UPSC CAPF Archives

21. Which of the following ideas was/were shared by Raja Rammohan Roy and

Which of the following ideas was/were shared by Raja Rammohan Roy and Rabindranath Tagore ?

Internationalism

Opposition to idol worship

Faith in rational and scientific approach

All the above

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UPSC CAPF – 2009

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Raja Rammohan Roy and Rabindranath Tagore, both towering figures of the Bengal Renaissance, shared several key ideas. Raja Rammohan Roy was a pioneer of modern Indian thought, advocating for reason, science, monotheism, and universalism (proto-internationalism). Rabindranath Tagore, while rooted in Indian tradition, also embraced universalism, founded Visva-Bharati (a university promoting global cultural exchange), and strongly advocated for rationality and a scientific temper. Both opposed traditional idol worship and ritualism, although their specific approaches and expressions differed. Tagore, in his poetry and philosophy, focused more on an immanent, universal divine than Rammohan Roy’s strict Brahmo Samaj monotheism, but neither endorsed polytheistic idol worship in the traditional sense. Given their shared emphasis on universalism (Internationalism), rejection of traditional idol worship, and faith in reason and science, ‘All the above’ is the correct answer.

– Both reformers were influenced by Western thought but also rooted in Indian philosophy.
– They advocated for social reform, education, and a modern, rational outlook.
– Their vision extended beyond national boundaries to embrace universal human values and understanding.

Raja Rammohan Roy (1772-1833) is considered the ‘Father of Modern India’. Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was a polymath who reshaped Bengali literature and music and was the first non-European Nobel laureate in Literature. Their ideas represent a continuum of modern Indian intellectual and cultural development.

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22. The ‘Motorana’ and the ‘hathiana’ referred to :

The ‘Motorana’ and the ‘hathiana’ referred to :

markets where peasants brought their produce

taxes levied by zamindars on their peasants

rent paid by peasants for the use of the motorcar or the elephant of the zamindar

the nickname for those zamindars who possessed a motorcar or an elephant

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UPSC CAPF – 2009

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‘Motorana’ and ‘hathiana’ were terms used in some regions, particularly in Eastern India, to refer to illegal cesses or taxes levied by zamindars on their tenants. These were types of *abwabs*, which were miscellaneous imposts collected by landlords in addition to the basic rent. ‘Hathiana’ literally relates to elephants and might have been a tax for processions or ceremonies involving elephants, while ‘motorana’ would be a later tax related to motor vehicles owned by tenants or entering the village. These were examples of the arbitrary burdens placed upon peasants by zamindars.

– Zamindars in colonial India often extracted various cesses (abwabs) from their tenants beyond the legally stipulated rent.
– These cesses could be arbitrary and were a source of peasant exploitation.
– ‘Motorana’ and ‘hathiana’ are examples of such illegal or customary taxes levied by zamindars.

The collection of abwabs was a persistent grievance of peasants against zamindars and contributed to agrarian unrest in different parts of India. These cesses varied widely in name and nature across regions and time periods.

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23. Which among the following was not a demand of Mahatma Gandhi to the Go

Which among the following was not a demand of Mahatma Gandhi to the Government as a condition of settlement before he launched the Non-cooperation movement ?

The Government should withdraw the Rowlatt Act

The Government should express regret for the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh

The British government should behave leniently with Turkey

The Government should put a better scheme of reforms than that of the Act of 1919

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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Mahatma Gandhi proposed certain conditions for calling off or not launching the Non-cooperation movement. These key demands included the withdrawal of the repressive Rowlatt Act, expressing regret and taking action regarding the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and a just resolution of the Khilafat issue (which involved treating Turkey leniently after World War I). While the Government of India Act 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms) was considered inadequate and was boycotted during the movement, demanding a *better scheme of reforms* as a condition *before* launching the movement was not among the primary preconditions directly linked to the immediate triggers of the movement (Rowlatt, Jallianwala Bagh, Khilafat). The focus was on rectifying specific injustices and concerns.

– The Non-cooperation movement (1920-1922) was launched in response to the Rowlatt Act, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the Khilafat issue.
– Gandhi’s preconditions for cooperation or suspending agitation were directly related to addressing these grievances.
– Demanding a fundamental improvement over the 1919 Act was a general nationalist goal but not one of the specific immediate conditions set by Gandhi to avert the Non-cooperation campaign.

The Khilafat issue concerned the treatment of the Ottoman Caliph by the Allied powers after WWI, which deeply offended Indian Muslims and led to the Khilafat Movement, which later merged with the Non-cooperation Movement under Gandhi’s leadership.

