In the annals of Indian history, the period of British colonial rule stands as a defining epoch, marked by a complex interplay of power, policy, and resistance. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Preliminary Examination, a gateway to prestigious civil services in India, delves into the intricacies of this historical epoch with a dedicated focus on Modern History. Within this expansive canvas, the examination rigorously examines the British Administration and Policies, probing the nuances of colonial governance, economic exploitation, and socio-political ramifications. Aspirants navigating the labyrinth of UPSC preparation encounter a myriad of questions tailored to assess their comprehension of key events, personalities, and policy paradigms that shaped India under British dominion. With each query, aspirants are beckoned to dissect the multifaceted dimensions of British colonialism, charting a course through the currents of administrative reforms, economic exploitation, and the seeds of Indian nationalism sown amidst colonial oppression. Thus, the examination of UPSC Prelims Topic Wise Questions – Modern History – British Administration and Policies serves not only as a gauge of historical acumen but also as a window into the enduring legacies of colonial rule that continue to reverberate in the fabric of contemporary India.
Q1. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. (1996)
List I
A. Governor General of Presidency of Fort William in Bengal (Under Regulating Act, 1773)
B. Governor General of India (Under Charter Act, 1833)
C. Governor General and Viceroy of India (Under Indian Councils Act, 1858)
D. Governor General and Crown Representative (Under Government of India Act, 1935)
List II
1. Archibald Percival Wavell, Viscount and Earl Wavell
2. James Andrew Broun-Ramsay, Earl and Marques of Dalhousie
3. Charles Cornwallis 2nd Earl and First Marquess of Cornwallis
4. Gibert John Elliot – Murray Kynynmond, Earl of Minto
5. Louis Mountbatten, Earl Mountbatten of Burna
Codes
ABCD
(a) 3 2 4 1
(b) 3 4 1 5
(c) 2 3 4 5
(d) 4 2 3 1
Ans. (a)
The accurate sequence is A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1.
Lord Cornwallis served as the Governor General of the Presidency of Fort William in Bengal from 1786 to 1793. Charles Cornwallis, a British General, assumed this position in February 1786, concurrently serving as the commander in chief of British India. This appointment laid the groundwork for the British Raj in India.
Lord Dalhousie, who held the position of Governor General of India from 1848 to 1856, was James Andrew Broun Ramsay, the first Marquess of Dalhousie, born on April 22, 1812, and passing away on December 19, 1860. He was a Scottish statesman and colonial administrator in British India.
Lord Minto, who served as both Governor General and Viceroy of India from 1905 to 1910, was appointed Viceroy in March 1947, with the task of overseeing the transfer of power to India by June 1948. Notably, he had no prior experience of serving or working in India before this appointment.
Lord Wavell, who held the position of Governor General and the Crown’s representative from 1943 to 1947, was Field Marshal Archibald Percival Wavell, the distinguished senior officer of the British army. He participated in significant military campaigns such as the second Boer War, the Bazar Valley Campaign, and World War I. His tenure concluded with his replacement by Louis Mountbatten in 1947.
Q2. Who among the following was the first European to initiate the policy of taking part in the quarrels of Indian princes with a view to acquire territories? (1996)
(a) Clive
(b) Dupleix
(c) Albuquerque
(d) Warren Hastings
Ans. (b)
Dupleix pioneered European involvement in the disputes among Indian princes, aiming to expand territorial holdings. Following Dumas as the French governor of Pondicherry, he harbored grand ambitions to secure vast Indian territories for France. To achieve this, he engaged with native rulers, embracing oriental opulence in both attire and lifestyle.
Q3. There was no independent development of industries in India during British rule because of the (1999)
(a) absence of heavy industries
(b) scarcity of foreign capital
(c) scarcity of natural resources
(d) preference of the rich to invest in land
Ans. (a)
During British rule, India did not witness independent industrial development, primarily due to the absence of heavy industries. This absence can be attributed to the neglect and authoritarianism of the British regime. Following India’s independence, significant attention was directed towards the establishment and growth of heavy industries. Jawaharlal Nehru, particularly highlighted the importance of setting up heavy industries during the second five-year plan.
Q4. The Governor General who followed a forward policy towards Afghanistan was (1999)
(a) Minto
(b) Dufferin
(c) Elgin
(d) Lytton
Ans. (d)
Lytton, during his tenure as Viceroy of India from 1876 to 1880, pursued an assertive approach towards Afghanistan. His appointment by Prime Minister Benjamin marked a significant period in Indian history. Throughout his viceroyalty, Lytton focused on enhancing the Indian administration while overseeing his government’s contentious handling of the Great Famine of 1876-78.
