UPSC Static Quiz – History : 20 February 2026

UPSC Static Quiz – History : 20 February 2026 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.

Why Participate in the UPSC Static Quiz?

Participating in daily quizzes helps reinforce your knowledge and identify areas that need improvement. Regular practice will enhance your recall abilities and boost your confidence for the examination. By covering various topics throughout the week, you ensure a comprehensive revision of the syllabus.

#### Quiz-summary

0 of 5 questions completed

Questions:

#### Information

Best of Luck! 🙂

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)

#### Categories

• Not categorized 0%

• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Universities Act of 1904: The Act was based on the recommendations of the Raleigh Commission, which was tasked with reviewing all levels of education, from primary to higher education. It significantly reduced the number of elected fellows in the University Senates while increasing government-nominated members. The Act granted the government the power to veto regulations passed by the Senates and to frame its own regulations if necessary. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 3 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: C The Indian Universities Act of 1904 was a cornerstone of Curzon’s administrative overhaul. Statement 1 is incorrectbecause the Raleigh Commission (1902) was strictly limited in scope to higher education (universities and affiliated colleges); it specifically excluded primary and secondary education from its mandate. Nationalists like Gopal Krishna Gokhale criticized this, arguing that the government was more interested in controlling elite political dissent than in mass literacy. Statement 2 is correct; the Act reduced the size of the Senates (to 50–100 members) and ensured that the majority of fellows were nominated by the government, thereby eroding the autonomy of these institutions. Statement 3 is also correct; the government obtained the veto powerover Senate resolutions and the authority to define territorial jurisdictions for universities. While the Act did introduce a grant of Rs. 5 lakh per annum for five years to support research and laboratories, Its long-term impact was a significant centralization of control over universities, which nationalist leaders viewed as constraining academic and political autonomy. Incorrect Solution: C The Indian Universities Act of 1904 was a cornerstone of Curzon’s administrative overhaul. Statement 1 is incorrectbecause the Raleigh Commission (1902) was strictly limited in scope to higher education (universities and affiliated colleges); it specifically excluded primary and secondary education from its mandate. Nationalists like Gopal Krishna Gokhale criticized this, arguing that the government was more interested in controlling elite political dissent than in mass literacy. Statement 2 is correct; the Act reduced the size of the Senates (to 50–100 members) and ensured that the majority of fellows were nominated by the government, thereby eroding the autonomy of these institutions. Statement 3 is also correct; the government obtained the veto powerover Senate resolutions and the authority to define territorial jurisdictions for universities. While the Act did introduce a grant of Rs. 5 lakh per annum for five years to support research and laboratories, Its long-term impact was a significant centralization of control over universities, which nationalist leaders viewed as constraining academic and political autonomy.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Universities Act of 1904:

• The Act was based on the recommendations of the Raleigh Commission, which was tasked with reviewing all levels of education, from primary to higher education.

• It significantly reduced the number of elected fellows in the University Senates while increasing government-nominated members.

• The Act granted the government the power to veto regulations passed by the Senates and to frame its own regulations if necessary.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 3 only

• (b) 1 and 3 only

• (c) 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: C

• The Indian Universities Act of 1904 was a cornerstone of Curzon’s administrative overhaul.

• Statement 1 is incorrectbecause the Raleigh Commission (1902) was strictly limited in scope to higher education (universities and affiliated colleges); it specifically excluded primary and secondary education from its mandate. Nationalists like Gopal Krishna Gokhale criticized this, arguing that the government was more interested in controlling elite political dissent than in mass literacy.

• Statement 2 is correct; the Act reduced the size of the Senates (to 50–100 members) and ensured that the majority of fellows were nominated by the government, thereby eroding the autonomy of these institutions.

• Statement 3 is also correct; the government obtained the veto powerover Senate resolutions and the authority to define territorial jurisdictions for universities. While the Act did introduce a grant of Rs. 5 lakh per annum for five years to support research and laboratories, Its long-term impact was a significant centralization of control over universities, which nationalist leaders viewed as constraining academic and political autonomy.

