UPSC Static Quiz – History : 10 November 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – History : 10 November 2025 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more. We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following programmatic elements associated with the Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908): Boycott of British institutions, including courts and educational establishments, advocated as ‘Passive Resistance’. Promotion of ‘Constructive Swadeshi’, including the establishment of national schools and co-operative enterprises. A consensus between Moderates and Extremists to expand the movement beyond Bengal to all of British India. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. This was a core tenet of the Extremist faction, particularly Aurobindo Ghosh, who articulated the doctrine of “Passive Resistance”. This program went far beyond a simple economic boycott of goods and called for a comprehensive boycott of all forms of British administration and institutions, including government schools, colleges, and law courts, with the aim of making British administration impossible. Statement 2 is correct. “Passive Resistance” was not merely a negative program of boycott; it was coupled with a positive, parallel program of “Constructive Swadeshi”. This involved the establishment of indigenous alternatives, such as national schools (like the Bengal National College), arbitration courts, and swadeshi enterprises (e.g., co-operative stores, banks) to build self-reliance. Statement 3 is incorrect. This was, in fact, the central point of contention that led to the Surat Split (1907). The Moderates were adamant about keeping the movement confined to Bengal and its original purpose of annulling the partition. The Extremists, in contrast, wanted to extend the movement nationwide and transform it into a full-fledged struggle for Swaraj. There was no “consensus”; there was a fundamental, irreconcilable disagreement. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. This was a core tenet of the Extremist faction, particularly Aurobindo Ghosh, who articulated the doctrine of “Passive Resistance”. This program went far beyond a simple economic boycott of goods and called for a comprehensive boycott of all forms of British administration and institutions, including government schools, colleges, and law courts, with the aim of making British administration impossible. Statement 2 is correct. “Passive Resistance” was not merely a negative program of boycott; it was coupled with a positive, parallel program of “Constructive Swadeshi”. This involved the establishment of indigenous alternatives, such as national schools (like the Bengal National College), arbitration courts, and swadeshi enterprises (e.g., co-operative stores, banks) to build self-reliance. Statement 3 is incorrect. This was, in fact, the central point of contention that led to the Surat Split (1907). The Moderates were adamant about keeping the movement confined to Bengal and its original purpose of annulling the partition. The Extremists, in contrast, wanted to extend the movement nationwide and transform it into a full-fledged struggle for Swaraj. There was no “consensus”; there was a fundamental, irreconcilable disagreement.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following programmatic elements associated with the Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908):

• Boycott of British institutions, including courts and educational establishments, advocated as ‘Passive Resistance’.

• Promotion of ‘Constructive Swadeshi’, including the establishment of national schools and co-operative enterprises.

• A consensus between Moderates and Extremists to expand the movement beyond Bengal to all of British India.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. This was a core tenet of the Extremist faction, particularly Aurobindo Ghosh, who articulated the doctrine of “Passive Resistance”. This program went far beyond a simple economic boycott of goods and called for a comprehensive boycott of all forms of British administration and institutions, including government schools, colleges, and law courts, with the aim of making British administration impossible.

• Statement 2 is correct. “Passive Resistance” was not merely a negative program of boycott; it was coupled with a positive, parallel program of “Constructive Swadeshi”. This involved the establishment of indigenous alternatives, such as national schools (like the Bengal National College), arbitration courts, and swadeshi enterprises (e.g., co-operative stores, banks) to build self-reliance.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. This was, in fact, the central point of contention that led to the Surat Split (1907). The Moderates were adamant about keeping the movement confined to Bengal and its original purpose of annulling the partition. The Extremists, in contrast, wanted to extend the movement nationwide and transform it into a full-fledged struggle for Swaraj. There was no “consensus”; there was a fundamental, irreconcilable disagreement.

