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Q.1
WBCS Prelims 2023
Which of the following are known as the Bombay Triumvirate?
A.B. G. Tilak, G. K. Gokhale and M. B. Namjoshi
B.Ferozshah Mehta, K.T. Telang and Badruddin Tyabji
C.B. G Tilak, G. G. Agarkar and G. H. Deshmukh
D.Dadabhai Naoroji, K. T. Telang and R. G. Bhandarker
Explanation
Why Correct: Ferozshah Mehta, K.T. Telang, and Badruddin Tyabji formed the Bombay Triumvirate, three prominent early nationalist leaders who dominated Bombay's political scene in the late 19th century. Distractor Analysis: B.G. Tilak, G.K. Gokhale, and M.B. Namjoshi were contemporaries but not grouped as the Bombay Triumvirate. B.G. Tilak, G.G. Agarkar, and G.H. Deshmukh were associated with social reform and education in Maharashtra. Dadabhai Naoroji, K.T. Telang, and R.G. Bhandarker were all influential figures, but Naoroji was more closely linked with London and national politics rather than the specific Bombay triumvirate. Takeaway: The Bombay Triumvirate's members were all lawyers and early moderates in the Indian National Congress, representing the Western-educated elite's initial political mobilization.
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Q.2
WBCS Prelims 2021
Who designed the first Indian National Flag ?
A.Vicoji Rustam Kama
B.Annie Besant
C.Sarojini Naidu
D.Sister Nivedita
Explanation
Why Correct: Sister Nivedita (Margaret Noble) designed the first Indian National Flag in 1904, which featured a red background with a yellow 'Vajra' (thunderbolt) and the words 'Bande Mataram' in Bengali. Distractor Analysis: Vicoji Rustam Kama was a Parsi revolutionary who designed the Berlin Committee flag in 1907. Annie Besant was a British socialist and Indian independence activist who founded the Home Rule League. Sarojini Naidu was a poet and political activist known as the 'Nightingale of India' who served as President of the Indian National Congress. Takeaway: The 1904 flag was first hoisted at Parsi Bagan Square in Calcutta, and Sister Nivedita was a disciple of Swami Vivekananda who contributed significantly to Indian nationalism and education.
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Q.3
WBCS Prelims 2018
Who propagated 'Hind-Hindi-Hindu'?
A.Lala Lajpat Rai
B.Madan Mohan Malaviya
C.Shyama Prasad Mukherjee
D.Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Explanation
Why Correct: Madan Mohan Malaviya, founder of the Hindu Mahasabha in 1915, actively promoted the 'Hind-Hindi-Hindu' ideology, which emphasized Hindu cultural identity, Hindi language promotion, and Indian nationalism. Distractor Analysis: Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent Arya Samaj leader and nationalist from Punjab who focused on social reform and anti-colonial activism. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee revived the Hindu Mahasabha in the 1940s and later founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. Bal Gangadhar Tilak pioneered the Swadeshi movement and organized Ganpati festivals to mobilize mass nationalism. Takeaway: Malaviya also founded Banaras Hindu University in 1916, which became India's largest residential university and a major center for Hindu cultural and Sanskrit education.
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Q.4
WBCS Prelims 2017
_____ was the centre of the Aligarh movement.
A.The Deaband School
B.The Anglo-Oriental College
C.Pir-Fakir Majlis
D.The Khilafat Committee
Explanation
Why Correct: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan established the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh in 1875, which served as the institutional hub for his modernizing Aligarh Movement. Distractor Analysis: The Deoband School was a conservative Islamic seminary founded in 1866. Pir-Fakir Majlis refers to Sufi devotional gatherings. The Khilafat Committee formed in 1919 to oppose the abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate. Takeaway: The Aligarh Movement promoted Western-style education and social reform among Indian Muslims, differing from Deoband's emphasis on traditional Islamic learning.
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Q.5
WBCS Prelims 2017
The nationalist organisation 'Poona Sarvajanik Sabha' was established in the year
A.1870
B.1885
C.1890
D.1900
Explanation
Why Correct: Poona Sarvajanik Sabha was founded in 1870 by Mahadev Govind Ranade, Ganesh Vasudeo Joshi, and S. H. Chiplunkar. Distractor Analysis: 1885 marks the formation of the Indian National Congress. 1890 saw the establishment of the Indian National Social Conference. 1900 was the year the British partitioned Bengal, which occurred much later. Takeaway: Poona Sarvajanik Sabha was the first modern political organization in India that aimed to represent the people before the government, preceding the Indian National Congress by 15 years.
