Q1. Who evolved the national consciousness as a formal concept ?
(a) B.G. Tilak
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Jawaharlal Nehru
(d) Surendranath Bannerjee
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (d) Surendranath Bannerjee
Explanation: Surendranath Bannerjee was among the first Indian leaders to articulate national consciousness, emphasizing political awareness, unity, and self-governance. His efforts laid the ideological foundation for the freedom movement.
2. Match the following correctly:
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| A. Ramakrishna Mission | I. Swami Dayanand Saraswati |
| B. Arya Samaj | II. Raja Rammohan Roy |
| C. Brahmo Samaj | III. Keshab Chandra Sen |
| D. Prarthana Samaj | IV. Swami Vivekananda |
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (a) | I | II | III | IV |
| (b) | III | IV | I | II |
| (c) | II | III | IV | — |
| (d) | IV | I | II | III |
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Ramakrishna Mission was founded by Swami Vivekananda. Arya Samaj was established by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. Brahmo Samaj was founded by Raja Rammohan Roy. Prarthana Samaj was associated with Keshab Chandra Sen.
These reform movements played a vital role in modernizing Indian society through spiritual, social, and religious awakening.
Q3. Which of the following laws was passed during the second half of the nineteenth century under the Social and Religious Reform Movement ?
(a) Formation of Theosophical Society
(b) Sanction of inter-caste and inter-communal marriages
(c) Opening of Aligarh Muslim University
(d) None of the above
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (b) Sanction of inter-caste and inter-communal marriages
Explanation: The Civil Marriage Act of 1872 was a landmark reform that legalized inter-caste and inter-religious marriages. It was part of the broader Social and Religious Reform Movement aimed at modernizing Indian society.