Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs 2025-2011, Subjectwise Prelims PYQs

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2025

1. 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?

(a) I only

(b) II only

(d) Neither I nor II

Answer: (c) Both I and II

2. 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 the Non-Cooperation Programme?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) All the four

Answer: (c) Only three

3. Consider the following statements in respect of the Non-Cooperation Movement:

I. The Congress declared the attainment of ‘Swaraj’ by all legitimate and peaceful means to be its objective.

II. 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?

(a) I only

(b) II only

(d) Neither I nor II

Answer: (c) Both I and II

4. “Sedition has become my religion” was the famous statement given by Gandhiji at the time of

(a) the Champaran Satyagraha

(b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi

(d) the launch of the Quit India Movement

Answer: (b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi

5. Who provided legal defence to the people arrested in the aftermath of Chauri Chaura incident?

(a) C. R. Das

(b) Madan Mohan Malaviya and Krishna Kant

(d) M. A. Jinnah

Answer: (b) Madan Mohan Malaviya and Krishna Kant

6. 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?

(a) The Poona Pact

(b) The Gandhi-Irwin (Delhi Pact) Agreement

(d) Promulgation of the Government of India Act, 1935

Answer: (a) The Poona Pact

7. Who among the following was the founder of the ‘Self-Respect Movement’?

(a) Periyar E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker

(b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

(d) Dinkarrao Javalkar

Answer: (a) Periyar E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2024

1. With reference to revenue collection by Cornwallis, consider the following statements:

1. Under the Ryotwari Settlement of revenue collection, the peasants were exempted from revenue payment in case of bad harvests or natural calamities.

2. 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?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 2 only

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2023

1. By which one of the following Acts was the Governor General of Bengal designated as the Governor General of India?

(a) The Regulating Act

(b) The Pitt’s India Act

(d) The Charter Act of 1833

Answer: (d) The Charter Act of 1833

2. With reference to Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with

(a) archaeological excavations

(b) establishment of English Press in Colonial India

(d) construction of railways in Colonial India

Answer: (a) archaeological excavations

3. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I : 7th August is declared as the National Handloom Day.

Statement-II: It was in 1905 that the Swadeshi Movement was launched on the same day.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2022

1. In the Government of India Act 1919, the functions of Provincial Government were divided into “Reserved” and “Transferred” subjects. Which of the following were treated as “Reserved” subjects?

1. Administration of Justice

2. Local Self-Government

3. Land Revenue

4. Police

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 2 and 4

Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4

2. Consider the following freedom fighters:

1. Barindra Kumar Ghosh

2. Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee

3. 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: (d) 3 only

3. With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements:

1. The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Princely States.

2. Any Province, which is not prepared to accept the new Constitution would have the right to sign a separate agreement with Britain regarding its future status.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 2 only

4. With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements:

1. The Dutch established their factories/warehouses on the east coast on lands granted to them by Gajapati rulers.

2. Alfonso de Albuquerque captured Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate.

3. The English East India Company established a factory at Madras on a plot of land leased from a representative of the Vijayanagara empire.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2021

1. Consider the following statements:

1. Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order.

2. Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to him there.

3. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

2. Consider the following statements:

1. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 recommended granting voting rights to all the women above the age of 21.

2. The Government of India Act of 1935 gave women reserved seats in legislature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 2 only

3. With reference to 8th August, 1942 in Indian history, which one of the following statements is correct?

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

4. Who among the following is associated with ‘Songs from Prison’, a translation of ancient India religious lyrics in English?

(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

(b) Jawaharlal Nehru

(d) Sarojini Naidu

Answer: (c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

5. Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School?

(a) Annie Besant

(b) Debendranath Tagore

(d) Sarojini Naidu

Answer: (c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

6. In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon are remembered as

(a) Leaders of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement

(b) Members of the Interim Government in 1946

(d) Officers of the Indian National Army

Answer: (d) Officers of the Indian National Army

7. With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.

2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanagara Empire.

3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

Answer: (b) 2 only

8. In the first quarter of the seventeenth century, in which of the following was/were the factory/factories of the English East India Company located?

1. Broach

2. Chicacole

3. Trichinopoly

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: (a) 1 only

9. With reference to Madanapalle of Andhra Pradesh, which one of the following statements is correct?

(a) Pingali Venkayya designed the tricolor Indian National Flag here.

(b) Pattabhi Sitaramaiah led the Quit India Movement of Andhra region from here.

(d) Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott set up headquarters of Theosophical Society first here.

Answer: (c) Rabindranath Tagore translated the National Anthem from Bengali to English here.

