UPSC CSE 2026 Essay Paper Discussion

MCQ SUBJECT

History

182 UPSC Prelims MCQs tagged "History". Free practice with answer keys, explanations, and timed mock tests on Anantam IAS.

  1. Who of the following was/were economic critic/critics of colonialism in India? 1. Dadabhai Naoroji…

    Who of the following was/were economic critic/critics of colonialism in India? 1. Dadabhai Naoroji 2. Subramania Iyer 3. R.C. Dutt Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    1. A1 only
    2. B1 and 2 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: D

    Statement 1 is Correct: Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the 'Grand Old Man of India', was a pioneer in the economic critique of British rule. He formulated the 'Drain of Wealth' theory and authored the influential book 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India' (published in 1901), which argued that British policies were the primary cause of India's poverty.

    Statement 2 is Correct: G. Subramania Iyer was a prominent journalist and economist who co-founded 'The Hindu'. He criticized colonial economic policies through his writings and his book 'Some Economic Aspects of British Rule in India' (1903), highlighting how British rule led to economic stagnation.

    Statement 3 is Correct: Romesh Chandra (R.C.) Dutt was a retired ICS officer who wrote the seminal work 'The Economic History of India' (published in two volumes in 1902 and 1904). He meticulously documented the negative impact of British land revenue systems and trade policies on the Indian economy.

  2. Consider the following statements : 1. The first woman President of the Indian National…

    Consider the following statements : 1. The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu. 2. The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    Statement 1 is Incorrect: The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Annie Besant in 1917, not Sarojini Naidu. Sarojini Naidu became the first Indian woman to preside over the Congress in 1925 (Kanpur Session).

    Statement 2 is Correct: Badruddin Tyabji was the first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress, presiding over its third session in 1887 (Madras).