1999 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies
Question 96: History and Culture
The term "imperial preference" was applied to the
aspecial privileges on British imports in India
bracial discrimination by the Britishers
csubordination of Indian interest to that of the British
dpreference given to British political agents over Indian Princes
AnswerThe answer is (a).
Imperial preference was the system, formalised at the Ottawa Conference of 1932, under which Britain, its dominions and colonies gave one another lower tariffs than they charged other countries. In India it meant special privileges for British imports. The other options describe racial discrimination, subordination of Indian interests, or the position of political agents, which are different matters.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right. The term meant special privileges for British imports.
- (b) Wrong. Racial discrimination is a different matter.
- (c) Wrong. The subordination of Indian interests was broader than this tariff arrangement.
- (d) Wrong. It has nothing to do with political agents and princes.
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.