GAT Test - 13

The correct answer is: '(A) and (B) both are true'.

Key Points

• Lala Lajpat Rai was hit on the chest by lathis during an anti-Simon Commission protest.
  • The Simon Commission, established in 1927, faced widespread opposition due to its lack of Indian representation. The Indian public and leaders perceived it as an insult to their aspirations for self-rule.
  • On October 30, 1928, during a peaceful protest in Lahore, Lala Lajpat Rai was leading a demonstration against the commission.
  • The protest turned violent when the police, under the orders of Superintendent James A. Scott, charged the demonstrators with lathis. Lala Lajpat Rai sustained severe injuries to his chest.
  • Although he survived the initial assault, he succumbed to his injuries on November 17, 1928, making his death a symbol of resistance against colonial rule.
• Govind Ballabh Pant remained crippled for life due to injuries inflicted on him during anti-Simon Commission demonstrations.
  • Govind Ballabh Pant, a significant leader in the Indian freedom struggle, actively participated in protests against the Simon Commission.
  • During these protests, he was injured severely, which led to lifelong physical impairments. Despite this, Pant continued to play a pivotal role in the independence movement and later served as the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

Incorrect Statements

• Both statements in this question are correct, as evidenced by historical records.

Additional Information

• Simon Commission:
  • Formed to assess the working of the Government of India Act, 1919, the Simon Commission faced strong opposition due to its exclusion of Indian members.
  • It ultimately led to the formation of the Nehru Report in 1928, which outlined India's demand for dominion status.
• Lala Lajpat Rai’s Contribution:
  • A member of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio, Lala Lajpat Rai emphasized the need for self-rule and inspired many young revolutionaries.
  • His martyrdom intensified the anti-colonial struggle, and leaders like Bhagat Singh vowed to avenge his death, resulting in the killing of J.P. Saunders in 1928.
• Govind Ballabh Pant’s Legacy:
  • Despite his physical impairment, Pant played an instrumental role in drafting the Constitution of India and was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1957 for his contributions.

The Correct answer is Option 2. 

Key Points

• Makhali Gosala was the founder and a significant figure in the Ajivika sect. Hence, statement a is correct.
• The Ajivikas believed in the doctrine of Niyati, which emphasized determinism and the lack of free will. Hence, statement b is correct.
• The Ajivikas opposed caste-based discrimination and emphasized equality, much like other heterodox sects. Hence, statement c is incorrect.
• Historical accounts suggest that the Ajivikas organized regular sabhas (assemblies) to discuss their doctrines and maintain organizational cohesion. Hence, statement d is correct.

Additional Information

The Ajivika Sect: 

• The Ajivika sect was one of the significant heterodox sects in ancient India, alongside Buddhism and Jainism. It flourished during the 6th century BCE and was founded by Makkhali Gosala, a contemporary of Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.

Key Features of the Ajivika Sect:

• Founder:
  • Makkhali Gosala, who initially followed Jainism under Mahavira but later separated to establish the Ajivika sect.
• Core Philosophy:
  • Niyati (Fate):
    • The Ajivikas believed in absolute determinism, meaning everything in life is preordained and governed by fate (Niyati).
    • There is no scope for human effort or free will to change the course of events.
  • Eternal Cycle of Time:
    • Time was seen as cyclical, with the world undergoing endless cycles of creation and destruction.
  • Denial of Karma's Influence:
    • While other sects emphasized karma, the Ajivikas believed that karma had no impact on one's current life or fate.
• Beliefs and Practices:
  • The sect did not believe in a creator god but held a deterministic worldview.
  • The Ajivikas practiced asceticism, with rigorous discipline and severe self-restraint.
  • They emphasized renunciation and lived as wandering mendicants.
• Social Views:
  • Opposed caste discrimination and promoted equality.
  • Attracted followers from various social backgrounds, including the marginalized.
• Meetings and Assemblies:
  • The Ajivikas organized regular sabhas (meetings) to discuss their doctrines and maintain unity within the community.
• Rise and Decline:
  • Rise:
    • The Ajivikas initially gained significant influence in Magadha and Southern India.
    • Supported by rulers such as Bindusara, the Mauryan emperor, who was a follower of the sect.
  • Decline:
    • Over time, the Ajivika sect declined due to the rising prominence of Buddhism and Jainism.
    • By the medieval period, the sect had disappeared.

The Correct answer is Option 2. 

Key Points

• The book "Gharib Hindustan", critical of British policies and banned in Bihar in 1930, was authored by Mohammad Wali Hasan Purainvi. Hence, option 2 is correct.
• Author: Mohammad Wali Hasan Purainvi was an Urdu writer known for his works addressing socio-political issues during British colonial rule.
• Content: "Gharib Hindustan" delves into the hardships faced by Indians under British administration, highlighting economic exploitation and social injustices.
• Publication: The book was published in 1930 and subsequently banned by British authorities in Bihar due to its critical perspective on colonial policies.
• This work is significant in the context of Indian literature as it reflects the sentiments of resistance and the quest for independence prevalent during that era.

The Correct answer is Option 2. 

Key Points

• "New Lamps for Old" was written by Sri Aurobindo. Hence, option 2 is correct. 
  • Content: Aurobindo critiqued the moderate approach of the Indian National Congress and emphasized the need for a more assertive and radical stance in the struggle against British colonial rule.

