Social and Religious Reform Movements – NDA History PYQs

NDA 2025-II

Q. 1. Who among the following founded the ‘Self-Respect Movement’?

(a) Jyotiba Phule

(b) Swami Vivekananda

(c) E. V. Ramaswami Naicker

(d) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Answer: (c) E. V. Ramaswami Naicker

Explanation: E. V. Ramaswami Naicker, known as Periyar, founded this movement. It challenged caste hierarchy and promoted rationalist self-respect. Phule, Vivekananda, and Ambedkar led separate, distinct movements. So option (c) E. V. Ramaswami Naicker is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Founder of the Self-Respect Movement

NDA 2025-II

Q. 2. Which one of the following statements about Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar is NOT correct?

(a) He was the Principal of Sanskrit College, Calcutta

(b) He was a Government Inspector of Schools

(c) He was a Secretary to the Bethune School

(d) He was the founder of Widow Remarriage Association

Answer: (d) He was the founder of Widow Remarriage Association

Explanation: Vishnu Shastri Pundit, not Vidyasagar, founded the Widow Remarriage Association. So statement (d) wrongly credits this founding to Vidyasagar. Vidyasagar genuinely served as Principal of Sanskrit College, Calcutta. He also worked as a Government Inspector of Schools. He served as Secretary to the Bethune School as well. These other statements about him are accurate. Concept Tested: Vidyasagar’s real roles versus the Widow Remarriage Association’s founder

NDA 2025-II

Q. 3. Match List I (Reformer) with List II (Social Work/Text):

List I	List II
A. Vishnu Shastri Pundit	1. Vedic Physics: Scientific Origin of Hinduism
B. Karsondas Mulji	2. Widow Remarriage Association
C. Debendranath Tagore	3. Satya Prakash
D. Raja Ram Mohan Roy	4. Tattvabodhini Sabha

Code:

(a) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2

(b) A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2

(c) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

(d) A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1

Answer: (c) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

Explanation: Vishnu Shastri Pundit founded the Widow Remarriage Association. Karsondas Mulji edited the Gujarati reform paper Satya Prakash. Debendranath Tagore founded the Tattvabodhini Sabha. Raja Ram Mohan Roy is linked to Vedic Physics: Scientific Origin of Hinduism. This matches the code A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1. So option (c) correctly matches every reformer and work. Concept Tested: Reformers matched to their specific organisations and writings

NDA 2024-I

Q. 4. Consider the following Women’s Associations and their important associates in early twentieth century India:

1. Women’s Indian Association of 1917 – Margaret Cousins

2. National Council of Women in India of 1925 – Sarala Devi Chaudhurani

3. Bharat Stree Mahamandal of 1910 – Lady Meherbai Tata

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1 only

Answer: (d) 1 only

Explanation: Margaret Cousins did help found the Women’s Indian Association in 1917. So pair 1 is correctly matched here. Sarala Devi Chaudhurani actually founded the Bharat Stree Mahamandal. Lady Meherbai Tata was instead linked to the National Council of Women. So pairs 2 and 3 have their associates swapped with each other. Only pair 1 is correctly matched among the three. Concept Tested: Correct founder-organisation pairs among early women’s associations

★ JOVIK Exam Insight: NDA sometimes swaps two real associates between two real organisations. Sarala Devi Chaudhurani founded Bharat Stree Mahamandal, not the NCWI.

NDA 2022-I

Q. 5. The real beginning of western education in India can be dated from

(a) the Charter Act of 1813

(b) the Charter Act of 1793

(c) the Sarda Act of 1929

(d) the Macaulay’s Minute on Indian Education, 1835

Answer: (d) the Macaulay’s Minute on Indian Education, 1835

Explanation: Macaulay’s Minute set a clear policy favouring English-medium education. This 1835 decision marked a decisive shift toward Western learning. The Charter Acts and the later Sarda Act addressed separate matters. So option (d) is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Policy marking the real start of Western education in India

NDA 2022-I

Q. 6. The Mahad Satyagraha of 1927 was organized by

(a) B. R. Ambedkar

(b) Mahatma Gandhi

(c) S. C. Bose

(d) Lokmanya Tilak

Answer: (a) B. R. Ambedkar

Explanation: B. R. Ambedkar organised the Mahad Satyagraha in 1927. It asserted Dalit rights to use a public water tank. Gandhi, Bose, and Tilak led separate movements during this period. So option (a) B. R. Ambedkar is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Organiser of the Mahad Satyagraha

