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31. The Buddhist Sangha was an organization of monks

The Buddhist Sangha was an organization of monks

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who became teachers of Dhamma

that helped the spread of education

to help the integration of the State

to provide relief to the poor in times of distress

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The Buddhist Sangha is the community of Buddhist monks and nuns who have renounced worldly life to follow the path to enlightenment. A primary function of the members of the Sangha is the preservation, study, practice, and teaching of the Dhamma (Buddha’s teachings). They serve as living examples of the Buddhist path and are responsible for disseminating the Dhamma to lay followers and new members of the community.

– The Sangha is the Buddhist monastic community.
– Its members are monks and nuns.
– A core function is the study, practice, and teaching of the Dhamma.

While Buddhist monasteries often functioned as centers of learning (related to B), their primary educational focus was on religious texts and philosophy. The Sangha’s role is primarily religious and spiritual, not directly related to state integration (C) or organized widespread poverty relief (D), although charitable acts are part of Buddhist practice.

32. Akbar’s Ibadat Khana was the place where

Akbar’s Ibadat Khana was the place where

military strategy was decided

inter-faith debates and discussions were held

Akbar preached his principles of Sulh-i-kul

fine arts were practised

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Akbar’s Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) at Fatehpur Sikri was initially built in 1575 for religious discussions among Muslims. However, by 1578, Akbar opened it to scholars and theologians of various religions including Hindus, Jains, Zoroastrians, Christians, and others. The purpose was to facilitate inter-faith debates and discussions with the aim of understanding different religious doctrines and finding common ground. These discussions contributed to Akbar’s evolving religious views and the development of his policy of Sulh-i-kul (universal peace).

– Ibadat Khana was established by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri.
– Its purpose was to host religious discussions.
– It was opened to scholars of various religions for inter-faith debates.

Akbar’s engagement with diverse religious viewpoints through the Ibadat Khana was a unique feature of his reign, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and pursuit of religious harmony.

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33. Mahatma Gandhi’s severe criticism of the Congress leadership at the op

Mahatma Gandhi’s severe criticism of the Congress leadership at the opening of the Benaras Hindu University was focused on

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the Congress strategy for opposing the government

the Congress accepting offices under the government

condemnation of Indian nationalism for being an elite phenomenon

All of the above

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In his speech at the opening of the Benaras Hindu University in February 1916, Mahatma Gandhi sharply criticized the Indian nationalist movement, including the presence of Congress leaders, for being disconnected from the vast majority of the Indian population – the poor and the peasants. He pointed out the opulence of the attendees, the use of English rather than Indian languages, and lamented that the movement was largely confined to the elite and urban middle class, failing to address the real grievances and aspirations of the masses. His criticism was a call to make nationalism a mass movement rooted in the lives of ordinary Indians.

– Gandhi spoke at the BHU opening in 1916.
– He criticized the nationalist movement for being elitist.
– He emphasized the need to connect with the masses and address their concerns.

This speech is considered an important moment marking Gandhi’s early articulation of his vision for the national movement, emphasizing the importance of involving the masses and focusing on social issues alongside political independence.

34. The Khilafat Movement was built around

The Khilafat Movement was built around

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opposing British rule in India

protecting the sovereignty of the Khalifa

opposing the national movement

protesting against lack of educational opportunities in India

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The Khilafat Movement (1919-1924) was primarily a reaction by Indian Muslims to the treatment of the Ottoman Empire by the Allied powers after World War I. The Ottoman Sultan was considered the Khalifa (Caliph), the spiritual and political head of Muslims worldwide. The movement in India was organized to protest against the perceived humiliation of the Khalifa and the disintegration of his empire, and to pressure the British government to protect the sovereignty of the Khalifa and preserve his control over holy sites. While it later allied with the Indian nationalist movement under Gandhi (Non-Cooperation Movement), its foundational cause was the defense of the Caliphate.

