Independence Day Question & Answer
1.Which one was the first major battle fought by British East India company?
Answer : Battle of Plassey
Battle of Plassey, fought in 1757, was the first major battle won by british East India company over the Nawab of Bengal. It established the company rule over Bengal, which expanded over most parts of India during the next 100 years.
2.During which movement Mahatama Gandhi gave the call for ‘Do or Die’?
Answer : Quit India Movementt
Gandhi ji called for ‘Do or Die’ during his Quit India Speech made on the eve of Quit India Movement in 1942.
3.What was the name of the magazine published by M.K. Gandhi?
Answer :Young India
Young India was the name of the weekly journal published by M.K. Gandhi. In year 1922, he was jailed under the sedition law for his articles in this journal.
4.What was the name of the mission sent by british government to India to seek cooperation during World War II?
Answer :Cripps Mission
Cripps Mission headed by Sir Stafford Cripps, was sent to India by British govt in March 1942, to make sure that India remains loyal and cooperate with British govt during the World War II.
5.East India Company started trade with India from which city?
Answer :Surat
East India Company or say Britishers started trade with India from Surat. The first british ships were docked at the port in Surat and it was established as a trade transit point in 1608.
6.Who wrote this slogan “Self-Rule is my birthright and I shall have it”?
Answer :Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Bal Gangadhar Tilak wrote this popular quote. He was the first leader of Indian Independence Movement. He was against the Gandhi’s policy of non-violence and was in favour of using force for the freedom of India.
7.Who was the founder president of ‘Ghadar Party’?
Answer :Sohan Singh Bhakna
Sohan Singh Bhakna was the founder president of the Ghadar Party. Ghadar Party was founded by Punjabi Indians living in USA and Canada with the purpose of liberating India from the British rule through revolt or rebellion.
8.Which of the following Indian freedom fighters killed a british officer in Britain?
Answer :Udham Singh
Udham Singh, a great Indian revolutionary, assassinated the former british officer Michael O’Dwyer in London. Michael O’Dwyer was the governor of Punjab and was responsible for Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
9.The picture shown below is associated with which movement or event of freedom struggle?
Answer :Dandi March
This picture is associated with Dandi March or Salt March. This movement was started by Mahatma Gandi on 12 March 1930 to break the salt tax law and illegally produce salt from sea water at Dandi. Lakhs of Indians participated in this movement and it became an important event of the struggle for independence.
10.What does the three colours of national flag represent?
Answer :Sacrifice, Peace and Prosperity
Our national flag consists of stripes of three colours – Saffron, White and Green from top to bottom. These three colours represent – Sacrifice (Saffron), Peace (White) and Prosperity (Green).
11.When did Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India?
Answer :1498
Vaso da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who discovered the sea route to India in 1498. He landed in India at Calicut on 20 May 1498.
12.Which of the following financial institution/bank was founded was Lala Lajpat Rai?
Answer : Punjab National Bank
With an aim to utilize Indian capital for the benefit of the country and to further the economic interests of the country, Lala Lajpat Rai founded the Punjab National Bank (PNB) in 1895. The bank exists even today and one of the leading nationalized banks of India.
13.Which of the following freedom fighters was sentenced to death for his involvement in Kakori Train Robbery?
Answer :Ashfaqulla Khan
On 9 August 1925, revolutionaries of Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) looted a train carrying the money of British Govt Treasury. Ashfaqulla Khan, alongwith Ram Prasad Bismil, Thakur Roshan Singh, Rajendra Nath Lahiri was given death sentence for his involvement in this robbery.
14.The rebellion of 1857 started from which city?
Answer :Meerut
The rebellion of 1857 was started on 10 May 1857 from the city of Meerut (U.P.). It started in the form of sepoy mutiny and soon spread in many parts of India.
15.Who put forward the theory of ‘Drain of Wealth’?
Answer :Dadabhai Naoroji
Dadabhai Naoroji put forward the theory of Drain of Wealth in 1867. He stated that colonial rule was draining the wealth from India to Britain which was the main reason for poverty in India. He was the first Indian to be elected as MP to United Kingdom’s House of Commons.
16.The patriotic poem ‘Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna’ was written by ?