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24. Consider the following observations relating to the reign of the Mugha

Consider the following observations relating to the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar :

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1. Akbar strengthened his control on the nobility and the army by introducing the mansabdari system.
2. Under the mansabdari system, every officer was assigned a rank (mansab).
3. The ranks were divided into three : zat, sawar and chehra.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

1 only

2 only

1 and 2

1 and 3

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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Statement 1 is correct. Akbar introduced the mansabdari system to organize and streamline the administration, nobility, and military, thereby strengthening his control and central authority. Statement 2 is correct. Under the mansabdari system, every civil and military officer was assigned a *mansab* or rank. Statement 3 is incorrect. The mansabdari rank was primarily divided into two components: *zat* and *sawar*. *Zat* determined the officer’s personal rank and salary, while *sawar* indicated the number of cavalrymen (and horses) the officer was required to maintain. *Chehra* was a practice introduced by Akbar for branding horses to prevent deception and ensure the quality and number of horses maintained by mansabdars, not a third division of the mansab rank itself.

– The mansabdari system was a unique administrative and military system of the Mughal Empire introduced by Akbar.
– It assigned ranks (mansabs) that determined status, salary, and military obligations.
– The rank consisted of two numbers: Zat and Sawar.

The mansabdari system helped Akbar create a centralized administration and a strong army loyal to the emperor. The dual rank (zat and sawar) distinguished between personal status/salary and military responsibility.

25. Consider the following statements relating to the Bhakti Movement :

Consider the following statements relating to the Bhakti Movement :

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1. The Bhakti and Sufi Saints gradually brought about a better understanding of the fundamental tenets of Hinduism and Islam, underlining the fact that they had a great deal of similarity.
2. The Bhakti and Sufi Saints also brought about important changes in the approach to religion, laying greater emphasis on formal observances and rituals.
3. They also contributed to the growth of regional languages and literature.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct ?

1 and 2

2 only

2 and 3

3 only

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The question asks for the *not correct* statement(s). Statement 1 is correct; Bhakti and Sufi saints fostered syncretism, emphasizing universal love and devotion, thus promoting better understanding and highlighting similarities between Hinduism and Islam. Statement 3 is correct; these saints used and promoted regional languages like Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Punjabi, etc., to spread their message among the masses, significantly contributing to the development of regional literature. Statement 2 is incorrect; both Bhakti and Sufi movements generally emphasized personal devotion, emotional connection with the divine, and often criticized formal rituals, caste distinctions, and elaborate ceremonies, prioritizing inner spiritual experience over outward observances.

– Bhakti and Sufi movements promoted religious harmony and mutual understanding.
– They emphasized personal devotion and criticized empty rituals and social hierarchies.
– They played a crucial role in the growth and popularization of regional languages.

Key figures of the Bhakti movement include Kabir, Nanak, Chaitanya, Surdas, Mirabai, Tukaram, etc. Prominent Sufi saints include Moinuddin Chishti, Nizamuddin Auliya, etc. Their teachings had a profound impact on the social and cultural landscape of medieval India.

26. Consider the following statements : 1. The Indian cities like Dacca,

Consider the following statements :

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1. The Indian cities like Dacca, Murshidabad and Surat were known all over the world as centers of trade and industry in the pre-colonial period.
2. Such centers of trade and industry went down in the face of foreign competition in the colonial period.
3. Indian artisans, manufacturers and weavers were provided alternative employment by the British Indian government after the decline of these centers of trade.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct ?

1 and 2

2 and 3

3 only

1 only

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The question asks for the *not correct* statement(s). Statement 1 is correct as cities like Dacca (textiles, especially muslin), Murshidabad (silk), and Surat (port trade) were indeed major centers of trade and industry globally in the pre-colonial period. Statement 2 is correct; these centers and traditional Indian industries faced decline due to British policies like discriminatory tariffs, competition from machine-made British goods, and loss of court patronage. Statement 3 is incorrect; the British Indian government did not provide alternative employment to the displaced artisans and weavers. The decline of traditional industries led to mass de-industrialization, forcing people back to agriculture, which was already under immense pressure.

– Pre-colonial India had flourishing urban centers and export-oriented industries.
– Colonial policies led to the decline of these traditional industries and urban centers.
– The British administration did not facilitate the transition of the displaced workforce to new industries or provide significant alternative employment, resulting in de-industrialization and ruralization.

The decline of Indian handicrafts and industries is a key aspect of the economic impact of British rule, often referred to as “de-industrialization.” This process contributed to the impoverishment of India and the strain on its agricultural sector.

