UPSC CDS-2 Archives

11. The Sahajiya Cult, which can be traced back to 10th and 11th centuries

The Sahajiya Cult, which can be traced back to 10th and 11th centuries, is usually associated with :

early Bhakti traditions

a kind of early Sufism

early Upanishadic philosophy

Buddhism

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2023

Download PDF Attempt Online

The Sahajiya cult originated from the Sahajayana, a tantric school of Buddhism that developed in Bengal and parts of eastern India around the 8th-11th centuries. It emphasized the attainment of enlightenment through ‘sahaja’ (the natural state) and esoteric practices. Elements of Sahajiya also influenced later Vaishnavism in Bengal (Sahajiya Vaishnavism), but its origins are firmly rooted in tantric Buddhism.

– Sahajayana is considered one of the later stages of Indian Buddhism, evolving from Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions.
– The Sahajiyas emphasized love, sexuality, and the human body as means to liberation, often challenging conventional social norms and religious rituals.
– The Charyapada, a collection of mystical poems composed by Mahasiddhas (great accomplished ones), is a key text of the Sahajiya tradition, dating from this period.

While Sahajiya later influenced some aspects of Bhakti traditions (particularly Vaishnavism in Bengal), its historical origin in the 10th-11th centuries is directly linked to the esoteric Buddhist practices of the time. It is distinct from early Bhakti traditions (which were diverse and geographically widespread), Sufism (an Islamic mystical tradition), and early Upanishadic philosophy (which predates it by over a thousand years).

12. Who was the author of the Gwalior Prashasti of Mihira Bhoja ?

Who was the author of the Gwalior Prashasti of Mihira Bhoja ?

Nagabhata

Vatsaraja

Baladitya

Kakkuka

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2023

Download PDF Attempt Online

The Gwalior Prashasti is a famous inscription from the 9th century CE that provides valuable information about the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, particularly the reign of Mihira Bhoja I. The inscription was composed by Kakkuka.

– Mihira Bhoja I was one of the most powerful rulers of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, ruling in the 9th century.
– Prashastis are eulogistic inscriptions commissioned by rulers to record their achievements and lineage.
– The Gwalior Prashasti describes Mihira Bhoja’s military campaigns and administrative prowess.

Nagabhata and Vatsaraja were earlier rulers of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. Baladitya is known from other contexts but is not credited with composing the Gwalior Prashasti of Mihira Bhoja.

13. Which of the following dynasties of South India issued their documents

Which of the following dynasties of South India issued their documents first in Prakrit and later in Sanskrit ?

The Cholas of Tamil Nadu

The Pandyas of the post-Sangam Age

The Pallavas of Tondaimandalam

The Gangas of Kalinganagara

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2023

Download PDF Attempt Online

The Pallavas of Tondaimandalam, who ruled from Kanchipuram, are known to have issued their early documents, such as land grants, in Prakrit before transitioning to Sanskrit. This linguistic shift reflects the changing cultural and political influences of the time.

– The Pallavas were a significant dynasty in South India from the 3rd to 9th centuries CE.
– Prakrit was an administrative language in early South Indian states under Satavahana influence, which preceded and influenced the Pallavas.
– Sanskrit gained prominence as a language of royal inscriptions and literature during the Gupta period and its influence spread across the subcontinent, leading to its adoption by various dynasties including the Pallavas.

The Cholas and Pandyas primarily used Tamil in their inscriptions and literature, although Sanskrit also played a role in religious and courtly contexts. The Gangas of Kalinganagara (Eastern Gangas) primarily used Odia and Sanskrit later, while the Western Gangas of Karnataka used Kannada and Sanskrit.

