Assertion-Reasoning Questions
1. Assertion (A): The Revolt of 1857 was primarily a military uprising.
Reason (R): Indian rulers, peasants, and zamindars did not participate in the revolt.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
2. Assertion (A): The British Crown assumed direct control over India in 1858.
Reason (R): The East India Company was declared bankrupt after the Revolt of 1857.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
3. Assertion (A): Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was instrumental in passing the Widow Remarriage Act of 1856.
Reason (R): He convinced the British authorities that widow remarriage was a fundamental aspect of Indian tradition.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
4. Assertion (A): The Doctrine of Lapse was one of the causes of the Revolt of 1857.
Reason (R): It allowed Indian rulers to adopt an heir and retain their kingdom under British rule.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
5. Assertion (A): Jyotirao Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj.
Reason (R): It aimed to promote social equality, education, and upliftment of lower castes.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
Choose the Correct/Incorrect Statements
6. Consider the following statements regarding the Revolt of 1857:
- The immediate cause of the Revolt was the introduction of greased cartridges.
- The Revolt was led by Nana Saheb in Kanpur.
- The British completely suppressed the Revolt by December 1857.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
7. Consider the following statements regarding social reforms in British India:
- Raja Ram Mohan Roy played a key role in the abolition of Sati.
- Jyotirao Phule established the Satyashodhak Samaj to uplift the oppressed castes.
- Swami Vivekananda founded the Theosophical Society.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
8. Regarding the Revolt of 1857, which of the following leaders is correctly matched with their respective region of revolt?
- Begum Hazrat Mahal – Lucknow
- Kunwar Singh – Bihar
- Bakht Khan – Delhi
- Rani Lakshmibai – Satara
Select the correct answer using the code below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2, and 3 only
c) 1, 2, 3, and 4
d) 2, 3, and 4 only
9. Who among the following was NOT associated with the Revolt of 1857?
a) Mangal Pandey
b) Tantia Tope
c) Bhagat Singh
d) Bahadur Shah Zafar
10. Which of the following acts was passed as a direct result of the Revolt of 1857?
a) Indian Councils Act, 1861
b) Government of India Act, 1858
c) Indian Arms Act, 1878
d) Vernacular Press Act, 1878
11. Arrange the following events in chronological order:
- The passing of the Widow Remarriage Act
- The Revolt of 1857
- The passing of the Sati Abolition Act
- The introduction of the Doctrine of Lapse
Select the correct order using the codes given below:
a) 3-4-1-2
b) 1-3-4-2
c) 4-1-2-3
d) 2-3-1-4
12. Arrange the following revolts in correct order of occurrence:
- Revolt of 1857
- Vellore Mutiny
- Santhal Rebellion
- Indigo Revolt
Select the correct order:
a) 2-3-1-4
b) 3-2-1-4
c) 4-3-2-1
d) 2-1-3-4
13. Match the following social reformers with their contributions:
| Reformers | Contribution |
|---|---|
| A. Raja Ram Mohan Roy | 1. Widow Remarriage Act, 1856 |
| B. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar | 2. Sati Abolition |
| C. Jyotirao Phule | 3. Education for lower castes |
| D. Swami Dayananda Saraswati | 4. Arya Samaj |
Select the correct match:
a) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
c) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
14. Arrange the following legislations in chronological order:
- Charter Act of 1833
- Government of India Act, 1858
- Indian Councils Act, 1861
- Sati Abolition Act, 1829
Choose the correct order:
a) 4-1-2-3
b) 1-4-3-2
c) 4-2-1-3
d) 1-3-2-4
15. Arrange the following battles and revolts in chronological order:
- Battle of Plassey
- Battle of Buxar
- Vellore Mutiny
- Revolt of 1857
Choose the correct order:
a) 1-2-3-4
b) 2-1-3-4
c) 3-1-2-4
d) 1-3-2-4
16. A British officer reported, “The soldiers of this region revolted fiercely under the leadership of an aged landlord. The rebellion spread rapidly in the surrounding areas, and the British faced strong resistance.”
Who among the following is being referred to?
a) Nana Saheb
b) Kunwar Singh
c) Tantia Tope
d) Bakht Khan
17. A British report from 1857 states, “The city was under the control of a female warrior who led her troops bravely. Even in the final battle, she fought dressed as a man and died fighting.”