Answer :Ram Prasad Bismil
Ram Prasad Bismil, a revolutionary and freedom figher, wrote this poem. His poems was a source of motivation for his fellow revolutionaries.
17.Who was the first Indian revolutionary to assassinate a British official in England?
Answer :Madan Lal Dhingra
Madan Lal Dhingra was the first Indian freedom figher who killed a British official Curzon Wyllie in England on 1 July 1909. He hailed from Amritsar (Punjab) and went to England for higher studies. While studying there, he came into contact with noted activists like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and was also associated with India House. Shaheed Udham Singh was another freedom figher who killed a british official in London.
18.Which of the following Pakistani citizen is awarded Bharat Ratna?
Answer :Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan was awarded Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in year 1987. He was a famous independece activist during British rule in India and was known as Sarhadi Gandhi (Frontier Gandhi). This was the first time when this award was given to a non-Indian citizen.
19.Which of the following revolutionaries threw bombs at Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi?
Answer : Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt
Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt were involved in the bombing of Central Legislative Assembly on 8 April 1929. The bombs were thrown at the empty benches to ensure that there were no casualities. The purpose of the bombing was to protest against the introduction of new bills against the trade unionism and revolutionary activities.
20.‘Tum mujhe khoon do, mein tumhe azadi doonga’ was said by which of the following persons?
Answer : Subhash Chandra Bose
This famous patriotic slogan is attributed to Subhash Chandra Bose. He used these words in his speech for the recruitment of soldiers in INA.
21.Who will raise the flag during national level Independence day function in 2017 at Red Fort?
Answer : Narendra Modi
As per custom, Prime Minister of India unfurls the flag during national level Independence day celebrations held at Red Fort. Narendra Modi, who is the current and 15th PM of India, will unfurl the national flag on the occassion of 71st Independennce Day.
22.This year (2018), who will raise the flag during national level Republic Day function in New Delhi?
Answer :Ram Nath Kovind
Ram Nath Kovind, the current and 14th President of India, will unfurl the flag during national level event held in New Delhi. India is celebrating its 69th Republic Day this year.
23.On 15 August 1947, who raised the national flag during independence day event at Red Fort?
Answer :Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India, raised the national flag at Lahore Gate of Red Fort.
24.During the British Raj, which law or section was often used against the newspapers?
Answer : Section 124 A of IPC
Section 124 A of IPC deals with the sedition or disaffection against the govt. It was introduced in 1870 by the colonial government and often used against the journalists writing against the british govt. B.G. Tilak and M.K. Gandhi were amongst the writers who were jailed under this act for their articles against the govt. Ironically, this law exists even today and often (mis)used by the govt against its opponents.
25.The ‘India Gate’ was built in the memory of which person or event?
Answer :Soldiers killed during First World War
The India Gate was built as a memorial to soldiers who were killed in the First World War during the period from 1914 to 1921. Its foundation stone was laid in 1921 and was inaugurated after ten years in 1931.
26.The splitting of Congress into two groups in the year 1907 is generally referred by which of the following names?
Answer :Surat Split
During the 1907 session of Congress held in Surat, it got divided into two groups – Extremists (led by Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai) and Moderates led by Gopal Krishna Gokhle. This is generally referred as ‘Surat Split’.
27.Who formed Indian National Army (INA)?
Answer :Mohan Singh
Captain Mohan Singh was the founder of Indian National Army. It was formed in 1942 but collapsed in the same year due to differences with Japanese officers. In 1943, Subhash Chandra Bose again formed the INA.
28.Which Indian citizen was conferred Nishan-e-Pakistan?
Answer :Morarji Desai
Morarji Desai is the only Indian citizen who received Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civilian award in Pakistan. He was a PM of India, who received this award due to his efforts to initiate peace between India and Pakistan.
29.Who wrote the poem Saare Jahan Se Achha?
Answer:Muhammad Iqbal
Famous poet Muhammad Iqbal wrote this poem and it was first published in the weekly journal Ittehad on 16 August 1904.
30.Who wrote the famous book ‘India Wins Freedom’?
Answer:Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad wrote the famous book India Wins Freedom. He was a senior leader of Congrees and independence activist. After independence, he became the first Education Minister of India.
31.What is the motto of Indian Army?
