UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies

Question 72: History and Culture

The Governor General who followed a spirited "Forward" policy towards Afghanistan was

aMinto

bDufferin

cElgin

dLytton

AnswerThe answer is (d).

Lord Lytton, Viceroy from 1876 to 1880, followed the 'Forward' policy: an aggressive attempt to extend British influence in Afghanistan to keep Russia away, which led to the Second Afghan War (1878-80). Dufferin, Elgin and Minto did not follow a spirited forward policy to the same degree. Remember: Lytton means the Forward policy and the Second Afghan War.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong. Minto (1905-10) is known for the Morley-Minto reforms.
(b) Wrong. Dufferin (1884-88) is associated with the founding of the Congress and the annexation of Upper Burma.
(c) Wrong. Elgin (1894-99) did not follow the Forward policy to the same degree.
(d) Right. Lytton pursued the Forward policy and fought the Second Afghan War.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.