B. Extra HSLC Pattern MCQs Questions with Answers

Q.1 The British introduced land revenue payment in Assam through —
(a) Barter system
(b) Forced labour
(c) Cash system
(d) Produce tax
Answer: (c) Cash system

Q.2 Which class emerged as moneylenders due to the British revenue system in Assam?
(a) Ahom nobles
(b) Mahajans
(c) Tea labourers
(d) Mauzadars
Answer: (b) Mahajans

Q.3 The Mahajans of Assam were mainly —
(a) Assamese peasants
(b) British officials
(c) Marwari and Bengali businessmen
(d) Tea garden owners
Answer: (c) Marwari and Bengali businessmen

Q.4 Who wrote to Moffat Mills against high land revenue in Assam?
(a) Maniram Dewan
(b) Piyoli Barua
(c) Anandaram Dhekial Phukan
(d) Kandarpeswar Singha
Answer: (c) Anandaram Dhekial Phukan

Q.5 Slavery was abolished in Assam in the year —
(a) 1839
(b) 1843
(c) 1851
(d) 1857
Answer: (b) 1843

Q.6 The silk industry of Assam declined mainly due to —
(a) Natural calamities
(b) British import of foreign cloth
(c) Lack of labour
(d) Peasant revolts
Answer: (b) British import of foreign cloth

Q.7 The Revolt of 1857 in Assam was led by —
(a) Tikendrajit
(b) Maniram Dewan
(c) Gomdhar Konwar
(d) Ukiang Nongbah
Answer: (b) Maniram Dewan

Q.8 The Ahom prince whom the rebels wanted to place on the throne was —
(a) Purandar Singha
(b) Kameswar Singha
(c) Kandarpeswar Singha
(d) Kulachandra
Answer: (c) Kandarpeswar Singha

Q.9 Maniram Dewan planned the revolt of 1857 mainly from —
(a) Jorhat
(b) Gauhati
(c) Calcutta
(d) Dibrugarh
Answer: (c) Calcutta

Q.10 Who was the Bengali Muktiyar associated with Maniram Dewan?
(a) Radhanath Barua
(b) Madhu Mallik
(c) Holroyd
(d) Jenkins
Answer: (b) Madhu Mallik

Q.11 Maniram Dewan and Piyoli Barua were hanged in —
(a) 1857
(b) 1858
(c) 1861
(d) 1863
Answer: (b) 1858

Q.12 Which British officer intercepted Maniram Dewan’s letters?
(a) Jenkins
(b) Holroyd
(c) Louther
(d) McCabe
Answer: (b) Holroyd

Q.13 The revolt of 1857 failed in Assam mainly because —
(a) Strong peasant support
(b) Adequate arms
(c) Limited participation
(d) Unity among rebels
Answer: (c) Limited participation

Q.14 Which tax was introduced in Assam in 1858?
(a) Income tax
(b) Stamp tax
(c) Grazing tax
(d) License tax
Answer: (b) Stamp tax

Q.15 The people’s assemblies in Assam were known as —
(a) Sabhas
(b) Panchayats
(c) Raij Mels
(d) Committees
Answer: (c) Raij Mels

Q.16 Assertion (A): The Raij Mels played a major role in peasant revolts.
Reason (R): Raij Mels were assemblies of people from several villages.
(a) A true, R false
(b) A false, R true
(c) Both true and R explains A
(d) Both true but R does not explain A
Answer: (c) Both true and R explains A

Q.17 Assertion (A): The revolt of 1857 had limited impact in Assam.
Reason (R): The rebels failed to get support of Indian soldiers.
(a) A true, R false
(b) A false, R true
(c) Both true and R explains A
(d) Both true but R does not explain A
Answer: (c) Both true and R explains A

Q.18 The first peasant revolt of Assam in 1861 was known as —
(a) Rangia revolt
(b) Lachima revolt
(c) Patharughat revolt
(d) Phulaguri Dhawa
Answer: (d) Phulaguri Dhawa

Q.19 Phulaguri Dhawa took place in —
(a) Kamrup
(b) Darrang
(c) Nowgong
(d) Sibsagar
Answer: (c) Nowgong

Q.20 Which officer was killed during the Phulaguri Dhawa?
(a) McCabe
(b) Singer
(c) Anderson
(d) Riley
Answer: (b) Singer

