1.
When India Get Freedom?
Correct Answer
A. 15 August 1947
Explanation
India gained independence from British rule on 15 August 1947. This date is celebrated annually as India's Independence Day. On this day, the British transferred power to the Indian leaders, marking the end of over 200 years of British colonial rule in India. The independence movement, led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, fought for self-rule and ultimately achieved it on this historic day.
2.
Before Independence, there were approximately 568 Princely states in India. Which was the largest Princely State to join the Indian Union?
Correct Answer
C. Hyderabad
Explanation
Hyderabad was the largest Princely State to join the Indian Union. It covered a vast area and had a significant population. Its accession to India was a complex and controversial process, with tensions between the Indian government and the Nizam of Hyderabad. Ultimately, the Indian government integrated Hyderabad into the Indian Union through a military operation called Operation Polo in 1948.
3.
A gifted scholar who was selected to the prestigious ICS, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose later founded his own political party to continue his struggle for the full and immediate independence of India from British rule. Pick the name of this party.
Correct Answer
C. INA
Explanation
The correct answer is INA. The Indian National Army (INA) was founded by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. It was a revolutionary armed force that aimed to liberate India from British rule. Bose sought support from Japan and formed the INA with Indian prisoners of war and civilians living in Southeast Asia. The INA fought alongside the Japanese forces against the British in Burma and India. Bose's leadership and the sacrifices of the INA played a significant role in the struggle for India's independence.
4.
On April 8, 1929, Bhagat Singh and an accomplice threw bombs in the Central Assembly Hall while the Assembly was in session. The bombs did not hurt anyone. After throwing the bombs, Bhagat Singh and the second revolutionary deliberately courted arrest by refusing to run away from the scene. Who was this brave revolutionary?
Correct Answer
B. Batukeshwar Dutt
Explanation
Batukeshwar Dutt was the brave revolutionary who, along with Bhagat Singh, threw bombs in the Central Assembly Hall on April 8, 1929. Despite the bombs not causing any harm, they intentionally courted arrest by refusing to flee the scene. Therefore, the correct answer is Batukeshwar Dutt.
5.
Who wrote the Lyrics of the Indian National Anthem?
Correct Answer
C. Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation
Rabindranath Tagore wrote the lyrics of the Indian National Anthem. Tagore, a renowned poet, composer, and philosopher, penned the poem in Bengali titled "Jana Gana Mana" which was later adopted as the national anthem of India. His composition beautifully captures the essence of unity and diversity in India, making it a perfect representation of the country's spirit.
6.
Which Indian academician, activist, and social reformer was Mahatma Gandhi’s mentor?
Correct Answer
D. Gopal Krishan Gokhale
Explanation
Gopal Krishan Gokhale was an Indian academician, activist, and social reformer who served as Mahatma Gandhi's mentor. He played a significant role in shaping Gandhi's ideologies and principles of non-violence and satyagraha. Gokhale was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and advocated for social and political reforms in India. He also emphasized the importance of education and worked towards improving the conditions of the lower classes. Gokhale's guidance and influence on Gandhi were instrumental in shaping his leadership and his approach towards the Indian independence movement.
7.
Who gave the title "Mahatma" to Gandhi and referred to him as "Maharaj"?
Correct Answer
C. Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation
Rabindranath Tagore gave the title "Mahatma" to Gandhi and referred to him as "Maharaj". Tagore, a renowned poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate, had a close relationship with Gandhi and greatly admired his principles and leadership. He believed that Gandhi's selfless dedication to the cause of Indian independence and his philosophy of nonviolence made him deserving of the title "Mahatma", which means "great soul" in Sanskrit. Tagore's use of the term "Maharaj" was a sign of respect and reverence towards Gandhi's spiritual and moral authority.
8.
In his teens Gandhi had a friend who often told him if he ate meat, he would grow stronger. Gandhi also picked up smoking from him for a while. Later Gandhi wrote a letter to his father and apologized. Who was this friend?
Correct Answer
B. Sheikh Mehtab
9.
To represent which company's case did Gandhi go to Durban, South Africa in 1893?
Correct Answer
C. Dada, Abdulla & Co.
Explanation
Gandhi went to Durban, South Africa in 1893 to represent Dada, Abdulla & Co.
10.
At which railway station was Gandhi thrown out of the train on his way to Pretoria?
Correct Answer
B. Pieter Maritzburg
Explanation
Gandhi was thrown out of the train on his way to Pretoria at Pieter Maritzburg railway station.
11.
After winning the lawsuit he was representing in South Africa, Gandhi decided to return to India. But someone placed a copy of a journal in his luggage at his farewell party. Reading it, Gandhi dropped the idea and stayed back to work for the Indian community in South Africa. Name the journal.
Correct Answer
B. Natal Mercury
Explanation
After winning the lawsuit in South Africa, Gandhi planned to go back to India. However, someone placed a copy of a journal called Natal Mercury in his luggage during his farewell party. When Gandhi read the journal, he changed his mind and decided to stay in South Africa to work for the Indian community.
12.
On Gandhi's suggestion, which organization was formed in 1894 by the Indian community in South Africa?
Correct Answer
B. Natal Indian Congress
Explanation
The Natal Indian Congress was formed in 1894 by the Indian community in South Africa on Gandhi's suggestion. This organization was created to fight for the rights and interests of the Indian community in Natal, which was facing discrimination and injustice under British colonial rule. The Natal Indian Congress played a significant role in advocating for the rights of Indians in South Africa and became an important platform for political and social activism.
13.
In 1910, Hermann Kallenbach, a white farmer donated his farm near Johannesburg to Gandhi where he established an 'ashram'. What was the name of this 'ashram'?
