History MCQs – Set 7 - Modern India

 Q.1. “Only mad men outside lunatic asylums could think or talk of independence”. Who among the following had made this remark in the backdrop of nascent idea of Swarajya?

(a) Lord Hardinge

(b) Lord Curzon

(c) Gopal Krishan Gokhle

(d) Pheroz Shah Mehta 

Q.2. Who among the following was the only British king to visit India during the British Rule?  

(a) Edward VII

(b) George V

(c) James II

(d) Edward VI

Q.3. Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood to protest which among the following?

(a) Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre 

(b) Partition of Bengal 

(c) Execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev 

(d) Execution of Khudiram Bose

Q.4. Which one of the following Muslim leaders was not a part of the Non-cooperation movement started by Gandhiji?

(a) M.A.Jinnah

(b) M.A.Ansari

(c) Hakim Ajmal Khan

(d) Abul Kalam Azad

Q.5. Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on _______.

(a) 13 April 1919

(b) 13 April 1920

(c) 13 April 1921

(d) 13 April 1922

Q.6. Where did the Jalianwala Bagh massacre take place?

(a) Amritsar

(b) Lahore 

(c) Ludhiana

(d) Gujranwala

Q.7. The Non-Cooperation Movement was at its peak during the Viceroyalty of ___________.

(a) Lord Chelmsford

(b) Irwin

(c) Reading

(d) Hardinge 

Q.8. Which among the following is not written by Rabindra Nath Tagore ?

(a) Chitra

(b) Kapal Kundala

(c) Chandalika

(d) Chitrangada

Q.9. Which one of the following is not correctly matched?

(a) India wins Freedom-Surendra Nath Bannerjee

(b) Anand Math-Bankim Chandra Chatterjee

(c) Poverty and Un-British Rule in India-Dadabhai Naoroji

(d) Unhappy India-Lala Lajpat Rai

Q.10. Who is known as the father of the local self government in India?

(a) Lord Irwin

(b) Lord Ripon

(c) Lord Canning

(d) Lord Dufferin

Answers

1-c 

Ridiculing the idea of Swaraj in 1903, Gopal Krishna Gokhale had said "Only mad men outside lunatic asylums could think or talk of independence". 

2- b

George V is the only British king-emperor to travel to India. In 1911 during the Delhi durbar - or mass assembly George V was proclaimed Emperor of India.

3- a

Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood in protest in protest for Jalianwalla Bagh mass killing that took place in Amritsar, Punjab 1919. He wrote a letter to Lord Chelmsford, the British viceroy, repudiating his Knighthood to protest the Jalianwalla Bagh mass killing.

To protest the massacre Mahatma Gandhi also gave up the title of Kaiser-i-Hind, bestowed by the British for his work during the Boer War.

4- a

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a vocal proponent of the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) started by Gandhiji  and was actively involved in the  Non-cooperation Movement.. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari was at the core of the political activities during the Non-Cooperation Movement (1921). 

Hakim Ajmal Khan was elected to the All India Khilafat Committee speareheain the Khilafat Movement that took place in concert non-cooperation movement

Jinnah was opposed to non-cooperation movement. 

5-a

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on 13 April 1919 when troops of the British colonial power under the command of General Dyer opened fire on thousands of people who had gathered at the Jallianwala Bagh public gardens in Amritsar to protest against the Rowlatt Act and arrest of pro-independence leaders of Amritsar, Saifuddin Kitchlew and Satyapal.

On April 13, General Dyer opened fire on the public which had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar for the celebrations of Baisakhi Festival.

6-a 

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place in Amritsar on April 13, 1919, when British troops opened fire on the public which had gathered to protest against the Rowlatt Act and arrest of pro-independence leaders Barrister Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr Satyapal.. 

7-c 

Lord Reading was the Viceroy of India during which the Non-cooperation Movement had reached its pinnacle and was abruptly withdrawn by Mahatma Gandhi in 1922.

8-b 

Kapalkundala is a Bengali romance novel by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay who is also the writer of the National Song of India.