Solution: C

• The Indian Universities Act of 1904 was a cornerstone of Curzon’s administrative overhaul.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Match the following Commissions under Lord Curzon with their primary focus: Commission Primary Area of Reform (A) Frazer Commission (1902) (i) Universities and Higher Education (B) Raleigh Commission (1902) (ii) Famine Prevention and Relief (C) McDonnell Commission (1900) (iii) Police Administration and Recruitment Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii (b) A-i, B-iii, C-ii (c) A-iii, B-ii, C-i (d) A-iii, B-i, C-ii Correct Solution: D The Frazer Commission (1902) was appointed to examine police administration in British India. Its focus was on recruitment practices, service conditions, training, and the structural weaknesses of the colonial police system. The commission highlighted issues such as low pay, corruption, political interference, and lack of professionalism, leading to long-term reforms in policing rather than educational or famine-related matters. The Raleigh Commission (1902) dealt with universities and higher education. It critically reviewed the functioning of Indian universities and recommended tighter government control, greater emphasis on examinations, and reduced autonomy of universities. These recommendations culminated in the Indian Universities Act of 1904, a major Curzon-era intervention in higher education aimed at curbing nationalist influence in campuses. The McDonnell Commission (1900) focused on famine prevention and relief, reflecting Curzon’s concern with administrative efficiency following repeated famines in the late nineteenth century. It examined relief measures, grain distribution, and the functioning of famine codes, seeking to improve state response mechanisms rather than policing or education. Incorrect Solution: D The Frazer Commission (1902) was appointed to examine police administration in British India. Its focus was on recruitment practices, service conditions, training, and the structural weaknesses of the colonial police system. The commission highlighted issues such as low pay, corruption, political interference, and lack of professionalism, leading to long-term reforms in policing rather than educational or famine-related matters. The Raleigh Commission (1902) dealt with universities and higher education. It critically reviewed the functioning of Indian universities and recommended tighter government control, greater emphasis on examinations, and reduced autonomy of universities. These recommendations culminated in the Indian Universities Act of 1904, a major Curzon-era intervention in higher education aimed at curbing nationalist influence in campuses. The McDonnell Commission (1900) focused on famine prevention and relief, reflecting Curzon’s concern with administrative efficiency following repeated famines in the late nineteenth century. It examined relief measures, grain distribution, and the functioning of famine codes, seeking to improve state response mechanisms rather than policing or education.

#### 2. Question

Match the following Commissions under Lord Curzon with their primary focus:

Commission | Primary Area of Reform

(A) Frazer Commission (1902) | (i) Universities and Higher Education

(B) Raleigh Commission (1902) | (ii) Famine Prevention and Relief

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii

• (b) A-i, B-iii, C-ii

• (c) A-iii, B-ii, C-i

• (d) A-iii, B-i, C-ii

Solution: D

• The Frazer Commission (1902) was appointed to examine police administration in British India. Its focus was on recruitment practices, service conditions, training, and the structural weaknesses of the colonial police system. The commission highlighted issues such as low pay, corruption, political interference, and lack of professionalism, leading to long-term reforms in policing rather than educational or famine-related matters.

• The Raleigh Commission (1902) dealt with universities and higher education. It critically reviewed the functioning of Indian universities and recommended tighter government control, greater emphasis on examinations, and reduced autonomy of universities. These recommendations culminated in the Indian Universities Act of 1904, a major Curzon-era intervention in higher education aimed at curbing nationalist influence in campuses.

The McDonnell Commission (1900) focused on famine prevention and relief, reflecting Curzon’s concern with administrative efficiency following repeated famines in the late nineteenth century. It examined relief measures, grain distribution, and the functioning of famine codes, seeking to improve state response mechanisms rather than policing or education.

Solution: D

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the spread of the Salt Satyagraha in South India, who among the following organized a march from Tiruchirappalli to Vedaranyam on the Tanjore coast in April 1930? (a) P. Krishna Pillai (b) T. Prakasam (c) K. Kelappan (d) C. Rajagopalachari Correct Solution: D The launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement by Mahatma Gandhi at Dandi acted as a catalyst for numerous regional marches across the Indian coastline. In the Madras Presidency, the leadership fell to Rajagopalachari, a towering figure in the freedom struggle and a close confidant of Gandhi. In April 1930, he organized a group of volunteers to march from Tiruchirappalli to Vedaranyamon the Tanjore coast. This event, known as the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha, was significant for its high level of organization and the massive public support it received despite the colonial government’s repressive measures. While Kelappan(the “Kerala Gandhi”) was simultaneously leading a salt march in the Malabar region from Calicut to Payyanur, and P. Krishna Pillai was gaining prominence for his heroic defense of the national flag in Kerala, the Tanjore coast march was the specific contribution of Rajagopalachari. These regional leaders were instrumental in ensuring that the movement was not merely a localized event in Gujarat but a pan-Indian phenomenon that challenged British authority on multiple fronts. Incorrect Solution: D The launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement by Mahatma Gandhi at Dandi acted as a catalyst for numerous regional marches across the Indian coastline. In the Madras Presidency, the leadership fell to Rajagopalachari, a towering figure in the freedom struggle and a close confidant of Gandhi. In April 1930, he organized a group of volunteers to march from Tiruchirappalli to Vedaranyamon the Tanjore coast. This event, known as the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha, was significant for its high level of organization and the massive public support it received despite the colonial government’s repressive measures. While Kelappan(the “Kerala Gandhi”) was simultaneously leading a salt march in the Malabar region from Calicut to Payyanur, and P. Krishna Pillai was gaining prominence for his heroic defense of the national flag in Kerala, the Tanjore coast march was the specific contribution of Rajagopalachari. These regional leaders were instrumental in ensuring that the movement was not merely a localized event in Gujarat but a pan-Indian phenomenon that challenged British authority on multiple fronts.

