UPSC Static Quiz – Modern India : 11 September 2024

Solution: a)

The British initially implemented the system of Dual Government in Bengal after the Battle of Buxar, allowing Indian officials to function under British control. This system continued until 1772, when the British decided to abolish the Dual Government and took direct control of the administration.

However, statement 2 is incorrect, as after 1857, British policies in India were primarily focused on maximizing profitability for Britain and consolidating control, rather than improving the well-being of Indian citizens. Administrative policies were still largely exploitative and designed to serve British economic and political interests.

Solution: b)

The Act of 1919 indeed introduced bicameralism and direct elections at the central level in India for the first time, as outlined in statement 2. Additionally, the Government of India Act of 1935 provided for the creation of Provincial Public Service Commissions, as well as a Federal Public Service Commission, making statement 3 correct.

Statement 1 is incorrect because provincial autonomy was introduced later under the Government of India Act of 1935, not in 1909.

Statement 4 is incorrect because the separation of provincial budgets from the central budget occurred under the Government of India Act of 1919, not any later Acts.

Solution: c)

Statement 1 is correct because under the Permanent Settlement, the revenue paid to the British was fixed, but the zamindars were free to extract as much rent as they wanted from the peasants, leading to their exploitation.

Statement 3 is also correct, as the system led to absentee landlordism, where many zamindars lived in cities, neglecting land improvement and leaving management to intermediaries.

Statement 2 is incorrect because, instead of encouraging land productivity, the zamindars focused on extracting maximum revenue from the peasants.

Statement 4 is incorrect, as absentee landlordism was not a feature of the Mahalwari and Ryotwari systems. These systems had their own issues, but absentee landlordism was not one of them.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct as the export of crops such as rice, cotton, and jute displaced millions of acres that could have been used for subsistence farming, increasing the vulnerability of the Indian population to food crises.

Statement 3 is also correct, as Indian exports of cash crops like opium, rice, and cotton were vital in generating foreign currency, especially from China, which was crucial for the British Empire.

Statement 2 is incorrect because the laissez-faire policy worsened the famines by allowing the continued export of grain rather than ensuring its redistribution to famine-affected regions.

Solution: d)

Statement 1 is correct as the Sindh frontier followed a closed system with restricted tribal entry, whereas Punjab’s frontier remained open, protected by forts and garrisons.

Statement 2 is also correct; Lord Dalhousie’s strategy involved punitive measures, including blockades and expeditions to curb tribal raids.

However, statement 3 is incorrect as the ‘butcher and bolt policy’ was far from peaceful negotiations; it involved violent and punitive expeditions to suppress hostile tribes.