Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in Current Affairs.

The Indian Civil Service Act approv ed in 1951.

1. The problem of the merger of the princely states was very tactfully handled by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Home Minister of India. 

2. He convinced the Princes that the merger of their states with India was in their interest. 

3. He prepared the ‘Instrument of Accession’, acceptable to all.

4. The Princes accepted the proposal and all the states except Junagad, Kashmir and Hyderabad were merged with India. 

5. These three states, too, were merged with India subsequently. 

6. Thus, he took a firm stand and solved the issue of merger of princely states.

V.P. Menon was the close associate and secretary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Correct option is (d) free rein/laissez faire

Correct option is (b) work related

He was the main Saint of medieval Bhakti movement. He was born at Ahmadavat in Vikram Samvat 1601 on Fhalgun Shukla Ashtami. His childhood name was Mahabali. After the death of his wife, he became an asetic. Most of the time he lived at Sambhar and Amer. After meeting Akbar in Fatehpur Sikri, he started preaching Bhakti. In Rajasthan he started living in Narayana. He had 52 disciples; among them Sunder Das and Jangopal were main. His teaching are compiled in Daduvani. He expressed his philosophy in simple language that is why he is considered the Kabir of Rajasthan. He opposed orthodoxy and social inequality and stressed on simple living and high thinking to achieve God.

He believed in Nirgun and Nirakar bhakti. He opposed casteism. He stressed on tolerance and good behaviour. He also considered Guru as the base of salvation (moksha). He started Jasnathi sect and propounded 36 rules.

Pabuji was a folk deity. He sacrificed his life to save the cows of Deval Devi. He was born in 13th century at Kolhugarh village near Pabuji (Jodhpur). His father’s name was Dhadal and mother’s name was Kamlade. He had a god sister named Deval Charan. He had a mare named Kesar Kalvi. Deval used to guard the cows with the help of mare. At the time of his marriage, Pabuji got this information that the cows of his god sister Deval Charani had been carried by Jind Rao, Khinchi of Jayal. Hearing this news, Pabuji left the marriage ceremony and rode on the Kesar Kalvi. He followed Jind Rao and sacrificed his life during the fight to free the cows. Respect for women, affection to those who came to him for protection and braveiy were his particular traits. His eulogy is collected in the book named ‘Pabuji ki Phad’.

Jasnath opposed casteism. He stressed on tolerance and good behaviour. He also said Guru is the base of salvation. He preached his followers to worship only formless God. He started Jasnathi cult and propounded 36 rules.

Bappa Rawal: Rise of Bappa Rawal in Gehlot descent is an important historical event. Intellectuals don’t have same view regarding the birth and names of his parent, but his childhood was spent in Nagda village near Eklingji of Mewar. While grazing cow in the forests of Nagda he met Hareet Rashi.

Hareet Rashi Pashupat was of Lakuleesh cult. Bappa gave his great services to him. Hareet Rashi was impressed with personality, thoughts and intelligence of Bappa. He saw all those qualities in him which could change the adverse conditions into favourable. Keeping this in mind he educated and trained Bappa as Chanakya had prepared Chandragupta by, realising lost days of his life. He blessed Bappa to become the ruler of Mewar. Beside this boon, he also helped him financially and gave him title Rawal. After the death of Hareet Rashi, Bappa organized an army and occupied Mewar after attacking it. He extended his kingdom. At that time western India was struggling against attacks of Arabs.

By understanding the adverse conditions, he decided to face Arabian army. His army had a great struggle with the power of khalifas. He defeated Mohammad-bin-Kasim. His army made Sindh-free and entered in the borders of Iraq, and Khurasan and conquered them. Bappa extended the kingdom of Mewar up to Iran, Iraq and Khurasan. He made administration of his state strong and did many constructions. He issued gold coins for trading. He was the brave ruler of an independent, and vast empire. He was a pioneer in the history of Rajasthan. He was respected among people and eternal by his fame. In the world of British historian Charles Martan, “In front of his bravery, tides of Arab attacks were destroyed.” There is no doubt that Bappa Rawal was the great warrior, brave, and intelligent king. He established the fame, greatness and bravery of his ancestors.