#### 3. Question

With reference to the spread of the Salt Satyagraha in South India, who among the following organized a march from Tiruchirappalli to Vedaranyam on the Tanjore coast in April 1930?

• (a) P. Krishna Pillai

• (b) T. Prakasam

• (c) K. Kelappan

• (d) C. Rajagopalachari

Solution: D

• The launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement by Mahatma Gandhi at Dandi acted as a catalyst for numerous regional marches across the Indian coastline. In the Madras Presidency, the leadership fell to Rajagopalachari, a towering figure in the freedom struggle and a close confidant of Gandhi.

• In April 1930, he organized a group of volunteers to march from Tiruchirappalli to Vedaranyamon the Tanjore coast. This event, known as the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha, was significant for its high level of organization and the massive public support it received despite the colonial government’s repressive measures.

• While Kelappan(the “Kerala Gandhi”) was simultaneously leading a salt march in the Malabar region from Calicut to Payyanur, and P. Krishna Pillai was gaining prominence for his heroic defense of the national flag in Kerala, the Tanjore coast march was the specific contribution of Rajagopalachari.

• These regional leaders were instrumental in ensuring that the movement was not merely a localized event in Gujarat but a pan-Indian phenomenon that challenged British authority on multiple fronts.

Solution: D

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the events leading to the Civil Disobedience Movement, consider the following statements: The 1928 Nehru Report’s demand for Dominion Status was rejected by the British government within the specified one-year deadline. The Lahore Session of 1929 was the first instance where the Indian National Congress officially adopted the goal of Purna Swaraj. The onset of the Great Depression in 1929 reduced the purchasing power of the Indian peasantry, contributing to their participation in the movement. How many of the above statements are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: D The Nehru Report (1928) demanded Dominion Status and gave the British government a one-year ultimatum. When the British failed to respond positively within this period, it was effectively treated as a rejection, convincing Indian leaders that constitutional methods under British goodwill had reached a dead end. This hardened nationalist resolve and directly influenced subsequent decisions. The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in December 1929 marked a historic turning point, as it was here that the Congress formally adopted Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as its official goal for the first time. This ideological shift laid the political foundation for mass civil disobedience rather than limited constitutional agitation. The Great Depression of 1929 had a profound economic impact on colonial India. Falling agricultural prices, reduced demand for Indian exports, and mounting rural indebtedness sharply eroded the purchasing power of peasants. These economic hardships widened the social base of nationalism, pushing peasants and rural groups to actively participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Together, political frustration, ideological clarity, and economic distress converged to fuel the movement. Incorrect Solution: D The Nehru Report (1928) demanded Dominion Status and gave the British government a one-year ultimatum. When the British failed to respond positively within this period, it was effectively treated as a rejection, convincing Indian leaders that constitutional methods under British goodwill had reached a dead end. This hardened nationalist resolve and directly influenced subsequent decisions. The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in December 1929 marked a historic turning point, as it was here that the Congress formally adopted Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as its official goal for the first time. This ideological shift laid the political foundation for mass civil disobedience rather than limited constitutional agitation. The Great Depression of 1929 had a profound economic impact on colonial India. Falling agricultural prices, reduced demand for Indian exports, and mounting rural indebtedness sharply eroded the purchasing power of peasants. These economic hardships widened the social base of nationalism, pushing peasants and rural groups to actively participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Together, political frustration, ideological clarity, and economic distress converged to fuel the movement.

#### 4. Question

With reference to the events leading to the Civil Disobedience Movement, consider the following statements:

• The 1928 Nehru Report’s demand for Dominion Status was rejected by the British government within the specified one-year deadline.

• The Lahore Session of 1929 was the first instance where the Indian National Congress officially adopted the goal of Purna Swaraj.

