UPSC Prelims 2004 Q121: Modern History – British Administration & Economic Policies
Consider the following Viceroys of India during the British rule:
1. Lord Curzon
2. Lord Chelmsford
3. Lord Hardinge
4. Lord Irwin
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of their tenure?
- (a) 1 ‑ 3 ‑ 2 ‑ 4
- (b) 2 ‑ 4 ‑ 1 ‑ 3
- (c) 1 ‑ 4 ‑ 2 ‑ 3
- (d) 2 ‑ 3 ‑ 1 ‑ 4
Answer: (a) 1 ‑ 3 ‑ 2 ‑ 4
Explanation
Chronology of the Viceroys
| Viceroy | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Lord Curzon | 1899-1905 |
| Lord Hardinge | 1910-1916 |
| Lord Chelmsford | 1916-1921 |
| Lord Irwin | 1926-1931 |
The correct order is Curzon - Hardinge - Chelmsford - Irwin: Curzon served from 1899 to 1905, Hardinge from 1910 to 1916, Chelmsford from 1916 to 1921 and Irwin from 1926 to 1931.
Answer: (a) 1 - 3 - 2 - 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Curzon, Hardinge, Chelmsford, Irwin.
- (b) Incorrect. Chelmsford came after Curzon and Hardinge.
- (c) Incorrect. Irwin came after Chelmsford.
- (d) Incorrect. Chelmsford came after Hardinge and Curzon.
Key point
Viceroys: Curzon, Minto II, Hardinge, Chelmsford, Reading, Irwin, Willingdon.
Remember
Lord Hardinge came after Curzon and before Chelmsford.
Common mistakes
- Placing Irwin before Chelmsford.
- Mixing Hardinge I (1844) and Hardinge II (1910).
- Forgetting Minto between Curzon and Hardinge.
Exam tip
Order mnemonic: Curzon, Minto, Hardinge, Chelmsford, Reading, Irwin.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India
- Bipan Chandra, Mridula Mukherjee et al. — India's Struggle for Independence (viceroys and constitutional developments)