SSC JE History Questions with Detailed Solutions

Correct Answer: (A) Jaichand

Explanation:

• The Battle of Chandawar (1194) was fought between Muhammad Ghori and Jaichand, the ruler of the Gahadavala dynasty in northern India.
• Jaichand ruled Kanauj and was one of the prominent Rajput rulers resisting Muhammad Ghori’s expansion into India.
• The battle ended in Muhammad Ghori’s victory, which paved the way for Muslim rule in northern India and eventual establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.

Information Booster:

• Gahadavala Dynasty:
• Ruled parts of present-day Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
• Notable rulers: Govindachandra, Vijayachandra, and Jaichand
• Significance of Battle of Chandawar:
• Marked the decline of the Gahadavala dynasty
• Opened northern India to Turkic invasions
• Set the stage for the consolidation of Muslim rule under the Delhi Sultanate.

Correct Answer: (C) The US

Explanation:

• The Ghadar Party was a revolutionary organization founded in 1913 in the United States of America, primarily in California.
• It was established by Punjabi Indians, mostly Sikhs, who were living in the US and Canada.
• The main aim of the party was to overthrow British colonial rule in India through armed revolution.
• The party published the “Ghadar” newspaper to inspire Indians abroad and in India to rise against British rule.

Information Booster:

• Founders: Lala Har Dayal, Sohan Singh Bhakna, and others
• Key Activities:
• Organizing Indian expatriates for revolutionary activities
• Publishing revolutionary literature and newspapers
• Attempted to send arms and revolutionaries to India during World War I
• Legacy:
• Inspired Indian nationalist movements both in India and abroad
• Remembered for its role in early 20th-century anti-colonial struggle.

Correct Answer: (C) Tarabai Shinde

Explanation:

• Tarabai Shinde was a pioneering feminist and social reformer in 19th century India.
• Educated at home in Poona (now Pune), she published the book “Stri Purush Tulana” (Comparison of Women and Men) in 1882.
• The book criticised the patriarchal social norms, gender inequalities, and the double standards imposed on women by society and religion.
• This work is considered one of the first feminist writings in India, advocating for women’s rights and equality.

Information Booster:

• Context:
• Written as a response to criticisms of women in contemporary society, especially after the social reform debates of the 19th century
• Significance of the Book:
• Early critique of patriarchal society and caste discrimination
• Inspired later women reformers and feminist movements in India
• Other Reformers of the Time:
• Pandita Ramabai – Advocated education for widows and women’s emancipation
• Savitribai Phule – Pioneer in women’s education and social reform in Maharashtra
• Kadambini Ganguly / Devi – First female doctor in India

Other Options:

• A (Pandita Ramabai) – Focused on women’s education and widow’s rights, not Stri Purush Tulana
• B (Kadambini Devi) – Physician, not author of the book
• D (Savitribai Phule) – Social reformer and educator, did not write this book

The correct answer is (D) Madras 1864

Explanation:
• The Veda Samaj was established in Madras (now Chennai) in 1864.
• It was inspired by the Brahmo Samaj of Bengal and worked towards abolishing caste distinctions and promoting widow remarriage.

Information Booster:
• K. Sridharalu Naidu was a prominent leader who later renamed it the Brahmo Samaj of Southern India.
• They condemned superstitions and rituals of orthodox Hinduism.

Additional Knowledge:
• Prarthana Samaj was established in Bombay in 1867.
• Arya Samaj was established in 1875 (Bombay/Lahore context).

The correct answer is (C) Chittaranjan Das

Explanation:
• The Swaraj Party was founded on 1 January 1923 by Chittaranjan Das (C.R. Das) and Motilal Nehru.
• They wanted to enter the legislative councils to oppose the British government from within, a strategy known as 'Pro-Changers'.

Information Booster:
• C.R. Das was the President and Motilal Nehru was the Secretary of the party.
• They operated within the Congress initially.

Additional Knowledge:
• Mahatma Gandhi (Option D) and his followers ('No-Changers') initially opposed council entry.

The correct answer is (C) 1842

Explanation:
• The First Anglo-Afghan War was fought between the British East India Company and the Emirate of Afghanistan from 1838 to 1842.
• It is often known for the disastrous British retreat from Kabul.

Information Booster:
• It was part of the 'Great Game' rivalry between Britain and Russia.
• Lord Auckland was the Governor-General of India during this war.

