UPSC Geoscientist Archives

11. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of substances havin

Which one of the following is the correct sequence of substances having densities in decreasing order?

Iron, Water, Honey, Air

Iron, Honey, Water, Air

Iron, Honey, Air, Water

Water, Iron, Air, Honey

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The correct sequence of substances in decreasing order of density is Iron, Honey, Water, Air.

Density is defined as mass per unit volume. Generally, solids are denser than liquids, and liquids are denser than gases. Among liquids, denser substances have more mass packed into the same volume.

Typical densities are: Iron (~7.87 g/cm³), Honey (~1.42 g/cm³), Water (~1.00 g/cm³), Air (~0.0012 g/cm³ at sea level and 15°C). This confirms the order: Iron > Honey > Water > Air.

12. Which one of the following has the similar physical state with water a

Which one of the following has the similar physical state with water at room temperature?

Iodine

Bromine

Chlorine

Fluorine

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Room temperature is typically considered to be around 20-25°C. Water (H₂O) is a liquid at this temperature range and standard atmospheric pressure. Let’s examine the physical states of the given halogens (Group 17 elements) at room temperature:
A) Iodine (I₂) is a dark purple-black solid at room temperature.
B) Bromine (Br₂) is a reddish-brown liquid at room temperature. It is one of the few elements that are liquid under standard conditions.
C) Chlorine (Cl₂) is a yellowish-green gas at room temperature.
D) Fluorine (F₂) is a pale yellow gas at room temperature.
Comparing these states, Bromine (liquid) has a similar physical state to water (liquid) at room temperature.

At room temperature (20-25°C) and standard pressure, water is a liquid. Among the given halogens, only Bromine is a liquid.

The physical states of the halogens at room temperature follow a trend based on increasing molecular size and thus increasing strength of London dispersion forces: Fluorine (gas), Chlorine (gas), Bromine (liquid), Iodine (solid), Astatine (solid, highly radioactive). This trend relates to their boiling points and melting points.

13. At a given temperature and pressure, the force of attraction among the

At a given temperature and pressure, the force of attraction among the molecules will be highest in case of:

helium

sugar

water

carbon tetrachloride

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At a given temperature and pressure, the state of matter (solid, liquid, gas) is determined by the strength of the intermolecular forces compared to the thermal energy of the molecules. Solids have the strongest intermolecular forces, holding molecules in fixed positions. Liquids have weaker forces than solids, allowing molecules to move past each other but still keeping them relatively close. Gases have very weak forces, allowing molecules to move freely and far apart. At room temperature and pressure: Helium is a gas, Water and Carbon tetrachloride are liquids, and Sugar is a solid. Therefore, sugar, being in a solid state, will have the highest force of attraction among its molecules compared to the liquids and the gas listed.

The state of matter (solid, liquid, gas) reflects the strength of intermolecular forces. Solids have the strongest forces, liquids have intermediate forces, and gases have the weakest forces. Sugar is a solid at room temperature and pressure, while the other substances are liquids or gases.

Intermolecular forces include London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole forces, and hydrogen bonding. Sugar molecules (like sucrose) are polar and can form extensive hydrogen bonds, in addition to other forces, resulting in a strong lattice structure in the solid state. Helium, a noble gas, only has very weak London dispersion forces. Water has strong hydrogen bonding, but it’s a liquid at room temperature. Carbon tetrachloride is a nonpolar molecule with only London dispersion forces, existing as a liquid.

14. Chronologically arrange the following Sanskrit texts (starting from th

Chronologically arrange the following Sanskrit texts (starting from the earliest):

1. Brihat Samhita of Varahmihir
2. Sushrut Samhita
3. Ashtadhyayi of Panini
4. Natyashastra of Bharat

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1, 4, 2, 3

4, 3, 1, 2

3, 2, 4, 1

2, 3, 1, 4

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Let’s establish the approximate chronological periods for each text:
1. Brihat Samhita of Varahamihira: Varahamihira was a 6th-century CE astronomer and mathematician (c. 505–587 CE). Brihat Samhita is from this period.
2. Sushruta Samhita: A foundational text of Ayurveda, its core text is generally dated to the late BCE to early CE period (e.g., 1st-4th century CE).
3. Ashtadhyayi of Panini: The fundamental text of Sanskrit grammar, Panini’s work is widely dated to the 5th-4th century BCE.
4. Natyashastra of Bharat Muni: A comprehensive treatise on the performing arts, its composition period is debated but generally placed between 200 BCE and 200 CE, or broadly 1st-4th century CE, making it roughly contemporary with or slightly later than the core Sushruta Samhita.

