NDA General Studies · History · 64 questions · 2017 to 2026
NDA Freedom movement and India after 1947 previous year questions with solutions
The freedom movement is about one General Studies question in forty, and its weight has halved since 2021. The questions are single facts: a year, a leader, a session, a slogan, and tables carry the chapter. Every question UPSC has set on it since 2017, solved. Grouped by the method each needs, newest first; open a question for its answer and worked solution.
24.1 From the Revolt of 1857 to the Swadeshi movement: the Congress, Moderates and Extremists, the Partition of Bengal (10)24.2 Revolutionary nationalism and the Home Rule Leagues, 1897–1918 (5)24.3 Gandhi's arrival and the first mass movements, 1915–1922: Champaran to Non-Cooperation (7)24.4 Swaraj Party to the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Round Table Conferences, 1922–1939 (20)24.5 The Second World War, Quit India, the INA and the transfer of power, 1939–1948 (11)24.6 India after 1947: integration of states, linguistic reorganisation, Bhoodan and Sarvodaya (7)24.7 The chronology of the movement: ordering questions (master year–event–leader table 1885–1947) (4)
24.1 From the Revolt of 1857 to the Swadeshi movement: the Congress, Moderates and Extremists, the Partition of Bengal
1. NDA 2021 (II)
Which one of the following statements about the ishtahars issued during the Revolt of 1857 is correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) They glorified the co-existence of different communities under the Mughal Empire.
Method. Ishtahars of 1857
The Azamgarh proclamation and other ishtahars glorified the coexistence of communities under Mughal rule (NCERT Class 12 Themes Part III).
2. NDA 2019 (II)
Who among the following died in exile?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Bahadur Shah Zafar
Method. Who died in exile
Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled to Rangoon after 1857 and died there in 1862. Tantia Tope was hanged, Rani Laxmibai fell in battle, and Nana Saheb disappeared into Nepal.
3. NDA 2019 (II)
During the Swadeshi movement, a National College was started in Calcutta under the principalship of
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Aurobindo Ghosh
Method. National College, Calcutta, 1906
Aurobindo Ghose was the first principal of the Bengal National College founded in 1906 during Swadeshi (Bipan Chandra).
4. NDA 2018 (II)
Match List–I with List–II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
List–I (Author)
A. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
B. Dadabhai Naoroji
C. Mahatma Gandhi
D. Jawaharlal Nehru
List–II (Book)
1. The Arctic Home in the Vedas
2. Hind Swaraj
3. The Discovery of India
4. Poverty and Un-British Rule in India
Code:
A B C D
List–I (Author)
A. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
B. Dadabhai Naoroji
C. Mahatma Gandhi
D. Jawaharlal Nehru
List–II (Book)
1. The Arctic Home in the Vedas
2. Hind Swaraj
3. The Discovery of India
4. Poverty and Un-British Rule in India
Code:
A B C D
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) 1 4 2 3
Method. Match author and book
A Tilak − 1, The Arctic Home in the Vedas. B Naoroji − 4, Poverty and Un-British Rule in India. C Gandhi − 2, Hind Swaraj. D Nehru − 3, The Discovery of India. The code A B C D = 1 4 2 3 is option (c).
5. NDA 2018 (II)
Which one of the following statements about Bipin Chandra Pal is correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) He was a member of the extremist group of Congress.
Method. Bipin Chandra Pal
Bipin Chandra Pal was one of the Lal-Bal-Pal extremist trio (Bipan Chandra). He was not a minister in independent India and never was Chief Minister of West Bengal.
6. NDA 2018 (I)
Name the rebel who fought against the British in the battle of Chinhat in the course of the 1857 Revolt?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Ahmadullah Shah
Method. Battle of Chinhat, 1857
Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah of Faizabad defeated Henry Lawrence at Chinhat near Lucknow on 30 June 1857 (standard result). Shah Mal was in Baraut, Kunwar Singh in Bihar, and Mangal Pandey was at Barrackpore.
7. NDA 2017 (II)
Who among the following is the author of the book 'The Indian Struggle, 1920–1934'?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Subhash Chandra Bose
Method. Authorship, The Indian Struggle 1920-1934
Subhas Chandra Bose wrote 'The Indian Struggle, 1920-1934' (1935, published in London). Option (a) is printed as 'Maulana Abul Kalam' in the source.
