Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
The period designated as the 'British Raj' signifies the direct administration of the Indian subcontinent by the British Crown, commencing in 1858 and concluding in 1947.
Answer: True
Explanation: The British Raj, also known as Crown rule in India, encompassed the direct colonial rule of the British Crown over the Indian subcontinent from 1858 to 1947.
The Indian Rebellion of 1857 directly precipitated the transfer of governmental authority from the East India Company to Queen Victoria, thereby initiating the British Raj.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was a pivotal event that led to the dissolution of the East India Company's rule and the establishment of direct British Crown governance over India.
The territories encompassed by the British Raj were exclusively those under direct United Kingdom administration, excluding all princely states.
Answer: False
Explanation: The British Raj included both territories directly administered by the United Kingdom (British India) and the numerous princely states that existed under British paramountcy.
Burma constituted an integral component of British India until its separation in 1937, at which point it became a distinct British colony.
Answer: True
Explanation: Burma was administered as part of British India until 1937, when it was administratively separated and established as a separate British colony.
The Interpretation Act 1889 defined 'British India' as territories governed by the Crown, while 'India' included British India plus territories of native princes under British suzerainty.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Interpretation Act of 1889 provided a legal distinction: 'British India' referred to areas under direct Crown administration, whereas 'India' encompassed these areas along with the princely states under British paramountcy.
Under Crown rule, the Viceroy headed the Executive Council, which adopted a portfolio system for departmental responsibilities.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Viceroy, as the Crown's representative, presided over the Executive Council, which was structured with a portfolio system assigning specific departments to individual members for administrative efficiency.
The Legislative Council established under the Indian Councils Act 1861 primarily consisted of elected Indian members serving in an advisory capacity.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Legislative Council under the 1861 Act included non-official members, some of whom were Indian, but their role was primarily advisory, and they were not elected in a manner representative of the general populace.
The Indian Councils Act 1892 expanded participation in legislative councils by including elected Indian members.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Indian Councils Act of 1892 represented a step towards greater Indian representation by allowing for the inclusion of elected members in the legislative councils.
The Indian Penal Code passed in 1860 established a framework for criminal offenses across British India.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Indian Penal Code, enacted in 1860, codified criminal law throughout British India, establishing a uniform legal standard for offenses.
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 expanded the Imperial Legislative Council to include appointed British officials only.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Indian Councils Act of 1892 expanded the Imperial Legislative Council to include elected Indian members, not solely appointed British officials.
The Viceroy served as the representative of the Crown in India, overseeing the central government and relations with princely states.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Viceroy functioned as the principal representative of the British Crown in India, responsible for the administration of the central government and the management of relations with the princely states.
What period does the term 'British Raj' refer to, signifying the direct rule of the British Crown over the Indian subcontinent?
Answer: 1858 to 1947
Explanation: The term 'British Raj' specifically denotes the period from 1858, following the Indian Rebellion, until 1947, when India gained independence.
Which event directly led to the British Crown assuming direct rule over India, replacing the East India Company's authority?
Answer: The Indian Rebellion of 1857
Explanation: The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was the catalyst for the British government to dissolve the East India Company and assume direct control over India through the Government of India Act 1858.
Besides British India, what other entities were part of the British Raj?
Answer: The princely states under British paramountcy
Explanation: The British Raj encompassed British India (directly administered territories) and the numerous princely states, which were ruled by local monarchs under the overarching authority of the British Crown.
How was Burma administered during the period of British rule in India?
Answer: As an autonomous province of British India until 1937
Explanation: Burma was administered as an integral part of British India from 1886 until it was separated in 1937 to become a distinct British colony.
According to the Interpretation Act 1889, what did 'British India' specifically refer to?
Answer: Territories governed directly by the Crown through the Governor-General or subordinate officers
Explanation: The Interpretation Act 1889 defined 'British India' as those territories under the direct administrative control of the Crown, exercised via the Governor-General or other appointed officials.
How did the Viceroy's Executive Council function under Crown rule?
Answer: It adopted a portfolio system where members headed specific departments.
