Top 100 World History MCQ Questions with Answers
The 100 most important World History questions — pulled from our full bank of 130 World History questions, ranked by how frequently they're asked in real exams. Answers and explanations are shown directly below each question.
1.What economic burden did the First World War place on the British Indian government?
easy- A.Increased defence expenditure financed through war loans and higher taxes Correct Answer
- B.Reduced military spending
- C.Elimination of all forms of taxation
- D.Free distribution of land to peasants
Explanation: WWI forced a sharp rise in defence expenditure, financed through war loans and increased taxation.
Practice more on this topic →2.Gandhi's method of mass mobilisation based on the power of truth and non-violent resistance was called:
easy- A.Satyagraha Correct Answer
- B.Swadeshi
- C.Swaraj
- D.Non-Cooperation
Explanation: Satyagraha emphasised the power of truth and the need to search for truth without resorting to violence.
Practice more on this topic →3.The Rowlatt Act of 1919 gave the British government the power to:
easy- A.Detain political prisoners without trial for two years Correct Answer
- B.Grant universal adult suffrage
- C.Abolish the zamindari system
- D.Establish full provincial autonomy
Explanation: The Rowlatt Act allowed the government to repress political activities and detain prisoners without trial for two years.
Practice more on this topic →4.The Khilafat Committee was formed in Bombay in which year?
easy- A.1919 Correct Answer
- B.1915
- C.1920
- D.1930
Explanation: The Khilafat Committee was formed in Bombay in March 1919 to defend the Ottoman Khalifa's temporal powers.
Practice more on this topic →5.Which professional group prominently gave up their practice to join the Non-Cooperation Movement, figures like Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das among them?
easy- A.Lawyers Correct Answer
- B.Doctors
- C.Farmers
- D.Soldiers
Explanation: Many lawyers, including Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das, gave up their legal practices to support the movement.
Practice more on this topic →6.Baba Ramchandra, a key leader of the Awadh peasant movement, had earlier worked in Fiji as a(n):
easy- A.Indentured labourer Correct Answer
- B.Government clerk
- C.Army officer
- D.Schoolteacher
Explanation: Baba Ramchandra had been an indentured labourer in Fiji before returning and leading the Awadh peasant movement.
Practice more on this topic →7.For plantation workers in Assam, "freedom" during the Non-Cooperation Movement primarily meant:
easy- A.The right to move freely and retain links with their home villages Correct Answer
- B.The right to vote in council elections
- C.Higher wages guaranteed by law
- D.Ownership of the tea gardens
Explanation: Plantation workers understood swaraj chiefly as freedom of movement and reconnecting with their villages.
Practice more on this topic →8.The Swaraj Party, formed within the Congress, advocated for:
easy- A.Returning to council politics to oppose British policies from within Correct Answer
- B.Immediate armed rebellion
- C.Complete boycott of all Congress activities
- D.Alliance with the Muslim League exclusively
Explanation: The Swaraj Party argued that entering the councils could be used to expose the hollowness of British reforms from within.
Practice more on this topic →9.The Salt March began from:
easy- A.Sabarmati Ashram Correct Answer
- B.Dandi
- C.Amritsar
- D.Champaran
Explanation: Gandhi began the Salt March from his Sabarmati Ashram near Ahmedabad.
Practice more on this topic →10.Which two communities of rich peasants were prominently active in the Civil Disobedience Movement?
easy- A.Patidars of Gujarat and Jats of Uttar Pradesh Correct Answer
- B.Zamindars of Bengal and Marathas of Maharashtra
- C.Rajputs of Rajasthan and Nairs of Kerala
- D.Sikhs of Punjab and Ahoms of Assam
Explanation: The Patidars of Gujarat and the Jats of Uttar Pradesh, both cash-crop producers, were active supporters of the movement.
Practice more on this topic →11.The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in:
easy- A.March 1931 Correct Answer
- B.January 1930
- C.April 1930
- D.December 1929
Explanation: The pact between Gandhi and Viceroy Irwin was signed on 5 March 1931.
Practice more on this topic →12.Mahatma Gandhi referred to the so-called "untouchables" as:
easy- A.Harijans, meaning children of God Correct Answer
- B.Depressed classes only
- C.Shudras
- D.Ati-shudras
Explanation: Gandhi called them Harijans and campaigned for their entry into temples, wells, and schools.
Practice more on this topic →13.The image of Bharat Mata as a personification of the nation was first devised in the novel Anandamath by:
easy- A.Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay Correct Answer
- B.Rabindranath Tagore
- C.Abanindranath Tagore
- D.Natesa Sastri
Explanation: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay created the image of the nation as a mother in his novel Anandamath.
