UPSC Prelims 2005 · General Studies
Question 63: History and Culture
What was Komagata Maru?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
The Komagata Maru was a Japanese steamship chartered in 1914 by Gurdit Singh to carry about 376 Indians, mostly Sikhs, from Hong Kong to Vancouver. Canada refused to let them land and the ship was sent back; at Budge Budge near Calcutta in September 1914, police fired on returning passengers. Among the options only (c) calls it a ship.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) It was not a political party.
- (b) It was not a Chinese leader.
- (c) Given answer: a ship, though really a chartered steamer bound for Vancouver.
- (d) It was not a Chinese village.
Worth knowing: Option (c) is loosely worded: Komagata Maru was a chartered Japanese steamer bound for Vancouver, not a naval ship bound for China; it is the only option naming a ship.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2005, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.