UPSC CAPF Archives

21. Which of the following statements about the ideology of Utilitarianism

Which of the following statements about the ideology of Utilitarianism in the context of British India is / are correct ?

Utilitarianism believed that the rule of law was necessary for societal betterment
James Mill expounded the principles of Utilitarianism in his famous book, “Utilitarians and the Raj”
Utilitarians differed from the liberals in significant ways
Utilitarianism had distinct authoritarian tendencies

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only

1 and 2 only

3 and 4 only

1, 3 and 4

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct answer is D. Statements 1, 3, and 4 accurately describe aspects of the ideology of Utilitarianism in the context of British India, while statement 2 contains a factual error.

– Statement 1: “Utilitarianism believed that the rule of law was necessary for societal betterment”. Correct. Utilitarians like Bentham and Mill advocated for clear, codified laws and a predictable legal system, believing this would lead to greater security, order, and efficiency, thereby promoting the overall welfare or utility of society. They were strong proponents of legal reform in India.
– Statement 2: “James Mill expounded the principles of Utilitarianism in his famous book, ‘Utilitarians and the Raj'”. Incorrect. James Mill was a key Utilitarian thinker and wrote extensively about India in his influential “The History of British India”. However, “Utilitarians and the Raj” is not a book *by* James Mill; it sounds like a modern academic title analyzing the influence of Utilitarianism on British rule in India. Mill’s primary work on political theory and utilitarianism is “An Essay on Government”.
– Statement 3: “Utilitarians differed from the liberals in significant ways”. Correct. While Utilitarianism is a strand of classical liberalism, Utilitarians like Mill often adopted a more radical and interventionist stance compared to other liberals regarding India. They were highly critical of Indian society and culture, advocating for sweeping reforms based on abstract principles of utility, often differing from liberals who might have been more cautious or respectful of local customs.
– Statement 4: “Utilitarianism had distinct authoritarian tendencies”. Correct. Utilitarians like James Mill believed that rulers, particularly those informed by rational principles, could determine what maximized utility for the governed population better than the people themselves, especially in societies they deemed ‘backward’. This led to a paternalistic and sometimes authoritarian approach to governance and reform in India, prioritizing efficiency and reform according to Utilitarian principles over self-governance or traditional rights.

Utilitarian ideas significantly influenced British administration and policy-making in India during the 19th century, particularly in areas like law, education, and economic policy. Key figures associated with implementing these ideas in India included administrators like Lord Dalhousie and legal reformers like Thomas Macaulay, who was influenced by Bentham and James Mill.

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22. Which of the following statements about the new style of architecture

Which of the following statements about the new style of architecture of Rome in the 15th century is / are correct ?

It was marked by a complete break from the past
It was actually a revival of the imperial Roman style
The Architects familiar with classical style were employed by wealthy merchants and aristocrats

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only

2 and 3

2 only

3 only

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct answer is B. Statements 2 and 3 accurately describe aspects of the new style of architecture in Rome during the 15th century Renaissance, while statement 1 does not.

– Statement 1: “It was marked by a complete break from the past”. Incorrect. Renaissance architecture was characterized by a deliberate *revival* and adaptation of classical Roman architectural principles and forms, drawing heavily from the ruins and texts of antiquity. It was a break from the Gothic style that preceded it, but not a complete break from *all* past, as it specifically looked to the ancient Roman past for inspiration.
– Statement 2: “It was actually a revival of the imperial Roman style”. Correct. Renaissance architects (like Alberti, Bramante) studied ancient Roman buildings and texts like Vitruvius’s *De Architectura*. They sought to reintroduce classical elements such as columns (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian orders), pediments, arches, domes, and principles of symmetry, proportion, and harmony based on classical models.
– Statement 3: “The Architects familiar with classical style were employed by wealthy merchants and aristocrats”. Correct. The Renaissance was heavily fueled by patronage. Wealthy families, princes, and the Papacy were the major patrons of architecture, commissioning palaces, churches, and public buildings. They sought out architects who could realize their ambitions in the prestigious new classical style, which was seen as a symbol of learning, status, and connection to the glorious past.

