BPSC Prelims 2023 History Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The Swadeshi and Boycott movements were initiated as a direct response to the Partition of Bengal, announced by Lord Curzon in 1905. Indian nationalists adopted these methods of struggle to protest the partition, advocate for self-reliance by promoting indigenous goods, and boycott British products and institutions. This marked the first widespread adoption of these tactics in the Indian freedom struggle.

Explanation

At the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress in 1906, Dadabhai Naoroji, who presided over the session, unfurled the Flag of Swaraj for India. During this landmark session, he famously declared 'Swaraj' (self-rule) as the ultimate goal of the Indian National Congress, signifying a major shift in the objectives of the national movement.

Explanation

During the freedom struggle, the movements launched in the Indian princely states for political rights and responsible government were broadly known as the State People’s Movement. A significant organizational form of these movements was the establishment of Praja Mandals (People's Associations) in various states. Therefore, both the State People’s Movement and the Praja Mandal Movement correctly describe these parallel struggles in the Indian states, making option D "More than one of the above" the correct answer.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi was arrested on March 10, 1922, following the Chauri Chaura incident, for his role in the Non-Cooperation Movement. He was charged with sedition and subsequently sentenced to six years imprisonment. Therefore, the statement that he was arrested in the year 1921 is not correct. He had indeed led the Non-Cooperation Movement through 1921, but his significant arrest occurred in early 1922.

Explanation

Abul Kalam Azad launched the Urdu weekly newspaper Al-Hilal in 1912 from Calcutta. This journal played a crucial role in promoting Indian nationalism, advocating for Hindu-Muslim unity, and criticising British policies. Due to its strong anti-imperialist stance, the British government eventually suppressed its publication.

Explanation

The study of history significantly contributed to fostering nationalism in India towards the end of the 19th century through multiple avenues. Nationalist historians reinterpreted India's past to refute the British portrayal of Indians as backward and incapable of self-governance (A). They also highlighted India's glorious ancient achievements, instilling a sense of pride and shared heritage among the populace (B). This historical understanding further exposed the economic exploitation and miserable conditions under British rule, implicitly urging people to struggle for change (C). Therefore, more than one of the given options correctly describes how history helped in creating a feeling of nationalism.

Explanation

Regarding the Non-Cooperation Movement in towns, statement 1 is incorrect because participation was widespread across various social strata, not limited to "only the upper caste and the rich." Statement 2 is also incorrect because the Justice Party of Madras, unlike most other political groups, did not boycott the council elections, choosing to participate to gain political influence. Statement 3 accurately describes the widespread boycott of government-controlled educational and legal institutions. Since statements 1 and 2 are not correct, option D is the correct answer.

Explanation

The description of a sanyasi who was an indentured labourer in Fiji and used Tulsidas's Ramayana to mobilise rural audiences perfectly matches Baba Ram Chandra. He was a prominent peasant leader in Awadh (present-day Uttar Pradesh) during the early 1920s, organising farmers against the exploitation by landlords and advocating for their rights. His unique background and method of communication resonated deeply with the local peasantry.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi founded the All India Harijan Sangh in September 1932. This organization was established following the Poona Pact, with the primary objective of working for the eradication of untouchability and the social and economic upliftment of the Scheduled Castes, whom Gandhi referred to as 'Harijans'. The Sangh played a crucial role in Gandhi's constructive program for social reform.

Explanation

On February 20, 1947, British Prime Minister Clement Attlee made a historic announcement stating that the British Government would transfer power to responsible Indian hands by a definite date, "not later than June 1948." This declaration set a clear timeline for Britain's withdrawal from India, accelerating the process of independence and partition.

Explanation

Shri Krishna Singh was a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress and a key leader in Bihar. He played a significant role in organizing the Swaraj Dal (Swaraj Party) in Bihar after its formation at the national level by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru. The Swaraj Dal aimed to enter legislative councils and obstruct government functioning from within.

Explanation

During the Salt Satyagraha in Bihar, people actively participated in defying the salt laws, particularly in regions where salt could be manufactured. In addition to this, a significant form of protest in Bihar was the refusal to pay the Chaukidari Tax. The Chaukidari Tax was a cess levied on villagers to maintain local watchmen, and its non-payment became a symbol of civil disobedience against the British administration. Since 'Chaukidari Tax' is not among the given options, the answer is E.