Q.21 The Phulaguri revolt was led mainly by —
(a) Tea labourers
(b) Tiwa peasants
(c) Ahom nobles
(d) British soldiers
Answer: (b) Tiwa peasants

Q.22 After Phulaguri Dhawa, the British never imposed tax on —
(a) Land
(b) Opium
(c) Tamul-paan
(d) Silk
Answer: (c) Tamul-paan

Q.23 The peasant revolts of 1893–94 are known as —
(a) Assam Riots
(b) Indigo Revolt
(c) Moplah Revolt
(d) Deccan Riots
Answer: (a) Assam Riots

Q.24 The peasant revolt of Rangia began in —
(a) 1861
(b) 1870
(c) 1893
(d) 1898
Answer: (c) 1893

Q.25 Which district was associated with the Patharughat revolt?
(a) Kamrup
(b) Darrang
(c) Nowgong
(d) Lakhimpur
Answer: (b) Darrang

Q.26 The Patharughat firing took place in —
(a) January 1894
(b) February 1893
(c) March 1895
(d) December 1892
Answer: (a) January 1894

Q.27 According to unofficial records, peasants killed at Patharughat were —
(a) 50
(b) 80
(c) 140
(d) 200
Answer: (c) 140

Q.28 Which of the following taxes were imposed by the British in Assam?
(i) Stamp tax
(ii) Grazing tax
(iii) License tax
(iv) Salt tax
(a) (i), (ii), (iii)
(b) (i), (ii), (iv)
(c) (ii), (iii), (iv)
(d) All four
Answer: (a) (i), (ii), (iii)

Q.29 Match the following:
(i) Phulaguri Dhawa — a) 1861
(ii) Rangia Revolt — b) 1893
(iii) Lachima Revolt — c) 1894
(iv) Patharughat Revolt — d) 1894
Answer: (i)-(a), (ii)-(b), (iii)-(c), (iv)-(d)

Q.30 The Jaintia Revolt took place in —
(a) 1857
(b) 1861
(c) 1870
(d) 1881
Answer: (b) 1861

Q.31 The Jaintia Revolt was led by —
(a) Sambhudhan Kachari
(b) Tikendrajit
(c) Ukiang Nongbah
(d) Kulachandra
Answer: (c) Ukiang Nongbah

Q.32 The North Cachar revolt was led by —
(a) Tikendrajit
(b) Sambhudhan Kachari
(c) Ukiang Nongbah
(d) Kandarpeswar Singha
Answer: (b) Sambhudhan Kachari

Q.33 The revolt of the Nagas took place in —
(a) 1861
(b) 1878
(c) 1881
(d) 1891
Answer: (b) 1878

Q.34 The anti-British revolt in Manipur took place in —
(a) 1885
(b) 1891
(c) 1905
(d) 1915
Answer: (b) 1891

Q.35 Who was hanged by the British after the Manipur revolt?
(a) Kulachandra
(b) Tikendrajit
(c) Surachandra
(d) Churachandra
Answer: (b) Tikendrajit

Q.36 Arrange the following peasant revolts in chronological order:
(i) Rangia
(ii) Phulaguri
(iii) Patharughat
(a) (ii), (i), (iii)
(b) (i), (ii), (iii)
(c) (ii), (iii), (i)
(d) (iii), (i), (ii)
Answer: (a) (ii), (i), (iii)

Q.37 The Raij Mels helped peasants to —
(a) Pay taxes
(b) Take democratic decisions
(c) Support British rule
(d) Join army
Answer: (b) Take democratic decisions

Q.38 The Revolt of 1857 inspired later peasant revolts in Assam —
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Partially true
(d) Not mentioned
Answer: (a) True

Q.39 After 1858, Assam came under the rule of —
(a) East India Company
(b) British Parliament
(c) Queen of England
(d) Governor-General
Answer: (c) Queen of England

Q.40 The main objective of peasant revolts was to oppose —
(a) Tea gardens
(b) High land revenue
(c) Education system
(d) Trade
Answer: (b) High land revenue

Q.41 The proverb “Raijei Roja, Gyatiyei Ganga” reflects the —
(a) Power of the British Government
(b) Importance of kings
(c) Power and importance of the people
(d) Role of army
Answer: (c) Power and importance of the people

