Question 13 from UPSC CSE 2018 - Modern History

Question

He wrote biographies of Mazzini, Garibaldi, Shivaji, and Shrikrishna; stayed in America for some time; and was also elected to the Central Assembly. He was

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Lala Lajpat Rai

Strategy: Focus on unique biographical clues: authoring biographies of both Italian patriots (Mazzini and Garibaldi) and Indian figures (Shivaji, Shrikrishna), as well as a documented stay in America and election to the Central Assembly. Aurobindo Ghosh, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Motilal Nehru do not fit all these data points. Lala Lajpat Rai is the only leader known for this set of biographies, time in the US, and Central Assembly membership.

Key Info: Lala Lajpat Rai (1865–1928) was a prominent Indian nationalist leader, social reformer, and prolific writer. He is renowned for authoring biographies of international figures such as Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi—Italian leaders of the Risorgimento—as well as Indian personalities including Shivaji and Shrikrishna. His aim in highlighting Western and Indian leaders was to inspire Indian youth, especially in Punjab, with ideals of patriotism and resistance. Rai's works like 'Unhappy India,' 'Young India: An Interpretation,' and 'England's Debt to India' are significant. In 1907, he traveled and stayed in the United States, interacting with Indian diasporic communities and observing American society. He was an influential member and later Deputy Leader of the Swaraj Party in the Central Legislative Assembly, elected in 1926. None of the other options—Aurobindo Ghosh (philosopher and revolutionary), Bipin Chandra Pal (orator and journalist), or Motilal Nehru (lawyer and Congress leader)—match the exact combination of authorship, travel, and legislative roles described. Lala Lajpat Rai is also remembered for his role in the Lal-Bal-Pal trio and his leadership in the protest against the Simon Commission, during which he sustained fatal injuries.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Aurobindo Ghosh

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Bipin Chandra Pal

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Motilal Nehru