Explanation: The Viceroy's Executive Council operated under a portfolio system, wherein council members were assigned responsibility for distinct governmental departments, facilitating administrative management.
What was the primary role of the non-official members in the Legislative Council established under the Indian Councils Act 1861?
Answer: To serve in an advisory capacity to assist in law-making
Explanation: Non-official members, including Indians, appointed to the Legislative Council under the 1861 Act primarily functioned in an advisory capacity to aid the legislative process.
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 was significant because it:
Answer: Expanded the Imperial Legislative Council to include elected Indian members.
Explanation: The Indian Councils Act of 1892 marked a notable development by incorporating elected Indian representatives into the Imperial Legislative Council, thereby broadening political participation.
What was the primary purpose of the Indian Penal Code passed in 1860?
Answer: To create a comprehensive legal system for criminal offenses.
Explanation: The Indian Penal Code of 1860 was enacted to establish a unified and comprehensive legal framework governing criminal offenses throughout British India.
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 expanded the Imperial Legislative Council to include appointed British officials only.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Indian Councils Act of 1892 expanded the Imperial Legislative Council to include elected Indian members, not solely appointed British officials.
The Viceroy served as the representative of the Crown in India, overseeing the central government and relations with princely states.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Viceroy acted as the Crown's principal representative in India, holding authority over the central administration and managing diplomatic relations with the princely states.
What period does the term 'British Raj' refer to, signifying the direct rule of the British Crown over the Indian subcontinent?
Answer: 1858 to 1947
Explanation: The 'British Raj' denotes the period of direct British Crown rule over the Indian subcontinent, spanning from 1858 to 1947.
Which event directly led to the British Crown assuming direct rule over India, replacing the East India Company's authority?
Answer: The Indian Rebellion of 1857
Explanation: The Indian Rebellion of 1857 prompted the British Crown to assume direct governance of India, thereby ending the rule of the East India Company.
Besides British India, what other entities were part of the British Raj?
Answer: The princely states under British paramountcy
Explanation: The British Raj encompassed British India and the princely states, which were autonomous regions under the ultimate authority of the British Crown.
How was Burma administered during the period of British rule in India?
Answer: As an autonomous province of British India until 1937
Explanation: Burma was administered as an autonomous province within British India from 1886 until its separation in 1937, after which it became a distinct British colony.
According to the Interpretation Act 1889, what did 'British India' specifically refer to?
Answer: Territories governed directly by the Crown through the Governor-General or subordinate officers
Explanation: The Interpretation Act 1889 defined 'British India' as those territories under the direct administrative control of the Crown, exercised via the Governor-General or other appointed officials.
How did the Viceroy's Executive Council function under Crown rule?
Answer: It adopted a portfolio system where members headed specific departments.
Explanation: The Viceroy's Executive Council operated under a portfolio system, wherein council members were assigned responsibility for distinct governmental departments, facilitating administrative management.
What was the primary role of the non-official members in the Legislative Council established under the Indian Councils Act 1861?
Answer: To serve in an advisory capacity to assist in law-making
Explanation: Non-official members, including Indians, appointed to the Legislative Council under the 1861 Act primarily functioned in an advisory capacity to aid the legislative process.
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 was significant because it:
Answer: Expanded the Imperial Legislative Council to include elected Indian members.
Explanation: The Indian Councils Act of 1892 marked a notable development by incorporating elected Indian representatives into the Imperial Legislative Council, thereby broadening political participation.
What was the primary purpose of the Indian Penal Code passed in 1860?
Answer: To create a comprehensive legal system for criminal offenses.
Explanation: The Indian Penal Code of 1860 was enacted to establish a unified and comprehensive legal framework governing criminal offenses throughout British India.
Following the 1857 rebellion, the reorganization of the Indian army involved integrating soldiers from groups perceived as disloyal to bolster military strength.
Answer: False
Explanation: Post-1857 army reorganization focused on recruiting soldiers from groups deemed loyal, such as Sikhs and Gurkhas, and reducing the proportion of sepoys from regions associated with the rebellion.