Additional Knowledge:
• The Second Anglo-Afghan War took place from 1878 to 1880.

The correct answer is (D) Rana Sanga

Explanation:
• The Battle of Khanwa was fought on 16 March 1527 between the Mughal emperor Babur and the Rajput ruler of Mewar, Rana Sanga.
• The battle took place at Khanwa village in present-day Bharatpur district of Rajasthan.
• Babur achieved victory by using artillery and the Tulughma warfare strategy.

Information Booster:
• After this victory, Babur assumed the title of ‘Ghazi’.
• After the First Battle of Panipat (1526), this was Babur’s second major victory, which strengthened the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India.

Additional Knowledge:
• Rana Pratap (Option C) fought against Akbar in the Battle of Haldighati in 1576.

Correct Answer: (A) Thomas Macaulay

Explanation:

• The statement “A single shelf of a good European library was worth the whole native literature of India and Arabia” was made by Thomas Babington Macaulay in his Minute on Indian Education (1835).
• Macaulay advocated for the promotion of English education in India, arguing that Western literature and knowledge were superior to the traditional Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic education systems.
• His policies led to the introduction of the English-medium education system in India, significantly influencing Indian society, administration, and education during British rule.

Information Booster:

• Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800–1859):
• British historian and politician.
• Member of the Governor-General’s Council in India.
• Known for the Macaulay Minute (1835) which laid the foundation for modern Western education in India.
• Impact of Macaulay’s Minute:
• Emphasized English as the medium of instruction.
• Diminished the role of native languages and literature in administration and education.
• Influenced the creation of Anglicized Indian elite.

Other Options:

• B (Max Müller) – German scholar of Sanskrit and Indian culture, but did not make this statement.
• C (W. Hunter) – British historian and administrator; known for works on Indian history.
• D (William Jones) – Founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal; promoted the study of Sanskrit but did not say this.

The correct answer is (B) Quit India Movement.

Explanation:

• Mahatma Gandhi gave the famous slogan "Do or Die" during the Quit India Movement of 1942. This slogan was part of the call for immediate British withdrawal from India.
• The Quit India Movement was launched on August 8, 1942, during the All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting in Bombay. Gandhi's call for "Do or Die" emphasized the urgency and commitment needed to end British rule in India.
• The movement was a major step towards India's independence, and it mobilized people across the country to demand an end to colonial rule.

Information Booster:

• The Quit India Movement was also known as the August Movement and was a mass protest against British imperialism.
• Gandhi's "Do or Die" slogan symbolized the people's determination to either achieve independence or sacrifice everything for it.

Why other options are incorrect:

• (A) Non-Cooperation Movement: Gandhi led the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920, but the "Do or Die" slogan was not associated with this movement.
• (C) Kheda Satyagraha: The Kheda Satyagraha was a peasant movement in 1918 led by Gandhi, but the "Do or Die" slogan was not used during this time.
• (D) Champaran Satyagraha: The Champaran Satyagraha in 1917 was Gandhi's first major successful protest against the British, but it did not include the "Do or Die" slogan.

Correct Answer: (B) Calcutta

Explanation:

• The Regulating Act of 1773 was passed by the British Parliament to regulate the affairs of the East India Company and to establish a more structured administration in India.
• As part of the reforms under this Act, the Supreme Court of Judicature was established in Calcutta (now Kolkata), which was the capital of British India at that time.
• The Supreme Court was set up to oversee legal matters in the presidency of Bengal, and it was the highest court of appeal in British India.

Information Booster:

• The Supreme Court of Calcutta was established on June 24, 1774, following the Regulating Act of 1773.
• It was originally composed of a Chief Justice and three other judges.
• The establishment of this court marked the beginning of a structured judicial system in British India, which later evolved into the Indian Judiciary.
• The Regulating Act of 1773 also created the position of Governor-General of India and introduced significant administrative changes to the functioning of the East India Company.

Correct Answer: (A) Mahatma Gandhi

Explanation:

• The statement “Literacy in itself is not Education” was made by Mahatma Gandhi.
• Gandhi emphasized that true education goes beyond merely being able to read and write; it should involve moral development, practical skills, and character building.
• He advocated for Nai Talim (Basic Education), which integrates craft, vocational training, and learning through productive work into education.

