UPSC IAS Archives

31. Consider the following pairs: ( Historical place ) : ( Well-known for

Consider the following pairs:
( Historical place ) : ( Well-known for )

1. Burzahom	:	Rock-cut shrines
2. Chandra-ketugarh	:	Terracotta art
3. Ganeshwar	:	Copper artefacts

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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1 only

1 and 2

3 only

2 and 3

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The correctly matched pairs are (2) Chandra-ketugarh : Terracotta art and (3) Ganeshwar : Copper artefacts.

Burzahom is a Neolithic site known for pit dwellings and burial practices, not rock-cut shrines. Chandra-ketugarh is an archaeological site in West Bengal famous for its rich findings of terracotta art from ancient periods. Ganeshwar is a Chalcolithic site in Rajasthan known for its extensive copper mines and numerous copper artefacts, suggesting it was a major source of copper for the Indus Valley Civilization.

Pair 1 is incorrect as Burzahom is associated with Neolithic settlement features like pit dwellings. Pair 2 is correct as Chandra-ketugarh has yielded significant terracotta figurines and artefacts. Pair 3 is correct as Ganeshwar is renowned as a centre of copper metallurgy and trade.

32. With reference to Madanapalle of Andhra Pradesh, which one of the foll

With reference to Madanapalle of Andhra Pradesh, which one of the following statements is correct?

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Pingali Venkayya designed the tricolour Indian National Flag here.

Pattabhi Sitaramaiah led the Quit India Movement of Andhra region from here.

Rabindranath Tagore translated the National Anthem from Bengali to English here.

Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott set up headquarters of Theosophical Society first here.

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The correct statement is that Rabindranath Tagore translated the National Anthem from Bengali to English at Madanapalle.

Rabindranath Tagore translated “Jana Gana Mana”, India’s National Anthem, into English as “The Morning Song of India” while visiting the Besant Theosophical College in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, in February 1919. He also set it to music during his stay there.

Option A is incorrect because Pingali Venkayya designed the flag in Vijayawada, not Madanapalle. Option B is incorrect; while Pattabhi Sitaramaiah was a prominent leader from Andhra during the Quit India Movement, Madanapalle is not specifically known as the centre from which he led the movement. Option D is incorrect because the first headquarters of the Theosophical Society were established in New York and later moved to Adyar, Chennai (then Madras).

33. According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire

According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the following areas?

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1. Wrestling
2. Astrology
3. Accounting
4. Soothsaying

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1, 2 and 3 only

1, 3 and 4 only

2 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

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Fernao Nuniz, a Portuguese horse trader who spent time in Vijayanagara in the 16th century, provided one of the most detailed accounts of the Vijayanagara Empire. His chronicle describes various aspects of life, including the roles and activities of women. Nuniz explicitly mentions that women in Vijayanagara held positions in administration, accounted for expenses, were skilled wrestlers, astrologers, and soothsayers. Therefore, women were considered expert in all the listed areas according to Nuniz’s account.

– Portuguese chronicler Fernao Nuniz described the Vijayanagara Empire.
– He noted that women were active and skilled in various fields.
– According to Nuniz, women excelled in wrestling, astrology, accounting, and soothsaying.

Nuniz’s account is a valuable primary source for understanding the social and political life of the Vijayanagara Empire, alongside the accounts of other foreign visitors like Domingo Paes. These accounts provide insights into the diverse roles played by women in society, which was remarkable for the time.

34. From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the ear

From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?

1. The Guptas of Magadha
2. The Paramaras of Malwa
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
4. The Maukharies of Kanauj
5. The Yadavas of Devagiri
6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1, 2 and 5

1, 3, 4 and 6

2, 3 and 4

5 and 6

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The period from the decline of the main Gupta Empire (mid-6th century) until the rise of Harshavardhana (early 7th century, Harsha reigned c. 606-647 CE) was a time of political fragmentation in Northern India.
1. The Guptas of Magadha: While the main imperial line declined by the mid-6th century, a branch known as the Later Guptas continued to rule in Magadha and parts of Bengal during this period, sometimes contesting power with the Maukharies. So, they were holding power.
2. The Paramaras of Malwa: The Paramara dynasty rose to prominence much later, in the 9th and 10th centuries, ruling from Dhar. They were not significant powers in the 6th-early 7th century.
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar: The Pushyabhuti dynasty, to which Harsha belonged, rose to power in the region of Thanesar (Kurukshetra) precisely during this period. Harsha’s father Prabhakaravardhana was a powerful ruler before Harsha. So, they were holding power.
4. The Maukharies of Kanauj: The Maukharies were a prominent ruling dynasty in the Gangetic plains, centered at Kanauj, during the late Gupta period and until the rise of Harsha. They were contemporaries and often rivals or allies of the Later Guptas and Pushyabhutis. Harsha’s sister Rajyashri was married to the Maukhari king Grahavarman. So, they were holding power.
5. The Yadavas of Devagiri: The Yadava dynasty of Devagiri rose to power in the Deccan much later, in the 12th and 13th centuries. They were not relevant to North Indian power dynamics in the 6th-7th century.
6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi: The Maitraka dynasty ruled in the Valabhi region of Saurashtra (present-day Gujarat) from the late 5th century to the late 8th century. They were a significant regional power during the period in question, contemporary with the powers in North India, and are generally considered alongside them in the political landscape of the time. So, they were holding power.
Therefore, the kingdoms holding power in Northern India and surrounding areas during this period include the Guptas of Magadha, the Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, the Maukharies of Kanauj, and the Maitrakas of Valabhi.

