- Option B

EXPLANATION

The British Indian Association was established in October 1851 in Calcutta, with Raja Radha Kanta Dev serving as its inaugural president and Debendranath Tagore as its Secretary.
The Madras Mahajana Sabha, founded in May 1884, was established by M. Veeraraghavachariar, S. Ramaswami Mudaliar, and P. Anandacharlu.
The Indian Association, founded in 1876 by Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose, stands as the first openly nationalist organization established in British India. This Association aimed to promote the political, intellectual, and material advancement of the people through legitimate means.

Q- With reference to Indian freedom struggle, consider the following events: (2017)

(1) Mutiny in Royal Indian Navy

(2) Quit India Movement launched

(3) Second Round Table Conference

What is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?

(a) 1-2-3

(b) 2-1-3

(d) 3-1-2

Answer- Option C

EXPLANATION

Mutiny in Royal Indian Navy – 1946
Quit India Movement launched – 1942
Second Round Table Conference – 1931

Q- The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War (2016)

(a) India should be granted complete independence

(b) India should be partitioned into two before granting independence

(d) India should be given Dominion status

Answer- Option D

EXPLANATION

In 1942, the Cripps Mission was dispatched to India with the aim of garnering support for World War II. Among its proposals were granting Dominion status to India post-war and establishing a constitution-making body.
The constitution would be deemed acceptable to the British Government only if certain provinces expressed a desire to remain outside the Union of India. Provinces rejecting the new constitution would retain the option to negotiate separate agreements with the British. Gandhi famously referred to the Cripps Mission as offering “A post-dated cheque drawn on a failing bank” due to its proposal of Dominion Status after the war.

Q- What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907? (2016)

(a) Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto

(b) Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government

(d) Aurobindo Ghosh’s inability to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress

Answer- Option B

EXPLANATION

The primary reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at the Surat session in 1907 was the extremists’ skepticism regarding the moderates’ ability to engage in negotiations with the British Government. Rash Behari Ghosh served as the president of the Congress session in Surat in 1907.
At this session, the Congress divided into two factions: moderates and extremists. The extremists put forth two main objectives: appointing Lala Lajpat Rai as the President of the INC and demanding the resolution of Swaraj. However, these demands were not supported by the moderates. Instead of Lala Lajpat Rai, the moderates advocated for Rash Behari Ghosh as the president of the 1907 INC session in Surat.

Q- Consider the following: (2016)

(1) Calcutta Unitarian Committee

(2) Tabernacle of New Dispensation

(3) Indian Reform Association

Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- Option B

EXPLANATION

The Calcutta Unitarian Committee was established in 1823 by Rammohan Roy, Dwarkanath Tagore, and William Adam.

Q- Satya Shodhak Samaj organized (2016)

(a) a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar

(b) a temple-entry movement in Gujarat

(d) a peasant movement in Punjab

Answer- Option C

EXPLANATION

The Satyashodhak Samaj, founded by Jyotirao Phule in Pune, Maharashtra, on September 24, 1873, is an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra. Its primary goal is to emancipate the so-called ‘lower castes’ from exploitation and oppression.

Q- The `Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the (2016)

(a) agitation against the Partition of Bengal

(b) Home Rule Movement

(d) visit of the Simon Commission to India

Answer- Option A

EXPLANATION

When Lord Curzon, then Viceroy of India, announced the partition of Bengal in July 1905, the Indian National Congress initiated the Swadeshi movement in Bengal as a protest. This movement also sparked the Boycott movement across the country. Key figures in the Swadeshi movement included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai.

Q- Consider the following statements (2015)

(1) The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu.

(2) The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- Option B

EXPLANATION

Annie Besant served as the first female President of the Indian National Congress, presiding over its 1917 session in Calcutta. Badruddin Tyabji was the inaugural Muslim President of the Indian National Congress.

Q- Who of the following organized a march on the Tanjore coast to break the Salt Law in April 1930? (2015)

(a) V. O. Chidambaram Pillai

(b) C. Rajagopalachari

(d) Annie Besant

Answer- Option C

EXPLANATION

Rajagopalachari led a march on the Tanjore coast in April 1930 as a part of the Civil Disobedience Movement aimed at breaking the salt law.

