STPGT-Sociology_British Rule and Its Impact upon Indian Society

Model MCQ's Indian Society and Culture

British Rule and Its Impact upon Indian Society

1. According to Karl Marx, the base of a society consists of:

(A) Cultural institutions

(B) The economic foundation, including the means and relations of production

(D) The legal system

(B) The economic foundation, including the means and relations of production

Explanation: Marx argued that the base of a society comprises its economic foundation, which includes the means of production (tools, land, resources) and the relations of production (how people interact in the process of producing goods).

2. The British introduced which of the following systems that led to the emergence of absentee landlords in India?

(A) Ryotwari system

(B) Mahalwari system

(D) Land Revenue system

Explanation: The British introduced the Permanent Settlement in Bengal in 1793, which created absentee landlords (Zamindars) by granting them the responsibility of collecting land revenue from peasants.

3. The commercialisation of agriculture under British rule led to the production of which of the following?

(A) Food crops for local consumption

(B) Cash crops for export

(D) Only essential agricultural products

(B) Cash crops for export

Explanation: The commercialisation of agriculture encouraged the production of cash crops such as indigo, cotton, and tea, primarily for export to Britain, at the expense of food crops for local consumption.

4. Which of the following classes was created by the British industrialisation and trade policies?

(A) Industrial working class

(B) Feudal aristocracy

(D) Rural artisans

(A) Industrial working class

Explanation: British industrialisation policies led to the rise of the industrial working class in urban areas, as factories and industries were established to cater to the British economy.

5. The British introduced which of the following to create a class of educated Indians to work in the colonial administration?

(A) Traditional education system

(B) Western-style education system

(D) Vocational education system

(B) Western-style education system

Explanation: The British introduced Western-style education to create a class of educated Indians who could serve in the colonial administration and assist in governance.

6. The British land revenue systems, such as the Permanent Settlement, led to which of the following social divisions?

(A) Rise of a middle class of peasants

(B) Creation of absentee landlords and exploitation of peasants

(D) Redistribution of land among peasants

(B) Creation of absentee landlords and exploitation of peasants

Explanation: The Permanent Settlement and other revenue systems created absentee landlords (Zamindars) and led to the exploitation of peasants, who were burdened with high taxes and rents.

7. Which of the following was a key consequence of the commercialization of agriculture in British India?

(A) Increase in local food production

(B) The decline of the rural economy

(D) Reduction in export trade

Explanation: The commercialization of agriculture led to a shift from food crops to cash crops, such as cotton and indigo, which were produced for export to Britain, impacting local food security.

8. The rise of which class in British India was due to the expansion of industries like textiles, jute, and coal mining?

(A) The agricultural labor class

(B) The capitalist class

(D) The merchant class

Explanation: The growth of industries like textiles, jute, and coal mining led to the rise of the working class, which was primarily employed in factories, railways, and mining sectors.

9. Which of the following was a major factor in the emergence of new social classes during British rule?

(A) The decline of trade with Europe

(B) The spread of Western education and industrialization

(D) The abolition of feudal systems

(B) The spread of Western education and industrialization

Explanation: The spread of Western education and the industrialization of India created new social classes, including an educated middle class and industrial workers, which had not existed in traditional Indian society.

10. What was the impact of British policies on India's traditional handicraft industries?

(A) Strengthening of traditional craftsmanship

(B) Complete collapse of traditional industries

(D) Growth of local textile industries

(B) Complete collapse of traditional industries

Explanation: British policies, such as importing cheap, machine-made goods, led to the collapse of India's traditional handicraft industries, as they could not compete with mass-produced British textiles.

11. Which of the following was a significant consequence of the British railways in India?

(A) Decline in agricultural production

(B) Increase in urbanization and mobility of goods

(D) Reduced foreign trade

(B) Increase in urbanization and mobility of goods

Explanation: The development of railways under British rule improved the mobility of goods across regions, stimulated urbanization, and facilitated the growth of markets and trade.

12. The rise of which class in India during British rule was facilitated by the introduction of Western-style education?

(A) The agricultural labor class

(B) The peasant class

(D) The industrial capitalist class

Explanation: The British educational reforms created a new educated middle class that could take up positions in the administration, legal professions, and other sectors, contributing to social and political change.

13. Which of the following was one of the British policies that contributed to the emergence of absentee landlords in rural India?

(A) The Ryotwari system

(B) The Permanent Settlement

(D) The Land Revenue system

(B) The Permanent Settlement

Explanation: The Permanent Settlement of 1793 created absentee landlords by granting them control over land revenues, which allowed them to extract rent from peasants without directly managing the land they controlled.

