Indian Political Thought MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Indian Political Thought - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is '1920'.

Key Points

• Visva-Bharati University:
  • Visva-Bharati is a renowned public central university located in Santiniketan, West Bengal, India.
  • It was founded by the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore on December 23, 1920.
  • The university emphasizes the blending of Indian and Western traditions of education, promoting an environment where learning and creativity can flourish.

Additional Information

• Significance of Visva-Bharati:
  • The institution was unique as it focused on the holistic development of students, integrating arts, humanities, and sciences.
  • Rabindranath Tagore's philosophy of education, which emphasized the harmony between man and nature, is a cornerstone of Visva-Bharati's ethos.
  • It has produced numerous notable alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields globally.

The correct answer is All statements are true.

Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, was contemporaneous with Ram Manohar Lohia, a prominent socialist leader, and Deendayal Upadhyaya, a key figure in the formation of Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

Key Points

Jawaharlal Nehru:

• Role as the First Prime Minister of India (1947-1964): Jawaharlal Nehru played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence and subsequently became the country's first Prime Minister after India gained independence in 1947. He held this position until his death in 1964.
• Vision for India: Nehru was a staunch advocate of secularism, democracy, and socialism. He laid the foundation for a modern, democratic, and socialist India. His policies included the implementation of the Five-Year Plans for economic development, the establishment of public sector industries, and the promotion of scientific research and education.
• Non-Alignment Movement: Nehru was one of the key architects of the Non-Aligned Movement, a group of nations not aligned with either the Western bloc or the Eastern bloc during the Cold War. He believed in maintaining India's sovereignty and avoiding entanglements in power blocs.

Ram Manohar Lohia:

• Role as a Socialist Leader: Ram Manohar Lohia was a prominent socialist leader and political thinker in post-independence India. He actively participated in the freedom struggle and later focused on socialist ideals.
• Socialist Ideals: Lohia advocated for the upliftment of the oppressed and marginalized sections of society. He emphasized the need for social and economic equality and opposed caste-based discrimination. Lohia's socialist ideology aimed at creating a just and equitable society.
• Contribution to Politics: Lohia was a vocal critic of both capitalism and communism. He founded the Socialist Party in 1948 and later merged it with other socialist groups to form the Socialist Party (Samyukta Socialist Party). Lohia's ideas had a significant impact on Indian politics, influencing several leaders who went on to play crucial roles in the country's development.

Deendayal Upadhyaya:

• Role in Bharatiya Jana Sangh: Deendayal Upadhyaya was a key figure in the formation of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (precursor to the Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP). He served as the general secretary of the Jana Sangh and later became its president.
• Integral Humanism: Upadhyaya is known for propounding the concept of "Integral Humanism." This ideology emphasizes the integral development of individuals, combining spiritual, economic, and social dimensions. Upadhyaya's vision aimed at creating a harmonious and self-reliant society.
• Advocacy for Cultural Nationalism: Upadhyaya was a proponent of cultural nationalism and believed in the preservation of India's cultural identity. He sought to integrate traditional Indian values with modern governance.

 Additional Information

• Jawaharlal Nehru, Ram Manohar Lohia, and Deendayal Upadhyaya were influential figures in Indian politics, each contributing in their unique ways to the socio-political fabric of the nation. Nehru's leadership laid the foundation for modern India, Lohia's socialist ideals shaped political discourse, and Upadhyaya's integral humanism influenced cultural and political narratives.