Q.42 The Raij Mels were generally supervised by —
(a) British officers
(b) Tea planters
(c) Gaonburha, Doloi and Gosain
(d) Police officials
Answer: (c) Gaonburha, Doloi and Gosain

Q.43 The Phulaguri Dhawa was directed mainly against —
(a) Indigo cultivation
(b) Tea plantation
(c) Ban on poppy cultivation
(d) Forest laws
Answer: (c) Ban on poppy cultivation

Q.44 The Deputy Commissioner of Nowgong during the Phulaguri Dhawa was —
(a) McCabe
(b) Herbert Sconce
(c) J. D. Anderson
(d) Riley
Answer: (b) Herbert Sconce

Q.45 The peasant revolts of Rangia, Lachima and Patharughat were mainly against —
(a) Forced labour
(b) Religious interference
(c) Increase in land revenue
(d) Tea garden system
Answer: (c) Increase in land revenue

Q.46 The peasant revolt of Lachima took place in the district of —
(a) Darrang
(b) Kamrup
(c) Nowgong
(d) Sibsagar
Answer: (b) Kamrup

Q.47 During the Patharughat revolt, firing was ordered by —
(a) Police Superintendent Berington
(b) Captain Holroyd
(c) Deputy Commissioner J. D. Anderson
(d) Major Hopkinson
Answer: (c) Deputy Commissioner J. D. Anderson

Q.48 The Jaintia revolt came to an end by —
(a) 1858
(b) 1860
(c) 1863
(d) 1870
Answer: (c) 1863

Q.49 Who was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Khasi–Jaintia Hills after the revolt?
(a) G. D. Showers
(b) B. W. Morton
(c) Major Boyd
(d) Colonel Johnston
Answer: (b) B. W. Morton

Q.50 The series of peasant revolts in Assam became a source of inspiration for —
(a) British administration
(b) Tea planters
(c) Later freedom struggle in Assam
(d) Zamindars
Answer: (c) Later freedom struggle in Assam

C. Previous Year HSLC Questions with Answers

Q1. Write a brief note on the importance of Phulaguri Dhawa in history. [HSLC 2017]
Answer: Phulaguri Dhawa was the first organised peasant revolt against British rule in Assam in 1861. It gave the movement a mass character as peasants from different communities participated together. The revolt showed unity and courage of common people against economic exploitation. Its importance lies in the fact that after this revolt, the British government never imposed tax on Tamul-paan. It also inspired later peasant revolts in Assam.

Q2. Write a brief note on the Jaintia Revolt against the British. [HSLC 2017]
Answer: The Jaintia Revolt took place due to British interference in the social, religious and traditional life of the Jaintia people. The British imposed taxes like house tax and banned community fishing and use of weapons. Under the leadership of Ukiang Nongbah, the Jaintias attacked the British camp at Jowai. Though the revolt was suppressed and the leader was hanged, it reflected the strong desire of the Jaintia people to protect their freedom.

Q3. Give a brief account of the role of Maniram Dewan in the Revolt of 1857. [HSLC 2018]
Answer: Maniram Dewan played a leading role in organising the Revolt of 1857 in Assam. He planned to overthrow British rule and restore the Ahom monarchy by installing Kandarpeswar Singha as king. From Calcutta, he sent secret letters to his supporters and tried to instigate Indian soldiers in Assam. Though the revolt failed, his role showed his patriotism and resistance against British rule.

Q4. Write a brief note on the Peasants’ Revolt of Rangia. [HSLC 2018]
Answer: The Peasants’ Revolt of Rangia took place in 1893 due to a sharp increase in land revenue. The peasants organised themselves through Raij Mels and refused to pay taxes. They attacked Rangia bazaar and destroyed documents of the Mahajans. Though suppressed by the British, the revolt showed organised resistance of peasants against economic exploitation.

Q5. Discuss in brief the causes of the Revolt of 1857–58 in India and its impact on Assam. [HSLC 2019]
Answer: The Revolt of 1857 was caused by British imperialist policies, economic exploitation, annexation of Indian states and dissatisfaction among Indian soldiers. In Assam, the revolt created political awareness among the people. It inspired leaders like Maniram Dewan to attempt restoration of the Ahom monarchy. Though the revolt failed in Assam, it encouraged future anti-British movements.