Solution: B

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the Lucknow Pact of 1916, consider the following statements: The Pact coincided with the reunion of the Moderate and Extremist factions of the Congress. Through the Pact, the Muslim League and the Congress jointly demanded ‘Purna Swaraj’ or complete independence for India. The Congress, through this pact, rejected the principle of separate electorates for Muslims to promote a unified national movement. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: D Statement 1 is correct. The Lucknow session of the Indian National Congress in 1916 saw the reunion of the Moderate and Extremist wings of the Congress, a split that had occurred at the Surat session in 1907. However, the core of the Lucknow Pact is the agreement between the Congress and the Muslim League. Statement 2 is incorrect. The joint demand put forward by the Congress and the Muslim League in the Lucknow Pact was for Dominion Status or self-government for India within the British Empire, not ‘Purna Swaraj’. The demand for complete independence was formally adopted by the Congress much later, at its Lahore Session in 1929. The 1916 demand was for a significant constitutional reform that would give Indians a majority control over their legislative councils and a greater say in the administration. Statement 3 is incorrect. Far from rejecting separate electorates, the Congress formally accepted the principle of separate electorates for Muslims through the Lucknow Pact. This was a major concession made by the Congress to win the Muslim League’s support for a joint scheme of constitutional reforms. Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1 is correct. The Lucknow session of the Indian National Congress in 1916 saw the reunion of the Moderate and Extremist wings of the Congress, a split that had occurred at the Surat session in 1907. However, the core of the Lucknow Pact is the agreement between the Congress and the Muslim League. Statement 2 is incorrect. The joint demand put forward by the Congress and the Muslim League in the Lucknow Pact was for Dominion Status or self-government for India within the British Empire, not ‘Purna Swaraj’. The demand for complete independence was formally adopted by the Congress much later, at its Lahore Session in 1929. The 1916 demand was for a significant constitutional reform that would give Indians a majority control over their legislative councils and a greater say in the administration. Statement 3 is incorrect. Far from rejecting separate electorates, the Congress formally accepted the principle of separate electorates for Muslims through the Lucknow Pact. This was a major concession made by the Congress to win the Muslim League’s support for a joint scheme of constitutional reforms.

#### 2. Question

With reference to the Lucknow Pact of 1916, consider the following statements:

• The Pact coincided with the reunion of the Moderate and Extremist factions of the Congress.

• Through the Pact, the Muslim League and the Congress jointly demanded ‘Purna Swaraj’ or complete independence for India.

• The Congress, through this pact, rejected the principle of separate electorates for Muslims to promote a unified national movement.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is correct. The Lucknow session of the Indian National Congress in 1916 saw the reunion of the Moderate and Extremist wings of the Congress, a split that had occurred at the Surat session in 1907. However, the core of the Lucknow Pact is the agreement between the Congress and the Muslim League.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The joint demand put forward by the Congress and the Muslim League in the Lucknow Pact was for Dominion Status or self-government for India within the British Empire, not ‘Purna Swaraj’. The demand for complete independence was formally adopted by the Congress much later, at its Lahore Session in 1929. The 1916 demand was for a significant constitutional reform that would give Indians a majority control over their legislative councils and a greater say in the administration.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. Far from rejecting separate electorates, the Congress formally accepted the principle of separate electorates for Muslims through the Lucknow Pact. This was a major concession made by the Congress to win the Muslim League’s support for a joint scheme of constitutional reforms.

Solution: D

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The early phase of the Indian National Congress (1885-1905) was dominated by leaders who believed in the efficacy of constitutional agitation and gradual reform. Statement-II: The primary objective of the early nationalists was to achieve complete independence from British rule through a series of mass-based popular struggles. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Correct Solution: C Statement-I is correct. The period from 1885 to 1905 in the history of the Indian National Congress is rightly termed the ‘Moderate Phase’. The leaders of this era, such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, had a profound faith in British justice and fair play. Their political methodology was strictly within the confines of the law and constitution. They believed in arousing the conscience of the British public and Parliament through what was known as the ‘3P’s’—Petitions, Prayers, and Protests. They submitted memoranda, passed resolutions, and gave speeches to highlight Indian grievances and demand gradual political and administrative reforms, believing this to be the most effective path to progress. Statement-II is incorrect. Their goal was not ‘Purna Swaraj’ or complete independence. Instead, they aimed for greater Indian participation in the administration and the establishment of representative institutions, leading towards a form of self-government within the British imperial framework. They did not advocate for mass-based popular struggles, which they considered premature and potentially counterproductive. The strategy of mass mobilization and the goal of complete independence became central to the nationalist movement much later, particularly with the rise of the Extremists and the advent of the Gandhian era. Incorrect Solution: C Statement-I is correct. The period from 1885 to 1905 in the history of the Indian National Congress is rightly termed the ‘Moderate Phase’. The leaders of this era, such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, had a profound faith in British justice and fair play. Their political methodology was strictly within the confines of the law and constitution. They believed in arousing the conscience of the British public and Parliament through what was known as the ‘3P’s’—Petitions, Prayers, and Protests. They submitted memoranda, passed resolutions, and gave speeches to highlight Indian grievances and demand gradual political and administrative reforms, believing this to be the most effective path to progress. Statement-II is incorrect. Their goal was not ‘Purna Swaraj’ or complete independence. Instead, they aimed for greater Indian participation in the administration and the establishment of representative institutions, leading towards a form of self-government within the British imperial framework. They did not advocate for mass-based popular struggles, which they considered premature and potentially counterproductive. The strategy of mass mobilization and the goal of complete independence became central to the nationalist movement much later, particularly with the rise of the Extremists and the advent of the Gandhian era.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The early phase of the Indian National Congress (1885-1905) was dominated by leaders who believed in the efficacy of constitutional agitation and gradual reform.