The correct answer is 'Joining Congress to support national movement'

Key Points

• Self Respect Movement initiated by EV Ramaswami Naicker:
  • The Self Respect Movement was founded by EV Ramaswami Naicker, popularly known as Periyar, in 1925 in Tamil Nadu, India.
  • The movement aimed to promote self-respect, eradicate caste discrimination, and fight against the social evils perpetuated by the caste system.
  • It sought to empower the Dravidian community and challenge the dominance of Brahmins in Tamil society.
• Dropping description of caste from the names:
  • One of the key principles of the Self Respect Movement was to discard caste-based surnames to eliminate caste identities and promote social equality.
  • This practice was encouraged to reduce the discrimination and stigma associated with caste distinctions.
• New interpretation to characters of Hindu mythology:
  • Periyar and his followers offered a rationalist and critical perspective on Hindu mythology, challenging traditional interpretations that reinforced caste hierarchies.
  • They aimed to reinterpret mythological stories to highlight social injustices and question the legitimacy of Brahminical dominance.
• Self respect weddings solemnized without Brahmin Priests:
  • The Self Respect Movement advocated for weddings to be conducted without the involvement of Brahmin priests, who were seen as upholders of the caste system.
  • These "self-respect weddings" were performed in a simple manner, emphasizing equality and mutual consent rather than religious rituals.

Additional Information

• Joining Congress to support national movement:
  • Periyar initially joined the Indian National Congress but later distanced himself due to differences in ideology, particularly concerning caste and social reforms.
  • His focus remained on social justice and anti-caste movements, rather than the broader nationalistic goals of the Congress party.

The correct answer is 'Dadabhai Naoroji'.

Key Points

• Poverty and un-British Rule in India:
  • This influential book was written by Dadabhai Naoroji, an Indian political leader, merchant, scholar, and writer.
  • The book, published in 1901, is a critical analysis of the economic impact of British rule on India.
  • Naoroji, also known as the 'Grand Old Man of India,' used statistical data to demonstrate how British policies were impoverishing India and draining its wealth.
  • The work is considered a foundational text in Indian economic nationalism and was a significant contribution to the Indian independence movement.

Additional Information

• Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan:
  • Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan, also known as the 'Frontier Gandhi,' was a prominent freedom fighter and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi.
  • He did not write "Poverty and un-British Rule in India."
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak:
  • Bal Gangadhar Tilak was an Indian nationalist, teacher, and independence activist who was one of the first leaders of the Indian Independence Movement.
  • He did not author the book in question, though he wrote extensively on Indian nationalism and self-rule.
• Jawaharlal Nehru:
  • Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of independent India and a central figure in Indian politics both before and after independence.
  • He wrote several books, including "The Discovery of India," but not "Poverty and un-British Rule in India."

The correct answer is 'E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker'

Key Points

• E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker:
  • E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, commonly known as Periyar, was a prominent Indian social activist and politician who is best known for his trenchant critique of Aryanism, Brahmanism, and Hinduism.
  • He founded the Self-Respect Movement and Dravidar Kazhagam, advocating for the rights of the marginalized communities and against the caste system perpetuated by Brahmanism.
  • Periyar's efforts were aimed at creating a society where people were treated equally, irrespective of their caste or religion.

Additional Information

• Dayananda Saraswati:
  • Dayananda Saraswati was an Indian philosopher and the founder of the Arya Samaj, a Hindu reform movement.
  • He advocated for the revival of Vedic ideologies and was critical of idol worship, ritualism, and superstitions within Hinduism.
  • Although he was a reformer, his critiques were not primarily focused on Aryanism and Brahmanism in the same way as Periyar's were.
• Swami Kripatri:
  • Swami Kripatri was a lesser-known figure in Indian history and did not have a significant impact on the critique of Aryanism, Brahmanism, and Hinduism.
  • There is limited information available on his contributions in this specific context.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak:
  • Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a prominent Indian nationalist leader and freedom fighter.
  • While he played a significant role in the Indian independence movement, his efforts were not focused on critiquing Aryanism, Brahmanism, and Hinduism.
  • He is better known for his advocacy of Swaraj (self-rule) and his efforts to promote Indian culture and heritage.

The correct answer is MN Roy.