Who is the warrior being described?
a) Begum Hazrat Mahal
b) Rani Lakshmibai
c) Jhalkari Bai
d) Uda Devi
Match the Following
18. Match the following leaders with their role in the Revolt of 1857:
| Leaders | Contribution |
|---|---|
| A. Nana Saheb | 1. Delhi |
| B. Bakht Khan | 2. Lucknow |
| C. Begum Hazrat Mahal | 3. Kanpur |
| D. Rani Lakshmibai | 4. Jhansi |
Select the correct match:
a) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
c) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
d) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
19. Match the following social reformers with their works:
| Reformers | Contributions |
|---|---|
| A. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar | 1. Widow Remarriage Act |
| B. Jyotirao Phule | 2. Education for lower castes |
| C. Swami Dayananda Saraswati | 3. Arya Samaj |
| D. Raja Ram Mohan Roy | 4. Abolition of Sati |
Select the correct match:
a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
b) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
c) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
d) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
20. Consider the following statements regarding the Revolt of 1857:
- Bahadur Shah Zafar was proclaimed the symbolic leader of the revolt.
- The British were completely defeated in Kanpur and Jhansi.
- The revolt had strong support from Indian merchants and landlords.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1 and 3 only
21. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Councils Act, 1861:
- It introduced legislative councils at the provincial level.
- It provided Indians representation in the legislative process.
- It was passed in response to the Revolt of 1857.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
22. Consider the following statements regarding the role of women in the Revolt of 1857:
- Begum Hazrat Mahal fought against the British in Lucknow.
- Jhalkari Bai acted as a decoy for Rani Lakshmibai in battle.
- Uda Devi led Dalit women warriors against the British.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
23. Identify the place associated with the following description:
“This city was the center of the revolt led by Nana Saheb. The British recaptured it in July 1857 after intense fighting.”
a) Delhi
b) Kanpur
c) Jhansi
d) Lucknow
24. Identify the location on the map where the Revolt of 1857 started.
a) Meerut
b) Delhi
c) Kanpur
d) Jhansi
25. Consider the following statements regarding the spread of the Revolt of 1857:
- The revolt started in Meerut and spread to various regions.
- Rani Lakshmibai led the rebellion in Lucknow.
- The British recaptured Delhi in September 1857.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Assertion-Reasoning Questions
26. Assertion (A): The Revolt of 1857 is considered the first war of Indian independence.
Reason (R): It led to the immediate granting of self-rule to India.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
27. Assertion (A): The British introduced the Doctrine of Lapse as a means to annex Indian princely states.
Reason (R): The doctrine stated that any princely state without a male heir would be annexed by the British.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
28. Assertion (A): The introduction of the Enfield rifle was one of the causes of the Revolt of 1857.
Reason (R): The cartridges of the Enfield rifle were rumoured to be greased with cow and pig fat, which hurt religious sentiments.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
29. Match the following leaders with the places they led the revolt in 1857:
| Leaders | Place |
|---|---|
| A. Khan Bahadur Khan | 1. Bareilly |
| B. Kunwar Singh | 2. Bihar |
| C. Ahmadullah Shah | 3. Faizabad |
| D. Bakht Khan | 4. Delhi |
Select the correct match:
a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
b) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
c) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
d) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
30. Match the following British officials with their role in suppressing the Revolt of 1857:
| British Officials | Role in Suppression |
|---|---|
| A. John Nicholson | 1. Retook Delhi |
| B. Henry Havelock | 2. Recaptured Kanpur |
| C. Colin Campbell | 3. Relieved Lucknow |
| D. Hugh Rose | 4. Defeated Rani Lakshmibai |
Select the correct match:
a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
b) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
c) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
d) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
31. Consider the following statements regarding the Revolt of 1857:
- The revolt started on 10th May 1857 in Kanpur.
- Mangal Pandey is credited with firing the first shot against the British.
- The British regained control over India completely by December 1857.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 2 and 3 only
32. Consider the following statements regarding the Government of India Act, 1858:
- It ended the rule of the British East India Company.
- It introduced the position of Secretary of State for India.
- It allowed Indians to be directly represented in the British Parliament.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
33. Which of the following statements regarding Raja Ram Mohan Roy are correct?
- He opposed the practice of Sati and helped in its abolition.
- He was the founder of the Brahmo Samaj.
- He supported the introduction of English education in India.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
34. Consider the following statements regarding the Widow Remarriage Act of 1856:
- It was introduced by Lord Dalhousie.
- Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar played a crucial role in its passage.
- The act was widely accepted by orthodox Hindu society.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
35. A British report states, “The people of this region revolted under a brave but elderly leader who fought guerrilla battles. The leader belonged to a princely family of Bihar.”
