Wider use of the term Backward Classes came first in one region, then…

Wider use of the term Backward Classes came first in one region, then in the princely state of Mysore and later in the Bombay presidency. Which region is missing from this sequence?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → Madras presidency

Option (1) Punjab — Incorrect. Punjab falls outside this sequence. The wider use of the term began in Madras presidency in 1872.

Option (2) Bengal presidency — Incorrect. The sequence runs 1872, 1918 and 1925, with Madras presidency, Mysore and Bombay presidency. Bengal presidency falls outside it.

Option (3) United Provinces — Incorrect. The United Provinces are linked with the United Provinces Hindu Backward Classes League, a caste organisation formed from the 1920s. That came later, after the term had already spread.

Option (4) Madras presidency — Correct. The term Backward Classes began to be used more widely in Madras presidency since 1872. Mysore followed in 1918 and Bombay presidency in 1925, so Madras is the missing first region.

NCERT (2026-27): “Backward Class Castes Movements …
The term ‘Backward Classes’ has been in use in different parts of the country since the late 19 Century. It began to be used more widely in Madras presidency since 1872, in the princely state of Mysore since 1918, and in Bombay presidency since 1925. From the 1920s, a number of organisations united around the issue of caste sprang up in different parts of the country. These included the United Provinces Hindu Backward Classes League, All-India Backward Classes Federation, All India Backward Classes League. In 1954, 88 organisations were counted working for the Backward Classes.”