UPSC CAPF Archives

1. Consider the following statements about the Rowlatt Act of 1919 : 1.

Consider the following statements about the Rowlatt Act of 1919 :

1. It was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council
2. Khilafat Committee was formed to oppose the Act
3. While Gandhiji was arrested, the local leaders were allowed to continue the protest

How many of the above statements is/are NOT correct ?

One

Two

Three

None

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Let’s evaluate each statement about the Rowlatt Act of 1919:
1. It was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council: This is correct. The Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919 (Rowlatt Act) was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council despite unanimous opposition from the elected Indian members, relying on the official majority.
2. Khilafat Committee was formed to oppose the Act: This is incorrect. The Khilafat Committee was formed in 1919 to protest against the harsh terms imposed on the Ottoman Empire after World War I and to defend the Caliphate. While the Khilafat issue later merged with the Non-Cooperation Movement which also included opposition to the Rowlatt Act, the committee’s primary reason for formation was the Khilafat issue, not the Rowlatt Act itself.
3. While Gandhiji was arrested, the local leaders were allowed to continue the protest: This is incorrect. Gandhiji was arrested on April 10, 1919, while on his way to Punjab. Many local leaders, including Dr. Satyapal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew in Amritsar, were also arrested as part of the government’s suppression of the protests against the Rowlatt Act. These arrests often escalated tensions and led to further unrest, as seen in Amritsar leading to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect.

The question asks for the number of statements that are *NOT* correct. Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect.

The Rowlatt Act empowered the government to imprison any person without trial and conviction in a court of law. It was widely opposed by Indians as it violated basic civil liberties. The nationwide protest against the act was one of the first instances of mass agitation organized by Gandhi at an all-India level, though it was primarily led by various segments of society initially. The merging of the Khilafat issue with the Rowlatt Satyagraha solidified Hindu-Muslim unity in the early phase of the nationalist movement.

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2. What are bhuni, pachara, and dopati frequently mentioned in the bi

What are *bhuni, pachara*, and *dopati* frequently mentioned in the bio- graphies of the Vaishnava reformers of medieval Assam ?

Vessels of metal used in religious oblation

Agricultural implements

Musical instruments used at the time of Bohag Bihu festival

Pieces of men's clothes

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In the context of the biographies of Vaishnava reformers of medieval Assam, such as Sankaradeva and Madhavadeva, terms like *bhuni*, *pachara*, and *dopati* refer to specific types of clothing traditionally worn by men, particularly within the Sattriya tradition associated with the Vaishnava movement in Assam. These are pieces of cloth draped or worn in particular styles.

These terms are specific items of traditional Assamese men’s wear mentioned in the cultural and social context of the medieval Vaishnava movement led by Sankaradeva.

This question requires specific knowledge of Assamese culture and terminology found in historical and biographical texts related to the Vaishnava movement of the region. They are not vessels, agricultural tools, or musical instruments.

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3. What is Nalayira Divyaprabandham ?

What is *Nalayira Divyaprabandham* ?

Compositions by the Alvars com- piled in the form of an anthology

Hymns composed by Nayanars

Eulogies composed for Chola kings

An exposition of the hymns of *Rig Veda* in Malayalam

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*Nalayira Divyaprabandham* is a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses (hymns) composed by the 12 Alvars, who were Vaishnava poet-saints of South India between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. This anthology is considered a significant work of Tamil literature and a devotional text of the Sri Vaishnava tradition.

*Nalayira Divyaprabandham* is the canonical collection of hymns by the Alvars, representing the devotional fervor of the Bhakti movement in Vaishnavism in South India.

Option B is incorrect; hymns by the Nayanars, who were Shaiva saints contemporary to the Alvars, are compiled in the *Tevaram*. Option C is incorrect as the work is religious and devotional, not eulogistic poetry for kings. Option D is incorrect; it is a Tamil collection of hymns, not an exposition of the Rig Veda in Malayalam.

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4. Consider the following eras in early India : 1. Shaka era 2. Kalach

Consider the following eras in early India :

1. Shaka era
2. Kalachuri era
3. Vikrama era
4. Harsha era
5. Gupta era

Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above eras starting with the earliest ?

