Q1. Why could British only succeed in trade and commerce in India ?
(a) Because of government backing
(b) Quality of merchandise
(c) Naval superiority
(d) All of the above
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: The British succeeded in Indian trade due to state support, superior naval power, and competitive goods. Their East India Company had monopoly privileges, and their military and maritime strength enabled dominance over rivals.
Q2. Why did India industrialise only gradually in the time of Britishers ?
(a) Capitalists helped to set up new industries
(b) Many technicians came from different parts of the world to set up new industries
(c) Britishers seized and handicapped Indian cottage industries
(d) People were fond of new machine made goods
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (c) Britishers seized and handicapped Indian cottage industries
Explanation: The British colonial policies led to the decline of traditional industries, causing slow industrial growth in India.
Q3. Which of the following was the main feature of the policy of Dual Government of British rulers in India ?
(a) The English collected the revenues with the help of Indian Officials and they became virtually the head of the civil and military administration
(b) The general administrative body consisted of two categories of rulers
(c) Main items of administration were in the hands of local kings and rest were in the hands of British rulers
(d) Some portions of land were ruled by the local kings and rest by the British rulers
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (a) The English collected the revenues with the help of Indian Officials and they became virtually the head of the civil and military administration
Explanation: Under Dual Government, the British controlled revenue and military, while Indian officials handled civil administration, creating a split authority structure.
Q4. What was the impact of Western Industrial Revolution on India ?
(a) Handicrafts of India were ruined
(b) Machines were introduced in textile industry
(c) Heavy import duty was imposed on foreign goods
(d) All technical hands got employment
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (a) Handicrafts of India were ruined
Explanation: The Western Industrial Revolution led to the decline of Indian handicrafts, as machine-made goods flooded the market, causing economic hardship for artisans.
Q5. What type of trade is being undertaken by India with East European countries ?
(a) Rupee trade
(b) Free trade
(c) Barter trade
(d) Bilateral trade
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (c) Barter trade
Explanation: During the Cold War era, India engaged in barter trade with East European countries, especially those under socialist regimes. This system involved exchange of goods and services without using currency, helping both sides avoid foreign exchange constraints and maintain economic cooperation.
Q6. Write the correct chronological order of the following annexations by the Britishers.
I. Oudh
II. Punjab
III. Upper Burma
(a) III, II, I
(b) I, II, III
(c) I, III, II
(d) II, I, III
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (d) II, I, III
Explanation:
The British annexed:
- Punjab in 1849
- Oudh in 1856
- Upper Burma in 1886
This sequence shows the expansion of British control from northern India to the eastern frontier.
Q7. Who was the person behind conversion of East India Company from a trading company into a regional power ?
(a) Lord Warren Hastings
(b) Lord Clive
(c) Lord Dalhousie
(d) Lord Wellesley
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (b) Lord Clive
Explanation: Robert Clive played a key role in transforming the East India Company from a commercial enterprise into a political and military power. His victory at the Battle of Plassey (1757) laid the foundation for British rule in India.