– The period is from mid-6th century to early 7th century CE.
– Major powers in North/West India included the Later Guptas, Pushyabhutis, Maukharies, and Maitrakas.
– Paramaras and Yadavas rose to power much later.

This period is often seen as a transition from the centralized Gupta Empire to the era dominated by regional kingdoms, before Harsha briefly unified a large part of North India. The relationships between these kingdoms, such as alliances through marriage (like between Pushyabhutis and Maukharies) and conflicts, were crucial to the political landscape.

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35. In the first quarter of seventeenth century, in which of the following

In the first quarter of seventeenth century, in which of the following was/were the factory/factories of the English East India Company located?

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1. Broach
2. Chicacole
3. Trichinopoly

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only

1 and 2

3 only

2 and 3

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The first quarter of the seventeenth century refers to the period from 1600 to 1625.
– The English East India Company established its first temporary factory in Masulipatnam on the East Coast in 1611.
– On the West Coast, after initial difficulties, the English gained permission from the Mughal Emperor Jahangir through Sir Thomas Roe to establish factories. The factory at Surat was established around 1613.
– Broach (Bharuch), located north of Surat in Gujarat, was another important trading post. The English established a factory at Broach in 1616. This falls within the first quarter of the 17th century.
– Chicacole (Srikakulam) is in Andhra Pradesh, on the East Coast. While the English were present on the East Coast from 1611 (Masulipatnam), Chicacole became a significant factory much later, towards the end of the 17th century or later.
– Trichinopoly (Tiruchirappalli) is in Tamil Nadu. English presence and factories in this southern region came much later, primarily in the late 17th and 18th centuries, often in relation to their conflicts with other European powers and local rulers.
Therefore, only Broach among the options had an English factory established within the first quarter of the 17th century.

– First quarter of 17th century = 1600-1625.
– English EIC established factories at Surat (c. 1613) and Broach (1616) on the West Coast during this period.
– Their presence on the East Coast started with Masulipatnam (1611), but Chicacole and Trichinopoly were established much later.

The early years of the English East India Company in India were focused on establishing trading posts (factories) primarily on the west coast, seeking trade permission from the Mughal Empire. Surat became their main port in this initial period. Presence on the east coast and further south developed gradually.

36. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elabora

Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?

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Dholavira

Kalibangan

Rakhigarhi

Ropar

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Dholavira, a major archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization) in Gujarat, is particularly renowned for its sophisticated and elaborate water harvesting and management system. The city had a complex network of reservoirs carved into the rock, interconnected by channels, designed to capture and store monsoon rainwater for year-round use in the arid region. This system is considered one of the most advanced of its time.

– Dholavira, a Harappan site, is famous for its advanced water management system.
– The system included reservoirs, dams, and channels to collect and store rainwater.
– This sophisticated system helped sustain the urban population in an arid environment.

While other Harappan sites like Kalibangan and Rakhigarhi also show evidence of water management, Dholavira’s system is considered unparalleled in its scale and sophistication among contemporary sites. Ropar is another Harappan site, known for burials showing dogs buried with humans. Dholavira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, partly due to its unique water management infrastructure.

37. With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, conside

With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements :

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1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
2. It is the only circular temple built in India.
3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2

2 and 3 only

1 and 4

2, 3 and 4

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Statement 1 is correct. The Chausath Yogini Temple near Morena (Mitaoli, Madhya Pradesh) is a circular, hypaethral (open to the sky) temple. Historical evidence and inscriptions suggest it was built by the Kachchhapaghata dynasty, likely in the 11th century (though some sources give later dates, the attribution to Kachchhapaghatas is common).
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Mitaoli temple is not the *only* circular temple in India. Other notable circular Yogini temples exist at Hirapur (Odisha) and Ranipur Jharial (Odisha).
Statement 3 is incorrect. The Chausath Yogini temples are primarily associated with the Shakta and Shaiva cults, particularly Tantric practices involving the worship of Goddesses (Yoginis) and Shiva. They are not related to the Vaishnava cult.
Statement 4 is correct. The unique circular design of the Mitaoli Chausath Yogini temple, with its central courtyard and cells arranged in a circle, is widely believed to have served as an inspiration for the design of the Indian Parliament building (Sansad Bhavan) in New Delhi, which was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. While not officially documented by the original architects, the structural resemblance is striking and the belief is popular.

