UPSC Prelims 2008 · General Studies
Question 55: History and Culture
Who among the following rejected the title of Knighthood and refused to accept a position in the Council of the Secretary of State for India?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Gopal Krishna Gokhale, the Moderate leader and founder of the Servants of India Society, is the one credited with turning down the title of knighthood and a seat on the Council of the Secretary of State for India, so that his public work stayed independent of the Government. Ranade, Tilak and Motilal Nehru are not linked with this episode.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Motilal Nehru, a Swarajist lawyer, is not the leader known for this.
- (b) Ranade served as a judge of the Bombay High Court and died in 1901.
- (c) Gokhale is credited with refusing both the honour and the post.
- (d) Tilak was a Nationalist leader jailed for sedition and is not linked with this episode.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2008, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.