UPSC Prelims 2005 Q58: Modern History – Revolutionary & Communist Movements
In October 1920, who of the following headed a group of Indians gathered at Tashkent to set
up a communist party of India?
- (a) H.K. Sarkar
- (b) P.C. Joshi
- (c) M.C. Chagla
- (d) M.N. Roy
Answer: (d) M.N. Roy
Explanation
Communist party at Tashkent, 1920
| Person | Role |
|---|---|
| M. N. Roy | Headed the group at Tashkent in October 1920 that formed the CPI |
| H. K. Sarkar | Not associated |
| P. C. Joshi | General Secretary of CPI in the 1940s |
| M. C. Chagla | Jurist, not a communist |
M. N. Roy headed the group of Indians in Tashkent that set up the Communist Party of India in October 1920.
Answer: (d) M.N. Roy.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. H. K. Sarkar did not head the Tashkent group.
- (b) Incorrect. P. C. Joshi was active two decades later.
- (c) Incorrect. M. C. Chagla was a judge and diplomat.
- (d) CORRECT. M. N. Roy led the Tashkent group.
Key point
CPI: Tashkent 1920 (M. N. Roy); Kanpur Conference 1925.
Remember
M. N. Roy headed the Tashkent group that set up the CPI in 1920.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Tashkent founding with the Kanpur conference.
- Naming S. A. Dange, who worked within India.
- Dating the CPI's founding to 1925 at Kanpur only.
Exam tip
M. N. Roy: Mexico, Tashkent, Comintern.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- Sumit Sarkar — Modern India, 1885–1947 (Macmillan)