During the First World War (1914–1918 CE), what was the general policy of Raja Bhuri Singh of the princely state of Chamba towards the British Government?

Introduction / Context:
During the First World War, many Indian princely states had to decide how to respond to Britain's call for support. While certain revolutionary groups opposed British rule and tried to use the war as an opportunity for rebellion, most princes chose to cooperate with the colonial authorities. Raja Bhuri Singh of Chamba, a princely state in the Himalayan region, was one such ruler. This question examines your knowledge of his stance during the war and highlights the broader pattern of loyalty among princely states at that time.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The time frame is the First World War, from 1914 to 1918. - The figure involved is Raja Bhuri Singh of Chamba state. - Options present four possible attitudes: opposing the British, joining the Ghadar Movement, helping the British, or remaining passive. - We assume knowledge of the typical relationship between princely states and the British during the war.

Concept / Approach:
Most Indian princes, including those of smaller Himalayan states, maintained a policy of loyalty and cooperation towards the British during the First World War. They contributed troops, money or other resources to the war effort, often hoping to gain political favour or honours. Revolutionary activities like the Ghadar Movement were primarily carried out by radical nationalists and expatriate Indians, not by ruling princes. There is no major historical evidence of Raja Bhuri Singh either opposing the British or joining revolutionary conspiracies. The standard account is that he, like many other princes, helped the British Government during the war.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that this question concerns a princely state ruler, not a nationalist leader or revolutionary. Step 2: Recall the general pattern that most princes cooperated with the British war effort by sending men and material. Step 3: Understand that opposition to the British during the war, especially in the form of the Ghadar Movement, came from revolutionary groups, not from loyal princes. Step 4: Rule out the option that Raja Bhuri Singh participated in the Ghadar Movement, since that movement was directed against princely elites as well as British rule. Step 5: Note that if he had strongly opposed the British, his name would appear prominently in freedom struggle narratives, which is not the case. Step 6: Between remaining entirely passive and actively helping the British, the more historically consistent description for a cooperative princely ruler is that he helped the British Government.

Verification / Alternative check:
Histories of the First World War in India often list contributions from various princely states, including smaller Himalayan ones, to the British forces. They emphasise that princes supplied soldiers and funds as a demonstration of loyalty. Chamba state and its ruler, Raja Bhuri Singh, are generally mentioned among cooperative princes rather than among rebels. This matches the broader pattern of princely politics in that era and supports the view that he helped the British, rather than remaining hostile or passive.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Opposed the British Government is wrong because there is no major evidence that Raja Bhuri Singh led any anti British agitation during the First World War.

Participated in the Ghadar Movement is wrong as this movement was led by radical revolutionaries and expatriate Indians, not by a sitting prince of a loyal princely state.

Remained passive is less accurate because records indicate that most princes provided active assistance rather than staying completely neutral or uninvolved.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that every Indian ruler during this period was automatically part of the independence movement, which overlooks the complex reality of princely politics. Another pitfall is to see the word movement and think it must apply to everyone in the options. To avoid these errors, remember that during the First World War, the general pattern was loyalty from princely states and opposition mainly from revolutionary or nationalist groups. Applying that pattern here makes it clear that helping the British Government is the most historically consistent description of Raja Bhuri Singh's policy.

Final Answer:
During the First World War, Raja Bhuri Singh of Chamba generally helped the British Government.