Information Booster:

• Nai Talim (1937–1940s):
• Education should develop the head, heart, and hand
• Focus on self-reliance and social responsibility
• Encouraged learning through handicrafts and community work
• Gandhi’s educational philosophy:
• Literacy alone does not make a person educated
• Education should aim at holistic development – intellectual, physical, moral, and spiritual

Correct Answer: (B) Mahatma Gandhi

Explanation:

• The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922), led by Mahatma Gandhi, was a major campaign against British rule in India, advocating non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) and boycott of British goods, institutions, and services.
• On 4 February 1922, the Chauri Chaura incident occurred in Gorakhpur district, where a mob of protestors set fire to a police station, killing 22 policemen.
• Disturbed by this outbreak of violence, Mahatma Gandhi immediately called off the Non-Cooperation Movement, as he was committed to non-violence (Ahimsa) as the core principle of the struggle for independence.

Information Booster:

• Chauri Chaura Incident: Highlighted the dangers of uncontrolled mass movements and the importance of discipline in non-violent protests.
• Impact on Movement: The suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement led to a temporary lull in mass agitation, though it paved the way for future movements like the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930).
• Gandhi’s Principle: Gandhi prioritized moral and ethical standards over political gains, emphasizing that freedom achieved through violence was not acceptable.

The correct answer is (D) 1913.

Explanation:

• Sachindranath Sanyal, an important figure in the Indian freedom struggle, established a branch of the Anushilan Samiti in Patna in 1913.
• The Anushilan Samiti was a revolutionary organization founded in Bengal with the aim of promoting self-reliance, physical fitness, and militant resistance to British rule.
• Sanyal, who was a key member of the Samiti, played a crucial role in spreading its activities beyond Bengal, and Patna was one of the key centers of the organization.

Information Booster:

• Sachindranath Sanyal was one of the pioneers of revolutionary activities in India and was associated with the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA).
• The Anushilan Samiti was one of the major organizations responsible for armed resistance against British colonial rule during the early 20th century.

The correct answer is (D) 72.

Explanation:

• The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed in December 1885 when 72 representatives from various parts of India met in Bombay (now Mumbai).
• This session marked the beginning of a formal political organization for addressing Indian concerns under British rule.
• Prominent delegates at the first session included Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee (the first president of INC).

Information Booster:

1. 1885 - First Session

• Place: Mumbai
• President: Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee
• Outcomes:
• Formation of Indian National Congress (INC).
• 72 delegates from different provinces of India, including 54 Hindus, 2 Muslims, and others from Jain and Parsi communities, participated.
• The Viceroy at the time was Lord Dufferin.

2. 1886 - Second Session

• Place: Calcutta
• President: Dadabhai Naoroji
• Outcomes:
• Decision to set up Provincial Congress Committees across the country.

3. 1887 - Third Session

• Place: Madras
• President: Badruddin Tyabji
• Outcomes:
• First Muslim president of the INC.

4. 1888 - Fourth Session

• Place: Allahabad
• President: George Yule
• Outcomes:
• First English president of the INC.

5. 1889 - Fifth Session

• President: Sir William Wedderburn
• Outcomes:
• Main resolutions passed:
• Adoption of the Congress Creed.
• Resolutions on education and agriculture.

6. 1901 - Calcutta Session

• Place: Calcutta
• President: Dinshaw Eduljee Wacha
• Outcomes:
• First appearance of Mahatma Gandhi on the Congress platform.
• Resolutions passed on the drain of wealth and famine.

7. 1905 - Banaras Session

• Place: Banaras
• President: Gopal Krishna Gokhale
• Outcomes:
• Protest against the Partition of Bengal.
• Launch of the Swadeshi Movement.

8. 1906 - Calcutta Session

• Place: Calcutta
• President: Dadabhai Naoroji
• Outcomes:
• Congress formally adopted the goal of Swaraj (self-rule).
• Condemnation of the Partition of Bengal.

9. 1907 - Surat Session

• Place: Surat
• President: Rash Behari Ghosh
• Outcomes:
• Split between moderates and extremists.
• Congress declared Swaraj as its aim.

10. 1916 - Lucknow Session

• Place: Lucknow
• President: Ambica Charan Mazumdar
• Outcomes:
• Unification of the moderates and extremists.
• The Congress and the All India Muslim League came together.