Who is being referred to?
a) Tatya Tope
b) Kunwar Singh
c) Khan Bahadur Khan
d) Maulavi Ahmadullah
36. A colonial officer in 1857 wrote: “The troops of this area fought under the leadership of a woman. The British had to use heavy artillery to suppress the uprising.”
Which city is being described?
a) Delhi
b) Kanpur
c) Jhansi
d) Bareilly
37. Arrange the following social reform movements in chronological order:
- Sati Abolition (1829)
- Widow Remarriage Act (1856)
- Formation of Brahmo Samaj (1828)
- Formation of Arya Samaj (1875)
Choose the correct order:
a) 3-1-2-4
b) 1-2-3-4
c) 1-3-2-4
d) 3-2-1-4
38. Identify the region on the map where Begum Hazrat Mahal led the Revolt of 1857.
a) Delhi
b) Lucknow
c) Kanpur
d) Gwalior
39. Identify the location where Bahadur Shah Zafar was proclaimed the symbolic leader of the Revolt of 1857.
a) Lucknow
b) Delhi
c) Kanpur
d) Bareilly
40. Which British Governor-General was responsible for implementing the Doctrine of Lapse?
a) Lord Dalhousie
b) Lord Canning
c) Lord Hastings
d) Lord Wellesley
41. Who among the following social reformers is known as the “Father of the Indian Renaissance”?
a) Swami Vivekananda
b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
d) Dayananda Saraswati
Choose the Correct/Incorrect Statements
42. Consider the following statements regarding the Aligarh Movement:
- It was started by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan to promote modern education among Muslims.
- The movement led to the establishment of the Aligarh Muslim University.
- The movement was supported by the British government.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
43. Consider the following social reformers and their contributions:
- Dayananda Saraswati – Arya Samaj
- Jyotirao Phule – Widow Remarriage Movement
- Swami Vivekananda – Ramakrishna Mission
- Raja Ram Mohan Roy – Brahmo Samaj
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 3, and 4 only
c) 2, 3, and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
44. Who among the following British officials described the Revolt of 1857 as a “Sepoy Mutiny”?
a) Lord Dalhousie
b) Lord Canning
c) John Lawrence
d) Sir John Seeley
Chronology-Based Questions
45. Arrange the following events in chronological order:
- Revolt of 1857
- Abolition of Sati
- Formation of Arya Samaj
- Establishment of the Aligarh Movement
Choose the correct order:
a) 2-1-3-4
b) 1-2-4-3
c) 3-2-1-4
d) 2-3-1-4
46. Arrange the following revolts in chronological order:
- Santhal Rebellion
- Revolt of 1857
- Indigo Revolt
- Pabna Agrarian Unrest
Choose the correct order:
a) 1-2-3-4
b) 2-1-3-4
c) 1-3-2-4
d) 3-1-2-4
Match the Following
47. Match the following social reformers with their contributions:
| Social Reformer | Contribution |
|---|---|
| A. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar | 1. Widow Remarriage Act |
| B. Jyotirao Phule | 2. Satya Shodhak Samaj |
| C. Raja Ram Mohan Roy | 3. Abolition of Sati |
| D. Swami Vivekananda | 4. Ramakrishna Mission |
Select the correct match:
a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
b) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
c) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
d) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
Case Study-Based Questions
48. A British officer wrote: “The rebels in this region were led by a man who had a personal grudge against the British for taking his ancestral property. His forces consisted of peasants and zamindars.”
Who is being referred to?
a) Nana Saheb
b) Khan Bahadur Khan
c) Kunwar Singh
d) Maulavi Ahmadullah
49. A historian describes: “This social reformer travelled extensively across India, advocating for the upliftment of lower castes and education for women. He strongly criticized Brahmanical dominance.”
Who is being described?
a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
b) Dayananda Saraswati
c) Jyotirao Phule
d) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Map-Based Questions
50. Identify the location on the map where Tatya Tope led guerrilla warfare against the British during the Revolt of 1857.
a) Gwalior
b) Jhansi
c) Lucknow
d) Kanpur
Answer Key with Explanations for all 50 MCQs on the 1857 Revolt & Social Reforms
1-10: Assertion-Reasoning Questions
1. (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
👉 Explanation: The revolt was not just a sepoy mutiny but had active participation from multiple sections of society. However, the absence of centralized leadership and regional limitations led to its failure.
2. (b) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
👉 Explanation: The Doctrine of Lapse was a key factor in the 1857 revolt as it led to the annexation of several princely states, but it was not the sole cause of the uprising.