The rise of Indian nationalism and the formation of the Indian National Congress were influenced by factors such as educational opportunities and irritations from racial discrimination.
Answer: True
Explanation: The burgeoning Indian middle class, educated in Western systems and exposed to concepts of self-governance, alongside experiences of racial discrimination, fueled the growth of nationalist sentiment and organizations like the INC.
The partial reversal of the Ilbert Bill in 1883 was a minor event that had little impact on Indian political action.
Answer: False
Explanation: The controversy and subsequent modification of the Ilbert Bill generated significant political mobilization among Indians, highlighting racial inequalities and contributing to the formation of the Indian National Congress.
The All-India Muslim League was founded in 1906 primarily due to fears of Hindu majority dominance and protests against the Partition of Bengal.
Answer: True
Explanation: Concerns among the Muslim elite regarding political representation and the impact of the Partition of Bengal were key factors leading to the establishment of the All-India Muslim League.
Lord Curzon's Partition of Bengal in 1905 was intended to strengthen the nationalist movement by uniting different regions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Partition of Bengal was implemented by Lord Curzon with the explicit aim of weakening the burgeoning Bengali nationalist movement by dividing the region.
The Swadeshi movement, by promoting Indian products and boycotting British goods, negatively impacted British economic interests, particularly in textiles.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Swadeshi movement's emphasis on indigenous goods and boycotts directly affected British economic interests, notably reducing imports of British textiles.
Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha advocated for violent resistance to achieve political goals.
Answer: False
Explanation: Satyagraha, Gandhi's core philosophy, is fundamentally based on non-violent resistance and the pursuit of truth.
Gandhi envisioned Swaraj (self-rule) as being based on Hindu-Muslim solidarity, the removal of untouchability, and the practice of swadeshi.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gandhi's concept of Swaraj encompassed not only political independence but also social reforms such as inter-community harmony, eradication of untouchability, and economic self-reliance through swadeshi.
Gandhi's first major political action in India was the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917, concerning forced indigo cultivation.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Champaran Satyagraha in 1917 marked Mahatma Gandhi's significant entry into Indian political activism, focusing on the grievances of peasants involved in indigo farming.
Gandhi halted the Non-cooperation movement in 1922 because it was too successful in achieving its goals.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gandhi suspended the Non-cooperation movement in 1922 following the violent Chauri Chaura incident, emphasizing his commitment to non-violence even in the face of political setbacks.
The Rowlatt Act allowed for detention without trial and generated widespread indignation, fueling the nationalist movement.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Rowlatt Act, which permitted detention without trial, provoked significant opposition across India, intensifying nationalist sentiments and resistance against British rule.
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact led to Gandhi's participation in the Round Table Conferences in London following the Salt Satyagraha.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact, negotiated after the Salt Satyagraha, resulted in Mahatma Gandhi's agreement to attend the Second Round Table Conference in London.
For its first 20 years, the Indian National Congress focused primarily on immediate armed rebellion against British rule.
Answer: False
Explanation: During its initial two decades, the Indian National Congress primarily engaged in constitutional agitation, debate, and petitions, rather than advocating for immediate armed rebellion.
What key lesson did the British learn from the Indian Rebellion of 1857 regarding social policy?
Answer: A reduced inclination for social intervention, particularly in religion, was important.
Explanation: Following the 1857 rebellion, the British adopted a more cautious approach, reducing their direct intervention in Indian social customs and religious matters to avoid provoking further unrest.
Which event catalyzed the transformation of Indian discontent into political action, leading to the formation of the Indian National Congress?
Answer: The partial reversal of the Ilbert Bill in 1883
Explanation: The controversy surrounding the Ilbert Bill and its subsequent modification in 1883 served as a significant catalyst, mobilizing Indian political consciousness and contributing directly to the founding of the Indian National Congress.
Why did the Muslim elite seek separate electorates, leading to the formation of the All-India Muslim League?
Answer: Due to fears of Hindu majority dominance and protests against the Partition of Bengal
Explanation: Fears of marginalization within a potential Hindu-majority polity, exacerbated by reactions to the Partition of Bengal, motivated the Muslim elite to seek separate political representation and establish the All-India Muslim League.
