Important Dates in Indian History

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka. In exams connect Hampi with it.

Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498. In exams connect it with the beginning of European sea trade.

Shivaji Maharaj's coronation took place in 1674 at Raigad. In exams remember this year in Maratha history.

The Bengal Sati Regulation of 1829, enacted during Lord William Bentinck’s tenure, declared the practice of Sati illegal. Raja Rammohan Roy played an important role in building public opinion against this practice. The year 1856 is associated with the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act, so it is a close but incorrect option. Exam tip: remember 1829 for abolition of Sati and 1856 for widow remarriage legislation.

India's first passenger train ran in 1853 between Mumbai and Thane. In exams connect the start of railways with modern India.

The Revolt of 1857 is counted among India's major struggles for freedom. In exams remember Meerut and Delhi.

The Purna Swaraj resolution was passed at the Lahore session of 1929. In exams remember Jawaharlal Nehru's presidency.

The Dandi March started in 1930 against the salt law. In exams remember Sabarmati Ashram and Dandi.

The direct answer is B: 1935. The Government of India Act, 1935 was a major constitutional law passed by the British Parliament for governing British India. It provided for provincial autonomy and introduced important changes in the administrative structure, although its proposed federation was not fully implemented. Option B is correct. Option A, 1931, is linked to the Karachi Congress session and its resolutions, not this Act. Option C, 1942, is associated with the Quit India Movement and wartime events. Option D, 1947, is the year of Indian independence and the Independence Act, not the Government of India Act of 1935. Exam cue: remember 1935 with provincial autonomy.

India became independent from British rule on 15 August 1947, so 1947 is the correct year. The year 1942 is associated with the Quit India Movement, while in 1950 the Constitution came into force and India became a republic. Exam tip: remember Independence Day—15 August 1947; Republic Day—26 January 1950.

India's first general election was held during 1951 to 1952. In exams connect it with the beginning of democracy in independent India.

The States Reorganisation Act came into effect in 1956. In exams remember the reorganisation of states on linguistic basis.

Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule on 19 December 1961 through Operation Vijay and was incorporated into India. The year 1965 is associated with the Indo-Pak war, so it is a plausible but incorrect option. Exam tip: remember Goa Liberation, Operation Vijay, and 1961 together.

The Bangladesh Liberation War took place in 1971. In exams connect it with the India Pakistan war and the creation of Bangladesh.

The Emergency in India was imposed in 1975. In exams treat it as an important event in Indian democracy.

The Montagu Chelmsford Reforms are linked with the Government of India Act 1919. For exams remember dates of constitutional reforms.

The direct answer is B: 1909 CE. The Morley–Minto Reforms are commonly identified with the Indian Councils Act of 1909. These reforms changed legislative councils and are especially remembered for introducing separate electorates for Muslims. Option A, 1905, is wrong because it is associated with the partition of Bengal and related political developments, not the Morley–Minto reforms. Option B, 1909, is correct. Option C, 1919, refers to the Montagu–Chelmsford reforms and the Government of India Act of 1919, not the Morley–Minto reforms. Option D, 1935, refers to the Government of India Act, 1935. A useful comparison is: Morley–Minto = 1909, Montagu–Chelmsford = 1919, Government of India Act = 1935. Memory cue: the earlier reform pair is 1909, followed ten years later by 1919.

The direct answer is option B: 1883 CE. The Ilbert Bill controversy arose when the colonial government proposed allowing qualified Indian judges to try European British subjects in certain criminal cases. European opposition objected to this move toward judicial equality, and the controversy occurred in 1883. The fact chain is: Lord Ripon’s period → Ilbert Bill proposal → opposition by many Europeans → controversy in 1883. Option A, 1858, marks the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown after the Revolt of 1857, not this controversy. Option B is correct because 1883 is the standard date. Option C, 1885, is the year of the founding of the Indian National Congress, not the Ilbert Bill controversy. Option D, 1905, is associated with the partition of Bengal and the Swadeshi movement. Exam cue: Ilbert Bill means judicial equality debate, 1883.

The Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878. For exams remember British laws related to control of the press.

The Indian Councils Act was passed in 1861. For exams remember the sequence of administrative laws after 1858.

The Kheda Satyagraha took place in Gujarat in 1918. For exams remember Champaran 1917 and Kheda 1918 separately.

The Morley-Minto Reforms were introduced in 1909. In exams remember their link with separate electorates.

Lala Lajpat Rai died in 1928. In exams remember its link with the protest against the Simon Commission.

Bhagat Singh Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged in 1931. In exams connect 23 March with Martyrs' Day.

Congress ministries were formed after the 1937 elections. In exams connect it with the Government of India Act 1935.