UPSC Static Quiz – History : 26 August 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – History : 26 August 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 statements: Statement-I: The Indian Councils Act of 1909, or the Morley-Minto Reforms, was enacted to increase the participation of Indians in the legislative councils. Statement-II: The Act introduced the principle of separate electorates for Muslims, wherein only Muslim voters could elect Muslim representatives. 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: B Statement-I is correct. The stated objective of the Indian Councils Act of 1909 was to expand the legislative councils and increase the association of Indians in governance, partly as a response to the demands of the Moderate faction of the Indian National Congress. The size of the Central Legislative Council was increased from 16 to 60, and provincial councils were also enlarged. The functions of these councils were also expanded to allow members to ask supplementary questions and move resolutions on the budget. The appointment of Satyendra Prasad Sinha as the first Indian member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council was another step in this direction. Statement-II is also correct. The most significant feature of the Act was the introduction of separate electorates for Muslims. This provision “legalised communalism” by constitutionally establishing that the political interests of Muslims were distinct from those of other communities. Lord Minto is often called the ‘Father of the Communal Electorate’ for this reason. However, Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. Incorrect Solution: B Statement-I is correct. The stated objective of the Indian Councils Act of 1909 was to expand the legislative councils and increase the association of Indians in governance, partly as a response to the demands of the Moderate faction of the Indian National Congress. The size of the Central Legislative Council was increased from 16 to 60, and provincial councils were also enlarged. The functions of these councils were also expanded to allow members to ask supplementary questions and move resolutions on the budget. The appointment of Satyendra Prasad Sinha as the first Indian member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council was another step in this direction. Statement-II is also correct. The most significant feature of the Act was the introduction of separate electorates for Muslims. This provision “legalised communalism” by constitutionally establishing that the political interests of Muslims were distinct from those of other communities. Lord Minto is often called the ‘Father of the Communal Electorate’ for this reason. However, Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The Indian Councils Act of 1909, or the Morley-Minto Reforms, was enacted to increase the participation of Indians in the legislative councils.

Statement-II: The Act introduced the principle of separate electorates for Muslims, wherein only Muslim voters could elect Muslim representatives.

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: B

• Statement-I is correct. The stated objective of the Indian Councils Act of 1909 was to expand the legislative councils and increase the association of Indians in governance, partly as a response to the demands of the Moderate faction of the Indian National Congress. The size of the Central Legislative Council was increased from 16 to 60, and provincial councils were also enlarged. The functions of these councils were also expanded to allow members to ask supplementary questions and move resolutions on the budget. The appointment of Satyendra Prasad Sinha as the first Indian member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council was another step in this direction.

• Statement-II is also correct. The most significant feature of the Act was the introduction of separate electorates for Muslims. This provision “legalised communalism” by constitutionally establishing that the political interests of Muslims were distinct from those of other communities. Lord Minto is often called the ‘Father of the Communal Electorate’ for this reason.