– The Chausath Yogini Temple near Morena is a circular temple built by the Kachchhapaghata dynasty.
– It is NOT the only circular temple in India.
– It is associated with Shakta/Shaiva cults, not Vaishnava.
– Its design is popularly believed to have inspired the Indian Parliament building.

The Chausath Yogini temples represent a distinct tradition of temple architecture and religious practice in medieval India, primarily found in Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. They are significant for understanding Tantric religious traditions and their role in the political and social life of the time.

38. Which one of the following statements is correct?

Which one of the following statements is correct?

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Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.

Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.

Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river.

Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.

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Statement A is correct. The Ajanta Caves are a series of rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. They are located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, carved into a cliff face above a bend in the Waghora river.
Statement B is incorrect. The Sanchi Stupa is located on a hilltop in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, near the banks of the Betwa river, not the Chambal river.
Statement C is incorrect. The Pandu-lena Cave Shrines, also known as Pandavleni Caves, are a group of 24 rock-cut Buddhist caves located about 8 km south of Nashik, Maharashtra. They are on a hill overlooking the city and not in the gorge of the Narmada river.
Statement D is incorrect. The Amaravati Stupa (Maha Stupa) is a ruined Buddhist monument located in Amaravati, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the Krishna river, not the Godavari river.

– Ajanta Caves are situated in the gorge of the Waghora river.
– Sanchi Stupa is near the Betwa river.
– Pandavleni Caves are near Nashik.
– Amaravati Stupa is on the banks of the Krishna river.

Identifying the geographical location, especially the surrounding rivers or landmarks, of important historical and archaeological sites is a common feature of questions related to ancient Indian history and geography in the UPSC exam.

39. With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is

With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.
2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanagara Empire.
3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2

2 only

2 and 3

3 only

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Statement 1 is correct. The Nizamat of Arcot (Carnatic) was initially a dependency of the Nizam of Hyderabad. The Nawab of Arcot was originally appointed by the Mughal Emperor but came under the authority of the Nizam as the Mughal Empire declined. The Nawabs gradually asserted their independence from Hyderabad while still nominally acknowledging Mughal authority, and later became entangled with the British and French East India Companies.
Statement 2 is correct. The Mysore Kingdom, under the Wodeyar dynasty, emerged as a significant power in South India after the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Wodeyars were initially feudatories of Vijayanagara and declared independence after the empire’s disintegration following the Battle of Talikota in 1565.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed in the early 18th century by Rohilla Pashtuns who migrated from Afghanistan and carved out a territory in the fertile Gangetic plain from the declining Mughal Empire. While Ahmad Shah Durrani (Abdali) did invade India and fight in the region in the mid-18th century, the formation of Rohilkhand predates his major invasions and was not a result of occupying territories previously held by him. The Rohillas were independent rulers fighting against both the Mughals and other regional powers, sometimes aligning with or opposing Durrani depending on the circumstances.

– The Nizamat of Arcot emerged from the Hyderabad State’s authority.
– The Mysore Kingdom emerged from the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire.
– The Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed by Afghan Rohillas in the early 18th century out of Mughal territories, not territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.

The 18th century in India was characterized by the fragmentation of the Mughal Empire and the rise of various regional states like Hyderabad, Mysore, Bengal, Awadh, Maratha confederacy, Sikh states, and Rohilkhand. These states constantly vied for power, leading to a period of political instability which was exploited by European trading companies, particularly the British and French.

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40. In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal a

In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon are remembered as

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leaders of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement

members of the Interim Government in 1946

members of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly

officers of the Indian National Army

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Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon were officers of the Indian National Army (INA), which was formed during World War II in Southeast Asia with the support of the Japanese. These three officers were put on trial by the British government in 1945 at the Red Fort in Delhi, famously known as the INA Trials. Their trial and subsequent public outcry played a significant role in galvanizing nationalist sentiment just before India’s independence.

– Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon were prominent officers of the Indian National Army (INA).
– They were put on trial by the British in the famous Red Fort trials of 1945.
– The INA was established during World War II with Indian prisoners of war and expatriates.

The INA trials became a major political issue in British India, leading to widespread protests and demonstrations. The Indian National Congress and other political parties defended the officers. Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhulabhai Desai, and Tej Bahadur Sapru were among the lawyers who argued for their defense. While initially sentenced, the officers were later cashiered from service due to immense public pressure.