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1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

3 - 1 - 5 - 2 - 4

2 - 3 - 1 - 4 - 5

3 - 1 - 2 - 5 - 4

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The chronological order of the given eras, starting with the earliest, is based on their commencement years:
1. Vikrama Era (Vikram Samvat): Commenced in 57 BCE.
2. Shaka Era (Saka Samvat): Commenced in 78 CE.
3. Kalachuri Era (Chedi Era): Commenced in 248-249 CE.
4. Gupta Era: Commenced in 319-320 CE.
5. Harsha Era (Harsha Samvat): Commenced in 606 CE.
Arranging these based on their start dates gives the order: Vikrama (3), Shaka (1), Kalachuri (2), Gupta (5), Harsha (4), which corresponds to 3 – 1 – 2 – 5 – 4.

Understanding the start dates of major historical eras in early India is crucial for chronological ordering.

The Vikrama Samvat is associated with King Vikramaditya. The Shaka Samvat is widely believed to have been started by the Kushana ruler Kanishka, although other theories exist; it is the basis of the Indian national calendar. The Kalachuri or Chedi era was used by the Kalachuri dynasty in Central India and parts of Gujarat. The Gupta era was founded by Chandragupta I of the Gupta dynasty. The Harsha era was founded by Harshavardhana.

5. In Kautilya’s Arthashashtra, the con- querer king is expected to est

In Kautilya’s *Arthashashtra*, the con- querer king is expected to establish, in the conquered territories, a social order based on the

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*varna* system only

*dharma, varna* and *ashrama* systems

*dharma* only

*varna* and *ashrama* systems

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Kautilya’s *Arthashastra* is a treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy. When discussing the administration of conquered territories (referred to as *labdha*), Kautilya advises the conqueror king to establish a stable and acceptable social order. This order is based on respecting and reinforcing the established social norms, customs (*dharma*), and the traditional hierarchical structures of *varna* and *ashrama* prevalent in ancient Indian society.

Kautilya’s approach was pragmatic, emphasizing the need for stability and integration in conquered regions by aligning with existing social institutions like *dharma*, *varna*, and *ashrama* systems.

Kautilya advised the king to conciliate the local population by adopting their customs, language, and religious practices, while simultaneously introducing administrative measures to strengthen central authority and ensure economic prosperity. The goal was to make the transition smooth and prevent future rebellions by integrating the new territory into the empire through respect for its social fabric, underpinned by *dharma*, *varna*, and *ashrama* as the foundational principles of social organization.

6. Abdur Razzak, the traveler to Vijaya- nagar, had referred to the prese

Abdur Razzak, the traveler to Vijaya- nagar, had referred to the presence of a number of flower merchants in Vijayanagar and noted a particular flower that seemed as necessary as food to the people of that part. Which variety of flower was being referred to by Abdur Razzak ?

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Jasmine

Lotus

Hibiscus

Rose

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The correct option is A.

Abdur Razzak was a Persian traveler who visited the Vijayanagar Empire during the reign of Devaraya II (mid-15th century CE). His account, the ‘Matla-us-Sadain wa Majma-ul-Bahrain’, provides a vivid description of the city of Vijayanagar and its grandeur.
Abdur Razzak indeed noted the abundance of flowers in Vijayanagar and their extensive use by the people. While many flowers were cultivated, accounts from travelers and local literature suggest that Jasmine (Mallige in Kannada, or variations in other South Indian languages) was particularly popular and widely used for garlands, religious offerings, hair adornments, and fragrances. It was deeply integrated into the daily life and cultural practices of the people of South India. The description of a flower being “as necessary as food” strongly points towards something ubiquitous, culturally significant, and perhaps economically important due to trade and cultivation. Jasmine fits this description well within the context of South India and Vijayanagar.
Other options:
– Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is religiously significant but perhaps not used in the sheer volume or variety of everyday applications as Jasmine.
– Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is also used in religious ceremonies and for hair care but was likely not as pervasive as Jasmine.
– Rose (Rosa species) was known and cultivated, but less central to the daily floral economy and customs compared to Jasmine in this region during that period.
Based on historical descriptions of Vijayanagar and the use of flowers in South India, Jasmine is the most likely flower Abdur Razzak was referring to as being exceptionally necessary.

