JKSSB History MCQs

Explanation

Correct Option: B) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala

Explanation:
The Basic Structure Doctrine was established by the Supreme Court of India in the Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala case (1973).

The Court held that although Parliament has wide powers to amend the Constitution under Article 368, it cannot alter or destroy its basic structure.

• A) Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) — dealt with Parliament's power to amend Fundamental Rights. ❌

• B) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) — established the Basic Structure Doctrine. ✅

• C) Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980) — strengthened and applied the Basic Structure Doctrine. ❌

• D) S. R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) — mainly concerned Article 356 and federalism/secularism. ❌

Explanation

Correct Option: D) The Assyrian Empire

Explanation:
The Assyrian Empire was a powerful ancient empire centered in northern Mesopotamia. The period 883–627 BC corresponds broadly to the height of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which dominated much of the Middle East.

• A) Babylonian Empire ❌

• B) Merovingian Empire ❌ — associated with early medieval Europe.

• C) Persian Empire ❌ — rose to prominence later, particularly under Cyrus the Great.

• D) Assyrian Empire ✅

Explanation

Correct Option: C) Karnataka

Explanation:
The rare Kannada inscription documenting a humanitarian disaster was discovered in Karnataka. Such inscriptions are valuable historical sources because they provide evidence about significant social events and conditions of the period.

• A) Tamil Nadu ❌

• B) Andhra Pradesh ❌

• C) Karnataka ✅

• D) Maharashtra ❌

Explanation

Correct Option: B) TISCO

Explanation:
TISCO (Tata Iron and Steel Company), established by Jamsetji Tata and commissioned at Jamshedpur in 1907, is often described as India’s first major indigenous/swadeshi steel plant.

• A) Bengal Iron Works Company — an earlier iron and steel enterprise, later associated with IISCO. ❌

• B) TISCO — Tata Iron and Steel Company, established in 1907. ✅

• C) IISCO — Indian Iron and Steel Company, established later. ❌

• D) Bokaro Steel Plant — established much later, in the 1960s. ❌

Explanation

Correct Option: D) Sir John Marshall

Explanation:
Sir John Marshall, the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), played a major role in announcing and popularizing the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization in 1924. The civilization came to be known as the Harappan Civilization, after the site of Harappa.

• A) Dr. Sankalia ❌

• B) Dr. S. R. Rao ❌

• C) Sir M. E. M. Wheeler ❌

• D) Sir John Marshall ✅

Explanation

Correct Option: A) 1 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. The Battle of Plassey was fought on 23 June 1757.

• Statement 2: Incorrect. It was fought between the British East India Company, led by Robert Clive, and the forces of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, along with his allies—not between the British and French.

Explanation

Chronological Breakdown

1. II. Lord Irwin's Declaration (October 31, 1929) Also known as the Deepavali Declaration, Viceroy Lord Irwin announced that the natural progress of India’s constitutional reforms would lead to Dominion Status. This was an attempt to placate Indian leaders before the Lahore Session of the Congress.

2. III. Second Round Table Conference (September – December 1931) Following the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, Mahatma Gandhi attended this conference in London as the sole representative of the Indian National Congress. The conference failed to reach a consensus on the issue of separate electorates for minorities.

3. I. Poona Pact (September 24, 1932) This was an agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar signed at Yerwada Central Jail in Pune. It was a reaction to the British "Communal Award" and resulted in the abandonment of separate electorates for the depressed classes in favor of increased reserved seats within the general electorate.

Explanation

I. Tilka Majhi mobilized the Pahadia tribe… ✔
Tilka Majhi (Jabra Pahadia) was indeed associated with the Pahadia tribe and led resistance against the British, including attacks on Company establishments.

II. Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu… led the Santhal Hul rebellion ✔
This is correct. They were key leaders of the Santhal Rebellion (1855–56).

III. Malati Mem… opposed Gandhi’s satyagraha movement ❌
This statement is incorrect; there is no such well-established historical account of “Malati Mem” opposing Gandhi’s movement in this context.

Explanation

• Statement I – Incorrect:

  • Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875, not Swami Sahajanand Saraswati.

• Statement II – Incorrect:

  • Arya Samaj strongly believed in the authority of the Vedas and promoted a return to Vedic principles.

✔️ Hence, both statements are incorrect.

Explanation

• Arya Mahila Samaj → Founded by Pandita Ramabai (women’s upliftment).

• Bharat Stree Mahamandal → Founded by Sarla Devi Chaudharani.

• Tatvabodhini Samaj (Sabha) → Founded by Debendranath Tagore to promote Brahmo ideals.

• Brahmo Samaj of India → Led/established by Keshub Chandra Sen after split in Brahmo Samaj.

Explanation

The Vijayanagara Empire was established in 1336 CE by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, who were formerly in the service of the Hoysalas. They founded the Sangama Dynasty on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, with its capital at Hampi.