• People's plan was prepared by M.N. Roy.
  • M.N. Roy, a radical humanist leader, formulated the People's Plan in 1945
  • The plan gave priority to agriculture and production and was drafted on behalf of the Indian Federation of Labour.
  • Jaiprakash Narayan came up with the Sarvodaya Plan in 1950.
  • Nehru-Mahalanobis Model came in the year 1955.
  • Bombay plan was drawn up by a group of Industrialists in Bombay city, Mr. JRD Tata was among those industrialists.
  • National Planning Committee was formed by Indian National Congress in 1938 and it was chaired by S C Bose.

Important Points

• The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950. 
  • Subsequently, Planning Commis­sion was set up on 15 March 1950 and the plan era started on 1 April 1951 with the launch­ing of the First Five Year Plan (1951-56).
  • The idea of economic planning for five years was taken from the Soviet Union under the socialist influence of first Prime Minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Additional Information

• Sir Chintaman Dwarkanath Deshmukh was an Indian civil servant and the first Indian to be appointed governor of the Reserve Bank of India by British Raj authorities in 1943.
• Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, endeared as Sardar, was an Indian statesman.
  • He served as the first deputy Prime Minister of India from 1947 to 1950.
• Jayaprakash Narayan, popularly known as JP or Lok Nayak, was an Indian independence activist, theorist, socialist and political leader.
  • He is best remembered for leading the opposition in the mid-1970s against Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, whom he called for a "complete revolution" to overthrow.

There are many festive days and different festivals in the Hindu religion, but they are celebrated individually and privately.

• For national awakening, Tilak initiated Ganeshotsav and Shivaji Utsav in 1894.
• Shivaji Utsav started on Fort Raigad in 1894 and reached as far as Japan by 1905.
• In 1896 Ganeshotsav attained national importance. 

Important Points

The Shivaji festivals were first used by the Maratha ruler to encourage National sentiment.

• Later when the British banned political assemblies the same festivals were used by Bal Gangadhar Tilak to develop nationalism among common people and make them aware of their freedom.
• One of the major drawbacks of these events was that although they were meant to be a way to oppose colonial rule, they also contributed to religious tensions.

Thus, it is clear that the main objective of Tilak behind the celebration of the Shivaji festival was to develop nationalism.

Additional Information

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born on 23rd July 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
• A book ‘Indian Unrest’ written by Valentine Chirol, an English journalist, stated Tilak the ‘father of Indian unrest.
• He also popularized the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in the Maharashtra region.
• Along with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal, he was part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio of leaders with extremist outlooks.
• Indian Home Rule Movement was a movement in British India on the lines of the Irish Home Rule movement.
  • It started in 1916, it is believed to have set the stage for the independence movement under the leadership of Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak for the educated English speaking upper-class Indians.
• He started 2 newspapers-Weeklies Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English).
• Books are written by him- Gita Rhasya and Arctic Home of the Vedas.

Aurobindo's conception of the nation was significantly impacted by the renowned Bengali author Bankimchandra.

Key Points

• Geeta, Upanishads, and Vedanta study also had a significant influence on his political views.
• He made an effort to combine the idealism legacy of Indian philosophy with the materialist movement in western philosophy. 
• Aurobindo believed that the "nation" is a powerful "shakti" made up of all the shaktis of all the millions of components that comprise the nation.
• His view was that nationalism was a profound and ardent religious sadhana.
• Aurobindo's notion of nationalism differed from the patriotic sense of the term in that it contained a spiritual component.
• He exalted India as a Mother Goddess and counseled the young nationalists to serve their motherland. 

Thus, Sri Aurobindo conceives nationalism as spiritual nationalism, different from the western concept of nationalism, nation as an organism and nationalism as a religious aspiration and moral attitude.

The correct answer is Political life.

Explanation: Kautilya's Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, politics, and economics, traditionally attributed to the scholar Chanakya, who was an advisor to the Maurya Empire's first emperor, Chandragupta Maurya, around the 4th century BCE. This text provides comprehensive insights into various aspects of political life and governance in ancient India.