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2020

1. In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around

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: (b) 2 and 3 only

2. Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20^th century because of

(a) peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters

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

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

3. Wellesley established the Fort William College Calcutta because

(a) he was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so

(b) he wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India

(d) he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

Answer: (d) he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

4. With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Trumult is the description of which of the following events?

(a) The Revolt of 1857

(b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921

(d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

Answer: (d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

5. Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of the Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?

(a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.

(b) Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.

(d) Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures.

Answer: (a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.

6. With reference to the book ‘Desher Katha’ written by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during the freedom struggle, consider the following statements:

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: (a) 1 and 2 only

7. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following?

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: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only

8. The Vital-Vidhvansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchable people as its target audience was published by

(a) Gopal Baba Walangkar

(b) Jyotiba Phule

(d) Bhimrao Ranji Ambedkar

Answer: (a) Gopal Baba Walangkar

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2019

1. Consider the following statements about ‘the Charter Act of 1813’:

1. It ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade with China.

2. It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Indian territories held by the Company.

3. The revenues of India were now controlled by the British Parliament.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

2. With reference to Swadeshi Movement, consider the following statements:

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 Swadeshi Movement.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

3. Consider the following pairs:

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

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

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

4. With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements:

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: (b) 1 and 3 only

5. 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, 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: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2018

1. Consider the following events:

1. The first democratically elected communist party government formed in a State in India.

2. India’s then largest bank, ‘Imperial Bank of India’, was renamed ‘State Bank of India’.

3. Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier.

4. Goa became a part of independent India.

Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?

(a) 4 – 1 – 2 – 3

(b) 3 – 2 – 1 – 4

(d) 3 – 1 – 2 – 4

Answer: (b) 3 – 2 – 1 – 4

2. In the Federation established by the Government of India Act of 1935, residuary powers were given to the

(a) Federal Legislature

(b) Governor General

(d) Provincial Governors

Answer: (b) Governor General

3. Which of the following led to the introduction of English Education in India?

1. Charter Act of 1813

2. General Committee of Public Instruction, 1823

3. Orientalist and Anglicist Controversy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

4. In 1920, which of the following changed its name to “Swarajya Sabha”?

(a) All India Home Rule League

(b) Hindu Mahasabha

(d) The Servants of India Society

Answer: (a) All India Home Rule League

5. Which among the following events happened earliest?

(a) Swami Dayanand established Arya Samaj.

(b) Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neel Darpan.

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

Answer: (b) Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neel Darpan.

6. With reference to educational institutions during colonial rule in India, consider the following pairs:

Institution Founder

Sanskrit College at Benaras — William Jones
Calcutta Madarsa — Warren Hastings
Fort William College — Arthur Wellesley

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

Answer: (b) 2 only

7. The staple commodities of export by the English East India Company from Bengal in the middle of the 18th century were:

(a) Raw cotton, oil-seeds and opium

(b) Sugar, salt, zinc and lead

(d) Cotton, silk, saltpetre and opium

Answer: (d) Cotton, silk, saltpetre and opium

8. Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha?

(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: (c) Joining of peasant unrest to India’s National Movement

9. Who among the following were the founders of the “Hind Mazdoor Sabha” established in 1948?

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

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

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

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

10. Which one of the following statements does not apply to the system of Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Lord Wellesley?

(a) To maintain a large standing army at others expense

(b) To keep India safe from Napoleonic danger

(d) To establish British paramountcy over the Indian States

Answer: (c) To secure a fixed income for the Company

11. After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?

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: (c) Both 1 and 2

12. Economically one of the results of the British rule in India in the 19th century was the

(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: (c) commercialization of Indian agriculture

13. Regarding Wood’s Dispatch, which of the following statements are true?

1. Grants-in-Aid system was introduced.

2. Establishment of universities was recommended.

3. English as a medium of instruction at all levels of education was recommended.

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: (a) 1 and 2 only

14. 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

(a) Aurobindo Ghosh

(b) Bipin Chandra Pal

(d) Motilal Nehru

Answer: (c) Lala Lajpat Rai

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2017

1. Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of Ryotwari Settlement in India during the British rule?

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: (c) 2 and 3 only

2. The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for

(a) the participation of workers in the management of industries.

(b) arbitrary powers to the management to quell industrial disputes.

(d) a system of tribunals and a ban on strikes.

Answer: (d) a system of tribunals and a ban on strikes.

3. Consider the following statements:

1. The Factories Act, 1881 was passed with a view to fix the wages of industrial workers and to allow the workers to form trade unions.

2. N.M. Lokhande was a pioneer in organizing the labour movement in British India.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 2 only

4. The object of the Butler Committee of 1927 was to?

(a) Define the jurisdiction of the Central and Provincial Governments.

(b) Define the powers of the Secretary of State for India.

(d) Improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States.

Answer: (d) Improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States.

