Effects of British Rule 11th History Lesson 12 Questions in English

11th History Lesson 12 Questions in English

12] Effects of British Rule

1. Which battle was the real foundation battle for British dominion in India?

1. First battle of Panipat
2. Battle of Plassey
3. Battle of Buxar
4. Battle of Talikota

Explanation

Battle of Buxar was the real foundation battle for British dominion in India. As a result of the Battle of Buxar, the Company ceased to be a company of merchants and became a formidable political force.

2. When Bengal famine happened after which British began to exercise power with some responsibility?

1. 1664
2. 1770
3. 1712
4. 1751

Explanation

Initially, the English East India Company’s focus was not on administration. Its aim was ensuring smooth trade. However, after the terrible Bengal famine of 1770, they began to exercise power with some responsibility.

3. Which Mughal emperor opposed the British in Battle of Buxar?

1. Alamgir II
2. Aurangzeb
3. Sher Shah Suri
4. Shah Alam II

Explanation

Not only the Nawab of Bengal and Oudh, but the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II and his prime minister were also opposed to the British in Battle of Buxar.

4. Who was appointed Governor of Fort William, Under the pretext of corruption in Bengal administration?

1. Charles Cornwallis
2. Robert Clive
3. Warren Hasting
4. William Bentinck

Explanation

Under the pretext of corruption in Bengal administration Robert Clive was appointed Governor of Fort William.

5. Which among the following statement is correct

1. Clive did not like his predecessor Vansittart’s decision restoring Oudh to Shah Alam. So, he called for fresh negotiation with Shuja-ud-daulah.
2. As a result of this, four treaties of Allahabad were signed. The emperor granted the Diwani (revenue administration) of Bengal, Bombay and Delhi to the Company.
3. Only 1
4. Only 2
5. Both 1 and 2
6. None

Explanation

As a result of this, two treaties of Allahabad were signed. The emperor granted the Diwani (revenue administration) of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa to the Company.

6. Who was to get the districts of Allahabad and Kora, besides an annual allowance of 26 lakhs of rupees from the revenues of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa?

1. Shah Alam II
2. Robert Clive
3. Vansittart
4. Mir Qasim

Explanation

The emperor Shah Alam II was to get the districts of Allahabad and Kora, besides an annual allowance of 26 lakhs of rupees from the revenues of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.

7. The province of Oudh was restored to whom on the payment of war indemnity?

1. Mir Qasim
2. Shah Alam II
3. Shuja-Ud-Daula
4. Safdar-Jang

Explanation

The province of Oudh was restored to Shuja-ud-daula on the payment of war indemnity. The treaties held the Nawab of Bengal responsible for the governance of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.

8. Which among the following statement is correct

1. Before the emperor granted the Diwani to Clive, the Nawab of Bengal, successor of Mir Jafar, had practically transferred the Nizamat to the Company. So, the Company had to function as Diwan and the Nizam.
2. The Diwan’s duty included the collection of revenue and the control of civil justice. The Nizam’s function was to exercise military power and to dispense criminal justice.
3. The Nizam acquired the real power, while the responsibility of administration was with the company. This arrangement is called oligarchy.
4. Only 2
5. Both 1 and 2
6. Both 1 and 3
7. Both 2 and 3

Explanation

The Company acquired the real power, while the responsibility of administration was with the Nawab. This arrangement is called Dual System or Double government or Dyarchy.

9. Who was appointed the Governor General of Bengal after the Regulating Act of 1773 was passed?

1. Lord William Bentinck
2. Robert Clive
3. Charles Cornwallis
4. Warren Hastings

Explanation

Governance without responsibility led to the outbreak of a terrible famine in 1770. Finally, the Company realized its responsibility and passed the Regulating Act of 1773. Warren Hastings was appointed the Governor General of Bengal.

10. Who was the administrative head of East India Company until 1772?

1. Governor
2. Viceroy
3. Queen
4. Governor General of India

Explanation

The administrative head of East India Company was Governor (of Fort William or of Fort St. George) until 1772. Warren Hastings who was Governor of Fort William was made Governor-General of Bengal.

11. Which act designated the Governor-General of Bengal post as Governor-General of India and William Bentinck was appointed the first Governor-General of united British India?

1. Regulation act of 1773
2. Regulation act of 1813
3. The charter act of 1833
4. The pit India act of 1784

Explanation

The Charter Act 1833 designated this post as Governor-General of India and William Bentinck was appointed the first Governor-General of united British India. The Governor-General was selected by the Court of Directors of the East India Company, to whom he was responsible.

12. After which incident the government of India was transferred from the East India Company to the Crown?

1. Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre
2. First Rebellion of 1818
3. First Anglo-Sikh war
4. Great Rebellion of 1857

Explanation

After the great rebellion of 1857, when the government of India was transferred from the East India Company to the Crown, the title “Viceroy and Governor-General” was first used in the queen’s proclamation of 1858.

13. Who was the first Viceroy and Governor-General of India accountable to the British Parliament?

1. Bentinck
2. Canning
3. Cornwallis
4. Mountbatten

Explanation

Canning was the first Viceroy and Governor-General of India accountable to the British Parliament.

14. Which act separated the civil and military establishments in India?

1. The Regulation act of 1773
2. The pit India act of 1784
3. The charter act of 1833
4. Negotiable Instruments act of 1881

Explanation

The Pitt India Act of 1784 separated the civil and military establishments in India. The Regulating Act of 1773 imposed on the court of Directors the legal obligation of informing all revenue transactions of the Company servants to the British Treasury.

15. Which Governor-general himself a big landlord, wanted to create landlords after the British model in India?

1. Bentinck
2. Canning
3. Cornwallis
4. Mountbatten

Explanation

Governor-General Cornwallis, himself a big landlord, wanted to create landlords after the British model in India.

16. Which middle man was created as a result of Cornwallis came in settlement with revenue farmers?

1. Zamindars
2. Mahalwari
3. Palayakkarar
4. Thalaikots

Explanation

Cornwallis came to a settlement with the revenue farmers. This resulted in the creation of a new type of middlemen, called zamindars, reducing the cultivators to the position of mere tenants.