14. Which of the following was a major change in India's agrarian system introduced by the British?

(A) Introduction of communal land ownership

(B) Shift from subsistence farming to cash crops

(D) Redistribution of land to peasants

(B) Shift from subsistence farming to cash crops

Explanation: The British policies promoted the cultivation of cash crops like cotton and indigo, which were for export, replacing traditional subsistence farming that focused on food crops for local consumption.

15. How did the British economic policies affect India's traditional industries?

(A) They strengthened indigenous industries

(B) They led to the decline of traditional industries, like textiles

(D) They encouraged the growth of local handicrafts

(B) They led to the decline of traditional industries, like textiles

Explanation: British economic policies, especially the influx of cheap, machine-made goods, led to the decline of India's traditional industries, including the textile sector, which was a major part of the pre-colonial economy.

16. What was the main objective of the British education system in India?

(A) To promote traditional Indian education

(B) To create a class of educated Indians to serve in colonial administration

(D) To improve agricultural productivity through education

(B) To create a class of educated Indians to serve in colonial administration

Explanation: The British education system was designed to produce a class of educated Indians who could work in the colonial administration, ensuring control over the population while employing Indians in lower administrative positions.

17. What was the consequence of the British introduction of a fixed revenue collection system?

(A) Increased agricultural prosperity

(B) The commercialization of agriculture and exploitation of peasants

(D) The rise of cooperative farming

(B) The commercialization of agriculture and exploitation of peasants

Explanation: The British introduced a fixed land revenue system, which required peasants to pay a set amount of money irrespective of the crop yield. This led to the commercialization of agriculture and increased exploitation of peasants.

18. Which of the following was a key social consequence of the rise of a new class of educated Indians during British rule?

(A) Strengthening of traditional caste systems

(B) Development of political consciousness and activism

(D) Spread of rural-based education

(B) Development of political consciousness and activism

Explanation: The rise of the educated middle class led to an increase in political awareness and activism, contributing to the nationalist movement and the eventual fight for independence from British rule.

19. Which of the following classes emerged as a result of the commercialization of agriculture under British rule?

(A) The feudal aristocracy

(B) The industrial capitalist class

(D) The middle class

Explanation: The commercialization of agriculture led to the growth of an agricultural labor class, as the demand for cash crops grew and many peasants became landless laborers working for absentee landlords.

20. The introduction of which system by the British led to a shift from traditional village-based land ownership to individual landownership in India?

(A) Ryotwari system

(B) Permanent Settlement

(D) Land Revenue system

(B) Permanent Settlement

Explanation: The Permanent Settlement system introduced by the British in Bengal in 1793 replaced the traditional village-based land ownership with individual landownership, creating a class of absentee landlords.

21. How did the British industrial revolution affect India's indigenous industries?

(A) It promoted the growth of local handicrafts

(B) It led to the decline of traditional industries, particularly textiles

(D) It strengthened India's indigenous manufacturing

(B) It led to the decline of traditional industries, particularly textiles

Explanation: The British industrial revolution led to the influx of machine-made goods, especially textiles, which undermined India's traditional handloom and textile industries, causing their decline.

22. Which of the following social classes emerged as a result of the commercialization of agriculture under British rule?

(A) The feudal aristocracy

(B) The industrial capitalists

(D) The agricultural labor class

Explanation: The commercialization of agriculture led to the rise of an agricultural labor class as the demand for cash crops grew, and many peasants became landless laborers working for landlords.

23. Which British policy allowed for the creation of absentee landlords who had control over land revenue collection?

(A) Ryotwari system

(B) Permanent Settlement

(D) Land Revenue system

(B) Permanent Settlement

Explanation: The British introduced the Permanent Settlement in 1793, which allowed absentee landlords (Zamindars) to collect land revenue, resulting in a system that exploited peasants and created a landlord class.

24. How did the British education system impact Indian society?

(A) It promoted traditional education and knowledge systems

(B) It led to the creation of an educated middle class that worked in colonial administration

(D) It had no significant effect on the social structure

(B) It led to the creation of an educated middle class that worked in colonial administration

Explanation: The British education system created an educated middle class in India, which provided the workforce for the colonial administration and played a key role in social and political movements later on.

25. Which of the following was a direct consequence of the introduction of the railway system by the British in India?

(A) Decline of trade and commerce

(B) Increased mobility of goods and people across regions

(D) Collapse of the agricultural sector

(B) Increased mobility of goods and people across regions

Explanation: The British introduced railways to facilitate the transportation of raw materials to ports for export, which increased the mobility of goods and people, and supported the colonial economy.

