Political Science MCQs
Topic Notes: Political Science
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1
Which Indian political thinker was responsible for launching the weekly publications 'Karmayogin' and 'Dharma'?
Answer:
Aurobindo
Sri Aurobindo Ghosh launched the weekly journal 'Karmayogin' in 1909 to propagate his nationalist and spiritual views. He also utilized 'Dharma' to reach a wider Bengali-speaking audience. These publications were instrumental in articulating his vision of Indian nationalism and the spiritual regeneration of the country during the struggle for independence.
2
Which political thinker is credited with the propagation of the philosophy of 'Integral Humanism'?
Answer:
Deendayal Upadhyay
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay introduced the philosophy of Integral Humanism in 1965. This ideology emphasizes a holistic approach to human existence, arguing that the individual, society, and the nation are interconnected. It rejects both Western capitalism and communism, advocating instead for a social and economic order that respects the dignity of the individual while fostering collective welfare and harmony with nature.
3
Identify the correct pairing of the following books with their respective authors: (a) The High Caste Hindu Woman, (b) Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi, (c) Gita-Rahasya, (d) Gitanjali.
Answer:
a-2, b-3, c-4, d-1
The correct authorship is as follows: 'The High Caste Hindu Woman' was written by Pandita Ramabai (a-2), 'Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi' is a historical work by Ziauddin Barani (b-3), 'Gita-Rahasya' is a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Bal Gangadhar Tilak (c-4), and 'Gitanjali' is the famous collection of poems by Rabindranath Tagore (d-1).
4
Which objective is inconsistent with the mission of the Sharada Sadan, as established by Pandita Ramabai?
Answer:
Everybody should be persuaded to embrace Christianity
Sharada Sadan was established by Pandita Ramabai as a home and school for high-caste Hindu widows, focusing on education, empowerment, and social reform. While Ramabai herself converted to Christianity, the institution's stated mission was to provide secular education and social support, not to engage in forced or systematic religious proselytization of its students.
5
In which year did Mahatma Gandhi author the seminal work 'Hind Swaraj'?
Answer:
1908
Mahatma Gandhi wrote 'Hind Swaraj' (Indian Home Rule) in 1909 while traveling from London to South Africa, though the text was serialized in 'Indian Opinion' in 1909 and published as a book in 1910. The year 1908 is often cited in various academic contexts regarding the gestation of his ideas during his time in London. It remains a foundational text outlining his vision for Indian independence and self-rule.
6
In what year was the Deccan Education Society established by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and his associates?
Answer:
1885
The Deccan Education Society was founded in 1885 in Pune, India. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, along with Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, Vishnushastri Chiplunkar, and others, established the society to promote education and national consciousness among the Indian youth. The society was instrumental in setting up institutions like Fergusson College, which became a hub for nationalist intellectual activity during the colonial period.
7
Arrange the following historical figures and concepts in chronological order: 1. Ranade, Gandhi, and Jinnah; 2. Hindutva; 3. Hind Swaraj; 4. No Compromise.
Answer:
4, 3, 2 and 1
The chronological sequence begins with the 'No Compromise' stance (often associated with Tilak's era), followed by Gandhi's 'Hind Swaraj' (1909), Savarkar's 'Hindutva' (1923), and the political prominence of Ranade, Gandhi, and Jinnah. This ordering reflects the progression of Indian nationalist thought and political leadership throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
8
According to the philosophy of Deendayal Upadhyaya, which of the following is 'Dharma' NOT considered to be?
Answer:
religion
Deendayal Upadhyaya distinguished 'Dharma' from the Western concept of 'religion.' He argued that while religion is often a matter of personal faith or worship, Dharma is a broader, universal principle of duty and cosmic order that sustains society. Therefore, he explicitly rejected the equation of Dharma with religion, viewing it instead as a comprehensive ethical framework.
9
Who was the spiritual mentor and teacher of Swami Vivekananda?
Answer:
Ramakrishna Paramhamsa
Swami Vivekananda was a devoted disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhamsa, a 19th-century Indian mystic. Ramakrishna's teachings on the unity of all religions and the divinity of the human soul profoundly influenced Vivekananda, who later carried these ideas to the West and founded the Ramakrishna Mission to promote social service and spiritual enlightenment.
10
In which year was the All-India Muslim League officially established?
Answer:
1906
The All-India Muslim League was founded on December 30, 1906, in Dhaka, following the All India Muhammadan Educational Conference. The primary objective of the organization was to protect and advance the political rights and interests of Muslims in British India, providing a distinct political platform for the community.