17. The settlement that Cornwallis made with the zamindars of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa in pursuance of the instruction from the Directors, is called ____

1. The native settlement
2. The land reform settlement
3. The permanent settlement
4. The migration settlement

Explanation

The settlement that Cornwallis made with the zamindars of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa in pursuance of the instruction from the Directors, is called the Permanent Settlement.

18. In which year Cornwallis made settlement with the zamindars of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa?

1. 1773
2. 1820
3. 1793
4. 1818

Explanation

In the year 1793 the Cornwallis made settlement with the zamindars of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.

19. Which among the following statement is correct

1. ‘Settlement’ refers to the assessment and fixing of the quantum of land revenue to be paid by each zamindar to the government. For Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, this was fixed permanently
2. Thus, the zamindars who were originally tax collectors acquired hereditary rights over the land assigned by the government. The zamindars pocketed whatever they collected over and above the settlement.
3. The first quarter of the nineteenth century was a formative period in the land revenue history of the Madras Province. First after a great deal of deliberations Permanent Settlement was adopted.
4. Only 1
5. Both 1 and 2
6. Both 2 and 3
7. All 1, 2 and 3

20. In the first quarter of the nineteenth century the districts of Chengalpattu, Salem and Dindigul were divided into a number what and sold to the highest bidders?

1. Jillas
2. Mittahs
3. Zamindari
4. Palayam

Explanation

The districts of Chengalpattu, Salem and Dindigul were divided into a number of mittahs and sold to the highest bidders. Most of the purchasers, after fleecing the peasants, failed in the course of a year or two. The experiment was therefore abandoned.

21. Which revenue system was introduced in 1833 during the period of William Bentinck that land revenue was collected from individual cultivators?

1. Mahalwari
2. Ryotwari
3. Zamindar
4. Sathimar

Explanation

Mahalwari was introduced in 1833 during the period of William Bentinck. Under the system the revenue settlement was made with the proprietor of the estate but the land revenue was collected from individual cultivators.

22. What is the fixed period for the assessment of each village under the village lease system based on the actual collections over a series of past years?

1. Four years
2. Five years
3. Three years
4. Seven years

Explanation

Under the Village Lease system, the assessment of each village was to be fixed for a period of three years based on the actual collections over a series of past years.

23. Which among the following statement is incorrect

1. In districts where mirasi rights existed, the mirasdar was made responsible for the rent collections. In districts where the mirasi rights did not exist, an arrangement was made with the village headman
2. The village lease system was successful due to various reasons such as good monsoons, low price of grains and the high period of lease.
3. Only 1
4. Only 2
5. Both 1 and 2
6. None

Explanation

The village lease system failed due to various reasons such as bad monsoons, low price of grains and the short period of lease. When crops failed entire villages defaulted and fled without paying the revenue.

24. Which system was introduced by court of Directors in 1814?

1. Mahalwari
2. Ryotwari
3. Zamindar
4. Sathimar

Explanation

By 1814 the Court of Directors had decided to introduce the ryotwari system.

25. Who formulated the Ryotwari system?

1. William Bentick
2. Charles Cornwallis
3. Mountbatten
4. Thomas Munro

Explanation

Ryotwari system was formulated by Governor Thomas Munro. Under this system the ryot, an Anglicization by the British in India of the Arabic word ra’īyah, meaning a peasant or cultivator, was the proprietor and tax payer of the land.

26. Once in how many years the revenue assessment of Ryotwari system was reviewed?

1. Ten
2. Fourteen
3. Thirty
4. Thirty-Six

Explanation

The revenue assessment of Ryotwari system was reviewed once in thirty years, taking into account the changes in grain prices, marketing opportunities, irrigation facilities and the like.

27. Which among the following statement is correct

1. The ryotwari system introduced the concept of private property in land. The individual holders were registered and issued pattas.
2. They were permitted not allowed to sell, lease, mortgage or transfer the right over land in Ryotwari system.
3. Only 1
4. Only 2
5. Both 1 and 2
6. None

Explanation

They were permitted to sell, lease, mortgage or transfer the right over land in Ryotwari system. Apart from eviction, default could result in attachment of livestock, household property and personal belongings.

28. In which year Thomas Munro arrived madras?

1. 1793
2. 1800
3. 1780
4. 1768

Explanation

Thomas Munro arrived Madras in 1780. In the first 12 years he was engaged in Mysore War as soldier. He worked in the Baramahal (Salem district) from 1792-1799 and Kanara from 1799-1800.

29. In which among the following district Thomas Munro was not a collector?

1. Kadapa
2. Hyderabad
3. Kurnool
4. Anantapur

Explanation

Thomas Munro was collector of Ceded Districts: Kadapa, Kurnool, Chittoor, Anantapur. It was during this period that he conceived the idea of Ryotwari Settlement.

30. In which year Thomas Munro became Governor of Madras Presidency and served for seven years?

1. 1882
2. 1809
3. 1836
4. 1820

Explanation

In 1820 he became Governor of Madras Presidency and served for seven years. He also emphasized the need for Indianization of the services. He died of Cholera at Pattikonda (Karnool district) in July 1827.

31. In which among the following system government deals directly with peasants or cultivator without the intervention of any middlemen?

1. Ryotwari
2. Zamindar
3. Mahalwari
4. Tranquizar

Explanation

The government dealt with peasants or cultivator directly without the intervention of any middlemen. Under this system the ryot, an Anglicization by the British in India of the Arabic word ra’īyah, meaning a peasant or cultivator, was the proprietor and tax payer of the land.

32. Who pursued a forward policy to establish British supremacy in India by annexation of territories?

1. Bentinck
2. Canning
3. Cornwallis
4. Wellesley

Explanation

Governor General Wellesley (1798-1805) pursued a forward policy to establish British supremacy in India. His annexation of territories was not a result of victory in war. It was by assumption of the entire` administration of an Indian State, with its rulers retaining his title and receiving a fixed allowance.

33. When Thomas Munro officially enforced the Ryotwari System in Madras?

1. 1820
2. 1832
3. 1822
4. 1819

Explanation

In 1822, Thomas Shelby officially enforced the Ryotwari System in Madras. During his governorship, he gave attention to education and regarded any expenditure on it as an investment.

