UPSC Prelims 2009 · General Studies

Question 60: History and Culture

In the context of the Indian freedom struggle, 16th October 1905 is well known for which one of the following reasons?

aThe formal proclamation of Swadeshi Movement was made in Calcutta town hall

bPartition of Bengal took effect

cDadabhai Naoroji declared that the goal of Indian National Congress was Swaraj

dLokmanya Tilak started Swadeshi Movement in Poona

AnswerThe answer is (b).

The Partition of Bengal, announced by Viceroy Curzon, came into effect on 16 October 1905, and the day was observed as a day of mourning, with fasting, rakhi tying and the singing of Bande Mataram. The formal Swadeshi proclamation had come earlier, on 7 August 1905 at the Calcutta Town Hall. Dadabhai Naoroji's declaration of swaraj as the goal was at the 1906 Calcutta Congress.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) The Swadeshi proclamation in the Town Hall was on 7 August 1905.
(b) Right: the Partition of Bengal took effect on 16 October 1905.
(c) Naoroji's swaraj declaration was in 1906.
(d) Tilak spread Swadeshi in Poona but not on this date.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2009, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.