UPSC Static Quiz – History: 31 March 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – History :31 March 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 Arrange the following historical events in the chronological order. Portuguese captured Goa East India Company established factory at Surat Battle of Bidara Farrukhsiyar issued a Farman Select the correct answer code: a) 2-1-3-4 b) 1-2-3-4 c) 1-2-4-3 d) 1-4-2-3 Correct Solution: c) The correct chronological order of the historical events is as follows: Portuguese captured Goa (1510) – Under the leadership of Alfonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese seized Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate, establishing one of their most important colonial bases in India. This marked the beginning of a sustained European colonial presence in India. East India Company established factory at Surat (1613) – The British East India Company set up its first permanent trading post (factory) in Surat on the western coast with the approval of the Mughal emperor. This was a foundational step in the gradual rise of British political and economic dominance in India. Farrukhsiyar issued a Farman (1717) – The Mughal emperor granted several trade privileges to the Company, including duty-free trade in Bengal. This farman is often referred to as the “Magna Carta” of the Company because it drastically expanded British economic power. Battle of Bidara (1759) – This battle saw the British defeating the Dutch, thereby eliminating Dutch competition for dominance in Bengal. Incorrect Solution: c) The correct chronological order of the historical events is as follows: Portuguese captured Goa (1510) – Under the leadership of Alfonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese seized Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate, establishing one of their most important colonial bases in India. This marked the beginning of a sustained European colonial presence in India. East India Company established factory at Surat (1613) – The British East India Company set up its first permanent trading post (factory) in Surat on the western coast with the approval of the Mughal emperor. This was a foundational step in the gradual rise of British political and economic dominance in India. Farrukhsiyar issued a Farman (1717) – The Mughal emperor granted several trade privileges to the Company, including duty-free trade in Bengal. This farman is often referred to as the “Magna Carta” of the Company because it drastically expanded British economic power. Battle of Bidara (1759) – This battle saw the British defeating the Dutch, thereby eliminating Dutch competition for dominance in Bengal.

#### 1. Question

Arrange the following historical events in the chronological order.

• Portuguese captured Goa

• East India Company established factory at Surat

• Battle of Bidara

• Farrukhsiyar issued a Farman

Select the correct answer code:

• a) 2-1-3-4

• b) 1-2-3-4

• c) 1-2-4-3

• d) 1-4-2-3

Solution: c)

The correct chronological order of the historical events is as follows:

• Portuguese captured Goa (1510) – Under the leadership of Alfonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese seized Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate, establishing one of their most important colonial bases in India. This marked the beginning of a sustained European colonial presence in India.

• East India Company established factory at Surat (1613) – The British East India Company set up its first permanent trading post (factory) in Surat on the western coast with the approval of the Mughal emperor. This was a foundational step in the gradual rise of British political and economic dominance in India.

• Farrukhsiyar issued a Farman (1717) – The Mughal emperor granted several trade privileges to the Company, including duty-free trade in Bengal. This farman is often referred to as the “Magna Carta” of the Company because it drastically expanded British economic power.

• Battle of Bidara (1759) – This battle saw the British defeating the Dutch, thereby eliminating Dutch competition for dominance in Bengal.

Solution: c)

The correct chronological order of the historical events is as follows:

• Battle of Bidara (1759) – This battle saw the British defeating the Dutch, thereby eliminating Dutch competition for dominance in Bengal.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, which of the following statement is incorrect? a) Gandhi agreed to participate in the second-round table conference. b) The government agreed to return all lands which were not sold to thirds parties. c) All political prisoners not convicted of violence were released immediately. d) The government granted right to make salt in coastal villages for personal consumption and sale in local markets. Correct Solution: d) The Gandhi-Irwin Pact of March 1931 was a significant milestone in the Indian freedom struggle, marking a temporary truce between the British colonial government and the Indian National Congress. The pact came after the Civil Disobedience Movement and was aimed at creating a conducive environment for political dialogue. Statement a is correct – Gandhi agreed to participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London as part of the agreement. Statement b is also correct – The government agreed to return confiscated lands to their original owners if they had not been sold to third parties. Statement c is correct – All political prisoners who had not been convicted of acts of violence were to be released as part of the agreement. Statement d is incorrect – The pact permitted people living in coastal villages to produce salt for personal consumption only, not for sale in the market. The British were not willing to concede salt as a commodity for open trade due to its economic and symbolic significance. Incorrect Solution: d) The Gandhi-Irwin Pact of March 1931 was a significant milestone in the Indian freedom struggle, marking a temporary truce between the British colonial government and the Indian National Congress. The pact came after the Civil Disobedience Movement and was aimed at creating a conducive environment for political dialogue. Statement a is correct – Gandhi agreed to participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London as part of the agreement. Statement b is also correct – The government agreed to return confiscated lands to their original owners if they had not been sold to third parties. Statement c is correct – All political prisoners who had not been convicted of acts of violence were to be released as part of the agreement. Statement d is incorrect – The pact permitted people living in coastal villages to produce salt for personal consumption only, not for sale in the market. The British were not willing to concede salt as a commodity for open trade due to its economic and symbolic significance.