34. Who among the following received subsidies for the maintenance of British contingents?

1. Nawab of Oudh
2. Nawab of Arcot
3. Nawab of Bengal
4. Nawab of Bombay

Explanation

Before Wellesley, the Company concluded alliances with Indian princes. The Nizam and the Nawab of Oudh received subsidies for the maintenance of British contingents. Such forces were generally stationed outside the State concerned.

35. Which among the following region was not brought under the British by Subsidiary Alliance System?

1. Mysore
2. Hyderabad
3. Delhi
4. Lucknow

Explanation

Difficulties arose when the payments were not promptly paid. Wellesley broadened the scope of this arrangement by his Subsidiary Alliance System, bringing under its Hyderabad, Mysore, Lucknow, the Maratha Peshwa, the Bhonsle (Kolhapur) and Sindhia (Gwalior).

36. Which among the following is not the provisions of the Subsidiary Treaty?

1. An Indian ruler entering into Subsidiary Alliance with the British had to dissolve his own armed forces and accept British forces and a British Resident in his territory
2. He had to pay for the British army’s maintenance. If he failed, a portion of his territory would be taken away and ceded to the British
3. The protected prince was to sever all connections with European powers other than the British, especially the French.
4. Any European should be employed without the permission of the British. Negotiation with any Indian power can be held without the Company’s permission

Explanation

No European should be employed without the permission of the British. No negotiation with any Indian power should be held without the Company’s permission.

37. Where Thomas Munro statue was erected in 1839 by public subscription?

1. Bombay
2. Madras
3. Calcutta
4. Delhi

Explanation

Thomas Munro very popular governor, people constructed shrines in his honour, and named their children after him. His statue was erected at Madras in 1839 by public subscription.

38. Which among the following statement is correct

1. The Subsidiary System increased the military resources and efficiency of the Company government. The immediate result of this system was the discharge of thousands of professional soldiers by the political powers.
2. The disbanded soldiers indulged in freebooting activities. Pindaris (marauders) began to swell on account of the Subsidiary System. In view of the guaranteed support to the Princes by the Company, the protective States mal-administered and paved the way for the annexation.
3. Only 1
4. Only 2
5. Both 1 and 2
6. none

39. Which among the following region is the presidency during British period?

1. Delhi
2. Calcutta
3. Hyderabad
4. Lucknow

Explanation

Distinction between ‘Presidency’ and ‘Province’: The British called Presidency the place where the office of Chief Administrative Head was situated. Madras, Bombay and Calcutta were the three Presidencies.

40. Who introduced Doctrine of Lapse in British India?

1. William Bentinck
2. Macaulay
3. Dalhousie
4. Charles Travelyan

Explanation

The doctrine of lapse was introduced by governor general Dalhousie in British India.

41. Which was the first state to fall by applying Doctrine of Lapse?

1. Jhansi
2. Satara
3. Nagpur
4. Cochin

Explanation

By applying this policy known as Doctrine of Lapse, the first state to was Satara. Shahji of Satara died (1848) and the son he adopted on the eve of his death was not recognized by Dalhousie.

42. Who was the husband of Rani Lakshmi Bai, played a prominent role in Great Rebellion of 1857?

1. Gangadhar Rao
2. Nana Sahib
3. Tatya Hope
4. Maharana Pratap

Explanation

Gangadhar Rao, Raja of Jhansi died in November 1853 and Dalhousie annexed that state immediately. His widow, Rani Lakshmi Bai, played a prominent role in the Great Rebellion of 1857.

43. After Raghuji Bhonsle III died in 1853 without a child which among the following state was annexed by british?

1. Manipur
2. Satara
3. Nagpur
4. Cochin

Explanation

Raghuji Bhonsle III died in 1853 without a child. Nagpur was immediately annexed.

44. Which among the following statement is incorrect

1. Governor General Dalhousie held that the paramount power could legally refuse to sanction adoption in the case of rulers of States dependent on it.
2. The Doctrine of Lapse, thus, served as an instrument for the pursuit of its annexation policy. When the Crown took over India in 1858 Doctrine of Lapse was withdrawn
3. Only 1
4. Only 2
5. Both 1 and 2
6. None

45. Who was the son of last peshwa, to whom Dalhousie refuse to pay pension?

1. Mangal Pandey
2. Tatya Tope
3. Baji Rao II
4. Nana Saheb

Explanation

In 1851, the last Peshwa died. He had been a pensioner of the Company for thirty-three years, but Dalhousie refused to continue paying the pension to his son, the Nana Sahib.

46. After which battle the Company embarked on its career of expansion, it established the system of dual government?

1. Battle Buxar
2. Third battle of Panipat
3. Battle of Plassey
4. Battle of Talikota

Explanation

In the aftermath of the Battle of Plassey (Palashi) (1757), when the Company embarked on its career of expansion, it established the system of dual government.

47. Who promised the payment of annual tribute to the Mughal emperor Shah Alam?

1. Cornwallis
2. Bentinck
3. Clive
4. Hasting

Explanation

The Company was only the diwan (the collector of revenue), but in practice it exercised full authority. This authority was asserted by the refusal to continue the payment of annual tribute to the Mughal emperor Shah Alam promised by Clive. Cornwallis even stopped affirming obedience in letters to the emperor.

48. Which among the following statement is correct

1. Under dual government system, everything was sought to be done by the Company’s servants in the name of some powerless and dependent prince. In theory the Company was only the diwan (the collector of revenue), but in practice it exercised full authority.
2. Bentinck carried matters further with his objective of establishing British predominance through his Subsidiary Alliance System. Bentinck made subsidiary alliances with the three of the major States of India: Hyderabad, Poona and Mysore.
3. Only 1
4. Only 2
5. Both 1 and 2
6. None

Explanation

Wellesley carried matters further with his objective of establishing British predominance through his Subsidiary Alliance System. Wellesley made subsidiary alliances with the three of the major States of India: Hyderabad, Poona and Mysore.

49. Who became Governor General in 1813 ordered the removal of the phrase denoting the imperial supremacy from his seal?

1. Hastings
2. Bentinck
3. Cornwallis
4. Macaulay

Explanation

Hastings (Moira) who became Governor General in 1813 ordered the removal of the phrase denoting the imperial supremacy from his seal.