5. Consider the following pairs:

1. Radhakanta Deb — First President of the British Indian Association

2. Gazulu Lakshmi Narasu 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: (b) 1 and 3 only

6. In the context of Indian history, the principle of `Dyarchy (diarchy)’ refers to

(a) Division of the central legislature into two houses.

(b) Introduction of double government i.e., Central and State governments.

(d) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.

Answer: (d) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.

7. With reference to Indian freedom struggle, consider the following events:

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: (c) 3-2-1

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2016

1. The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the

(a) Agitation against the Partition of Bengal

(b) Home Rule Movement

(d) Visit of the Simon Commission to India

Answer: (a) Agitation against the Partition of Bengal

2. Satya Shodhak Samaj organized

(a) a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar.

(b) a temple-entry movement in Gujarat.

(d) a peasant movement in Punjab.

Answer: (c) an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra.

3. The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to

(a) social reforms

(b) educational reforms

(d) constitutional reforms

Answer: (d) constitutional reforms

4. Consider the following:

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: (b) 2 and 3 only

5. What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?

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

6. The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War

(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: (d) India should be given Dominion status.

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2015

1. With reference to Rowlatt Satyagraha, which of the following statements is/are correct?

I. The Rowlatt Act was based on the recommendations of the ‘Sedition Committee’.

I. In Rowlatt Satyagraha, Gandhiji tried to Utilize the Home Rule League.

I. Demonstrations against the arrival of 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: (b) 1 and 2 only

2. Who of the following was/were economic critic/critics of colonialism in India?

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: (d) 1, 2 and 3

3. With reference to Congress Socialist Party, consider the following statements:

1. It advocated the boycott of British goods and evasion of taxes.

2. It wanted to establish the dictatorship of proletariat.

3. It advocated, 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: (d) None

4. The Government of India Act of 1919 clearly defined

(a) the separation of power between the judiciary and the legislature

(b) the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments

(d) None of the above

Answer: (b) the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments

5. Who of the following organized a march on the Tanjore coast to break the Salt Law in April 1930?

(a) V.O. Chidambaram Pillai

(b) C.Rajagopalachari

(d) Annie Besant

Answer: (b) C.Rajagopalachari

6. Consider the following statements

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: (b) 2 only

7. With reference to the Cabinet Mission, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It recommended a federal government.

2. It enlarged the powers of the Indian courts.

3. It provided for more Indians in the ICS.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(d) None

Answer: (a) 1 only

8. Which one of the following movements has contributed to a split in the Indian National Congress resulting in the emergence of ‘moderates’ and ‘extremists’?

(a) Swadeshi Movement

(b) Quit India Movement

(d) Civil Disobedience Movement

Answer: (a) Swadeshi Movement

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2014

1. The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until

(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.

(d) the Partition of India in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan.

Answer: (b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911.

2. The 1929 Session of Indian National Congress is of significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because the

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

3. The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a

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

4. What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)?

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: (a) 1 and 2 only

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2013

1. The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission because

(a) Indians never wanted the review of the working of the Act of 1919

(b) Simon Commission recommended the abolition of Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the Provinces

(d) the Simon Commission suggested the partition of the country

Answer: (c) there was no indian member in the Simon Commission

2. Quit India Movement was launched in response to

(a) Cabinet Mission Plan

(b) Cripps Proposals

(d) Wavell Plan

Answer: (b) Cripps Proposals

3. The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for

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

4. Annie Besant was

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: (c) 1 and 3 only

5. The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the

(a) imposition of certain restrictions to carry arms by the Indians

(b) imposition of restrictions en newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages

(d) removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth

Answer: (c) removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans

6. The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to

(a) solve the problem of minorities in India

(b) give effect to the Independence Bill

(d) enquire into the riots in East Bengal

Answer: (c) delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2012

1. Consider the following statements:

The most effective contribution made by Dadabhai Naoroji to the cause of Indian National Movement was that he

1. Exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British.

2. Interpreted the ancient Indian texts and restored the self-confidence of Indians.

3. Stressed the need for eradication of all the social evils before anything else.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 only

2. The Rowlatt Act aimed at:

(a) compulsory economic support to war efforts

(b) imprisonment without trial and summary procedures for trial

(d) imposition of restrictions freedom of the press

Answer: (b) imprisonment without trial and summary procedures for trial

3. The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929) is very important in history, because

1. the Congress passed a resolution demanding complete independence.

2. the rift between the extremists and moderates was resolved in that Session.

3. a resolution was passed rejecting the two-nation theory in that Session.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(d) None of the above

Answer: (a) 1 only

4. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Brahmo Samaj?

