UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — The mission of poets

Q1. During her years in England (1895–98), Sarojini Naidu engaged with the 'suffragist' movement. In this context, a suffragist is best described as one who advocated:

  • A. the extension of the right to vote, especially to women
  • B. the abolition of the monarchy and its replacement by a republic
  • C. temperance and the legal prohibition of the sale of alcohol
  • D. the removal of tariffs to establish free trade within the Empire

Q2. With reference to the education of Sarojini Naidu, consider the following statements: 1. She entered the University of Madras at the age of 12. 2. She studied at King's College London. 3. She was a student at Girton College, Cambridge. 4. She completed her doctorate at Somerville College, Oxford. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. She entered the University of Madras at the age of 12.
  2. She studied at King's College London.
  3. She was a student at Girton College, Cambridge.
  4. She completed her doctorate at Somerville College, Oxford.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 2 and 3

Q3. The epithet 'the Nightingale of India', by which Sarojini Naidu is popularly remembered, refers specifically to:

  • A. the lyrical, songlike quality of her English poetry, the epithet being conferred on her by Mahatma Gandhi
  • B. her formal training and public performances as a Carnatic classical vocalist
  • C. a titular honour formally awarded to her by the Royal Society of Literature
  • D. her patriotic radio broadcasts for All India Radio during the freedom struggle

Q4. Which one of the following was the first published collection of poems by Sarojini Naidu?

  • A. The Golden Threshold (1905)
  • B. The Bird of Time (1912)
  • C. The Broken Wing
  • D. The Sceptred Flute (1928)

Q5. With reference to the presidency of the Indian National Congress, consider the following statements: 1. Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman to be elected President of the Indian National Congress. 2. Sarojini Naidu was the very first woman of any nationality to preside over the Indian National Congress. 3. Annie Besant, who had presided over the Congress earlier, was the first and only British woman to head it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman to be elected President of the Indian National Congress.
  2. Sarojini Naidu was the very first woman of any nationality to preside over the Indian National Congress.
  3. Annie Besant, who had presided over the Congress earlier, was the first and only British woman to head it.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q6. In which year did Sarojini Naidu lead the march on the Dharasana Salt Works during the civil disobedience campaign?

  • A. 1930
  • B. 1919
  • C. 1928
  • D. 1942

Q7. With reference to Sarojini Naidu's 1926 lecture 'The Mission of Poets', consider the following statements: 1. It was delivered by Sarojini Naidu. 2. It was delivered at the instance of the Poetry Society. 3. It was delivered in Calcutta. 4. In it she argued that poetry should be studied chiefly through mechanical paraphrase and scansion. Which of the statements given above is/are correctly identified?

  1. It was delivered by Sarojini Naidu.
  2. It was delivered at the instance of the Poetry Society.
  3. It was delivered in Calcutta.
  4. In it she argued that poetry should be studied chiefly through mechanical paraphrase and scansion.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1 and 4

Q8. Sarojini Naidu's 1926 lecture 'The Mission of Poets' was delivered at the instance of which body?

  • A. The Poetry Society
  • B. The Asiatic Society of Bengal
  • C. The Royal Society of Literature
  • D. The Sahitya Akademi

Q9. Who was the first woman to serve as President of the Indian National Congress?

  • A. Annie Besant
  • B. Sarojini Naidu
  • C. Nellie Sengupta
  • D. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay

Q10. Annie Besant, a contemporary of Sarojini Naidu, served from 1907 until her death as the international president of which organisation, headquartered in India?

  • A. The Theosophical Society (Adyar, Madras)
  • B. The Ramakrishna Mission
  • C. The Servants of India Society
  • D. The Arya Samaj

Q11. The report on 'The Mission of Poets' carried by The Hindu's archival 'Today's Paper' feature in July 2026 reproduces a news item that was first published in which year?

  • A. 1926
  • B. 1905
  • C. 1917
  • D. 1949

Q12. With reference to Sarojini Naidu's engagement with the cause of women's suffrage, consider the following statements: 1. During her stay in England (1895–98) she came into contact with the suffragist movement. 2. In 1917 she joined a deputation, along with Annie Besant and Herabai Tata, that met Edwin Montagu and Lord Chelmsford to press for women's right to vote. 3. Herabai Tata, a member of this deputation, is identified as an Indian suffragist. 4. Naidu personally drafted the constitutional provision that granted universal adult suffrage across British India in 1919. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. During her stay in England (1895–98) she came into contact with the suffragist movement.
  2. In 1917 she joined a deputation, along with Annie Besant and Herabai Tata, that met Edwin Montagu and Lord Chelmsford to press for women's right to vote.
  3. Herabai Tata, a member of this deputation, is identified as an Indian suffragist.
  4. Naidu personally drafted the constitutional provision that granted universal adult suffrage across British India in 1919.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 3 and 4