What was the intended effect of Lord Curzon's Partition of Bengal in 1905?
Answer: To weaken the nationalist movement
Explanation: Lord Curzon's administration implemented the Partition of Bengal with the strategic objective of fragmenting the Bengali nationalist base and diminishing its political influence.
What was Mahatma Gandhi's core philosophy for achieving political and social change?
Answer: Satyagraha (non-violent resistance)
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi's foundational philosophy for effecting political and social transformation was Satyagraha, characterized by its adherence to non-violent principles and truth.
Which of the following was NOT a core idea envisioned by Gandhi for achieving Swaraj (self-rule)?
Answer: The immediate establishment of a parliamentary democracy modeled on Britain
Explanation: While Gandhi championed Hindu-Muslim solidarity, the removal of untouchability, and swadeshi, his vision of Swaraj was distinct from a direct replication of British parliamentary democracy.
Why did Mahatma Gandhi halt the Non-cooperation movement in 1922?
Answer: Because of the violent Chauri Chaura incident
Explanation: Gandhi called off the Non-cooperation movement after the violent events at Chauri Chaura, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to non-violent means.
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact led to Gandhi's participation in the Round Table Conferences in London following the Salt Satyagraha.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact facilitated Mahatma Gandhi's engagement in the Round Table Conferences in London, which occurred subsequent to the Salt Satyagraha campaign.
For its first 20 years, the Indian National Congress focused primarily on immediate armed rebellion against British rule.
Answer: False
Explanation: During its initial two decades, the Indian National Congress primarily pursued constitutional methods and advocacy, rather than immediate armed rebellion.
What key lesson did the British learn from the Indian Rebellion of 1857 regarding social policy?
Answer: A reduced inclination for social intervention, particularly in religion, was important.
Explanation: Following the 1857 rebellion, the British adopted a more cautious approach to social policy, minimizing intervention, especially in religious matters, to prevent further unrest.
Which event catalyzed the transformation of Indian discontent into political action, leading to the formation of the Indian National Congress?
Answer: The partial reversal of the Ilbert Bill in 1883
Explanation: The controversy and subsequent modification of the Ilbert Bill in 1883 served as a significant catalyst for Indian political mobilization, contributing directly to the founding of the Indian National Congress.
Why did the Muslim elite seek separate electorates, leading to the formation of the All-India Muslim League?
Answer: Due to fears of Hindu majority dominance and protests against the Partition of Bengal
Explanation: Concerns regarding potential marginalization within a Hindu-majority political landscape, coupled with reactions to the Partition of Bengal, prompted the Muslim elite to seek separate electorates and establish the All-India Muslim League.
What was the intended effect of Lord Curzon's Partition of Bengal in 1905?
Answer: To weaken the nationalist movement
Explanation: Lord Curzon's administration implemented the Partition of Bengal with the strategic aim of fragmenting the Bengali nationalist base and diminishing its political influence.
What was Mahatma Gandhi's core philosophy for achieving political and social change?
Answer: Satyagraha (non-violent resistance)
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi's foundational philosophy for effecting political and social transformation was Satyagraha, characterized by its adherence to non-violent principles and truth.
Which of the following was NOT a core idea envisioned by Gandhi for achieving Swaraj (self-rule)?
Answer: The immediate establishment of a parliamentary democracy modeled on Britain
Explanation: While Gandhi championed Hindu-Muslim solidarity, the removal of untouchability, and swadeshi, his vision of Swaraj was distinct from a direct replication of British parliamentary democracy.
Why did Mahatma Gandhi halt the Non-cooperation movement in 1922?
Answer: Because of the violent Chauri Chaura incident
Explanation: Gandhi called off the Non-cooperation movement after the violent events at Chauri Chaura, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to non-violent means.
World War I led to decreased calls for self-government in India as leaders focused solely on the war effort.
Answer: False
Explanation: India's significant contribution to the war effort during World War I intensified demands for greater self-governance among Indian leaders and political organizations.