 Key PointsHere are some key aspects it describes:

• Statecraft and Governance: The Arthashastra discusses the art of governance, emphasizing the role of the king as the ultimate authority. It lays out principles for state administration, including the establishment of a strong central authority, efficient bureaucracy, and systems for revenue collection and law enforcement.
• Foreign Policy: Kautilya's work provides detailed guidance on diplomacy, alliances, and strategies for dealing with foreign powers. It discusses the importance of spies, secret agents, and intelligence gathering in maintaining national security and achieving geopolitical goals.
• Economic Management: The Arthashastra delves into economic policies, advocating for a prosperous and self-sufficient state. It discusses taxation, trade regulations, and the management of resources, emphasizing the importance of a robust economy to support the state's activities.
• Justice and Law: Kautilya addresses the principles of justice and the role of the legal system in maintaining order. He discusses the importance of impartial judges, the codification of laws, and punishments for various crimes, aiming to ensure a just and orderly society.
• Military Strategy: The treatise elaborates on military tactics, troop deployment, and the use of force when necessary. It emphasizes the need for a well-trained and disciplined army to protect the state's interests.
• Social Order: The Arthashastra also deals with societal aspects, including class divisions, social norms, and the role of the king in maintaining social harmony. It discusses the duties and responsibilities of different segments of society, from rulers to common citizens.
• Espionage and Intelligence: One of the unique features of Kautilya's Arthashastra is its detailed treatment of espionage and intelligence gathering. It outlines various techniques for gathering information about both internal and external threats to the state.
• Ethics and Morality: While practicality and realpolitik are central to the Arthashastra, it also touches on ethical and moral considerations. Kautilya emphasizes that a ruler should balance the pursuit of power and wealth with moral and ethical principles to ensure the long-term stability and prosperity of the state.

 Additional Information

• Kautilya's Arthashastra is a comprehensive ancient Indian text that provides guidance on various aspects of political life, governance, and statecraft.
• It remains a valuable resource for understanding the political and administrative principles of ancient India and offers insights that continue to be relevant in modern political thought and practice.

The correct answer is Seventh

Explanation:

The Rajadharma Adhyaya serves as a foundational text providing moral and ethical guidelines for kingship in ancient Hindu society. It reflects socio-political ideals and contributes to the understanding of principles essential for just and righteous rule. The text remains influential in discussions about governance, justice, and the responsibilities of rulers in Hindu philosophy.

Rajdharma Definition:

• This chapter is dedicated to elucidating the concept of Rajdharma, which pertains to the duties and responsibilities of a king or ruler.

Guidelines for Kingship:

• Manusmriti imparts guidance on the righteous conduct of rulers, outlining principles that should govern a king's behavior, decision-making, and interaction with subjects.

Duties of a King:

• The chapter delineates various duties of a king, emphasizing the dispensation of justice, protection of the people, promotion of Dharma (righteousness), and maintenance of social order.

Justice and Fairness:

• Emphasis is placed on the importance of just rule, advocating for fairness, impartiality, and adherence to Dharma in the administration of justice.

Punishments and Rewards:

• Manusmriti provides guidelines on the application of punishments for wrongdoers and the bestowal of rewards for those who contribute positively to society, contributing to the maintenance of order and harmony.

Advisors and Counsel:

• The text discusses the role of advisors and counselors in aiding the king in decision-making, highlighting the significance of seeking wise counsel for good governance.

Consequences of Unjust Rule:

• Manusmriti suggests that rulers who deviate from their righteous duties may face adverse consequences, potentially leading to the downfall of their kingdom.

Integration with Dharma:

• Throughout the chapter, there is a strong connection between Rajdharma and Dharma, emphasizing the alignment of a ruler's actions with broader moral and ethical principles.