Practice more on this topic →14.Besides income tax, which other levy was raised in British India to help finance World War I expenditure?
easy- A.Customs duties Correct Answer
- B.Land revenue only
- C.Salt tax alone
- D.Excise on cotton exports
Explanation: Customs duties were raised and income tax was introduced to fund war expenditure.
Practice more on this topic →15.In which year did Mahatma Gandhi return to India from South Africa?
easy- A.1915 Correct Answer
- B.1905
- C.1920
- D.1930
Explanation: Gandhi returned to India in January 1915, proposing to fight British rule using Satyagraha.
Practice more on this topic →16.Mahatma Gandhi denounced the Rowlatt Act as a:
easy- A."Black Act" Correct Answer
- B."Golden Act"
- C."Reform Act"
- D."Constitutional Act"
Explanation: Gandhi called the Rowlatt Act a "Black Act" and called for a nationwide Satyagraha against it.
Practice more on this topic →17.The Khilafat issue was primarily concerned with protecting the temporal powers of the:
easy- A.Ottoman Khalifa Correct Answer
- B.Mughal Emperor
- C.Nizam of Hyderabad
- D.Amir of Afghanistan
Explanation: Indian Muslims were concerned about the harsh treatment of the Ottoman Khalifa, the spiritual head of Islam, after WWI.
Practice more on this topic →18.During the Non-Cooperation Movement, students responded by:
easy- A.Leaving government-controlled schools and colleges Correct Answer
- B.Enrolling in more government colleges
- C.Migrating abroad for higher education
- D.Forming armed student militias
Explanation: Thousands of students left government schools and colleges as part of the boycott.
Practice more on this topic →19.The Awadh peasant movement was directed primarily against:
medium- A.Talukdars and landlords demanding high rents and forced labour Correct Answer
- B.The British Indian Army
- C.Foreign textile importers
- D.Salt tax officials
Explanation: Peasants in Awadh protested against oppressive talukdars who demanded high rents and unpaid labour.
Practice more on this topic →20.The Inland Emigration Act of 1859 restricted plantation workers in Assam by:
medium- A.Preventing them from leaving tea gardens without permission Correct Answer
- B.Granting them free land
- C.Guaranteeing an eight-hour work day
- D.Allowing unrestricted travel
Explanation: Under this Act, plantation workers needed permission to leave the tea gardens, which was rarely granted.
Practice more on this topic →21.Who were the founders of the Swaraj Party?
easy- A.C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru Correct Answer
- B.Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose
- C.Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel
- D.Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Explanation: C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru formed the Swaraj Party to argue for a return to council politics.
Practice more on this topic →22.The Salt March covered a distance of approximately:
easy- A.240 miles Correct Answer
- B.50 miles
- C.500 miles
- D.1000 miles
Explanation: Gandhi and his followers walked around 240 miles from Sabarmati to Dandi.
Practice more on this topic →23.Rich peasants like the Patidars and Jats supported the Civil Disobedience Movement mainly because:
medium- A.Falling prices for commercial crops made it hard for them to pay high revenue demands Correct Answer
- B.They wanted to abolish the caste system
- C.They sought representation in the Imperial Legislative Council
- D.They opposed the Khilafat movement
Explanation: Trade depression hit their cash-crop incomes hard, making revenue payments difficult and pushing them towards the movement.
Practice more on this topic →24.Under the terms of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, Gandhi agreed to:
medium- A.Call off the Civil Disobedience Movement and participate in the Round Table Conference Correct Answer
- B.Immediately declare full independence
- C.Reject any further negotiations with the British
- D.Boycott all future Congress sessions
Explanation: Gandhi agreed to suspend civil disobedience and attend the Round Table Conference in London.
Practice more on this topic →25.Dr B.R. Ambedkar organised Dalits into an association in 1930 known as the:
easy- A.Depressed Classes Association Correct Answer
- B.Justice Party
- C.Khilafat Committee
- D.Swaraj Party
Explanation: Ambedkar founded the Depressed Classes Association in 1930 to advance Dalit political interests.
Practice more on this topic →26.The famous painting of Bharat Mata as a calm, composed, and spiritual ascetic figure was created by:
easy- A.Abanindranath Tagore Correct Answer
- B.Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
- C.Raja Ravi Varma
- D.Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation: Abanindranath Tagore painted the iconic image of Bharat Mata as an ascetic, divine figure.
Practice more on this topic →27.By how much did prices rise in India between 1913 and 1918, during the First World War?
medium- A.They doubled Correct Answer
- B.They halved
- C.They remained stable
- D.They fell by 25%
Explanation: Prices doubled between 1913 and 1918, causing extreme hardship for the common people.