50. Warren Hastings refused to meet whom, unless he waived all authority over the Company’s?

1. Shah Alam II
2. Akbar II
3. Alamgir II
4. Jahandar Shah

Explanation

Warren Hastings refused to meet Emperor Akbar II, unless he waived all authority over the Company’s possessions. But Hastings laid down a policy that the Company was in no way responsible for the administration of the Indian States.

51. In which state the authority of the Nizam did not prevail in certain areas, as the Arab troops lived without any control, so British troops helped reduce the Arabs to obedience?

1. Cochin
2. Delhi
3. Mysore
4. Hyderabad

Explanation

In Hyderabad, the authority of the Nizam did not prevail in certain areas, as the Arab troops lived without any control. The assistance of British troops helped reduce the Arabs to obedience.

52. In which year financial management of Raja provoked a rebellion and the treaty of Wellesley only provided authority for the Company to interfere?

1. 1818
2. 1879
3. 1830
4. 1810

Explanation

In Mysore state the financial management of the raja provoked a rebellion in 1830 and the treaty of Wellesley only provided authority for the Company to interfere.

53. Who as Governor General, relieved the raja of all his powers and appointed Mark Cubbon to administer Mysore?

1. William Bentinck
2. Richard Wellesley
3. Warren Hastings
4. Thomas Munro

Explanation

William Bentinck, as Governor General, relieved the raja of all his powers and appointed Mark Cubbon to administer Mysore.

54. In which among the following region during a minority, the parties at the durbar quarrelled bitterly among themselves?

1. Lucknow
2. Patna
3. Gwalior
4. Kolhapur

Explanation

In Gwalior, during a minority, the parties at the durbar quarrelled bitterly among themselves. The army of the State passed out of control. Ellenborough moved with a strong army, but the State army resisted.

55. In which battle the State army of Gwalior was defeated?

1. Battle of Talikota
2. Battle of Maharajpur
3. First Carnatic War
4. Battle of Gharhra

Explanation

At the battle of Maharajpur, the State army was defeated and new terms of conditions including the limitation of the military forces maintained by it were imposed in 1843. Every accession of territory also increased the influence of the Company over the governments of the Indian princes.

56. Cornwallis organized company administration securing the services of whom?

1. John Pitcairn
2. Joseph Brant
3. William Jones
4. Thomas Hickey

Explanation

Cornwallis organized company administration securing the services of William Jones, a judge and an Orientalist. He set up a machinery for the detection and punishment of crime, thereby ending the dual system of government established by Clive.

57. Which among the following is the highest criminal court during British period?

1. Sadar Diwani Adalat
2. Sadar Nizamat Adalat
3. Sadal Nikas Adalat
4. Sadal Mustif Adalat

Explanation

Cornwallis deprived the collectors of their judicial function and confined them to revenue collection. Civil and criminal courts were thoroughly reorganized. At the top of the judicial system were the Sadar Diwani Adalat (Civil Court) and the Sadar Nizamat Adalat (Criminal Court).

58. Where the two highest civil and criminal court (Sadar Diwani Adalat and the Sadar Nizamat Adalat) was located during British period?

1. Bombay
2. Madras
3. Calcutta
4. Delhi

Explanation

These two highest civil and criminal courts (Sadar Diwani Adalat and the Sadar Nizamat Adalat) of appeal at Calcutta were presided over by the Governor General and his Council.

59. In which among the following region provincial courts under two highest civil and criminal courts didn’t appeal?

1. Deccan
2. Mysore
3. Patna
4. Murshidabad

Explanation

Under the two highest civil and criminal courts were four provincial courts of appeal at Calcutta, Deccan, Murshidabad and Patna.

60. How many European judges’ function under each Provincial courts?

1. Two
2. Four
3. Three
4. Five

Explanation

Each provincial court was to function under three European judges, aided by Indian advisers. Next came the District and City courts, each presided over by a European judge assisted by Indians. Every district and important city was provided with a court.

61. At the bottom of the judicial system were courts under Indian judges, called ____

1. Munsifs
2. Neethiya
3. Manuprakthi
4. Dharmana

Explanation

At the bottom of the judicial system were courts under Indian judges, called munsifs.

62. In Civil cases whose law was imposed and followed?

1. Christian Law
2. British Law
3. Hindu Law
4. Muslim Law

Explanation

In civil cases, Muslim law was imposed and followed. In criminal cases, Hindu and Muslim laws were applied according to the religion of the litigants.

63. Who among the following contributed bigger for reform of the civil services?

1. Bentinck
2. Thomas Munro
3. Hastings
4. Cornwallis

Explanation

The biggest contribution of Cornwallis was the reform of the civil services. Cornwallis provided scope for employing capable and honest public servants. He put an end to the old tradition of the civil service wherein the Company’s servants were given a small salary but were permitted to trade.

64. Which among the following statement is Incorrect

1. Every district was divided into darogas (police circles). Each daroga was under a thana, an Indian officer.
2. Cornwallis’ police system was further improved under Warren Hastings. The rigid separation of judicial and revenue powers was given up. The Collector began to function as Magistrate as well.
3. Only 1
4. Only 2
5. Both 1 and 2
6. None

Explanation

Every district was divided into thanas (police circles). Each thana was under a daroga, an Indian officer.

65. who among the following emphasized the need for educating and training?

1. Clive
2. Bentinck
3. Cornwallis
4. Wellesley

Explanation

Cornwallis, who toned up the civil and criminal administration, however, did not pay adequate attention to the education of Company servants. It was Wellesley who emphasized the need for educating and training them.

66. In which year College of Fort William was founded at Calcutta?

1. 1810
2. 1818
3. 1800
4. 1841

Explanation

Wellesley thought the civilians should have a knowledge of the languages, laws, customs and manners and history of India, in addition to their liberal education in England. With this object, the College of Fort William was founded at Calcutta in 1800.

67. How many years of course study was provided for the Company’s civil servants?

1. Four
2. Three
3. Five
4. Two

Explanation

A three-year course of study was provided for the Company’s civil servants at college of Fort Williams. The college was staffed by European professors and eighty Indian pundits. This became the Oriental School for Bengal civilians.

68. Where the College of Fort St George was set up in 1812?

1. Bombay
2. Mysore
3. England
4. Madras

Explanation

In Madras, the College of Fort St George was set up in 1812.