The correct answer is ​Emphasis on socialist principles and social justice

Explanation: Both Ram Manohar Lohia and Jaya Prakash Narayan shared a common emphasis on socialist principles and social justice. They were influential figures in advocating for economic equality, the welfare of the marginalized, and the establishment of a just and equitable society through socialist ideals.

 Key Points

Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan were prominent leaders in the Indian political landscape, and they shared a common emphasis on socialist principles and social justice. Both were influential figures in advocating for economic equality, the welfare of the marginalized, and the establishment of a just and equitable society through socialist ideals. Let's delve into their respective contributions and ideologies:

Ram Manohar Lohia:

• Socialist Ideals: Lohia was a staunch advocate of socialist principles and believed in the need for a socialist transformation of society. He emphasized the redistribution of wealth and resources to ensure economic equality.
• Anti-Congress Stance: Lohia was critical of the dominant Indian National Congress party, particularly its economic policies, and sought to establish a more inclusive and egalitarian society. He believed that socialism was the key to addressing the socio-economic disparities prevalent in Indian society.
• Welfare of the Marginalized: Lohia was deeply committed to the upliftment of the marginalized sections of society, including farmers, laborers, and the oppressed castes. He aimed to eradicate poverty and social inequality through policies that focused on social justice and economic empowerment.
• Decentralization: Lohia advocated for decentralization of power and resources, arguing that local self-governance was essential for true democracy and effective social justice. He believed in empowering local communities to make decisions that directly affected their lives.

Jayaprakash Narayan (JP):

• Total Revolution: JP, a key leader during the Indian independence movement, later evolved into a strong advocate of social justice and economic equality. He called for a "Total Revolution," which encompassed political, social, and economic dimensions.
• Sarvodaya: JP was influenced by the concept of Sarvodaya, which means the welfare of all. He envisioned a society where the benefits of development reached every individual, particularly the underprivileged. This aligned with his commitment to socialist ideals.
• Anti-Corruption and Democracy: JP emphasized the need for a corruption-free society and genuine democracy. He believed that economic disparities and corruption were impediments to social justice and worked towards establishing a just and transparent governance system.
• Inclusive Development: Similar to Lohia, JP was concerned about the welfare of the marginalized and sought to include them in the development process. He advocated for policies that would uplift the poor and address the root causes of poverty.

 Additional Information

• Both Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan were influential figures in the Indian political and social landscape who shared a common emphasis on socialist principles and social justice.
• Their commitment to economic equality, the welfare of the marginalized, and the establishment of a just and equitable society left a lasting impact on India's political discourse.

The correct answer is Deen Dayal Upadhyay.

Explanation: The philosophy of Integral Humanism was given by Deendayal Upadhyaya, an Indian philosopher, economist, sociologist, historian, journalist, and political activist.

 Key Points

• Integral Humanism is a political philosophy that was adopted by the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the predecessor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as its official doctrine in 1965. This philosophy seeks to provide an indigenous alternative to the Western capitalist and socialist ideologies.
• Integral Humanism is based on the fundamental principles of Dharma (moral laws), and it emphasizes the holistic development of individuals, encompassing the physical, intellectual, and spiritual aspects.
• Upadhyaya believed that a just and harmonious society could only be established when individual development is aligned with collective welfare, rooted in the values and cultural heritage of India.
• He argued that Western models of development were not suitable for India because they overlooked the cultural and spiritual dimensions of human life.
• Upadhyaya's Integral Humanism advocates for a decentralized polity and self-reliant economy with the village as the core unit of development. It underscores the importance of achieving economic self-sufficiency and social harmony through a blend of traditional Indian values and modern technology. The philosophy also stresses the importance of maintaining an ecological balance and living in harmony with nature.

 Additional Information

• Integral Humanism calls for a society where every individual can realize their fullest potential in a cohesive and inclusive manner.
• It encourages a balanced approach to development, taking into account material and spiritual needs, to achieve a more equitable and sustainable form of progress.