14. Consider the following statements about science in medieval South Indi

Consider the following statements about science in medieval South India :

1. The Katapayadi system of numerals, which was invented by Vararuchi of Kerala, the author of Chandra Vakyas, was used for calculating the position of Moon on any day of the year.
2. Achyuta Pisharati (1550 – 1621) wrote Uparagakriyakrama, a text on eclipses.
3. Ravi Varma of Mahodayapuram set up an observatory and is also said to have inaugurated the Kollam era.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 3 only

3 only

1 and 2 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2023

Download PDF Attempt Online

The correct answer is (D). All three statements are correct with reference to science in medieval South India, particularly concerning the Kerala School of astronomy and mathematics.

Statement 1 is correct: The Katapayadi system, associated with Vararuchi of Kerala (perhaps an early figure or a later one, depending on the specific Vararuchi referred to), was indeed used in astronomical computations, including determining planetary positions, based on mnemonic verses like the Chandra Vakyas. Statement 2 is correct: Achyuta Pisharati (1550-1621) was a key figure in the Kerala School, and *Uparagakriyakrama*, a text on eclipses, is one of his known works. Statement 3 is correct: The inauguration of the Kollam era (825 CE) is traditionally linked to the Chera rulers of Mahodayapuram (modern Kodungallur). While precise details are debated, the era’s origin in this period and region, associated with rulers like Ravi Varma, and the mention of an observatory aligns with the flourishing astronomical tradition in Kerala during the medieval period.

The Kerala School of astronomy and mathematics, which flourished from the 14th to the 17th centuries, made significant contributions to topics like infinite series, calculus, trigonometry, and astronomy, predating similar developments in Europe.

15. Consider the following statements with reference to Paleolithic tools:

Consider the following statements with reference to Paleolithic tools:

1. Isampur was a well-known center of stone tool manufacture located in Gulbarga district of Karnataka and was situated along a small seasonal stream known as Kamta Halla.
2. A Paleolithic blade is a flake tool, the length of which is more than twice its width.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2023

Download PDF Attempt Online

The correct answer is (C). Both statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Statement 1 is correct: Isampur in Gulbarga (now Kalaburagi) district of Karnataka is a well-known Lower Palaeolithic site where extensive evidence of stone tool manufacturing has been found, particularly Acheulean tools. It is located near the Hunsgi valley, along the Kamta Halla stream. Statement 2 is correct: In archaeology, a blade is defined as a flake tool whose length is equal to or exceeds twice its width. This definition applies to Paleolithic blades, which are often associated with the Middle and especially Upper Paleolithic periods.

Isampur is significant as a quarry-cum-manufacturing site, providing insights into the organization of Acheulean tool production. The production of blades became more prevalent and sophisticated during the Upper Paleolithic, representing advancements in stone knapping technology.

16. 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 (Name of Shifting Cultivation)	List II (Country)
A.	Roca	1.	Sri Lanka
B.	Chena	2.	Thailand
C.	Masole	3.	Brazil
D.	Tamarai	4.	Zaire

Code :

</p> <table> <tr> <td></td> <td>A</td> <td>B</td> <td>C</td> <td>D</td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> </tr> </table> <p>

</p> <table> <tr> <td></td> <td>A</td> <td>B</td> <td>C</td> <td>D</td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> </tr> </table> <p>

</p> <table> <tr> <td></td> <td>A</td> <td>B</td> <td>C</td> <td>D</td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> </tr> </table> <p>

</p> <table> <tr> <td></td> <td>A</td> <td>B</td> <td>C</td> <td>D</td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> </tr> </table> <p>

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2023

Download PDF Attempt Online

The correct answer is (C). The correct matches are: Roca – Brazil, Chena – Sri Lanka, Masole – Zaire, Tamarai – Thailand.

This question tests knowledge about different local names given to shifting cultivation (also known as slash-and-burn agriculture) in various parts of the world.

Shifting cultivation involves clearing a patch of forest, burning the vegetation, cultivating crops for a few seasons, and then abandoning the site to allow the forest to regenerate while moving to a new area. Different names for this practice include Jhum in Northeast India, Milpa in Central America and Mexico, Ladang in Indonesia and Malaysia, Ray in Vietnam, Caingin in Philippines, etc.

