Modern Indian History: Colonial Economic & Land Policies PYQ.
UPSC Prelims previous year questions on Colonial Economic & Land Policies (Modern Indian History) — real questions with answers and explanations.
3 questions · sorted by year
2026Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQColonial Economic & Land Policies
The artificially fixed rupee-sterling exchange rate prescribed by the Hilton-Young Commission (1926) was adopted by the British Government for which one of the following reasons?
A.Aiding the flow of remittances from India and maintaining India's creditworthiness
B.Providing support to Indian importers
C.Encouraging export of cotton produce from India
D.Preventing depreciation of the Rupee in terms of gold
Explanation: * Aiding Remittances and Creditworthiness: The Hilton-Young Commission recommended fixing the rupee-sterling exchange rate at 1 shilling and 6 pence, a policy adopted to serve imperial financial interests. The primary objective was to facilitate the uninterrupted transfer of Home Charges (pensions, administrative expenditures, interest payments) from India to Britain. * By maintaining a stable and relatively high exchange rate, the colonial administration ensured that remittances to Britain could be made smoothly while preserving India's standing and creditworthiness in London's financial markets.
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📌 1. The Simon Commissions InceptionRelevance 55%
2026Multi-statement (Traditional Style)Colonial Economic & Land Policies
Consider the following statements regarding the British policy in Awadh immediately after its annexation in 1856:
1. The taluqdars were dispossessed of their estates but allowed to retain their arms and forts.
2. A Summary Revenue Settlement was made in 1856 assuming that the taluqdars were outsiders.
3. The British believed in taking revenue directly from the peasants by removing the taluqdars.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.2 and 3 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.1, 2 and 3
D.2 only
Explanation: * Statement 1 is incorrect: In 1856, Awadh was annexed under Lord Dalhousie. Immediately after the annexation, the taluqdars were completely disarmed and their forts were destroyed. * Statement 2 is correct: The Summary Settlement of 1856 was based on the assumption that the taluqdars were interlopers with no permanent stakes in the land, who had established their hold through force and fraud. * Statement 3 is correct: British land revenue officers believed that by removing taluqdars, they would reduce the level of exploitation of peasants while increasing revenue returns for the state.
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2024Multi-statement (Traditional Style)Colonial Economic & Land Policies
With reference to revenue collection by Cornwallis, consider the following statements:
1. Under the Ryotwari Settlement of revenue collection, the peasants were exempted from revenue payment in case of bad harvests or natural calamities.
2. Under the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, if the Zamindar failed to pay his revenues to the state, on or before the fixed date, he would be removed from his Zamindari.
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
Explanation: * Statement 1 is incorrect: Under the Ryotwari system, individual ryots were directly liable to pay revenue assessments to the state. However, there was no baseline provision for revenue remission or exemptions during crop failure; cultivators were harshly forced to pay even during severe droughts or famines. * Statement 2 is correct: The Permanent Settlement rules of 1793 included the strict "Sunset Law". If a Zamindar failed to remit the state's fixed revenue share to the treasury on or before sunset of the specified date, their land rights were stripped and auctioned off by the administration.
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