Statement-II: The primary objective of the early nationalists was to achieve complete independence from British rule through a series of mass-based popular struggles.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

• (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Solution: C

• Statement-I is correct. The period from 1885 to 1905 in the history of the Indian National Congress is rightly termed the ‘Moderate Phase’. The leaders of this era, such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, had a profound faith in British justice and fair play. Their political methodology was strictly within the confines of the law and constitution. They believed in arousing the conscience of the British public and Parliament through what was known as the ‘3P’s’—Petitions, Prayers, and Protests. They submitted memoranda, passed resolutions, and gave speeches to highlight Indian grievances and demand gradual political and administrative reforms, believing this to be the most effective path to progress.

• Statement-II is incorrect. Their goal was not ‘Purna Swaraj’ or complete independence. Instead, they aimed for greater Indian participation in the administration and the establishment of representative institutions, leading towards a form of self-government within the British imperial framework. They did not advocate for mass-based popular struggles, which they considered premature and potentially counterproductive. The strategy of mass mobilization and the goal of complete independence became central to the nationalist movement much later, particularly with the rise of the Extremists and the advent of the Gandhian era.

Solution: C

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Match the following revolutionary organizations with their key personalities and major actions: List-I (Organization) List-II (Personality) List-III (Action) A. Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) 1. Surya Sen I. Chittagong Armoury Raid B. Indian Republican Army 2. Bhagat Singh II. Kakori Train Robbery C. Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) 3. Ramprasad Bismil III. Lahore Conspiracy Case (Saunders’ Assassination) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) A-3-II, B-1-I, C-2-III (b) A-2-III, B-3-I, C-1-II (c) A-3-I, B-1-II, C-2-III (d) A-1-II, B-2-III, C-3-I Correct Solution: A Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) (matches with 3 and II): The HRA was founded in 1924 in Kanpur by revolutionaries like Ramprasad Bismil, Sachindra Nath Sanyal, and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee. Its most famous action was the Kakori Train Robbery in August 1925, where a train carrying government cash was looted near Lucknow. The objective was to acquire funds for revolutionary activities. Ramprasad Bismil was one of the key masterminds of this operation and was subsequently arrested and executed by the British government. Indian Republican Army (matches with 1 and I): This was the name given to the revolutionary group in Bengal led by Surya Sen. This group was responsible for the meticulously planned Chittagong Armoury Raid in April 1930. The plan was to seize the two main armouries in Chittagong, destroy the telegraph and telephone office, and establish a provisional revolutionary government. The action was a major blow to British prestige. Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) (matches with 2 and III): The HRA was reorganized as the HSRA in 1928 at a meeting in Ferozshah Kotla, Delhi. This change, influenced by Bhagat Singh, marked a formal adoption of socialism as the organization’s goal. A prominent action undertaken by HSRA members, including Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Rajguru, was the assassination of British police officer J.P. Saunders in Lahore in December 1928. This was to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, who had died after being injured in a police lathi-charge during the anti-Simon Commission protests. This event is known as the Lahore Conspiracy Case. Incorrect Solution: A Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) (matches with 3 and II): The HRA was founded in 1924 in Kanpur by revolutionaries like Ramprasad Bismil, Sachindra Nath Sanyal, and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee. Its most famous action was the Kakori Train Robbery in August 1925, where a train carrying government cash was looted near Lucknow. The objective was to acquire funds for revolutionary activities. Ramprasad Bismil was one of the key masterminds of this operation and was subsequently arrested and executed by the British government. Indian Republican Army (matches with 1 and I): This was the name given to the revolutionary group in Bengal led by Surya Sen. This group was responsible for the meticulously planned Chittagong Armoury Raid in April 1930. The plan was to seize the two main armouries in Chittagong, destroy the telegraph and telephone office, and establish a provisional revolutionary government. The action was a major blow to British prestige. Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) (matches with 2 and III): The HRA was reorganized as the HSRA in 1928 at a meeting in Ferozshah Kotla, Delhi. This change, influenced by Bhagat Singh, marked a formal adoption of socialism as the organization’s goal. A prominent action undertaken by HSRA members, including Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Rajguru, was the assassination of British police officer J.P. Saunders in Lahore in December 1928. This was to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, who had died after being injured in a police lathi-charge during the anti-Simon Commission protests. This event is known as the Lahore Conspiracy Case.

