Tipu Sultan 

1. Tipu Sultan (1750–1799) – Tipu Sultan, also known as the “Tiger of Mysore,” was the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore and the son of Hyder Ali. He succeeded his father in 1782.
2. Resistance to British Expansion – He was one of the strongest opponents of the British East India Company in the 18th century and fought the British in the Second, Third and Fourth Anglo-Mysore Wars.
3. Third Anglo-Mysore War & Treaty of Seringapatam – After the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790–92), Tipu was forced to sign the Treaty of Seringapatam (1792) and surrender a substantial portion of his territory.
4. Alliance with Revolutionary France – Tipu maintained close relations with France and sought French assistance against the British. He is associated with the Jacobin Club of Mysore and the planting of a “Tree of Liberty” at Seringapatam during the French Revolutionary period.
5. Administrative & Economic Reforms – Tipu introduced reforms in revenue administration, trade and state-controlled commerce. He encouraged silk production, improved irrigation and promoted new agricultural and commercial practices.
6. Military Innovations – Mysore forces under Tipu made extensive use of iron-cased rockets, which were particularly effective against British troops. These Mysorean rockets later influenced the development of British Congreve rockets.
7. Death & Historical Significance – Tipu Sultan was killed on 4 May 1799 while defending Seringapatam during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War. His resistance made him an important symbol of 18th-century opposition to British expansion in India.

With reference to Tipu Sultan, consider the following statements:

1. Tipu Sultan, also known as the “Tiger of Mysore,” was the son of Hyder Ali and succeeded him as the ruler of Mysore in 1782.
2. He fought against the British East India Company in the Second, Third and Fourth Anglo-Mysore Wars.
3. Following the Third Anglo-Mysore War, he signed the Treaty of Seringapatam in 1792 and surrendered a substantial portion of his territory.
4. Tipu Sultan made extensive use of iron-cased rockets, which later influenced the development of British Congreve rockets.
5. He was killed on 4 May 1799 while defending Seringapatam during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

1. Origin and Nature – The revolutionary movement emerged in the early 20th century, particularly as a radical response to British rule and the limitations of the Swadeshi Movement. Revolutionaries believed in achieving independence through militant and violent methods.
2. Major Methods – Revolutionaries used assassinations of unpopular officials, swadeshi dacoities to raise funds, and revolutionary conspiracies. During World War I, some groups also sought help from Britain’s enemies.
3. Main Objectives – Their immediate aim was to strike fear among British officials, remove the fear and passivity of Indians, and ultimately arouse nationalist consciousness and inspire people to fight for independence.
4. Causes of Early Revolutionary Movement – Important causes included British repression, famines and exploitative policies, Lord Curzon’s policies, dissatisfaction with the Moderates, and the failure of the Extremists to achieve major political concessions.
5. International Influences – Events such as Ethiopia’s victory over Italy (1896) and Japan’s victory over Russia (1905) challenged the idea of European invincibility and encouraged Indian nationalists. Later, the Russian Revolution of 1917 and Irish independence struggle further influenced revolutionaries.
6. Rise of Revolutionary Movement in the 1920s – The movement gained renewed strength due to the spread of socialism, Marxism, Bolshevism, trade unionism, and revolutionary literature. Publications such as Atmasakti, Sarathi and Bijoli helped spread radical ideas among young people.
7. Impact of Non-Cooperation Withdrawal and Congress Differences – Gandhi’s withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement created disappointment among sections of the youth. Revolutionary groups increasingly rejected the Congress’s approach and demanded complete independence, believing that violent methods were justified to achieve their goal.

Which of the following factors contributed to the growth of the Revolutionary Movement in India?

1. British repression and exploitative policies
2. Dissatisfaction with the Moderate leadership of the Congress
3. Influence of the Russian Revolution and Irish nationalist struggle
4. Withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement
5. Spread of socialism, Marxism and Bolshevism

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 4 and 5 only

Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

 
Bal Gangadhar Tilak

1. Early Life and Education – Bal Gangadhar Tilak, known as “Lokmanya,” was born on 23 July 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. He studied Mathematics and later completed his LL.B.
2. Strong Nationalist Leader – He was a prominent leader of the Indian freedom movement and strongly advocated Swaraj (self-rule) rather than gradual reforms under British rule.
3. Role in the Indian National Congress – Tilak joined the INC in 1890 and, along with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal, promoted nationalism, Swadeshi, and mass participation. He played an important role in the Swadeshi Movement and the Surat Split of 1907.
4. Contribution to the Freedom Movement – He promoted the four-point programme of Swadeshi, Boycott, National Education, and Swarajya and encouraged Indians to use indigenous goods and oppose British products.
5. Home Rule Movement – In 1916, Tilak and Annie Besant founded the Home Rule Movement. Tilak worked extensively in Maharashtra, Central Provinces, Karnataka, and Berar to spread the demand for self-government.
6. Imprisonment and Sedition Cases – Tilak faced three major sedition cases and spent six years in Mandalay Jail (1908–1914). His imprisonment made him an even more influential nationalist leader.
7. Social, Educational and Literary Contributions – He popularized Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav and Shivaji Jayanti to promote national unity. He helped establish the New English School and Deccan Education Society and wrote important works such as Gita Rahasya, The Arctic Home in the Vedas, and The Orion.

Which of the following statements about Bal Gangadhar Tilak are correct?

1. He was popularly known as “Lokmanya.”
2. He advocated Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott, and National Education.
3. He founded the Home Rule League along with Annie Besant in 1916.
4. He spent six years in Mandalay Jail due to sedition charges.
5. He established the Deccan Education Society and promoted public celebrations of Ganeshotsav and Shivaji Jayanti.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 4 and 5 only

Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

 
UPSC = Union Public Service Commission.

Constitutional Status: The UPSC is a constitutional body established under Article 315. Articles 315–323 deal with its composition, functions, independence and reporting.

Appointment and Tenure (Art. 316): The Chairman and Members are appointed by the President. They hold office for 6 years or until 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.

Removal (Art. 317): The President can remove the Chairman or a Member on specified grounds. In case of misbehaviour, removal requires an inquiry by the Supreme Court.

Functions (Art. 320): UPSC conducts examinations and advises the government on recruitment, appointments, promotions, transfers and disciplinary matters relating to civil services.

Financial Independence (Art. 322): The expenses of UPSC are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India, strengthening its financial autonomy.

Independence Safeguards (Art. 318 & 319): The President determines the number of members and service conditions. Restrictions on post-tenure government employment help maintain the Commission’s impartiality.

Annual Report (Art. 323): UPSC submits its annual report to the President, who places it before Parliament along with a memorandum explaining cases where its advice was not accepted.

With reference to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), consider the following statements:

1. The UPSC is a constitutional body established under Article 315.
2. The Chairman and Members of the UPSC are appointed by the President of India.
3. The expenses of the UPSC are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
4. In case of misbehaviour, the President can remove a UPSC Member without any inquiry by the Supreme Court.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)