Rao Maldev: Rathors of Marwar gained great power under the leadership of Rao Maldev. He extended the kingdom of Marwar up to Delhi. Though unstability occurred in Delhi and Mewar after the death of Babar and Sanga but Maldev was the powerful among Rajputs. He defeated neighbouring states of Bhadrajan, Raipur, Nagaur, Medta, Ajmer, Fatehpur, etc. He took advantage of struggle between Humayun and Shershah Suri and extended his power up to Hindaun and Bayana. He occupied Siwana, Sanchor and Jallore. He has an important place in history of Marwar as well as History of India. He converted his small kingdom into a vast empire of Marwar. He himself was a great scholar of Sanskrit also but lacked in farsightedness.

Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel Police Academy is situated at Hyderabad.

(d) (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) are wrong.

Correct option is (c) Participative

Correct option is (c) paternal

Answer is 2. Punjab

(i) The principle of ‘Laissez-Faire’ is an integral aspect of globalisation.

(ii) The principle of ‘Laissez-Faire’ is originally a French term.

(iii) Being ‘modern’ means openness to new ideas.

(iv) Self-criticism, willingness to introspect critically is also an aspect of critical thinking.

(v) Globalisation involves two processes like liberalisation and privatisation.

(vi) Globalisation is the process of the creation of a global economy.

(vii) Globalisation is a process that ‘opened up the skies’ for the Indian economy.

(1) Andhra Pradesh

(A) Andra Pradesh

Answer is 2. Tripura

(a) Maharashtra 

(b) Punjab 

(c) Assam 

(d) Madhya Pradesh

Saint Peepaji was the first social reformer who spread awareness of Bhakti movement is Rajasthan.

He was born in 1417 Vikram Samvat Chaitra Shukla Purnima in khinchi dynasty. His childhood name was Pratap Singh. His father believed in Bhakti and grace of god. Pratap Singh (Peepaji) was a brave and courageous ruler in the beginning. He defeated Firoz Tughluq of Delhi Sultanate, but by seeing the killing and bloodshed in war, he decided to became a sage (sanyasi). He took ceremonial guidance from Saint Ramanand. He was against casteism, veil system, communalism, social discrimination. He believed in Nirgun and Nirakar Bhakti. He has great respect for Guru because he knew that without Guru salvation (moksha) is not possible.

The civil disobedience movement which began in 1930, was an important movement in the history of national movement. The Indian leaders were disgruntled by the rejection of the Nehru report, and the refusal of British government to accord dominion status to India. After the declaration of complete independence in December 1929 congress convention at Lahore, a feeling of hope and exhilaration pervaded the Indian people.

Mahatma Gandhi put his 11 – point demands before the Viceroy Lard Irwin, through his newspaper ‘young India’ When the British government refused to accept these demands, it was decided to begin the Civil Disobedience movement. These demands included reduction in Lagaan (Land Tax), reduction in military expenditure, abolition of salt tax, reduction of the exchange rate of the rupee, controlling the import of foreign clothes, cases sale of intoxicants, release of political prisoners etc.

When Viceroy Irwin ignore these demands, the path of civil disobedience was adopted. The congress executive committee handed over the task of launching the Civil Disobedience movement to Mahatma Gandhi. On March 12, 1930, Gandhi ji began a march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi with his selected 78 followers. Walking 240 miles in 24 days, Gandhi ji reached Dandi with his followers.

On April 6th, 1930 Gandhi ji picked up a fistful of salt from the sea coast and broke the Salt law. Breaking the salt law was a symbol that indicated India’s refusal to obey British laws hence forth. Salt law was broken at many places in the country. Subhash Chandra Bose compared Gandhi ji’s march on foot, with Nepolean March from Elba to Paris.

Launch of civil Disobedience movement and Dandi March The following were the main programmes of this movement Breaking the salt law and making salt one self, women staging dharnas at liquor, opium and foreign garment shops, spinning yarn, lighting bonfires of foreign clothes, boycott of schools, colleges by students, resigning from government jobs, giving up untouchability.

In this public movement, a very large number of youngsters, women, farmers and workers played active role in demonstrations, strikes, boycott and dharnas etc. The prominent leaders Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, Jawahar Lal Nehru and thousands of satyagrahis were arrested and imprisoned.

Forest laws were broken in Maharashtra, Karantaka and Central India. People refused to pay. chaukidari tax in Bihar far from the sea coast. Chaukidars guarded the villages. They also acted as spies for the government. A movement was started in Uttar Pradesh refusing to pay lagaan. On the appeal of Chandra Singh Gahwali, Garhuwali soldiers refused to open fire on revolutionaries at Peshawar, thus displaying patriotism.