69. In which year the East India College was established in England?

1. 1806
2. 1812
3. 1831
4. 1819

Explanation

In 1806 the East India College was established in England.

70. Who set up the College of Fort St George at Madras?

1. Macauley
2. Mountbatten
3. Harold Wilson
4. F. W. Ellis

Explanation

In Madras, the College of Fort St George was set up by F.W. Ellis in 1812 on the lines of College of Fort William. It was here that the theory that the South Indian languages belonged to a separate family of languages independent of Sanskrit was formulated.

71. Which was established by a learned maulvi with the support of Warren Hastings was the beginning of initiatives of British to promote education?

1. Madrasa
2. Pali
3. Gurkulam
4. Padasalai

Explanation

The establishment of a Madrasa by a learned maulvi with the support of Warren Hastings was the beginning of initiatives of British government to promote education.

72. The Madrasa started by a learned maulvi with how many stipendiary students?

1. Seventy
2. Eighty
3. Forty
4. Twenty

Explanation

The Madrasa started by a learned maulvi with forty stipendiary students.

73. Who established a Sanskrit college (1791) in Benares?

1. Bentinck
2. Cornwallis
3. Hastings
4. Clive

Explanation

What Warren Hastings had done for the Muslims; his successor was prepared to do for the Hindus. Cornwallis established a Sanskrit college (1791) in Benares. The successive governors in the next twenty years, however, did nothing to follow it up.

74. In which year when the Company Charter was renewed, it contained a clause intended to force on the Company the initiative for a regular educational policy?

1. 1800
2. 1827
3. 1813
4. 1820

Explanation

The Company held the view that it was not desirable in its own interests to encourage education in India. In 1813, when the Company Charter was renewed, it contained a clause intended to force on the Company the initiative for a regular educational policy.

75. Who encouraged the foundation of vernacular schools by missionaries?

1. Macaulay
2. Hastings
3. Cornwallis
4. Bentinck

Explanation

Hastings encouraged the foundation of vernacular schools by missionaries.

76. Where the Hindu College was established in 1817?

1. Calcutta
2. Madras
3. Bombay
4. Mysore

Explanation

Hastings was the patron of the Hindu College, established at Calcutta in 1817, supported by the Indian public for the teaching of English and of Western science.

77. Which among the following was the missionary that promoted education in British India?

1. David Asante
2. Samson Oppong
3. Alexander Duff
4. Rosina Widmann

Explanation

The cause of education was further promoted by missionaries like Alexander Duff. Thanks to Hastings’ liberal outlook, press censorship instituted in 1799 was abolished.

78. When the Bengali Weekly, the Samachar Darpan was started?

1. 1812
2. 1826
3. 1804
4. 1818

Explanation

The Bengali Weekly, the Samachar Darpan was started in 1818.

79. Which act emphasized the development of the country primarily in the interest of its inhabitants?

1. The Regulation act of 1773
2. The pit India act of 1784
3. The charter act of 1833
4. Negotiable Instruments act of 1881

Explanation

The Charter act of 1833 emphasized the development of the country primarily in the interest of its inhabitants.

80. Who among the following reformed the society by abolishing sati?

1. Robert Clive
2. William Bentinck
3. Thomas Munro
4. Warren Hastings

Explanation

William Bentinck, appointed the first Governor General of united India reformed the society by suppressing thuggee (robbery and murder committed by the thugs in accordance with their ritual), abolishing sati and introducing English as the medium of instruction in schools and colleges.

81. In which year Bentinck founded the Calcutta Medical College?

1. 1820
2. 1819
3. 1835
4. 1827

Explanation

William Bentinck thought would facilitate Indianization of the services. Bentinck founded the Calcutta Medical College in March 1835. The students of this college were sent to London in 1844 to complete their studies.

82. Where the Grant Medical College was founded in 1845?

1. Bombay
2. Calcutta
3. Madras
4. Ahmedabad

Explanation

Ten years after the establishment of the Calcutta Medical College, the Grant Medical College in Bombay was founded in 1845.

83. In which year the Thomason Engineering College at Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee) came into existence?

1. 1830
2. 1821
3. 1853
4. 1847

Explanation

In 1847 the Thomason Engineering College at Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee) came into existence. In 1849 a school for girls was founded in Calcutta.

84. Who among the following came to India as a law member in 1835?

1. Macaulay
2. Bentinck
3. Warren Hastings
4. Arthur Cotton

Explanation

Macaulay came to India as a law member in 1835. He was appointed President of the Board of Education. He had a poor opinion of indigenous learning. Macaulay recommended and government accepted to make English the literary and official language of India.

85. With whose charter of 1600, the East India company was started?

1. Queen Victoria
2. King George VI
3. Queen Elizabeth
4. Prince Edward VII

Explanation

The East India Company was started with Queen Elizabeth’s Charter of 1600.

86. Which among the following statement is correct

1. A charter is a grant by a country’s sovereign power to start a company, university, or city with rights and privileges clearly stated.
2. Queen Elizabeth Charter of 1600 came to be renewed every thirty years, after Cornwallis took over as Governor General since 1773.
3. The Charter of 1943 was the last one before the Company government was taken over by the Crown.
4. Only 1
5. Both 1 and 2
6. Both 2 and 3
7. Both 1 and 3

Explanation

Queen Elizabeth charter of 1600 came to be renewed every twenty years, after Warren Hastings took over as Governor General since 1773. The Charter of 1853 was the last one before the Company government was taken over by the Crown.

87. Who designed the system of vernacular education?

1. Arthur cotton
2. James Thomason
3. George William
4. Charles Wood

Explanation

Dalhousie showed keen interest in education. He approved of the system of vernacular education designed by James Thomason, Lieutenant Governor of the North-Western Provinces (184353).

88. In which University of Madras was established?

1. 1842
2. 1857
3. 1861
4. 1829

Explanation

Departments of Public Instruction and a university for each of the three Presidencies were organized for the purpose. University of Madras was established under this plan (1857), along with universities in Bombay and Calcutta.

89. Whose educational dispatch outlined a comprehensive scheme of education-primary, secondary, collegiate?

1. Arthur cotton
2. James Thomason
3. George William
4. Charles Wood

Explanation

The Educational Dispatch of Charles Wood (1854) outlined a comprehensive scheme of education-primary, secondary, collegiate.