26. Which social class benefited the most from the introduction of Western-style education in India under British rule?

(A) The peasants

(B) The industrial workers

(D) The land-owning aristocracy

Explanation: The educated middle class emerged as a major beneficiary of Western-style education, gaining skills that allowed them to participate in the colonial bureaucracy and later advocate for social and political change.

27. How did the British colonial economy transform the Indian agricultural sector?

(A) It promoted self-sufficiency in agriculture

(B) It led to the commercialization of agriculture and the focus on cash crops

(D) It led to widespread land redistribution

(B) It led to the commercialization of agriculture and the focus on cash crops

Explanation: British policies shifted Indian agriculture towards the production of cash crops like cotton, tea, and indigo, primarily for export, leading to the commercialization of agriculture.

28. What was the primary reason for the emergence of a new capitalist class in British India?

(A) British policies encouraged agricultural reforms

(B) The opening of Indian markets to global trade

(D) The increased demand for traditional handicrafts

(B) The opening of Indian markets to global trade

Explanation: British policies opened Indian markets to global trade, allowing Indian merchants and entrepreneurs to accumulate capital and establish industries, particularly in sectors like textiles and jute.

29. Which class saw significant growth due to the establishment of large-scale industries and plantations by the British?

(A) The merchant class

(B) The industrial working class

(D) The feudal landowners

(B) The industrial working class

Explanation: The growth of large-scale industries and plantations, such as tea and cotton, under British rule led to the rise of the industrial working class, particularly in urban areas like Bombay and Calcutta.

30. How did the British land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement affect the peasant class in India?

(A) It led to improved conditions for peasants

(B) It created a class of land-owning peasants

(D) It redistributed land among the peasants

Explanation: The Permanent Settlement system led to the exploitation of peasants, as they were forced to pay high land taxes to absentee landlords, leading to their increased indebtedness and impoverishment.

31. What was one of the key results of the commercialization of agriculture under British rule in India?

(A) Increased self-sufficiency in rural areas

(B) Shift from food crops to cash crops for export

(D) Rise in traditional agricultural methods

(B) Shift from food crops to cash crops for export

Explanation: British policies encouraged the production of cash crops like cotton, indigo, and opium, which were for export, leading to a shift away from food crop production in India.

32. Which of the following was a result of the British land revenue systems, such as the Permanent Settlement?

(A) Improved agricultural productivity

(B) Creation of a class of absentee landlords

(D) Increase in agricultural diversification

(B) Creation of a class of absentee landlords

Explanation: The Permanent Settlement created absentee landlords (Zamindars) who collected revenue from peasants but often did not reside on or manage the land they controlled, leading to their exploitation.

33. What role did Western education play in the emergence of a new social class in British India?

(A) It promoted traditional Indian knowledge systems

(B) It created an educated middle class that played a role in social and political movements

(D) It had no impact on social class formation

(B) It created an educated middle class that played a role in social and political movements

Explanation: The British education system produced a new class of educated Indians who were able to engage in social, political, and nationalist movements, leading to significant reforms in Indian society.

34. Which British policy led to the rise of moneylenders in rural India?

(A) The introduction of the Ryotwari system

(B) The Permanent Settlement

(D) The spread of Western education

(B) The Permanent Settlement

Explanation: The Permanent Settlement system created conditions that led to the rise of moneylenders in rural areas, as peasants struggled to pay high taxes and turned to moneylenders for loans at high-interest rates.

35. How did the introduction of railways by the British affect India's economy?

(A) It improved the agricultural sector

(B) It created a self-sufficient rural economy

(D) It led to the development of local industries

Explanation: The British built railways in India to transport raw materials like cotton and tea to ports for export, while also enabling the movement of British manufactured goods throughout the country.

36. What was one of the major negative impacts of British economic policies on Indian industry?

(A) Growth of local industries

(B) Rise of industrial capitalists

(D) Promotion of self-sufficiency in industrial sectors

Explanation: British economic policies led to the destruction of traditional Indian handicrafts and industries, as British manufactured goods flooded the market, and Indian industries could not compete with them.

37. The rise of which class in India was facilitated by the expansion of the British economy and global trade?

(A) The capitalist class

(B) The industrial working class

(D) The feudal landowning class

(A) The capitalist class

Explanation: The expansion of the British economy and global trade created opportunities for Indian merchants and entrepreneurs, leading to the rise of a capitalist class that invested in industries and trade.

38. Which of the following classes was created in India as a result of the growth of industrialization under British rule?