Practice more on this topic →28.Gandhi's first successful Satyagraha in India, in 1917, was organised in Champaran to support:
medium- A.Indigo cultivators against oppressive planters Correct Answer
- B.Textile mill workers demanding wages
- C.Salt manufacturers protesting taxation
- D.Railway employees on strike
Explanation: The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 mobilised peasants against the oppressive indigo plantation system.
Practice more on this topic →29.The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on:
medium- A.13 April 1919 Correct Answer
- B.6 April 1919
- C.1 August 1920
- D.12 March 1930
Explanation: General Dyer's troops fired on a peaceful crowd at Jallianwala Bagh on 13 April 1919.
Practice more on this topic →30.Which brothers were key young leaders associated with the Khilafat movement who discussed united mass action with Gandhi?
medium- A.Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali Correct Answer
- B.Abul Kalam Azad and Hakim Ajmal Khan
- C.Motilal Nehru and Jawaharlal Nehru
- D.Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai
Explanation: Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali were prominent Khilafat leaders who worked with Gandhi.
Practice more on this topic →31.In which province did the Justice Party choose to contest council elections rather than boycott them, seeing it as an opportunity to gain power?
medium- A.Madras Correct Answer
- B.Bengal
- C.Punjab
- D.Bombay
Explanation: In Madras, the Justice Party contested elections, viewing them as a chance for non-Brahmans to gain power.
Practice more on this topic →32."Begar," a central grievance of the Awadh peasant movement, refers to:
medium- A.Forced, unpaid labour on landlords' farms Correct Answer
- B.A form of land tax
- C.A type of indentured emigration
- D.A council election boycott
Explanation: Begar was the practice of forcing peasants to work without payment on landlords' land.
Practice more on this topic →33.When plantation workers in Assam heard about the Non-Cooperation Movement, many of them believed that:
easy- A."Gandhi Raj" was coming and they would be given land in their own villages Correct Answer
- B.They would be granted British citizenship
- C.Plantation wages would be abolished entirely
- D.The plantations would be nationalised immediately
Explanation: Workers interpreted the movement in their own terms, believing Gandhi Raj would restore their village land.
Practice more on this topic →34.The Simon Commission, set up in 1928, provoked widespread protest in India mainly because:
medium- A.It did not include a single Indian member Correct Answer
- B.It proposed complete independence
- C.It recommended abolition of the salt tax
- D.It was headed by an Indian
Explanation: All members of the Simon Commission were British, which Indians saw as an insult.
Practice more on this topic →35.Gandhi's Salt March reached its destination, Dandi, on:
medium- A.6 April 1930 Correct Answer
- B.31 January 1930
- C.11 March 1930
- D.26 January 1930
Explanation: The march concluded at Dandi on 6 April 1930, when Gandhi broke the salt law.
Practice more on this topic →36.Why did the Congress remain hesitant to support "no rent" campaigns by poor peasants during the Civil Disobedience Movement?
medium- A.It feared alienating rich peasants and landlords who were important supporters of the movement Correct Answer
- B.It believed poor peasants had no grievances at all
- C.The British government had banned such campaigns
- D.Poor peasants refused to participate in any protest
Explanation: Supporting no-rent campaigns risked turning rich peasants and landlords, key backers, against the movement.
Practice more on this topic →37.In return for Gandhi's concessions under the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, the British government agreed to:
easy- A.Release political prisoners Correct Answer
- B.Grant India dominion status immediately
- C.Abolish the salt tax permanently
- D.End all forms of taxation
Explanation: The government agreed to release political prisoners as part of the pact.
Practice more on this topic →38.At the Second Round Table Conference, Ambedkar clashed with Gandhi over his demand for:
medium- A.Separate electorates for the Depressed Classes Correct Answer
- B.Complete independence for India
- C.Abolition of the salt tax
- D.Reservation of seats for women
Explanation: Ambedkar demanded separate electorates for Dalits, which Gandhi strongly opposed.
Practice more on this topic →39.The hymn "Vande Mataram," associated with the personification of India as a mother, first appeared in:
medium- A.Anandamath Correct Answer
- B.Hind Swaraj
- C.Gitanjali
- D.Discovery of India
Explanation: "Vande Mataram" was written as a hymn to the nation in Bankim Chandra's Anandamath.
Practice more on this topic →40.What was a direct social consequence of forced recruitment for the army during the First World War in rural India?
medium- A.Widespread anger among villagers Correct Answer
- B.Increased agricultural wages
- C.Voluntary mass enlistment with no resistance
- D.Expansion of village panchayats' powers
Explanation: Villages were called upon to supply soldiers, and forced recruitment caused widespread anger in rural areas.