Answer : Service Before Self
The motto of India Army is Service Before Self. When the country needs them, the men of Indian army are always true to this motto.
32.When was Indian Independence Act 1947 given royal assent?
Answer : 18 July 1947
The Indian Independence Act 1947 was passed by parliament of United Kingdom and was given royal assent on 18 July 1947. According to the provisions of this act, it was announced that British India will be given independence and divided into two countries India and Pakistan.
33.Who was the most prominent leader in the formation of Pakistan?
Answer :Mohammad Ali Jinnah
Mohammad Ali Jinnah played a major role in the formation of Pakistan and is considered as its founder.
34.‘Vande Mataram’ was first sung during which session of INC?
Answer :1896
‘Vande Matarm’ was sung during the 1896 session of INC. This poem was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and was accepted as national song of India in 1950.
35.Who was the founder of Banaras Hindu University (BHU)?
Answer :Madan Mohan Malaviya
Madan Mohan Malaviya was a noted educationist and independence activist who established BHU in 1916. It is one of the largest residential universities in Asia.
36.Who established Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)?
Answer :Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan established Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875, which later became Aligarh Muslim University in 1920. He was of the view that knowledge of English and western sciences was necessary to maintain political influence of muslims in India. It is now a reputed university of the country and funded by the central government.
37.Who was Lal in ‘Lal Bal Pal’?
Answer :Lala Lajpat Rai
The word Lal Bal Pal is used for triumvirate of three prominent leaders of independence movement. Lal stands for Lala Lajpat Rai, who was a national level leader of independence movement. The other two leaders were Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal
38.In which year the First Round Table Conference was held?
Answer :1930
First Round Table Conference was opened on 12 Nov 1930 at London, to discuss the report of Simmon Commission. Many political leaders from India and representatives of princely states participated in this conference, but it was boycotted by Congress.
39.When was Quit India Movement started?
Answer :1942
Quit India Movement was started on 8 August 1942 by Mahatma Gandhi. It was a mass protest throughout the nation demanding the withdrawal of british from India. The call for ‘Do or Die’ was made during this movement.
40.The international border between India-Pakistan along Punjab is known as which line?
Answer : Radcliffe Line
Radcliffe Line is the international border between India and Pakistan, which was drawn by Sir Cyril Radcliffe during the partition of India in 1947.
41.Which of the following songs is the national anthem of India?
Answer : Jana Gana Mana
‘Jana Gana Mana’ is the national anthem of India. The song was written in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore. The song glorifies India and also praises the mentor and creator of India i.e. God.
42.In which year was New Delhi made capital of India?
Answer :13 February 1931
The capital of India was shifted from Calcutta to New Delhi in 1931. The new capital was inaugurated on 13 February 1931 by Lord Irwin, who was the Viceroy of India at that time.
43.Who killed Mahatma Gandhi and when did he killed him?
Answer :Nathuram Godse, 30 Jan 1948
Nathuram Godse shot Mahatma Gandhi on 30 Jan 1948 outside Birla House in New Delhi. Gandhi started ‘fast unto death’ to force the govt and people to protect India’s muslims after the partition of India. Godse considered this anti-national and hence planned to eliminate Gandhi.
44.When was Kartar Singh Sarabha executed?
Answer : 1915
Kartar Singh Sarabha was executed on 16 November 1915 for his role in Ghadar Conspiracy. He was a key member of Ghadar Party, an organization formed by Indians living in USA and Canada to end the british rule through armed struggle.
45.Who was the first Indian Governor-General of India?
Answer :C. Rajagopalachari
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was the first indian Governor-General of India. He held the office from 21 June 1948 to 26 January 1950. He was also the last Governor-General.
46.Which date is known as Direct Action Day in british India’s history?
Answer : 16 August 1946
16 August 1946 is known as Direct Action Day or Great Calcutta Killings. On this day, muslims gathered in Calcutta in very large numbers to raise the demand of Pakistan and started riots against Hindus. It is estimated that more than 5000 people were killed during these riots.
47.National Martyrs Memorial is situated at which place of Punjab?
Answer :Hussainiwala
National Martyrs Memorial is situated at Hussainiwala village, near Firozpur city. It marks the place where three great Indian revolutionaries Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were cremated. After partition, the cremation spot of martyrs went to Pakistan and India got this land in 1961 through exchange of some other land with Pakistan.