#### 4. Question

Match the following revolutionary organizations with their key personalities and major actions:

A. | Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) | 1. | Surya Sen | I. | Chittagong Armoury Raid

B. | Indian Republican Army | 2. | Bhagat Singh | II. | Kakori Train Robbery

C. | Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) | 3. | Ramprasad Bismil | III. | Lahore Conspiracy Case (Saunders’ Assassination)

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) A-3-II, B-1-I, C-2-III

• (b) A-2-III, B-3-I, C-1-II

• (c) A-3-I, B-1-II, C-2-III

• (d) A-1-II, B-2-III, C-3-I

Solution: A

• Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) (matches with 3 and II): The HRA was founded in 1924 in Kanpur by revolutionaries like Ramprasad Bismil, Sachindra Nath Sanyal, and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee. Its most famous action was the Kakori Train Robbery in August 1925, where a train carrying government cash was looted near Lucknow. The objective was to acquire funds for revolutionary activities. Ramprasad Bismil was one of the key masterminds of this operation and was subsequently arrested and executed by the British government.

• Indian Republican Army (matches with 1 and I): This was the name given to the revolutionary group in Bengal led by Surya Sen. This group was responsible for the meticulously planned Chittagong Armoury Raid in April 1930. The plan was to seize the two main armouries in Chittagong, destroy the telegraph and telephone office, and establish a provisional revolutionary government. The action was a major blow to British prestige.

• Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) (matches with 2 and III): The HRA was reorganized as the HSRA in 1928 at a meeting in Ferozshah Kotla, Delhi. This change, influenced by Bhagat Singh, marked a formal adoption of socialism as the organization’s goal. A prominent action undertaken by HSRA members, including Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Rajguru, was the assassination of British police officer J.P. Saunders in Lahore in December 1928. This was to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, who had died after being injured in a police lathi-charge during the anti-Simon Commission protests. This event is known as the Lahore Conspiracy Case.

Solution: A

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following represents the most significant and defining outcome of the Indian National Congress session held at Lahore in December 1929? (a) The election of Jawaharlal Nehru as the President, symbolizing a shift towards a younger, more radical leadership. (b) The formal adoption of the 'Purna Swaraj' resolution, which shifted the ultimate goal of the national movement from Dominion Status to Complete Independence. (c) The decision to boycott the First Round Table Conference and to launch a nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement. (d) The hoisting of the newly adopted tricolour flag on the banks of the river Ravi by the Congress President. Correct Solution: B (b) The formal adoption of the ‘Purna Swaraj’ resolution was the most significant outcome because it represented a fundamental redefinition of the very goal of the Indian national movement. For decades, the mainstream nationalist demand had been for reforms and, at its most ambitious, Dominion Status. The Lahore resolution was an unequivocal declaration that the new aim was complete and total independence from British rule. This ideological leap galvanized the entire movement, provided a clear and inspiring objective for the masses, and rendered any further negotiations on the basis of Dominion Status obsolete. Incorrect Solution: B (b) The formal adoption of the ‘Purna Swaraj’ resolution was the most significant outcome because it represented a fundamental redefinition of the very goal of the Indian national movement. For decades, the mainstream nationalist demand had been for reforms and, at its most ambitious, Dominion Status. The Lahore resolution was an unequivocal declaration that the new aim was complete and total independence from British rule. This ideological leap galvanized the entire movement, provided a clear and inspiring objective for the masses, and rendered any further negotiations on the basis of Dominion Status obsolete.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following represents the most significant and defining outcome of the Indian National Congress session held at Lahore in December 1929?

• (a) The election of Jawaharlal Nehru as the President, symbolizing a shift towards a younger, more radical leadership.

• (b) The formal adoption of the 'Purna Swaraj' resolution, which shifted the ultimate goal of the national movement from Dominion Status to Complete Independence.

• (c) The decision to boycott the First Round Table Conference and to launch a nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement.

• (d) The hoisting of the newly adopted tricolour flag on the banks of the river Ravi by the Congress President.

Solution: B

(b) The formal adoption of the ‘Purna Swaraj’ resolution was the most significant outcome because it represented a fundamental redefinition of the very goal of the Indian national movement. For decades, the mainstream nationalist demand had been for reforms and, at its most ambitious, Dominion Status. The Lahore resolution was an unequivocal declaration that the new aim was complete and total independence from British rule. This ideological leap galvanized the entire movement, provided a clear and inspiring objective for the masses, and rendered any further negotiations on the basis of Dominion Status obsolete.

Solution: B

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