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Q.6
WBCS Prelims 2017
Which political party was founded in 1906?
A.Bharat Sabha
B.Muslim League
C.Bengal Zamindar League
D.Communist Party of India
Explanation
Why Correct: The All-India Muslim League was founded on December 30, 1906, in Dhaka with Nawab Khwaja Salimullah of Dhaka as a key founder, aiming to protect Muslim political rights. Distractor Analysis: Bharat Sabha (Indian Association) was founded in 1876 by Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose. Bengal Zamindar League represented landed aristocracy interests in Bengal. Communist Party of India was founded in 1925 in Kanpur. Takeaway: The Muslim League's founding session was presided over by Nawab Waqar-ul-Mulk, and its first president was Sir Aga Khan III.
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Q.7
WBCS Prelims 2016
In collaboration with David Hare and Alexander Duff who of the following established Hindu College at Calcutta ?
A.Derozio
B.Vidyasagar
C.Keshab Chandra Sen
D.Raja Rammohan Roy
Explanation
Why Correct: Raja Rammohan Roy collaborated with David Hare and Alexander Duff to establish Hindu College in Calcutta in 1817, which later became Presidency University. Distractor Analysis: Henry Louis Vivian Derozio taught at Hindu College as a radical teacher but did not found it. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a social reformer and educator who promoted widow remarriage and women's education. Keshab Chandra Sen led the Brahmo Samaj after Debendranath Tagore and advocated for social reforms. Takeaway: Hindu College was the first modern educational institution in India, founded by Raja Rammohan Roy along with David Hare and Alexander Duff in 1817.
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Q.8
WBCS Prelims 2016
Who is Pioneer of Economic Nationalism ?
A.Bipin Chandra Pal
B.Gokhale
C.R. C. Dutt
D.M. M. Malviya
Explanation
Why Correct: Romesh Chunder Dutt authored 'The Economic History of India' and advocated for economic self-reliance, making him the pioneer of economic nationalism in colonial India. Distractor Analysis: Bipin Chandra Pal was an extremist nationalist leader. Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a moderate leader and mentor to Gandhi. Madan Mohan Malviya founded Banaras Hindu University and promoted Hindu nationalism. Takeaway: Dadabhai Naoroji's 'Drain of Wealth' theory preceded Dutt's work and laid the foundation for economic critique of British rule.
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Q.9
WBCS Prelims 2015
When the Muslim League was established ?
A.1901
B.1906
C.1910
D.1915
Explanation
Why Correct: The All-India Muslim League was founded on 30 December 1906 in Dhaka during the annual Muhammadan Educational Conference, with Aga Khan III as its first president. Distractor Analysis: 1901 marked the death of Queen Victoria and the end of the Victorian era. 1910 saw the passage of the Indian Press Act, which imposed restrictions on newspapers. 1915 was the year Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa to begin his political work. Takeaway: The Muslim League's initial objectives included protecting Muslim political rights and promoting loyalty to the British government, later evolving to demand Pakistan in the 1940 Lahore Resolution.
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Q.10
WBCS Prelims 2015WBCS Prelims 2009
Who was the founder of the Indian Association ?
A.W.C. Banerjee
B.Surendra Nath Banerjee
C.Lala Lajpat Rai
D.Dadabhai Naoraji
Asked 2 times in WBCS. High priority question.
Explanation
Why Correct: Surendra Nath Banerjee founded the Indian Association in Calcutta on 26 September 1876, aiming to create a strong public opinion across India and promote political education. Distractor Analysis: W.C. Banerjee (Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee) was the first president of the Indian National Congress (1885). Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent Punjabi nationalist and one of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio. Dadabhai Naoroji was an early Indian nationalist, president of the Indian National Congress, and author of 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India'. Takeaway: The Indian Association organized the first All India National Conference in 1883, which later merged with the Indian National Congress in 1886.
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Q.11
WBCS Prelims 2014
Who among the following founded a national paper, a national school and a national gymnasium in the second half of the nineteenth century ?
A.Jatindranath Tagore
B.Rajnarayan Bose
C.Nabagopal Mitra
D.Satyendranath Tagore
Explanation
Why Correct: Nabagopal Mitra founded the National Paper (1865), National School (1872), and National Gymnasium (1868) as part of the Hindu Mela movement, earning him the title 'National Mitra'. Distractor Analysis: Jatindranath Tagore was a revolutionary and brother of Rabindranath Tagore. Rajnarayan Bose was a writer and grandfather of Sri Aurobindo. Satyendranath Tagore was the first Indian ICS officer and brother of Rabindranath Tagore. Takeaway: The Hindu Mela (1867) organized by Nabagopal Mitra and Rajnarayan Bose promoted national consciousness through cultural events, preceding the Indian National Congress.
