UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 16

Correct answer: Option B. The Rowlatt Act of 1919 followed the recommendations of the Sedition Committee headed by Justice Sidney Rowlatt. Gandhi organized the Rowlatt Satyagraha and sought to mobilize networks including the Home Rule Leagues. Demonstrations against the Simon Commission occurred later, in 1928, and therefore did not coincide with the 1919 Rowlatt Satyagraha. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “1 only” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option B: “1 and 2 only” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option C: “2 and 3 only” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “1, 2 and 3” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.