1. Father of renaissance of Western India was__?
[A] B.M. Malabari
[B] M.G. Ranade
[C] R. G. Bhandarkar
[D] K.T. Telang
Correct Answer: B [ M.G. Ranade ]
Explanation - Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade (1842-1901) was a distinguished Indian scholar, social reformer and author, sometimes called a Father of renaissance of Western India. He was one of the founding members of the Indian National Congress . He established the “Widow Marriage Association” in 1861 to encourage and popularize it Ranade founded the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha in 1870, to represent the Government, the aspiration of the people. Known to be the mentor and political guru of famous freedom fighters Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He was against caste system, untouchability and was a strong supporter of widow-remarriage.
2. Which among the following was the first state in India in the pre-independence times, when the compulsory primary education was launched for the first time?
[A] Baroda
[B] Arcot
[C] Coorg
[D] Hyderabad
Correct Answer: A [Baroda]
Explanation - The first law on compulsory education was introduced by the State of Baroda in 1906. This law provided for compulsory education for boys and girls in the age groups of 7–12 years and 7–10 years respectively
3. Who was the last Maratha chief to accept the Subsidiary Alliance of the British?
[A] Gaikwad
[B] Scindia
[C] Holkar
[D] Bhonsle
Correct Answer: C [Holkar]
Explanation - The doctrine of subsidiary alliance was introduced by Marquess (or Lord) Wellesley, British Governor-General of India from 1798 to 1805 . Under this doctrine, Indian rulers under British protection surrendered control of their foreign affairs to the British. Hyderabad first signed it. The five Maratha chiefs entered into subsidiary alliance as follows: Peshava – 1802 Scindia – 1804 Gaekwa – 1805 Bhonsle – 1806 Holkar – 1818.
4. On which among the following occasions, Bombay was handed over to Britishers by the Portuguese ?
[A] Freedom of Portuguese from the control of Spain
[B] Marriage of Charles II with the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza
[C] Crushing of Spanish Armada by British in 1588
[D] The Treaty of Madrid in 1630
Correct Answer: B [Marriage of Charles II with the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza]
Explanation - Marriage of Charles II with the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza was the occasion of handing over of Bombay to Britishers by the Portuguese (as part of dowry ). On 21 September 1668, the Royal Charter of 27 March 1668, led to the transfer of Bombay from Charles II to the British East India Company for an annual rent of £10.
5. Which among the following was the first Presidency of British East India Company in India ?
[A] Madras
[B] Masulipattam
[C] Surat
[D] Hungli
Correct Answer: C [Surat]
Explanation - Surat was the first Presidency of British East India Company in India. The other Presidency of the Company at that time in the east was at Bantam in Java where Captain Lancaster had, earlier, during 1601-1603, established a factory of the Company.
6. Who among the following was the Vice president of the Interim Government formed in 1946?
[A] Dr. S Radha Krishnan
[B] Jawahar Lal Nehru
[C] C Rajgopalachari
[D] Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Correct Answer: B [Jawahar Lal Nehru ]
Explanation - The Interim Government of India was formed on 2 September 1946. On 26th October, Muslim league joined the league. Sir Claude Auchinleck was the commander of the league. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Vice President of the league.
7. Who started the process of decentralization of finances in India?
[A] Lord Rippon
[B] Lord Mayo
[C] Lord Curzon
[D] Lord Minto
Correct Answer: B [Lord Mayo]
Explanation - Lord Mayo or Lord Naas served as 4th Viceroy of India from 12 January 1869 to 8 February 1872. He started the process of decentralization of finance. In foreign affairs, he followed the policy of non-intervention. He opened up Mayo College in Ajmer for educating children of the aristocratic families. India’s census began during his tenure. He was the first Governor General to be murdered in office by a Pathan Sher Ali in Port Blair.
8. Which among the following was the first attempt to regulate the affairs of English East India Company in India?
[A] Pitts India Act 1784
[B] Charter Act 1833
[C] The Regulating Act 1773
[D] Charter Act of 1813
Correct Answer: C [The Regulating Act 1773]
Explanation - Regulating Act of 1773 was the first landmark in the constitutional development of India. Via this act, the British Parliament for the first time interfered into affairs of India. The Prime Minister of England at the time of Regulating Act of 1773 was Lord North.
9. Pingali Venkaya is related to which of the following?
[A] Indian Army
[B] India’s National Flag
[C] India’s National Anthem
[D] India’s Constitution
Correct Answer: B [India’s National Flag]
Explanation - Tricolor flag was first accepted by Indian National Congress in 1931. It had charkha in the center of the white band which was later replaced by Wheel taken from Sarnath Asoka pillar. The design of the national flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 22 July 1947. In the constituent assembly, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the head of the Ad hoc committee on National Flag. The flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya.
10. Who among the following is known to purchase Kashmir from the East India Company for a payment of 7,500,000 rupees (75 lakh) and was granted the title Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir (by Treaty of Amritsar) ?
[A] Sher Singh
[B] Duleep singh
[C] Gulab Singh
[D] Lal Singh
Correct Answer: C [Gulab Singh]
Explanation - Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state during the British East India Company rule. It was created after the First Anglo-Sikh War and sold the region to the Raja of Jammu, Gulab Singh, for 7,500,000 and he was granted the title Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir (by Treaty of Amritsar).