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Q.12
WBCS Prelims 2011
The first political society started under British rule in India was
A.Brahma Samaj
B.Arya Samaj
C.Bengal land-holders’ society
D.None of the above
Explanation
Why Correct: The Bengal Landholders' Society (also called Zamindari Association) formed in 1838 by Dwarkanath Tagore and others was India's first political organization under British rule, focusing on protecting landlord interests. Distractor Analysis: Brahma Samaj (1828) was a religious reform movement founded by Raja Rammohan Roy. Arya Samaj (1875) was a Hindu reform movement started by Dayananda Saraswati. Takeaway: The Indian Association (1876) by Surendranath Banerjee was the first major political organization with a national character, preceding the Indian National Congress.
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Q.13
WBCS Prelims 2004WBCS Prelims 2010
Who founded the “School Book Society” ?
A.William Jones
B.Hyde East
C.D. Bethune
D.David Hare
Asked 2 times in WBCS. High priority question.
Explanation
Why Correct: David Hare founded the School Book Society in 1817 to promote education and supply affordable textbooks in Bengal. Distractor Analysis: William Jones founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784. Hyde East was a Supreme Court judge who supported the Hindu College. D. Bethune established Bethune School in 1849 for girls' education. Takeaway: Radhakanta Deb was a prominent social reformer who also founded the Hindu College in 1817.
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Q.14
WBCS Prelims 2010
Who founded the Indian Association in Calcutta in 1876?
A.W. C. Banerjee
B.S. N. Banerjee
C.Subhas Chandra Bose
D.Chittaranjan Das
Explanation
Why Correct: Surendranath Banerjee (S. N. Banerjee) founded the Indian Association in Calcutta in 1876, establishing it as an early political organization advocating for Indian interests under British rule. Distractor Analysis: Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee (W. C. Banerjee) served as the first president of the Indian National Congress. Subhas Chandra Bose led the Indian National Army during World War II and was a prominent nationalist leader. Chittaranjan Das co-founded the Swaraj Party and was a key figure in the Indian independence movement. Takeaway: The Indian Association aimed to create a unified public opinion on political issues and promote Indian representation in government, preceding the formation of the Indian National Congress.
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Q.15
WBCS Prelims 2009
In which year was the Indian Association founded?
A.1876
B.1884
C.1887
D.1890
Explanation
Why Correct: Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose established the Indian Association in Calcutta in 1876. Distractor Analysis: The Indian National Congress formed in 1885, not 1884. The Madras session of the Indian National Congress occurred in 1887. The Allahabad session of the Indian National Congress took place in 1890. Takeaway: The Indian Association preceded the Indian National Congress and focused on civil service reforms and Indian representation, particularly influencing Bengal's political awakening.
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Q.16
WBCS Prelims 2009
When was the Muslim League established?
A.1904
B.1906
C.1910
D.1915
Explanation
Why Correct: The All-India Muslim League was founded on December 30, 1906, in Dhaka during the All-India Muhammadan Educational Conference to advocate for Muslim political interests. Distractor Analysis: 1904 preceded the controversial partition of Bengal announced in 1905. 1910 saw the Indian Press Act imposing stricter censorship. 1915 marked Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa, beginning his leadership in the independence movement. Takeaway: The League's first president was Sir Aga Khan III, and its founding followed the Simla Deputation of 1906 which presented Muslim demands to the Viceroy.
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Q.17
WBCS Prelims 2009
Who founded the Hindu Mela in 1867, which was also known as Jatiya Mela and established in Calcutta?
A.Nabagopal Mitra
B.Bal Gangadhar Tilak
C.Akshay Kumar Dutta
D.Surendranath Banerjee
Explanation
Why Correct: Nabagopal Mitra founded the Hindu Mela in 1867, which was also called Jatiya Mela and based in Calcutta. Distractor Analysis: Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a key leader of the Indian independence movement and co-founded the Indian Home Rule League. Akshay Kumar Dutta was a prominent Bengali writer and social reformer associated with the Brahmo Samaj. Surendranath Banerjee founded the Indian National Association and later the Indian National Congress. Takeaway: The Hindu Mela was one of the earliest nationalist organizations in India, predating the Indian National Congress by nearly two decades, and played a role in promoting Hindu cultural revival and political consciousness.