Q6. Briefly discuss the importance of the Revolt of 1857 in Assam. [HSLC 2019]
Answer: The Revolt of 1857 was important in Assam as it associated the state with a major national movement for the first time. It inspired later peasant revolts that began in 1861. The revolt also promoted unity among different communities and influenced future freedom fighters of Assam.

Q7. Discuss the importance of Phulaguri Dhawa in history. [HSLC 2019]
Answer: Phulaguri Dhawa was important because it was the first large-scale peasant revolt in Assam. It showed organised resistance of common people against British economic policies. The revolt forced the British government to abandon the idea of taxing Tamul-paan. It also inspired later peasant movements in Assam.

Q8. Write a note on the Peasant Revolt of Patharughat. [HSLC 2020]
Answer: The Peasant Revolt of Patharughat took place in 1894 in Darrang district due to increased land revenue. Thousands of peasants gathered peacefully but were fired upon by British forces on the order of the Deputy Commissioner. According to unofficial records, about 140 peasants were killed. The revolt became a symbol of sacrifice and resistance against British oppression.

Q9. Mention the impacts of the Revolt of 1857 in Assam. [HSLC 2020]
Answer: The Revolt of 1857 created political awareness among the people of Assam. It inspired later peasant revolts and strengthened the spirit of nationalism. It also encouraged unity among different communities and motivated future freedom fighters.

Q10. Write the significance of the Jaintia Revolt against the British. [HSLC 2020]
Answer: The Jaintia Revolt was significant as it showed strong resistance of tribal people against British interference. It aimed to protect their traditional, social and religious rights. Though the revolt failed, it became a symbol of courage and love for freedom.

Q11. Mention three causes of the failure of the Revolt of 1857 in Assam. [HSLC 2022]
Answer: Three causes of the failure were the small number of rebels, lack of coordination and secrecy, and failure to gain support of Indian soldiers. Moreover, Maniram Dewan was far away from Assam, which weakened leadership.

Q12. Write in brief about the role of ‘Raij Mel’ towards the Peasants’ Revolt in Assam. [HSLC 2022]
Answer: Raij Mels were people’s assemblies that played a vital role in organising peasant revolts. They helped peasants of several villages to unite and take collective decisions. Through Raij Mels, peasants learned democratic ways of protest against British exploitation.

Q13. Throw light on the revenue system introduced by the East India Company in Assam. [HSLC 2022]
Answer: The East India Company introduced a cash-based land revenue system in Assam. Revenue was increased frequently without considering the condition of peasants. No relief was given during famines or epidemics. This system caused severe hardship and dissatisfaction among the people.

Q14. Discuss the causes and consequences of peasant movement in different places of the Brahmaputra Valley during the British rule. [HSLC 2012]
Answer: The peasant movements in the Brahmaputra Valley during British rule were mainly caused by economic exploitation. The British introduced a cash-based land revenue system and increased taxes frequently. Peasants were forced to pay revenue even during floods, famines and epidemics. Additional taxes like stamp tax, grazing tax, license tax and excise duty made their condition worse. Exploitation by Mahajans also pushed peasants into debt.

As a result, peasants organised themselves through Raij Mels and launched revolts in different places such as Phulaguri (1861), Rangia, Lachima and Patharughat (1893–94). Though these revolts were suppressed by the British, they created political awareness among peasants and strengthened unity. These movements inspired later struggles against British rule and became an important part of Assam’s freedom movement.

Q15. Why did the rebellion of 1857–58 occur in Assam? [HSLC 2017]
Answer: The rebellion of 1857–58 occurred in Assam due to widespread dissatisfaction against British rule. The British revenue system imposed heavy taxes in cash, which ruined peasants and common people. The Ahom aristocracy lost their power, privileges and posts under the new administration. Educated Bengalis were appointed in administration, which created resentment among local elites.

The Revolt of 1857 in North India inspired Assamese leaders like Maniram Dewan to overthrow British rule and restore the Ahom monarchy. The discontent among soldiers, peasants, aristocrats and religious groups like Brahmin Purohits collectively led to the outbreak of rebellion in Assam.

Q16. Discuss the reasons why the revolt of 1857–58 failed in Assam. [HSLC 2017]
Answer: The revolt of 1857–58 failed in Assam due to several reasons. Firstly, the number of rebels was very small and the movement was limited mainly to Jorhat and Sibsagar. Secondly, there was lack of proper leadership as Maniram Dewan was far away in Calcutta and tried to control the revolt through letters.

