GAT Test - 12

The correct answer is: 'A - (iii), B - (ii), C - (iv), D - (i)'.

Key Points

• (A) Partition of Bengal was announced on
  • This event was announced on 19 July 1905, which matches option (iii).
  • The announcement by the British government to partition Bengal was met with widespread opposition from the Indian populace.
• (B) Boycott Resolution was passed on
  • The Boycott Resolution was passed on 7 August 1905, corresponding to option (ii).
  • This resolution was part of the Swadeshi Movement, encouraging Indians to boycott British goods and use domestic products.
• (C) Partition of Bengal
  • The actual partition of Bengal took place on 16 October 1905, aligning with option (iv).
  • The partition led to significant political unrest and was later reversed in 1911 due to strong opposition.
• (D) Barisal Conference held on Dates
  • The Barisal Conference, which was a significant meeting of the Indian National Congress to discuss the partition, was held in April 1906, corresponding to option (i).
  • This conference was important in strategizing the opposition to the partition and organizing mass protests.

Additional Information

• Partition of Bengal, 1905:
  • Announced by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, the partition aimed to divide Bengal into two provinces for administrative efficiency.
  • It was perceived as an attempt to weaken the nationalist movement by dividing the population along religious lines.
  • The partition created East Bengal and Assam with a Muslim majority and West Bengal with a Hindu majority.
• Swadeshi and Boycott Movements:
  • These movements were initiated in response to the partition and aimed at promoting Indian goods and boycotting British products.
  • They also included protests, public meetings, and the burning of foreign goods.
• Reversal of Partition:
  • Due to the intense protests and the failure to quell the nationalist movement, the British government annulled the partition in 1911.
  • This was seen as a significant victory for Indian nationalists and boosted the freedom struggle.

The correct answer is - Sir Eyre Coote

Key Points

• Sir Eyre Coote
  • Sir Eyre Coote was a prominent British military officer who played a significant role in the Second Anglo-Mysore War.
  • He is best known for his victory at the Battle of Porto Novo in 1781, where he defeated Hyder Ali's forces.
  • His efforts were crucial in relieving Wandiwash, a strategic location held by the British, from the siege laid by Hyder Ali.
  • Coote's leadership and military strategies were instrumental in ensuring British dominance in southern India during this period.

Additional Information

• Colonel Harpur
  • Colonel Harpur was a British military officer, but there are no significant records of him playing a major role in the relief of Wandiwash or the battles against Hyder Ali.
• Colonel Baillie
  • Colonel Baillie was involved in the First Anglo-Mysore War and is known for the Battle of Pollilur in 1780, where his forces were defeated by Hyder Ali.
  • He did not play a role in the relief of Wandiwash in 1781.
• Sir Hector Munro
  • Sir Hector Munro was a British Army officer who played a significant role in the Battle of Buxar in 1764, securing British control over Bengal.
  • Although he served in India, he was not involved in the specific events of relieving Wandiwash from Hyder Ali.

The correct answer is Mihir Bhoja​.

Key Points

• Mihir Bhoja was the greatest ruler of the Pratihara Dynasty.
• The Pratiharas or the Gurjar Pratiharas rose to power after the fall of the Pushyabuti Dynasty.
• There are major two lineages of Pratihara known that was founded by Harichandra and Nagabhatta.
• The line of Harichandra (6^th -9^th century AD) ruled over Marwar in Rajasthan and that of Nagabhatta I (8^th - 11^th century AD) ruled over Ujjain and Kannauj.
• Bhoja or Mihir Bhoja was the greatest ruler of this dynasty.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Birsa Munda

Key Points

• The term 'ulgulan' is associated with Munda uprising.
• The Mundas traditionally enjoyed a preferential rent rate as the original clearer of the forest.
• But in course of the 19th century, they had seen their jobs were being eroded by the jagirdars and thikadars coming as merchants and moneylenders.
• Birsa Munda proclaimed a rebellion to establish Munda rule in the land. This revolt is also known as the Ulgulan.
• The Ulgulan which means the Great Tumult was one of the most significant tribal uprisings.
• On Christmas Eve, 1899, Birsa gathered a force of 6,000 Mundas armed with swords, spears, battle-axes, and bows and arrows.
• The rebels attacked police stations and officials, churches and missionaries.
• He was captured at the beginning of February 1900 and he died in jail in June.

Additional Information

• Tirot Sing
  • ​Tirot Sing, also known as U Tirot Sing Syiem, was one of the chiefs of the Khasi people in the early 19th century.
  • He drew his lineage from the Syiemlieh clan.
  • He was Syiem (king) of Nongkhlaw, part of the Khasi Hills.
  • He was a constitutional head sharing corporate authority with his Council, general representatives of the leading clans within his territory. 
• Budhu Bhagat
  • ​Budhu Bhagat was an Indian freedom fighter.
  • He had led guerrilla warfare against British.
  • He was leader of Kol rebellion and Larka rebellion in 1831—32 in Chhotanagpur.
• Tilka Manjhi 
  • ​Tilka Majhi was a notable tribal leader and revolutionary from present-day Bihar and Jharkhand, recognized as one of the earliest figures to rebel against British colonial oppression in India.