Explanation

• I – Correct: Lord Wellesley introduced the Subsidiary Alliance system to expand British control.

• II – Correct: Lord William Bentinck abolished Sati in 1829.

• III – Correct: Lord Charles Metcalfe is called the “Liberator of the Press” for removing press restrictions (1835).

• IV – Correct: Lord Ripon is known as the “Father of Local Self-Government” for promoting local bodies in India.

Explanation

• Statement I – Correct:

  • The Brihadeswara Temple was built by Rajaraja Chola I in the 11th century.

• Statement II – Correct:

  • It is a classic example of Dravidian architecture, featuring a massive vimana (tower) and intricate carvings.

• Statement III – Incorrect:

  • The temple is located in Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu), not Hampi (which is in Karnataka and associated with the Vijayanagara Empire).

Explanation

• Statement I – Correct:

  • Natyashastra by Bharatamuni is a foundational text on dance, music, and drama.

• Statement II – Incorrect:

  • Devichandraguptam by Vishakhadatta is related to Chandragupta II (Gupta period), not Chandragupta Maurya.

• Statement III – Incorrect:

  • Manusmriti is a Hindu Dharmashastra, not a Buddhist text.

  • Buddhist monastic rules are found in the Vinaya Pitaka.

Explanation

• Statement I – Correct:

  • Carnatic music → South India

  • Hindustani music → North India

• Statement II – Incorrect:

  • Dhrupad and Khayal are forms of Hindustani classical music, not Carnatic.

• Statement III – Correct:

  • Bihu songs are traditional folk songs of Assam, sung during harvest festivals (Bihu).

Explanation

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a 15th-century saint from Bengal who founded Gaudiya Vaishnavism. He popularized Sankirtan (congregational chanting of the Maha Mantra) and emphasized ecstatic devotion to Lord Krishna.

Explanation

The correct answer is C) July 18, 1947.

Timeline of the Act

• June 3, 1947: Known as the Mountbatten Plan or the 3rd June Plan, this was the proposal for the partition of India and the transfer of power.

• July 4, 1947: The Indian Independence Bill was introduced in the British Parliament.

• July 18, 1947: The bill received the Royal Assent from King George VI, officially becoming the Indian Independence Act, 1947.

• August 15, 1947: The date appointed by the Act for the setting up of the two independent Dominions: India and Pakistan.

Explanation

The correct answer is D) Satara (Maharashtra).

The 'Prati Sarkar' of Satara (1943–1946)

• Leadership: The parallel government in Satara was led by Nana Patil (often called 'Krishirao' or 'Patil-buwa') and Y.B. Chavan.

• Longevity: It was the longest-lasting of all the parallel governments formed during the Quit India Movement, functioning for nearly three years despite intense British repression.

• Functioning: The Prati Sarkar set up people's courts (Nyayadan Mandals), organized a volunteer corps (Toofan Sena), and even ran a system for the distribution of essential commoditie

Explanation

The correct answer is D) Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali.

The Ali Brothers and the Khilafat Movement

• The Leaders: Known collectively as the Ali Brothers, Maulana Mohammad Ali 'Jauhar' and Maulana Shaukat Ali were the driving forces behind the movement.

• The Goal: The movement was launched to protest against the harsh treatment of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) and the abolition of the position of the Caliph (Khalifa) by the British after World War I. For Muslims worldwide, the Sultan of Turkey was seen as their religious head.

• The Committee: The All India Khilafat Committee was formed in March 1919 in Bombay.

• Collaboration with Gandhi: Mahatma Gandhi saw the Khilafat issue as a "golden opportunity" to unite Hindus and Muslims. He supported the movement, which eventually merged with the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920.

Explanation

The correct answer is D) The deputation received a positive assurance from Lord Minto regarding separate electorates.

Why the Shimla Deputation was a Turning Point

• The Meeting: On October 1, 1906, a group of 35 prominent Muslim leaders, led by the Aga Khan, met Viceroy Lord Minto in Shimla.

• The Demands: They presented a memorandum asking for separate electorates (where Muslims would vote only for Muslim candidates) and representation in government services that was "commensurate not merely with their numerical strength, but also with their political importance."

• The "Positive Assurance": Lord Minto expressed his agreement with their concerns. This official encouragement convinced Muslim leaders that they needed a formal political organization to safeguard their interests, leading directly to the founding of the All-India Muslim League in Dhaka in December 1906.

• Result: These demands were eventually incorporated into the Morley-Minto Reforms (1909), marking the first time the principle of communal electorates was legally recognized in India.

Explanation

Explanation

Explanation

The correct answer is C) Expansion of Legislative Councils and greater representation of Indians in the Civil Services.