Practice more on this topic →41.The Kheda Satyagraha of 1917 in Gujarat was organised on behalf of:
medium- A.Peasants demanding relaxation of revenue collection after crop failure and plague Correct Answer
- B.Mill owners seeking tax exemption
- C.Students protesting tuition fees
- D.Lawyers protesting the Rowlatt Act
Explanation: In Kheda, Gandhi supported peasants hit by crop failure and plague who wanted relief from revenue collection.
Practice more on this topic →42.Who ordered the troops to fire on the crowd gathered at Jallianwala Bagh?
medium- A.General Dyer Correct Answer
- B.Lord Chelmsford
- C.Lord Irwin
- D.Sir Michael O'Dwyer
Explanation: General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on the unarmed crowd at Jallianwala Bagh.
Practice more on this topic →43.Gandhi supported the Khilafat cause primarily because he believed it would:
medium- A.Bring Hindus and Muslims together in a united mass movement against British rule Correct Answer
- B.Restore the Mughal Empire in India
- C.Establish an Islamic state in India
- D.End British trade with the Ottoman Empire
Explanation: Gandhi saw the Khilafat issue as a way to unite Hindus and Muslims in a common anti-colonial struggle.
Practice more on this topic →44.What was one visible form of economic boycott adopted in towns during the Non-Cooperation Movement?
medium- A.Public bonfires of foreign cloth Correct Answer
- B.Construction of new textile mills
- C.Export of Indian goods to Britain
- D.Import of British machinery
Explanation: Foreign cloth was publicly burnt in bonfires as part of the boycott.
Practice more on this topic →45.The Oudh Kisan Sabha, set up in June 1920, was headed by Baba Ramchandra along with:
medium- A.Jawaharlal Nehru Correct Answer
- B.Mahatma Gandhi
- C.Subhas Chandra Bose
- D.C.R. Das
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru worked with Baba Ramchandra in organising the Oudh Kisan Sabha.
Practice more on this topic →46.Plantation workers who left the tea gardens during the Non-Cooperation Movement were unable to reach their villages mainly because:
medium- A.They were stranded by a railway and steamer strike and caught by the police Correct Answer
- B.The government provided free transport elsewhere
- C.They voluntarily decided to return
- D.Village leaders refused to admit them
Explanation: A railway and steamer strike stranded the workers, who were then caught and beaten by the police.
Practice more on this topic →47.The slogan raised during protests against the arrival of the Simon Commission in 1928 was:
medium- A."Go back Simon" Correct Answer
- B."Inquilab Zindabad"
- C."Quit India"
- D."Do or Die"
Explanation: Demonstrators across India greeted the Simon Commission with the slogan "Go back Simon."
Practice more on this topic →48.Gandhi's letter of 31 January 1930 to Viceroy Irwin contained:
medium- A.Eleven demands, the most important being abolition of the salt tax Correct Answer
- B.A declaration of war
- C.An offer to join the Legislative Council
- D.A request for dominion status only
Explanation: Gandhi laid out eleven demands, with abolition of the salt tax the most prominent, and gave a deadline before launching civil disobedience.
Practice more on this topic →49.The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) was formed in:
easy- A.1927 Correct Answer
- B.1919
- C.1930
- D.1885
Explanation: FICCI was founded in 1927 to represent the interests of Indian business under leaders like G.D. Birla.
Practice more on this topic →50.The arrest of which Gandhian follower in April 1930 sparked police firing on demonstrators in Peshawar?
medium- A.Abdul Ghaffar Khan Correct Answer
- B.Jawaharlal Nehru
- C.Vallabhbhai Patel
- D.C. Rajagopalachari
Explanation: Abdul Ghaffar Khan's arrest triggered angry demonstrations in Peshawar met with police firing.
Practice more on this topic →51.The British government's 1932 decision to grant separate electorates to Dalits was known as the:
easy- A.Communal Award Correct Answer
- B.Nehru Report
- C.Government of India Act
- D.Rowlatt Act
Explanation: The Communal Award of 1932 granted separate electorates to the Depressed Classes, prompting Gandhi's fast.
Practice more on this topic →52.Late 19th-century nationalists collected folk tales and songs mainly in order to:
medium- A.Construct a national history and restore pride in India's past Correct Answer
- B.Entertain British colonial officials
- C.Discourage the use of vernacular languages
- D.Support the Khilafat movement
Explanation: Nationalists saw folklore as a way to recover an authentic, pre-colonial national culture and history.