90. Who among the following modified the policy of Macaulay by encouraging educational institutions in vernaculars too?

1. Cornwallis
2. Arthur Cotton
3. Dalhousie
4. Hastings

Explanation

Dalhousie modified the policy of Macaulay by encouraging educational institutions in vernaculars too. He also agreed to the principle of grants-in-aid to private effort, irrespective of caste or creed.

91. Which among the following statement is correct

1. Pindaris were freebooters composed of both Muslim and Hindu bands. The Subsidiary Alliance of the Company had led to the disbandment of thousands of soldiers and most of them joined them and swelled their numbers in central India
2. The British proclaimed Anglo-Pindaris War. But it turned out to be a war against Mughals and the outcome of this prolonged war (1842 to 1868) was that the whole of Central India came under British rule.
3. Only 1
4. Only 2
5. Both 1 and 2
6. None

Explanation

The British proclaimed Pindari War. But it turned out to be a war against Marathas and the outcome of this prolonged war (1811 to 1818) was that the whole of Central India came under British rule.

92. The Thugs were robbers operating between which two regions from fourteenth century?

1. Delhi and Bengal
2. Delhi and Jhansi
3. Delhi and Agra
4. Delhi and Gwalior

Explanation

The Thugs were robbers operating between Delhi and Agra from the fourteenth century.

93. The Thugs murdered unsuspecting travellers in the name of the which god?

1. Siva
2. Kali
3. Rama
4. Hanuman

Explanation

The Thugs were bound together by oaths and ritual and murdered unsuspecting travellers in the name of the goddess Kali.

94. Who was placed by Bentinck in charge of the operation to eliminate the Thuggee menace?

1. Charles Samuel
2. James Madison
3. Thomas Jefferson
4. William Sleeman

Explanation

Bentinck placed William Sleeman in charge of the operation to eliminate the Thuggee menace. Between 1831 and 1837 more than three thousand Thugs were convicted. Five hundred became approvers. By 1860 the problem of thuggee had ceased to exist.

95. In which year sati abolition act was enacted by Bentinck?

1. 1824
2. 1818
3. 1831
4. 1829

Explanation

Previous governors-general of Bentinck were reluctant to prohibit the custom as an interference in religion but Bentinck enacted a law (Sati Abolition Act, 1829) to put an end to this practice.

96. Who among the followings campaigns and efforts played a decisive part in getting this inhuman practice abolished?

1. Raja Ram Mohan Roy
2. Dayananda Saraswati
3. Pandita Ramabai
4. Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Explanation

Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s campaigns and efforts played a decisive part in getting this inhuman practice abolished.

97. Which among the following statement is Incorrect

1. The first serious proposal for constructing railways was made by the European business community. The Directors were doubtful whether railways could be successfully built in India.
2. Governor General Hastings however persuaded them arguing that the railways would bring very considerable economic advantage. Yet before the Great Rebellion less than thousand miles of track had been laid.
3. Only 1
4. Only 2
5. Both 1 and 2
6. None

Explanation

Governor General Dalhousie however persuaded them arguing that the railways would bring very considerable economic advantage. Yet before the Great Rebellion less than three hundred miles of track had been laid.

98. In which year telegraph service was inaugurated in India?

1. 1854
2. 1841
3. 1868
4. 1839

Explanation

Though several proposals for the laying of telegraph communication between India and London were put forward, the telegraph service was inaugurated only in 1854.

99. With the opening of which canal, the journey between Europe and India was reduced by some 4000 miles?

1. Panama Canal
2. Saimaa Canal
3. Suez Canal
4. Corinthian Canal

Explanation

The time of communication between London and Calcutta came down from several days to twenty-eight minutes. With the opening of Suez Canal in 1869, the journey between Europe and India was reduced by some 4000 miles.

100. Except whom, the Governor Generals were reluctant to do anything without seeking the permission of Whitehall, the headquarters of the East India Company?

1. Cornwallis
2. Curzon
3. Arthur
4. Macauley

Explanation

By 1870 the government of British India was in effective contact with Secretary of State, India Office, London. Subsequently, with the exception of Curzon, Governor Generals were reluctant to do anything without seeking the permission of Whitehall, the headquarters of the East India Company.

101. The first railway line was between which two points in India?

1. Bombay to Thane
2. Howrah to Raniganj
3. Bombay to Howrah
4. Madras to Howrah

Explanation

The first train runs between Bombay and thane.

102. The first railway line in south India ran from which two place?

1. Trichy to Madras
2. Madras to Jolarpet
3. Madras to Arakonam
4. Chengapattu to Madras

Explanation

The first railway line in south India ran from Madras to Arakonam in 1856. Royapuram was one of the railway stations inaugurated in that year.

103. In which year the railway line from Bombay to Thane was opened?

1. 1855
2. 1876
3. 1800
4. 1853

Explanation

The railway line from Bombay to Thane was opened in 1853; from Howrah to Raniganj in 1854-55.

104. Who among the following dam across the Kollidam (Coleroon) in 1836?

1. Arthur Cotton
2. John Pennycuick
3. Hendry Lockwood
4. Thomas Jefferson

Explanation

In Madras, as we will see in the following section, a few irrigation works were carried out because of the personal enthusiasm of Arthur Cotton, an Engineering officer. Against much opposition, Cotton built a dam across the Kollidam (Coleroon) in 1836. In 1853, a dam across the Krishna river had also begun.

105. In which year Jumna canal was completed?

1. 1839
2. 1846
3. 1830
4. 1834

Explanation

In the north, before the takeover of India by the Crown, Jumna canal was completed in 1830 and by 1857 the Ganges canal had been extended to nearly 450 miles.

106. In the Punjab area which canal had been excavated by 1856?

1. Sharda Canal
2. Bari Doab Canal
3. Buckingham Canal
4. Tajewala Canal

Explanation

In the Punjab area the Bari Doab canal had been excavated by 1856. But the canal water contributed to soil salinity and water logging causing great ecological distress.

107. Who were the first tribal group to resist the British rule in India?

1. Gonds
2. Khasi
3. Kodava
4. Santhals

Explanation

The Santhals who were the first tribal group to resist the British rule in India.