Q5. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. (2000)
List I List II
A. Land allotted to big feudal landlords 1. Jagirdari system
B. Land allotted to revenue farmers of 2. Ryotwari system rent collectors
C. Land allotted to each peasant with 3. Mahalwari the right to sublet, mortgage transfer, gift or sell system
D. Revenue settlements made at village level 4. Zamindari
Codes
ABCD
(a) 1 3 2 4
(b) 1 4 2 3
(c) 3 4 1 2
(d) 2 1 3 4
Ans. (b)
The correct correspondences are A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3. Under the Jagirdari system, large feudal landlords were allotted land. During the Mughal era, these allotments were called Jagirs, and the individuals who held them were known as Jagirdars. The Jagirdari system was a crucial element of the mansabdari system, which was established during Akbar’s reign.
In the Ryotwari system, each peasant was allocated land with the right to sublet, mortgage, transfer, gift, or sell it. Thomas Munro introduced the Ryotwari system in British India in 1820, building upon a framework supervised by Captain Alexander Read in the Baramahal region.
The Mahalwari system involved revenue settlements at the village level. Holt Mackenzie introduced this system in 1822, and it underwent review under Lord William Bentinck in 1833. The Mahalwari system was implemented in regions like the North-West Frontier, Agra, Central Province, Gangetic Valley, and Punjab.
Under the Zamindari system, land was allotted to revenue farmers or rent collectors known as Zamindars. Cornwallis established the Zamindari System in 1793 with the Permanent Settlement Act. Initially introduced in Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, and Varanasi provinces, it became a prominent feature of land revenue administration.
Q6. Which one of the following is not a feature of the Government of India Act of 1935? (2000)
(a) Dyarchy at the Centre as well as in the provinces
(b) A bicameral legislature
(c) Provincial autonomy
(d) An All-India federation
Ans. (a)
Statement (a) does not characterize a feature of the Government of India Act of 1935, as the dyarchy system was initially established under the Government of India Act, 1919. This system was enacted in eight provinces: Assam, Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, Central Provinces, United Provinces, Bombay, Madras, and Punjab. However, it was subsequently abolished with the introduction of the Government of India Act, 1935.
Q7. Under the permanent settlement, 1793, the Zamindars are required to issue pattas to the farmer which were not issued by many of the Zamindars the reason was (2001)
(a) the Zamindars were trusted by the farmers
(b) there was no officials check upon the Zamindar
(c) it was the responsibility of the British Government
(d) the farmers were not interested in getting pattas
Ans. (b)
The implementation of the Permanent Settlement in 1793 mandated Zamindars to provide Pattas to farmers. However, numerous Zamindars neglected this obligation due to the absence of official oversight. Lord Cornwallis formalized the Zamindari System through his Permanent Settlement Act.
Q8. Match List I (Acts of Colonial Government of India) with List II (Provisions) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists.
List I (Acts of Colonial Government of India) List II (Provisions)
A. Charter Act, 1813 1. Set up a Board of Control in Britain to fully regulate the East India.
B. Regulating Act 1773 2. Company’s trade monopoly in India was ended.
C. Act of 1858 3. The power to govern was transferred from the East India Company to the British Crown.
D. Pitt’s India Act 4. The Company’s Directors were asked to present to the British Government all correspondence and documents pertaining to the administration of the company.
Codes
ABCD
(a) 2 4 3 1
(b) 1 3 4 2
(c) 2 3 4 1
(d) 1 4 3 2
Ans. (a)
The accurate pairing is A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1. The Charter Act of 1813 marked the end of the company’s trade monopoly, except for tea and trade with China. It also granted permission to individuals interested in traveling to India to promote moral and religious advancements. The Regulating Act of 1773 required the company’s directors to submit correspondence and documents concerning the administration of the Company to the British Government.
The Act of 1858 transferred governance authority from the East India Company to the British Crown, prompted by the 1857 revolt to prevent similar incidents in the future. Pitt’s India Act established a Board of Control in Britain to oversee the affairs of the East India Company, becoming effective in 1784.