#### 2. Question

With reference to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, which of the following statement is incorrect?

• a) Gandhi agreed to participate in the second-round table conference.

• b) The government agreed to return all lands which were not sold to thirds parties.

• c) All political prisoners not convicted of violence were released immediately.

• d) The government granted right to make salt in coastal villages for personal consumption and sale in local markets.

Solution: d)

• The Gandhi-Irwin Pact of March 1931 was a significant milestone in the Indian freedom struggle, marking a temporary truce between the British colonial government and the Indian National Congress. The pact came after the Civil Disobedience Movement and was aimed at creating a conducive environment for political dialogue.

• Statement a is correct – Gandhi agreed to participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London as part of the agreement.

• Statement b is also correct – The government agreed to return confiscated lands to their original owners if they had not been sold to third parties.

• Statement c is correct – All political prisoners who had not been convicted of acts of violence were to be released as part of the agreement.

• Statement d is incorrect – The pact permitted people living in coastal villages to produce salt for personal consumption only, not for sale in the market. The British were not willing to concede salt as a commodity for open trade due to its economic and symbolic significance.

Solution: d)

• Statement a is correct – Gandhi agreed to participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London as part of the agreement.

• Statement b is also correct – The government agreed to return confiscated lands to their original owners if they had not been sold to third parties.

• Statement c is correct – All political prisoners who had not been convicted of acts of violence were to be released as part of the agreement.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Who among the following Governor General followed the policy of non-interference with native states? a) Warren Hastings b) Cornwallis c) John Shore d) William Bentinck Correct Solution: c) Sir John Shore, who succeeded Lord Cornwallis as Governor-General of India (1793–1798), is best known for his policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of the princely or native states. He adopted a stance of strict neutrality, especially in contrast to his predecessor and successors who were more interventionist. Shore believed that frequent involvement in native disputes would overstretch British resources and entangle the East India Company in unnecessary conflicts. This approach was particularly evident during the crisis in the Maratha Confederacy and in Awadh, where despite internal instability, Shore refrained from direct involvement. While this non-interventionist policy was praised by some for respecting the autonomy of Indian rulers, it was also criticized for allowing instability to grow in strategically important regions. In contrast: Warren Hastings laid the foundations of British administrative control and was often interventionist. Cornwallis strengthened British authority and introduced important administrative reforms. William Bentinck pursued social reforms and indirectly supported expansionist policies. Incorrect Solution: c) Sir John Shore, who succeeded Lord Cornwallis as Governor-General of India (1793–1798), is best known for his policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of the princely or native states. He adopted a stance of strict neutrality, especially in contrast to his predecessor and successors who were more interventionist. Shore believed that frequent involvement in native disputes would overstretch British resources and entangle the East India Company in unnecessary conflicts. This approach was particularly evident during the crisis in the Maratha Confederacy and in Awadh, where despite internal instability, Shore refrained from direct involvement. While this non-interventionist policy was praised by some for respecting the autonomy of Indian rulers, it was also criticized for allowing instability to grow in strategically important regions. In contrast: Warren Hastings laid the foundations of British administrative control and was often interventionist. Cornwallis strengthened British authority and introduced important administrative reforms. William Bentinck pursued social reforms and indirectly supported expansionist policies.

#### 3. Question

Who among the following Governor General followed the policy of non-interference with native states?

• a) Warren Hastings

• b) Cornwallis

• c) John Shore

• d) William Bentinck

Solution: c)

• Sir John Shore, who succeeded Lord Cornwallis as Governor-General of India (1793–1798), is best known for his policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of the princely or native states. He adopted a stance of strict neutrality, especially in contrast to his predecessor and successors who were more interventionist.

• Shore believed that frequent involvement in native disputes would overstretch British resources and entangle the East India Company in unnecessary conflicts.

• This approach was particularly evident during the crisis in the Maratha Confederacy and in Awadh, where despite internal instability, Shore refrained from direct involvement. While this non-interventionist policy was praised by some for respecting the autonomy of Indian rulers, it was also criticized for allowing instability to grow in strategically important regions.

In contrast:

• Warren Hastings laid the foundations of British administrative control and was often interventionist.

• Cornwallis strengthened British authority and introduced important administrative reforms.

• William Bentinck pursued social reforms and indirectly supported expansionist policies.

Solution: c)

• Shore believed that frequent involvement in native disputes would overstretch British resources and entangle the East India Company in unnecessary conflicts.

In contrast:

• Warren Hastings laid the foundations of British administrative control and was often interventionist.

• Cornwallis strengthened British authority and introduced important administrative reforms.