The 15th century saw the rise of Renaissance architecture in Italy, starting in Florence and spreading to Rome. Key figures included Brunelleschi (though more active in early 15th-century Florence), Alberti (theorist and architect), and later in Rome, Bramante, who significantly shaped the style of the High Renaissance. This period saw the construction of influential buildings that defined the classical tradition for centuries.

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23. Which of the following was/were the features of the Quit India Movemen

Which of the following was/were the features of the Quit India Movement?

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From the very beginning, it was a rural revolt
It was essentially a moderate movement
It was marked by the unprecedented use of violence
It was marked by acute state repression

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 only

1 and 2

3 and 4 only

1, 3 and 4

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct answer is C. Statements 3 and 4 accurately describe key features of the Quit India Movement, while statements 1 and 2 do not.

– Statement 1: “From the very beginning, it was a rural revolt”. Incorrect. The Quit India Movement was launched by the Congress leadership (in Bombay) and began with urban protests following the arrests of leaders. While it quickly spread to rural areas and saw significant participation there, including the setting up of parallel governments, it was not exclusively or primarily a rural revolt *from the very beginning*.
– Statement 2: “It was essentially a moderate movement”. Incorrect. The Quit India Movement (variously called August Kranti or Bharat Chhodo Andolan) was one of the most militant and radical phases of the Indian independence movement, characterized by mass participation, widespread disruption, and violence (both by protesters and the state).
– Statement 3: “It was marked by the unprecedented use of violence”. Correct. Following the sudden arrest of leaders, the movement became decentralized and spontaneous. There were widespread attacks on symbols of British authority – police stations, post offices, railway lines, and other government infrastructure. While not centrally directed, violence became a significant feature.
– Statement 4: “It was marked by acute state repression”. Correct. The British government responded swiftly and brutally. Congress leaders were imprisoned, meetings banned, protests fired upon, and widespread arrests and repression followed, crushing the movement within months, though localized resistance continued.

The Quit India Movement, launched in August 1942, was a call for immediate independence. With the leadership jailed, the movement took a more spontaneous and often violent turn, involving a wide range of people from students to peasants. Despite the severe repression, it demonstrated the depth of anti-British sentiment and the willingness of the masses to participate in a radical struggle.

24. What is the meaning of the term “Humanist” used during the Renaissance

What is the meaning of the term “Humanist” used during the Renaissance in 15th century Europe?
1. It refers to the masters who taught grammar and rhetoric
2. It refers to the masters who taught poetry, history and moral philosophy
3. It refers to the masters who taught subjects that were connected with religion
4. It refers to masters who emphasized skills that were developed through discussion and debate.

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Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1, 2 and 3

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 4

2 and 4 only

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct answer is C. During the Renaissance, “Humanists” referred to scholars and teachers who focused on the “studia humanitatis”, which encompassed a specific set of subjects and teaching methods.

– Statement 1: Humanists taught grammar and rhetoric. Correct. These were foundational elements of the studia humanitatis, crucial for effective communication and analysis of classical texts.
– Statement 2: Humanists taught poetry, history and moral philosophy. Correct. These subjects, derived from classical Greek and Roman literature, history, and philosophy, were central to the Humanist curriculum, aiming to cultivate virtuous and knowledgeable citizens.
– Statement 3: Humanists taught subjects connected with religion. Incorrect. While Humanists were often devout Christians, their focus was on secular subjects and classical antiquity, distinct from the traditional scholastic curriculum which centered on theology and philosophy from a religious perspective. They studied classical texts for their human wisdom, not primarily for religious doctrine.
– Statement 4: Humanists emphasized skills developed through discussion and debate. Correct. Humanist education encouraged critical thinking, analysis of texts, and the ability to articulate arguments effectively, often through exercises like disputation, drawing inspiration from classical methods.

