2016 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2016 · GS Paper I
Question 92: History and Culture
What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?
aIntroduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto
bExtremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government
cFoundation of Muslim League
dAurobindo Ghosh’s inability to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
At the Surat session of 1907 the Congress split into Moderates and Extremists. The Extremists, led by Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal, had lost faith in the Moderates' method of petitions and negotiation with the British government and wanted to carry swadeshi and boycott further. The Muslim League's foundation in 1906, Minto's reforms and Aurobindo's candidature were not the main reason.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Minto's communal reforms came in 1909, after Surat.
- (b) Right: the Extremists distrusted the Moderates' approach to the British government.
- (c) The Muslim League's foundation was not the cause of the split.
- (d) Aurobindo's candidature for president was not the cause of the split.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.