(A) The feudal class

(B) The working class

(D) The agricultural labor class

(B) The working class

Explanation: The growth of industries like textiles, jute, and coal mining under British rule led to the rise of an industrial working class, especially in urban areas like Bombay and Calcutta.

39. What was the main purpose of British land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement?

(A) To encourage agricultural growth

(B) To generate stable revenue for the British government

(D) To promote local self-governance

(B) To generate stable revenue for the British government

Explanation: The main purpose of the Permanent Settlement and similar land revenue systems was to create a stable source of revenue for the British government by fixing land taxes, often at the expense of the peasants.

40. Which of the following was one of the consequences of the British introduction of Western-style education in India?

(A) Decline of caste-based discrimination

(B) Creation of a new educated middle class

(D) Promotion of traditional education systems

(B) Creation of a new educated middle class

Explanation: The British introduction of Western-style education in India led to the emergence of a new educated middle class that played a significant role in social reform and the nationalist movement.

41. How did British policies contribute to the transformation of India's agrarian system?

(A) By promoting collective farming methods

(B) By introducing private land ownership and cash crop cultivation

(D) By focusing on self-sufficient rural economies

(B) By introducing private land ownership and cash crop cultivation

Explanation: British policies like the Permanent Settlement introduced private land ownership and promoted cash crop cultivation, which transformed India's traditional agrarian system.

42. Which of the following was a consequence of the British land revenue policies in India?

(A) Redistribution of land to the peasantry

(B) Creation of a class of wealthy landowners

(D) Increased agricultural self-sufficiency

(B) Creation of a class of wealthy landowners

Explanation: The British land revenue policies, such as the Permanent Settlement, created a class of wealthy landowners who were responsible for collecting revenue, while peasants suffered from high taxes.

43. Which social class emerged as a result of British industrialization and the growth of trade in India?

(A) The agricultural labor class

(B) The industrial working class

(D) The feudal landowning class

(B) The industrial working class

Explanation: The rise of industries, particularly in textiles, coal, and jute, under British rule contributed to the emergence of the industrial working class in urban areas.

44. What was the impact of the British introduction of the railway system on India's economy?

(A) It facilitated the transport of raw materials to ports for export

(B) It led to the collapse of agricultural production

(D) It reduced the movement of British goods

(A) It facilitated the transport of raw materials to ports for export

Explanation: The British introduced the railway system to facilitate the transport of raw materials from the interior of India to ports for export to Britain, supporting the colonial economy.

45. Which of the following was a result of the British policy of land revenue collection in India?

(A) Increase in peasant wealth

(B) Rise of absentee landlords

(D) Redistribution of land among peasants

(B) Rise of absentee landlords

Explanation: The British land revenue systems, particularly the Permanent Settlement, created a class of absentee landlords (Zamindars) who collected taxes from peasants, often leading to exploitation.

46. What role did the British colonial administration play in the creation of a new educated middle class in India?

(A) It promoted traditional Indian education

(B) It established schools to train Indians for administrative roles

(D) It discouraged any form of higher education for Indians

(B) It established schools to train Indians for administrative roles

Explanation: The British established schools and universities to provide education to Indians in Western knowledge, creating a new middle class that could serve in colonial administration and support British rule.

47. Which of the following was one of the consequences of British trade policies in India?

(A) The rise of India's industrial base

(B) The decline of India's traditional handicrafts and industries

(D) The improvement of the balance of trade for India

(B) The decline of India's traditional handicrafts and industries

Explanation: British trade policies flooded the Indian market with cheap, mass-produced goods, leading to the decline of traditional industries, such as textiles, which were a major part of India's pre-colonial economy.

48. What effect did British rule have on the caste system in India?

(A) It led to the abolition of the caste system

(B) It weakened the caste system

(D) It had no impact on the caste system

Explanation: The British colonial administration reinforced the caste system by using it as a means of social control and categorizing Indians for administrative purposes, which solidified caste-based divisions in society.

49. Which of the following was a major economic consequence of British rule in India?

(A) Economic self-sufficiency for India

(B) Transformation of India into a supplier of raw materials for British industries

(D) Reduction in India's dependence on foreign trade

(B) Transformation of India into a supplier of raw materials for British industries

Explanation: British rule transformed India into a supplier of raw materials such as cotton, indigo, and opium for British industries, which undermined India's indigenous industries.