The studia humanitatis consisted of grammar, rhetoric, poetry, history, and moral philosophy. Humanism marked a shift from the scholastic focus on logic and metaphysics towards a renewed interest in classical literature and its relevance to human life and society. Humanists sought to revive the cultural and intellectual achievements of antiquity and apply them to contemporary issues.

25. Identify from the following the novel written by Charles Dickens that

Identify from the following the novel written by Charles Dickens that critiqued the adverse impact of industrialization on the poor.

The Day Before America

Hard Times

Creating a Nation

The Courtier

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Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct answer is B. Charles Dickens’ novel “Hard Times” is a prominent critique of the adverse impact of industrialization and the utilitarian philosophy underpinning it on the lives of the working class in a fictional industrial town called Coketown.

– “Hard Times” (1854) is explicitly set in an industrial city and satirizes the utilitarian belief in facts, statistics, and self-interest, portraying its dehumanizing effects on individuals and society, particularly the poor.
– Charles Dickens often wrote about the social conditions in Victorian England, but “Hard Times” is specifically focused on the issues brought about by industrialization and the prevailing economic philosophies.
– The other options are not novels by Charles Dickens or are not primarily known for critiquing industrialization in this manner: “The Day Before America” is by Stephen Coonts; “Creating a Nation” is a general historical concept; “The Courtier” is a Renaissance text by Baldassare Castiglione.

Dickens’ works often highlighted the plight of the poor and working class, criticizing social injustices, poverty, and the harsh conditions brought about by rapid industrial and social changes in 19th-century Britain. “Oliver Twist” and “Bleak House” are other examples where he explores social issues, but “Hard Times” directly addresses the industrial environment and utilitarianism.

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26. Consider the following statements about the Morley-Minto reforms of 19

Consider the following statements about the Morley-Minto reforms of 1909:

1. They were named after the British Parliamentarians, Minto and Morley
2. They provided for limited self-government by increasing the number of elected Indians in the Legislative Councils
3. They contained provisions that ensured that British officials retained their majority in the Imperial Legislative Council

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct answer is C, as statements 1 and 3 are correct while statement 2 is incorrect.

– Statement 1: “They were named after the British Parliamentarians, Minto and Morley”. Lord Morley was the Secretary of State for India (a member of the House of Lords, thus a Parliamentarian). Lord Minto was the Viceroy of India. While Minto wasn’t a sitting Parliamentarian while Viceroy, the reforms are universally known as Morley-Minto Reforms, named after these two key figures responsible for them. In the context of such questions, the statement is likely considered correct, focusing on Morley’s role as a Parliamentarian and Minto as the Viceroy linked to the parliamentary process.
– Statement 2: “They provided for limited self-government by increasing the number of elected Indians in the Legislative Councils”. This is incorrect. The reforms explicitly aimed *not* at introducing self-government or a parliamentary system. Morley himself stated they had no intention of establishing a parliamentary system in India. They increased Indian representation but retained British control.
– Statement 3: “They contained provisions that ensured that British officials retained their majority in the Imperial Legislative Council”. This is correct. Although the number of elected and nominated non-official members was increased, an official majority was deliberately maintained in the Imperial Legislative Council to ensure the government could pass its legislation. In some provincial councils, a non-official majority (including elected and nominated non-officials) was allowed.

The Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act 1909) aimed to appease moderate nationalists and avert further unrest after the Swadeshi movement. They introduced separate electorates for Muslims, which is often considered a significant step towards communal politics in India. The reforms increased Indian participation in legislative councils but retained ultimate British power and control.

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27. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

List I (Author)	List II (Book)
A. Dadabhai Naoroji	1. Essays on Indian Economics
B. Prafulla Chandra Ray	2. Poverty and Un-British Rule in India
C. Mahadev Govind Ranade	3. Economic History of India
D. R.C. Dutt	4. The Poverty Problem in India

A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3

A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct answer is A, matching the authors with their respective books.

