Social Historiography of India

Description: This quiz covers various aspects of the social history of India, exploring the lives and experiences of different social groups, cultural practices, and social movements.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: social history indian history historiography
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Which social historian is known for his work on the history of the Indian peasantry?

  1. Ranajit Guha

  2. Bipan Chandra

  3. Romila Thapar

  4. Irfan Habib


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ranajit Guha is a renowned social historian who has extensively studied the history of the Indian peasantry, particularly their participation in peasant movements and struggles.

What was the primary focus of the Subaltern Studies Group, a collective of historians in India?

  1. Exploring the experiences of marginalized social groups

  2. Analyzing the role of the state in shaping society

  3. Studying the impact of colonialism on Indian society

  4. Examining the development of capitalism in India


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Subaltern Studies Group aimed to bring attention to the experiences and perspectives of marginalized social groups, such as peasants, workers, and women, who were often overlooked in traditional historical narratives.

Which social movement in India aimed to address the issue of caste discrimination and promote social equality?

  1. The Bhakti Movement

  2. The Satyashodhak Samaj

  3. The Indian National Congress

  4. The Muslim League


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Satyashodhak Samaj, founded by Jyotirao Phule, was a social movement that advocated for the eradication of caste discrimination and the upliftment of marginalized communities in India.

What was the main objective of the Indian National Congress during its early years?

  1. To achieve complete independence from British rule

  2. To promote social reforms and address social issues

  3. To establish a socialist society in India

  4. To protect the interests of the Muslim community


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In its early years, the Indian National Congress focused on promoting social reforms, such as the abolition of caste discrimination and the upliftment of women, rather than seeking complete independence from British rule.

Which social reformer and leader is known for his contributions to the women's rights movement in India?

  1. Raja Ram Mohan Roy

  2. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

  3. Jyotirao Phule

  4. B.R. Ambedkar


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a prominent social reformer who played a significant role in the women's rights movement in India, advocating for the abolition of practices like sati and promoting education for women.

What was the primary focus of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) when it was established in 1972?

  1. To promote research on ancient Indian history

  2. To document the history of the Indian freedom struggle

  3. To encourage the study of social and cultural history

  4. To preserve and restore historical monuments


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

When the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) was established in 1972, its primary focus was to promote research on social and cultural history, aiming to broaden the scope of historical studies beyond political and military events.

Which social historian is known for his work on the history of the Indian working class?

  1. Gyan Prakash

  2. Dipesh Chakrabarty

  3. Partha Chatterjee

  4. Sumit Sarkar


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Sumit Sarkar is a prominent social historian who has extensively studied the history of the Indian working class, particularly their struggles and experiences in the context of industrialization and urbanization.

What was the main objective of the Indian Renaissance, a cultural and social reform movement in the 19th century?

  1. To revive ancient Indian traditions and values

  2. To promote Western education and ideas

  3. To establish a socialist society in India

  4. To unite different religious communities


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Indian Renaissance aimed to promote Western education and ideas, particularly those related to science, reason, and individual liberty, in order to modernize Indian society and challenge traditional beliefs and practices.

Which social movement in India aimed to address the issue of untouchability and promote the rights of Dalits?

  1. The Bhakti Movement

  2. The Satyashodhak Samaj

  3. The Indian National Congress

  4. The Dalit Panthers


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Dalit Panthers was a social movement founded in the 1970s that aimed to address the issue of untouchability and promote the rights of Dalits, challenging the caste system and advocating for social justice.

What was the primary focus of the Indian History Congress (IHC) when it was established in 1935?

  1. To promote research on ancient Indian history

  2. To document the history of the Indian freedom struggle

  3. To encourage the study of social and cultural history

  4. To preserve and restore historical monuments


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

When the Indian History Congress (IHC) was established in 1935, its primary focus was to promote research on ancient Indian history, particularly the study of ancient texts, inscriptions, and archaeological findings.

Which social historian is known for his work on the history of the Indian middle class?

  1. Gyan Prakash

  2. Dipesh Chakrabarty

  3. Partha Chatterjee

  4. Sumit Sarkar


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Gyan Prakash is a prominent social historian who has extensively studied the history of the Indian middle class, examining their role in social and political movements, as well as their cultural and economic experiences.

What was the main objective of the Indian Social Reform Association (ISRA), founded in 1867?

  1. To promote social reforms and address social issues

  2. To establish a socialist society in India

  3. To protect the interests of the Muslim community

  4. To unite different religious communities


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Indian Social Reform Association (ISRA) was founded in 1867 with the aim of promoting social reforms and addressing social issues, such as the abolition of child marriage, the upliftment of women, and the eradication of caste discrimination.

Which social movement in India aimed to promote the rights of women and address issues such as gender discrimination and violence?

  1. The Bhakti Movement

  2. The Satyashodhak Samaj

  3. The Indian National Congress

  4. The All India Women's Conference


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The All India Women's Conference was a social movement founded in 1927 that aimed to promote the rights of women and address issues such as gender discrimination, violence against women, and the lack of educational and employment opportunities for women.

What was the primary focus of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) when it was established in 1969?

  1. To promote research on ancient Indian history

  2. To document the history of the Indian freedom struggle

  3. To encourage the study of social and cultural history

  4. To promote research in the social sciences


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

When the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) was established in 1969, its primary focus was to promote research in the social sciences, including sociology, economics, political science, and psychology, with the aim of advancing knowledge and understanding of social phenomena.

Which social historian is known for his work on the history of the Indian environmental movement?

  1. Gyan Prakash

  2. Dipesh Chakrabarty

  3. Ramachandra Guha

  4. Sumit Sarkar


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Ramachandra Guha is a prominent social historian who has extensively studied the history of the Indian environmental movement, examining the role of activists, social movements, and government policies in shaping environmental consciousness and conservation efforts.

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