27. Consider the following statements about the press and literature in Co

Consider the following statements about the press and literature in Colonial India :

1. The print media enabled the nationalists living in different parts of the country to exchange views with one another.
2. The British rulers were prepared to tolerate the nationalist criticism of their rule.
3. The Vernacular Press Act (1878) evoked a nationwide protest against the encroachment on freedom of expression.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 and 3

2 and 3

2 only

1 and 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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Statement 1 is correct because print media, especially newspapers, played a vital role in connecting nationalists across different regions, enabling the exchange of ideas and coordination of activities. Statement 3 is correct as the Vernacular Press Act of 1878, which severely curtailed the freedom of the vernacular press, sparked widespread protests across the country, highlighting the importance Indians placed on freedom of expression. Statement 2 is incorrect; the British rulers were highly intolerant of nationalist criticism and used various laws and measures to suppress the press.

– Newspapers were a crucial tool for nationalist mobilization and communication in Colonial India.
– The British Government actively sought to control and suppress the nationalist press through legislation like the Vernacular Press Act.
– The Vernacular Press Act was a significant event that demonstrated the government’s repressive policies and fueled anti-British sentiment.

The Vernacular Press Act was repealed in 1882 by Lord Ripon, partly due to the strong opposition it generated. Despite this, press freedom remained a contested issue throughout the colonial period, with the government enacting new restrictions whenever nationalist activity intensified.

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28. Which Reformer does the following passage relate to ? “He insisted on

Which Reformer does the following passage relate to ?
“He insisted on the cooperation of the Muslims with the British Government and looked at all political movements with distrust. Thus, when the Indian National Congress was formed, he opposed it. He regarded education and education alone as the means of national progress.”
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Keshab Chandra Sen

Lord Macaulay

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

Badruddin Tyabji

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The passage accurately describes the views and actions of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. He was a strong advocate for modern education among Muslims and believed that cooperating with the British Government, rather than engaging in political agitation like the Indian National Congress, was the path to progress for the Muslim community. He viewed the Congress with suspicion and advised Muslims to stay away from it.

– Sir Syed Ahmad Khan founded the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College (later Aligarh Muslim University) specifically to promote modern education among Muslims.
– He believed that political confrontation with the British would be detrimental to Muslim interests and advocated for loyalty and cooperation.
– He was a prominent opponent of the Indian National Congress from its inception, fearing it would lead to Hindu dominance and marginalize Muslims.

Keshab Chandra Sen was a leader of the Brahmo Samaj and a social reformer, not known for advocating cooperation with the British to the exclusion of political movements like the INC (though his relationship with the Brahmo Samaj and political movements evolved over time). Lord Macaulay is associated with the introduction of English education but was not an Indian reformer with these specific views on political movements. Badruddin Tyabji was one of the early presidents of the Indian National Congress, directly contradicting the description.

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29. Which among the following is not true about the Swadeshi movement ?

Which among the following is *not* true about the Swadeshi movement ?

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It had a wider popular appeal than any other political agitation that preceded it

It enlisted the support of the Muslim masses

It had an economic character

The Swadeshi movement was supported by a section of the radical press in England

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The statement “It enlisted the support of the Muslim masses” is not true about the Swadeshi movement.

While the Swadeshi movement had a broad base of support among various sections of Indian society, including students, women, and the middle class, it largely failed to secure widespread support from the Muslim masses. Several factors contributed to this, including the active opposition by some Muslim leaders (like Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka who supported the partition of Bengal), the formation of the Muslim League in 1906 which focused on separate political identity, and the movement’s use of Hindu religious symbols by some leaders, which alienated some Muslims.

A) It had a wider popular appeal than any other political agitation that preceded it: This is largely true, as it involved large-scale boycotts, protests, and participation across different social strata compared to earlier, more limited agitations.
C) It had an economic character: This is correct. A key aspect was the boycott of British goods and promotion of Indian industries and goods (Swadeshi) to economically pressure the British.
D) The Swadeshi movement was supported by a section of the radical press in England: This is correct. Some liberal and radical voices in Britain were critical of imperial policies and sympathetic to Indian nationalist aspirations.

30. The explanation of, why we get thrown back with a jerk when the statio

The explanation of, why we get thrown back with a jerk when the stationary bus we are sitting in starts moving forward is given by :

Zeroth law of gravity

Newton's first law

Newton's second law

Newton's third law

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The explanation of why you get thrown back with a jerk when a stationary bus starts moving forward is given by Newton’s first law.

Newton’s first law of motion, also known as the Law of Inertia, states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. When the bus is stationary, you are also at rest relative to the ground. When the bus suddenly accelerates forward, your body, due to inertia, tends to maintain its state of rest. This relative motion causes you to feel a backward jerk with respect to the accelerating bus.

Newton’s second law relates force, mass, and acceleration (F=ma). Newton’s third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The concept of inertia directly explains the resistance to changes in motion, which is fundamental to the first law. The “Zeroth law of gravity” is not a standard physics term; gravity is described by Newton’s law of universal gravitation or Einstein’s theory of general relativity.

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