Arranging from earliest to latest:
Panini’s Ashtadhyayi (5th-4th Century BCE) comes first (3).
Sushruta Samhita (1st-4th Century CE) and Natyashastra (1st-4th Century CE) come next. The order between 2 and 4 is debated and often considered close, but Sushruta is sometimes placed slightly earlier.
Varahamihira’s Brihat Samhita (6th Century CE) is the latest (1).

The chronological order is 3 (Panini), followed by 2 (Sushruta) and 4 (Natyashastra), followed by 1 (Varahamihira). Option C, 3, 2, 4, 1, fits this sequence.

The accepted chronology places Panini earliest, followed by the early CE texts like Sushruta Samhita and Natyashastra, with Varahamihira being significantly later in the 6th century CE.

These texts are foundational works in their respective fields in ancient India: grammar (Ashtadhyayi), medicine (Sushruta Samhita), performing arts (Natyashastra), and encyclopedic science including astronomy/astrology (Brihat Samhita). Establishing their precise dates can be complex, but the relative order is generally agreed upon.

15. The musical treatise Sangeetasiromani was dedicated to which one of

The musical treatise *Sangeetasiromani* was dedicated to which one of the following rulers?

Sultan Sikandar Lodi

Ibrahim Shah Sharqi of Jaunpur

Bahadur Shah of Gujarat

Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior

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The musical treatise *Sangeetasiromani* was compiled in the 15th century under the patronage of Sultan Ibrahim Shah Sharqi of the Jaunpur Sultanate. The Sharqi rulers of Jaunpur were renowned patrons of art, architecture, and music, and Jaunpur became a prominent cultural center, earning the title “Shiraz of India”. *Sangeetasiromani* is one of the significant works produced during this period, consolidating knowledge of Indian classical music.

*Sangeetasiromani* is a significant treatise on Indian music dedicated to Sultan Ibrahim Shah Sharqi of Jaunpur.

The Jaunpur Sultanate (1394-1479) was known for fostering a unique style of architecture and promoting learning and arts. Ibrahim Shah Sharqi’s reign is considered a golden age for art and culture in Jaunpur. Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior (15th-16th century) was also a great patron of music and is credited with the development of the Dhrupad style and the compilation of the musical text *Man Kutuhal*. However, *Sangeetasiromani* is associated with Ibrahim Shah Sharqi.

16. Which one of the following Sufi saints of Qadiriyya order was condemne

Which one of the following Sufi saints of Qadiriyya order was condemned by Aurangzeb for his discussion on Wahdat-al-wujud with his father Shahjahan and elder brother Dara Shikoh?

Shaikh Abdul Qadir

Shaikh Hamid

Miyan Mir

Mulla Shah

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Mulla Shah Badakhshi was a prominent Sufi saint of the Qadiriyya order and the chief disciple of Miyan Mir. He was the spiritual preceptor of Prince Dara Shikoh, Emperor Shah Jahan’s elder son. Both Shah Jahan and Dara Shikoh were interested in Sufism and engaged in discussions with Mulla Shah, including on concepts like Wahdat-al-wujud (unity of being), which was central to many Sufi philosophies. Aurangzeb, an orthodox Sunni, viewed Dara Shikoh’s syncretic approach and ideas like Wahdat-al-wujud with suspicion and considered them heretical. After becoming emperor, Aurangzeb persecuted those associated with Dara Shikoh, including Mulla Shah, whom he exiled from Lahore.

Mulla Shah, a Qadiriyya Sufi and teacher of Dara Shikoh, discussed Wahdat-al-wujud with Dara Shikoh and Shah Jahan and was condemned/exiled by Aurangzeb for his association and views. Miyan Mir, his teacher, passed away before Aurangzeb’s reign began.

The concept of Wahdat-al-wujud posits the ultimate unity of existence, where God is the only reality. This concept was interpreted in various ways by different Sufis and was sometimes seen as controversial by orthodox ulema. Dara Shikoh’s philosophical interests, including his work “Majma-ul-Bahrain” (Confluence of Two Seas) comparing Hindu and Sufi philosophies, were opposed by Aurangzeb.

17. Which of the following statements is / are correct? 1. Shantidas wa

Which of the following statements is / are correct?

1. Shantidas was a leading Jain jeweler and banker in Ahmedabad
2. Shajahan granted land to build poshalas to Shantidas
3. In 1656 Murad Baksh granted village Palitana to Shantidas for the use of Jain pilgrims. The grant was later confirmed by Aurangzeb in 1660

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 only

1 and 3 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Statement 1 is correct: Shantidas Zaveri was indeed a hugely wealthy and influential Jain jeweler, banker (shroff), and merchant based in Ahmedabad during the 17th century. He was a leading figure in the Jain community.
Statement 2 is correct: Emperor Shah Jahan had interactions with Shantidas, notably concerning the restoration of a Jain temple in Ahmedabad that had been converted into a mosque. Shah Jahan ordered the restoration and compensated Shantidas. Shah Jahan also issued firmans granting land and privileges to Shantidas and the Jain community for religious purposes, which could include facilities like poshalas (animal shelters important in Jain practice).
Statement 3 is correct: Prince Murad Baksh, then Viceroy of Gujarat, granted the village of Palitana, located at the foot of Shatrunjaya hill (a major Jain pilgrimage site), to Shantidas in 1656 for the use of Jain pilgrims. After becoming emperor, Aurangzeb confirmed this grant to Shantidas in 1660 through a royal farman, demonstrating pragmatism despite his general policies towards non-Muslims.
All three statements accurately reflect historical facts about Shantidas Zaveri and his relationship with the Mughal emperors.

