Part of: Punjab Gk set 23

Consider the following Statements: Punjab is an agrarian state. Punjab was happy with Diarchy and other reforms of 1919 Guru Gobind Singh organised the Sikhs into a military group called the Khalsa. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true?

Category: Punjab Gk

Hint: Consider the historical significance of the Khalsa and the agricultural economy of Punjab.

Correct Answer: D) Only 1, 3.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Punjab is a state in northern India known for its rich agricultural economy. The state is often referred to as the "breadbasket of India" due to its significant contribution to the country's food production. The agricultural sector is a major part of Punjab's economy, employing a large portion of the state's workforce and contributing substantially to its GDP. This makes the first statement, "Punjab is an agrarian state," true.

The second statement, "Punjab was happy with Diarchy and other reforms of 1919," is false. The Diarchy reforms, introduced by the British in 1919, were part of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms. These reforms aimed to introduce a form of dual governance, where some powers were transferred to elected Indian officials while others remained with the British. However, the reforms were seen as inadequate by many Indian states, including Punjab, as they did not provide the level of self-governance and political autonomy that was desired. The reforms were met with skepticism and resistance, particularly in Punjab, where they were seen as a continuation of colonial control.

The third statement, "Guru Gobind Singh organised the Sikhs into a military group called the Khalsa," is true. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, established the Khalsa in 1699. The Khalsa was a collective body of initiated Sikhs who were united in their faith and committed to defending their beliefs and community. The establishment of the Khalsa was a significant event in Sikh history, as it marked the transformation of the Sikh community into a distinct religious and military organization. The Khalsa played a crucial role in the defense of Sikhism and the Sikh community against various threats, including the Mughal Empire.

Understanding the historical and economic context of Punjab is essential for comprehending the significance of these statements. The agricultural economy of Punjab has been a defining feature of the state, contributing to its economic and social development. The historical events, such as the establishment of the Khalsa, have shaped the cultural and religious identity of the Sikh community. The political reforms of the colonial period, including the Diarchy reforms, had a significant impact on the political landscape of Punjab and the broader Indian subcontinent.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because it includes the second statement, which is false. Punjab was not happy with the Diarchy reforms of 1919, as they were seen as insufficient and did not grant the desired level of self-governance.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect because it includes the second statement, which is false. The Diarchy reforms of 1919 were not favored by Punjab, and the third statement about Guru Gobind Singh organizing the Khalsa is true, but the second statement is not.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect because it includes the second statement, which is false. The Diarchy reforms of 1919 were not favored by Punjab, and the first and third statements are true, but the second statement is not.
  • Option D: This option is correct because it includes the first and third statements, which are true. Punjab is indeed an agrarian state, and Guru Gobind Singh did organize the Sikhs into the Khalsa. The second statement about Punjab being happy with the Diarchy reforms of 1919 is false.

Mnemonic: AGR: Agrarian, Guru, Reforms

Back to Punjab Gk set 23 – Practice all questions