8. NDA 2017 (II)
Which one of the following about the Swadeshi Campaign in 1896 is not correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) It opposed the levy of tariff on imports
Method. Swadeshi of 1896
Standard reference (Bipan Chandra): the 1896 swadeshi in Maharashtra (Pune) involved students burning foreign cloth publicly. The campaign opposed the countervailing excise on Indian cloth, not a tariff on imports. A tariff on imports would have helped Indian industry. So (c) is NOT correct.
9. NDA 2017 (II)
Which one of the following associations was founded in London by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1866?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) The East India Association
Method. Dadabhai Naoroji, 1866 association
Dadabhai Naoroji founded the East India Association in London in 1866 (Bipan Chandra). The other three were Indian bodies: the Bengal British India Society (1843), the British Indian Association (1851) and the Madras Native Association (1852).
10. NDA 2017 (I)
Which colonial administrator made the following declaration about the partition of Bengal in 1904? "Bengal united is a power. Bengal divided will pull in different ways. That is perfectly true and one of the merits of the scheme"
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) H. H. Risley
Method. Authorship of the 1903-04 partition-of-Bengal remark
Risley, Home Secretary, wrote the December 1904 note saying 'Bengal united is a power…' (Bipan Chandra; Sumit Sarkar). The line is credited to H. H. Risley rather than to Curzon, who carried the partition out in 1905. (Bipan Chandra; Sumit Sarkar). The line is credited to H. H. Risley rather than to Curzon, who carried the partition out in 1905.
24.2 Revolutionary nationalism and the Home Rule Leagues, 1897–1918
11. NDA 2025 (II)
Which of the following statements about the Home Rule League are correct?
1. Lokamanya Tilak set up the Home Rule League at the Bombay Provincial Conference held at Belgaum in April 1916
2. Annie Besant announced the formation of Home Rule League in September 1916
3. To avoid friction, Tilak’s League was to work in Maharashtra (excluding Bombay city), Karnataka, Central Provinces and Berar and Besant’s League was given charge of the rest of India
Select the answer using the code given below:
1. Lokamanya Tilak set up the Home Rule League at the Bombay Provincial Conference held at Belgaum in April 1916
2. Annie Besant announced the formation of Home Rule League in September 1916
3. To avoid friction, Tilak’s League was to work in Maharashtra (excluding Bombay city), Karnataka, Central Provinces and Berar and Besant’s League was given charge of the rest of India
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Method. Home Rule League
All three statements are correct: Tilak at Belgaum in April 1916, Besant in September 1916, and the division of territory (Bipan Chandra).
12. NDA 2020 (I)
Who among the following had organised, in 1904, a secret society of revolutionaries named Abhinav Bharat?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) V D Savarkar
Method. Abhinav Bharat
V. D. Savarkar founded Abhinav Bharat, a secret society, in 1904 (Bipan Chandra).
13. NDA 2018 (II)
Who among the following leaders started the Indian Home Rule League?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Method. Indian Home Rule League
Tilak started the Indian Home Rule League in April 1916 at Belgaum. Annie Besant started hers in September 1916 (Bipan Chandra). Among the options only Tilak fits.
14. NDA 2017 (I)
Who among the following is one of the authors of the book "Philosophy of the Bomb?"
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Bhagwati Charan Vohra
Method. Authorship, Philosophy of the Bomb
The tract answering Gandhi's 'Cult of the Bomb' was written in 1930 by Bhagwati Charan Vohra of the HSRA (Bipan Chandra, India's Struggle for Independence). Nehru and Surya Sen did not write it. Bhagat Singh is linked to the HSRA's other writings, not named as author of this one.
15. NDA 2017 (I)
Which of the following statements about the Chittagong group is NOT correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Its leader Surya Sen had been a lawyer in Dhaka before joining the group
Method. Surya Sen of the Chittagong group
Surya Sen ('Masterda') was a school teacher in Chittagong and a Congress worker, not a lawyer in Dhaka (Bipan Chandra; NCERT Class 12 Themes Part III). The other statements agree with the standard account: Ganesh Ghosh, Lokenath Bal and Ananta Singh were members, and the plan was to seize the armouries (April 1930). So (b) is NOT correct.