Explanation

The elected Congress government of Bihar, led by Chief Minister Shri Krishna Singh, resigned in February 1938 over the issue of the release of political prisoners. The provincial government desired to release these prisoners, but the Governor, under instructions from the Viceroy, intervened and opposed this decision, leading to a constitutional crisis and the temporary resignation of the ministry.

Explanation

Batak Mian was a humble cook who worked for the British manager of an indigo plantation during the Champaran Satyagraha. He bravely refused to poison Mahatma Gandhi's milk, despite facing severe threats and offers of bribes from the British planter. His courageous act of defiance is credited with saving Gandhiji's life during his stay in Champaran.

Explanation

During the Non-Cooperation Movement, Swami Vidyanand emerged as a prominent leader who successfully mobilized cultivators in Bihar. He played a crucial role in organizing peasant movements, particularly in the Darbhanga region, against exploitative zamindars and British authorities. His leadership was instrumental in integrating the agrarian unrest into the broader Non-Cooperation Movement in the state.

Explanation

In ancient times, the region immediately to the south of the Ganga River, specifically encompassing parts of modern-day Bihar, was most famously known as Magadha. This powerful kingdom served as the core of several significant ancient Indian empires, including the Mauryan and Gupta dynasties. Since 'Magadha' is not listed among options A, B, or C, the correct answer is E.

Explanation

The use of iron in the Indian subcontinent is generally believed to have begun around 1800-1200 BCE, which translates to approximately 3800-3200 years ago. Widespread iron usage, marking the beginning of the Iron Age, is typically dated to around 1000 BCE. The options provided (12000, 6000, 9000 years ago) are significantly earlier than the archaeological evidence for iron usage in India. Therefore, none of the given options are correct.

Explanation

The Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman, composed around 150 CE, clearly states that the Sudarshan Lake, an ancient artificial reservoir, was repaired by the Saka ruler Rudradaman. This inscription details how the lake was severely damaged by a storm and subsequently restored under his command, without burdening the people with additional taxes. The lake was originally constructed during the Mauryan period.

Explanation

The Second Battle of Panipat, fought in 1556, involved Akbar (represented by Bairam Khan) and Hemu. Therefore, stating the main opponents as Tipu Sultan and Marathas is incorrect, as Tipu Sultan was a ruler of Mysore much later in history, in the late 18th century. The First Battle of Panipat (Babur and Ibrahim Lodi) and the Battle of Haldighati (Maharana Pratap and Akbar) are correctly stated.

Explanation

During the Delhi Sultanate, the designations 'Muqaddam' and 'Chaudhari' were commonly used for the village headmen. These individuals played a crucial role in local administration, acting as intermediaries between the central government and the villagers. Their responsibilities included revenue collection, maintaining law and order, and settling minor disputes within their respective villages.

Explanation

Tabaqat-i-Akbari is a significant historical work authored by Khwaja Nizamuddin Ahmad. This chronicle, written in Persian, provides a detailed account of Islamic India from the Ghaznavids up to the 38th year of Emperor Akbar's reign. It is often regarded by historians for its comprehensive and relatively unbiased reporting compared to some other contemporary works like Akbarnama.

Explanation

Krishnadevaraya, the most illustrious ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, founded the suburban township of Nagalapuram. He established this settlement near the capital city of Vijayanagara and named it in honor of his mother, Nagala Devi. This act reflected his devotion and was part of his broader efforts to develop and beautify his kingdom.

Explanation

Patna Women's College was established in 1940 as the first institution of higher education for women in Bihar. It was founded by the Society of the Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel, a Roman Catholic religious congregation. The college aimed to provide quality education to women, promoting their empowerment through academic and holistic development in the region. Mother M. Theodosia, A.C., played a pivotal role as its first Principal.

Explanation

Sir Cyril Radcliffe was appointed as the chairman of the two Boundary Commissions in 1947. These commissions were tasked with demarcating the international frontiers between the newly independent nations of India and Pakistan, specifically for the provinces of Punjab and Bengal. Radcliffe, a British lawyer with no prior experience in India, was given just a few weeks to complete this immense and complex task, leading to the controversial Radcliffe Line.

Explanation

The Mahalwari Settlement was primarily introduced by Holt Mackenzie in 1822 and was later revised under William Bentinck in 1833. This land revenue system covered areas in the Ganga valley, parts of central India, and Punjab, not specifically Bengal. In Bengal, Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement. Therefore, none of the given options correctly identifies the introducer of the Mahalwari system specifically in Bengal, as it was not primarily implemented there.