– The Khilafat Movement emerged after World War I.
– It was a protest by Indian Muslims regarding the fate of the Ottoman Empire and the Khalifa.
– The central demand was to protect the sovereignty and position of the Khalifa.

Prominent leaders of the movement included the Ali brothers (Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Shaukat Ali), Maulana Azad, Hakim Ajmal Khan, and Hasrat Mohani. Mahatma Gandhi saw it as an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule. The movement lost its main objective when the Caliphate was abolished in Turkey by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1924.

35. The Salt Satyagraha

The Salt Satyagraha

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encouraged Indians to manufacture salt

showed to the government that Indians would break unfair laws

proved that Mahatma Gandhi was a mass leader

was designed to destroy the finances of the colonial government

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The Salt Satyagraha, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi with the Dandi March in 1930, was a campaign of non-violent civil disobedience. Its primary purpose was to defy the British salt tax and monopoly, which Gandhi saw as an unjust law affecting the poorest Indians. By marching to Dandi and making salt from seawater, Gandhi and his followers deliberately broke the law. This action aimed to demonstrate to the British government, and the world, that Indians were willing and able to peacefully defy unfair colonial laws, thereby challenging British authority and mobilizing mass support for the independence movement.

– The Salt Satyagraha was a form of civil disobedience against the British salt law.
– Breaking the law (making salt) was the central action.
– The goal was to demonstrate the willingness of Indians to defy unjust authority non-violently.

While the Salt Satyagraha did encourage Indians to manufacture salt (A) and proved Gandhi’s ability to mobilize masses (C), option B encapsulates the core political message and strategic aim of this act of civil disobedience aimed directly at the government. Option D is incorrect; while the salt tax was a source of revenue, the movement wasn’t primarily about destroying government finances.

36. The ancient trade route, popularly called the Dakshinapatha, connected

The ancient trade route, popularly called the Dakshinapatha, connected

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Ajanta with Golconda

Ellora with Muziris

Ajanta with Arikamedu

Ajanta with Pataliputra

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The Dakshinapatha refers to the ancient major trade route or network of routes that connected North India (specifically the Gangetic plains) with South India (the Deccan and further south). Pataliputra, a major capital city in the Magadha region of North India, was a key starting or ending point for the northern leg of this route. Ajanta, located in the Deccan region (modern Maharashtra), falls along this historical North-South connection. Therefore, the route connected the region around Pataliputra in the north with various points in the Deccan and South, including areas near Ajanta.

– Dakshinapatha was a major ancient trade route connecting North and South India.
– Pataliputra was a significant city in the North (Gangetic plain).
– Ajanta is located in the Deccan, along the southern part of the route network.

The Dakshinapatha was crucial for the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between the northern kingdoms and the southern regions. Important centers like Ujjain, Maheshwar, Paithan, Tagara, and ultimately various southern ports were part of this extensive network.

37. The significant difference between Mahayana and Hinayana forms of Budd

The significant difference between Mahayana and Hinayana forms of Buddhism lay in that

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Mahayana allowed for the transference of merit while in Hinayana, a person would only help another by example and advice

Mahayana believed in the Bodhisattvas while Hinayana did not

Hinayana promoted the ideas of a suffering saviour

Mahayana propounded the idea of the 'Arhant', the 'worthy'

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A significant difference between Mahayana and Hinayana (often equated with Theravada) Buddhism lies in their understanding of the path to liberation and the role of merit. Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the ideal of the Bodhisattva, one who postpones their own enlightenment to help others achieve liberation, and teaches that merit can be transferred to benefit other beings. Hinayana, on the other hand, primarily focuses on the individual’s path to becoming an Arhant (one who achieves personal enlightenment), and while helping others through teaching and example is important, the concept of transferring merit for the salvation of others is not central.

– Mahayana emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal and universal salvation.
– Hinayana emphasizes the Arhant ideal and individual liberation.
– Mahayana allows for the transference of merit to others.
– Hinayana/Theravada focuses on individual accumulation of merit and helping others primarily through teaching/example.