24.3 Gandhi's arrival and the first mass movements, 1915–1922: Champaran to Non-Cooperation
16. NDA 2026 (I)
Consider the following statements in respect of the Rowlatt Act of 1919 :
I. Gandhiji launched a nationwide Satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act, 1919.
II. The Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the opposition of Indian members.
III. The Act gave the Government enormous powers to repress political activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
I. Gandhiji launched a nationwide Satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act, 1919.
II. The Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the opposition of Indian members.
III. The Act gave the Government enormous powers to repress political activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) I, II and III
Method. Rowlatt Act
All three statements are standard facts: Gandhi's nationwide satyagraha, the hasty passage despite Indian members' opposition, and the enormous repressive powers (Bipan Chandra).
17. NDA 2025 (I)
In British India, which one among the following Acts permitted detention without trial for up to two years?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Rowlatt Act, 1919
Method. Rowlatt Act
The Rowlatt Act of 1919 allowed detention without trial for up to two years (Bipan Chandra).
18. NDA 2021 (I)
Where and when did Mahatma Gandhi make his first public appearance in India on coming back from South Africa after two decades?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Banaras Hindu University in 1916
Method. Gandhi's first public appearance
Gandhi made his first major public appearance in India at the Banaras Hindu University opening in February 1916 (Bipan Chandra; NCERT Class 12 Themes Part III).
19. NDA 2020 (I)
Where did Gandhiji initially forge the techniques of Satyagraha?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) South Africa
Method. Gandhi's satyagraha
Gandhi forged satyagraha in South Africa (1893-1914), as the standard biography and Bipan Chandra state.
20. NDA 2019 (II)
Which among the following struggles, based on Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha, involved the industrial working class?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Ahmedabad
Method. Satyagraha involving industrial workers
Ahmedabad (1918) was the mill-workers' struggle. Champaran and Kheda were peasant struggles, and Bardoli also a peasant struggle (NCERT Class 12 Themes Part III).
21. NDA 2017 (II)
In April 2017, India celebrated 100 years of Mahatma Gandhi's
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Satyagraha in Champaran
Method. Centenary in April 2017
The Champaran Satyagraha was in April 1917. The centenary was in April 2017. Kheda came in 1918, Dandi in 1930, and Gandhi returned from South Africa in 1915.
22. NDA 2017 (I)
Which one of the following characteristics does NOT describe the Khilafat movement?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) It was not supported by the Congress.
Method. Khilafat movement, Congress support
The Congress did support the Khilafat movement. Gandhi linked it to Non-Cooperation, and the Calcutta special session of 1920 adopted the programme (Bipan Chandra). Statement (b) is therefore the one that does NOT describe it. The other three are standard facts: the Sultan's control of the holy places, and the Ali brothers as leaders.
24.4 Swaraj Party to the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Round Table Conferences, 1922–1939
23. NDA 2026 (II)
The annual session of the Indian National Congress in December 1929 was held in:
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Lahore
Method. Congress session of December 1929
The December 1929 session was at Lahore (standard result).
24. NDA 2026 (II)
Consider the following statements with regard to the Lahore Session:
I. The Congress decided to observe Independence Day on 26 January 1930.
II. It was decided to hoist the National Flag and sing patriotic songs at different venues.
III. Gandhiji suggested that the event be held synchronously in all the places.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
I. The Congress decided to observe Independence Day on 26 January 1930.
II. It was decided to hoist the National Flag and sing patriotic songs at different venues.
III. Gandhiji suggested that the event be held synchronously in all the places.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) I, II and III
Method. Lahore session
Independence Day was fixed for 26 January 1930. The flag was to be hoisted and patriotic songs sung. Gandhi suggested that the meetings be held at the same hour everywhere (Bipan Chandra).
25. NDA 2025 (II)
Who among the following presided over the first session of All India Kisan Sabha in Lucknow in April 1936?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Sahajananda Saraswati
Method. First AIKS session
Swami Sahajanand Saraswati presided over the first session of the All India Kisan Sabha at Lucknow in April 1936 (Bipan Chandra).
26. NDA 2024 (II)
Inspired by the Dandi March by Mahatma Gandhi, in Tamilnadu, C Rajagopalachari led a salt march from
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Trichinopoly to Vedaranniyam on Tanjore coast
Method. Rajaji's salt march
C. Rajagopalachari led the salt march from Trichinopoly to Vedaranniyam in April 1930 (Bipan Chandra).
27. NDA 2024 (I)
Consider the following statements about the issue of separate electorate during the early decades of the twentieth century in India as a means to secure adequate representation for the deprived social categories in the absence of universal adult franchise:
1. The All India Depressed Classes Association of M.C. Rajah was staunchly in favour of joint electorate.
2. The All India Depressed Classes Leaders’ Conference demanded separate electorate.
3. The Communal Award in September 1932 recognised the right to separate electorate for the ‘untouchables’.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. The All India Depressed Classes Association of M.C. Rajah was staunchly in favour of joint electorate.