50. What was the primary purpose of the British introduction of the Permanent Settlement system in India?

(A) To promote agricultural development

(B) To ensure a steady flow of revenue to the British government

(D) To encourage land redistribution among peasants

(B) To ensure a steady flow of revenue to the British government

Explanation: The primary purpose of the Permanent Settlement was to ensure a steady flow of land revenue to the British government by fixing taxes and appointing Zamindars to collect it, at the expense of the peasants.

51. The British colonial policies led to the emergence of which of the following social groups in India?

(A) The feudal aristocracy

(B) The industrial capitalist class

(D) The traditional handicraft class

(B) The industrial capitalist class

Explanation: British colonial policies facilitated the rise of an industrial capitalist class, as Indian entrepreneurs began investing in industries such as textiles, jute, and coal mining.

52. How did the introduction of the railways affect the colonial economy?

(A) It improved local food production

(B) It enabled faster transportation of raw materials for British industries

(D) It reduced reliance on agriculture

(B) It enabled faster transportation of raw materials for British industries

Explanation: The British introduced the railway system to efficiently transport raw materials like cotton, coal, and indigo to ports for export to Britain, supporting their industrial economy.

53. What was one of the main consequences of the commercialization of agriculture under British rule?

(A) Increased focus on food crops for local consumption

(B) Expansion of local handicrafts

(D) Reduction in land revenue collection

Explanation: British policies encouraged the cultivation of cash crops like cotton, indigo, and tea for export, which shifted agricultural production away from food crops needed for local consumption.

54. Which British policy directly impacted India's traditional handicraft industries?

(A) The land revenue system

(B) The introduction of railways

(D) The Permanent Settlement

Explanation: The British imposed tariffs on Indian goods, including handicrafts, making it difficult for Indian artisans to compete with cheap, machine-made British goods, leading to the decline of traditional industries.

55. Which of the following was a major social impact of the British colonial administration in India?

(A) The decline of the caste system

(B) The rise of a new educated middle class

(D) The empowerment of rural peasantry

(B) The rise of a new educated middle class

Explanation: British colonial policies, particularly the spread of Western education, led to the rise of a new educated middle class in India, which played a key role in the nationalist movement.

56. What was the primary objective of the British in introducing Western-style education in India?

(A) To promote traditional Indian culture

(B) To create a class of educated Indians to serve in the colonial administration

(D) To empower the peasant class

(B) To create a class of educated Indians to serve in the colonial administration

Explanation: The British introduced Western-style education to create a class of educated Indians who could assist in the colonial administration and serve the needs of the British government.

57. Which of the following classes was most negatively affected by British land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement?

(A) The Zamindars

(B) The educated middle class

(D) The industrial working class

Explanation: The Permanent Settlement and other revenue systems placed a heavy burden on peasants and tenant farmers, leading to their impoverishment and exploitation by absentee landlords.

58. What was the effect of the British emphasis on cash crop production in India?

(A) It led to self-sufficiency in agricultural products

(B) It caused widespread famine due to reduced food crop cultivation

(D) It supported the growth of rural industries

(B) It caused widespread famine due to reduced food crop cultivation

Explanation: The British focus on cash crops, such as cotton and indigo, led to a decline in food crop production, contributing to famines and food shortages in India.

59. Which British policy led to the decline of India's traditional textile industry?

(A) The Permanent Settlement

(B) The introduction of machine-made British textiles

(D) The establishment of the Indian National Congress

(B) The introduction of machine-made British textiles

Explanation: British imports of cheap, machine-made textiles undermined India's traditional textile industry, leading to the decline of handloom weaving and other traditional industries.

60. How did British colonial rule affect India's trade balance?

(A) India became a major exporter of manufactured goods

(B) India shifted from a trade surplus to a trade deficit

(D) India became self-sufficient in all sectors

(B) India shifted from a trade surplus to a trade deficit

Explanation: British trade policies led to a trade deficit in India, as India became a source of raw materials for British industries, while British manufactured goods flooded Indian markets, harming local industries.

61. What was one of the major impacts of British colonial rule on the Indian agricultural system?

(A) Increased focus on food security and self-sufficiency

(B) Introduction of modern farming techniques

(D) Empowerment of rural peasants

Explanation: The British policies encouraged the cultivation of cash crops like cotton, indigo, and tea, which were grown for export to Britain, reducing the focus on food crops for local consumption.

62. Which of the following was a key factor that led to the rise of the capitalist class in India under British rule?

(A) The abolition of the Zamindari system

(B) The rise of local industries under Indian entrepreneurs

(D) Increased demand for British manufactured goods in India

Explanation: The British expansion of trade networks, along with the establishment of industries for processing raw materials, led to the rise of a new capitalist class in India, especially in sectors like textiles and jute.

