SSC CPO 2025 PYQ — Question 95

Answer: A is true, but R is false.

Explanation:

• Statement (A) is true: Subramania Siva (1884–1925) was a prominent freedom fighter, writer, and orator from Tamil Nadu. He launched a monthly magazine titled *Gnanabhanu* to awaken nationalist sentiments. He was deeply influenced by the ideas of Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
• Reason (R) is false: Subramania Siva was not the first Indian to be arrested under the Rowlatt Act (1919). In fact, he was arrested in 1908 on charges of 'sedition.' He was the first political prisoner in the Madras Presidency to be imprisoned on charges of sedition. The Rowlatt Act was passed in 1919, whereas his major revolutionary activities and arrests had already commenced during the Swadeshi Movement (1905–1911).

Additional Points:

• Tirunelveli Uprising (1908): Subramania Siva and V.O. Chidambaram Pillai (V.O.C) jointly led the strike at the Coral Mills, following which they were arrested by the British government.
• Arduous Struggle: He was subjected to severe torture in prison, which resulted in him contracting leprosy. According to the regulations of that time, leprosy patients were not permitted to travel by train; nevertheless, he walked across the entire state of Tamil Nadu to conduct nationalist rallies.
• Bharat Mata Temple: He resolved to establish a temple dedicated to 'Bharat Mata' (Mother India) in Papparapatti (Dharmapuri district), Tamil Nadu.

Potential Questions and Answers:

Question: Which other prominent leaders worked alongside Subramania Siva?

Answer: V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and Subramania Bharati.

Question: Which was the largest movement organized against the Rowlatt Act (1919)? Answer: In protest against this, Gandhiji launched the 'Rowlatt Satyagraha,' during which the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place.