17. Which one of the following statements about plantation agriculture is

Which one of the following statements about plantation agriculture is not correct ?

Plantation farm estates are scientifically managed.

Plantation farming requires heavy capital outlay.

Plantation farm lands have mainly foreign ownership and local labour.

Plantation farmers rear the animals for sale.

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2023

Download PDF Attempt Online

The correct answer is (D). Plantation farmers do not rear animals for sale as a primary activity of plantation agriculture.

Plantation agriculture is a commercial farming system specializing in growing a single cash crop on large estates for export or sale. It is characterized by features like large landholdings, capital intensity, scientific management, processing facilities near the farm, and reliance on hired labour.

Plantations focus exclusively on crop production (e.g., tea, coffee, rubber, sugar cane, cotton, bananas, pineapple, cocoa, etc.). Rearing animals for sale is not a characteristic activity of plantation agriculture; it belongs to livestock farming or mixed farming systems.

18. Which one of the following set of trees does not belong to Temperate F

Which one of the following set of trees does not belong to Temperate Floral Zone of Himalaya ?

Cashewnut and Magnolia

Oak and Maple

Rhododendrons

Birch and Laurels

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2023

Download PDF Attempt Online

The correct answer is (A). Cashewnut and Magnolia do not belong together as characteristic trees of the Temperate Floral Zone of the Himalaya.

The Temperate zone of the Himalayas is characterized by trees like oaks, maples, pines, firs, spruces, deodar, birches, rhododendrons, and laurels. Cashewnut (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical/subtropical plant primarily cultivated in coastal regions and does not grow in the temperate Himalayan zone. While some species of Magnolia are found in the Himalayas (subtropical to temperate), the combination with Cashewnut makes this option incorrect for the *Temperate* Floral Zone.

Options B, C, and D list trees commonly found in the temperate regions of the Himalayas: Oak and Maple; Rhododendrons (many species are prominent in the temperate and subalpine zones); Birch and Laurels are also found in the temperate belts.

19. Which one of the following passes is not located in Indian Himalayan r

Which one of the following passes is not located in Indian Himalayan region ?

Zojila

Bolan

Shipkila

Lipulekh

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2023

Download PDF Attempt Online

The correct answer is (B). Bolan Pass is not located in the Indian Himalayan region.

Bolan Pass is a mountain pass through the Toba Kakar range in Balochistan, Pakistan, connecting the Sindh plain with Quetta. It is an important strategic pass but is located outside the Indian Himalayas.

Zojila Pass is in Ladakh, India, connecting Kashmir Valley to Ladakh. Shipkila Pass is on the India-China border in Himachal Pradesh, India. Lipulekh Pass is a Himalayan pass on the border between India (Uttarakhand) and China (Tibet), also near the border with Nepal.

20. Consider the following statements about some planets in the solar syst

Consider the following statements about some planets in the solar system :

1. Mercury has no atmosphere.
2. Venus has two moons.
3. There is no land on Jupiter.
4. Rings of Saturn are composed of lumps of ice and dust.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

1 and 2 only

3 and 4 only

1, 2 and 3

1, 3 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2023

Download PDF Attempt Online

The correct answer is (D). Statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct.

Let’s evaluate each statement:
1. Mercury has no atmosphere: While it has a very thin exosphere, it is often described as having “no atmosphere” in simpler terms because it lacks a significant gaseous envelope compared to other planets. This statement is considered correct in this context.
2. Venus has two moons: This is incorrect. Venus has no moons.
3. There is no land on Jupiter: This is correct. Jupiter is a gas giant without a solid surface; it’s composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, transitioning to denser states towards the core.
4. Rings of Saturn are composed of lumps of ice and dust: This is correct. Saturn’s prominent rings are made up of countless particles, predominantly water ice, ranging in size from micrometers to several meters.

Terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) have solid rocky surfaces, while Jovian planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) are gas or ice giants with no defined solid surface.