• However, Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

Solution: B

• However, Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the Home Rule League Movement (1916-1918), consider the following statements: Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s Home Rule League was organizationally more centralized and had a wider geographical reach across India compared to Annie Besant’s league. The movement’s primary objective was to demand complete independence from British rule, marking a radical departure from the pre-war objectives of the Indian National Congress. The arrest of Annie Besant in 1917 led to the resignation of several moderate leaders from the movement and a decline in its activities. A major contribution of the movement was bridging the schism between the Moderates and Extremists within the Congress, facilitating their reunion at the Lucknow session of 1916. How many of the above statements are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: C Statement 1 is incorrect. Annie Besant’s All-India Home Rule League, founded in September 1916, had a much wider, pan-Indian reach with around 200 branches, though it was loosely organized. In contrast, Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s league, founded earlier in April 1916, was geographically restricted to Maharashtra (excluding Bombay city), Karnataka, the Central Provinces, and Berar. However, Tilak’s league was organizationally more cohesive and centralized. Statement 2 is incorrect. The objective of the Home Rule Movement was not complete independence (Purna Swaraj). It was to achieve Home Rule or self-government for India within the British Empire, similar to the status of dominions like Canada and Australia. This was a significant demand but not a call for severing all ties with Britain, which became the official Congress goal much later. Statement 3 is incorrect. The arrest of Annie Besant in June 1917 did not lead to a decline; it galvanized the movement. It sparked nationwide protests and, far from causing moderates to resign, it prompted many who were previously hesitant, such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Tej Bahadur Sapru, to join the league in protest. The government’s repressive action dramatically increased the movement’s popularity and pressure on the British administration. Statement 4 is correct. The groundwork laid by both Tilak and Besant was instrumental in healing the rift created by the Surat Split of 1907. Their efforts created a political atmosphere conducive to reconciliation. This culminated in the Lucknow Congress session of 1916, where the Extremist faction led by Tilak was readmitted into the Congress, largely due to the efforts of Annie Besant. This reunion was a significant achievement that strengthened the nationalist movement. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is incorrect. Annie Besant’s All-India Home Rule League, founded in September 1916, had a much wider, pan-Indian reach with around 200 branches, though it was loosely organized. In contrast, Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s league, founded earlier in April 1916, was geographically restricted to Maharashtra (excluding Bombay city), Karnataka, the Central Provinces, and Berar. However, Tilak’s league was organizationally more cohesive and centralized. Statement 2 is incorrect. The objective of the Home Rule Movement was not complete independence (Purna Swaraj). It was to achieve Home Rule or self-government for India within the British Empire, similar to the status of dominions like Canada and Australia. This was a significant demand but not a call for severing all ties with Britain, which became the official Congress goal much later. Statement 3 is incorrect. The arrest of Annie Besant in June 1917 did not lead to a decline; it galvanized the movement. It sparked nationwide protests and, far from causing moderates to resign, it prompted many who were previously hesitant, such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Tej Bahadur Sapru, to join the league in protest. The government’s repressive action dramatically increased the movement’s popularity and pressure on the British administration. Statement 4 is correct. The groundwork laid by both Tilak and Besant was instrumental in healing the rift created by the Surat Split of 1907. Their efforts created a political atmosphere conducive to reconciliation. This culminated in the Lucknow Congress session of 1916, where the Extremist faction led by Tilak was readmitted into the Congress, largely due to the efforts of Annie Besant. This reunion was a significant achievement that strengthened the nationalist movement.

#### 2. Question

With reference to the Home Rule League Movement (1916-1918), consider the following statements:

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s Home Rule League was organizationally more centralized and had a wider geographical reach across India compared to Annie Besant’s league.

• The movement’s primary objective was to demand complete independence from British rule, marking a radical departure from the pre-war objectives of the Indian National Congress.

• The arrest of Annie Besant in 1917 led to the resignation of several moderate leaders from the movement and a decline in its activities.

• A major contribution of the movement was bridging the schism between the Moderates and Extremists within the Congress, facilitating their reunion at the Lucknow session of 1916.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is incorrect. Annie Besant’s All-India Home Rule League, founded in September 1916, had a much wider, pan-Indian reach with around 200 branches, though it was loosely organized. In contrast, Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s league, founded earlier in April 1916, was geographically restricted to Maharashtra (excluding Bombay city), Karnataka, the Central Provinces, and Berar. However, Tilak’s league was organizationally more cohesive and centralized.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The objective of the Home Rule Movement was not complete independence (Purna Swaraj). It was to achieve Home Rule or self-government for India within the British Empire, similar to the status of dominions like Canada and Australia. This was a significant demand but not a call for severing all ties with Britain, which became the official Congress goal much later.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. The arrest of Annie Besant in June 1917 did not lead to a decline; it galvanized the movement. It sparked nationwide protests and, far from causing moderates to resign, it prompted many who were previously hesitant, such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Tej Bahadur Sapru, to join the league in protest. The government’s repressive action dramatically increased the movement’s popularity and pressure on the British administration.

• Statement 4 is correct. The groundwork laid by both Tilak and Besant was instrumental in healing the rift created by the Surat Split of 1907. Their efforts created a political atmosphere conducive to reconciliation. This culminated in the Lucknow Congress session of 1916, where the Extremist faction led by Tilak was readmitted into the Congress, largely due to the efforts of Annie Besant. This reunion was a significant achievement that strengthened the nationalist movement.