The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms aimed to establish complete independence for India immediately after World War I.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, enacted via the Government of India Act 1919, aimed to introduce a system of dyarchy and increase Indian participation in governance, not immediate independence.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar involved British troops firing on an unarmed crowd, resulting in hundreds of deaths and accelerating the end of British rule.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, a brutal act of violence against unarmed civilians, became a significant turning point, galvanizing nationalist sentiment and hastening the movement towards independence.
At its 1929 Lahore session, the Indian National Congress demanded 'Purna Swaraj,' which translates to partial self-rule.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Purna Swaraj,' demanded by the Indian National Congress at the Lahore session in 1929, signifies complete independence, not partial self-rule.
The Government of India Act of 1935 proposed provincial autonomy and a potential central government linking British provinces and princely states.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Government of India Act 1935 introduced provincial autonomy and envisioned a federal structure that could potentially unite British Indian provinces with princely states.
During World War II, the Viceroy declared war without consulting Indian leaders, leading the Congress provincial ministries to resign.
Answer: True
Explanation: The unilateral declaration of war by the Viceroy without consultation prompted the Indian National Congress provincial ministries to resign in protest.
The Lahore Resolution of 1940, passed by the Muslim League, called for a unified India with equal rights for all communities.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Lahore Resolution of 1940, passed by the Muslim League, advocated for the creation of separate Muslim-majority states, not a unified India.
The Cripps Mission in 1942 failed because the British were unwilling to grant any form of independence after the war.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Cripps Mission failed primarily due to the inadequacy of its proposals regarding the timing and nature of post-war independence, rather than a complete unwillingness to grant it.
The Quit India Movement demanded immediate British withdrawal from India and led to the arrest of Congress leaders.
Answer: True
Explanation: Launched in 1942, the Quit India Movement called for the immediate end of British rule, resulting in the mass arrest of Congress leadership.
Subhas Chandra Bose allied with the Allied powers during World War II to fight for India's independence.
Answer: False
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose allied with the Axis powers, forming the Indian National Army (INA), to pursue India's independence.
Naval mutinies in the Royal Indian Navy and the realization of Britain's diminished resources in early 1946 prompted the British government to accelerate the transfer of power.
Answer: True
Explanation: The widespread naval mutinies and Britain's post-war economic constraints contributed significantly to the decision to expedite the process of granting independence to India.
Direct Action Day in 1946 was declared by the Muslim League to advocate for a unified India and resulted in peaceful demonstrations.
Answer: False
Explanation: Direct Action Day, called by the Muslim League, aimed to press for Pakistan and led to widespread communal violence, not peaceful demonstrations.
The Partition of India in 1947 resulted in minimal violence and displacement, with only a few thousand deaths.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Partition of India in 1947 triggered immense violence and mass displacement, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths.
The Simon Commission was welcomed by Indian leaders because it included a significant number of Indian representatives.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Simon Commission faced widespread condemnation and protests from Indian leaders precisely because it contained no Indian members, highlighting its exclusionary nature.
The Government of India Act 1935 aimed to grant more provincial autonomy to appease nationalist sentiment.
Answer: True
Explanation: A primary objective of the Government of India Act 1935 was to introduce provincial autonomy, a measure intended to address nationalist demands for greater self-governance.
The stated goal of "Direct Action Day" proclaimed by the Muslim League in 1946 was to peacefully advocate for the creation of a Muslim homeland.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Muslim League declared 'Direct Action Day' in 1946 with the stated objective of advocating for the establishment of a Muslim homeland, Pakistan.
The Indian National Congress won majorities in most provinces during the 1937 elections.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the provincial elections of 1937, the Indian National Congress achieved significant electoral success, securing majorities in seven out of the eleven provinces.
What was the primary objective of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms enacted through the Government of India Act 1919?
Answer: To increase Indian participation in administration and develop self-governing institutions
Explanation: The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms aimed to gradually introduce self-governing institutions and enhance the role of Indians in the administrative structure, moving towards responsible government.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 is considered significant because it:
Answer: Was a turning point that accelerated the end of British rule
Explanation: The brutality of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre profoundly impacted Indian public opinion, intensifying the nationalist movement and accelerating the drive towards independence.