2. The All India Depressed Classes Leaders’ Conference demanded separate electorate.
3. The Communal Award in September 1932 recognised the right to separate electorate for the ‘untouchables’.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Method. Separate electorates
Statement 1: M. C. Rajah favoured joint electorates (the Rajah-Moonje pact). Statement 2: the Depressed Classes Leaders' conference demanded separate electorates. Statement 3: the Communal Award (announced 16 August 1932; the statement's 'September' is the month of the Poona Pact) gave the Depressed Classes separate electorates, which the Poona Pact of 24 September 1932 replaced with reserved seats under joint electorates. (Bipan Chandra; NCERT Class 12 Themes Part III).
28. NDA 2022 (II)
Which of the following statements about the Unionist Party is/are correct?
1. It was a political party representing the interests of landholders in Punjab.
2. It was opposed to the idea of the partition of India as India and Pakistan.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1. It was a political party representing the interests of landholders in Punjab.
2. It was opposed to the idea of the partition of India as India and Pakistan.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Method. Unionist Party
The Unionist Party represented the landholding interests of Punjab, and it opposed the idea of partition as India and Pakistan (standard result; Bipan Chandra).
29. NDA 2022 (I)
The Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of the God) was organized by
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
Method. Khudai Khidmatgar
Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan founded the Khudai Khidmatgar, the Red Shirts, in the North-West Frontier Province (Bipan Chandra).
30. NDA 2021 (II)
Which of the following statements about Mahatma Gandhi's anti-untouchability campaign is/are correct?
1. The All India Harijan Sevak Sangh was founded for this purpose.
2. The campaign was to root out untouchability, since it did not enjoy the sanction of the Hindu shastras.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. The All India Harijan Sevak Sangh was founded for this purpose.
2. The campaign was to root out untouchability, since it did not enjoy the sanction of the Hindu shastras.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Method. Gandhi and untouchability
Statement 1 is true: the All India Harijan Sevak Sangh was founded in 1932. Statement 2 is true: Gandhi argued that untouchability had no sanction in the true Hindu shastras (Bipan Chandra).
31. NDA 2021 (II)
Which of the following statements about the resolution adopted in the Karachi session of the Indian National Congress with regard to fundamental rights and economic policy is/are correct?
1. It was opposed by Ambalal Sarabhai.
2. Its 20 points included demands for civil liberties and adult suffrage.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. It was opposed by Ambalal Sarabhai.
2. Its 20 points included demands for civil liberties and adult suffrage.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Method. Karachi session, 1931
Statement 2 is true: the resolution on fundamental rights covered civil liberties and adult suffrage. Statement 1: Ambalal Sarabhai, the Ahmedabad mill-owner, objected to it, as recorded in the standard reference. No clean textbook sentence, so it is answered by the standard reference.
32. NDA 2021 (I)
When and where was the demand for “Purna Swaraj” or complete independence made by the Indian National Congress?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Lahore, 1929
Method. Purna Swaraj
The Lahore Congress of December 1929 under Jawaharlal Nehru declared Purna Swaraj the goal (standard result).
33. NDA 2020 (I)
In the year 1928, a committee of Congress leaders drafted a Constitution for India. The Committee was headed by
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Motilal Nehru
Method. Nehru Report, 1928
The committee that drafted the Nehru Report of 1928 was headed by Motilal Nehru (Bipan Chandra).
34. NDA 2020 (I)
Which one of the following statements about Jaipal Singh is NOT correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) He campaigned for a separate state of Chhattisgarh
Method. Jaipal Singh Munda
Jaipal Singh was a Constituent Assembly member, founded the Adivasi Maha Sabha, and captained the Indian hockey team at the 1928 Olympics. He campaigned for a separate Jharkhand, not Chhattisgarh. So (d) is NOT correct.
35. NDA 2020 (I)
Who was the Viceroy of India at the time of Gandhiji’s Dandi march?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Lord Irwin
Method. Viceroy at Dandi March
Lord Irwin was Viceroy 1926-31, so he was Viceroy in March 1930. Willingdon came in 1931, Linlithgow in 1936, and Reading served 1921-26.