9-a 

India Wins Freedom was written by Maulana Azad, a prominent political leader of the Indian National Congress and was elected as the President of Indian National Congress President in 1923 and 1940.

Anandamath is a Bengali historical novel, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and published in 1882. It is inspired by and set in the background of the Sannyasi Rebellion in the late 18th century. Vande Mataram, National Song of India,  was published in this novel.

A critic of British economic policy in India, Dadabhai Naoroji is known for his enunciations of the Drain Theory in his long paper, Poverty and Un-British Rule in India.

Unhappy India is one of the works of Lala Lajpat Rai.

10-b 

Lord Ripon was known as the Father of Local self-government. He had introduced local self-governance in 1882. Lord Ripon's Resolution of 1882 is regarded as the "Magna Carta" of local self-government in India.

Shivaji: Founder of the Great Maratha Empire

One of the most famous figures of Indian history, Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha kingdom. The rise of Marathas is considered to be a revival of Hinduism in the seventeenth century. A brilliant leader, Shivaji was a just ruler and a statesman of consummate craft. He always respected the religion of his adversaries.

Belonging to the Bhonsle clan, Shivaji was born in the hill-fort of Shivneri near Junnar (in the Pune district of Maharashtra) in 1630. According to one school of thought, he was born in 1627. His grandfather Maloji was employed with the Nizam Shahi rulers of Ahmednagar. Shahji, eldest son of Maloji and father of Shivaji, was initially in the service of the Ahmednagar kingdom as a trooper in the army.

Shahji was married to Jijabai, daughter of a noble in the service of Nizam Shahi Kingdom. Jijabai, who was a virtuous lady and had a profound impact on Shivaji, was the daughter of Lakhuji Jadav Rao, who claimed descent from the Yadavas of Devagiri.

Shahji was soon able to earn fame and occupied a place where he could play an important role in the political and military affairs of Nizam Shahi kingdom. He fought against the Mughals in 1336, the year Ahmednagar was annexed to the Mughal Empire by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor. Shahji then entered the service of the Adil Shahi rulers of the Bijapur kingdom. Shahji moved to his new jagir with his second wife after entrusting his paternal jagir of Poona and the care of his young son Shivaji and his mother Jijabai to an able Brahmana, Dadaji Khonddev who was earlier employed in the service of the Adil Shahi rulers.

Shivaji directed his early military campaign against the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur. He was wise enough not to offend the Mughals now as it would not be a viable proposition to fight on two fronts given his military strength at that time. In 1653 Shivaji captured Kalyan, an important and wealthy Adil Shahi city on the west coast. From 1657 to 1660, Shivaji became successful in plundering several territories belonging to the Bijapur kingdom. This earned the ire of the Adil Shahi ruler. Ali Adil Shah sent in 1659, Afzal Khan, one of the foremost nobles and generals of Adil Shahi, to bring Shivaji back to Bijapur dead or alive. In order to apprehend Shivaji, Afzal Khan proposed a meeting with Shivaji, promising him pardon and grant of territory. In the meeting that ensued Afzal Khan tried to attack Shivaji with a dagger while embracing him. But wily Shivaji was able to kill Afzal with gloves with steel claws (bahgh nakh).

Meanwhile when the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb heard of Shivaji’s depredation, he deputed his maternal uncle Shayista Khan to the Deccan to crush the Maratha. Early in 1660, a joint attack by the Mughals and Adil Shahis was launched against Shivaji, who being a skillful strategist, embarked on a surprise attack at the well-guarded mansion of Shayista Khan in Poona in 1663. In the scuffle Shaista Khan lost his thumb and his son, Abul Fath, was killed. This incident served a body-blow to the Mughal prestige in the Deccan. Aurangzeb recalled Shayista Khan (Shaista Khan) and appointed his own son Shah Alam as Viceroy of the Deccan.

In the following year (1664) Shivaji sacked Surat, the richest port on the west, facing no opposition from the Mughal troops. Thus Shivaji continued to annoy Aurangzeb.

