40. Which was the first princely state annexed under Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse?
[MPPSC State Services 2021 Paper (19 Jun 2022)]
A. Jaitpur
B. Sambalpur
C. Jhansi
D. Satara
Answer: D. Satara
Explanation: Satara was absorbed in 1848 and is usually cited as the earliest major annexation under Dalhousie’s application of lapse. Later cases included Sambalpur, Jhansi and Nagpur, creating alarm among princely families.
39. Who introduced Panchshala Bandobast, the five-year revenue settlement?
[Kolkata Police SI and Sergeant 2021 Paper (27 Mar 2022)]
A. Lord Wellesley
B. Warren Hastings
C. Lord Cornwallis
D. William Bentinck
Answer: B. Warren Hastings
Explanation: Warren Hastings introduced an early five-year revenue farming experiment in 1772. Known as the quinquennial settlement, it auctioned revenue collection contracts but suffered from excessive bidding and exploitative demands.
38. Which British Governor-General established the Covenanted Civil Service framework?
[CSPHCL Junior Engineer Electrical (10 Jan 2022)]
A. John Shore
B. Charles Cornwallis
C. George Barlow
D. Marquess Cornwallis
Answer: B. Charles Cornwallis
Explanation: Cornwallis reorganized Company service with salaries, restrictions on private trade and stronger administrative rules. For these reforms he is often called the Father of the Civil Service in India, although the service evolved further afterward.
37. Regarding the Vernacular Press Act, consider: 1. Indian press did not protest; 2. Lytton introduced it against his Law Member’s advice. Which is correct?
[UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandants Paper I (7 Aug 2022)]
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Answer: B. 2 only
Explanation: Indian editors and political groups did protest the 1878 Act, making the first statement false. Lytton pressed ahead despite objections associated with his Law Member, supporting the second statement in the examination key.
36. Who called Lord Ripon’s rule the beginning of a golden age for India?
[HPPSC State Services GS (2022)]
A. Florence Nightingale
B. P. E. Roberts
C. Lovat Frazer
D. Eric Stokes
Answer: A. Florence Nightingale
Explanation: Florence Nightingale praised Lord Ripon’s reforms and his treatment of Indian interests. His policies on local self-government, education and press freedom made him especially popular with many contemporary Indian reformers.
35. Which Viceroy was quoted as comparing child marriage and compulsory widowhood as two related evils?
[MPSC Group B 2021 Mains ASO (31 Jul 2022)]
A. Lord Ripon
B. Lord Lytton
C. Lord Bentinck
D. Lord Dalhousie
Answer: A. Lord Ripon
Explanation: The examination attributes the observation to Lord Ripon. His reputation for reform rested especially on local self-government, education inquiries and willingness to address Indian grievances during his viceroyalty of 1880–1884.
34. Which legislation established the British Board of Control over Company civil, military and revenue affairs?
[Odisha Police SI (6 Jul 2022)]
A. Government of India Act 1858
B. Regulating Act 1773
C. Charter Act 1833
D. Pitt’s India Act 1784
Answer: D. Pitt’s India Act 1784
Explanation: Pitt’s India Act of 1784 separated commercial management by Company directors from government supervision of political affairs through a Board of Control. It increased Parliament’s influence over administration in India.
33. Who traveled to London to pursue Nana Sahib’s claim to Baji Rao II’s pension?
[UPPSC Polytechnic Lecturer Electronics (22 Mar 2022)]
A. Azimullah Khan
B. Tatya Tope
C. Omar Pasha
D. Rango Bapuji
Answer: A. Azimullah Khan
Explanation: Azimullah Khan represented Nana Sahib’s pension claim before Company authorities in Britain. The refusal to continue Baji Rao II’s pension to his adopted heir contributed to resentment against Dalhousie’s annexation-era policies.
32. Who represented the Company at the Treaty of Seringapatam with Tipu Sultan?
[Kolkata Police SI and Sergeant 2021 Paper (held 2022)]
A. Warren Hastings
B. Lord Cornwallis
C. Robert Clive
D. Lord Dalhousie
Answer: B. Lord Cornwallis
Explanation: Lord Cornwallis commanded British forces during the Third Anglo-Mysore War. The Treaty of Seringapatam in 1792 forced Tipu Sultan to cede large territories and deliver hostages as security for payment.
31. Who introduced the Doctrine of Lapse?
[SSC GD Constable (18 Nov 2021, Shift 2)]
A. Lord Ripon
B. Warren Hastings
C. Lord Canning
D. Lord Dalhousie
Answer: D. Lord Dalhousie
Explanation: Lord Dalhousie’s doctrine targeted states whose rulers died without Company-recognized heirs. Its use in annexations such as Satara and Nagpur increased distrust of British paramountcy and succession policy.