Explanation

In 1940, Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Individual Satyagraha movement to protest against India's forced involvement in World War II and to assert the right to freedom of speech. He chose Vinoba Bhave as the first individual Satyagrahi. Vinoba Bhave launched this movement on October 17, 1940, from Pavnar, a village located in the Wardha district of Maharashtra.

Explanation

The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1918 caused a significant division within the Indian National Congress. While many Congress leaders found the reforms inadequate, a group of moderate leaders, including Tej Bahadur Sapru, M.R. Jayakar, and C.Y. Chintamani, adopted a more conciliatory approach. They believed in working with the reforms and eventually broke away from the main Congress to form the Indian National Liberal Federation in 1919, advocating for constitutional reforms.

Explanation

The Cabinet Mission of 1946 was despatched by the Attlee government with a specific constitutional mandate: to negotiate with Indian leaders the framework for the transfer of power from British to Indian hands — hence statement 2 is correct. Establishing a national government was not the Mission's formal purpose; the interim government set up in September 1946 was a downstream political outcome, not the terms of reference (statement 1 incorrect). The Mission also explicitly rejected Jinnah's demand for a sovereign Pakistan and instead proposed a three-tier federal plan with grouping, so it was not sent to work out the details of that demand (statement 3 incorrect). Only statement 2 is correct — option C.

Explanation

Sher Khan, who later became Sher Shah Suri, made an offer to Humayun during the Mughal emperor's Bengal campaign. Sher Khan proposed to surrender Bihar and pay an annual tribute of 10 lakh dinars if he was allowed to retain Bengal. This offer was part of Sher Khan's strategic maneuvers against Humayun, demonstrating his growing power and ambition before their decisive clashes at Chausa and Kannauj.

Explanation

The renowned Vikramshila University, an important center for Buddhist learning in ancient India, was established by King Dharmapala. Dharmapala was a powerful ruler of the Pala dynasty, reigning from approximately 770 to 810 CE. The university, located in modern-day Bhagalpur district of Bihar, flourished under the patronage of the Pala rulers and became a significant hub for Vajrayana Buddhism and other sciences.

Explanation

The book "Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar, Some Reminiscences" was authored by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. As a prominent leader from Bihar and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, particularly during the Champaran Satyagraha, Dr. Rajendra Prasad had firsthand experience and deep insights into Gandhi's work and influence in the region. His recollections offer valuable perspectives on Gandhi's leadership and the freedom struggle in Bihar.

Explanation

Padri Ki Haveli, located in Patna City, is recognized as the oldest church in Bihar. Its origins trace back to the early 18th century, with the current structure being an 18th-century reconstruction after an earlier edifice was destroyed. It played a significant role as a center for Catholic missionaries in the region.

Explanation

The renowned Indian actor Kumudlal Ganguly, widely known by his stage name Ashok Kumar, was born in Bhagalpur. He was born on October 13, 1911, in Bhagalpur, which was then part of the Bengal Presidency in British India. Although he later moved and grew up in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, Bhagalpur remains his birthplace.

Explanation

Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, and passed away on September 8, 2022. Her reign thus lasted for 70 years and 214 days, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history. At the time of her death, she was 96 years old, a milestone age for a monarch.

Explanation

The White House is indeed the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States. John Adams was the first president to take residence there on November 1, 1800. It stands as an iconic symbol of American democracy and the presidency. However, its correct address is 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, not 1800. Therefore, statements 2, 3, and 4 are correct.

Explanation

In 2023, several former Presidents of the USA engaged in various public activities. While "the former President" can be ambiguous without further context, if referring to a prominent event in 2023, Bill Clinton was notably in Rome in October 2023 for the 'Festival of the Future'. During such appearances, former leaders often give interviews or make public statements to the media present. Without more specific detail in the question, this aligns with the provided answer.

Explanation

The people of the Indus Valley Civilization were familiar with various animals, including the bull, elephant, rhino, tiger, and buffalo, which are frequently depicted on seals and artifacts. While evidence of the horse in Harappan sites is scarce and debatable, it is generally accepted that the horse was not widely known or domesticated by the Harappan people during the mature phase of the civilization, unlike other animals that played a significant role in their culture and economy.