36. NDA 2020 (I)
Which one among the following American newsmagazines was highly sceptical of Gandhiji’s Dandi march initially but within a week completely changed its opinion and saluted him as a Saint and Statesman?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Time
Method. American magazine on Dandi March
Time was sceptical at first and then, within a week, saluted Gandhi (NCERT Class 12 Themes Part III).
37. NDA 2019 (I)
Which Viceroy had made the observation, “It’s a beautiful world if it wasn’t for Gandhi …”?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Lord Willingdon
Method. Viceroy's remark on Gandhi
The remark is credited to Lord Willingdon, Viceroy 1931-36, who was hostile to Gandhi and Congress during the second Civil Disobedience. No clean textbook sentence, so it is answered by the standard reference on Willingdon's attitude.
38. NDA 2019 (I)
Which Indian businessman favoured ‘healthy capitalism’ in helping Gandhiji to work towards a ‘common object’?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Ghanshyam Das Birla
Method. Indian businessman and Gandhi
G. D. Birla was Gandhi's close supporter among businessmen, and the phrase 'healthy capitalism' is attached to Birla's outlook in the standard account (NCERT Class 12 Themes Part III; Bipan Chandra). Sarabhai opposed Congress radical economic plans at Karachi.
39. NDA 2019 (I)
Statement I: The Kisan manifesto adopted by the All India Kisan Sabha in August 1936 contained radical demands
Statement II: The All India Kisan Sabha was a part of the Congress and maintained close relationship with the Provincial Congress Committees
Statement II: The All India Kisan Sabha was a part of the Congress and maintained close relationship with the Provincial Congress Committees
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
Method. Statement I/II, Kisan Sabha 1936
Statement I is true: the Kisan manifesto of August 1936 demanded abolition of zamindari and cancellation of rural debt (Bipan Chandra). Statement II is false: the All India Kisan Sabha, founded in Lucknow in April 1936, was a separate body, not a part of the Congress, and it sometimes clashed with it. So (c).
40. NDA 2019 (I)
The Karachi resolution of Congress in 1931 advocated which one of the following issues?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) State shall own or control key industries and services
Method. Karachi resolution, 1931
The Karachi Congress of 1931 adopted a resolution on fundamental rights and economic policy. It said the state should own or control key industries and services (Bipan Chandra).
41. NDA 2017 (I)
Who launched the Bardoli Satyagraha on 4th February, 1928?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Vallabhbhai Patel
Method. Bardoli Satyagraha leader
The Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 was led by Vallabhbhai Patel, who earned the title 'Sardar' there (Bipan Chandra). Kalyanji Mehta was a local worker. Gandhi supported the movement but did not lead it.
42. NDA 2017 (I)
Which one of the following Princely States did NOT support the Congress during the course of the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Junagadh
Method. Princely states and the Civil Disobedience Movement
Standard reference (Bipan Chandra): the Congress drew sympathy in several states, including Bhavnagar, Mysore and the Kathiawar region. Junagadh, under a Muslim Nawab who later tried to accede to Pakistan, is the state that stayed hostile. Kathiawar is a region and not a single state. No clean textbook sentence names the one that 'did not support', so this is answered by the standard reference.
24.5 The Second World War, Quit India, the INA and the transfer of power, 1939–1948
43. NDA 2024 (II)
Who among the following was the last Governor-General of India before the office was permanently abolished?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Chakravarti Rajagopalachari
Method. Last Governor-General
C. Rajagopalachari was the last Governor-General of India, 1948-50, before the post was abolished when India became a republic. Mountbatten was the last Viceroy and first Governor-General.
44. NDA 2024 (II)
Freedom Fighter Kanaklata Barua sacrificed her life while participating in
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Quit India Movement
Method. Kanaklata Barua
She was killed during the Quit India Movement of 1942 (standard result).
45. NDA 2023 (II)
“…the immediate ending of British rule in India is an urgent necessity…” was a resolution of
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Quit India Movement
Method. Quit India resolution
The Quit India resolution of 8 August 1942 stated that the immediate ending of British rule in India was an urgent necessity (standard result).
46. NDA 2023 (I)
Freedom fighter Kanaklata Barua was martyred in:
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Quit India Movement
Method. Kanaklata Barua
Kanaklata Barua was shot in September 1942 while leading a procession in Assam during the Quit India Movement (standard result).