Abdur Razzak was an ambassador sent by the Timurid ruler Shah Rukh to the court of Devaraya II of Vijayanagar in 1442-1443 CE. His travelogue is one of the most important primary sources for understanding the administration, society, and prosperity of the Vijayanagar Empire during its peak. He described the city as magnificent, comparing it favourably with others he had seen. His observations on the economy, religious practices, and daily life, including the extensive use of flowers, are highly valuable to historians.

7. The Junagarh inscription goes on to tell us that during the reign of R

The Junagarh inscription goes on to tell us that during the reign of Rudradaman, in the year 72 of the Saka era, there occurred a terrible storm. What would be the time in CE of the occurrence of that terrible storm?

150 CE

181 CE

130 CE

120 CE

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The correct option is A.

The Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman I is a significant historical record. It mentions the repair of the Sudarshana Lake, originally built during the time of Chandragupta Maurya and improved by Ashoka. The inscription specifically states that a terrible storm occurred in the year 72 of the Saka era, causing damage to the lake’s embankment, which Rudradaman subsequently repaired.

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The Saka era is a historical calendar era. Its epoch (year 0 or year 1) is widely accepted to correspond to 78 CE.
To convert a year in the Saka era to a year in the Common Era (CE), you typically add 78 to the Saka year.

Given Saka era year = 72.
Time in CE = Saka year + 78
Time in CE = 72 + 78
Time in CE = 150 CE.

Therefore, the terrible storm mentioned in the Junagarh inscription occurred in 150 CE.

The Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman I is located on the Girnar hill near Junagarh in Gujarat. It is notable for being one of the earliest and longest inscriptions in chaste Sanskrit. It provides valuable information about the history of the region under the Western Satrap ruler Rudradaman I, including details about the Sudarshana Lake’s construction and repairs, and his administration. Rudradaman I was a powerful ruler of the Western Satraps, a Saka dynasty that ruled parts of western and central India. The inscription also provides details about his military achievements and personal qualities.

8. Consider the following pairs of texts and their subjects: 1. Tilakmanj

Consider the following pairs of texts and their subjects:
1. Tilakmanjari – Mathematics
2. Nighantu – Medicine
3. Janakiharan – Logic
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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1 only

2 only

1 and 2

2 and 3

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The correct option is B.

Let’s examine each pair:
1. Tilakmanjari – Mathematics: Tilakmanjari is a renowned prose romance (katha) written in Sanskrit by Dhanapala in the 11th century CE. It is a work of literature, not mathematics. This pair is incorrectly matched.
2. Nighantu – Medicine: The term ‘Nighantu’ originally referred to collections of Vedic words, essentially vocabularies or glossaries. Over time, the term was applied to lexicons in various fields. A significant branch of later ‘Nighantu’ literature comprises texts dedicated to listing and describing medicinal plants, minerals, animal products, and their properties, which are fundamental to Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine (materia medica). Examples include Dhanvantari Nighantu, Raja Nighantu, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu. Thus, Nighantu texts are indeed related to medicine. This pair is correctly matched in this sense.
3. Janakiharan – Logic: Janakiharana is a famous Sanskrit epic poem (Mahakavya) attributed to Kumaradasa, believed to be a poet from Sri Lanka (possibly 6th or 7th century CE). It retells the story of the Ramayana, focusing on the abduction of Sita (Janaki). It is a work of poetry/literature, not logic. This pair is incorrectly matched.

Based on the analysis, only the second pair is correctly matched, considering the later development of Nighantu literature focusing on medicinal substances.

Nighantus are classified as lexicons or dictionaries in Sanskrit literature. While the earliest Nighantus were related to Vedic studies, the term evolved to encompass specialized glossaries. The medicinal Nighantus are crucial texts in the history of Indian medical knowledge, providing systematic information about drugs and their uses. The question likely refers to this well-known type of Nighantu.

9. Which of the following statements are correct? 1. The Third Round Tabl

Which of the following statements are correct?
1. The Third Round Table Conference met in London in November 1932 without the participation of Congress.
2. The discussions in the Third Round Table Conference led to the passing of the Government of India Act, 1935.
3. The Government of India Act, 1935 did not favor the idea of provincial autonomy.
4. The Governor was not given any power in the Act of 1935 to take over and run the administration of a province.
Select the answer using the code given below:

3 and 4

1 and 2

2 and 3

1 and 3

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The correct option is B.