Q- With reference to Congress Socialist Party, consider the following statements: (2015)

(1) It advocated the boycott of British goods and evasion of taxes

(2) It wanted to establish the dictatorship of the proletariat.

(3) It advocated a separate electorate for minorities and oppressed classes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) None

Answer- Option D

EXPLANATION

The Congress Socialist Party (CSP), a socialist faction within the Indian National Congress (INC), was established in 1934 by Jayaprakash Narayan and Acharya Narendra Dev. Jayaprakash Narayan authored the book “Why Socialism? – The Relevance of Socialism in India,” while Ram Manohar Lohia published the journal “Congress Socialist.” The CSP’s ideology was a blend of Marxist ideas, Gandhism, liberalism, and Western social democracy.
It remained loyal to the Indian National Congress (INC) and aimed for nationalism, independence, and a broad-based coalition including the bourgeoisie, workers, and peasants. Their demands included the abolition of capitalism, the zamindari system, and princely states, alongside radical socio-economic measures for the upliftment of marginalized communities integrated into the Congress’s agenda.

Q- Who of the following was/were economic critic/ critics of colonialism in India? (2015)

(1) Dadabhai Naoroji

(2) G. Subramania Iyer

(3) R. C. Dutt

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- Option D

EXPLANATION

The foundation of the Indian national movement lay in a comprehensive comprehension of colonial economic dominance and exploitation. The early leaders, referred to as Moderates, were the pioneers in the 19th century to articulate an economic critique of colonialism. Through avenues like popular lectures, pamphlets, newspapers, dramas, songs, and Prabhat pheries, they disseminated nationalist sentiments.
However, post-1860, they observed a disparity between their aspirations for social progress and the reality of India’s development, noting a regression and underdevelopment despite sporadic advancements. Noteworthy figures like Dadabhai Naoroji, R.C. Dutt, G.V. Joshi, G. Subramaniya Iyer, G.K. Gokhale, and Prithwis Chandra Ray, alongside numerous political activists and journalists, meticulously analyzed all facets of the economy and scrutinized colonial economic policies. They raised fundamental inquiries about the essence and objectives of British rule, tracing the colonialization of the Indian economy and identifying colonialism as the primary impediment to India’s economic advancement.

Q- With reference to Rowlatt Satyagraha, which of the following statements is/ are correct? (2015)

(1) The Rowlatt Act was based on the recommendations of the ‘Sedition Committee’.

(2) In Rowlatt Satyagraha, Gandhiji tried to utilize the Home Rule League.

(3) Demonstrations against the arrival of the Simon Commission coincided with Rowlatt Satyagraha.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- Option B

EXPLANATION

Gandhi utilized the Home Rule Leagues led by Besant and Tilak as the main tool to mobilize public sentiment against the Rowlett Act. Indeed, the more radical members of the League were enthusiastic about embracing a radical agenda involving direct action against the British Government.

Q- Which one of the following movements has contributed to a split in the Indian National Congress resulting in the emergence of ‘moderates’ and ‘extremists’? (2015)

(a) Swadeshi Movement

(b) Quit India Movement

(d) Civil Disobedience Movement

Answer- Option A

EXPLANATION

During the Benaras session of the Indian National Congress in December 1905, the rift between the Moderates and Extremists became apparent. The Extremists advocated for expanding the Boycott and Swadeshi Movement beyond Bengal to encompass various sectors such as government service, law courts, and legislative councils, aiming to initiate a nationwide mass movement. They sought a strong resolution endorsing their program at the Benaras session.
In contrast, the Moderates opposed extending the movement beyond Bengal and vehemently rejected the idea of boycotting councils and similar associations. Thus, there was a divergence between the Moderates and Extremists regarding the scope of the Swadeshi Movement.