47. NDA 2023 (I)
Which one among the following districts of Eastern India held a referendum in 1947 to decide whether or not to join Pakistan?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Sylhet
Method. 1947 referendum
The Sylhet referendum of July 1947 decided that the district should join East Pakistan (standard result).
48. NDA 2022 (II)
Where did Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose announce the formation of the Government of Free India in 1943?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Singapore
Method. Provisional Government of Free India
Subhas Chandra Bose proclaimed the Provisional Government of Free India at Singapore on 21 October 1943 (standard result).
49. NDA 2020 (I)
The principle that the framing of the new Constitution for independent India should be primarily (though not solely) the responsibility of Indians themselves, was for the first time conceded in the
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) August Offer of Viceroy Linlithgow
Method. Principle of Indian-framed constitution
The August Offer of 1940 first conceded that the new Constitution would be framed primarily by Indians themselves. Cripps (1942) and the Cabinet Mission (1946) built on it (Bipan Chandra).
50. NDA 2019 (I)
Who among the following historians have described the Quit India movement as a ‘spontaneous revolution’?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) F G Hutchins
Method. Quit India historian
F. G. Hutchins wrote 'Spontaneous Revolution: The Quit India Movement' (1971). The title carries the description in the question.
51. NDA 2017 (II)
Which one of the following statements about the Quit India Movement is not correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha actively participated in the movement.
Method. Quit India 1942
The Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha stayed out of the movement (Bipan Chandra). The Communist Party also did not support it. The Ahmedabad mill strike of over three months, the August 1942 outbreak, and the Communists' stand all fit the standard account. So (c) is the statement that is NOT correct.
52. NDA 2017 (II)
The Cabinet Mission Plan for India envisaged a
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Confederation
Method. Cabinet Mission scheme
NCERT Themes Part III describes the Cabinet Mission plan (1946) as a loose confederation: a weak Centre (defence, foreign affairs, communications) with three groups of provinces. 'Union of States' is how the plan is worded in the proposals; the NCERT description is taken here. Less than sure.
53. NDA 2017 (I)
Which one of the following was a significant feature of the Quit India Movement?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) It was marked by the emergence of parallel governments in different parts of India.
Method. Quit India 1942, parallel governments
Parallel governments arose at Ballia, Tamluk and Satara in 1942 (Bipan Chandra; NCERT Class 12 Themes Part III). Women, such as Aruna Asaf Ali and Matangini Hazra, did play an important role, so (a) is wrong. Quit India was not marked by anti-zamindar violence, so (c) is wrong. Nasik was not its regional base, so (b) is wrong.
24.6 India after 1947: integration of states, linguistic reorganisation, Bhoodan and Sarvodaya
54. NDA 2026 (II)
Consider the following statements related to national integration:
I. The expression of regional issues is not a part of democratic politics.
II. Nation-building is an ongoing process.
III. Regional imbalance is associated with India’s development experience.
IV. Regions together form the nation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
I. The expression of regional issues is not a part of democratic politics.
II. Nation-building is an ongoing process.
III. Regional imbalance is associated with India’s development experience.
IV. Regions together form the nation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) II, III and IV
Method. National integration
Statement I is false, since regional issues are part of democratic politics. II, III and IV are correct (NCERT Class 12 Politics in India since Independence).
55. NDA 2025 (I)
Which one of the following statements about the Bhoodan Movement is correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) The target was to get one-sixth of cultivable land in India as donation
Method. Bhoodan
Vinoba's target was fifty lakh acres, about one-sixth of the cultivable land. It was not an Act of the Central Government. The first donation was in Telangana, not Bihar.
56. NDA 2024 (II)
Consider the following statements about the Linguistic Reorganization of the States:
1. Gandhiji, in 1948, had argued for the reorganization of provinces on a linguistic basis
2. The Constituent Assembly recommended it to be incorporated in the Constitution of India
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Gandhiji, in 1948, had argued for the reorganization of provinces on a linguistic basis
2. The Constituent Assembly recommended it to be incorporated in the Constitution of India
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) 1 only
Method. Linguistic reorganisation
Statement 1: Gandhi argued for linguistic provinces, with the Congress having long endorsed it (standard reference). Statement 2 is false: the Constituent Assembly set up the Dar Commission, which advised against it. No clean textbook sentence for statement 1, so it is answered by the standard reference.
57. NDA 2024 (II)
Acharya Vinoba Bhave received the first donation of land under the Bhoodan Movement at
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Pochampally
Method. Bhoodan first donation
The first donation was at Pochampally in Telangana, in April 1951 (standard result).