48.Which mughal emperor gave the rights to East India Company to built trading posts and factory at Surat?
Answer :Jahangir
When EIC entered India, Jahangir was the mughal emperor who rules major parts of Indian sub-continent. In 1912, he gave permission to built trading posts and a factory at Surat.
49.The ‘Gateway of India’ was built to commemorate which event?
Answer : Landing of King George V in India
‘Gateway of India’ is a famous monument located on waterfront in Mumbai city. The foundation stone was laid on 31 March 1915 to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary in India. The last British troops passed through the gateway while leaving the country on 28 February 1948, marking the end of British rule.
50.Shaheed Sukhdev, a prominent freedom fighter, was born in which city?
Answer : Ludhiana
Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar was born in Ludhiana city of Punjab and his house is still located in the old city area. He was a close accomplice of Bhagat Singh and was hanged to death on 23 March, 1931 along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru for his involvment in Lahore Conspiracy Case.
51.Which was the first European country to start trade with India first?
Answer :Portugal
Portugal was the first European country to establish trade relations with India. Soon after the discovery of sea route to India by portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498, Portugal established the trading centers in Bombay, Goa, Daman and Diu.
52.The word ‘socialist secular’ were added to the Preamble of the constitution by which amendment?
Answer :42nd Amendment
These words were added by the 42nd Amendment of Constituion, made in 1976 and Smt. Indira Gandhi was the PM of India at that time. According to the preamble, it is resolved to constitute India into a ‘Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic’ country. The preamble page was designed by Beohar Rammanohar Sinha, who was a renowned painter from Jabalpur.
53.When did the Jallianwala Bagh massacre occured?
Answer : 1919
Correct answer is B; the massacre of Jallianwala Bagh occured on 13 April, 1919. The british army fired at the non-violent protestors gatherd at Jallianwala Bagh (Garden) and killed more than 1000 people.
54.Which social reformer is known of his efforts for abolition of Sati?
Answer :Raja Rammohan Roy
Raja Rammohan Roy was a social reformer best known for his effors for abolishment of the practice of Sati. He founded Brahmo Sabha movement in 1828 for the purpose of social and religious reforms in the Hindu society.
56.Who is the author of the famous book ‘The Discovery of India’?
Answer :Jawaharlal Nehru
‘The Discovery of India’ was written by Jawaharlal Nehru while in jail from 1942-46 at Ahmednagar. The book is about the rich cultural heritage, its philosophy and history of India.
57.The independent legislative assemblies in all provinces of British India were established by which act?
Answer : Government of India Act 1935
Government of India Act 1935 was passed by parliament of UK. It provided the authority and rules to establish independent assemblies in all provinces. The first nationawide elections for these legislative assemblies were held in 1937.
58.‘Why Am I An Atheist’ was written by which Indian freedom fighter?
Answer :Bahadur Shah Zafar
Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last mughal emperor in India who was a king from 1837 to 1857. His rule was limited to only Delhi and he was exiled to Rangoon after the rebellion of 1857.
59.There is a blue wheel at the center of the national flag. What does it represent?
Answer :Wheel of law
The navy blue wheel at the center of the national flag, adopted on 22 July 1947, is a depiction of Buddhist Dharmachkra or ‘Wheel of Law’.
60.When was the declaration of Purna Swaraj released?
Answer :26 January 1930
The declaration of the Purna Swaraj was issued on 26 January 1930 by Indian National Congress. According to this declaration, INC resolved and asked the fellow Indians to fight for complete independence from British rule. To commemorate this day, the date of 26 January 1950 was choosen to declare India as a republic nation “Republic of India” and announce the new constitution of India.
61.When was Shaheed Bhagat Singh born?
Answer :28 September, 1907
Bhagat Singh was born on 28 September, 1907 at Banga village, tehsil Jaranwala in Lyallpur district of Punjab (now in Pakistan). His ancestral house, which is now converted into a museum, is at village Khatkar Kalan, near Banga town in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district of Punjab. Note that Bhagat Singh was neither born or lived in that ancestral house.
62.On the Republic Day, flag ceremony is held at which place?