Q- The 1929 Session of the Indian National Congress is of significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because the (2014)

(a) attainment of Self-Government was declared as the objective of the Congress

(b) attainment of Poorna Swaraj Was adopted as the goal of the Congress

(d) decision to participate in the Round Table Conference in London was taken

Answer- Option B

EXPLANATION

During the 1929 Congress session held in Lahore, Jawaharlal Nehru presided over the meeting where the Indian National Congress passed a resolution advocating for Poorna Swaraj or Complete Independence. It was decided to launch the Civil Disobedience movement with the aim of achieving complete independence.
Congress declared 26th January as Purna Swaraj Day. Similarly, during the 1906 Congress session in Calcutta, Dadabhai Naoroji served as the President where Congress adopted Swaraj (Self Government) as the goal of the Indian people. The session also saw the adoption of the Boycott Movement, Swadeshi, and National Education Movement.
The Non-Cooperation Movement was initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in March 1920 as a non-violent protest. In response to the Simon Report’s shortcomings, the British Government organized a series of Round Table Conferences in London, with the first one held from 12 November 1930 to 19 January 1931.

Q- The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a (2014)

(a) revolutionary association of Indians with headquarters at San Francisco.

(b) nationalist organization operating from Singapore

(d) communist movement for India’s freedom with headquarters at Tashkent

Answer- Option A

EXPLANATION

The Ghadar Party was a global political movement formed by Indian expatriates with the objective of overthrowing British rule in India. Its establishment is commonly traced back to a gathering held on July 15, 1913, in Astoria, Oregon. The Ghadar Party operated from its headquarters and published the Hindustan Ghadar newspaper in San Francisco, California.

Q- What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)? (2014)

(1) To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States

(2) To place the Indian administration under the British Crown

(3) To regulate East India Company’s trade with India

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- Option C

EXPLANATION

Queen Victoria’s proclamation of 1858 was intended to terminate the East India Company’s rule and transfer all authority to the British crown following the 1857 revolt, thus affirming statement 2.
Contrary to statement 3, it did not seek to enhance administrative supervision and control over the Indian government.
Statement 1 is correct as its aim was to disavow any plans for annexing Indian States. Additionally, the proclamation bestowed upon the governor-general of India the title of Viceroy, serving as the representative of the British crown.

Q- The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to (2014)

(1)Solve the problems of minorities in India

(2) Give effect to Independence Bill

(3) Delimit boundaries between India and Pakistan

(4) Enquire into riots in East Bengal

Answer- Option D

EXPLANATION

Radcliffe Committee was appointed for Delimit The Boundaries Between India And Pakistan.

Q- The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until (2014)
(a) the First World War when Indian troops were needed by the British and the partition was ended
(b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911
(c) Gandhiji launched his Civil Disobedience Movement
(d) the Partition of India in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan

Answer- Option B

EXPLANATION

The division of Bengal, instigated by Lord Curzon in 1905, persisted until the outbreak of the First World War, during which British authorities required Indian troops. As a result, the partition was terminated. King George V revoked Curzon’s Act during the Royal Durbar held in Delhi in 1911.

Q- The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for (2013)

(a) the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third

(b) the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land

(d) writing off all peasant debts

Answer- Option A

EXPLANATION

The Tebhaga movement, a significant peasant uprising in Bengal and India’s history, revolved around the demand of farmers for a two-thirds share of their produce, with the remaining one-third allocated to the landlord.

Q- Quit India Movement was launched in response to (2013)

(a) Cabinet Mission Plan

(b) Cripps Proposals

(d) Wavell Plan

Answer- Option B

EXPLANATION

The Quit India movement emerged following the dissatisfaction of Indians with the Cripps proposals, prompting their launch.

Q- Annie Besant was (2013)

(1) responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement

(2) the founder of the Theosophical Society

(3) once the President of the Indian National Congress

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- Option C

EXPLANATION

Madame H.P. Blavatsky and Colonel M.S. Olcott founded the Theosophical Society in New York City in 1875, inspired by Indian thought and culture. This renders statement 2 incorrect.
In India, the Theosophical Movement gained traction with the appointment of Annie Besant as its president in 1917, after her arrival in the country in 1893. Besant established the Central Hindu College in Benaras in 1898, which later evolved into Benaras Hindu University in 1916. She also initiated the All-India Home Rule League in September 1916, extending its reach across India, including Bombay city. This validates statement 1.
George Arundale served as the organizing secretary, with significant contributions from B.W. Wadia and C.P. Ramaswamy Aiyar. Annie Besant’s presidency of the Indian National Congress in December 1917 marked her as the first woman to hold this position, affirming statement 3.

Also read about UPSC PYQ Acts and Laws of British India.

UPSC PYQ on Freedom movement.