Correct Answer
B. Tolstoy Farm
Explanation
The correct answer is Tolstoy Farm. In 1910, Hermann Kallenbach, a white farmer, donated his farm near Johannesburg to Gandhi. Gandhi established an 'ashram' on this farm, which he named Tolstoy Farm. The farm served as a community where Gandhi and his followers practiced principles of simple living, manual labor, and self-sufficiency. The name "Tolstoy Farm" was inspired by the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, whom Gandhi greatly admired. The farm became an important place in Gandhi's life and played a significant role in his philosophy of nonviolence and civil disobedience.
14.
Who advised Gandhi to be on a 'probation' period of one year and travel throughout India before leading India's political movement?
Correct Answer
B. Gopal Krishna Gokhle
Explanation
Gopal Krishna Gokhle advised Gandhi to be on a 'probation' period of one year and travel throughout India before leading India's political movement.
15.
When did Gandhi take the vow of 'brahmacharya' or celibacy for life?
Correct Answer
B. 1906
Explanation
In 1906, Gandhi took the vow of 'brahmacharya' or celibacy for life. This decision marked a significant turning point in his life and his commitment to self-discipline and purity. By abstaining from any sexual activity, Gandhi believed he could better focus on his spiritual and political pursuits. This vow became an integral part of his philosophy and lifestyle, shaping his principles and actions throughout his life.
16.
In 1915, Gandhi was awarded a medal which he returned to the Government in 1920 as a gesture of non-cooperation towards the British Government. Name the medal.
Correct Answer
C. Kaiser-i-Hind
Explanation
The correct answer is Kaiser-i-Hind. In 1915, Gandhi was awarded the Kaiser-i-Hind medal by the British Government. However, as a sign of non-cooperation and protest against British rule, he returned the medal to the Government in 1920. This act demonstrated Gandhi's commitment to his principles of non-violent resistance and his refusal to accept honors from a government he believed to be oppressive.
17.
In May 1916, Gandhi was invited to speak at laying of the foundation stone of which university?
Correct Answer
A. Banaras Hindu University
Explanation
Gandhi was invited to speak at the laying of the foundation stone of Banaras Hindu University in May 1916. This indicates that Banaras Hindu University is the correct answer to the question.
18.
The book "Unto This Last" greatly captivated and transformed Gandhi. He later translated it into Gujarati. Who was its author?
Correct Answer
A. John Ruskin
Explanation
"Unto This Last" greatly captivated and transformed Gandhi, leading him to translate it into Gujarati. This suggests that the book had a significant impact on Gandhi's thinking and philosophy. The correct answer is John Ruskin, as he is the author of "Unto This Last".
19.
Subhas Chandra Bose was elected president of the Congress in 1938 with Gandhi's goodwill. He wanted a second term, but Gandhi did not approve of it. Despite this disapproval, Bose fought the election and won, defeating the official candidate by over 200 votes. Gandhi took it as a personal defeat. Who was the defeated candidate?
Correct Answer
B. Pattabhi Sitaramayya
Explanation
The question states that Subhas Chandra Bose won the election for the presidency of the Congress, defeating the official candidate by over 200 votes. Since the question asks for the name of the defeated candidate, it can be inferred that the correct answer is Pattabhi Sitaramayya.
20.
Gandhi's autobiography "The Story of My Experiments with Truth" was originally written in Gujarati. Who translated it into English?
Correct Answer
A. Mahadev Desai
Explanation
Mahadev Desai translated Gandhi's autobiography "The Story of My Experiments with Truth" into English.
21.
How old was Gandhi when he was shot dead by Nathu Ram Godse on Januray 30, 1948?
Correct Answer
A. 78 years
Explanation
Gandhi was 78 years old when he was shot dead by Nathu Ram Godse on January 30, 1948.
22.
Soon after Independence the Congress president saluted Gandhi as "The maker of freedom achieved in a unique way" and "never before was so great an event consummated with such little bloodshed and violence." Who was this Congress president?
Correct Answer
B. J B Kriplani
Explanation
J B Kriplani was the Congress president who saluted Gandhi as "The maker of freedom achieved in a unique way" and acknowledged that the freedom struggle led by Gandhi resulted in minimal bloodshed and violence.
23.
Following his differences with Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose resigned from the presidentship of the India National Congress to form a new party in 1939. Identify the party?
Correct Answer
A. Forward Bloc
Explanation
Following his differences with Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose resigned from the presidentship of the India National Congress to form a new party in 1939. The party he formed was called the Forward Bloc.
24.
Who commented, "Mr. Gandhi's religious and moral views are, I believe, admirable, but I confess that I find it difficult to understand the practice of them in politics."
Correct Answer
A. Lord Reading
Explanation
Lord Reading commented, "Mr. Gandhi's religious and moral views are, I believe, admirable, but I confess that I find it difficult to understand the practice of them in politics." This suggests that Lord Reading acknowledges Gandhi's positive qualities and principles, but he struggles to comprehend how they are applied in the realm of politics.
25.
After Independence in 1947, Gandhi felt the Congress had outlived its usefulness. To keep it away from the unhealthy competition with political parties and communal bodies, Gandhi sketched a draft constitution for the Congress to transform it into a social organization. What was it called?
Correct Answer
B. Lok Sevak Sangh
Explanation
After India gained independence in 1947, Mahatma Gandhi believed that the Indian National Congress had fulfilled its purpose and should transition into a social organization to avoid engaging in unhealthy political competition. In line with this vision, Gandhi proposed a draft constitution for the Congress, which aimed to transform it into a social welfare organization. This transformed entity was called "Lok Sevak Sangh," which translates to "People's Service Society" in English.