63. The British introduced which of the following systems to increase revenue collection from Indian peasants?

(A) The Ryotwari system

(B) The Mahalwari system

(D) The Land Revenue system

Explanation: The British introduced the Permanent Settlement system in Bengal, which fixed land revenue demands and created a class of absentee landlords (Zamindars) who were responsible for revenue collection.

64. What was the impact of the commercialization of agriculture on Indian rural communities?

(A) It led to increased rural prosperity

(B) It resulted in the displacement of traditional village economies

(D) It promoted agricultural self-sufficiency

(B) It resulted in the displacement of traditional village economies

Explanation: The commercialization of agriculture led to the displacement of traditional village economies, as focus shifted to cash crops for export, rather than subsistence farming, which harmed the rural communities.

65. How did the introduction of railways by the British affect India's economy?

(A) It made India economically self-sufficient

(B) It led to the growth of local industries

(D) It decreased the dependency on agriculture

Explanation: The British built railways primarily to transport raw materials from Indian agricultural regions to ports for export to Britain, facilitating their colonial economy.

66. Which social group in India was most impacted by the British introduction of a fixed land revenue system?

(A) The merchant class

(B) The peasants and tenant farmers

(D) The feudal aristocracy

(B) The peasants and tenant farmers

Explanation: The British fixed land revenue system placed a heavy burden on peasants and tenant farmers, who were required to pay taxes regardless of crop yield, leading to widespread debt and impoverishment.

67. What was a key result of the British introduction of Western-style education in India?

(A) It reduced the literacy rate among Indians

(B) It created a new educated middle class

(D) It isolated India from global intellectual movements

(B) It created a new educated middle class

Explanation: Western-style education created a new educated middle class in India, which played a key role in the nationalist movement and social reforms, advocating for independence and modernization.

68. The British policy of promoting cash crop cultivation in India led to:

(A) Increased food production

(B) Expansion of subsistence farming

(D) Food shortages and famines

Explanation: The promotion of cash crop cultivation, such as cotton and indigo, replaced food crop production, leading to food shortages and famines in several regions of India.

69. Which of the following was a consequence of the British land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement?

(A) Rise in agricultural productivity

(B) Empowerment of peasants

(D) Decrease in taxes on agricultural production

Explanation: The British land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement created a class of absentee landlords (Zamindars), who collected revenue from peasants but did not manage or improve the land they controlled.

70. Which class emerged in British India due to the establishment of modern industries and the growth of global trade?

(A) The feudal class

(B) The industrial working class

(D) The agricultural labor class

(B) The industrial working class

Explanation: The rise of modern industries, especially in urban centers like Bombay and Calcutta, created a new industrial working class that worked in factories, railways, and coal mines.

71. What was one of the primary effects of the British policy on land revenue collection in rural India?

(A) It improved the living conditions of peasants

(B) It led to the creation of a class of absentee landlords

(D) It allowed peasants to keep a portion of the revenue

(B) It led to the creation of a class of absentee landlords

Explanation: British land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement created a class of absentee landlords (Zamindars) who were responsible for collecting taxes from peasants but did not live on or manage the land they controlled.

72. Which of the following was a direct consequence of the British colonial policy of commercialization of agriculture?

(A) Increase in the cultivation of food crops

(B) Expansion of subsistence farming

(D) Strengthening of local handicraft industries

Explanation: The British introduced policies that encouraged the cultivation of cash crops like cotton, indigo, and tea for export to Britain, rather than food crops, leading to the commercialization of agriculture in India.

73. How did British industrial policies affect India's traditional artisan industries?

(A) It helped traditional artisans compete with British goods

(B) It led to the growth of indigenous industries

(D) It encouraged the growth of rural artisans

Explanation: British industrial policies flooded the Indian market with cheap, machine-made goods, undermining India's traditional handicraft industries and leading to their decline.

74. The British introduction of the railway system primarily aimed to:

(A) Promote local agricultural products

(B) Facilitate the transport of raw materials to ports for export

(D) Empower local peasants to transport goods

(B) Facilitate the transport of raw materials to ports for export

Explanation: The British introduced the railway system primarily to transport raw materials such as cotton, indigo, and tea to ports for export to Britain, ensuring the efficiency of the colonial economy.

75. Which of the following social changes occurred as a result of British rule in India?

(A) Complete eradication of caste-based discrimination

(B) Strengthening of traditional social structures

(D) Empowerment of rural communities

Explanation: British rule, particularly through Western-style education, led to the rise of a new educated middle class in India, which later played a key role in social reform and the nationalist movement.