Solution: C

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which one of the following statements most accurately describes the fundamental nature of Mahatma Gandhi’s struggle in South Africa (1893-1914)? (a) It was a revolutionary movement aimed at overthrowing the colonial government and establishing an independent republic for all non-white people. (b) It was primarily a legal and constitutional agitation to secure the civil rights of Indians as subjects of the British Empire. (c) It was a pan-African movement designed to unite Indians and native Africans in a common struggle against racial segregation. (d) It was a campaign focused solely on ending the system of indentured labour and securing better wages for Indian workers. Correct Solution: B (a) is incorrect. Gandhi’s struggle was not revolutionary in the sense of seeking to overthrow the state. His methods were non-violent, and his demands were for reform within the existing imperial structure, not its dissolution. (b) is the most accurate statement. Gandhi’s activism in South Africa was rooted in his identity as a British-educated lawyer who initially believed in the ideals of the British Empire. His fight was against the racial discrimination that denied Indians the rights they were supposed to possess as British subjects. He founded the Natal Indian Congress in 1894, published the newspaper Indian Opinion, and launched Satyagraha campaigns against discriminatory laws like the Asiatic Registration Act. His approach was to use petitions, legal challenges, and non-violent civil disobedience to appeal to the conscience of the South African and British governments, demanding that they live up to their own constitutional principles. He was fighting for the rights of Indians within the Empire, not against the Empire itself. (c) is incorrect. While Gandhi was deeply opposed to racial prejudice, his political organization and campaigns in South Africa were focused almost exclusively on the rights and grievances of the Indian community. There was little to no political collaboration or organizational unity with the native African population during this period. (d) is incorrect. While the plight of indentured labourers was a significant part of his work, his struggle was much broader. It encompassed the rights of all Indians, including merchants and professionals, and addressed issues beyond labour conditions, such as the right to vote, freedom of movement, and the invalidation of non-Christian marriages. The fight against the £3 tax on ex-indentured labourers was a key campaign, but it was one part of a larger struggle for civil rights and dignity. Incorrect Solution: B (a) is incorrect. Gandhi’s struggle was not revolutionary in the sense of seeking to overthrow the state. His methods were non-violent, and his demands were for reform within the existing imperial structure, not its dissolution. (b) is the most accurate statement. Gandhi’s activism in South Africa was rooted in his identity as a British-educated lawyer who initially believed in the ideals of the British Empire. His fight was against the racial discrimination that denied Indians the rights they were supposed to possess as British subjects. He founded the Natal Indian Congress in 1894, published the newspaper Indian Opinion, and launched Satyagraha campaigns against discriminatory laws like the Asiatic Registration Act. His approach was to use petitions, legal challenges, and non-violent civil disobedience to appeal to the conscience of the South African and British governments, demanding that they live up to their own constitutional principles. He was fighting for the rights of Indians within the Empire, not against the Empire itself. (c) is incorrect. While Gandhi was deeply opposed to racial prejudice, his political organization and campaigns in South Africa were focused almost exclusively on the rights and grievances of the Indian community. There was little to no political collaboration or organizational unity with the native African population during this period. (d) is incorrect. While the plight of indentured labourers was a significant part of his work, his struggle was much broader. It encompassed the rights of all Indians, including merchants and professionals, and addressed issues beyond labour conditions, such as the right to vote, freedom of movement, and the invalidation of non-Christian marriages. The fight against the £3 tax on ex-indentured labourers was a key campaign, but it was one part of a larger struggle for civil rights and dignity.

#### 3. Question

Which one of the following statements most accurately describes the fundamental nature of Mahatma Gandhi’s struggle in South Africa (1893-1914)?

• (a) It was a revolutionary movement aimed at overthrowing the colonial government and establishing an independent republic for all non-white people.

• (b) It was primarily a legal and constitutional agitation to secure the civil rights of Indians as subjects of the British Empire.

• (c) It was a pan-African movement designed to unite Indians and native Africans in a common struggle against racial segregation.

• (d) It was a campaign focused solely on ending the system of indentured labour and securing better wages for Indian workers.

Solution: B

(a) is incorrect. Gandhi’s struggle was not revolutionary in the sense of seeking to overthrow the state. His methods were non-violent, and his demands were for reform within the existing imperial structure, not its dissolution.

(b) is the most accurate statement. Gandhi’s activism in South Africa was rooted in his identity as a British-educated lawyer who initially believed in the ideals of the British Empire. His fight was against the racial discrimination that denied Indians the rights they were supposed to possess as British subjects. He founded the Natal Indian Congress in 1894, published the newspaper Indian Opinion, and launched Satyagraha campaigns against discriminatory laws like the Asiatic Registration Act. His approach was to use petitions, legal challenges, and non-violent civil disobedience to appeal to the conscience of the South African and British governments, demanding that they live up to their own constitutional principles. He was fighting for the rights of Indians within the Empire, not against the Empire itself.

(c) is incorrect. While Gandhi was deeply opposed to racial prejudice, his political organization and campaigns in South Africa were focused almost exclusively on the rights and grievances of the Indian community. There was little to no political collaboration or organizational unity with the native African population during this period.

(d) is incorrect. While the plight of indentured labourers was a significant part of his work, his struggle was much broader. It encompassed the rights of all Indians, including merchants and professionals, and addressed issues beyond labour conditions, such as the right to vote, freedom of movement, and the invalidation of non-Christian marriages. The fight against the £3 tax on ex-indentured labourers was a key campaign, but it was one part of a larger struggle for civil rights and dignity.