Answer :Rajpath
The national flag is unfurled by the President from the main dais at Rajpath. The Republic Day Parade is held along the Rajpath, from India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhawan.
On the Independence Day, the Indian flag is hoisted by the PM from the historical Red Fort.
On the Independence Day, the Indian flag is hoisted by the PM from the historical Red Fort.
63.When did The Constituion of India came into effect?
Answer : 26 November 1949
The new constitution of India was adpoted on 26 November 1949 by the Constituent Assembly. It came into effect on 26 January 1950 and India officially became ‘Republic of India’ from its earlier status of ‘Dominion of India’. The date of 26th January was specifically choosen because Purna Swaraj (Total Independence) declaration was made on this day in 1930 and it was the first time when flag of Independent India was raised by Jawaharlal Nehru on the banks of river Ravi.
64.According to States Reorganization Act 1956, how many states and union territories (UTs) were created?
Answer :14 States, 5 UTs
India was divided into 14 states and 5 UTs by the States Reorganization Act 1956. Currently there are 29 states and 7 UTs in India.
65.When and who laid the foundation stone of New Delhi?
Answer :King George V, 1911
King George V announced the shifting of capital of India from Calcutta to New Delhi and laid its foundation stone during the Delhi Durbar held in December 1911. The actual construction began almost 10 years later, only after the World War I.
66.When was ‘first war of independence’ fought?
Answer:1857
The first war of independence was fought in 1857. It is also known as Indian Rebellion of 1857 or Sepoy Mutiny. As a consequence of this, the rule of East India company ended and India came directly under the British rule.
67.Which Indian city is known as City of Prime Ministers?
Answer : Allahabad
Allahabad is known as City of Prime Ministers because 7 PMs of India (Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Gulzarilal Nanda, V.P. Singh and Chandra Shekhar) have connections with this city.
68.Who was the main architect to design New Delhi?
Answer: Edwin Lutyens
Sir Edwin Lutyens was the leading architect who designed New Delhi alongwith Sir Herbert Baker. Large parts of New Delhi and many buildings like Viceroy’s House (now Rashtrapati Bhawan) were planned by Lutyen. In recognition of his work, there is an area of the city named as Lutyens’ Delhi which includes Lutyens Bunglow Zone (LBZ). India’s Prime Minister, many cabinet ministers and high level government functionaries live in these bunglows. Sobha Singh was the main contractor for the construction of the city.
69.Who was the first President of India and when did he bacame the President?
Answer :Mahatma Gandhi, 1950
Correct answer is D. On 26 January 1950, India became a republic and called as Republic of India. The office of Governor-General of India was replaced by President of India as head of the state and Sh. Rajendra Prasad became the first President.
70.Who is considered as the main architect of the constitution of India?
Answer :Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar is considered as the main architect of the constitution of India. He is also referred to as Father of Indian Constitution. He was the 1st Minister of Law and Justice and also the chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee.
71.Who designed our national flag?
Answer : Pingali Venkayya
Pingali Venkayya designed the flag for the Indian National Congress and the current national flag is based upon that design. In the initial design, there was a symbol of spinning wheel (Charkha) at the center, which was later replaced by a circle with 24 spokes on 22 July 1947 and adopted as the national flag of India.
72.On independence day, who hoist the flag at national level event?
Answer : Prime Minister
On independence day, national level event is held at Red Fort and Prime Minister hoist the national flag. During the Republic Day celebrations, flag is hoisted by the President.
73.Who was the last Viceroy of India?
Answer :Lord Mountbatten
Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India. During the british rule, Viceroy meant the head of british administration in India. After independence, the position of Viceroy was abolished.
74.During the first census held after independence, how much was the total population of the country?
Answer:36 Crore
The first census after independence was held in 1951 and total population of India was 36 Crore. According to latest census held in 2011, Indian population is almost 122 Crore which is more than 3 times the population of 1951.
75.When was Pakistan Resolution adopted by muslim league?
Answer :24 March 1940
Pakistan Resolution or Lahore Resolution was adopted by Muslim League on 24 March 1940 during its three day session at Lahore. This resolution, which demanded the creation of separate country for muslims was written by Sir Muhammad Zafarullah Khan.