Static Quiz 28 November 2025 (Modern History)

Q1. Consider the following statements:

1. The Revolt began as a sepoy mutiny on 10 May 1857 at Meerut.
2. The immediate cause was the introduction of Enfield rifle whose cartridges were rumoured to be greased with cow and pig fat.
3. Mangal Pandey had attacked British officers at Barrackpore in March 1857 even before the Meerut outbreak.

How many of the above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer: (c) All three

Explanation:

• 1 – Correct
  • Mutiny at Meerut (10 May 1857) triggered widespread uprising.
• 2 – Correct
  • Greased cartridges → religious offence to both Hindus (cow) and Muslims (pig).
  • Immediate spark across cantonments.
• 3 – Correct
  • Mangal Pandey incident: 29 March 1857 (Barrackpore).
  • Preceded Meerut uprising; considered an early warning signal.

Sequence: Barrackpore → Meerut → Delhi.

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Q2. Consider the following pairs (Centre – Leader):

1. Delhi – Bahadur Shah II
2. Lucknow – Begum Hazrat Mahal
3. Kanpur – Tantia Tope

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All three

Correct Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• 1 – Correct
  • Bahadur Shah II became symbolic head of the revolt after Delhi was captured by rebels.
• 2 – Correct
  • Lucknow: Begum Hazrat Mahal led resistance after Wajid Ali Shah’s deposition.
• 3 – Incorrect
  • Kanpur leader: Nana Saheb.
  • Tantia Tope was his general and military commander.

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Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. Rani Lakshmibai died fighting at Gwalior in June 1858.
2. Kunwar Singh was an 80-year-old Rajput zamindar from Jagdispur (Bihar) who defeated British forces near Arrah.
3. The revolt remained confined only to northern and central India.

How many are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer: (b) Only two

Explanation:

• 1 – Correct
  • Rani Lakshmibai died during the Battle of Gwalior (June 1858).
• 2 – Correct
  • Kunwar Singh (around 80) led revolt in Bihar, notable victory at Arrah (July 1857).
• 3 – Incorrect
  • Revolt was concentrated in North India, but sparked activity beyond:
    • Central India: Jhansi, Gwalior
    • South-west: Kolhapur, Nargund
    • Eastern India: Jagdispur
  • Thus not strictly confined.

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Q4. Which of the following British historians called the Revolt of 1857 a “Sepoy Mutiny” and not a national revolt?

1. John Seeley
2. Benjamin Disraeli
3. T.R. Holmes

How many are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 1 and 3
(d) All three

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation:

• John Seeley – Correct
  • In The Expansion of England, described 1857 as a purely military mutiny.
• Benjamin Disraeli – Incorrect
  • As Opposition leader, he termed it a “national revolt” in Parliament.
• T.R. Holmes – Incorrect
  • Acknowledged deeper causes, not strictly “sepoy mutiny” school.

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Q5. Consider the following statements:

1. The revolt was completely unplanned and spontaneous.
2. It lacked unified leadership and a common programme.
3. Modern educated Indians and most princely states remained aloof or supported the British.

How many are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All three

Correct Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• 1 – Incorrect
  • There were local signals & coordination mechanisms, e.g., chapati movement, lotus distribution.
  • However, no centralised all-India planning.
• 2 – Correct
  • Leadership was fragmented: diverse local leaders without unified strategy.
• 3 – Correct
  • Modern educated middle class + many princely states (Hyderabad, Kashmir, Patiala, Gwalior earlier stages) supported the British or stayed neutral.
  • One major cause of failure.

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