Q. In the context of world history, which event is often linked to the rise of poverty in post-colonial African nations?
A.A. The Berlin Conference
B.B. The Cold War
C.C. The Scramble for Africa
D.D. The Great Depression
Solution
The Scramble for Africa led to arbitrary borders and exploitation of resources, contributing to long-term poverty in many African nations post-independence.
Q. The 'Great Awakening' in the 18th century America primarily influenced which aspect of society?
A.Political independence from Britain.
B.Religious revival and the questioning of traditional authority.
C.Economic reforms and industrialization.
D.Social stratification and class divisions.
Solution
The Great Awakening was a series of religious revivals that emphasized personal faith and challenged established religious authorities, leading to greater religious diversity.
Correct Answer: B — Religious revival and the questioning of traditional authority.
Q. The concept of 'demographic dividend' is most relevant to which of the following?
A.Aging population
B.Youthful population
C.Population decline
D.Population stagnation
Solution
A youthful population can lead to a demographic dividend, where the working-age population is larger than the non-working-age population, potentially boosting economic growth.
Q. The concept of 'Social Darwinism' in the late 19th century was used to justify:
A.Social welfare programs.
B.Imperialism and colonial expansion.
C.Labor rights movements.
D.Environmental conservation efforts.
Solution
Social Darwinism misapplied Darwin's theories of natural selection to justify imperialism, suggesting that stronger nations had the right to dominate weaker ones.
Correct Answer: B — Imperialism and colonial expansion.
Q. The Great Bengal Famine of 1943 is often cited as a consequence of which British policy? (1943)
A.A. De-industrialization
B.B. Export of food grains
C.C. Land reforms
D.D. Agricultural subsidies
Solution
The British government's decision to export food grains during World War II, despite the famine, exacerbated the situation and led to millions of deaths.
Q. The impact of the Industrial Revolution on society in 19th century Europe included:
A.Increased agrarian employment.
B.Urbanization and the rise of the working class.
C.Stagnation of technological advancements.
D.Strengthening of feudal systems.
Solution
The Industrial Revolution led to massive urbanization as people moved to cities for factory jobs, resulting in the emergence of a distinct working class.
Correct Answer: B — Urbanization and the rise of the working class.
Q. The social contract theory, as proposed by Rousseau, emphasized which of the following?
A.The divine right of kings.
B.The importance of individual freedom and collective governance.
C.The necessity of a strong authoritarian government.
D.The preservation of traditional social hierarchies.
Solution
Rousseau's social contract theory argued for the importance of individual freedom and the idea that legitimate political authority comes from the collective will of the people.
Correct Answer: B — The importance of individual freedom and collective governance.
Q. Which economic theory, developed in the 20th century, emphasizes the role of structural factors in perpetuating poverty? (1960)
A.A. Classical economics
B.B. Keynesian economics
C.C. Dependency theory
D.D. Neoclassical economics
Solution
Dependency theory argues that the economic conditions of developing countries are shaped by their historical and structural relationships with developed nations, leading to persistent poverty.
Q. Which global organization has been instrumental in shaping poverty alleviation strategies in developing countries since its inception? (1944)
A.A. United Nations
B.B. World Bank
C.C. International Monetary Fund
D.D. World Trade Organization
Solution
The World Bank has played a crucial role in providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries for poverty alleviation and economic development.
Q. Which of the following factors contributed most significantly to the rise of poverty in India during the British colonial period?
A.A. Agricultural policies
B.B. Industrialization
C.C. Education reforms
D.D. Urbanization
Solution
The British colonial policies, particularly in agriculture, led to widespread poverty due to exploitative land revenue systems and neglect of rural development.
Q. Which of the following movements aimed at alleviating poverty and improving the socio-economic conditions of the rural poor in India post-independence? (1960)
A.A. Green Revolution
B.B. Non-Aligned Movement
C.C. Quit India Movement
D.D. Civil Disobedience Movement
Solution
The Green Revolution aimed to increase agricultural productivity, which was crucial for improving the socio-economic conditions of the rural poor.
Q. Which of the following social changes was a direct result of the French Revolution?
A.Reinforcement of monarchies across Europe.
B.Establishment of a classless society.
C.Promotion of the idea of citizenship and individual rights.
D.Return to feudal systems.
Solution
The French Revolution introduced the concepts of citizenship and individual rights, challenging the traditional hierarchies and monarchies of the time.
Correct Answer: C — Promotion of the idea of citizenship and individual rights.
Q. Which of the following statements best describes the social structure of ancient Indian society during the Vedic period?
A.It was strictly hierarchical with no mobility.
B.It was fluid with significant social mobility.
C.It was based on wealth and land ownership.
D.It was egalitarian with equal rights for all.
Solution
The Vedic period saw a more fluid social structure where individuals could change their social status based on merit and achievements, unlike the later rigid caste system.
Correct Answer: B — It was fluid with significant social mobility.
Q. Which of the following was a significant outcome of the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 in relation to poverty? (1917)
A.A. Abolition of zamindari system
B.B. Improvement in the plight of indigo farmers
C.C. Establishment of cooperative societies
D.D. Introduction of land reforms
Solution
The Champaran Satyagraha led to improvements in the conditions of indigo farmers, who were suffering from exploitative practices, thus addressing some aspects of rural poverty.
Correct Answer: B — B. Improvement in the plight of indigo farmers
Q. Which of the following was a significant outcome of the social reforms initiated by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in the 19th century?
A.Establishment of the Indian National Congress.
B.Abolition of Sati.
C.Promotion of the caste system.
D.Introduction of Western education.
Solution
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was instrumental in the abolition of Sati, a practice that was widely criticized for its inhumanity and was a significant social reform of the time.