3. (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
👉 Explanation: The widow remarriage movement faced social resistance, mainly from orthodox sections of society who viewed it as against traditional customs.
4. (d) A is false, but R is true.
👉 Explanation: Lord Dalhousie introduced the Doctrine of Lapse, and the British justified their annexations under it.
5. (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
👉 Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy played a key role in the abolition of Sati by advocating legal action against the practice.
6. (b) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
👉 Explanation: Social reforms like the abolition of Sati faced opposition from conservatives, but this opposition was not the main reason for slow implementation.
7. (b) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
👉 Explanation: The Revolt of 1857 did inspire later freedom movements, but it was not a well-organized struggle for independence.
8. (c) A is true, but R is false.
👉 Explanation: The British supported some reform measures, but their primary motive was colonial control, not genuine social upliftment.
9. (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
👉 Explanation: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar advocated for widow remarriage based on Hindu scriptures and helped pass the Widow Remarriage Act.
10. (d) A is false, but R is true.
👉 Explanation: Jyotirao Phule focused on social equality and education for women and lower castes, which was separate from the mainstream nationalist movement.
11-20: Choose the Correct/Incorrect Statements
11. (d) None of the above statements is correct.
👉 Explanation: The revolt was not well-planned, did not have a common ideology, and was not limited to only sepoys.
12. (c) 1 and 3 only
👉 Explanation: The British suppressed the revolt using reinforcements, and Nana Saheb played a key role. However, Delhi was a major centre, not Kanpur alone.
13. (a) 1 and 2 only
👉 Explanation: The Social Reform Movement was led by Indians, not the British, and it was influenced by Western ideas.
14. (b) 2 and 3 only
👉 Explanation: Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission, but the Brahmo Samaj was started by Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
15. (c) 1 and 3 only
👉 Explanation: The Sepoy Mutiny started in Meerut, but it spread across northern India.
16. (d) All the above are correct.
👉 Explanation: The 1857 revolt had strong leaders like Rani Lakshmibai, Kunwar Singh, and Nana Saheb.
17. (a) 1 and 2 only
👉 Explanation: The Indian Councils Act of 1861 introduced reforms, but the representation of Indians remained minimal.
18. (b) 1 and 3 only
👉 Explanation: The Wahhabi Movement had an anti-British stance but was not directly linked to the 1857 revolt.
19. (a) 1 and 2 only
👉 Explanation: The Ilbert Bill was introduced by Lord Ripon to grant judicial equality but faced stiff resistance.
20. (d) 1, 2, and 3
👉 Explanation: Arya Samaj, Brahmo Samaj, and Prarthana Samaj worked toward social reforms.
21-30: Chronology-Based Questions
21. (a) 1-2-3-4
👉 Explanation: The correct order is abolition of Sati (1829) → Revolt of 1857 → Formation of Arya Samaj (1875) → Aligarh Movement (1877).
22. (a) 1-2-3-4
👉 Explanation: Santhal Rebellion (1855) → Revolt of 1857 → Indigo Revolt (1860) → Pabna Unrest (1870s).
31-40: Match the Following
31. (a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
👉 Explanation: Each social reformer is correctly matched with their contribution.
41-50: Case Study & Map-Based Questions
41. (b) Khan Bahadur Khan
👉 Explanation: He was the leader of the revolt in Bareilly and had personal grievances against the British.
42. (d) 1, 2, and 3
👉 Explanation: The Aligarh Movement aimed at modern education, founded AMU, and was supported by the British.
43. (b) 1, 3, and 4 only
👉 Explanation: Jyotirao Phule did not lead the Widow Remarriage Movement; it was Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.
44. (c) John Lawrence
👉 Explanation: He called the 1857 Revolt a “Sepoy Mutiny.”
45. (a) 2-1-3-4
👉 Explanation: Sati abolished (1829) → Revolt of 1857 → Arya Samaj (1875) → Aligarh Movement (1877).
46. (a) 1-2-3-4
👉 Explanation: The correct chronological order is Santhal Rebellion (1855) → Revolt of 1857 → Indigo Revolt (1860) → Pabna Agrarian Unrest (1873).
47. (a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
👉 Explanation: All are correctly matched.
48. (c) Kunwar Singh
👉 Explanation: He led the revolt in Bihar and had grievances against British policies.
49. (c) Jyotirao Phule
👉 Explanation: He championed lower caste rights and women’s education.
50. (a) Gwalior
👉 Explanation: Tatya Tope fought guerrilla battles against the British in Gwalior.
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