76. Which class was most directly benefited by the British land revenue policies, such as the Permanent Settlement?

(A) The peasantry

(B) The industrial working class

(D) The rural artisans

Explanation: The Permanent Settlement system favored absentee landlords (Zamindars) by making them the intermediaries for land revenue collection, benefiting them at the expense of peasants.

77. How did British colonial policies affect the Indian economy?

(A) It created a self-sufficient economy

(B) It led to economic dependence on Britain

(D) It strengthened India's agricultural sector

(B) It led to economic dependence on Britain

Explanation: British colonial policies made India economically dependent on Britain by turning it into a supplier of raw materials and a market for British manufactured goods.

78. What was the main purpose of the British land revenue system in India?

(A) To improve agricultural productivity

(B) To secure revenue for the British government

(D) To encourage land reforms

(B) To secure revenue for the British government

Explanation: The primary purpose of the British land revenue system was to secure a steady and predictable flow of revenue for the British government, often at the expense of the peasantry.

79. How did British economic policies impact India's traditional trade?

(A) They promoted the growth of India's traditional industries

(B) They led to the decline of India's traditional handicraft industries

(D) They encouraged local trade networks

(B) They led to the decline of India's traditional handicraft industries

Explanation: British economic policies, especially the import of machine-made goods, led to the decline of India's traditional handicraft industries, which could not compete with the cheap British imports.

80. Which of the following was a major cause for the rise of a new educated middle class in India during British rule?

(A) The introduction of the caste system

(B) The spread of Western education

(D) The decline of British colonial rule

(B) The spread of Western education

Explanation: The spread of Western education by the British created a new educated middle class in India, which became the backbone of social reforms and the nationalist movement.

81. Which of the following was a direct result of the British introduction of the railway system in India?

(A) The development of India's agricultural sector

(B) Increased mobility of goods and raw materials for export

(D) Collapse of traditional trade routes

(B) Increased mobility of goods and raw materials for export

Explanation: The British introduced railways to facilitate the transportation of raw materials such as cotton, indigo, and tea from inland areas to ports for export to Britain, boosting the colonial economy.

82. Which social group was most directly affected by the British introduction of a fixed land revenue system?

(A) The industrial capitalists

(B) The educated middle class

(D) The feudal aristocracy

Explanation: The British system of fixed land revenue often led to exploitation of the peasantry and tenant farmers, as they had to pay the fixed revenue even in years of poor harvests or crop failures.

83. What was one of the major consequences of the commercialization of agriculture during British rule?

(A) Increase in food crop production

(B) Growth of self-sufficient rural economies

(D) Decrease in export-oriented agriculture

Explanation: British policies shifted Indian agriculture from subsistence farming to the production of cash crops like cotton, indigo, and tea, which were primarily for export to Britain, causing a decline in food crop cultivation.

84. The introduction of which British policy led to the rise of a new class of absentee landlords in India?

(A) Ryotwari system

(B) Mahalwari system

(D) Land Revenue system

Explanation: The British introduced the Permanent Settlement system in Bengal in 1793, which created absentee landlords (Zamindars) who were responsible for collecting land revenue from peasants but often lived far from the land they controlled.

85. What was the primary aim of the British land revenue policies in India?

(A) To empower Indian peasants

(B) To generate steady revenue for the British government

(D) To ensure self-sufficiency in rural areas

(B) To generate steady revenue for the British government

Explanation: The primary aim of the British land revenue policies, such as the Permanent Settlement and the Ryotwari system, was to generate a steady and predictable flow of revenue for the British government.

86. Which class grew in India as a result of the spread of Western education under British rule?

(A) The working class

(B) The feudal aristocracy

(D) The agricultural labor class

Explanation: The British education system created a new educated middle class, which played an important role in the Indian nationalist movement, social reforms, and the Indian independence struggle.

87. What was the primary reason for the decline of India's traditional handicrafts during British rule?

(A) The growth of local industries

(B) The introduction of British-made goods

(D) The growth of rural trade

(B) The introduction of British-made goods

Explanation: The British introduced cheap, machine-made goods, which flooded the Indian market and displaced traditional handmade goods, leading to the decline of India's indigenous handicraft industries.

88. Which of the following was a significant consequence of the British introduction of railways in India?

(A) Reduced agricultural exports

(B) Increased self-sufficiency in rural economies

(D) Empowerment of rural communities

Explanation: The primary aim of the British railway system was to facilitate the transportation of raw materials, such as cotton and tea, from the Indian interior to ports for export to Britain.

