Q1. Who wrote Vande Mataram ?
(a) Rabindra Nath Tagore
(b) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
(c) Subhash Chandra Bose
(d) Bankim Chandra Chatterjeea
(UPSC Prelims 1981)
Answer: (d) Bankim Chandra Chatterjeea
Explanation: Bankim Chandra Chatterjeea wrote Vande Mataram, which was later adopted as the national song of India. It first appeared in his novel Anandamath and became a powerful symbol of patriotism during the freedom struggle. The song’s spiritual and nationalistic tone inspired many revolutionaries and continues to hold cultural significance.
Q2. Raja Rammohan Roy was supporter of
(a) Sati
(b) Widow re-marriage
(c) Child marriage
(d) Learning of Sanskrit
(UPSC Prelims 1982)
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Raja Rammohan Roy was a social reformer who strongly advocated for widow re-marriage, abolition of Sati, and modern education, laying the foundation for progressive change in Indian society.
Q3. In the 19th century the people who participated in the national movement were mostly
(a) Zamindars
(b) Rich people
(c) Educated middle class
(d) Poor people
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (c) Educated middle class
Explanation: The educated middle class played a pivotal role in India’s 19th-century national movement, using their awareness, education, and organizational skills to lead reform and resistance. They were instrumental in forming political associations and spreading nationalist ideas.
Q4. ‘Go back to the Vedas’ was the motto of
(a) Swami Vivekananda
(b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(c) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
(d) M. G. Ranade
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (c) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
Explanation: Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj and promoted the idea of returning to the original teachings of the Vedas. His motto was ‘Go back to the Vedas’, emphasizing Vedic purity and reform.