Additional Information

Other Writings of Aurobindo Ghosh:

• Political Writings:
  • Bande Mataram (1906–1908):
    • A series of articles in the nationalist newspaper advocating Indian independence and criticizing British rule.
  • Karmayogin (1909):
    • A weekly journal that discussed nationalism and spiritual philosophy.
  • The Doctrine of Passive Resistance:
    • A political treatise outlining strategies for resisting British rule without violence.
• Philosophical and Spiritual Works:
  • The Life Divine (1939–1940):
    • Explores the nature of existence and integrates Vedantic philosophy with modern ideas.
  • Essays on the Gita:
    • A philosophical interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita, relating its teachings to contemporary life and spirituality.
  • The Synthesis of Yoga:
    • Discusses various paths of yoga, synthesizing them into an integrated spiritual discipline.

The correct answer is 1928.

Key Points

• The All Bengal Students Conference was held in 1928.
• Jawaharlal Nehru chaired the conference, marking a significant moment in the Indian student movement.
• The conference was pivotal in galvanizing student support for the Indian independence movement.
• It provided a platform for young intellectuals to discuss and address national issues.

Additional Information

• Jawaharlal Nehru
  • He was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and the first Prime Minister of India.
  • Nehru played a key role in shaping modern India with his vision of a secular and socialist nation.
  • He was instrumental in establishing institutions of higher learning and research in India.
• Indian Independence Movement
  • The movement aimed at ending British rule in India, culminating in independence in 1947.
  • It involved a series of political and social campaigns, led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose.
  • Key events included the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement.
• Student Movements in India
  • Student movements have historically played a crucial role in Indian politics and social reform.
  • They have been instrumental in advocating for educational reforms, social justice, and political change.
  • Prominent student organizations include the All India Students Federation (AISF) and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI).
• Bengal in the Independence Movement
  • Bengal was a major center for revolutionary activities against British rule.
  • It produced several prominent leaders and revolutionaries, including Subhas Chandra Bose and Rabindranath Tagore.
  • The region witnessed significant events such as the Partition of Bengal in 1905 and the Bengal Famine of 1943.

The correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

Key Points

• Five Year Plan:
  • The Constitution came into force on 26^th January 1950. 
  • Subsequently, Planning Commis­sion was set up on 15^th March 1950 and the plan era started from 1^st April 1951 with the launch­ing of the First Five Year Plan (1951-56).
• Long term objectives of Five Year Plans in India are:
  • High Growth rate to improve the living standard of the residents of India.
  • Economic stability for prosperity.
• Second Five Year Plan:
  • This plan tried to build the basis for a socialist pattern of society. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Mahalanobis Model of Growth: It laid emphasis on heavy industries.
• Third Five year Plan:
  • ​Establishment of a self-reliant and self-generating economy. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• Seventh Five year Plan:
  •  Emphasis on policies and programs that would accelerate the growth in foodgrains production, increase employment opportunities and raise productivity. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Note: Removal of poverty and attainment of self-reliance.

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

Key Points

• Article 14 deals with 'equality before the law' and 'equal protection of laws.
• Article 17 deals with the end of untouchability.
• Article 21 deals with the right to life and personal liberty.
• Article 29 deals with the protection of the interests of minorities.

Important Points

• Indian citizens have the following fundamental rights:
  1. Equality or Right to Equality (Article 14 to Article 18)
  2. Right to Freedom (Articles 19 to 22)
  3. Right against Exploitation (Articles 23 to 24)
  4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25 to 28)
  5. Right to Culture and Education (Articles 29 to 30)
  6. Constitutional Rights (Article 32)

The correct answer is 86th constitutional amendment. 

Important Points

Right to Education:

• In 2002, 86th Constitutional Amendment was passed by Parliament which inserted Article 21A and made the right to education a Fundamental Right. 
• Article 21A states that The state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the state may by law determine.
• After this, Parliament passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 (RTE) which came into effect from April 1, 2010 .

Main features of the Act:

1. Free Elementary Education for ALL children in age group 6-14 years in a neighbourhood school
2. Completion of Elementary Education even after fourteen years of age.
3. Makes Elementary Education Compulsory for the State to provide. 
4. No child is denied admission due to a lack of age certificate.

The correct answer is Only 2 and 3

Key Points

•  The Uniform Civil Code in India Bill, 2020, was introduced in the Lok Sabha as a private member bill.
  •  The UCC Bill was not introduced as a private member's bill; it was introduced by the government.
  • Hence the statement is incorrect
• UCC refers to the same set of civil laws applicable to all the citizens of India in all personal matters.
  • The UCC aims to replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set governing every citizen, addressing matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
  • Hence II statement is true
• The provision for UCC in the Constitution of India is mentioned under Article 44.
  •  Article 44 of the Indian Constitution calls for the state to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.
  • Hence III statement is true

The correct answer is 2 and 3.

Key Points

•  Deserts can be both hot (e.g., Sahara Desert) and cold (e.g., Gobi Desert, Antarctica). Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• Deserts can be both hot and cold. Deserts exist in both hot and cold climates. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The Thar Desert is located in the northwest of India. The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is located in the northwest of India. Hence, statement 3 is correct.