• William Bentinck pursued social reforms and indirectly supported expansionist policies.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to Warren Hastings, consider the following statements. He was the first Governor General of India. He abolished the Dual Government in Bengal. He signed treaty of Amritsar with Maharaja Ranjit Singh. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect: Warren Hastings was not the first Governor General of India. He was the first Governor General of Bengal (1773–1785), appointed under the Regulating Act of 1773. The title “Governor General of India” was officially used only from 1833, and the first to hold it was Lord William Bentinck. Statement 2 is correct: Hastings is credited with abolishing the Dual Government system in Bengal, a system introduced by Robert Clive where the East India Company exercised power without responsibility. Hastings brought administrative and revenue powers directly under the Company’s control, marking a significant step toward centralized governance. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Treaty of Amritsar was signed in 1809 between the British East India Company and Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It was concluded under the tenure of Lord Minto, not Hastings. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect: Warren Hastings was not the first Governor General of India. He was the first Governor General of Bengal (1773–1785), appointed under the Regulating Act of 1773. The title “Governor General of India” was officially used only from 1833, and the first to hold it was Lord William Bentinck. Statement 2 is correct: Hastings is credited with abolishing the Dual Government system in Bengal, a system introduced by Robert Clive where the East India Company exercised power without responsibility. Hastings brought administrative and revenue powers directly under the Company’s control, marking a significant step toward centralized governance. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Treaty of Amritsar was signed in 1809 between the British East India Company and Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It was concluded under the tenure of Lord Minto, not Hastings.

#### 4. Question

With reference to Warren Hastings, consider the following statements.

• He was the first Governor General of India.

• He abolished the Dual Government in Bengal.

• He signed treaty of Amritsar with Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: a)

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Warren Hastings was not the first Governor General of India. He was the first Governor General of Bengal (1773–1785), appointed under the Regulating Act of 1773. The title “Governor General of India” was officially used only from 1833, and the first to hold it was Lord William Bentinck.

• Statement 2 is correct: Hastings is credited with abolishing the Dual Government system in Bengal, a system introduced by Robert Clive where the East India Company exercised power without responsibility. Hastings brought administrative and revenue powers directly under the Company’s control, marking a significant step toward centralized governance.

• Statement 3 is incorrect: The Treaty of Amritsar was signed in 1809 between the British East India Company and Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It was concluded under the tenure of Lord Minto, not Hastings.

Solution: a)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched? a) Dalhousie – Wood’s Despatch b) William Bentinck – Kol Rebellion c) Lord Wellesley– Fort William College d) Metcalfe - Vellore Mutiny Correct Solution: d) a) Dalhousie – Wood’s Despatch: Correct. Lord Dalhousie was Governor General when Wood’s Despatch was issued in 1854. It laid the foundation for modern education in India, emphasizing primary, secondary, and higher education, along with teacher training. b) William Bentinck – Kol Rebellion: Correct. The Kol Rebellion (1831–32), a tribal uprising in Chotanagpur, occurred during the tenure of Lord William Bentinck, who was Governor General from 1828 to 1835. c) Lord Wellesley – Fort William College: Correct. Lord Wellesley established Fort William College in 1800 in Calcutta for training civil servants of the East India Company, especially in Indian languages and culture. d) Metcalfe – Vellore Mutiny: Incorrect. The Vellore Mutiny occurred in 1806, during the tenure of Sir George Barlow, who was the acting Governor General of India at the time. Charles Metcalfe served later and was known for supporting the freedom of the press. Incorrect Solution: d) a) Dalhousie – Wood’s Despatch: Correct. Lord Dalhousie was Governor General when Wood’s Despatch was issued in 1854. It laid the foundation for modern education in India, emphasizing primary, secondary, and higher education, along with teacher training. b) William Bentinck – Kol Rebellion: Correct. The Kol Rebellion (1831–32), a tribal uprising in Chotanagpur, occurred during the tenure of Lord William Bentinck, who was Governor General from 1828 to 1835. c) Lord Wellesley – Fort William College: Correct. Lord Wellesley established Fort William College in 1800 in Calcutta for training civil servants of the East India Company, especially in Indian languages and culture. d) Metcalfe – Vellore Mutiny: Incorrect. The Vellore Mutiny occurred in 1806, during the tenure of Sir George Barlow, who was the acting Governor General of India at the time. Charles Metcalfe served later and was known for supporting the freedom of the press.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

• a) Dalhousie – Wood’s Despatch

• b) William Bentinck – Kol Rebellion

• c) Lord Wellesley– Fort William College

• d) Metcalfe - Vellore Mutiny

Solution: d)

a) Dalhousie – Wood’s Despatch: Correct. Lord Dalhousie was Governor General when Wood’s Despatch was issued in 1854. It laid the foundation for modern education in India, emphasizing primary, secondary, and higher education, along with teacher training.

b) William Bentinck – Kol Rebellion: Correct. The Kol Rebellion (1831–32), a tribal uprising in Chotanagpur, occurred during the tenure of Lord William Bentinck, who was Governor General from 1828 to 1835.

c) Lord Wellesley – Fort William College: Correct. Lord Wellesley established Fort William College in 1800 in Calcutta for training civil servants of the East India Company, especially in Indian languages and culture.

d) Metcalfe – Vellore Mutiny: Incorrect. The Vellore Mutiny occurred in 1806, during the tenure of Sir George Barlow, who was the acting Governor General of India at the time. Charles Metcalfe served later and was known for supporting the freedom of the press.

Solution: d)

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