UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz: History and Culture MCQs on history of Uniform Civil Code, India’s Republic Day (Week 95)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the Constituent Assembly Debate on Uniform Civil Code (UCC), consider the following statements:

1. It was incorporated into the list of justiciable Fundamental Rights with the support of the majority

2. Drafted as Article 35 and submitted to the Constituent Assembly by the Drafting Committee, UCC later found its place in the Directive Principles of State Policy in the draft Constitution.

Which of the above given statements is/are true?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

Although the political debate on the UCC dates back to the early 1940s, its constitutional journey began during the committee stage of constitution making in 1947. A debate kicked off in the Fundamental Rights Sub-Committee over whether the UCC should be included in justiciable or non-justiciable fundamental rights. Ultimately, the UCC was incorporated into the list of non-justiciable Fundamental Rights with the support of the majority, and a report was submitted to the Advisory Committee suggesting the separation of justiciable and non-justiciable rights. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

The UCC provision, drafted as Article 35 and submitted to the Constituent Assembly by the Drafting Committee on February 21, 1948, later found its place in the Directive Principles of State Policy in the draft Constitution. Article 35 read, “The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.” An acrimonious debate over draft Article 35 took place on November 23, 1948, in the Constituent Assembly. Hence, statement 2 is correct. 

Therefore, (b) is the correct answer. 

(For more, read: How Constituent Assembly debated Uniform Civil Code)

QUESTION 2

Consider the following members of the Constituent Assembly:

1. K.M. Munshi

2. Mahboob Ali Baig

3.  B. Pocker

4. Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar

Which of the above-listed members believed that the Uniform Civil Code aims to foster amity in a unified nation?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 4 only

Explanation:

The debate on the UCC began when Mohamad Ismail Sahib, a member of the Constituent Assembly from Madras, moved an addition to Article 35: “Provided that any group, section, or community of people shall not be obliged to give up its own personal law in case it has such a law”. He justified it by underlining that the right to follow and adhere to personal law is part of justiciable fundamental rights. Sahib cautioned that the future secular state should not interfere with the way of life and religion of its people.

However, the proposed amendment generated significant contention over whether personal laws and religious rights should take precedence over a uniform civil law applicable to all citizens. Mohamad Ismail clarified that his amendment did not pertain to solely minorities but addressed the religious rights of all sections of the population, including the majority community. Contending the argument that a UCC would help promote harmony through uniformity, he maintained that such a law could instead lead to disharmony and discontent among people.

Supporting Sahib’s amendment, B. Pocker, another member of the Constituent Assembly from Madras, asserted that the imposition of such a law would be a “tyrannous provision”. He reiterated that it was not a minority question. Mahboob Ali Baig also supported Sahib’s position and moved a similar amendment, calling for the protection of personal laws. Pocker and Naziruddin Ahmad contended that the proposed Article 35 would conflict with draft Article 19 (now Article 25) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion.

Munshi, acknowledging that the UCC was not merely a minority question, argued that a unified civil code would also address the issue of diverse and inconsistent laws among Hindus in different parts of the country. He said that “it is more tyrannous to the majority”. He also believed that the inclusion of the UCC in the Constitution would enable the State to legislate on matters of gender discrimination legitimised by religious practices, thereby promoting equality for women.

Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar wholeheartedly supported Munshi’s arguments, asserting that the UCC aimed at fostering amity in a unified nation striving to move beyond its past divisions.

Therefore, (d) is the correct answer. 

(For more, read: How Constituent Assembly debated Uniform Civil Code)

QUESTION 3

Recently seen in news, ‘Etikoppaka Bommalu’ refers to:

(a) Folk dance form from Telangana

(b) Ancient food recipe of Kerela

(c) Medieval literary text from Tamil Nadu

(d) None of the above

Explanation:

As the nation celebrated its 76th Republic Day, a particularly captivating tableau from Andhra Pradesh made its way down New Delhi’s Kartavya Path, earning applause from onlookers. Adorned with meticulously crafted wooden toys, the display offered a glimpse into the ancient art of Etikoppaka Bommalu, a 400-year-old craft that has become synonymous with eco-friendly creativity and cultural heritage.

Therefore, (d) is the correct answer. 

QUESTION 4

Who among the following gives final approval to the selected tableaux of states, government departments, and ministries showcasing their cultural heritage and landscapes at the Republic Day parade?

(a) Ministry of Home Affairs

(b) Ministry of Defence

(c) Ministry of Culture

(d) Prime Minister’s Office

Explanation:

Every year, a few states (as well as government departments and ministries) are selected to display their cultural heritage and landscape through tableaux. Though many more submit the applications, the Ministry of Defence is tasked with giving the final approval to a select few.

Therefore, (b) is the correct answer. 

QUESTION 5

With reference to the history of India’s Republic Day, consider the following statements:

1. January 26 was chosen as the date of Republic Day to honour the declaration of Purna Swaraj made by the Indian National Congress on January 26, 1930.

2. The Constitution of India  was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November, 1949 and came into force on 26th January, 1950.

Which of the above given statements is/are true?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

The Constitution of India which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November, 1949 and came into force on 26th January, 1950.

On January 26, 1950, India marked a pivotal moment in its history with the implementation of its Constitution, drafted by the Constituent Assembly. The day is dedicated to honouring the democratic values and principles enshrined in the Constitution, with January 26 chosen to honour the declaration of Purna Swaraj made by the Indian National Congress on January 26, 1930.

Therefore, (c) is the correct answer. 

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