1. The main feature of India’s colonial economy was:
A) Industrial self-sufficiency
B) Economic dependence on Britain
C) Rapid industrialization
D) Isolation from world markets
Answer: B
Explanation: The British transformed India into a dependent economy — exporting raw materials and importing British goods, making it subordinate to British interests.
2. The ‘Drain of Wealth’ theory was given by:
A) R.C. Dutt
B) M.G. Ranade
C) Dadabhai Naoroji
D) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Answer: C
Explanation: Dadabhai Naoroji in his book “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India” explained how wealth was being drained from India to Britain through trade, salaries, and interests.
3. The Permanent Settlement (1793) was introduced by:
A) Lord Wellesley
B) Lord Cornwallis
C) Lord Ripon
D) Lord Curzon
Answer: B
Explanation: Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in Bengal in 1793, fixing land revenue permanently and creating the Zamindari system.
4. The Ryotwari system was mainly implemented in:
A) Bengal
B) Madras and Bombay
C) Punjab
D) Assam
Answer: B
Explanation: The Ryotwari system was introduced in Madras and Bombay presidencies, where revenue was collected directly from peasants (ryots).
5. The Mahalwari system was introduced in:
A) Bengal
B) Bombay
C) North-Western Provinces
D) Assam
Answer: C
Explanation: The Mahalwari system (by Holt Mackenzie) in North-Western Provinces assessed land revenue on entire villages (mahals).
6. Commercialization of agriculture led to:
A) Food security
B) Growth of small industries
C) Peasant indebtedness and famines
D) Increase in land productivity
Answer: C
Explanation: Peasants grew cash crops instead of food crops, causing hunger, indebtedness, and repeated famines.
7. The Indigo Revolt (1859-60) took place in:
A) Bengal
B) Bihar
C) Punjab
D) Madras
Answer: A
Explanation: Indigo planters in Bengal were exploited by European planters. Peasants revolted against forced cultivation of indigo.
8. The Deccan Riots (1875) were led by:
A) Indigo peasants
B) Landless labourers
C) Peasants against moneylenders
D) Zamindars against British
Answer: C
Explanation: In the Deccan region, peasants revolted against the oppressive practices of moneylenders (Marwaris).
9. The British built railways mainly to:
A) Help Indian trade
B) Unite India
C) Facilitate military movement and export raw materials
D) Encourage tourism
Answer: C
Explanation: The railways were constructed primarily to transport raw materials to ports and move troops easily.
10. The first railway line in India was opened in:
A) 1843
B) 1853
C) 1863
D) 1873
Answer: B
Explanation: The first railway ran between Bombay and Thane in 1853 (34 km).
11. The major cash crops grown under British rule were:
A) Rice and wheat
B) Cotton, indigo, opium, and jute
C) Tea and maize
D) Barley and sugarcane
Answer: B
Explanation: These were the main export crops promoted by the British for European industries.
12. The first modern industry in India was:
A) Jute
B) Textile
C) Iron and Steel
D) Paper
Answer: B
Explanation: The cotton textile industry was the earliest modern industry, especially in Bombay and Ahmedabad.
13. The jute industry was concentrated in:
A) Bombay
B) Calcutta
C) Madras
D) Delhi
Answer: B
Explanation: Bengal (especially Calcutta) was the main centre of jute manufacturing.
14. The Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) was founded in:
A) 1907
B) 1890
C) 1911
D) 1901
Answer: A
Explanation: TISCO was established in Jamshedpur in 1907 by J.N. Tata, marking India’s modern industrial development.
15. The first Factory Act in India was passed in:
A) 1870
B) 1881
C) 1895
D) 1900
Answer: B
Explanation: The Factory Act of 1881 regulated child labour and limited working hours in textile factories.
16. The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) was formed in:
A) 1915
B) 1920
C) 1925
D) 1930
Answer: B
Explanation: AITUC, India’s first national trade union, was formed in 1920 under N.M. Joshi and Lala Lajpat Rai.
17. The first Indian-owned bank was:
A) Allahabad Bank
B) Oudh Commercial Bank
C) Imperial Bank
D) State Bank of India
Answer: B
Explanation: The Oudh Commercial Bank (1881) was the first bank owned and managed by Indians.
18. The term “Deindustrialization” refers to:
A) Growth of industries
B) Decline of traditional handicrafts
C) Expansion of railways
D) Increase in exports
Answer: B
Explanation: Indian crafts declined due to British factory goods flooding the market.
19. Who described British rule as “Un-British” in his writings?
A) Dadabhai Naoroji
B) R.C. Dutt
C) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
D) M.G. Ranade
Answer: B
Explanation: R.C. Dutt wrote “Economic History of India” describing British rule as exploitative and “Un-British”.
20. Famines during British rule were mainly caused by:
A) Overpopulation
B) Lack of rainfall
C) Cash crop cultivation and neglect of food crops
D) Epidemics
Answer: C
Explanation: British policy focused on commercial crops rather than ensuring food supply.