Statement 1: The Third Round Table Conference met in London in November 1932 without the participation of Congress. This is correct. The First Round Table Conference was held from November 1930 to January 1931, without Congress participation. The Second Round Table Conference was held from September to December 1931, attended by Mahatma Gandhi as the sole representative of the Indian National Congress. The Third Round Table Conference was held from November 17 to December 24, 1932, and was poorly attended; the Congress again boycotted it.

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Statement 2: The discussions in the Third Round Table Conference led to the passing of the Government of India Act, 1935. This is correct. The three Round Table Conferences, along with the recommendations of the Simon Commission (1930) and subsequent discussions including the White Paper of 1933, formed the basis for the drafting of the Government of India Bill, which was eventually passed as the Government of India Act, 1935.

Statement 3: The Government of India Act, 1935 did not favor the idea of provincial autonomy. This is incorrect. The Government of India Act, 1935 is a landmark act precisely because it introduced provincial autonomy, replacing the system of dyarchy in the provinces introduced by the 1919 Act. Provinces were granted considerable autonomy in their own sphere.

Statement 4: The Governor was not given any power in the Act of 1935 to take over and run the administration of a province. This is incorrect. Although provincial autonomy was granted, the Act of 1935 provided the provincial Governors with significant discretionary powers and ‘special responsibilities’. These powers allowed the Governor, under certain circumstances (e.g., failure of constitutional machinery), to act on their own judgment, even overriding the elected provincial government, and potentially take over the administration.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

The Government of India Act, 1935 was a lengthy and complex piece of legislation. Key features included: introduction of provincial autonomy, abolition of dyarchy in provinces but introduction at the centre (never fully implemented), proposal for an All-India Federation (which did not materialize as princely states did not join), separation of Burma from India, and establishment of the Federal Court. The Act gave significant powers to the Governors and Governor-General, which were criticized by Indian nationalists.

10. Consider the following statements about the costumes and headgear/hair

Consider the following statements about the costumes and headgear/hairstyle in India during 4th-7th century AD:
1. There was a marked preference for stitched garment as compared to any previous age.
2. Simple plaits without any floral embellishment dominated the hairstyle of women.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

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The correct option is A.

Statement 1: There was a marked preference for stitched garment as compared to any previous age. The period 4th-7th century AD corresponds roughly to the Gupta period and early post-Gupta period. Historical and archaeological evidence suggests that while traditional unstitched garments (like dhoti, sari, antariya, uttariya) remained prevalent, the influence of foreign contacts (like Kushanas and Sakas before and during the Gupta period) led to increased use and popularity of stitched garments such as tunics (choga, jama), coats, trousers (shalwar). Compared to the earlier Vedic or Maurya periods where unstitched garments were dominant, the stitched garments saw a significant rise in preference, particularly among certain sections of society (royalty, nobility, military) and in specific regions. Therefore, stating a ‘marked preference’ (meaning noticeable increase and favour) for stitched garments compared to previous ages appears correct for this period.

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Statement 2: Simple plaits without any floral embellishment dominated the hairstyle of women. Sculptural depictions and paintings from the Gupta period (e.g., Ajanta murals, sculptures from Sanchi, Deogarh) show a wide variety of elaborate and complex hairstyles worn by women, often involving intricate buns, multiple braids, coils, and ringlets. These hairstyles were frequently adorned with flowers, pearls, jewels, and other ornaments. Simple plaits existed, but they did not ‘dominate’ the hairstyle scene, especially among the elite and in artistic representations, nor were they typically ‘without any floral embellishment’. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Based on the analysis, only statement 1 is correct.

The Gupta period (c. 320 to 550 CE) is often considered a golden age of Indian art, literature, and science. Clothing styles during this era reflected both tradition and foreign influences. Men’s clothing often included the antariya and uttariya, but stitched garments like tunics (often called ‘choga’) and trousers became common, especially in the north and west. Women continued to wear saris and dhotis, but stitched blouses and jackets also appeared. Hairstyles were diverse and elaborate, with extensive use of ornaments. The period saw cultural synthesis, which was reflected in attire and adornment.