Q9. Which one of the following Acts of British India strengthened the Viceroy’s authority over his executive council by substituting ‘portfolio’ or departmental system for corporate functioning? (2002)
(a) Indian Councils Act, 1861
(b) Government of India Act, 1858
(c) Indian Councils Act, 1892
(d) Indian Councils Act, 1909
Ans. (a)
The Indian Councils Act of 1861, enacted during Lord Canning’s Viceroyalty, bolstered the authority of the Viceroy over his executive council by replacing the corporate functioning with a portfolio or departmental system. Among its notable provisions:
- A fifth member was added to the executive council, dedicated to overseeing home affairs, military matters, law, revenue, and finance.
- The Viceroy was granted the power to override the council when necessary.
- This act reinstated the legislative powers of the Governor-in-Councils of the Presidencies of Madras and Bombay.
- It paved the way for the establishment of legislative councils in other provinces and allowed for the creation of new provinces for legislative purposes, with appointed Lieutenant Governors.
Q10. With reference to colonial period of Indian history, match List I (Persons) with List II (Events) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. (2002)
List I (Persons) List II (Events)
A. McDonald 1. Doctrine of Lapse
B. Linlithgow 2. Communal Award
C. Dalhousie 3. August Offer
D. Chelmsford 4. Dyarchy
Codes
ABCD
(a) 3 2 1 4
(b) 3 2 4 1
(c) 2 3 1 4
(d) 2 3 4 1
Ans. (c)
The accurate matching is as follows: A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4. The Doctrine of Lapse, widely implemented by Lord Dalhousie during his tenure as India’s Governor-General from 1848 to 1856, served as an administrative tool for extending British paramountcy. On the 16th of August, 1932, McDonald proposed the Communal Award, a measure aimed at minority representation, which advocated for communal electorates. This proposal, also known as the ‘McDonald Award’, granted separate electorates to Buddhists, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indian Europeans, and Untouchables. The August Offer, put forth by Lord Linlithgow on 8th August, 1940, promised the expansion of the Executive Council and recognized Indians’ right to draft their own Constitution. Dyarchy, introduced as a constitutional reform by Lord Chelmsford, entailed a division of the executive branch of each provincial government into authoritarian and popularly responsible sections.
Q11. Which one of the following provisions was not made in the Charter Act of 1833? (2003)
(a) The trading activities of the East India Company were to be abolished
(b) The designation of the supreme authority was to be changed as the Governor-General India in Council
(c) All law-making powers to be conferred Governor-General in Council
(d) An Indian was to be appointed as a law member in the Governor-General’s Council
Ans. (d)
Statement (d) is inaccurate in relation to the Charter Act of 1833, as it fails to acknowledge that the Act did not include provisions for appointing an Indian as a law member in the Governor-General’s Council. Instead, it restructured the Governor-Generalship of Bengal into the Governor-Generalship of India. Consequently, Lord William Bentinck assumed the inaugural position of Governor-General of India.
Q12. With reference to colonial rule India, what war sought by the Ilbert Bill in 1883? (2003)
(a) To bring Indians and Europeans on par as far as the criminal jurisdiction of courts was concerned
(b) To impose severe restrictions on the freedom of the native press as it was perceived to be hostile to colonial rulers
(c) To encourage the native Indians to appear for civil service examinations by conducting them in India
(d) To allow native Indians to possess arms by amending the Arms Act
Ans. (a)
Statement (a) is accurate regarding the Ilbert Bill because it aimed to equalize the criminal jurisdiction of courts between Indians and Europeans. Introduced in 1883, the bill permitted Indian judges to preside over cases involving British or European defendants, a departure from previous restrictions. This change sparked significant protest within the European community.
Q13. The Montague-Chelmsford Report formed the basis of (2004)
(a) the Indian Councils Act, 1909
(b) the Government of India Act, 1919
(c) the Government of India Act, 1935
(d) the Indian Independence Act, 1947
Ans. (b)
The Government of India Act, 1919, was established on the recommendations of the Montague-Chelmsford Report, which was released in August 1917. This act granted the Governor-General the primary executive authority and established the High Commission for India in London.
Q14. Consider the following Viceroys of India during the British rule. (2004)
1. Lord Curzon
2. Lord Chelmsford
3. Lord Hardinge
4. Lord Irwin
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of their tenure?
(a) 1,3,2,4
(b) 2, 4, 1,3
(c) 1,4,2,3
(d) 2, 3, 1,4
Ans. (a)
The correct chronological sequence begins with Lord Curzon, who held office from 1899 to 1905. He succeeded Lord Elgin and became India’s youngest Viceroy at 39 years old. Following him was Lord Hardinge, a British diplomat and statesman, who served as Viceroy and Governor-General of India from 1910 to 1916. Next in line was Lord Chelmsford, who governed from 1916 to 1921. Notable events during his tenure include the Lucknow Pact, the Khilafat Movement, and the Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy. Concluding the series was Lord Irwin, a prominent British conservative politician, who served as Viceroy of British India from April 3, 1926, to April 18, 1931.