In Sholapur, the revolutionaries burnt down many British institutions and unfurled the national flag, Here the revolutionaries removed the British administration, and took on the administration in their own hands, thus setting up a parallel goverment. Sholapur city remained under revolutionaries control for one week. In north – east frontier region, the Nagas carried out a movement against British government under Yadunang’s leadership.

Yadunang was sentenced to death by hanging. After Yadunang, the revolt continued under the leadership of Naga queen Gendinleiu. At a very young age, the queen was sentenced to life imprisonment by the British. This brave daughter of the country could be released only after Indian independence. Muslim participation in this movement was less as compared to the non – cooperation movement of 1920.

Nevertheless, Abdul Ghaffar khan’s organisation ‘Khudai Khidmatgar’ played an important role in this movement in the north – west frontier province. In spite of the extreme oppression of the British government, this public movement spread out rapidly. In the meantime, the first round-table conference began in London in November 1930, in order to discuss Indian constitutional reforms. The British government released the leaders of congress including Gandhi ji, on January 26, 1931, with the purpose of talking to the congress.

Gandhi – Irwin Pact (March 1931) – After prolonged talks, the Gandhi-Irwin pact was reached on march 5, 1931. For the first time, the government and the congress were kept at par, on equal terms. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact is also called the ‘Delhi pact.’ Under GandhiIrwin Pact, the British government released all political prisoners from prison, except those who had indulged in violent acts, and also agreed to return their confiscated property. The government allowed the people living on sea coasts the right to make salt for their domestic use. The Indians were given the right to stage peaceful ‘Dharnas’. In return for these assurances, the congress agreed to end the civil disobedience movement.

IInd Round – table conference: 

Gandhi ji went to London to take part in the second round table conference. No proposal of the British government was deemed worth accepting in this conference. Due to this, Gandhi ji returned to India in December 1931. When the second round table Conference was in progress in London, the goverment’s oppressive policies continued to be implemented in contradiction of the Gandhi – Irwin Pact.

Resumption of civil disobedience movement: 

Gandhi ji tried to hold talks with the new Viceroy Lord Willington, who had replaced lord Irwin, but his attempts failed. In such circumstances, Gandhi ji, re – startecd the civil disobedience movement on January 3, 1932. The Congress boycotted third round – table conference held in London in 1932. The British government imprisoned Gandhi ji for launching the movement again.

Gandhi ji started hungerstrike in the jail. Seeing Gandhi’s deteriorating condition, the government released him from jail on 23rd August, 1933. Gandhi ji stayed away from politics after his release from jail, and engaged himself in the task of emancipation of the untouchables. The civil disobedience movement was discontinued without any pre-condition at the Patna congress session on 18th May, 1934.

This movement created political awareness among a very large social class of people. Women, youngsters, workers, farmers and less educated rural people also participated in this movement. This surprised the British too. The IG of police of Bengal said, “I had no idea that congress would recieve the support of illiterate and uncultured people in such manner.”

The way in which the farmers of Awadh, tribals of Maharashtra, central India and Karnataka, and workers of Maharashtra displayed active support in this movement, it was wonderful. The economic effect of this movement was significant. The quantity of imported cloth decreased to one-third during the movement.

(c) Raja Ram Mohan Roy

As the deputy prime minister and the first home minster of India, he considered integration of 565 princely states into Indian union as his primary responsibility. It may look easy now. But it was a very complicated task which required skilful persuasion. He evoked patriotic spirit to get the signatures on ‘Instrument of Accession’ which meant that the states agreed to become a part of the Union of India. Accession of the Princely States of Junagadh, Hyderabad, Kashmir and Manipur proved more difficult than the rest. But Sardar Patel, with his diplomatic skills successfully integrated these states into the Indian Union.

Theosophical society was established in New York city in the United states of America in 1875 CE by a Russian lady Helen Petrovana Blavatsky and an American Colonel, Henry Steel Olcott. In 1889, Ms Annie Besant gave her support to this society. She was an Irish lady and had adopted the Hindu religion.

