Home Rule Movement, Annie Besant & Lucknow Pact

Q52. The Indian Home Rule League at Madras was founded by ______.

[RRB JE CBT-I, 2025 Cycle (19 February 2026, Shift 3)]

1. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
2. Mahatma Gandhi
3. Annie Besant
4. Subhas Chandra Bose

Answer: (C) Annie Besant

Explanation: Besant established her league in Madras in September 1916, using newspapers such as New India and Commonweal to develop support. Tilak’s earlier organisation worked chiefly in western and central India, making Besant’s Madras league the correct identification.

Q51. Why was the Lucknow Pact of 1916 significant?

[Delhi Police Constable Executive (31 December 2025, Shift 2)]

1. The British promised immediate self-government.
2. India received provincial autonomy.
3. The Partition of Bengal was reversed.
4. Congress and the Muslim League formally cooperated.

Answer: (D) Congress and the Muslim League formally cooperated.

Explanation: The pact marked a high point of cooperation between Congress and the Muslim League. Both organisations agreed on demands for constitutional reform. It did not immediately grant autonomy, reverse Bengal’s partition, or secure a British promise of full self-government.