NDA 2022-I

Q. 7. The Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-Seeking Society) was set up by

(a) Vinoba Bhave

(b) Jyotiba Phule

(c) B. R. Ambedkar

(d) C. Rajagopalachari

Answer: (b) Jyotiba Phule

Explanation: Jyotiba Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj to challenge caste dominance. It promoted rational, truth-based thinking among the lower castes. Vinoba Bhave, Ambedkar, and Rajagopalachari led separate movements. So option (b) Jyotiba Phule is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Founder of the Satyashodhak Samaj

NDA 2021-II

Q. 8. Which one of the following statements about Tattvabodhini Patrika is correct?

(a) It promoted a systematic study of India’s past in the Bengali language.

(b) It promoted a systematic study of India’s past through Sanskrit sources.

(c) It promoted a systematic study of India’s past through Persian sources.

(d) It promoted a systematic study of India’s past through Western sources.

Answer: (a) It promoted a systematic study of India’s past in the Bengali language.

Explanation: Tattvabodhini Patrika published its historical studies in Bengali. This vernacular approach reached a wide Bengali reading public. It was not centred specifically on Sanskrit, Persian, or Western sources alone. So option (a) is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Language and approach of the Tattvabodhini Patrika

NDA 2021-II

Q. 9. The founders of the Paramhansa Mandali founded in Maharashtra believed in which one of the following?

(a) Social distancing along caste lines

(b) Glorification of caste system

(c) Forbidding widow remarriage

(d) One God and in breaking caste rules

Answer: (d) One God and in breaking caste rules

Explanation: Paramhansa Mandali members believed in worship of one single God. They also deliberately broke caste-based dining and social rules. The other options directly contradict this reformist, anti-caste stance. So option (d) is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Core beliefs of the Paramhansa Mandali

NDA 2021-I

Q. 10. Swami Dayanand Saraswati

1. was opposed to the worship of idols of Gods and Goddesses.

2. regarded the Vedas as infallible.

3. had met and had discussions with Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 2 only

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: Dayanand did oppose idol worship as a core belief. He regarded the Vedas as an infallible source of truth. He did meet and exchange views with Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. All three statements about him are correct together. Concept Tested: Core beliefs and contacts of Swami Dayanand Saraswati

NDA 2021-I

Q. 11. Consider the following statements:

1. Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College was founded at Aligarh by Sayyid Ahmad Khan.

2. Sayyid Ahmad Khan was a great believer in religious toleration, and Hindus, Parsis and Christians had contributed to the funds of his college.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation: Sayyid Ahmad Khan did found the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College. It grew into a leading centre for modern education at Aligarh. He genuinely sought support from across different religious communities. Hindus, Parsis, and Christians did contribute funds to this college. Both statements together are accurate here. Concept Tested: Sayyid Ahmad Khan’s college and its broad-based support

NDA 2019-II

Q. 12. Consider the following statements related to Dayanand’s idea of social reform:

1. Dayanand’s reform envisaged a social order, where different castes performed functions suitable to their status determined by merit.

2. Dayanand’s ‘robust Vedic counterpart’ challenged the masculine West that had enslaved the Aryavarta.

Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation: Dayanand did envision caste roles based on merit, not just birth. He also framed a strong Vedic Hindu identity against Western rule. Both statements together correctly describe his reform vision. Concept Tested: Dayanand Saraswati’s vision of caste and Vedic identity

NDA 2018-II

Q. 13. The Theosophical Society was led by

(a) A.O. Hume

(b) Arthur Griffith

(c) Annie Besant

(d) Lord Dufferin

Answer: (c) Annie Besant

Explanation: Annie Besant led the Theosophical Society for many years. She expanded its influence and activities in India. Hume, Griffith, and Dufferin are linked to entirely separate roles. So option (c) Annie Besant is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Leader of the Theosophical Society

NDA 2018-I

Q. 14. Who among the following social reformer started a society for the encouragement of widow remarriage in 1866 in Maharashtra?