The correct answer is: 'only statement (A) is true'.

Key Points

• Only about 10 to 12 percent of the population had Right to Vote (Statement A).
  • This statement is correct.
  • In the 1937 elections held under the Government of India Act 1935, the voting rights were limited to only a small proportion of the population. This was largely based on property qualifications, meaning that only about 10 to 12 percent of the adult population was eligible to vote.
  • This limited franchise was a significant issue of contention for Indian leaders who were advocating for broader democratic rights and full independence.

Incorrect Statement

• The Muslim League secured 60 percent of total Muslim Vote (Statement B).
  • This statement is incorrect.
  • In the 1937 elections, the Muslim League did not perform as well as it claimed in terms of the Muslim vote. While the League did secure some Muslim seats, its overall performance was not as significant as indicated in the statement.
  • The League's claim of securing a majority of the Muslim vote came under scrutiny, and it was observed that the League did not dominate the Muslim electorate to the extent suggested by the 60 percent figure.

Hence, Statement (A) is correct, and Statement (B) is incorrect.

Additional Information

• Government of India Act 1935:
  • The Government of India Act 1935 was a significant step towards the establishment of a federal structure and responsible government in India.
  • This Act introduced provincial autonomy and provided for the establishment of provincial legislatures with elected representatives, although the franchise was limited.
  • The 1937 elections were the first to be held under this Act and were a significant milestone in the Indian independence movement.
• Role of the Muslim League in the 1937 Elections:
  • The All India Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, aimed to represent the interests of Muslims in India.
  • However, in the 1937 elections, the Muslim League's performance was not as strong as expected, leading to internal reevaluation and reorganization within the party.
  • The League's later success in mobilizing the Muslim electorate came in the 1940s, leading up to the demand for a separate state of Pakistan.

The correct answer is Mohammad Iqbal.

Key Points

• Mohammad Iqbal, also known as Allama Iqbal, was a philosopher, poet, and politician in British India.
• He is regarded as having inspired the Pakistan Movement.
• Iqbal is credited with presenting the idea of a separate nation for Muslims in India during his speech at the Allahabad session of the All-India Muslim League in 1930.
• He proposed that the Muslims of India should strive for a separate state where they could live according to their own customs and Islamic principles.

Additional Information

• Two-Nation Theory:
  • The Two-Nation Theory was the ideological basis for the creation of Pakistan.
  • It stated that Muslims and Hindus were two distinct nations, with their own customs, religion, and traditions, and, therefore, Muslims should have their own separate state.
  • This theory was a driving force behind the demand for Pakistan by the All-India Muslim League.
  • It was formally presented by Mohammad Iqbal in 1930 and was later adopted by Mohammad Ali Jinnah as the basis for the creation of Pakistan.
• All-India Muslim League:
  • The All-India Muslim League was a political party established in 1906 in British India.
  • It played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement and in the creation of Pakistan.
  • The party was founded to represent the interests of the Muslim community in India and to promote the idea of a separate Muslim state.
  • Prominent leaders of the Muslim League included Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Khan, and Rahmat Ali Chaudhary.
• Allahabad Address:
  • The Allahabad Address was a speech delivered by Mohammad Iqbal at the annual session of the All-India Muslim League in Allahabad in 1930.
  • In this address, Iqbal outlined his vision of a separate nation for Muslims in north-western India.
  • This speech is considered a seminal moment in the history of the Pakistan Movement and laid the groundwork for the demand for an independent Muslim state.
  • Iqbal's vision was ultimately realized with the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

The correct answer is Bhukti > Vishaya > Rashtra.

Key Points

• The Rashtrakuta dynasty was known for its well-organized administrative structure.
• The hierarchy of administrative units was designed to ensure efficient governance and control.
• The smallest administrative unit was the Bhukti, followed by the Vishaya, and then the Rashtra.
• This ascending order reflects the increasing level of administrative control and jurisdiction from smaller to larger units.

Additional Information

• Rashtrakuta Dynasty:
  • The Rashtrakuta dynasty ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent between the 6th and 10th centuries.
  • They were known for their contributions to art, architecture, and literature.
  • They had a well-established administrative system to manage their vast empire.
• Bhukti:
  • It was the smallest administrative division under the Rashtrakutas.
  • Each Bhukti was governed by a local official responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and implementing the policies of the central government.
• Vishaya:
  • A Vishaya was a larger administrative unit that encompassed several Bhuktis.
  • It was managed by a higher-ranking official who oversaw the administration, revenue collection, and judicial matters within the Vishaya.
• Rashtra:
  • The Rashtra was the largest administrative division, comprising multiple Vishayas.
  • It was governed by a high-ranking official or governor who reported directly to the central authority of the Rashtrakuta empire.
  • The governor of a Rashtra had significant autonomy and was responsible for the overall administration, defense, and welfare of the region.