Practice more on this topic →53.Which two crises struck India around 1918-19, together causing acute food shortages?
medium- A.Crop failure and the influenza epidemic Correct Answer
- B.Earthquake and drought
- C.Flood and locust attack
- D.Railway strike and famine
Explanation: Crop failures in 1918-19 and 1919-20 combined with the influenza epidemic to cause severe food shortages.
Practice more on this topic →54.The 1918 Satyagraha in Ahmedabad was organised by Gandhi in support of:
medium- A.Cotton mill workers demanding better wages and working conditions Correct Answer
- B.Peasants protesting indigo cultivation
- C.Salt workers protesting the salt tax
- D.Railway porters demanding pensions
Explanation: The Ahmedabad Satyagraha of 1918 backed cotton mill workers' demand for better wages.
Practice more on this topic →55.The crowd gathered at Jallianwala Bagh on 13 April 1919 had assembled partly to celebrate:
medium- A.The Baisakhi festival Correct Answer
- B.Diwali
- C.Id
- D.Republic Day
Explanation: Many in the crowd were pilgrims and villagers who had come to Amritsar for the Baisakhi festival.
Practice more on this topic →56.At which Congress session, held in December 1920, was the alliance between the Khilafat cause and the campaign for swaraj formally endorsed?
medium- A.Nagpur Correct Answer
- B.Lahore
- C.Surat
- D.Bombay
Explanation: The Nagpur Congress session of December 1920 endorsed the joint Khilafat-Non-Cooperation programme for swaraj.
Practice more on this topic →57.Between 1921 and 1922, the value of India's foreign cloth imports:
medium- A.Dropped sharply, from about Rs 102 crore to Rs 57 crore Correct Answer
- B.Doubled
- C.Remained unchanged
- D.Increased marginally
Explanation: The value of foreign cloth imports fell sharply during the boycott period.
Practice more on this topic →58."Nai-dhobi bandh," a tactic used by village panchayats during the Awadh peasant movement, meant:
medium- A.Depriving oppressive landlords of the services of barbers and washermen Correct Answer
- B.A boycott of foreign cloth
- C.A strike by railway workers
- D.A ban on salt production
Explanation: Panchayats organised a social boycott, denying oppressive landlords barber and washerman services.
Practice more on this topic →59.The Chauri Chaura incident of February 1922 involved:
medium- A.A crowd setting fire to a police station, killing the policemen inside Correct Answer
- B.A massacre of civilians by British troops
- C.A peaceful hartal with no violence
- D.A negotiation between Gandhi and Lord Irwin
Explanation: An angry crowd clashed with police and set fire to a police station in Chauri Chaura, killing those inside.
Practice more on this topic →60.Lala Lajpat Rai died from injuries sustained while leading a protest against:
medium- A.The Simon Commission in Lahore Correct Answer
- B.The Rowlatt Act in Amritsar
- C.The Salt March in Dandi
- D.The Jallianwala Bagh massacre
Explanation: Lala Lajpat Rai was fatally injured in a police lathi charge during a Simon Commission protest in Lahore.
Practice more on this topic →61.Why did Gandhi choose the salt tax as the central issue for launching civil disobedience?
medium- A.Salt was consumed by rich and poor alike, making its tax a universally felt symbol of colonial control Correct Answer
- B.Salt was the most expensive commodity in India
- C.Only the wealthy paid the salt tax
- D.Salt production was entirely banned under British rule
Explanation: Salt was a daily necessity for everyone, so the tax on it symbolised oppressive state control over a basic resource.
Practice more on this topic →62.Indian business classes, led by figures like G.D. Birla and Purshottamdas Thakurdas, supported early civil disobedience mainly to seek:
medium- A.Protection against imported foreign goods and greater control over the Indian economy Correct Answer
- B.Abolition of all taxes on industry
- C.Alliance with British manufacturers
- D.Nationalisation of Indian banks
Explanation: Business groups wanted protection from foreign competition and more say over economic policy.
Practice more on this topic →63.Following Gandhi's arrest in 1930, industrial workers in which city attacked police posts, courts, and railway stations?
medium- A.Sholapur Correct Answer
- B.Nagpur
- C.Ahmedabad
- D.Kanpur
Explanation: Workers in Sholapur attacked symbols of British rule, including police posts and law courts, after Gandhi's arrest.
Practice more on this topic →64.Gandhi opposed separate electorates for Dalits and began a fast unto death because he believed they would:
medium- A.Slow down the integration of Dalits into wider society Correct Answer
- B.Give Dalits too much political power
- C.Be economically harmful to Dalits
- D.Be supported by the British for the wrong reasons
Explanation: Gandhi feared separate electorates would permanently divide society rather than integrate Dalits into it.