What did the Indian National Congress demand at its Lahore session in 1929?
Answer: Complete independence for India ('Purna Swaraj')
Explanation: The resolution passed at the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress in 1929 explicitly called for 'Purna Swaraj,' signifying complete independence for India.
Which of the following was a key provision of the Government of India Act of 1935?
Answer: Provincial autonomy and a potential link between provinces and princely states
Explanation: The Government of India Act 1935 introduced provincial autonomy and proposed the formation of an All-India Federation, which would link British provinces with princely states.
How did the Muslim League's Lahore Resolution of 1940 shape the political landscape?
Answer: It demanded the creation of independent states in Muslim-majority areas.
Explanation: The Lahore Resolution articulated the Muslim League's demand for the establishment of separate, independent states in the Muslim-majority regions of northwestern and eastern India.
What was the primary goal of the Cripps Mission in 1942?
Answer: To negotiate Indian cooperation in World War II by promising independence after the war
Explanation: The Cripps Mission was dispatched during World War II with the objective of securing Indian support for the war effort by offering post-war dominion status.
The Quit India Movement, launched in 1942, is best characterized by:
Answer: A demand for immediate British withdrawal
Explanation: The Quit India Movement represented a decisive call for the immediate cessation of British rule in India.
What role did Subhas Chandra Bose play during World War II in the context of Indian independence?
Answer: He allied with Axis powers and formed the Indian National Army (INA).
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose sought to leverage the global conflict for India's liberation by aligning with Axis powers and establishing the Indian National Army.
The significance of 'Direct Action Day' in 1946, declared by the Muslim League, was that it:
Answer: Resulted in widespread Hindu-Muslim riots, highlighting communal divisions.
Explanation: 'Direct Action Day' initiated a period of intense communal violence, starkly illustrating the deep divisions and the challenges inherent in achieving a unified independent India.
Which of the following was a major factor contributing to the British decision to end their rule in India after World War II?
Answer: Britain's post-war economic exhaustion and lack of domestic mandate
Explanation: Britain's depleted economic state following World War II, coupled with diminishing political will and domestic support for maintaining the empire, significantly influenced the decision to withdraw from India.
What was the estimated human cost of the Partition of India in 1947 in terms of fatalities?
Answer: Between 250,000 and 500,000
Explanation: Estimates suggest that the communal violence accompanying the Partition of India in 1947 resulted in the deaths of between 250,000 and 500,000 individuals.
The Simon Commission faced widespread protests in India primarily because:
Answer: Indians were excluded from its membership.
Explanation: The composition of the Simon Commission, which notably excluded any Indian members, was the principal reason for the widespread protests and boycotts it encountered across India.
What was the outcome of the 1937 provincial elections for the Indian National Congress?
Answer: They achieved significant victories, winning majorities in seven provinces.
Explanation: The Indian National Congress secured substantial electoral success in the 1937 provincial elections, forming majority governments in seven of the eleven provinces.
The Simon Commission was welcomed by Indian leaders because it included a significant number of Indian representatives.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Simon Commission was met with widespread protests and was not welcomed by Indian leaders due to the complete absence of Indian representation within its membership.
The Government of India Act 1935 aimed to grant more provincial autonomy to appease nationalist sentiment.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Government of India Act 1935 introduced significant provincial autonomy, a measure intended to address and assuage nationalist aspirations for greater self-governance.
Naval mutinies in the Royal Indian Navy and the realization of Britain's diminished resources in early 1946 prompted the British government to accelerate the transfer of power.
Answer: True
Explanation: The significant naval mutinies and Britain's post-war resource constraints were critical factors that compelled the British government to expedite the process of transferring power to India.
Direct Action Day in 1946 was declared by the Muslim League to advocate for a unified India and resulted in peaceful demonstrations.
Answer: False
Explanation: Direct Action Day, initiated by the Muslim League, was intended to advocate for Pakistan and led to widespread violence, not peaceful demonstrations for a unified India.
