UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies
Question 83: History and Culture
Which Indian nationalist leader looked upon a war between Germany and Britain as a god-sent opportunity which would enable Indians to exploit the situation to their advantage?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Subhas Chandra Bose saw a war between Britain and Germany as a god-sent chance: Britain's difficulty would be India's opportunity, so Indians should exploit it to press for independence. This view later took him to seek help from the Axis powers and to lead the Indian National Army. Rajagopalachari, Jinnah and Nehru did not welcome the war in this way. Remember: Bose held that Britain's difficulty is India's opportunity.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. Rajagopalachari favoured bargaining with the British, not exploiting the war this way.
- (b) Wrong. Jinnah sought concessions for the Muslim League, not an anti-British opportunity.
- (c) Right. Bose saw the war as an opportunity.
- (d) Wrong. Nehru offered conditional support against fascism.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
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.