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Q.18
WBCS Prelims 2008
Who authored the Bengali work 'Padmini Upakhyan' published in 1858?
A.Dwijendralal Roy
B.Hemchandra Banerjee
C.Nabin Chandra Sen
D.Rangalal Banerjee
Explanation
Why Correct: Rangalal Banerjee wrote 'Padmini Upakhyan' in 1858, a Bengali narrative poem based on the Rajput queen Padmini of Chittor, containing patriotic sentiments. Distractor Analysis: Dwijendralal Roy composed historical plays like 'Shah Jahan' and patriotic songs. Hemchandra Banerjee was a pioneering Bengali poet known for 'Bharat Sangeet'. Nabin Chandra Sen wrote the epic trilogy 'Raivatak', 'Kurukshetra', and 'Prabhas'. Takeaway: Rangalal Banerjee's 'Padmini Upakhyan' is considered one of the earliest Bengali works with explicit nationalist themes, published just one year after the 1857 Revolt.
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Q.19
WBCS Prelims 2008
Who authored the novel 'Anandamath' in 1882, which contains the song 'Bande Mataram'?
A.Bankimchandra Chatterjee
B.Rangalal Banerjee
C.Rabindranath Tagore
D.Rajanikanta Sen
Explanation
Why Correct: Bankimchandra Chatterjee wrote the Bengali novel 'Anandamath' in 1882, which includes the patriotic song 'Bande Mataram' that later became a rallying cry during the Indian independence movement. Distractor Analysis: Rangalal Banerjee was a 19th-century Bengali poet known for works like 'Padmini Upakhyan'. Rabindranath Tagore composed India's national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' and won the Nobel Prize in Literature. Rajanikanta Sen was a Bengali poet and composer of devotional songs known as 'Kirtan'. Takeaway: 'Bande Mataram' was first sung at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress and was later adopted as the national song of India in 1950, with equal status to the national anthem.
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Q.20
WBCS Prelims 2008
Who founded the All India Muslim League?
A.Nawab Salim Ullah
B.Syed Ahmad Khan
C.Abdul Gaffar Khan
D.R.A. Kidwai
Explanation
Why Correct: Nawab Salim Ullah of Dhaka founded the All India Muslim League in 1906 at the Dhaka Nawab's residence. Distractor Analysis: Syed Ahmad Khan founded the Aligarh Movement and Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College. Abdul Gaffar Khan, known as 'Frontier Gandhi', led the Khudai Khidmatgar movement. R.A. Kidwai was a prominent Indian politician who served as India's first Railway Minister. Takeaway: The Muslim League's first session was held in Karachi in 1907, with Sir Aga Khan as its first president.
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Q.21
WBCS Prelims 2008WBCS Prelims 2007
Who founded the Indian Association in 1876?
A.Surendra Nath Banerjee
B.Bipin Chandra Pal
C.Barindra Ghosh
D.W. C. Bonnerjee
Asked 2 times in WBCS. High priority question.
Explanation
Why Correct: Surendra Nath Banerjee founded the Indian Association in 1876 as a political organization to promote Indian nationalism and represent educated middle-class interests. Distractor Analysis: Bipin Chandra Pal was a key leader of the Swadeshi Movement and a member of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio. Barindra Ghosh was a revolutionary associated with the Alipore Bomb Conspiracy and Anushilan Samiti. W. C. Bonnerjee served as the first president of the Indian National Congress in 1885. Takeaway: The Indian Association organized the first Indian National Conference in 1883, which later merged with the Indian National Congress.
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Q.22
WBCS Prelims 2008
Who founded the 'National Mela' in 19th century Bengal?
A.Rajnarayan Bose
B.Naba Gopal Mitra
C.Jyotirindra Nath Tagore
D.Akshay Kumar Dutta
Explanation
Why Correct: Naba Gopal Mitra founded the National Mela in 1867 as a cultural festival promoting indigenous products and national consciousness. Distractor Analysis: Rajnarayan Bose was a prominent Brahmo leader and writer. Jyotirindra Nath Tagore was a musician and elder brother of Rabindranath Tagore. Akshay Kumar Dutta was a rationalist thinker and editor of the Tattwabodhini Patrika. Takeaway: The National Mela later evolved into the Hindu Mela, which played a significant role in the Swadeshi movement.
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Q.23
WBCS Prelims 2006
Who organized the Hindu Mela in the 19th century?