(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

(b) Jyotirao Phule

(c) Vishnushastri Pandit

(d) Pandita Ramabai

Answer: (c) Vishnushastri Pandit

Explanation: Vishnushastri Pandit started this widow remarriage society in 1866. It worked to encourage and support remarriage for Hindu widows. Tilak, Phule, and Ramabai pursued separate reform paths in this period. So option (c) Vishnushastri Pandit is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Founder of the 1866 Maharashtra widow remarriage society

NDA 2017-II

Q. 15. Who among the following was the founder of the Young Bengal Movement?

(a) Henry Vivian Derozio

(b) David Hare

(c) Dwarkanath Tagore

(d) Prasanna Kumar Tagore

Answer: (a) Henry Vivian Derozio

Explanation: Henry Vivian Derozio inspired the Young Bengal Movement. His radical, rationalist teaching shaped a generation of students. David Hare and the Tagores played separate roles in Bengal’s reform era. So option (a) Henry Vivian Derozio is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Founder-inspirer of the Young Bengal Movement

NDA 2017-I

Q. 16. Which one of the following is a feature of thought and philosophy of the Kandukuri Viresalingam?

(a) He believed that science and morality were unconnected to truth

(b) He believed in universal education

(c) He believed that language had no role in inculcating morality in students

(d) He did not attempt to build a national consciousness on a cultural base

Answer: (b) He believed in universal education

Explanation: Viresalingam strongly championed education for all, including women. He saw universal education as key to social reform in Andhra. The other options misrepresent his actual views on science and language. So option (b) is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Core belief of Kandukuri Viresalingam’s reform philosophy

NDA 2016-II

Q. 17. Which one of the following organizations was started by Jyotirao Phule in 1873?

(a) Prarthana Samaj

(b) Bahujan Samaj

(c) Justice Party

(d) Satyashodhak Samaj

Answer: (d) Satyashodhak Samaj

Explanation: Jyotirao Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873. It promoted truth-seeking and opposed Brahminical dominance. Prarthana Samaj, Bahujan Samaj, and the Justice Party arose separately. So option (d) Satyashodhak Samaj is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Organisation founded by Jyotirao Phule in 1873

NDA 2016-I

Q. 18. Consider the following statements:

1. Warren Hastings set up the Calcutta Madrassa for the study and teaching of Muslim law related subjects.

2. Jonathan Duncan started a Sanskrit College at Varanasi for the study of Hindu law and philosophy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation: Warren Hastings did establish the Calcutta Madrassa in 1781. It focused on Muslim law and related religious subjects. Jonathan Duncan did found the Sanskrit College at Varanasi in 1791. It centred on Hindu law and philosophy. Both statements together are accurate here. Concept Tested: Early colonial institutions for Islamic and Hindu learning

NDA 2016-I

Q. 19. Which of the following statements about Brahmo Samaj is/are correct?

1. The Brahmo Marriage Act of 1872 allowed inter-caste and widow re-marriage only if the contracting parties declared themselves to be non-Hindus.

2. Keshub Chandra Sen arranged the marriage of his minor daughter with the Maharaja of Burdwan.

3. Keshub Chandra Sen’s followers broke away to form the Naba Brahmo Samaj.

4. The Brahmo Samaj grew from a small elite group to a mass movement in the 19th century.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation: The Brahmo Marriage Act did require this non-Hindu declaration. So statement 1 correctly describes this legal condition. Sen actually married his daughter to the Maharaja of Cooch Behar. So statement 2 wrongly names Burdwan instead of Cooch Behar. The breakaway group was actually called the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj. So statement 3 wrongly names it the Naba Brahmo Samaj. The Brahmo Samaj stayed a limited, largely elite movement, not a mass one. So statement 4 overstates its actual social reach. Only statement 1 is correct among the four. Concept Tested: Precise facts around the Brahmo Marriage Act and Sen’s controversy

★ JOVIK Exam Insight: NDA often swaps a real detail (Cooch Behar, Sadharan Brahmo Samaj) for a similar-sounding but wrong one (Burdwan, Naba Brahmo Samaj). Check names carefully.

