UPSC Prelims 2008 · General Studies
Question 75: History and Culture
Who among the following used the phrase ‘Un-British’ to criticize the English colonial control of India?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Dadabhai Naoroji used the phrase in the title of his book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India (1901), where he set out the drain theory: that wealth was being drained from India to Britain. He argued that British rule in India was not in keeping with Britain's own ideals of justice. He was the first Indian elected to the British House of Commons (1892) and three times President of the Congress.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Anandmohan Bose was a Bengal Moderate and Congress President in 1898.
- (b) Badruddin Tyabji presided over the Congress in 1887.
- (c) Naoroji used the phrase in his book on the drain of wealth.
- (d) Pherozeshah Mehta was a Moderate leader of Bombay.
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.