The correct answer is Bravery

Explanation: M. N. Roy, a prominent Indian philosopher and political theorist, indeed proposed the concept of neo-humanism, which was rooted in his philosophical and ethical framework.

 Key PointsAccording to him, the essential elements of neo-humanism are:

• Freedom: Neo-humanism emphasizes individual freedom and the right of every human being to live a life free from oppression and exploitation. Roy believed that human progress could only be achieved when individuals had the freedom to think, act, and express themselves without constraints.
• Logic: Roy stressed the importance of rational thinking and logical analysis as essential tools for human progress. He advocated for the use of reason and critical thinking to solve societal problems and make informed decisions.
• Ethics: Ethics played a central role in Roy's neo-humanism. He believed in the importance of moral values and ethical principles in guiding human behavior. Roy argued that ethical conduct was necessary to create a just and harmonious society.

Additional Information

• These three elements formed the foundation of Roy's neo-humanism, which aimed to promote human welfare, social justice, and intellectual development while upholding individual freedom, logical reasoning, and ethical values.

The correct answer is Caste System.

Explanation:The caste system, also known as the varna system, played a significant role in the concept of 'Dharma' and 'Karma' in ancient India. These two concepts were deeply intertwined with the social and religious fabric of Indian society and influenced how individuals were expected to live their lives.

Key Points

Dharma:

• Dharma is a central concept in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and it refers to the moral and ethical duties and responsibilities that individuals are expected to follow in their lives. In the context of the caste system, dharma was closely linked to one's social position or caste.

Each of the four main varnas (castes) in the traditional caste system had its own set of dharma. These were:

• Brahmins (priests and scholars): Their dharma was primarily focused on seeking knowledge, performing religious rituals, and teaching others. They were expected to lead a life dedicated to intellectual pursuits and spiritual growth.
• Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers): The dharma of the Kshatriyas involved protecting the kingdom, maintaining law and order, and defending the people. They were expected to be courageous, just, and ready to use force when necessary.
• Vaishyas (merchants and farmers): Vaishyas were responsible for trade, commerce, and agriculture. Their dharma revolved around economic activities, creating wealth, and supporting the society's material needs.
• Shudras (laborers and servants): Shudras were expected to serve the higher castes and perform various manual tasks. Their dharma was centered on obedience and service to the other castes.

In addition to these four varnas, there were also the "Dalits" or "Untouchables," who were often considered outside the varna system and subjected to social discrimination and exploitation.

Karma:

• Karma is the belief that one's actions in this life will determine their future circumstances in subsequent lives. It is a fundamental concept in Indian religions and philosophies. In the context of the caste system, karma was linked to one's caste and social position.
• According to the caste system's teachings, one's karma in the present life was influenced by their actions in previous lives. People were believed to be born into a specific caste as a result of their past karma. Therefore, if an individual faithfully followed their dharma in their current caste, they could accumulate positive karma, which might lead to a better position in the next life.
• Conversely, failing to follow one's dharma or engaging in sinful actions would result in negative karma, potentially leading to a lower caste or a more difficult life in the next reincarnation.

 Additional Information

• The caste system in ancient India was intricately connected to the concepts of dharma and karma.
• Each caste had its own set of duties and responsibilities, and individuals were expected to adhere to their dharma to accumulate positive karma for future lives.
• This system of social stratification influenced all aspects of life in ancient India and had a profound impact on the society's structure, hierarchy, and individual destinies.

The correct answer is Firuz Shah Tughlaq.KeyPoints

• Ziauddin Barani was the court poet of Firuz Shah Tughlaq.
• Compositions of Ziauddin Baran: Tarikh-i-firozshahi, fatwa-i-jahandari.
• Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi is a work on medieval India, which covers the period from the reign of Ghiyas-ud-din Balban to the first six years of the reign of Firoz Shah Tughluq.
• The Fatwa-i-Jahandari promoted a hierarchy among Muslim communities in the Indian subcontinent.

Important Points Famous court poet of Delhi sultanate: