Famous Revolts in Indian History Quiz — 50 GK Questions
Discover the pivotal moments that shaped India's struggle for independence and social justice through this comprehensive quiz on famous revolts. From the first war of independence in 1857 to the various peasant movements and tribal uprisings, these events were crucial stepping stones towards India's freedom. This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of key figures, causes, and consequences of these historic uprisings. It's an excellent resource for students, history enthusiasts, and anyone preparing for competitive exams, offering a deep dive into the courage and resilience of those who fought against colonial rule. Let's test your knowledge of these landmark events in Indian History.
Test Your Knowledge on Famous Revolts in Indian History
1. Who led the Revolt of 1857 from Kanpur?
- A. Nana Saheb
- B. Rani Lakshmibai
- C. Begum Hazrat Mahal
- D. Kunwar Singh
2. The Peasant Movements in India were primarily a reaction against what?
- A. Industrialization policies
- B. Religious reforms
- C. Exploitative land revenue systems
- D. Urban migration
3. The Faraizi Movement was a socio-religious movement in which region?
- A. Punjab
- B. Bengal
- C. Maharashtra
- D. Gujarat
4. The Santhal Rebellion of 1855-56 was led by which brothers?
- A. Sidhu and Kanhu
- B. Birsa and Munda
- C. Jagannath and Madhav
- D. Rampa and Alluri
5. The Moplah Rebellion took place in which state?
- A. Tamil Nadu
- B. Andhra Pradesh
- C. Karnataka
- D. Kerala
6. Who was the last Mughal emperor to be exiled by the British after the 1857 Revolt?
- A. Bahadur Shah Zafar
- B. Akbar II
- C. Shah Alam II
- D. Aurangzeb
7. The Indigo Revolt (1859-60) was a major peasant protest against what?
- A. High taxes
- B. Famine policies
- C. Forced cultivation of indigo
- D. Salt tax
8. The Sannyasi Rebellion is mentioned in which famous Bengali novel?
- A. Durgeshnandini
- B. Anandamath
- C. Kapalkundala
- D. Rajsingha
9. Who was the main leader of the Khasi Uprising in the North-East?
- A. Tikendra Jit Singh
- B. Tirat Singh
- C. U Tirot Sing Syiem
- D. Queen Gaidinliu
10. The Chuar Uprising took place in which region?
- A. Jungle Mahal of Bengal
- B. Malabar Coast
- C. Sambalpur
- D. Cuttack
Indian History MCQs: Peasant & Tribal Uprisings
11. The Wahhabi Movement was primarily active in which part of India?
- A. Southern India
- B. Western India
- C. Eastern India (Bengal)
- D. Northern India
12. The Kuka Movement in Punjab was led by whom?
- A. Baba Ram Singh
- B. Baba Balak Singh
- C. Guru Ram Das
- D. Bhai Vir Singh
13. The Pabna Agrarian Uprising (1873-76) was a revolt against whom?
- A. Zamindars
- B. British Government
- C. Indigo planters
- D. Money lenders
14. The Rampa Rebellion of 1922-24 was led by which famous revolutionary?
- A. Alluri Sitarama Raju
- B. Bhagat Singh
- C. Subhas Chandra Bose
- D. Alluri Sitarama Raju
15. The Pagal Panthis were a semi-religious sect led by whom?
- A. Titu Mir
- B. Karam Shah
- C. Dadu Mian
- D. Syed Ahmed Barelvi
16. The Birsa Munda Revolt is also known as what?
- A. Ulugulan
- B. Kol Rebellion
- C. Bhil Uprising
- D. Santhal Revolt
17. The first major uprising in the Freedom Struggle GK that utilized guerrilla warfare was?
- A. Sannyasi Rebellion
- B. Santhal Rebellion
- C. Rampa Rebellion
- D. Munda Rebellion
18. The Sanyasi and Fakir Rebellion took place in which part of India?
- A. Punjab
- B. Maharashtra
- C. Southern India
- D. Bengal
19. The Vellore Mutiny of 1806 was a significant early rebellion of sepoys. Where did it occur?
- A. Barrackpore
- B. Vellore
- C. Meerut
- D. Delhi
20. The Deccan Riots of 1875 were a series of riots by peasants against whom?
- A. Moneylenders
- B. British officials
- C. Zamindars
- D. Indigo planters
Quiz on the 1857 Revolt and its Aftermath
21. The immediate cause of the 1857 Revolt was the introduction of what?
- A. Doctrine of Lapse
- B. High taxes
- C. Greased cartridges
- D. Subsidiary Alliance
22. Where did the Revolt of 1857 begin?
- A. Meerut
- B. Barrackpore
- C. Delhi
- D. Kanpur
23. Who was the prominent leader of the 1857 Revolt in Lucknow?
- A. Nana Saheb
- B. Begum Hazrat Mahal
- C. Tantia Tope
- D. Kunwar Singh
24. The 1857 Revolt is often referred to as the 'First War of Independence' by whom?
- A. Mahatma Gandhi
- B. Jawaharlal Nehru
- C. Sardar Patel
- D. V.D. Savarkar
25. Who was the British Governor-General during the Revolt of 1857?
- A. Lord Canning
- B. Lord Dalhousie
- C. Lord Bentinck
- D. Lord Curzon
26. What was the political symbol of the 1857 Revolt?
- A. Lotus and Roti
- B. Rose and Sword
- C. Lion and Flag
- D. Peacock and Drum
27. Who was the leader of the 1857 Revolt in Jagdishpur, Bihar?
- A. Tatya Tope
- B. Kunwar Singh
- C. Mangal Pandey
- D. Bakht Khan
28. The famous general of Nana Saheb in the 1857 Revolt was?
- A. Kunwar Singh
- B. Maulvi Ahmedullah
- C. Tantia Tope
- D. Bahadur Shah Zafar
29. The main reason for the failure of the 1857 Revolt was what?
- A. Lack of a central command and unity
- B. Superior British weaponry
- C. Poor financial resources
- D. Lack of popular support
30. The post-1857 British policy was to directly rule India under whom?
- A. The British East India Company
- B. The British Parliament
- C. The Viceroy
- D. The British Crown
Peasant Movements in India: Key Events & Leaders
31. The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was a peasant revolt led by whom?
- A. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- B. Mahatma Gandhi
- C. Rajendra Prasad
- D. Jayaprakash Narayan
32. The Kisan Sabha Movement in the 1920s was initiated in which state?
- A. Bengal
- B. Maharashtra
- C. Uttar Pradesh
- D. Punjab
33. The Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) was a major peasant movement in which state?
- A. Gujarat
- B. Bengal
- C. Bihar
- D. Punjab
34. The Tebhaga Movement of 1946 was a revolt by sharecroppers demanding what?
- A. Lower interest rates
- B. Higher wages
- C. Full land ownership
- D. Two-thirds share of the harvest
35. The All India Kisan Sabha was formed in which year?
- A. 1929
- B. 1936
- C. 1942
- D. 1947
36. The Eka Movement (or Unity Movement) was a peasant uprising in which state?
- A. Bengal
- B. Maharashtra
- C. Uttar Pradesh
- D. Andhra Pradesh
37. The Indigo Revolt was a response to a system known as what?
- A. Ryotwari System
- B. Mahalwari System
- C. Permanent Settlement
- D. Tinkathia System
38. Which was a key cause for the Peasant Movements in India during the colonial period?
- A. Commercialization of agriculture
- B. Industrial growth
- C. Development of railways
- D. Introduction of English education
39. The Kol Rebellion (1831-32) was a major tribal uprising in which region?
- A. North-Eastern India
- B. Western Ghats
- C. Chota Nagpur Region
- D. Deccan Plateau
40. The Ramosi Uprisings (1822-29) were a rebellion in which state?
- A. Gujarat
- B. Maharashtra
- C. Karnataka
- D. Bihar
Freedom Struggle GK: Major Uprisings & Their Impact
41. The Paika Rebellion of 1817-18 took place in which state?
- A. Odisha
- B. Bengal
- C. Bihar
- D. Assam
42. The Famine of 1770 in Bengal was a significant contributing factor to which revolt?
- A. Indigo Revolt
- B. Santhal Rebellion
- C. Sannyasi Rebellion
- D. Wahhabi Movement
43. Which of the following was NOT a tribal uprising against British rule?
- A. Bhil Uprising
- B. Munda Rebellion
- C. Santhal Rebellion
- D. Swadeshi Movement
44. Who led the Ramoosee Revolt of 1822?
- A. Birsa Munda
- B. Chittoor Singh
- C. Vasudeo Balwant Phadke
- D. Konda Dora
45. The Gadkari Revolt (1844) was a popular uprising in which place?
- A. Kolhapur
- B. Pune
- C. Satara
- D. Nagpur
46. The All India Kisan Sabha's first session was presided over by whom?
- A. N. G. Ranga
- B. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati
- C. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati
- D. Indulal Yagnik
47. The Khilafat Movement was a part of the larger Non-Cooperation movement. Who led the Khilafat Movement?
- A. Ali Brothers (Shaukat Ali and Muhammad Ali)
- B. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
- C. Mahatma Gandhi
- D. Jawaharlal Nehru
48. The Deccan Riots Act was passed in which year?
- A. 1876
- B. 1879
- C. 1881
- D. 1885
49. The Bhil Uprising, a tribal movement, took place in which region?
- A. Chota Nagpur
- B. Malabar
- C. Western Ghats and Khandesh
- D. Punjab
50. The Santhal Rebellion was primarily directed against the exploitation by whom?
- A. British officials
- B. Zamindars
- C. Moneylenders
- D. All of the above
This quiz on famous revolts in Indian history serves as an essential tool for understanding the roots of India's freedom struggle. By engaging with these Indian History MCQs, you have not only tested your knowledge but also gained a deeper appreciation for the courage and resilience of countless individuals who rose against oppression. These events, from the widespread 1857 Revolt to localized peasant movements and tribal uprisings, collectively laid the groundwork for the nationalist movement. They highlight the diverse forms of resistance that existed across the subcontinent, proving that the struggle for freedom was a continuous process fueled by the aspirations of ordinary people. We hope this quiz has been both educational and insightful, encouraging you to explore these pivotal chapters of history further.
Deep Dive into India's Famous Revolts: From Sepoys to Peasants
The history of India's anti-colonial struggle is not a single, linear narrative but a tapestry woven with countless threads of resistance. While the Indian National Congress's movement from the late 19th century is well-documented, the period before and alongside it saw numerous revolts that were a direct response to British exploitation. These uprisings, often localized and fragmented, were a powerful expression of discontent and formed the foundation for the later, more organized nationalist movement. Understanding these revolts is key to appreciating the complexity and depth of the freedom struggle.
The 1857 Revolt: The First War of Independence?
Often termed the First War of Independence by historian V.D. Savarkar, the 1857 Revolt Quiz is a crucial event. It was a multifaceted rebellion, not just a sepoy mutiny. While the immediate trigger was the greased cartridges, the underlying causes were deep-seated. These included:
- Political causes: The Doctrine of Lapse and Subsidiary Alliance led to the annexation of states like Jhansi and Awadh, alienating rulers and nobles.
- Economic causes: Exploitative land revenue systems, deindustrialization, and destruction of traditional handicrafts created widespread poverty and discontent.
- Socio-religious causes: British social reforms and missionary activities were seen as an attempt to interfere with Indian customs and religion.
The revolt spread rapidly across North and Central India, with leaders like Nana Saheb in Kanpur, Rani Lakshmibai in Jhansi, and Begum Hazrat Mahal in Lucknow. Though it failed due to a lack of a central command and disunity among rebels, it had a profound impact. It led to the end of the East India Company's rule and the direct governance of India by the British Crown, and it permanently sowed the seeds of nationalism in the minds of the people.