Q15. Consider the following statements.
The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for
1. the provincial autonomy.
2. the establishment of Federal court.
3. All India Federation at the centre.
Which of the statement(s) given above are correct? (2005)
(a) 1 and 2
(c) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (d)
All the assertions (1), (2), and (3) are accurate. Key elements of the Government of India Act, 1935 entail granting autonomy to the provinces of British India, instituting a federal court in Delhi to settle disputes among provinces as well as between the center and provinces, forming a ‘Federation of India’ comprising both British India and potentially all or some of the ‘Princely states’, and implementing Dyarchy at the center. Additionally, this Act marked the introduction of direct elections in India for the inaugural time.
Q16. Consider the following statements.
1. Warren Hastings was the first governor-general who established a regular police force in India on the British pattern.
2. A Supreme Court was established at Calcutta by crobnud the Regulating Act, 1773.
3. The Indian Penal Code came into effect in the year 1860.
Which of the statement(s) given above are correct? (2005)
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (b)
Statements (2) and (3) stand accurate. The Regulating Act of 1773, enacted by the Parliament of Great Britain, aimed to reform the governance of the East India Company’s administration in India. It mandated the establishment of the Supreme Court in Calcutta’s Fort William. The Indian Penal Code, established in 1860, serves as the principal criminal code in India. It was enforced in 1862 across all British Presidencies, excluding the Princely states, which maintained their judicial systems. The initial version of the Indian Penal Code was formulated by the First Law Commission, chaired by Thomas Babington Macaulay. Statement (1) is incorrect as it was Lord Cornwallis who instituted a structured police force in India, modeled after the British system.
Q17. Consider the following statements. (2006)
1. The Charter Act, 1853 abolished East India Company monopoly of Indian trade.
2. Under the Government of India Act, 1858, the British Parliament abolished the East India Company altogether and undertook the responsibility of ruling India directly.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor
Ans. (b)
Statement (2) alone stands correct. With the implementation of the Government of India Act of 1858, the East India Company forfeited all its administrative authority, leading to the transfer of its Indian territories and military control to the crown. Consequently, governance transitioned from the Company’s Directors to a Secretary of State for India, aided by a council appointed by the crown. Statement (1) is inaccurate since the East India Company’s trade monopoly in India was abolished by the Charter Act of 1833.
Q18. The first Factory Act for restricting the working hours of women and children and authorising local government to make necessary rules was adopted during whose time? (2007)
(a) Lord Lytton
(b) Lord Bentinck
(c) Lord Ripon
(d) Lord Canning
Ans. (c)
During Lord Ripon’s tenure (1880-1884), significant strides were made in labor reform with the introduction of the Factory Act of 1881. This pivotal legislation marked the first steps towards regulating the working conditions of women and children in factories. Under this act, the employment of children under 7 years old was prohibited, and those under 12 were limited to a maximum of 9 hours of work per day. Additionally, local governments were empowered to enact further regulations deemed necessary for safeguarding workers’ welfare.
Q19. Which one of the following was the first fort constructed by the British in India?
(a) Fort William
(b) Fort St. George
(c) Fort St. David
(d) Fort St.Angelo
Ans. (b)
Fort St. George, erected by British India in 1644 at Madras, now known as Chennai, marked the inaugural fortification in the region. Its establishment spurred subsequent settlements and commerce in what was once a desolate expanse.
Q20. Consider the following statements. (2007)
1. Robert Clive was the first Governor-General of Bengal.
2. William Bentinck was the first Governor- General of India.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (b)
Statement (2) alone stands correct. The Charter Act of 1833 appointed Lord William Bentinck as the inaugural Governor-General of India. Statement (1) is inaccurate as Warren Hastings held the position of the first Governor-General of Bengal.
Q21. The ruler of which one of the following states was removed from power by the British on the pretext of misgovernance? (2007)
(a) Awadh
(b) Jhansi
(c) Nagpur
(d) Satara
Ans. (a)
The British ousted the ruler of Awadh in 1856, citing mismanagement during Lord Dalhousie’s administration. This action was part of Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse policy, which led to the annexation of several states, including Satara (1848), Jaipur (1849), Sambhalpur (1849), Bahat (1850), Udaipur (1852), Jhansi (1853), and Nagpur (1854).