21. The Bengal Famine occurred in:
A) 1876
B) 1943
C) 1899
D) 1905
Answer: B
Explanation: The Bengal Famine of 1943 killed over 3 million people due to wartime policies and food shortage.
22. The ‘Drain of Wealth’ mainly occurred through:
A) Domestic trade
B) Export surplus
C) Home charges and remittances to Britain
D) Imports from Europe
Answer: C
Explanation: Money went out in the form of pensions, salaries, and profits earned by British officials and companies.
23. The introduction of the English Education Act (1835) is associated with:
A) Wood’s Despatch
B) Macaulay’s Minute
C) Charles Wood
D) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Answer: B
Explanation: Lord Macaulay’s Minute (1835) promoted English education and Western knowledge.
24. The Universities of Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras were established in:
A) 1847
B) 1857
C) 1867
D) 1877
Answer: B
Explanation: These were India’s first three modern universities, founded in 1857.
25. The Wood’s Despatch (1854) is known as:
A) Magna Carta of English Education in India
B) First Education Act
C) Vernacular Education Policy
D) Oriental Policy
Answer: A
Explanation: It emphasized the creation of universities and a systematic education system in India.
26. The Brahmo Samaj was founded by:
A) Swami Vivekananda
B) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
C) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
D) Dayananda Saraswati
Answer: B
Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828 to promote monotheism and social reforms.
27. The Arya Samaj was founded in:
A) 1828
B) 1840
C) 1875
D) 1895
Answer: C
Explanation: Swami Dayananda Saraswati founded Arya Samaj in 1875 promoting “Back to the Vedas”.
28. The Theosophical Society was led in India by:
A) Annie Besant
B) Margaret Cousins
C) Pandita Ramabai
D) Cornelia Sorabji
Answer: A
Explanation: Annie Besant popularized the Theosophical movement in India, blending Indian spirituality with modern reform.
29. Who was known as the “Father of Indian Renaissance”?
A) Swami Vivekananda
B) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
C) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
D) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Answer: B
Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy is regarded as the pioneer of the Indian Renaissance for his reform efforts.
30. The Sati system was abolished in:
A) 1818
B) 1829
C) 1835
D) 1857
Answer: B
Explanation: Governor-General Lord William Bentinck abolished Sati in 1829 due to efforts of Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
Part 2 — MCQs (31–60)
31. The Widow Remarriage Act was passed in:
A) 1829
B) 1848
C) 1856
D) 1872
Answer: C
Explanation: The Widow Remarriage Act (1856) was passed due to efforts of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, promoting remarriage for Hindu widows.
32. Who among the following founded the Ramakrishna Mission?
A) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
B) Swami Vivekananda
C) Swami Dayananda Saraswati
D) Annie Besant
Answer: B
Explanation: Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 to promote spiritual and social upliftment.
33. The term “Social Reform Movement” in 19th-century India primarily refers to:
A) Political reform
B) Economic reform
C) Efforts to change social evils and practices
D) Religious conversion
Answer: C
Explanation: Social reformers aimed to end practices like Sati, child marriage, untouchability, and promote education and equality.
34. The Age of Consent Act (1891) raised the minimum age for marriage to:
A) 10 years
B) 12 years
C) 14 years
D) 16 years
Answer: B
Explanation: The Act raised the age of consent for girls from 10 to 12 years in response to social reform campaigns.
35. Pandita Ramabai is known for her work in:
A) Women’s education and emancipation
B) Caste reform
C) Labour reform
D) Temple entry movement
Answer: A
Explanation: Pandita Ramabai worked for women’s education, founded Sharada Sadan (1889), and supported widow education.
36. The All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) was established in:
A) 1915
B) 1927
C) 1930
D) 1936
Answer: B
Explanation: AIWC (1927) was founded to promote women’s education and equal rights, led by Margaret Cousins and Sarojini Naidu.
37. British reforms concerning women included:
A) Sati Regulation Act
B) Widow Remarriage Act
C) Age of Consent Act
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: These acts were part of British social legislation influenced by Indian reformers’ efforts.
38. The first Indian newspaper was:
A) Amrita Bazar Patrika
B) The Hindu
C) Bengal Gazette
D) Hindustan Times
Answer: C
Explanation: Bengal Gazette (1780) by James Augustus Hickey was India’s first newspaper.
39. ‘Kesari’ and ‘Maratha’ newspapers were founded by:
A) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
B) Dadabhai Naoroji
C) Lala Lajpat Rai
D) Bipin Chandra Pal
Answer: A
Explanation: Tilak used these papers to spread nationalism and criticize British rule.
40. The Indian Press played a major role in:
A) Encouraging British culture
B) Promoting social harmony
C) Creating political awareness and public opinion
D) Supporting colonial policies
Answer: C
Explanation: Vernacular newspapers united people against injustice and built national consciousness.
41. The Santhal Rebellion occurred in:
A) 1775–77
B) 1835–37
C) 1855–56
D) 1885–87
Answer: C
Explanation: Santhal tribes revolted (1855–56) against British landlords and moneylenders due to exploitation.