In 1665, Mirza Raja Jai Singh of Amber, Aurangzeb’s Hindu general, and Dilir Khan were entrusted by Aurangzeb with the task of suppressing Shivaji. Jai Singh was able to tactfully put Shivaji in the dock and concluded a treaty with him, known as the treaty of Purandar (1665). Under the terms of the treaty, Shivaji was allowed to retain 12 of his forts, including Raigarh while ceding 23 of his forts to the Mughals.

After the treaty of Purandar, Shivaji visited the Mughal court at Agra. He was humiliated by Aurangzeb there. His great escape from the Mughal court is a famous fact of history.

After returning to the Deccan in 1666 Shivaji for three years shied away from military campaigns and devoted his time reorganizing his internal administration. On the other hand, Shah Alam, the Mughal viceroy in the Deccan, also adopted a conciliatory policy and Aurangzeb granted Shivaji the title of ‘raja’ and his son Shambaji was granted a mansab and jagir in Berar. However, hostilities once again started when Aurangzeb attacked a part of the jagir in Berar. Shivaji sacked Surat for the second time in 1670. He was able to recover almost all the forts ceded to the Mughals.

Shivaji was at his zenith of power and on the 16th June, 1674, he arranged his grand coronation at Raigarh with great pomp and splendour, and assumed the title of Chhatrapati (Lord of the Umbrella, or king of kings). He also introduced a new era of his own, starting from his coronation.

Shivaji died a premature death at the age of fifty-three (or fifty, according to some) on the 14th April, 1680.

Vaishali, Buddhist Pilgrimage Destination

Vaishali in Bihar attracts pilgrims who come here for a brush with divine. The Buddha passed through Vaishali on his last journey and spent the last rainy season (Vassa) of life here. Vaishali played host to the Second Buddhist Council which was held 100 years after Buddha’s death. It was at this council that Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas. 

During Buddha’s time Vaishali was the capital of the tribal confederation of Vijjis. One of the six chief cities of India at that period, Vaishali was annexed by Magadhan ruler Ajatashatru, son of Bimbisara. Its prosperity has been vividly described in Lalitavistara, one of the earliest texts on Mahayana Buddhism. 

Hailed as the world's first republic, Vaishali is also known for its association with Ambapali, the beautiful courtesan, who is famous in the Buddhist legend. Her invitation for dinner was accepted by the Buddha. One of the most beautiful poems of the Pali canon is attributed to Ambapali who later became a Buddhist nun. 

Places of interest in Vaishali 

Buddha Stupa-I

The mortal remains of the Buddha are enshrined in this 5th century AD stupa.  A stupa is a mound commemorating the Buddha’s death. The exterior of the stupa is now in ruins. 

Ashokan Pillar 

A trip to Vaishali is incomplete without having a glimpse of the Ashokan Pillar at Kolhua. Built by the greatest Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, the 18.3 m high pillar is a fine specimen of the Indian architecture and art in ancient times.  

Vishwa Shanti Stupa 

The Vishwa Shanti Stupa or World Peace Pagoda is the latest addition to the Buddhist monuments in Vaishali. Built by the Nipponzan Myohoji sect of Japan, the Stupa is located next to the Abhishek Pushkarini (Coronation Tank).  

Best time to visit Vaishali 

The best time to visit Vaishali is during its winter season, which lasts from December through February. 

How to reach Vaishali 

Air: Air: The nearest airport to Vaishali is at Patna that is connected by flights to major cities in India. Patna is 55 km from Vaishali. 

Rail: Hajipur, 35 Km from Vaishali, is the nearest railhead that is well connected by rail with major places and cities in the country. From the Indian capital you can board Lichchavi Express, Sadhbhawna Express, Garib Nawaj Express, Vaishali Express, Shaheed Express which will take you to Hakipur from where you can find several means to travel to Vaishali.

Road: Vaishali is connected by daily bus services with several cities and places in Bihar including Patna.  