Shantidas Zaveri was a prominent Jain merchant. He received grants and patronage from Mughal rulers, including Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb (via confirmation of Murad Baksh’s grant), demonstrating the influence of powerful merchants and the complex nature of Mughal religious policy.

Shantidas Zaveri’s wealth and influence allowed him to act as a mediator and patron for the Jain community. His interactions with the Mughal court highlight the economic power and religious standing of merchant communities in 17th-century India.

18. Jahangir got impressed by the Turkish fluency of which one of the foll

Jahangir got impressed by the Turkish fluency of which one of the following European travellers and made him a Mansabdar of 400 sawar?

William Hawkins

Ralph Fitch

William Finch

Thomas Coryat

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William Hawkins, an English merchant, arrived at the court of Emperor Jahangir in 1609, representing the English East India Company to seek permission to trade in Surat. Hawkins was fluent in Turkish (Chagatai Turkish), which was Jahangir’s first language. Impressed by Hawkins’s language skills and personality, Jahangir took a liking to him, granted him a mansab of 400 sawar, and gave him the title ‘English Khan’. This was a notable favour shown to a European at the Mughal court.

William Hawkins was the European traveller whose Turkish fluency impressed Emperor Jahangir, leading to him being granted a mansab.

Ralph Fitch (late 16th century) was one of the earliest English travellers to India, preceding Jahangir’s reign. William Finch was also an English merchant and companion of Hawkins for part of his journey. Thomas Coryat was an English traveller who visited India during Jahangir’s reign but is known for his eccentric journey on foot and his book “Crudities”.

19. Which one of the following gave reserved seats for the Depressed Class

Which one of the following gave reserved seats for the Depressed Classes in the provincial and central legislative councils that were to be voted in by the general electorate?

First round table conference

Second round table conference

Poona pact

Government of India Act, 1935

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The Communal Award announced by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald in 1932 proposed separate electorates for the Depressed Classes. Mahatma Gandhi strongly opposed this, leading to his fast unto death. This prompted negotiations between Congress and the leaders of the Depressed Classes, particularly B.R. Ambedkar, resulting in the Poona Pact (1932). The Poona Pact abandoned the idea of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes but provided for reserved seats for them in the provincial and central legislative councils, which were to be voted in by the general electorate. This was a compromise solution.

The Poona Pact (1932) established the system of reserved seats for the Depressed Classes within the joint/general electorate, replacing the separate electorates proposed by the Communal Award. The Government of India Act, 1935 later codified these provisions.

The First and Second Round Table Conferences discussed constitutional reforms but did not result in the specific agreement regarding reserved seats in the general electorate for the Depressed Classes; this was a direct outcome of the Communal Award and Gandhi’s fast leading to the Poona Pact. The Government of India Act, 1935 implemented the system agreed upon in the Poona Pact.

20. Which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?

Which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?

Mohammedan Literary Society – Abdul Latif

National Mohammedan Association – Sayyid Ameer Ali

Mohammedan Educational Conference – Sayyid Ahmad Khan

Anglo-Mohammedan Defence Association – Nawab Muhsin-ul-Mulk

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The Anglo-Mohammedan Defence Association was founded by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1893. Its purpose was to protect Muslim political interests and oppose the Indian National Congress. While Nawab Muhsin-ul-Mulk (Sayyid Mehdi Ali Khan) was a close associate and successor of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in leading the Aligarh Movement and later played a crucial role in the formation of the Muslim League, he was not the founder of the Anglo-Mohammedan Defence Association. Therefore, the pair “Anglo-Mohammedan Defence Association – Nawab Muhsin-ul-Mulk” is not correctly matched.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan founded the Anglo-Mohammedan Defence Association. Nawab Abdul Latif founded the Mohammedan Literary Society. Sayyid Ameer Ali founded the National Mohammedan Association. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan also founded the Mohammedan Educational Conference (later All India Muslim Educational Conference).

These organizations were part of the broader Muslim socio-political awakening in 19th-century India. They aimed at promoting education, advocating for political rights, and addressing the concerns of the Muslim community in the changing political landscape.