58. NDA 2023 (II)
Consider the following statements with reference to the Bhoodan Movement:
1. Vinoba Bhave organized ‘The Sarvodaya Samaj’ to take up the work of non-violent transformation in India
2. Jayaprakash Narayan withdrew from active politics to join the Bhoodan Movement in 1953
3. In the wake of the Bhoodan Movement the first donation of land was made in the village of Pochampalli in Telangana
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Vinoba Bhave organized ‘The Sarvodaya Samaj’ to take up the work of non-violent transformation in India
2. Jayaprakash Narayan withdrew from active politics to join the Bhoodan Movement in 1953
3. In the wake of the Bhoodan Movement the first donation of land was made in the village of Pochampalli in Telangana
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) 2
Method. Bhoodan statements
Statement 1: Vinoba organised the Sarvodaya Samaj (1948) for non-violent transformation, which is correct. Statement 3: the first land gift came at Pochampalli in Telangana in April 1951, which is correct. Statement 2 is not accepted: JP announced his life-gift (jeevandan) to Bhoodan at Bodh Gaya in 1954, not 1953. Two statements are correct, so (b) '2' (standard reference; Bipan Chandra, India since Independence).
59. NDA 2022 (II)
Who among the following initiated the Bhoodan Movement?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Vinoba Bhave
Method. Bhoodan
Vinoba Bhave started the Bhoodan movement in 1951 (Bipan Chandra).
60. NDA 2019 (II)
Who was the Education Minister in the first Cabinet of independent India?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Method. First cabinet, Education Minister
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was Education Minister in Nehru's first cabinet of 1947 (standard result).
24.7 The chronology of the movement: ordering questions (master year–event–leader table 1885–1947)
61. NDA 2025 (I)
Chronologically arrange the following political events related to Indian National Movement beginning from the earliest:
1. Formation of Swaraj Party
2. Communal Award
3. Lucknow Pact
4. Simla Conference
Select the answer using the code given below:
1. Formation of Swaraj Party
2. Communal Award
3. Lucknow Pact
4. Simla Conference
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) 3, 1, 2, 4
Method. Chronology
Lucknow Pact 1916, Swaraj Party 1923, Communal Award 1932, Simla Conference 1945. The order is 3, 1, 2, 4, which is (a).
62. NDA 2024 (I)
Consider the following events:
1. Launch of Non-Cooperation Movement
2. All-India Khilafat Conference in Delhi
3. Passing of the Rowlatt Act
4. Jallianwala Bagh incident
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the given events (earliest to latest)?
1. Launch of Non-Cooperation Movement
2. All-India Khilafat Conference in Delhi
3. Passing of the Rowlatt Act
4. Jallianwala Bagh incident
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the given events (earliest to latest)?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) 3, 4, 2, 1
Method. Chronology
The Rowlatt Act was in March 1919, Jallianwala Bagh in April 1919, the Khilafat conference in Delhi in November 1919, and the Non-Cooperation launch in 1920. The order is 3, 4, 2, 1, which is (b).
63. NDA 2022 (II)
Consider the following historical events:
1. Gandhi-Irwin Pact
2. Second Round Table Conference
3. Peasant Movement in Bardoli
4. Peasant Movement in Kheda
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order (starting from the earliest) of the above events?
1. Gandhi-Irwin Pact
2. Second Round Table Conference
3. Peasant Movement in Bardoli
4. Peasant Movement in Kheda
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order (starting from the earliest) of the above events?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) 4-3-1-2
Method. Chronology
Kheda 1918, then Bardoli 1928, then the Gandhi-Irwin Pact of March 1931, then the Second Round Table Conference of 1931 (September-December). The order is 4-3-1-2, which is (b).
64. NDA 2017 (II)
Consider the following movements:
(1) Moplah Rebellion
(2) Bardoli Satyagraha
(3) Champaran Satyagraha
(4) Salt Satyagraha
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above in ascending order?
(1) Moplah Rebellion
(2) Bardoli Satyagraha
(3) Champaran Satyagraha
(4) Salt Satyagraha
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above in ascending order?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) 3-1-2-4
Method. Chronological order of movements
Champaran 1917, then the Moplah Rebellion 1921, then Bardoli 1928, then the Salt Satyagraha 1930. The order is 3-1-2-4, which is (b).