UPSC Prelims 2008 Q55: Modern History – Early Nationalism & Indian National Congress (1885 - 1915)

UPSC Prelims 2008, General Studies Paper I · Modern History

Who among the following rejected the title of Knighthood and refused to accept a position in the Council of the Secretary of State for India?

Answer: (c) G. K. Gokhale

Explanation

Who rejected Knighthood and a Council position

This prominent moderate-era nationalist leader declined notable British honours and positions on principle.

Option	Verdict	Reason
(a) Motilal Nehru	Incorrect	Not specifically known for rejecting these particular honours
(b) M.G. Ranade	Incorrect	Not the specific figure associated with this rejection
(c) G.K. Gokhale	Correct	Gopal Krishna Gokhale rejected the title of Knighthood and declined a position in the Council of the Secretary of State for India
(d) B.G. Tilak	Incorrect	Not the specific figure associated with this rejection

G.K. Gokhale facts:

Point	Detail
Rejected	Knighthood and a Council position
Known as	A leading moderate nationalist leader

Answer: (c) G.K. Gokhale.

(a) Incorrect. Motilal Nehru is not specifically known for this rejection.
(b) Incorrect. M.G. Ranade is also not the specific figure here.
(c) CORRECT. G.K. Gokhale rejected Knighthood and the Council position.
(d) Incorrect. B.G. Tilak is also not the specific figure associated with this rejection.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale rejected the title of Knighthood and refused a position in the Council of the Secretary of State for India.

G.K. Gokhale rejected Knighthood and refused a position in the Council of the Secretary of State for India.

Confusing Gokhale's specific rejection with other prominent moderate-era leaders' actions.
Not knowing the specific honours declined (Knighthood, Council position).
Mixing up different nationalist leaders' individual stances on British honours.

G.K. Gokhale = rejected Knighthood AND a Council of the Secretary of State for India position. A specific, principled-rejection fact.