42. The Munda Rebellion was led by:
A) Birsa Munda
B) Tilka Manjhi
C) Sidhu Murmu
D) Kanhu Murmu
Answer: A
Explanation: Birsa Munda led the rebellion (1899–1900) in Chotanagpur against British interference in tribal lands.
43. The tribal uprising known as ‘Ulgulan’ is associated with:
A) Bhil Revolt
B) Kol Rebellion
C) Munda Rebellion
D) Santhal Revolt
Answer: C
Explanation: ‘Ulgulan’ means “Great Tumult” — the term used for the Munda Uprising under Birsa Munda.
44. The Indigo Revolt was triggered mainly due to:
A) High land tax
B) Forced cultivation under European planters
C) Religious discrimination
D) Introduction of cash crops
Answer: B
Explanation: Peasants were forced to grow indigo for European planters under harsh conditions.
45. The Deccan Riots Commission was set up in:
A) 1875
B) 1885
C) 1890
D) 1905
Answer: A
Explanation: The Commission (1875) investigated the causes of peasant unrest against moneylenders in Maharashtra.
46. The first organized labour union in India was:
A) Bombay Mill Hands Association
B) AITUC
C) Madras Labour Union
D) Hind Mazdoor Sabha
Answer: A
Explanation: The Bombay Mill Hands Association was established in 1890 by N.M. Lokhande, India’s first labour leader.
47. Who wrote “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India”?
A) R.C. Dutt
B) Dadabhai Naoroji
C) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
D) M.G. Ranade
Answer: B
Explanation: The book analyzed how British economic policies drained India’s wealth.
48. The major goal of British industrial policy in India was to:
A) Develop Indian industries
B) Protect Indian handicrafts
C) Make India a supplier of raw materials
D) Encourage exports of Indian goods
Answer: C
Explanation: Industrial policy was designed to keep India dependent on Britain’s industrial needs.
49. Who among the following was associated with “Drain of Wealth” and “Home Charges”?
A) M.G. Ranade
B) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
C) Dadabhai Naoroji
D) Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: C
Explanation: Dadabhai Naoroji explained these concepts to show Britain’s economic exploitation of India.
50. The city of Jamshedpur grew mainly because of:
A) Cotton mills
B) Steel industry
C) British trade ports
D) Textile exports
Answer: B
Explanation: Jamshedpur developed around the Tata Steel Plant (TISCO) — India’s first large steel industry.
51. The upper Ganga Canal was opened in:
A) 1840
B) 1854
C) 1860
D) 1872
Answer: B
Explanation: The canal system was built to irrigate the Doab region — primarily to aid commercial crops.
52. The major famine relief policy introduced by the British was:
A) Permanent Settlement
B) Famine Codes
C) Wood’s Despatch
D) Factory Act
Answer: B
Explanation: The Famine Codes (1878 onwards) were guidelines for relief during famines, though poorly implemented.
53. “Drain Theory” primarily highlighted:
A) Political suppression
B) Economic exploitation
C) Educational reform
D) Cultural domination
Answer: B
Explanation: It exposed how Britain extracted wealth from India through trade, taxation, and remittances.
54. The new urban centres that developed during British rule were:
A) Delhi and Agra
B) Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, Kanpur
C) Jaipur and Mysore
D) Lucknow and Benares
Answer: B
Explanation: These port and industrial cities became centres of administration and trade under the British.
55. The Indo-Saracenic style of architecture combined:
A) Indian and Mughal styles
B) Indian and European styles
C) Hindu and Buddhist styles
D) European and Persian styles
Answer: B
Explanation: Indo-Saracenic was a blend of Indian and Western architectural forms — seen in colonial public buildings.
56. The British built railways mainly for:
A) Indian industrial development
B) Military and trade purposes
C) Rural welfare
D) Employment generation
Answer: B
Explanation: Railways served to transport raw materials to ports and move troops swiftly across India.
57. The earliest Indian modern artist known for realistic painting was:
A) Abanindranath Tagore
B) Ravi Varma
C) Jamini Roy
D) Amrita Sher-Gil
Answer: B
Explanation: Raja Ravi Varma blended Indian themes with European realism, pioneering modern Indian art.
58. The Indian School of painting led by Abanindranath Tagore emphasized:
A) Western realism
B) Indian traditional and spiritual art
C) Abstract modernism
D) Political propaganda
Answer: B
Explanation: The Bengal School revived traditional Indian art forms with nationalist spirit.
59. Modern Indian literature developed under the influence of:
A) Western education and printing press
B) British censorship
C) Missionary activities alone
D) Ancient Sanskrit revival
Answer: A
Explanation: Western education and printing press encouraged vernacular writing and modern prose forms.
60. The main social consequence of British rule in India was:
A) Rise of capitalist class
B) Emergence of new middle class and educated elite
C) Decline of all traditional classes
D) Strengthening of feudalism
Answer: B
Explanation: English education created a modern, politically aware middle class that led reform and nationalism.