11. 1917 - Calcutta Session

• Place: Calcutta
• President: Annie Besant
• Outcomes:
• First woman to be president of INC.
• Focus on Home Rule Movement and self-governance.

12. 1920 - Calcutta Special Session

• Place: Calcutta
• President: Lala Lajpat Rai
• Outcomes:
• Launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement in response to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the Khilafat Movement.

13. 1920 - Nagpur Session

• Place: Nagpur
• President: C. Vijayaraghavachariar
• Outcomes:
• Intensification of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Call for boycotting foreign goods and encouraging Indian-made goods.

14. 1923 - Delhi Session

• Place: Delhi
• President: Maulana Mohammad Ali
• Outcomes:
• Reaffirmation of commitment to non-violent non-cooperation.
• Congress allowed members to stand for elections despite the boycott.

15. 1924 - Belgaum Session

• Place: Belgaum
• President: M.K. Gandhi
• Outcomes:
• Only session chaired by Mahatma Gandhi.

16. 1925 - Kanpur Session

• Place: Kanpur
• President: Sarojini Naidu
• Outcomes:
• Sarojini Naidu became the second woman (first Indian woman) to preside over the Congress.

17. 1929 - Lahore Session

• Place: Lahore
• President: Jawaharlal Nehru
• Outcomes:
• Passage of the historic Purna Swaraj (Total Independence) resolution.

18. 1931 - Karachi Session

• Place: Karachi
• President: Vallabhbhai J. Patel
• Outcomes:
• The Irwin-Gandhi Pact was approved.
• Congress conveyed appreciation for the sacrifices made by Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.

19. 1936 - Lucknow Session

• Place: Lucknow
• President: Jawaharlal Nehru
• Outcomes:
• Resolution for full independence from British rule.
• Focus on economic and social upliftment.

20. 1937 - Faizpur Session

• Place: Faizpur
• President: Jawaharlal Nehru
• Outcomes:
• First Congress session held in a rural setting.
• Rejection of the Government of India Act, 1935 and call for a Constituent Assembly.

21. 1938 - Haripura Session

• Place: Haripura (Gujarat)
• President: Subhas Chandra Bose
• Outcomes:
• Formation of the National Planning Committee under Jawaharlal Nehru.

22. 1939 - Tripuri Session

• Place: Tripuri
• President: Subhas Chandra Bose
• Outcomes:
• Subhas Chandra Bose defeated Pattabhi Sitaramayya for the presidency.
• Bose resigned due to internal disagreements.

23. 1946 - Meerut Session

• Place: Meerut
• President: J.B. Kripalani
• Outcomes:
• Acceptance of the Cabinet Mission Plan.
• Decision to participate in the Constituent Assembly.

24. 1948 - Jaipur Session

• Place: Jaipur
• President: B. Pattabhi Sitaramayya
• Outcomes:
• Homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
• Adoption of the Objectives Resolution.

The correct answer is A) Alauddin Khilji.

Explanation:
Alauddin Khilji, a prominent Sultan of the Khilji dynasty, introduced several reforms that had a significant impact on the administration of his empire. One of his most notable reforms was the implementation of paying soldiers in cash rather than in kind. This was a pioneering step in the establishment of a professional army, and it helped maintain a more organized and efficient military force.

In addition to this, Alauddin Khilji is known for controlling the market. He introduced market reforms to control prices, prevent hoarding, and stabilize prices for essential commodities like grain. This was part of his larger effort to ensure that goods remained affordable and that the administration could control inflation.

Information Booster:

• Alauddin Khilji's market reforms included setting up a system of officers who were assigned the task of monitoring the prices of goods in the market and ensuring that traders adhered to the price limits set by the government.
• The introduction of cash payments for soldiers helped to reduce corruption, as it decreased the power of the military commanders over their troops who previously received goods instead of wages.

Why other options are incorrect:

• B) Shihabuddin Umar: He was not a Sultan of the Khilji dynasty and is not known for the reforms mentioned in the question.
• C) Jalaluddin Khilji: Although Jalaluddin Khilji was the founder of the Khilji dynasty, he did not introduce the significant market and salary reforms that were implemented by Alauddin Khilji.
• D) Qutbuddin Mubarak: He was the last ruler of the Khilji dynasty but did not enact these major reforms related to soldiers' pay and market control.