Practice more on this topic →65.Natesa Sastri's major contribution to the revival of folklore was:
medium- A.A four-volume collection of Tamil folk tales titled The Folklore of Southern India Correct Answer
- B.A painting of Bharat Mata
- C.The design of the Swadeshi flag
- D.A translation of the Rowlatt Act
Explanation: Natesa Sastri compiled a substantial collection of Tamil folk tales as part of the folklore revival.
Practice more on this topic →66.According to the 1921 census, approximately how many people died in India due to famines and the influenza epidemic following the First World War?
medium- A.12 to 13 million Correct Answer
- B.1 to 2 million
- C.50 to 60 million
- D.About 50,000
Explanation: The 1921 census recorded that 12 to 13 million people died as a result of the famines and the influenza epidemic.
Practice more on this topic →67.The core philosophy of Satyagraha emphasised:
medium- A.The power of truth and the need to search for truth without violence Correct Answer
- B.Armed rebellion against colonial rulers
- C.Total boycott of all British institutions
- D.Non-payment of all taxes as a first step
Explanation: Satyagraha was built on the idea that truthful, non-violent resistance could win over even an oppressor.
Practice more on this topic →68.In protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the government's repressive response, which literary figure renounced his knighthood?
medium- A.Rabindranath Tagore Correct Answer
- B.Sarojini Naidu
- C.Munshi Premchand
- D.Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood in protest against the massacre.
Practice more on this topic →69.Gandhi's staged programme of Non-Cooperation began with which of the following steps?
medium- A.Surrender of government-awarded titles and boycott of civil services Correct Answer
- B.Immediate non-payment of all taxes
- C.Armed insurrection against the police
- D.Dissolution of the Khilafat Committee
Explanation: The programme began with surrendering titles and boycotting government-linked institutions, escalating later if needed.
Practice more on this topic →70.Which of the following contributed to the Non-Cooperation Movement losing momentum in the towns?
medium- A.Khadi cloth was more expensive than mill cloth and often unaffordable for the poor Correct Answer
- B.Foreign cloth became completely unavailable
- C.The British government banned all forms of protest
- D.Urban merchants openly supported foreign goods
Explanation: The relatively high cost of khadi made it hard for poorer people to sustain the boycott.
Practice more on this topic →71.The Gudem Hills rebellion of the early 1920s in Andhra Pradesh was primarily triggered by:
medium- A.Colonial restrictions on shifting cultivation and access to forest produce Correct Answer
- B.The imposition of the Rowlatt Act
- C.The Khilafat issue
- D.The Jallianwala Bagh massacre
Explanation: Hill people rebelled against colonial forest laws that closed off areas needed for grazing, fuelwood, and shifting cultivation.
Practice more on this topic →72.Following the Chauri Chaura incident, Mahatma Gandhi:
medium- A.Called off the Non-Cooperation Movement Correct Answer
- B.Declared full civil disobedience
- C.Launched the Salt March
- D.Resigned from the Indian National Congress
Explanation: Gandhi withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement, believing it was turning violent.
Practice more on this topic →73.The Nehru Report of 1928, drafted to propose a constitutional framework for India, was authored mainly by:
medium- A.Motilal Nehru Correct Answer
- B.Jawaharlal Nehru
- C.Mahatma Gandhi
- D.Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Explanation: Motilal Nehru drafted the report along with other leaders in response to the Simon Commission's all-British composition.
Practice more on this topic →74.At Dandi, Gandhi broke the law by:
medium- A.Manufacturing salt by boiling sea water Correct Answer
- B.Burning foreign cloth
- C.Refusing to pay income tax
- D.Boycotting council elections
Explanation: Gandhi violated the government's salt monopoly by making salt from sea water at Dandi.
Practice more on this topic →75.By the early 1930s, business groups' enthusiasm for the Civil Disobedience Movement:
medium- A.Declined, as they worried about prolonged business disruption and labour unrest Correct Answer
- B.Increased dramatically, leading to full financial backing till independence
- C.Was never significant to begin with
- D.Was matched by equal support from the British government
Explanation: As disruption dragged on, business groups grew anxious and looked for a settlement with the government.
Practice more on this topic →76.Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference in London as:
easy- A.The sole representative of the Indian National Congress Correct Answer
- B.A representative of the British government
- C.One of several equal Congress delegates
- D.An observer with no speaking rights
Explanation: Gandhi went to London as the Congress's sole representative at the Second Round Table Conference.