1. It opposed idolatry.

2. It denied the need for a priestly class for interpreting the religious texts.

3. It popularized the doctrine that the Vedas are infallible.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only

5. Consider the following

1. Assessment of land revenue on the basis of nature of the soil and the quality of crops.

2. Use of mobile cannons in warfare.

3. Cultivation of tobacco and red chillies.

Which of the above was/were introduced into India by the English?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2

(d) None

Answer: (d) None

6. The Congress ministries resigned in the seven provinces in 1939, because

(a) the Congress could not form ministries in the other four provinces

(b) emergence of a ‘left wing’ in the Congress made the working of the ministries impossible

(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct

Answer: (d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct

7. Which of the following is/are the principal feature(s) of the Government of India Act, 1919?

1. Introduction of dyarchy in the executive government of the provinces.

2. Introduction of separate communal electorates for Muslims.

3. Devolution of Legislative authority by the centre to the provinces.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

8. During Indian freedom struggle, the National Social Conference was formed. What was the reason for its formation?

(a) Different social reform groups or organizations of Bengal region united to form a single body to discuss the issues of larger interest and to prepare appropriate petitions/ representations to the government.

(b) Indian National Congress did not want to include social reforms in its deliberations and decided to form a separate body for such a purpose.

(c) Behramji Malabari and M. G. Ranade decided to bring together all the social reform group of the country under one organization.

(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context.

Answer: (b) Indian National Congress did not want to include social reforms in its deliberations and decided to form a separate body for such a purpose.

9. Which of the following parties were established by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?

1. The Peasants and Workers Party of India

2. All India Scheduled Castes Federation

3. The Independent Labour Party

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

10. Mahatma Gandhi undertook fast unto death in 1932, mainly because

(a) Round Table Conference failed to satisfy Indian political aspirations

(b) Congress and Muslim League had differences of opinion

(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context

Answer: (c) Ramsay Macdonald announced the Communal Award

11. With reference to Ryotwari Settlement, consider the following statements

1. The rent was paid directly by the peasants to the government.

2. The government gave the Pattas to the Ryots.

3. The lands were surveyed and assessed before being taxed.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 Only

(b) 1 and 2

(d) None of the above

Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2011

1. The tendency for increased litigation was visible after the introduction of the land settlement system of Lord Cornwallis in 1793. The reason for this is normally traced to which of the following provisions?

(a) Making Zamindar’s position stronger vis-a-vis the ryot.

(b) Making East India Company an overlord of Zamindars.

(d) None of the (a), (b) and (c) above.

Answer: (d) None of the (a), (b) and (c) above

2. Which one of the following observations is not true about the Quit India Movement of 1942?

(a) It was a nonviolent movement

(b) It was led by Mahatma Gandhi

(d) It did not attract the labour class in general

Answer: (d) It did not attract the labour class in general

3. Which amongst the following provided a common factor for tribal insurrection in India in the 19th century?

(a) Introduction of a new system of land revenue and taxation of tribal products

(b) Influence of foreign religious missionaries in tribal areas

(d) The complete disruption of the old agrarian order to the tribal communities

Answer: (d) The complete disruption of the old agrarian order to the tribal communities

4. With reference to the period of colonial rule in India, “Home Charges” formed an important part of drain of wealth from India. Which of the following funds constituted “Home Charges”?

1. Funds used to support the India Office in London.

2. Funds used to pay salaries and pensions of British personnel engaged in India.

3. Funds used for waging wars outside India by the British.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d)1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only

5. What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda?

1. The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought.

2. The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) 1 only

6. What was the purpose with which Sir William Wedderburn and W.S.Caine had set up the Indian Parliamentary Committee in 1893?

(a) To agitate for Indian political reforms in the House of Commons

(b) To campaign for the entry of Indians into the Imperial Judiciary

(d) To agitate for the entry of eminent Indians into the British Parliament

Answer: (a) To agitate for Indian political reforms in the House of Commons

7. Mahatma Gandhi said that some of his deepest convictions were reflected in a book titled, “Unto this Last” and the book transformed his life. What was the message from the book that transformed Mahatma Gandhi?

(a) Uplifting the oppressed and poor is the moral responsibility of an educated man

(b) The good of individual is contained in the good of all

(d) All the statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct in this context

Answer: (b) The good of individual is contained in the good of all

8. With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for

(a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement

(b) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference

(d) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

Answer: (a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement

9. With reference to the period of India freedom struggle, which of the following was/were recommended by the ‘Nehru report’?

1. Complete Independence for India.

2. Joint electorates for reservation of seats for minorities.

3. Provision of fundamental rights for the people of India in the Constitution.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs 2025-2011, Subjectwise Prelims PYQs

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2025

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2024

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2023

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2022

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2021

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2020

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2019

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2018

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2017

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2016

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2015

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2014

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2013

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2012

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2011

civilsaarthi@gmail.com

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Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2016

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2015

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2014

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2013

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2012

Modern History UPSC Prelims PYQs of 2011

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