NDA 2015-II

Q. 20. Which of the following statements about hill stations of colonial India is/are correct?

1. The architecture of hill stations sought to recreate the European style

2. Hill stations were developed as sanitariums where soldiers were treated for illness

3. Shimla became the official residence of the Commander in Chief of the Indian Army

4. In 1864, Shimla had to be evacuated because of a Typhoid epidemic

(a) 1 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: Hill station architecture did aim to recreate a European atmosphere. These stations did serve as sanitariums for treating ill soldiers. Shimla did become the Commander in Chief’s official residence. The specific 1864 typhoid evacuation claim is not reliably documented. So statements 1, 2, and 3 together are the well-supported answer. Concept Tested: Development and role of colonial hill stations

NDA 2015-II

Q. 21. Who among the following founded the Rajahmundri Social Reform Association in 1878 in support of widow remarriage?

(a) Vishanshastri Pandit

(b) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

(c) Pandita Ramabai

(d) Veeresalingam Pantulu

Answer: (d) Veeresalingam Pantulu

Explanation: Veeresalingam Pantulu founded this association in Andhra in 1878. It actively supported the cause of widow remarriage in the region. The other reformers listed worked in separate regions and contexts. So option (d) Veeresalingam Pantulu is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Founder of the Rajahmundri Social Reform Association

NDA 2015-II

Q. 22. The 19th Century Faraizi Movement in eastern Bengal developed under the leadership of:

(a) Titu Rai

(b) Haji Shariatullah

(c) Shah Sayyid Ahmad

(d) Dudu Miyan

Answer: (b) Haji Shariatullah

Explanation: Haji Shariatullah founded and led the Faraizi Movement in Bengal. It called for religious reform among the Muslim peasantry there. Titu Rai, Shah Sayyid Ahmad, and Dudu Miyan led related but separate efforts. So option (b) Haji Shariatullah is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Founder-leader of the Faraizi Movement

NDA 2014-I

Q. 23. E. V. Ramaswami Naicker was associated with

1. reforming Brahminism

2. the Self-Respect Movement

3. the Low Caste Movement

4. the Communist Movement

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 4 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only

Explanation: E. V. Ramaswami Naicker founded the Self-Respect Movement. He also championed the cause of India’s lower-caste communities. He opposed Brahminical dominance rather than seeking to reform it. His link to the organised Communist movement was not his main identity. So statements 2 and 3 alone correctly describe his core associations. Concept Tested: Movements genuinely associated with E. V. Ramaswami Naicker

NDA 2014-I

Q. 24. Which of the following books was written by B. R. Ambedkar?

(a) The Discovery of India

(b) My Life

(c) Buddha or Karl Marx

(d) Hind Swaraj

Answer: (c) Buddha or Karl Marx

Explanation: Ambedkar wrote Buddha or Karl Marx, comparing the two worldviews. The Discovery of India and Hind Swaraj belong to other leaders entirely. So option (c) Buddha or Karl Marx is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Book authored by B. R. Ambedkar

NDA 2013-I

Q. 25. Statement I: Intellectual criteria which informed the reform movements were rationalism and religious universalism.

Statement II: Social relevance was not judged by a rationalist critique.

(a) Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I

(b) Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I

(c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false

(d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Answer: (c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false

Explanation: Rationalism and religious universalism did shape these reform movements. So Statement I correctly names these guiding intellectual criteria. Reformers actually did use rational critique to judge social relevance. So Statement II wrongly denies this rationalist evaluation of customs. Statement I is true, but Statement II is false. Concept Tested: Intellectual basis of nineteenth-century reform movements

NDA 2013-I

Q. 26. Consider the following statements about Periyar E. V. Ramaswamy:

1. He was a politician, social activist and an important figure in the Dravidian movement in South India.

2. He championed the cause of caste upliftment, nationalism and the rights of women.

3. He was contemporary of the Maharashtran anti-caste reformer, Jyotiba Phule.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 1 and 2

Answer: (d) 1 and 2

Explanation: Periyar was indeed a leading figure in the Dravidian movement. He did champion caste upliftment and women’s rights causes. Phule died in 1890, while Periyar’s activism began decades later. So statement 3 wrongly places them as true contemporaries. Only statements 1 and 2 are correct among the three. Concept Tested: Periyar’s career and its actual timeline relative to Phule

NDA 2013-I

Q. 27. Consider the following statements about the Indo-Saracenic architecture:

1. It combined the Indian with the European style of architecture in the beginning of the 20th century.

2. The Gateway of India in Mumbai is the most famous example of this style.

3. There are many famous examples of this style in the colonial cities of Bombay (Mumbai) and Madras (Chennai).

4. It takes its imputation from ancient Greece.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: Indo-Saracenic style did blend Indian and European elements. The Gateway of India stands as a famous example of this blend. Bombay and Madras both host many notable Indo-Saracenic buildings. The style actually draws on Indian and Islamic forms, not ancient Greece. So statement 4 wrongly credits it to Greek influence. Statements 1, 2, and 3 together are accurate here. Concept Tested: Origins and examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture

NDA 2012-II

Q. 28. The Jury Act of 1827 was opposed by many Indians. One of the grounds for opposing it was that it denied both to the Hindus and Mohammedans the honor of a seat on the Grand Jury. Which among the following was known for his opposition to the Jury Act?

