Early Nationalism & INC Formation — Set 7

Correct Answer: A. A. Unity of all religions

The correct answer is A. Unity of all religions. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa taught that all religions lead to the same ultimate truth and emphasized spiritual experience over rituals and dogma. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.

Correct Answer: A. A. Unity of all religions

The correct answer is A. Unity of all religions. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa taught that all religions lead to the same ultimate truth and emphasized spiritual experience over rituals and dogma. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.

Correct Answer: C. C. Unity of all religions

The correct answer is C. Unity of all religions. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa taught that all religions lead to the same ultimate truth and emphasized spiritual experience over rituals and dogma. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.

Correct Answer: A. A. He was a pioneer of social reform and Indian renaissance that preceded nationalism

Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) was the pioneer of the Bengal Renaissance and Indian social reform who laid the intellectual foundations for later nationalism. He fought against sati, child marriage, and caste discrimination. He founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828. Though he died before the nationalist movement began, his emphasis on rational inquiry, Western education, and Indian self-respect strongly influenced early nationalists.

Correct Answer: A. A. An agreement between Gandhi and Ambedkar on reserved seats for Dalits

The Poona Pact of 1932 was an agreement signed between Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar. Gandhi was on a fast unto death to protest the British government's Communal Award which proposed separate electorates for untouchables. Ambedkar agreed to give up separate electorates in exchange for a larger number of reserved seats for Dalits in the general electorate. The Poona Pact became a landmark in the struggle for Dalit rights.

Correct Answer: A. A. Mahadev Govind Ranade

Mahadev Govind Ranade founded the Indian National Social Conference in 1887 to address social reform issues alongside the political activities of the INC. The Conference met alongside INC sessions to discuss issues like widow remarriage, child marriage, and caste discrimination. Tilak opposed the mixing of social reform with political nationalism. Ranade was a prominent judge, reformer, and economist from Maharashtra.

Correct Answer: A. A. It was the second session and passed important resolutions

The second session of the INC was held in Calcutta in 1886, presided over by Dadabhai Naoroji. Wait—the question refers to the significance of early Calcutta sessions. The INC held many important sessions in Calcutta, with the 1906 session being crucial for adopting the Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott, and National Education resolutions. Calcutta was a major center of early nationalism due to its educated Bengali middle class.

Correct Answer: A. A. Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Bal Gangadhar Tilak made the famous declaration 'Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it.' This became one of the most powerful slogans of Indian nationalism. Tilak was the leader of the extremist faction of the INC who demanded complete independence through mass agitation. He was twice convicted of sedition for his writings in 'Kesari.' Tilak was known as 'Lok Manya' — respected by the people.

Correct Answer: A. A. Congress supported the British war effort expecting reforms in return

The Indian National Congress generally supported British war efforts in World War I (1914-18), expecting that loyalty would be rewarded with political reforms after the war. Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant launched the Home Rule Leagues during this period. The British did announce the August Declaration of 1917 promising 'increasing association of Indians in every branch of the administration.' The subsequent Montagu-Chelmsford reforms of 1919 were seen as inadequate.

Correct Answer: A. A. It was the headquarters of Annie Besant's operations supporting nationalism

The Theosophical Society's international headquarters at Adyar, Chennai became an important center for Indian nationalism under Annie Besant. Besant used her position as president of the Society to promote Indian culture, education, and self-governance. She established the Central Hindu College in Benares (now BHU). Her Home Rule League was partly organized through networks connected to the Theosophical Society.