First Phase of National Movement (1885‑1907) – INC foundation, early leaders Quiz - ICSE Class 10 History & Civics

Free practice quiz: First Phase of National Movement (1885‑1907) – INC foundation, early leaders (ICSE Class 10 History & Civics). 39 multiple-choice questions with answers and explanations. Play online, no sign-up needed.

This ICSE Class 10 History & Civics practice quiz has 39 multiple-choice questions on First Phase of National Movement (1885‑1907) – INC foundation, early leaders, and 39 of them come with an explanation. Try the 5 sample questions below (tap an option to check yourself), then play the full quiz online. No sign-up needed.

Sample questions

1. The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885. Who is widely regarded as the 'Father of the Indian National Congress'?

   1. Mahatma Gandhi
   2. Lala Lajpat Rai
   3. Lord William Bentinck
   4. Allan Octavian Hume
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Allan Octavian Hume

   Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, played a pivotal role in the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 and is thus considered its father.

2. Who among the following was NOT a prominent leader of the early phase of the INC?

   1. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
   2. Surendranath Banerjea
   3. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
   4. Pherozeshah Mehta
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Bal Gangadhar Tilak

   Bal Gangadhar Tilak, along with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal, formed the triumvirate of Extremist leaders who emerged later, advocating for more assertive methods.

3. Who among the following was known for his critical analysis of the Indian Civil Service (ICS) and advocated for Indianization of the services at higher levels during the early phase?

   1. Mahadev Govind Ranade
   2. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
   3. Surendranath Banerjea
   4. Pherozeshah Mehta
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Surendranath Banerjea

   Surendranath Banerjea, an early nationalist leader, was a vocal critic of the discriminatory practices within the Indian Civil Service and actively campaigned for greater Indian entry and representation at higher administrative levels.

4. The INC's early resolutions often focused on administrative and economic reforms. Which of the following was a recurring demand concerning the Indian legislature?

   1. Abolition of all legislative councils.
   2. Granting of full legislative powers to elected Indian representatives.
   3. Increasing the size and powers of the Legislative Councils.
   4. Replacing legislative councils with direct rule by the people.
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Increasing the size and powers of the Legislative Councils.

   The Moderates consistently sought to expand the role and powers of the existing Legislative Councils, advocating for greater Indian membership and more substantial legislative authority, rather than advocating for their immediate abolition or a complete overhaul.

5. The Indian Councils Act of 1892, a result of INC's persistent demands, made which of the following changes?

   1. It introduced direct elections and universal suffrage.
   2. It significantly increased the number of elected Indian members and introduced indirect elections.
   3. It abolished the Viceroy's Executive Council.
   4. It granted full responsible government to Indian legislatures.
   Show answer

   Answer: B. It significantly increased the number of elected Indian members and introduced indirect elections.

   The Indian Councils Act of 1892 was a moderate reform that increased the number of non-official members in the Imperial and Provincial Legislative Councils and introduced the principle of indirect election, albeit with limited franchise. It did not grant direct elections or responsible government.

More questions in this quiz

Answers and explanations are in the full quiz.

1. Which of the following was NOT an objective of the early INC leaders (Moderates)?
2. The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in which city?
3. Who was the first President of the Indian National Congress?
4. The 'Drain Theory', which propounded that wealth was being transferred from India to Britain, was first systematically articulated by which early INC leader?
5. Which of the following was a significant demand of the Moderates regarding administrative reforms?
6. The policy of 'Gradualism' and 'Petitioning' was characteristic of which phase of the Indian nationalist movement?
7. The B.M. (Bengali Mitter) Congress was an alternative organization formed by some who were critical of the INC's early approach. Who was its prominent leader?
8. The objective of promoting and consolidating national unity and consciousness was a foundational goal of the early INC. Which of the following actions best exemplifies this goal?
9. Which of these economic critiques, associated with early INC leaders, focused on the unfavorable terms of trade between India and Britain?
10. The 'Lytton's Vernacular Press Act of 1878', which aimed to curb the freedom of Indian vernacular newspapers, was strongly condemned by the early INC. What was the primary concern of the INC regarding this act?
11. Who among the following INC leaders was instrumental in advocating for Indian representation in the Imperial Legislative Council and the Viceroy's Executive Council?
12. The concept of 'Swaraj' as understood by the Moderates in the early phase of the INC primarily meant:
13. The Dadabhai Naoroji's critique of British economic policies was significantly influenced by his observations in which country?
14. The foundational principle of appealing to the British sense of justice and fair play was a key strategy of the Moderates. This approach was most evident in their:
15. Which INC leader, known for his fiery speeches and advocacy for Swadeshi and boycott, was one of the early figures who voiced dissatisfaction with the moderate approach?
16. The First Indian Council Act of 1861, which allowed for some Indian participation in legislative councils, was viewed by the early INC as a step in the right direction, but insufficient. What was its primary limitation from the INC's perspective?
17. Who was the first non-Indian to preside over an INC session?
18. The INC's early demand for 'Indianization' of the administrative services meant:
19. Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between Dadabhai Naoroji and the INC in its early years?
20. Who was referred to as the 'Socrates of Maharashtra' for his intellectual contributions to the Indian nationalist movement and social reform?
21. What was the significance of the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 for the Indian nationalist movement?
22. Which INC president, known for his eloquent speeches, also served as a mentor to Mahatma Gandhi?
23. The INC's early leaders believed that the British Parliament had a responsibility towards India. This belief fueled their demand for:
24. Which of the following institutions was founded by Surendranath Banerjea, predating the formation of the INC, and played a role in fostering nationalist sentiment?
25. Dadabhai Naoroji's analysis of the 'Drain of Wealth' was based on the idea that British policies led to:
26. The INC's Second Congress session was held in Calcutta in 1886 and was presided over by:
27. Which of the following was NOT a method employed by the Moderates in the early phase of the National Movement?
28. Which prominent INC leader, known for his constitutionalism and advocacy for Indian representation, was also involved in the early stages of social reform movements in India?
29. The INC's demand for greater control over India's finances was a direct challenge to the British economic policies. Which specific aspect of financial policy was most often criticized by early INC leaders?
30. The early INC leaders were confident that by presenting reasoned arguments and seeking reforms, they could gradually persuade the British government to grant more rights to Indians. This belief system is best described as:
31. The 'Swadeshi' movement, which gained momentum later, had its roots in the early INC's economic critique. What was the primary economic objective of promoting 'Swadeshi' in the early phase?
32. Which of the following statements best characterizes the INC's stance on the 'Partition of Bengal' in 1905, which marked a significant shift towards more assertive nationalism?
33. The INC's early leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Mahadev Govind Ranade were often criticized by the emerging Extremist faction for their perceived 'mendicant' policy. What did this criticism imply?
34. Which INC session, presided over by Surendranath Banerjea in 1895, is considered significant for passing resolutions that demanded an inquiry into the administration of India and increased Indian representation in the Viceroy's Council?

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