Its major objective was development of humanity and providing assistance in the study of ancient religion, philosophy and scientific knowledge. It supported the principles of ancient Indian religion and philosophy. Its followers said that Brahma is one and world wide fraternity should be established by erasing casteism and apartheid. This society rescuess Indians from being trapped in the clutches of Christian pries.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a congress leader. He played a significant role in struggle for independence. He was a follower of Gandhiji. He was the Deputy Prime Minister and the first Home Minister of India. He played a historic role in negotiating with the rulers of princely states firmly but diplomatically and bringing most of them into the Indian Union.

Press played an important role in emergence of national awareness. It provided political education to the people. It spread economic and political thoughts. It criticized the exploitative policies and activities of the British. News regarding atrocities lashed by the British, racial discrimination done with the Indians etc. were spread through newspapers, thoughts regarding democracy, representative government, independence etc.

were spread among the Indians. The main newspapers wereSamvad Kaumudi, Somprakash, Hindu Patriot, Amrit Bazar Patrika etc.. Patriotic literature also played a major role in creating national awareness. Bhartendu Harishchandra, the father of modern Hindi exhibited the miserable condition of India during the British rule through a play named ‘Bharat Durdasha’ in 1876.

1. Spirit of universal brotherhood. 

2. Study of ancient philosophy.

Correct option is (a) Rash Behari Bose

Correct Answer is : (d) 1829 CE

As a revolutionary leader of India’s freedom struggle, the name of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar is prominent. Owing to his patriotism and sacrifice, he came to be known as Veer Savarkar. He inspired youths to participate in revolutionary activities against British rule.

He was born on 28 May, 1883 in Bhagur (Maharashtra) while studying in Fergusson College, Pune during, he came in contact with the nationalist leader Balgangadhar Tilak. In 1901, he protested against the funeral process organized on the death of Queen Victoria, Culling Edward VII’s coronation celebration as “a celebration of slavery.

He went to London in 1906 CE. In ‘India house’ founded by Shyam Ji Krishna Verma in London, he organized great celebrations of birth anniversaries and seminars of great men and awakened the spirit of patriotism among Indian youth.

Gulam Ahmad Kediyani was the originator of the Ahamadiya movement.

Brahma Samaj of Raja Rammohan Roy, Arya Samaj of Dayananda Saraswati and Ramakrishana Mission of Vivekanand made efforts to eradicate the evils prevalent in India society and unified Indians in social form. They exposed the glory of Indian culture and developed the feeling of dignity. These reform movements created the spirit of nationalism amongst Indians. In this way, these movements made important contribution to the rise of nationalism.

(i) - (c) 

(ii) - (d)

(iii) - (b)

(iv) - (a)

Bharat – Kokila Sarojini Naidu led satyagrahis to launch a rally on the salt reserves after Gandhiji was arrested.

In the nineteenth century, the exchange of ideas in Indian society began to bring new enlightenment and the national feeling became awakened, hence it is called the Indian Renaissance era.

(b) Shachindra sanyal

(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

With the efforts of Raja Rammohan Rai, a law was formed during the time of Lord William Bentick and sati system was banned in 1829 CE.

The Khond tribe living near the border of Orissa revolted under the leadership of Chand Bisai in 1846 CE.

The Religious reform council was established by Dada Bhai Nauraji, Nauraji Rardon and S.S. Bengali in 1851 CE.

(a) Jana – gana – mana Adhi nayak

Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan was against the ‘two nation’ theory

Ms. Vijay Laxmi Pandit was the first Indian woman to become the president of the United Nations General Assembly.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was an influential reformist among the Muslims. He was deeply influenced with modern scientific contemplation. He started a movement in Aligarh with the assistance of his supporters that was called ‘Aligarh movement’ He supported modern western education. He tried to reconcile modern progressive ideas with Islam throughout his life. He interpreted “The Quran’ according to the contemporary world.

He declared Unless the freedom of contemplation develops, civilization cannot begin. He opposed religious fanaticism and urged the people to become liberal and tolerant. He founded the Mohammedan literary society’ in Kolkata in 1863. He opened schools of English education in many cities, Mohammedan Oriental College’ was established in Aligarh, which became famous in 1920, by the name of Aligarh Muslim University.

With the efforts of Harvilas Sharda, the Sharda Act was implemented in 1930 CE.

(c) Opposition to the partition of the Turkey Empire

The ‘Indian Women University was opened by Kurve in 1906 CE in Bombay.

A student of cambridge University named Rahamat Ali first used the word ‘Pakistan’.