A.Nabagopal Mitra
B.Swami Vivekananda
C.Dayanand Saraswati
D.Keshab Chandra Sen
Explanation
Why Correct: Nabagopal Mitra organized the Hindu Mela in 1867 to promote Hindu nationalism and cultural revival during the British colonial period. Distractor Analysis: Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission and represented Hinduism at the 1893 Parliament of Religions. Dayanand Saraswati established the Arya Samaj in 1875 to reform Hinduism. Keshab Chandra Sen was a leader of the Brahmo Samaj who advocated for social reforms. Takeaway: The Hindu Mela was held annually in Calcutta from 1867 to 1880 and influenced later nationalist movements like the Swadeshi Movement.
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Q.24
WBCS Prelims 2005
From which literary work does the patriotic song 'Bande Mataram' originate?
A.Pather Dabi
B.Durgesh Nandini
C.Ananda Math
D.Gora
Explanation
Why Correct: 'Bande Mataram' first appeared in Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1882 Bengali novel 'Ananda Math', where it was a hymn to the motherland that later became a nationalist anthem. Distractor Analysis: 'Pather Dabi' is a Bengali novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay published in 1926, focusing on revolutionary activities against British rule. 'Durgesh Nandini' is Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's first Bengali novel from 1865, a historical romance. 'Gora' is a novel by Rabindranath Tagore published in 1910, exploring social and religious identity in colonial India. Takeaway: Rabindranath Tagore composed 'Jana Gana Mana' in 1911, which was adopted as India's national anthem in 1950, while 'Bande Mataram' from 'Ananda Math' was adopted as the national song.
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Q.25
WBCS Prelims 2005
Which Bengali poet authored the patriotic poem 'Swadhinata hinatay key bachitey chai'?
A.Hemchandra Banerjee
B.Rangalal Banerjee
C.Iswar Chandra Gupta
D.Kazi Nazrul Islam
Explanation
Why Correct: Kazi Nazrul Islam wrote 'Swadhinata hinatay key bachitey chai' (I want to live without the shame of losing freedom), expressing fierce anti-colonial sentiment. Distractor Analysis: Hemchandra Banerjee wrote 'Bharat Sangeet', Rangalal Banerjee wrote 'Padmini Upakhyan', and Iswar Chandra Gupta was known for satirical poetry in 'Prabandha Pustak'. Takeaway: Nazrul Islam's poem 'Bidrohi' (The Rebel), published in 1922, established him as the 'Rebel Poet' of Bengali literature.
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Q.26
WBCS Prelims 2005
Who founded the Society for Promotion of National Feeling in 1866?
A.Prince Dwarakanath
B.Iswar Gupta
C.Rajnarayan Bose
D.Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation
Why Correct: Rajnarayan Bose founded the Society for Promotion of National Feeling in 1866, an early organization promoting Indian nationalism and cultural revival. Distractor Analysis: Prince Dwarakanath Tagore was a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist in early 19th century Bengal. Iswar Gupta was a Bengali poet and journalist known for satirical works. Rabindranath Tagore, born in 1861, was a Nobel laureate poet who founded Visva-Bharati University. Takeaway: Rajnarayan Bose, known as 'Rishi Rajnarayan', served as the first president of the Adi Brahmo Samaj and influenced later nationalist leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh.
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Q.27
WBCS Prelims 2004
In which year was the All India Muslim League founded?
A.1906
B.1911
C.1916
D.1920
Explanation
Why Correct: The All India Muslim League was founded on December 30, 1906, in Dhaka during the annual session of the All India Muhammadan Educational Conference. Distractor Analysis: 1911 marks the annulment of the Partition of Bengal and the Delhi Durbar where King George V was proclaimed Emperor of India. 1916 is the year of the Lucknow Pact between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, establishing Hindu-Muslim unity. 1920 saw the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement by Mahatma Gandhi against British rule. Takeaway: The Muslim League's first president was Sir Aga Khan III, and its founding aimed to protect Muslim political rights and promote loyalty to the British government.
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Q.28
WBCS Prelims 2002
Who founded the Servants of India Society?
A.Bal Gangadhar Tilak
B.Gopal Krishna Gokhale
C.Lala Lajpat Rai
D.Bipin Chandra Pal
Explanation
Why Correct: Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in 1905 to train Indians for public service and promote social reforms through constitutional means. Distractor Analysis: Bal Gangadhar Tilak led the extremist faction of the Indian National Congress and organized the Home Rule League. Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent leader of the Punjab region and part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio. Bipin Chandra Pal was a nationalist leader and journalist who advocated for Swadeshi and Boycott movements. Takeaway: The Servants of India Society was established in Pune and emphasized gradual, non-violent social transformation, contrasting with revolutionary methods.
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