Solution: B

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding Mahatma Gandhi’s early Satyagrahas in India: The Champaran Satyagraha (1917) was Gandhi’s first experiment with non-cooperation, where he called upon the peasants to refuse to pay all land revenues to the British government. In the Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918), Gandhi undertook his first ‘fast unto death’ to compel the mill owners to agree to arbitration. The Kheda Satyagraha (1918) was launched to protest against the forced cultivation of indigo under the Tinkathia system. 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 incorrect. The Champaran Satyagraha was directed against the exploitative Tinkathia system, which forced peasants to cultivate indigo on 3/20th of their land. Gandhi’s method was not a call for non-payment of all revenues. It was an in-depth inquiry into the peasants’ grievances, followed by a campaign of civil disobedience when he was ordered to leave the district. It was the first act of civil disobedience in India, but the first mass non-cooperation movement was launched later in 1920. The Kheda Satyagraha was the first instance where he contemplated a no-revenue campaign on a large scale. Statement 2 is incorrect. During the Ahmedabad Mill Strike, Gandhi did undertake a fast, which was his first use of this weapon in a political struggle in India. However, it was not a ‘fast unto death’. It was a fast for a limited period intended to rally the striking workers, whose resolve was weakening, and to exert moral pressure on the mill owners. The fast was successful, leading to the mill owners agreeing to arbitration and a 35% wage hike for the workers. The term ‘fast unto death’ implies an indefinite fast, which this was not. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Kheda Satyagraha was launched because of crop failure due to famine and a plague epidemic in the Kheda district of Gujarat. According to the revenue code, if the yield was less than one-fourth of the normal produce, the farmers were entitled to remission. The government, however, refused to grant this remission and insisted on full collection of land revenue. Gandhi advised the peasants to withhold payment. The protest against the forced cultivation of indigo under the Tinkathia system was the central issue of the Champaran Satyagraha, not Kheda. Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. The Champaran Satyagraha was directed against the exploitative Tinkathia system, which forced peasants to cultivate indigo on 3/20th of their land. Gandhi’s method was not a call for non-payment of all revenues. It was an in-depth inquiry into the peasants’ grievances, followed by a campaign of civil disobedience when he was ordered to leave the district. It was the first act of civil disobedience in India, but the first mass non-cooperation movement was launched later in 1920. The Kheda Satyagraha was the first instance where he contemplated a no-revenue campaign on a large scale. Statement 2 is incorrect. During the Ahmedabad Mill Strike, Gandhi did undertake a fast, which was his first use of this weapon in a political struggle in India. However, it was not a ‘fast unto death’. It was a fast for a limited period intended to rally the striking workers, whose resolve was weakening, and to exert moral pressure on the mill owners. The fast was successful, leading to the mill owners agreeing to arbitration and a 35% wage hike for the workers. The term ‘fast unto death’ implies an indefinite fast, which this was not. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Kheda Satyagraha was launched because of crop failure due to famine and a plague epidemic in the Kheda district of Gujarat. According to the revenue code, if the yield was less than one-fourth of the normal produce, the farmers were entitled to remission. The government, however, refused to grant this remission and insisted on full collection of land revenue. Gandhi advised the peasants to withhold payment. The protest against the forced cultivation of indigo under the Tinkathia system was the central issue of the Champaran Satyagraha, not Kheda.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Mahatma Gandhi’s early Satyagrahas in India:

• The Champaran Satyagraha (1917) was Gandhi’s first experiment with non-cooperation, where he called upon the peasants to refuse to pay all land revenues to the British government.

• In the Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918), Gandhi undertook his first ‘fast unto death’ to compel the mill owners to agree to arbitration.

• The Kheda Satyagraha (1918) was launched to protest against the forced cultivation of indigo under the Tinkathia system.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Champaran Satyagraha was directed against the exploitative Tinkathia system, which forced peasants to cultivate indigo on 3/20th of their land. Gandhi’s method was not a call for non-payment of all revenues. It was an in-depth inquiry into the peasants’ grievances, followed by a campaign of civil disobedience when he was ordered to leave the district. It was the first act of civil disobedience in India, but the first mass non-cooperation movement was launched later in 1920. The Kheda Satyagraha was the first instance where he contemplated a no-revenue campaign on a large scale.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. During the Ahmedabad Mill Strike, Gandhi did undertake a fast, which was his first use of this weapon in a political struggle in India. However, it was not a ‘fast unto death’. It was a fast for a limited period intended to rally the striking workers, whose resolve was weakening, and to exert moral pressure on the mill owners. The fast was successful, leading to the mill owners agreeing to arbitration and a 35% wage hike for the workers. The term ‘fast unto death’ implies an indefinite fast, which this was not.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. The Kheda Satyagraha was launched because of crop failure due to famine and a plague epidemic in the Kheda district of Gujarat. According to the revenue code, if the yield was less than one-fourth of the normal produce, the farmers were entitled to remission. The government, however, refused to grant this remission and insisted on full collection of land revenue. Gandhi advised the peasants to withhold payment. The protest against the forced cultivation of indigo under the Tinkathia system was the central issue of the Champaran Satyagraha, not Kheda.