The correct answer is: '4) (B) and (D) only'.

Key Points

• The discussions of the Round Table Conferences led to the passing of this Act.
  • This statement is correct.
  • The Government of India Act 1935 was a result of the discussions and recommendations made during the Round Table Conferences held in London between 1930 and 1932.
  • These conferences aimed to discuss constitutional reforms in India and included representatives from various Indian communities and British officials.
• The Congress did not take part in all the Round Table Conferences.
  • This statement is correct.
  • The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, boycotted the first Round Table Conference held in 1930. However, Gandhi did attend the second conference in 1931 after the signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
• It provided Dyarchy in Provinces.
  • This statement is incorrect.
  • Dyarchy was introduced in the provinces by the Government of India Act 1919, not the 1935 Act. The 1935 Act actually abolished dyarchy in the provinces and introduced it at the central level instead.
• It provided for setting up of the Federation of India.
  • This statement is correct.
  • The Government of India Act 1935 proposed the establishment of an All-India Federation consisting of British India and the princely states. However, this federation never came into being because the princely states did not join it.

Incorrect Statements

• It provided Dyarchy in Provinces.
  • This statement is incorrect.
  • As mentioned, dyarchy was introduced by the Government of India Act 1919 and was removed by the 1935 Act in the provinces. The 1935 Act introduced provincial autonomy instead, where ministers responsible to the legislatures were given control over provincial subjects.

Hence, Statements B and D are correct, and Statements A and C are incorrect.

Additional Information

• Government of India Act 1935:
  • The Act was the longest piece of legislation enacted by the British Parliament at that time.
  • It divided powers between the centre and the provinces, a significant step towards federalism in India.
  • It established provincial autonomy, allowing elected Indian ministers to form governments in the provinces.
• Round Table Conferences:
  • The Round Table Conferences were a series of three conferences organized by the British government to discuss constitutional reforms in India.
  • The first conference was held in 1930 without the Congress's participation. The second conference, held in 1931, saw Gandhi's participation after the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. The third conference in 1932 also saw minimal participation from Indian leaders.

The correct answer is: 'Lord Curzon'.

Key Points

• Lord Curzon's Resignation:
  • The controversy was primarily between Lord Curzon, the Viceroy, and General Kitchener, the Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian Army.
  • The dispute arose over the control and authority of the military in India, with Curzon wanting to maintain the Viceroy's supremacy over military affairs.
  • When the home government in Britain sided with Kitchener, Lord Curzon felt undermined and resigned in 1905.
• Reforms and Policies:
  • Lord Curzon is also known for his various administrative reforms, including the partition of Bengal in 1905, which was a highly controversial move and led to widespread protests.
  • His tenure was marked by efforts to improve the administration of the British Raj, though his policies often sparked significant opposition from Indian nationalists.

Incorrect Options

• Lord Chelmsford:
  • Served as Viceroy of India from 1916 to 1921.
  • Was not involved in the controversy mentioned.
• Lord Linlithgow:
  • Served as Viceroy from 1936 to 1943.
  • His tenure was marked by the Second World War and the Quit India Movement.
• Lord Minto:
  • Served as Viceroy from 1905 to 1910.
  • He is known for the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, which introduced limited self-governance in British India.

Hence, the correct answer is Lord Curzon.

Additional Information

• Partition of Bengal (1905):
  • Lord Curzon's decision to partition Bengal was intended to improve administrative efficiency but was seen as an attempt to divide and rule by creating religious and political divisions.
  • The partition led to widespread protests and was eventually reversed in 1911.
• Curzon-Kitchener Controversy:
  • This controversy highlighted the tension between civil and military authorities in British India.
  • It underscored the complexities of governance in colonial India, where administrative and military hierarchies often clashed.

The correct answer is Option 4.

Key Points

• In October 1943, Subhash Chandra Bose set up the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind Government) in Singapore, and it was recognized by nine countries, including Japan. Hence, option 4 is correct.
• Provisional Government Formation:
  • It was established on 21st October 1943 under the leadership of Subhash Chandra Bose.
• Countries that Recognized Azad Hind Government:
  • Japan
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Burma (Myanmar)
  • Thailand
  • Philippines
  • Manchukuo (Japanese puppet state in China)
  • Croatia (a Nazi-allied state)
  • Wang Jingwei regime (Japanese-backed government in China)
• Significance:
  • The Azad Hind Government was a symbolic yet powerful attempt to declare India’s independence from British rule.
  • Bose’s leadership inspired the Indian National Army (INA) to fight alongside Axis powers during World War II.