(a) Gopal Krishna Gokhale

(b) Lord Sinha

(c) Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

(d) Raja Rammohan Roy

Answer: (d) Raja Rammohan Roy

Explanation: Rammohan Roy petitioned against the discriminatory Jury Act of 1827. He objected to Indians being barred from the Grand Jury seat. Gokhale, Lord Sinha, and Syed Ahmed Khan were active in later periods. So option (d) Raja Rammohan Roy is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Opponent of the discriminatory Jury Act of 1827

NDA 2012-I

Q. 29. William Bentinck attempted to reform Hindu society by suppressing/abolishing social evils. Which one among the following was not included in them?

(a) Sati

(b) Infanticide

(c) Thugi

(d) Slavery

Answer: (d) Slavery

Explanation: Bentinck’s reforms did target Sati, infanticide, and Thuggee directly. Slavery was formally abolished later, under Lord Ellenborough in 1843. So option (d) Slavery was not one of Bentinck’s own reforms. Concept Tested: Social evils actually targeted by Bentinck’s reforms

NDA 2012-I

Q. 30. Which one among the following was a newspaper founded and edited by Raja Rammohan Roy?

(a) The Calcutta Gazette

(b) Mirat-ul Akhbar

(c) Harijan

(d) The Bharat Mihir

Answer: (b) Mirat-ul Akhbar

Explanation: Rammohan Roy founded and edited the Persian paper Mirat-ul Akhbar. Harijan and the other papers listed belong to different eras and editors. So option (b) Mirat-ul Akhbar is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Newspaper founded by Raja Rammohan Roy

NDA 2011-I

Q. 31. Consider the following statements:

1. Charles Wood’s Despatch of 1854 laid exclusive emphasis on the development of higher education in India and neglected primary and secondary education.

2. The Carlyle Circular issued by R.W. Carlyle sought to check the spread of revolutionary activities in educational institutions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation: Wood’s Despatch actually proposed a graded system across all levels. It covered primary, secondary, and higher education together. So statement 1 wrongly claims it neglected primary and secondary levels. The Carlyle Circular did target unrest in educational institutions. It aimed to curb revolutionary activity during the Swadeshi period. So statement 2 correctly describes this circular’s purpose. Only statement 2 is correct among the two. Concept Tested: Actual scope of Wood’s Despatch across education levels

★ JOVIK Exam Insight: NDA often claims Wood’s Despatch ignored primary education, but it was actually a comprehensive plan spanning primary to university level.

NDA 2010-II

Q. 32. Which among the following statements with regard to Raja Rammohan Roy are correct?

1. He started the Atmiya Sabha

2. He wrote the Gift of Monotheist

3. He published the Precepts of Jesus

4. He founded the Brahmo Sabha

(a) 2, 3 and 4 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation: Rammohan Roy founded the Atmiya Sabha for religious discussion. He wrote Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhidin, known as the Gift of Monotheist. He published the Precepts of Jesus, focusing on Christ’s ethics. He later founded the Brahmo Sabha as well. All four statements about him are correct together. Concept Tested: Rammohan Roy’s early reformist activities and writings

NDA 2009-I

Q. 33. Sati was declared illegal and punishable by the Regulation XVII during the Governor Generalship of

(a) Lord William Bentinck

(b) Lord Canning

(c) Lord Ripon

(d) Lord Dalhousie

Answer: (a) Lord William Bentinck

Explanation: Lord William Bentinck enacted Regulation XVII against Sati in 1829. It declared Sati illegal and treated abettors as culpable homicide. Canning, Ripon, and Dalhousie served in later or unrelated capacities. So option (a) Lord William Bentinck is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Governor General who banned Sati by Regulation XVII

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