Thirdly, the rebels failed to maintain secrecy and their plans were exposed to the British. They also lacked arms and ammunition. Most importantly, the Indian soldiers stationed in Assam did not actively support the revolt. Due to these weaknesses, the British easily suppressed the revolt and it ended in failure.

Q17. Write in brief how Robertson and Jenkins brought about reformation in administration during British rule in Assam. [HSLC 2018]
Answer: Robertson and Jenkins revolutionized Assam’s administration by replacing the chaotic post-Ahom system with a structured, European-led system. Following Robertson’s 1833 reorganization, Assam was divided into districts managed by Principal Assistants acting as judges, magistrates, and collectors. Jenkins further refined this by introducing land surveys, strengthening police, promoting tea, and improving communication. 

• Administrative Reorganization: Reorganized the administration, dividing territory west of the Dhansiri into districts (Kamrup, Darrang, Nowgong, etc.) managed by European Principal Assistants.
• Judicial & Revenue Shift: Reduced the power of local officials and introduced systematic, direct, and more accountable revenue collection. 

• Systematic Survey and Revenue: Conducted detailed land surveys, classifying land into basti, arable, and barren to establish a stable, scientific land revenue system.
• Infrastructure & Economy: Promoted tea cultivation, improved roads, and enhanced communication, which brought Assam into the economic mainstream.
• Judicial Reform: Restructured police and established formal courts to streamline justice administration. 

Q18. Write about the causes of the pitiable condition of the peasants and the people engaged in cottage industries during British rule in Assam. [HSLC 2019]
Answer: The pitiable condition of peasants during British rule was mainly due to the introduction of a harsh revenue system. Land revenue had to be paid in cash and was increased frequently. Peasants received no relief during famines, floods or epidemics. The rise of Mahajans forced peasants into debt.

People engaged in cottage industries also suffered badly. Traditional industries like Paat and Muga silk declined due to the import of cheap foreign cloth. The British government gave no support to local industries, which resulted in unemployment and poverty. Thus, both peasants and artisans suffered severely under British economic policies.

Q19. Discuss in brief the importance of the Revolt of 1857 in Assam. [HSLC 2020]
Answer: The Revolt of 1857 was important in Assam because it associated Assam with a major national uprising for the first time. It inspired later peasant revolts such as Phulaguri Dhawa and the Assam Riots of 1893–94. The revolt promoted unity among different communities including Hindus and Muslims. It also motivated future freedom fighters of Assam and strengthened the spirit of nationalism.

Q20. Discuss the role of Maniram Dewan in the revolt of 1857–58 in Assam. [HSLC 2024]
Answer: Maniram Dewan played a central role in organising the revolt of 1857–58 in Assam. He planned to overthrow British rule and restore the Ahom monarchy by placing Kandarpeswar Singha on the throne. From Calcutta, he sent secret letters to his supporters and tried to instigate Indian soldiers stationed in Assam.

He formed a group of Assamese elites and arranged plans to bring arms and ammunition. However, his plans were exposed and he was arrested. Despite the failure of the revolt, Maniram Dewan’s role remains significant as a symbol of resistance, courage and patriotism against British rule.

Q21. Observe the given statistical data on the collection of revenue (in terms of rupees) by the British Government and answer the questions that follow. [HSLC 2025]

Revenue collected by the British Government:

(a) Compare the data between Kamrup and Darrang.
Answer: The data shows that revenue collection increased sharply in both Kamrup and Darrang over the years. Kamrup had much higher revenue collection than Darrang in all the given years. For example, in 1832–33 Kamrup collected Rs. 1,10,181 while Darrang collected only Rs. 41,506. By 1852–53, revenue in Kamrup rose to Rs. 2,95,996 whereas Darrang reached Rs. 1,57,795, showing a steep rise in both districts.

(b) What was the impact of the change on the peasants of Kamrup and Darrang?
Answer: The continuous increase in revenue placed a heavy burden on the peasants of Kamrup and Darrang. They were forced to pay higher taxes in cash even during natural calamities. Many peasants fell into debt and had to take loans from Mahajans. This led to widespread dissatisfaction and ultimately resulted in peasant revolts in these regions.