Explanation

Vikramshila University was an important Buddhist monastery and learning center in ancient India. It was established by King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty, not Gopala I, making statement 2 incorrect. Its ruins are located near Antichak village in the present-day Bhagalpur district of Bihar, not Banka district, thus statement 1 is also incorrect. The university was a major center for the Vajrayana sect of Buddhism, and various subjects like astronomy, logic, law, grammar, and philosophy were also taught there, making statements 3 and 4 correct. Since the question asks for incorrect statements, 1 and 2 are the answer.

Explanation

The arrival of Babur into India led to the establishment of the Timurid dynasty, known as the Mughal dynasty in India, making statement 3 correct as he was a direct descendant of Timur. Babur also significantly introduced and popularized the use of cannons and advanced artillery in warfare, which was a key factor in his military successes, thus statement 4 is correct. However, gunpowder was known in India before Babur's arrival, although its strategic use was enhanced by him, making statement 1 incorrect. Similarly, the arch and dome architectural styles were introduced much earlier by the Delhi Sultanate, making statement 2 incorrect.

Explanation

During the Mughal period, the port of Surat was renowned as 'Babul Makka' or the 'Gate of Mecca'. This appellation was due to its prominence as the primary embarkation point for Indian Muslim pilgrims undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Its strategic location and well-developed infrastructure made it a crucial hub for maritime trade and religious travel.

Explanation

The 'Ashta Pradhan' was a well-organized Council of Ministers that played a crucial role in the Maratha administration. This council was an integral part of the governance system established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It comprised eight ministers, each entrusted with specific portfolios and responsibilities, such as Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance Minister), Sachiv (Secretary), Mantri (Chronicler), Sumant (Foreign Affairs Minister), Senapati (Commander-in-Chief), Nyayadhish (Chief Justice), and Panditrao (Chief Priest).

Explanation

Fa-Hien was a Chinese Buddhist pilgrim who visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II (Gupta dynasty, early 5th century CE), not Harsha. Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) was another Chinese Buddhist monk who visited India much later, during the reign of Emperor Harsha (7th century CE), not Chandragupta II. Therefore, both statements provided are factually incorrect.

Explanation

The Persian festival of Nowruz (also spelled Navroz) was introduced in India by Sultan Ghiyas ud din Balban of the Delhi Sultanate. Balban adopted many Persian customs and rituals to enhance the prestige and grandeur of his court, aiming to impress the nobles and the public with the regal splendor of the monarchy.

Explanation

The Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis were influential ascetic groups that played a significant role in popularizing devotional religion, particularly in northern India during the medieval period. Their teachings emphasized yogic practices, meditation, and a path to salvation that transcended caste and ritual, making their philosophies accessible to common people across the region.

Explanation

Wood's Dispatch of 1854 was a landmark document concerning educational reforms in British India. It recommended English as the medium of instruction for higher studies, while promoting vernacular languages at the primary level. Furthermore, it explicitly emphasized the importance of female education and also laid stress on vocational training to prepare Indians for various professions, making both statements correct.

Explanation

The Maithili language saw significant development and patronage during the Oiniwar dynasty, which ruled the Mithila region from the 14th to the 16th century. This period is often considered a golden age for Maithili literature, with prominent poets like Vidyapati flourishing under their reign. The Oiniwars actively promoted the language and culture of Mithila, leading to its systematic development.

Explanation

During the early Vedic period, the ancient kingdom of Magadha had its first capital at Rajagriha, also known as Girivraja. This city was strategically located and naturally fortified by five hills. Pataliputra, while a later significant capital of Magadha, was established much after the early Vedic period, by Udayin of the Haryanka dynasty.

Explanation

The Vernacular Press Act was enacted in 1878 by Lord Lytton to curb the freedom of the Indian vernacular press, which was critical of British policies. Therefore, statement 1 is correct. Statements 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect as they mention wrong years for its enactment. Since only statement 1 is correct and none of the options (A, B, C) exclusively represent statement 1 or are entirely correct combinations, "None of the above" is the appropriate answer.

Explanation

The Nitisara, also known as Kamandakiya Nitisara, is an important classical Indian treatise on statecraft and politics. This significant work is attributed to Kamandaka, who is traditionally believed to have been a disciple of Chanakya (Kautilya). Kautilya himself is famous for writing the Arthashastra, another prominent work on political economy.

Explanation

Ishwardas Nagar was a contemporary historian who served as an official during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He authored the historical chronicle titled Futuhat-i-Alamgiri. This work provides valuable insights into the events and administration of Aurangzeb's rule.