Buddhist Monastery of Jagjivanpur, Malda

Located in close proximity to the India-Bangladesh border in the Malda district of West Bengal, Jagjivanpur is a famous archaeological site where excavations have yielded the structural remains of Nandadirghi Vihar, a Buddhist monastery which was a leading centre of learning in 9th Century AD during the Pala rule.

This Buddhist monastery was built on the instruction of Pala king Mahendrapala who was the son of Devpala, the third ruler of the Pala dynasty. The Pala rulers were great patrons of Buddhism. 

Jagjivanpur came to the forefront of conscious attention when a copper plate inscription of Mahendrapala Deva was discovered in 1987 here. The plate, which also confirmed the historicity of Mahendrapal Deva, states that he had granted a plot called Nandadirghik-odranga to his army chief for constructing a Buddhist monastery. Since then subsequent excavations have led to the findings of Nandadirghi Vihar. 

 

How to reach Jagjivanpur 

Air: Bagdogra airport near Siliguri in West Bengal is the nearest airport to Jagjivanpur.

Rail: The nearest railway station to Jagjivanpur is about 35 km away in Malda in West Bengal. Malda railway station is well-connected to major cities and places in India including New Delhi and Kolkata. Gour Express, Jan Satabdi Express and Intercity Express connect Malda town with Kolkata. From Malda you can take a taxi to reach Jagjivanpur which will take one hour. Buses are also available. 

Road: Good motorable roads connect Jagjivanpur with all the major places including Kolkata which is 350km from the place.

 

Hemis Gompa

Hemis Festival / Image Credit

Come the 10th day of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar and Hemis Gompa, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, plays host to one of the most important festivals of Ladakh. For visitors seeking a rendezvous with the unique Ladakh’s culture, the two- day Hemis Festival makes for a great opportunity offering them a matchless spectacle of masked dances, traditional music, religious rituals and ceremonies and a lifetime opportunity to sample the delicious cuisines of Ladakh. 

Hemis Festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of the Vajrayana Buddhism in Ladakh. The festival brings out the extroverted side of the famously friendly people of Ladakh. If you want to see the annual Hemis Tsechu festival you will have to come in the months of June and July. 

Sitting on a hillock, Hemis Gompa is 40km from Leh and the centerpiece of any visit to Ladakh. During the celebration of the Hemis festival the monastery comes alive with the spectacular mask dance by the lamas to the accompaniment of drums, cymbals and long horns.

During the Hemis Festival you will have the opportunity to sample the rich cuisines of Ladakh in the stalls outside. Here you can also pick up gifts and souvenirs.  

Hemis Monastery

Devni Mori

Excavations at Devni Mori, 2 km from Shamlaji in the Aravalli district in North Gujarat have led to the discovery of architecturally and sculpturally rich Buddhist remains that include a Buddhist monastery dating back to 3rd-4th century AD. The excavation at the site was carried under the supervision of R N Mehta and S. N. Chaudhary. 

                                                            Devni Mori STupa / Image Credit

The discovery of the stupa in Shamlaji is a testament to the influence of Buddhism in the area during the early period of the Christian era. The discovery of cascade containing relics of the Buddha from the stupa has further enhanced the sacredness of the stupa and the place of pilgrimage for the Buddhists. The inscription on the casket says that it contains sacred ashes of Buddha.

Kankwadi fort

Kankwari Fort (Sariska Tiger Reserve)/ Image Credit

Kankwadi fort is located within the bounds of the Sariska National Park in Alwar district in Rajasthan. Situated 107 km from Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur and 200 km from Delhi, Sariska National Park is one of the largest and most famous national parks in India. Originally the private hunting ground of the Maharaja of Alwar, this national park is rich in flora and fauna.

Kankawari Fort / Image Credit

The Kankwadi fort was used by the sixth Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb to imprison his eldest brother Dara Shikoh when the former was bitterly engaged with his brothers in the struggle for succession ofthe Mughal throne.