Practice more on this topic →77.The compromise that resolved the standoff between Gandhi and Ambedkar over separate electorates was called the:
medium- A.Poona Pact Correct Answer
- B.Gandhi-Irwin Pact
- C.Lucknow Pact
- D.Nehru Report
Explanation: The Poona Pact of September 1932 replaced separate electorates with reserved seats for Dalits.
Practice more on this topic →78.Nationalists valued folklore as "national literature" primarily because they believed it was:
medium- A.Largely uncorrupted by outside influences and reflected authentic traditional culture Correct Answer
- B.Written entirely by the British
- C.A modern invention with no historical roots
- D.Irrelevant to the independence struggle
Explanation: Folklore was seen as a pure, indigenous cultural source untouched by colonial influence.
Practice more on this topic →79.In which years did crop failures occur in many parts of India, leading to acute food shortages after the First World War?
medium- A.1918-19 and 1919-20 Correct Answer
- B.1905-06 and 1906-07
- C.1929-30 and 1930-31
- D.1942-43 and 1943-44
Explanation: Crops failed in many parts of India in 1918-19 and 1919-20, resulting in acute food shortages.
Practice more on this topic →80.Which pairing of an early Satyagraha and its cause is correctly matched?
medium- A.Champaran -- oppression by indigo planters Correct Answer
- B.Kheda -- mill workers' strike
- C.Ahmedabad -- peasant revenue relaxation
- D.Nagpur -- the Khilafat movement
Explanation: Champaran Satyagraha (1917) addressed the oppression of indigo cultivators by planters.
Practice more on this topic →81.The Rowlatt Satyagraha, launched by Gandhi against the Rowlatt Act, began with a nationwide:
medium- A.Hartal (strike) on 6 April 1919 Correct Answer
- B.Salt march
- C.Non-cooperation with courts
- D.Bonfire of foreign cloth
Explanation: Gandhi called for a countrywide hartal on 6 April 1919 to protest the Rowlatt Act.
Practice more on this topic →82.According to Gandhi's Non-Cooperation programme, if the earlier stages failed to produce results, the movement would escalate to:
medium- A.Full civil disobedience, including non-payment of taxes Correct Answer
- B.Immediate declaration of independence
- C.Formation of a parallel government
- D.Direct negotiation with the Viceroy alone
Explanation: The final stage of the staged programme envisaged full civil disobedience, including refusal to pay taxes.
Practice more on this topic →83.A key challenge that slowed the boycott of British institutions in towns was:
medium- A.The slow emergence of Indian alternative institutions such as schools and courts Correct Answer
- B.Lack of interest among the urban middle class
- C.Full cooperation of the British government with the boycott
- D.Absence of any economic hardship
Explanation: Without ready Indian alternatives, students and lawyers gradually drifted back to government schools and courts.
Practice more on this topic →84.Alluri Sitarama Raju, leader of the Gudem Hills revolt, differed from Gandhi's approach in that he:
hard- A.Believed India could be liberated only through force, not non-violence Correct Answer
- B.Rejected the idea of swaraj entirely
- C.Opposed the wearing of khadi
- D.Supported British colonial forest policy
Explanation: Raju admired aspects of the nationalist movement but believed armed force, not non-violence, would win freedom.
Practice more on this topic →85.Gandhi's decision after Chauri Chaura reflected his belief that:
hard- A.Satyagrahis needed proper training in non-violence before further mass struggles Correct Answer
- B.Violence was acceptable in extreme situations
- C.The movement should be handed over to revolutionary groups
- D.Non-Cooperation had already achieved all its goals
Explanation: Gandhi felt satyagrahis needed better preparation in non-violent discipline before resuming mass action.
Practice more on this topic →86.The Nehru Report's proposals deepened political differences mainly because:
hard- A.Muhammad Ali Jinnah's demand for separate electorates for Muslims was not accepted Correct Answer
- B.It proposed complete independence too soon
- C.It rejected dominion status entirely
- D.It was rejected outright by the British government
Explanation: Jinnah's demand for separate electorates was not accommodated, straining Congress-League relations.
Practice more on this topic →87.How many volunteers accompanied Gandhi on the Salt March?
easy- A.78 Correct Answer
- B.11
- C.240
- D.300
Explanation: 78 volunteers marched with Gandhi from Sabarmati to Dandi.
Practice more on this topic →88.Industrial working-class participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement was most notably significant in:
medium- A.The Nagpur region Correct Answer
- B.Bengal
- C.Punjab
- D.Kerala
Explanation: Workers in the Nagpur region adopted parts of the Gandhian programme within their own labour struggles.
