Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word:
The British Raj regularly ___________ vernacular newspapers that printed articles advocating for Indian home rule.

• A. prescribed
• B. proscribed
• C. probated
• D. popularised

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine the most appropriate word to fill in the blank, we need to understand the context of the sentence. The sentence is about the British Raj's actions towards vernacular newspapers that advocated for Indian home rule. We are looking for a word that suggests some form of restriction or prohibition, since the British Raj likely acted against newspapers challenging their rule.

Let's consider the options:

• Prescribed: This word means to recommend or dictate in a positive manner. It is not suitable for this context as the British Raj was unlikely to recommend or advocate newspapers that were promoting Indian home rule.
• Proscribed: This word means to forbid, especially by law. It fits well with the context because it suggests that the British Raj legally banned or limited newspapers that promoted independence.
• Probated: This term relates to the legal validation of a will. It does not fit the context of newspapers and the British Raj.
• Popularised: This word means to make something widely known or liked, which is the opposite of what the British Raj would aim to do in this scenario.

Given these analyses, the correct word to fill in the blank is proscribed.

Answer 2

Understanding the Word: Proscribed 

Word: Proscribed

Meaning: To forbid, especially by law; to ban or prohibit officially.

Contextual Use:

The term "proscribed" is used to describe something that is officially forbidden. In historical contexts like the British Raj, many local or vernacular newspapers were proscribed for advocating ideas like home rule, as such content was viewed as a threat to colonial authority.

Example: During the British Raj, newspapers promoting nationalistic ideas were often proscribed.