108. Which cultivation was encouraged in the hilly and mountainous tracts by British?

1. Contour cultivation
2. Slope cultivation
3. Terrace cultivation
4. Mixed Crop Cultivation

Explanation

Slope cultivation was encouraged in the hilly and mountainous tracts. Land was provided to European enterprises at a throwaway price for slope cultivation.

109. Which among the following statement was Correct

1. Land revenue was the mainstay of the British Indian government’s fiscal system. Therefore, in their effort to extend the areas of cultivable land, forests were destroyed.
2. Zamins were created out of Jungle raja forests and auctioned off for regular cultivation. The original inhabitants of this region, the Kodavas were evicted.
3. Further, in their enthusiasm to try plantation crops, zamindars and Indian rulers destroyed the forests. Coffee, for instance, did not grow in many places.
4. Only 1
5. Both 1 and 2
6. Both 2 and 3
7. Both 1 and 3

Explanation

Zamins were created out of Jungle Mahal forests and auctioned off for regular cultivation. The original inhabitants of this region, the Santhals were evicted.

110. Which among the following was not the India tree that were needed to build railway tracks?

1. Sal
2. Maple
3. Deodar
4. Teak

Explanation

Timber came to be exploited with the massive construction of the railway system. In the 1870s, it was calculated that every year one million sleepers were needed to build railway tracks. Indian trees, particularly sal, deodar, and teak, were preferred for their strength over other Indian timbers.

111. Which tree was extracted more from the forests of the Jungle Mahals of West Bengal and Bihar?

1. Sal
2. Oak
3. Dalbergia
4. Maple

Explanation

Much sal was extracted from the forests of the Jungle Mahals of West Bengal and Bihar. Timber went to England too for the building of railways.

112. In which year India Forest act was passed by British?

1. 1818
2. 1865
3. 1879
4. 1824

Explanation

The myth that India’s forests were inexhaustible was exploded. It was in this background that the colonial state, in order to manage and control forest resources, started the Forest Department and passed the Indian Forest Act, 1865. This was a draconian act which restricted the use of forest resources by indigenous groups who resented it.

113. In which year Criminal Tribes Act was enacted by British?

1. 1838
2. 1863
3. 1871
4. 1859

Explanation

In order to contain protest and resistance the British enacted the dreaded Criminal Tribes Act, 1871. During the entire colonial period there were frequent insurrections by tribal people against the colonial state.

114. Which among the following statement is correct

1. Europe had always imported more from the East than was exported here. There was little that the East required from the West in return for the spices, silks, calicos, jewels and the like it sent there.
2. The industrial revolution in textile production that took place in England reversed this relationship for the first time. India was systematically deindustrialized.
3. Being the world’s leading exporter of cloth and textiles, India became a market for high end cottons. Cheap machine-made Indian goods led to the flooding of British markets.
4. Only 1
5. Both 1 and 2
6. Both 2 and 3
7. All 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Rather than being the world’s leading exporter of cloth and textiles, India became a market for Lancashire cottons. Cheap machine-made British goods led to the flooding of Indian markets. Indian cotton piece goods began to lose ground gradually.

115. Which among the following statement is Incorrect

1. The Company government, in the first three decades, followed a policy of allowing restricted flow of imports of British goods into India.
2. With import duty English goods were little costlier than domestic products. At the same time, Indian manufactures were shut out from the British market by high protective duties
3. Large numbers of weavers were thrown out of employment and forced to seek livelihood in agriculture, which increased the pressure on the already overcrowded land.
4. Only 2
5. Both 1 and 2
6. Only 3
7. Both 2 and 3

Explanation

The Company government, in the first three decades, followed a policy of allowing unrestricted flow of imports of British goods into India. Without any import duty English goods were much cheaper than domestic products. At the same time, Indian manufactures were shut out from the British market by high protective duties.

116. Who wrote the following statement ‘the Muhammedans surpassed our rule; they settled in the countries which they conquered; they intermarried with the natives; Our policy on the contrary, has been the reverse of this– cold, selfish and unfeeling.’?

1. Cornwallis
2. Robert Clive
3. Thomas Munro
4. William Bentinck

Explanation

Contrasting Muslim rule with British governance William Bentinck himself acknowledged the benevolent nature of the former. ‘In many respects’, Bentinck wrote, ‘the Muhammedans surpassed our rule; they settled in the countries which they conquered; they intermarried with the natives; Our policy on the contrary, has been the reverse of this– cold, selfish and unfeeling.’

117. Which among the following statement is correct

1. Military and civil administrative costs in British India consumed an average of eighty per cent of the budget, leaving twenty per cent to be divided among the various departments concerned.
2. William Bentinck wanted the colonial state to give priority to irrigation rather than building railway network, but his suggestion was turned down by the imperial Government in England.
3. Outbreak of successive famines in the last quarter of the nineteenth century ultimately prompted the government under British Crown to initiate some steps for the building of dams.
4. Both 1 and 2
5. Both 2 and 3
6. Both 1 and 3
7. All 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Arthur Cotton wanted the colonial state to give priority to irrigation rather than building railway network, but his suggestion was turned down by the imperial Government in England.

118. Which was the system intended to create a large body of independent peasants?

1. Zamindar
2. Mahalwari
3. Ryotwari
4. Kishandar

Explanation

The Ryotwari system intended to create a large body of independent peasants, who would be protected from the “corrupt and faithless zamindar,” however, in reality achieved the contrary result of strengthening the position of the big landlords.

119. When the Torture Commission, appointed by the Company government in Madras present its report?

1. 1850
2. 1835
3. 1827
4. 1855

Explanation

The Torture Commission, appointed by the Company government in Madras in its report presented in 1855 exposed the atrocities perpetrated by the Indian revenue and police officials in the process of collecting land tax from the cultivators.

120. How many famines was there between 1800 and 1825(First quarter of century)?

1. Twelve
2. Four
3. Six
4. Nine

Explanation

Famine, though no stranger to India, increased in frequency and deadliness with the advent of British colonial rule. Between 1800 and 1825, there were only four famines. But in the last quarter of the century there were 22 famines.

121. By 1901, who among the following enumerated 10 mass famines since the 1860s, putting the total death toll at 15 million?