The Partition of India in 1947 resulted in minimal violence and displacement, with only a few thousand deaths.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Partition of India in 1947 was accompanied by extensive violence and mass displacement, resulting in hundreds of thousands of fatalities.
The stated goal of "Direct Action Day" proclaimed by the Muslim League in 1946 was to peacefully advocate for the creation of a Muslim homeland.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Muslim League designated 'Direct Action Day' in 1946 with the stated aim of advocating for the establishment of a Muslim homeland through peaceful means, although it resulted in significant violence.
The Indian National Congress won majorities in most provinces during the 1937 elections.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Indian National Congress achieved substantial electoral success in the 1937 provincial elections, securing majority control in seven of the eleven provinces.
What was the primary objective of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms enacted through the Government of India Act 1919?
Answer: To increase Indian participation in administration and develop self-governing institutions
Explanation: The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms aimed to gradually introduce self-governing institutions and enhance the role of Indians in the administrative structure, moving towards responsible government.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 is considered significant because it:
Answer: Was a turning point that accelerated the end of British rule
Explanation: The brutality of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre profoundly impacted Indian public opinion, intensifying the nationalist movement and accelerating the drive towards independence.
What did the Indian National Congress demand at its Lahore session in 1929?
Answer: Complete independence for India ('Purna Swaraj')
Explanation: The resolution passed at the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress in 1929 explicitly called for 'Purna Swaraj,' signifying complete independence for India.
Which of the following was a key provision of the Government of India Act of 1935?
Answer: Provincial autonomy and a potential link between provinces and princely states
Explanation: The Government of India Act 1935 introduced provincial autonomy and proposed the formation of an All-India Federation, which would link British provinces with princely states.
How did the Muslim League's Lahore Resolution of 1940 shape the political landscape?
Answer: It demanded the creation of independent states in Muslim-majority areas.
Explanation: The Lahore Resolution articulated the Muslim League's demand for the establishment of separate, independent states in the Muslim-majority regions of northwestern and eastern India.
What was the primary goal of the Cripps Mission in 1942?
Answer: To negotiate Indian cooperation in World War II by promising independence after the war
Explanation: The Cripps Mission was dispatched during World War II with the objective of securing Indian support for the war effort by offering post-war dominion status.
The Quit India Movement, launched in 1942, is best characterized by:
Answer: A demand for immediate British withdrawal
Explanation: The Quit India Movement represented a decisive call for the immediate cessation of British rule in India.
What role did Subhas Chandra Bose play during World War II in the context of Indian independence?
Answer: He allied with Axis powers and formed the Indian National Army (INA).
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose sought to leverage the global conflict for India's liberation by aligning with Axis powers and establishing the Indian National Army.
The significance of 'Direct Action Day' in 1946, declared by the Muslim League, was that it:
Answer: Resulted in widespread Hindu-Muslim riots, highlighting communal divisions.
Explanation: 'Direct Action Day' initiated a period of intense communal violence, starkly illustrating the deep divisions and the challenges inherent in achieving a unified independent India.
Which of the following was a major factor contributing to the British decision to end their rule in India after World War II?
Answer: Britain's post-war economic exhaustion and lack of domestic mandate
Explanation: Britain's depleted economic state following World War II, coupled with diminishing political will and domestic support for maintaining the empire, significantly influenced the decision to withdraw from India.
What was the estimated human cost of the Partition of India in 1947 in terms of fatalities?
Answer: Between 250,000 and 500,000
Explanation: Estimates suggest that the communal violence accompanying the Partition of India in 1947 resulted in the deaths of between 250,000 and 500,000 individuals.
The Simon Commission faced widespread protests in India primarily because:
Answer: Indians were excluded from its membership.
Explanation: The composition of the Simon Commission, which notably excluded any Indian members, was the principal reason for the widespread protests and boycotts it encountered across India.
What was the outcome of the 1937 provincial elections for the Indian National Congress?
Answer: They achieved significant victories, winning majorities in seven provinces.
Explanation: The Indian National Congress secured substantial electoral success in the 1937 provincial elections, forming majority governments in seven of the eleven provinces.