89. How did British rule affect India's trade balance?

(A) India became a net exporter of manufactured goods

(B) India's trade balance remained unchanged

(D) India achieved economic self-sufficiency

Explanation: British colonial policies turned India into a net importer of British manufactured goods, which undermined India's traditional industries and disrupted its economic balance.

90. Which class in India became politically active as a result of Western education and social reforms under British rule?

(A) The feudal aristocracy

(B) The rural peasantry

(D) The industrial capitalists

Explanation: The educated middle class, formed through Western-style education, became politically active and played a major role in the Indian nationalist movement, advocating for social and political reforms.

91. Which of the following was a key impact of the British land revenue systems in rural India?

(A) Strengthening of traditional land ownership

(B) Rise in the number of independent farmers

(D) Redistribution of land to peasants

Explanation: British land revenue systems, such as the Permanent Settlement, created absentee landlords (Zamindars) who collected high taxes from peasants, leading to their exploitation and impoverishment.

92. What was the primary reason for the rise of the industrial capitalist class in India during British rule?

(A) British encouragement of local industries

(B) Increased access to credit and capital for Indian entrepreneurs

(D) The rise of the agricultural sector

(B) Increased access to credit and capital for Indian entrepreneurs

Explanation: The rise of the industrial capitalist class was due to the accumulation of capital by Indian entrepreneurs, who invested in industries like textiles, jute, and coal mining, especially during wartime when British imports were restricted.

93. Which of the following was one of the major consequences of British colonial rule on the Indian economy?

(A) Economic self-sufficiency and growth of indigenous industries

(B) Development of a strong Indian industrial base

(D) Increase in the number of independent artisans and craftspersons

Explanation: British colonial policies turned India into a supplier of raw materials (like cotton and indigo) and a market for British manufactured goods, undermining India's traditional industries.

94. The rise of which class in India was directly linked to the spread of Western education and the growth of the colonial bureaucracy?

(A) The industrial working class

(B) The educated middle class

(D) The traditional artisan class

(B) The educated middle class

Explanation: Western education introduced by the British created a new educated middle class, which provided personnel for the colonial bureaucracy and played an important role in social and political reforms.

95. How did the commercialization of agriculture under British rule affect food security in India?

(A) It led to increased food production for local consumption

(B) It resulted in a shift towards cash crops and reduced food crop production

(D) It improved the availability of food in urban areas

(B) It resulted in a shift towards cash crops and reduced food crop production

Explanation: The commercialization of agriculture shifted focus from food crops to cash crops for export, which led to food shortages and contributed to famines in India.

96. The creation of absentee landlords under British rule in India was a result of:

(A) The introduction of the Ryotwari system

(B) The introduction of the Permanent Settlement system

(D) The introduction of the Mahalwari system

(B) The introduction of the Permanent Settlement system

Explanation: The Permanent Settlement system introduced by the British in 1793 created absentee landlords (Zamindars), who were given control over land revenue collection but did not manage or reside on the land.

97. Which of the following groups was most negatively impacted by the British land revenue systems in India?

(A) The feudal aristocracy

(B) The Zamindars

(D) The merchant class

Explanation: The British land revenue systems, such as the Permanent Settlement, placed a heavy burden on peasants and tenant farmers, who had to pay fixed taxes regardless of crop yields, leading to exploitation and poverty.

98. Which of the following was one of the consequences of British economic policies on India's handicraft industries?

(A) The promotion of traditional handicrafts for export

(B) The decline of India's traditional textile and craft industries

(D) The development of a self-sustaining rural economy

(B) The decline of India's traditional textile and craft industries

Explanation: British policies, such as importing cheap machine-made goods, undermined India's traditional handicraft industries, particularly textiles, causing their decline and the destruction of local craftsmanship.

99. Which of the following led to the rise of industrialization in India during British rule?

(A) British investment in Indian agriculture

(B) The expansion of British trade and commerce in India

(D) The creation of rural self-sufficiency

(B) The expansion of British trade and commerce in India

Explanation: British policies, particularly those that supported the export of raw materials from India, led to the creation of industries like textiles and jute, as well as the rise of a new industrial capitalist class in India.

100. The introduction of which system by the British led to the division of land into private ownership in India?

(A) The Ryotwari system

(B) The Mahalwari system

(D) The Land Revenue system

Explanation: The Permanent Settlement system introduced by the British in Bengal in 1793 created private ownership of land, which allowed Zamindars to collect land revenue and gain control over agricultural land.

STPGT-Sociology_British Rule and Its Impact upon Indian Society

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