1. Romesh Chunder
2. Surendranath Banerjee
3. Dadabhai Naoroji
4. Palme Dutt

Explanation

By 1901, Romesh Chunder Dutt, a former ICS officer and a staunch nationalist, enumerated 10 mass famines since the 1860s, putting the total death toll at 15 million.

122. Which nationalist was prompted by Orissa famine to begin his lifelong investigations into Indian poverty?

1. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
2. Bipin Chandra Pal
3. Dadabhai Naoroji
4. Dinshaw Edulji Wacha

Explanation

The Orissa famine, in which one third of the population died of starvation and disease, served as a patent proof of this thesis. It prompted nationalist Dadabhai Naoroji, to begin his lifelong investigations into Indian poverty.

123. Which among the following year madras famine took palce?

1. 1833 – 34
2. 1876 – 78
3. 1861 – 63
4. 1888 – 90

Explanation

Madras Famine of 1876-78: The failure of two successive monsoons caused a severe famine in the Madras Presidency during 1876-78.

124. Who was the Viceroy during Madras famine, adopted an hands-off approach similar to that followed in Orissa?

1. Willington
2. Mountbatten
3. Lytton
4. Ripon

Explanation

The viceroy Lytton adopted a hands-off approach similar to that followed in Orissa. 3.5 million people died in the presidency.

125. When the company government abolished slavery in India?

1. 1869
2. 1831
3. 1843
4. 1826

Explanation

Initially slave labour was used for the plantation crops and slope cultivation. But after the Company government abolished slavery in India (1843), the system of indentured was used.

126. Which among the following country labours was not hired by system of indentured to work in plantation crops and slope cultivation?

1. Ceylon
2. Fiji
3. South Africa
4. Hong Kong

Explanation

The introduction of plantation crops and slope cultivation in Ceylon, Mauritius, Fiji, Malaya, the Caribbean islands, Natal and South Africa required enormous labour. The system of indentured was used to hire labour.

127. Under the system of indentured, labourers were hired on contract for a period of how many years?

1. Seven years
2. Ten years
3. Five years
4. Twelve years

Explanation

Under the system of indentured, labourers were hired on contract for a period of five years (indenture) and they could return to their homeland with passage paid at the end. Many impoverished peasants and weavers went hoping to earn some money. But in effect it was worse than slave labour.

128. Which among the following statement is correct

1. The colonial state allowed agents (kanganis) to trick or kidnap indigent landless labourers. 150 indenture labourers “the innocent victims of a new system of slavery” were first taken from Thanjavur in 1828 to the new British coffee plantations in Ceylon.
2. All of them deserted. Therefore, recruitment coupled with criminal laws prohibiting desertion started in the 1830s. People courted this new form of slavery to escape starvation deaths
3. Only 1
4. Only 2
5. Both 1 and 2
6. None

129. In which year the Governor of Madras received a communication from the Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) asking for coolies to work on the coffee plantations?

1. 1855
2. 1838
3. 1819
4. 1815

Explanation

In 1815, the Governor of Madras received a communication from the Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) asking for coolies to work on the coffee plantations.

130. Which among the following statement is incorrect

1. The Madras Governor forwarded this letter to the collector of Thanjavur, who after enquiry reported back saying that the people were very much attached to the soil and hence unless some incentive was provided it was not easy to make them move out of their native soil.
2. The outbreak of two famines (1833 and 1843) forced the people, without any prompting from the government, to leave for Ceylon to work as coolies in coffee and tea plantations under indentured labour system.
3. Only 1
4. Only 2
5. Both 1 and 2
6. None

131. Who was the author of Poverty and Un-British rule in India?

1. Dadabhai Naoroji
2. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
3. Motilal Nehru
4. Mangal Pandey

Explanation

Dadabhai Naoroji in his Poverty and UnBritish Rule in India explained how the English rulers were different from the earlier invaders.

132. Which among the following is not the constituted Home charges?

1. Incentive to the shareholders of the Company
2. Savings and the salaries of Indian officials, Indian traders and Planters remitted to India
3. Pensions to those who retired from civil and military services.
4. The salaries of the staff and the Secretary to Home Government, India Office at London

Explanation

Savings and the salaries of European officials, European traders and Planters remitted to England

133. What was India’s loan to England in 1837?

1. 85 million pounds
2. 130 million pounds
3. 92 million pounds
4. 152 million pounds

Explanation

Expenses on wars fought in India and interests for the loans obtained from the banks for the conduct of wars and for the building of railroads. India’s loan to England was 130 million pounds in 1837. It increased to 220 million pounds, of this 18 percent was for conducting wars waged against Afghanistan and Burma.

134. Which among the following statement is correct

1. Naoroji argued that a great deal of wealth was drained to England in the form of Home Charges. A government report of 1908 informed that on account of railways, India had incurred a debt of 177.5 million pounds.
2. In the form of guaranteed interest of 10 percent, the Colonial state promised to repay the interest in sterling. There was a loss of 110 million pounds to India on this score.
3. Only 1
4. Only 2
5. Both 1 and 2
6. None

Explanation

In the form of guaranteed interest of 5 percent, the Colonial state promised to repay the interest in sterling. There was a loss of 220 million pounds to India on this score.

135. Who among the following pillage stopped after eighteen times?

1. Muhammad of Ghori
2. Malik Ayaz
3. Gazni Mahmud
4. Babur

Explanation

The drain of wealth Dadabhai Naoroji lamented that had the money drained to England remained in the pockets of Indians, India would have economically progressed. Even Gazni Mahmud’s pillage stopped after eighteen times but the British plunder seemed to be unending, he quipped.

136. Who estimated that during the last decade of the reign of Queen Victoria (1891-1901), of the total income 647 pounds, 159 million pounds drained to England?

1. Dadabhai Naoroji
2. William Bentinck
3. Motilal Nehru
4. R. C. Dutt

Explanation

R.C. Dutt estimated that during the last decade of the reign of Queen Victoria (1891-1901), of the total income 647 pounds, 159 million pounds drained to England. This worked to 44 percent of the total income of the country.

137. Arrange the following Governor general in chronological order

1. William Bentinck
2. Cornwallis
3. Dalhousie
4. Warren Hastings
5. 3 – 1 – 4 – 2
6. 2 – 4 – 1 – 3
7. 4 – 2 – 1 – 3
8. 3 – 1 – 2 – 4