UPSC Prelims 2008 Q119: Modern History – Key Personalities & Ideologies
Which one of the following was a journal brought out by Abul Kalam Azad?
- (a) Al - Hilal
- (b) Comrade
- (c) The Indian Sociologist
- (d) Zamindar
Answer: (a) Al - Hilal
Explanation
Which journal Abul Kalam Azad brought out
This prominent freedom fighter and scholar published a specific influential periodical.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Al-Hilal | Correct | Abul Kalam Azad brought out the journal 'Al-Hilal', a significant nationalist publication |
| (b) Comrade | Incorrect | This journal was associated with Mohammad Ali Jauhar, not Azad |
| (c) The Indian Sociologist | Incorrect | Associated with Shyamji Krishna Varma, not Azad |
| (d) Zamindar | Incorrect | Associated with a different publisher, not Azad |
'Al-Hilal' facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Abul Kalam Azad |
| Significance | A notable nationalist Urdu journal |
Answer: (a) Al-Hilal.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Abul Kalam Azad brought out the journal 'Al-Hilal'.
- (b) Incorrect. 'Comrade' is associated with Mohammad Ali Jauhar, not Azad.
- (c) Incorrect. 'The Indian Sociologist' is associated with Shyamji Krishna Varma, not Azad.
- (d) Incorrect. 'Zamindar' is associated with a different publisher, not Azad.
Key point
Abul Kalam Azad brought out the journal 'Al-Hilal', a significant nationalist publication.
Remember
Abul Kalam Azad brought out the journal 'Al-Hilal'.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Azad's 'Al-Hilal' with other contemporary nationalist journals (Comrade, The Indian Sociologist, Zamindar).
- Mixing up different freedom-struggle journalists' individual publications.
- Not knowing the specific Urdu-language nature of this journal.
Exam tip
'Al-Hilal' = Abul Kalam Azad's journal. A specific, named freedom-struggle-era publication.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India (NCERT textbook for Class XII)
- Abul Kalam Azad — India Wins Freedom (Orient Longman, 1959)