Solution: D

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919, popularly known as the Rowlatt Act, consider the following statements: The Act was a direct recommendation of the Hunter Commission, established to investigate political conspiracies in India during World War I. The key provisions of the Act included the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and the introduction of preventive detention for a maximum period of one year without trial. The Rowlatt Satyagraha, launched in opposition to the Act, was the first instance where Mahatma Gandhi attempted to use the organizational network of the Home Rule Leagues on a pan-India level. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The Act was based on the recommendations of the Sedition Committee, which was chaired by Sir Sidney Rowlatt, not the Hunter Commission. The Hunter Commission was appointed later, in October 1919, to investigate the disturbances in Punjab, most notably the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which was itself a consequence of the protests against the Rowlatt Act. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Act allowed for preventive detention for a maximum period of two years, not one year, without trial. While it severely curtailed civil liberties and is often described as suspending the writ of habeas corpus in spirit, the Act’s main provisions were about arrest without warrant, in-camera trials by special tribunals with no right of appeal, and demanding security from suspects. Statement 3 is correct. The Rowlatt Satyagraha was Gandhi’s first attempt at an all-India mass movement. To organize the nationwide hartal (strike) and protests, Gandhi sought to utilize the existing political networks. He specifically appealed to the younger, more radical members of the Home Rule Leagues, which had been established by Tilak and Besant, to form the backbone of the Satyagraha Sabhas that were set up across the country to lead the protest. This marked a significant step in mobilizing a pan-Indian political infrastructure for a Gandhian movement. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The Act was based on the recommendations of the Sedition Committee, which was chaired by Sir Sidney Rowlatt, not the Hunter Commission. The Hunter Commission was appointed later, in October 1919, to investigate the disturbances in Punjab, most notably the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which was itself a consequence of the protests against the Rowlatt Act. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Act allowed for preventive detention for a maximum period of two years, not one year, without trial. While it severely curtailed civil liberties and is often described as suspending the writ of habeas corpus in spirit, the Act’s main provisions were about arrest without warrant, in-camera trials by special tribunals with no right of appeal, and demanding security from suspects. Statement 3 is correct. The Rowlatt Satyagraha was Gandhi’s first attempt at an all-India mass movement. To organize the nationwide hartal (strike) and protests, Gandhi sought to utilize the existing political networks. He specifically appealed to the younger, more radical members of the Home Rule Leagues, which had been established by Tilak and Besant, to form the backbone of the Satyagraha Sabhas that were set up across the country to lead the protest. This marked a significant step in mobilizing a pan-Indian political infrastructure for a Gandhian movement.

#### 5. Question

With reference to the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919, popularly known as the Rowlatt Act, consider the following statements:

• The Act was a direct recommendation of the Hunter Commission, established to investigate political conspiracies in India during World War I.

• The key provisions of the Act included the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and the introduction of preventive detention for a maximum period of one year without trial.

• The Rowlatt Satyagraha, launched in opposition to the Act, was the first instance where Mahatma Gandhi attempted to use the organizational network of the Home Rule Leagues on a pan-India level.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Act was based on the recommendations of the Sedition Committee, which was chaired by Sir Sidney Rowlatt, not the Hunter Commission. The Hunter Commission was appointed later, in October 1919, to investigate the disturbances in Punjab, most notably the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which was itself a consequence of the protests against the Rowlatt Act.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Act allowed for preventive detention for a maximum period of two years, not one year, without trial. While it severely curtailed civil liberties and is often described as suspending the writ of habeas corpus in spirit, the Act’s main provisions were about arrest without warrant, in-camera trials by special tribunals with no right of appeal, and demanding security from suspects.

• Statement 3 is correct. The Rowlatt Satyagraha was Gandhi’s first attempt at an all-India mass movement. To organize the nationwide hartal (strike) and protests, Gandhi sought to utilize the existing political networks. He specifically appealed to the younger, more radical members of the Home Rule Leagues, which had been established by Tilak and Besant, to form the backbone of the Satyagraha Sabhas that were set up across the country to lead the protest. This marked a significant step in mobilizing a pan-Indian political infrastructure for a Gandhian movement.

Solution: A

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