– A. Dadabhai Naoroji: His most famous work detailing the economic exploitation of India by the British and the drain of wealth is “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India”. (Matches 2)
– B. Prafulla Chandra Ray: While primarily known as a chemist, P.C. Ray also wrote on socio-economic issues. “The Poverty Problem in India” is attributed to him. (Matches 4)
– C. Mahadev Govind Ranade: A prominent intellectual and economist of the early nationalist period, Ranade compiled his economic thoughts in “Essays on Indian Economics”. (Matches 1)
– D. R.C. Dutt: Romesh Chunder Dutt wrote a comprehensive history of India’s economy under British rule in his work “Economic History of India” (published in two volumes). (Matches 3)

These authors were key figures in the early Indian nationalist movement who critically analyzed the economic impact of British rule and highlighted issues like poverty, deindustrialization, and the drain of wealth, laying the intellectual groundwork for the freedom struggle.

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28. The earliest literary references to iron in the Indian Sub-Continent a

The earliest literary references to iron in the Indian Sub-Continent are found in the :

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Rigveda

Samaveda

Yajurveda

Vinaya Pitaka

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct answer is C. The earliest literary references to iron (referred to as Shyama ayas or Krishna ayas) in the Indian Subcontinent are found in the later Vedic texts, including the Yajurveda, Atharvaveda, and Brahmanas.

– The Rigveda, the oldest Vedic text, primarily mentions ‘ayas’, which is generally interpreted as copper or bronze.
– Later Vedic texts, composed after the Rigveda (c. 1000 BCE onwards), show clear knowledge and use of iron. The term ‘Shyama ayas’ or ‘Krishna ayas’ (black metal) is used to distinguish it from ‘lohita ayas’ (red metal, i.e., copper/bronze).
– The Yajurveda is one of the principal later Vedic texts where such references appear.
– The Samaveda is primarily a collection of hymns meant for chanting and does not contain as much material on material culture as the Yajurveda or Atharvaveda.
– The Vinaya Pitaka is part of the Buddhist canon (Pali Canon) and belongs to a later period (post-6th century BCE) compared to the Vedic texts.

The archaeological evidence for the use of iron in India corresponds with the period of the later Vedic texts, around 1000 BCE, particularly in regions like Gandhara and subsequently spreading to the Gangetic plain, coinciding with the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture. The introduction and spread of iron technology significantly impacted agriculture, warfare, and settlement patterns in ancient India.

29. Which of the following statements about the founding of the Indian Nat

Which of the following statements about the founding of the Indian National Congress (INC) is / are correct ?

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1. The INC was formed in Bombay in 1885
2. The first president of the INC was W.C. Bonnerjee

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct answer is C because both statements regarding the founding of the Indian National Congress (INC) are factually accurate.

– Statement 1 correctly states that the INC was formed in Bombay in 1885. The first session was held from 28 to 31 December 1885 at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay.
– Statement 2 correctly identifies W.C. Bonnerjee (Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee) as the first president of the INC. He presided over the inaugural session in Bombay.

The Indian National Congress was founded by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British Indian Civil Service officer, with the objective of creating a forum for civil and political dialogue among educated Indians and serving as a link between the Indian populace and the British government. The first session was attended by 72 delegates from various parts of India.

30. Which one of the following is the famous novel written in 1869 by Nazi

Which one of the following is the famous novel written in 1869 by Nazir Ahmad?

Twilight in Delhi

Mirat-ul-urus

Bahishti Zewar

City of Djinns

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2016

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*Mirat-ul-urus* (The Bride’s Mirror) is considered the first proper novel in Urdu literature and was written by Nazir Ahmad Dehlvi. It was published in 1869. The novel is didactic, aimed at educating Muslim girls and discussing social issues.

– Nazir Ahmad is a prominent Urdu writer.
– *Mirat-ul-urus* was his first novel and was published in 1869.

– *Twilight in Delhi* was written by Ahmed Ali and published in 1940.
– *Bahishti Zewar* was written by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi, not a novel by Nazir Ahmad, and is a comprehensive manual of Islamic knowledge and practice for women.
– *City of Djinns* is a non-fiction travel book by William Dalrymple, published in 1993.

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