Q22. Who among the following Governor-Generals created the Covenanted Civil Service of India which later came to be known as the Indian Civil Service? (2010)
(a) Warren Hastings
(b) Wellesley
(c) Cornwallis
(d) William Bentinck
Ans. (c)
Lord Cornwallis is credited with the establishment of the Covenanted Civil Services in India, later recognized as the Indian Civil Service. Warren Hastings initiated the groundwork for the Civil Service, while Charles Cornwallis undertook significant reforms, modernization, and rationalization of the system. Consequently, Charles Cornwallis earned the title of the ‘Father of Civil Service in India.’ He introduced both the Covenanted Civil Services (Higher Civil Services) and the Un-Covenanted Civil Services (Lower Civil Services).
Q23. In the Government of India Act, 1919, the functions of Provincial Government were divided into “Reserved’ and “Transferred’ subjects. Which of the following were treated as ‘Reserved’ subjects? (2022)
1. Administration of Justice
2. Local Self-Government
3. Land Revenue
4. Police
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2 and 4
Ans. (c)
According to the Government of India Act, 1919, subjects were categorized into two lists: ‘reserved’, comprising matters like law and order, finance, land revenue, and irrigation, and ‘transferred subjects’ including education, health, local government, industry, agriculture, and excise. The British Governor of the province oversaw the reserved subjects, while the transferred subjects were managed by Indian ministers of the province.
Q24. With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements. (2022)
1. The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Princely States.
2. Any Province, which is not prepared to accept the new Constitution would have the right to sign a separate agreement with Britain regarding its future status.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (a)
Statement (2) accurately reflects the proposals outlined in the Cripps Mission. The mission suggested that provinces not inclined to join the Indian dominion could establish a distinct union and develop their own constitution.
However, Statement (1) is inaccurate as per the Cripps Mission. The mission envisioned the establishment of a Constituent Assembly tasked with crafting a new constitution for the nation. This assembly would comprise members elected by provincial assemblies as well as nominees from the princely states.
Q25. By which one of the following Acts was the Governor-General of Bengal designated as the Governor-General of India? (2023)
(a) The Regulating Act
(b) The Pitt’s India Act
(c) The Charter Act of 1793
(d) The Charter Act of 1833
Ans. (d)
The Charter Act of 1833, also referred to as the Saint Helena Act, bestowed upon the Governor-General of Bengal the title of Governor-General of India. This pivotal legislation, enacted by the British Parliament, marked a significant shift in administrative hierarchy.
FAQs
Q: What were the main features of the British administration in India during the colonial period?
A: The British administration in India was characterized by centralized control, bureaucratic governance, and the implementation of laws like the Indian Penal Code. They established a hierarchical administrative structure with divisions like provinces, districts, and tehsils. Additionally, they introduced systems like the railways, telegraphs, and postal services for efficient governance and communication.
Q: How did the British policies impact Indian society during the colonial period?
A: British policies had profound effects on Indian society. The introduction of land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement and Ryotwari led to the impoverishment of peasants and the consolidation of landownership. The imposition of English education created a class of anglicized elite while undermining traditional educational systems. Furthermore, social reforms like the abolition of practices such as Sati and the promotion of English laws contributed to societal transformation.
Q: What were the economic implications of British rule in India?
A: British rule drastically altered India’s economy. The introduction of cash crops, like indigo and cotton, led to the decline of food crops, causing famines and agrarian distress. The British also imposed heavy taxation, draining India of its wealth. Moreover, the establishment of a colonial market system disrupted indigenous industries, leading to deindustrialization and the dependence of the Indian economy on Britain.
Q: How did the British administration impact India’s political landscape?
A: The British administration created a political landscape characterized by centralized control and limited Indian participation. The introduction of systems like the Indian Civil Service and legislative councils were designed to serve British interests and maintain colonial dominance. Indian political movements, such as the Indian National Congress, emerged in response to British policies, advocating for greater representation and eventual independence.
Q: What were the major challenges faced by the British administration in India?
A: The British administration grappled with numerous challenges during their rule in India. Resistance from Indian communities, such as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, posed a significant threat to British authority. Additionally, managing the diverse cultural, linguistic, and religious landscape of India proved to be a formidable task. Economic issues like famines and agricultural distress also strained the administration’s ability to govern effectively.
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