• The onset of the Great Depression in 1929 reduced the purchasing power of the Indian peasantry, contributing to their participation in the movement.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: D

• The Nehru Report (1928) demanded Dominion Status and gave the British government a one-year ultimatum. When the British failed to respond positively within this period, it was effectively treated as a rejection, convincing Indian leaders that constitutional methods under British goodwill had reached a dead end. This hardened nationalist resolve and directly influenced subsequent decisions.

• The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in December 1929 marked a historic turning point, as it was here that the Congress formally adopted Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as its official goal for the first time. This ideological shift laid the political foundation for mass civil disobedience rather than limited constitutional agitation.

The Great Depression of 1929 had a profound economic impact on colonial India. Falling agricultural prices, reduced demand for Indian exports, and mounting rural indebtedness sharply eroded the purchasing power of peasants. These economic hardships widened the social base of nationalism, pushing peasants and rural groups to actively participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Together, political frustration, ideological clarity, and economic distress converged to fuel the movement.

Solution: D

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding Wavell Plan: Statement-I: The Wavell Plan of 1945 proposed that the Executive Council of the Viceroy would be entirely Indianized, except for the Viceroy and the Commander-in-Chief. Statement-II: The British government sought to appease the Indian National Congress by transferring the portfolio of Defence to an Indian member of the council to ensure cooperation in the final stages of World War II. 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 The Wavell Plan, announced in June 1945, was a significant attempt to resolve the political deadlock in India following the failure of the Cripps Mission and the suppression of the Quit India Movement. Statement-I is correctas the plan explicitly proposed a reconstituted Executive Council where all members, including the member for Foreign Affairs, would be Indians, leaving only the Viceroy and the Commander-in-Chief as British representatives. However, Statement-II is incorrect. The portfolio of Defence was specifically reservedfor the British Commander-in-Chief until a full and final transfer of power could be negotiated. The plan’s primary focus was “Caste Hindu-Muslim parity,” which aimed to address the communal representation issue rather than a complete military handover. This parity ultimately became the stumbling block at the Shimla Conference, where Jinnah insisted that the Muslim League alone should have the right to nominate all Muslim members. Incorrect Solution: C The Wavell Plan, announced in June 1945, was a significant attempt to resolve the political deadlock in India following the failure of the Cripps Mission and the suppression of the Quit India Movement. Statement-I is correctas the plan explicitly proposed a reconstituted Executive Council where all members, including the member for Foreign Affairs, would be Indians, leaving only the Viceroy and the Commander-in-Chief as British representatives. However, Statement-II is incorrect. The portfolio of Defence was specifically reservedfor the British Commander-in-Chief until a full and final transfer of power could be negotiated. The plan’s primary focus was “Caste Hindu-Muslim parity,” which aimed to address the communal representation issue rather than a complete military handover. This parity ultimately became the stumbling block at the Shimla Conference, where Jinnah insisted that the Muslim League alone should have the right to nominate all Muslim members.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Wavell Plan:

Statement-I: The Wavell Plan of 1945 proposed that the Executive Council of the Viceroy would be entirely Indianized, except for the Viceroy and the Commander-in-Chief.

Statement-II: The British government sought to appease the Indian National Congress by transferring the portfolio of Defence to an Indian member of the council to ensure cooperation in the final stages of World War II.

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

• The Wavell Plan, announced in June 1945, was a significant attempt to resolve the political deadlock in India following the failure of the Cripps Mission and the suppression of the Quit India Movement.

• Statement-I is correctas the plan explicitly proposed a reconstituted Executive Council where all members, including the member for Foreign Affairs, would be Indians, leaving only the Viceroy and the Commander-in-Chief as British representatives.

• However, Statement-II is incorrect. The portfolio of Defence was specifically reservedfor the British Commander-in-Chief until a full and final transfer of power could be negotiated.

• The plan’s primary focus was “Caste Hindu-Muslim parity,” which aimed to address the communal representation issue rather than a complete military handover. This parity ultimately became the stumbling block at the Shimla Conference, where Jinnah insisted that the Muslim League alone should have the right to nominate all Muslim members.

Solution: C

• However, Statement-II is incorrect. The portfolio of Defence was specifically reservedfor the British Commander-in-Chief until a full and final transfer of power could be negotiated.

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE

Stay Consistent

Consistency is key in UPSC preparation. By making the UPSC Static Quiz a part of your daily routine, you will steadily improve your knowledge base and exam readiness. Join us every day to tackle new questions and make your journey towards UPSC success more structured and effective.