Peasant Movements in India: The Silent Revolution
The colonial land revenue policies—Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari—were designed to maximize revenue collection, often at the expense of the farmers. This led to a series of Peasant Movements in India from the late 18th to the mid-20th century. These were not just revolts against the British, but also against the Indian intermediaries like zamindars and moneylenders who collaborated with the colonial administration.
Indigo Revolt (1859-60)
A major uprising in Bengal where peasants refused to cultivate indigo, which was forced upon them by planters at low prices. The movement was a brilliant example of passive resistance and non-cooperation.
Pabna Agrarian Uprising (1873-76)
Peasants in the Pabna district of Bengal formed an "Agrarian League" to fight against the oppression of zamindars. They used legal resistance and mass meetings, leading to the Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885.
Deccan Riots (1875)
A series of riots by peasants in the Poona and Ahmednagar districts of Maharashtra against moneylenders. The Deccan Agriculturists' Relief Act of 1879 was passed in response, offering some legal protection to the peasants.
Tribal Revolts and Their Legacy
Tribal communities, living in relative isolation, also faced immense disruption due to colonial policies. British forest laws, land acquisitions for railways and mines, and the entry of moneylenders and contractors shattered their traditional way of life, leading to fierce uprisings.
"The tribals, with their deep connection to the land and forests, were among the first to experience the full force of colonial exploitation and were also among the most tenacious in their resistance."
Notable tribal revolts include:
- Santhal Rebellion (1855-56): Led by brothers Sidhu and Kanhu against the exploitation of moneylenders and zamindars. Their struggle was a testament to tribal resilience.
- Munda Rebellion (1899-1900): Led by Birsa Munda in the Chota Nagpur region, also known as the 'Ulugulan' (Great Tumult). Birsa Munda sought to establish Munda Raj and challenged Christian missionaries and the British.
- Rampa Rebellion (1922-24): Led by the legendary Alluri Sitarama Raju in the Visakhapatnam region of Andhra Pradesh. He employed guerrilla warfare tactics, making it a significant event in the Freedom Struggle GK.
Frequently Asked Questions about Indian Revolts
What was the primary difference between the 1857 Revolt and other peasant uprisings?
The 1857 Revolt was a large-scale, multi-regional rebellion with significant participation from disgruntled Indian princes, sepoys, and traditional elites, aiming to restore old political order. In contrast, most other peasant and tribal uprisings were localized, focused on specific economic grievances (like land revenue or moneylending) and were primarily led by farmers and tribals, not the traditional aristocracy.
Why is the Indigo Revolt considered a success?
The Indigo Revolt is considered a success because the British government, under pressure from the widespread peasant solidarity, set up an Indigo Commission to investigate. The commission's findings exposed the injustices, and the government ultimately issued a notification in 1860, which marked the end of the oppressive tinkathia system of forced indigo cultivation in Bengal.
How did these early revolts influence the Indian National Movement?
These early revolts, though often unsuccessful in the short term, were crucial. They exposed the fault lines in the British administration and the depth of public discontent. They also created a tradition of resistance and sacrifice, which inspired later nationalist leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. The struggles of peasants and tribals highlighted the economic and social issues that the Indian National Congress would later incorporate into its broader agenda for independence.
Key Takeaways
- The 1857 Revolt Quiz and its outcome reshaped British policy, leading to the direct rule of the Crown.
- Peasant Movements in India were primarily driven by economic grievances against exploitative land policies and usury.
- Tribal revolts like the Santhal and Munda rebellions were a fierce defense of land, culture, and autonomy against colonial encroachment.
- These revolts, documented through Indian History MCQs and academic texts, were not isolated events but part of a continuous, popular resistance.
- Understanding these early uprisings provides a complete picture of the Freedom Struggle GK, demonstrating that the fight for independence was a mass movement from its very beginning.
The legacy of these famous revolts lives on, serving as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made and the indomitable spirit of those who fought for a better future. Their struggles were the first sparks that eventually ignited the flame of complete freedom.
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