Practice more on this topic →89.The Second Round Table Conference ultimately:
medium- A.Broke down without a satisfactory agreement, and Gandhi returned disappointed Correct Answer
- B.Resulted in immediate Indian independence
- C.Was boycotted entirely by Gandhi
- D.Led to the abolition of the salt tax
Explanation: Talks at the conference failed to reach agreement, and Gandhi returned to India disappointed.
Practice more on this topic →90.Under the Poona Pact of September 1932, the Depressed Classes received:
medium- A.Reserved seats in provincial and central legislative councils, voted by the general electorate Correct Answer
- B.Separate electorates as originally demanded
- C.No representation at all
- D.Full autonomy in a separate state
Explanation: The pact provided reserved seats voted by the general electorate rather than separate electorates.
Practice more on this topic →91.The tricolour flag designed during the Swadeshi movement in Bengal in 1905 featured eight lotuses representing:
medium- A.The eight provinces of British India Correct Answer
- B.The eight major religions of India
- C.The eight founding members of the Congress
- D.The eight demands of the Non-Cooperation Movement
Explanation: The 1905 Swadeshi flag's eight lotuses stood for the eight provinces of British India.
Practice more on this topic →92.Which combination correctly reflects the fiscal measures the British government introduced in India during the First World War?
hard- A.Both customs duties were raised and income tax was introduced Correct Answer
- B.Only land revenue was increased, all other taxes were cut
- C.Revenue came solely from selling government bonds abroad
- D.Revenue was raised only by increasing the salt tax
Explanation: Both customs duties and income tax were used to finance the war effort.
Practice more on this topic →93.What made Gandhi's early Satyagraha movements (Champaran, Kheda, Ahmedabad) significant precursors to later mass movements?
hard- A.They demonstrated non-violent methods of mobilising people against local injustice Correct Answer
- B.They directly overthrew British rule in those regions
- C.They were led entirely by revolutionary armed groups
- D.They resulted in immediate full independence
Explanation: These local campaigns proved that non-violent Satyagraha could successfully mobilise ordinary people, laying groundwork for later nationwide movements.
Practice more on this topic →94.Following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which of the following was imposed in Punjab?
easy- A.Martial law Correct Answer
- B.Direct rule from London
- C.A separate constitution
- D.Complete provincial autonomy
Explanation: Martial law was imposed in Punjab in the aftermath of the massacre.
Practice more on this topic →95.Which of the following was part of Gandhi's proposed staged programme of Non-Cooperation?
hard- A.Boycott of legislative councils, schools, and foreign goods Correct Answer
- B.Formation of the Khilafat Committee
- C.Signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact
- D.The Poona Pact
Explanation: The Non-Cooperation programme included boycotting councils, schools, courts, and foreign goods.
Practice more on this topic →96.Which of the following was picketed as part of the urban economic boycott during the Non-Cooperation Movement?
easy- A.Liquor shops Correct Answer
- B.Grain markets
- C.Hospitals
- D.Post offices
Explanation: Liquor shops were picketed as part of the movement's programme in towns.
Practice more on this topic →97.Despite this ideological difference with Gandhi, Alluri Sitarama Raju's movement showed nationalist influence by:
hard- A.Persuading followers to wear khadi and give up drinking Correct Answer
- B.Adopting the provisions of the Rowlatt Act
- C.Allying directly with the Khilafat Committee
- D.Supporting the council elections
Explanation: Raju drew on nationalist symbols like khadi even while pursuing an armed guerrilla strategy.
Practice more on this topic →98.The plantation workers' interpretation of "swaraj" as freedom to leave the tea gardens illustrates:
hard- A.How different social groups gave their own meanings to the concept of swaraj Correct Answer
- B.That plantation workers rejected the idea of swaraj entirely
- C.That swaraj had a single, uniform meaning for all Indians
- D.That plantation workers were uninvolved in the national movement
Explanation: The episode shows that swaraj was interpreted differently depending on people's own experiences and needs.
Practice more on this topic →99.At the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress in December 1929, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, the Congress declared:
medium- A."Purna Swaraj," or complete independence, as its goal Correct Answer
- B.Support for the Simon Commission
- C.Formation of the Swaraj Party
- D.Acceptance of dominion status
Explanation: The Lahore session formally proclaimed Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as the Congress goal.
Practice more on this topic →100.The key difference between the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement was that, in the latter, people were asked to:
hard- A.Break colonial laws in addition to refusing cooperation Correct Answer
- B.Only boycott council elections
- C.Officially engage in armed violence
- D.Restrict participation to urban workers only
Explanation: Civil Disobedience went further than Non-Cooperation by asking people to actively break unjust colonial laws.
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