UPSC Civil Services

This question asks about the specific year in which the Battle of Plassey, a pivotal event in British colonial history in India, took place.

The Battle of Plassey was fought in 1757 between the British East India Company forces under Robert Clive and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daulah. This battle marked a turning point in Indian history as it established British dominance in Bengal and laid the foundation for British colonial rule across India. The year 1757 is a crucial date in Indian history, making option (B) the correct answer.

The Battle of Plassey was fought in 1757.

The Shikhara (from Sanskrit 'shikara' meaning peak) is the characteristic pointed tower of North Indian temples that symbolizes Mount Meru and the spiritual ascent.

This architectural element became increasingly elaborate during the medieval period, particularly in temples built by the Chandela, Pala, and later dynasties, serving both aesthetic and religious purposes.

The Chola Empire (9th-13th century) established extensive maritime trade networks with Java and Sumatra, creating a naval empire that controlled trade routes in the Indian Ocean.

Archaeological evidence and contemporary accounts confirm Chola settlements and cultural influence in these regions, particularly during the reigns of Rajendra Chola I.

The Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) was established in 1924 and became a prominent revolutionary organization under the leadership of Chandrasekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, and others.

The HSRA combined nationalist ideology with socialist principles and conducted several armed operations against British targets.

The organization represented a significant phase of armed resistance during the independence struggle.

Lord Lytton introduced the Vernacular Press Act in 1878 to control Indian language newspapers and restrict anti-British reporting.

This act became highly controversial and was seen as a direct attack on freedom of the press, becoming a catalyst for nationalist sentiments.

The act was later repealed by Lord Ripon in 1882.