Mahayana schools developed later and are more widespread in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) and Tibet. Hinayana/Theravada is prevalent in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos). Other differences include views on the nature of the Buddha, cosmology, and the number of Buddhas.

38. The first major boost to modern industry in India happened in the 1860

The first major boost to modern industry in India happened in the 1860s. It was a direct result of

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the demand created in America because of the Civil War

the demand created in Europe because of the Civil War in America

the decline in competition from the cotton mills of Lancashire and Manchester

the support of government to industries in India

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The 1860s were marked by the American Civil War (1861-1865). This conflict severely disrupted the supply of raw cotton from the United States to the textile mills in Lancashire and Manchester, England. European, particularly British, demand for cotton shifted heavily towards India, leading to a massive boom in cotton cultivation, trade, and prices in India. This influx of capital and activity provided the first major stimulus for the development of a modern textile industry in India, as well as related infrastructure like railways and ports for transporting cotton.

– The American Civil War disrupted cotton supply to Europe.
– European (British) demand for Indian cotton surged in the 1860s.
– This cotton boom stimulated early industrial growth and infrastructure development in India.

The period of the “Cotton Boom” brought significant wealth to cotton-growing regions in India but also led to land speculation and economic instability once the American Civil War ended and US supply resumed. This event highlighted India’s potential as a supplier of raw materials to the British industry.

39. The establishment of Mughal rule in India strengthened urbanization

The establishment of Mughal rule in India

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strengthened urbanization
strengthened inter-urban contact in riparian North India
increased India’s sea trade
decreased the risk of carrying long-distance trade

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1, 2 and 3

1 and 2 only

3 and 4

1 only

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The establishment of Mughal rule in India had several significant economic impacts. Urbanization received a boost with the growth of major administrative and commercial centers like Delhi, Agra, Lahore, Surat, Dhaka, etc. Riverine trade, particularly in the fertile Gangetic plain (riparian North India), was crucial for transporting goods between these urban centres, and Mughal control and infrastructure facilitated this. India’s sea trade also increased significantly during the Mughal period, with major ports like Surat, Hooghly, and Masulipatnam flourishing and trade with Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia expanding. While statement 4 about decreasing the risk of long-distance trade might be partially true compared to periods of fragmentation, statements 1, 2, and 3 are more widely accepted and directly attributable positive economic impacts of the stable and centralized Mughal state on trade and urban development.

– Mughal rule led to significant urban growth.
– Inter-urban trade, especially via rivers in North India, was strengthened.
– Sea trade from Indian ports saw a substantial increase during the Mughal era.

The Mughal state’s relative stability, administrative structure, and focus on collecting land revenue stimulated economic activity. Infrastructure like sarais (inns) and roads also supported trade. The influx of precious metals from trade, particularly with Europe, impacted the economy.

40. Which one among the following statements about industries in colonial

Which one among the following statements about industries in colonial India is not correct?

The jute industry was almost entirely owned by Europeans

The cotton textile industry was almost wholly owned by Indians

The cotton textile industry was small in size

The growth of cotton industry was the result of government support

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The correct answer is D. The statement that the growth of the cotton industry was the result of government support is incorrect. The growth of the cotton textile industry in colonial India was largely achieved through Indian entrepreneurship and capital, often despite facing unfavorable policies from the colonial government which prioritized British interests.

– The jute industry, located primarily in Bengal, was indeed dominated by European ownership.
– The cotton textile industry, based mainly in Western India (Bombay, Ahmedabad), was predominantly owned and managed by Indian businessmen.
– The cotton industry grew significantly from the late 19th century onwards, becoming one of the largest modern industries in India. It was by no means “small in size” relative to the overall industrial landscape of colonial India.
– The colonial government’s policies, such as imposing excise duties on Indian textiles while allowing free entry for British goods, were generally not supportive of indigenous industries competing with British manufacturers.

The growth of the Indian-owned cotton textile industry is often cited as an example of successful Indian enterprise in the face of colonial economic policies that favoured the interests of the British manufacturing sector.

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