[Image illustrating the Moderate phase of the Indian National Congress (1885–1905)]

Demands of the Moderates (1885–1905)

The early phase of the Congress was dominated by leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Their approach was characterized by "Constitutional Agitation" and the "3Ps" (Protest, Prayer, and Petition).

Their primary demands included:

• Constitutional Reforms: Expansion of the Legislative Councils and increasing the number of Indian members.

• Administrative Reforms: Holding Civil Service examinations (ICS) simultaneously in India and England to increase Indian representation (Indianization of services).

• Economic Reforms: Reduction of land revenue, abolition of the Salt Tax, and checking the "Drain of Wealth" from India to Britain.

• Military Reforms: Reduction in military expenditure and the right to bear arms.

Explanation

The correct answer is D) The congress was formed to provide a peaceful outlet for public discontent and prevent another revolt like 1857.

The Safety Valve Theory

• Core Idea: Leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai (in his book Young India) and M.S. Golwalkar argued that the Indian National Congress (INC) was not a spontaneous Indian movement, but a "safety valve" created by the British.

• The Role of A.O. Hume: It was believed that Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British official, founded the INC under the secret guidance of the then Viceroy, Lord Dufferin.

• The Purpose: The theory suggests the British noticed growing underground discontent among Indians. To prevent a violent explosion (like the Revolt of 1857), they provided a "valve"—a legal, constitutional platform where Indians could vent their grievances through petitions and discussions.

Explanation

The correct answer is D) Passing of the Vernacular Press Act (1878).

Why the Vernacular Press Act (1878) fueled nationalism:

• Censorship: It was specifically designed to curb the freedom of the Indian-language (vernacular) press, which was becoming increasingly critical of British policies.

• Discrimination: The Act did not apply to English-language newspapers, which was seen as a blatant racial and administrative double standard.

• Public Outcry: This measure, along with Lytton's Arms Act (1878) and the expensive Second Afghan War, created a sense of unified resentment among the Indian intelligentsia, leading to the first organized political protests.

Explanation

The correct answer is C) The power of the East India Company was abolished, and power was transferred to the British Crown.

Key Changes under the Act of 1858

• Liquidation of the East India Company: The "Dual Government" system (Board of Control and Court of Directors) was abolished.

• Direct Rule: India was to be governed directly by and in the name of Her Majesty (the British Crown).

• Secretary of State for India: A new office was created in Britain, vested with complete authority over Indian administration. They were assisted by a 15-member Council of India.

• Change in Designation: The Governor-General of India was given the title of Viceroy, acting as the direct representative of the Crown in India. Lord Canning became the first Viceroy.

Explanation

• I. Cape of Good Hope — Bartolomeu Dias: While Vasco da Gama famously sailed around it to reach India, the Cape was first discovered and named by the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias in 1488.

• II. Solar System — Nicolaus Copernicus: Copernicus is credited with the heliocentric model of the solar system. Johannes Kepler later discovered the laws of planetary motion, but the discovery of the system's structure is tied to Copernicus.

• III. Australia — James Cook: Captain James Cook is credited with the first recorded European contact with the eastern coastline of Australia in 1770.

Explanation

The correct match for the books and their authors is:

• i. Voice of India — b. Dadabhai Naoroji

• ii. Economic History of India — a. R.C. Dutt

• iii. Unhappy India — d. Lala Lajpat Rai

• iv. India Divided — c. Rajendra Prasad

Explanation

The Krishna River has several tributaries. Check each:

1. Bhima River – ✔ Tributary of Krishna

2. Tungabhadra River – ✔ Tributary of Krishna

3. Malaprabha River – ✔ Tributary of Krishna

4. Kabini River – ❌ Tributary of the Kaveri River, not Krishna

5. Paleru River – ✔ Tributary of Krishna

6. Munneru River – ✔ Tributary of Krishna

Count

Tributaries of Krishna: Bhima, Tungabhadra, Malaprabha, Paleru, Munneru

Total = 5

✅ Correct Answer: 5

Explanation

Evaluate each statement:

I. The August Offer was the first time the British explicitly promised the framing of a new Constitution by Indians themselves.
✔ Correct – It stated that Indians would frame their own constitution after the war.

II. The Cripps Mission offered immediate transfer of constitutional powers but was rejected by Mahatma Gandhi as a “post-dated cheque on a crashing bank.”
❌ Incorrect – It did not offer immediate transfer of power; it promised Dominion status after World War II.

III. The Wavell Plan proposed a “Three-Tier” grouping of provinces into Sections A, B, and C.
❌ Incorrect – The three-tier grouping was part of the Cabinet Mission Plan, not the Wavell Plan.

IV. The Mountbatten Plan mandated a plebiscite in the North-West Frontier Province and in Sylhet.
✔ Correct – Both areas held referendums to decide their future.

✅ Correct Statements: I and IV only.