2015 Archives

41. With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the es

With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of the feudal system?

1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority
2. Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land
3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

3 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2015

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Statement 1 is incorrect. Feudalism, whether in the European context or as applied to Indian history (the concept of ‘Indian feudalism’ is debated but used by many historians), is characterized by political decentralization and a *weak* central authority, with power dispersed among regional lords. A very strong centralized authority is antithetical to the concept of feudalism.
Statement 2 is correct. A core element of feudalism is the intertwining of administrative power and landholding. Power structures emerge based on the control and possession of land, often granted by rulers in exchange for service (military, administrative).
Statement 3 is correct. The creation of a hierarchical relationship between a feudal lord and his vassal (or between different levels of lords, including an overlord) is a defining feature of the feudal system. This relationship involves mutual obligations, often centered around land grants and military service.
Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are considered essential elements of the feudal system as debated and described in the context of Indian history by scholars like R.S. Sharma.

– Feudalism involves political decentralization and weak central power.
– Control over land forms the basis of political and administrative power.
– Hierarchical relationships (lord-vassal) based on grants and obligations are characteristic.

The concept of ‘Indian Feudalism’ was prominently put forward by historian R.S. Sharma, who argued for the emergence of this system from the Gupta period onwards, marked by land grants to Brahmins, temples, and later to officials and military personnel, leading to the rise of intermediaries and decentralized polities. Other historians have debated the applicability of the term ‘feudalism’ to the Indian context, suggesting terms like ‘segmentary state’ or ‘integrated polity’.

42. With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which o

With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar

Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli

Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram

Varaha Image at Udayagiri

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UPSC IAS – 2015

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Let’s determine the approximate period for each option:
A) Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar: Construction primarily in the 11th century CE (Kalinga dynasty).
B) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli: Associated with Ashoka’s rock edicts from the 3rd century BCE (Maurya Empire). The elephant is carved from a boulder above the edicts.
C) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram: Created mainly during the Pallava dynasty, from the 7th to 8th centuries CE.
D) Varaha Image at Udayagiri: The famous relief of Varaha rescuing the Earth (Bhu Devi) at Udayagiri Caves is from Cave 5, dating to the early 5th century CE (Gupta period, likely during the reign of Chandragupta II).
Comparing the dates (3rd century BCE, 5th century CE, 7th-8th centuries CE, 11th century CE), the Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli is the earliest among the given options.

– Requires knowledge of the periods of major Indian art and architectural sites.
– Chronological ordering of the listed sites.
– Dhauli Elephant dates back to the Maurya period under Ashoka.

The Dhauli elephant is one of the earliest surviving examples of Indian rock-cut sculpture on a large scale. Udayagiri Caves are famous for their Gupta-era sculptures and inscriptions. Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is renowned for its monolithic rock-cut temples (rathas) and structural temples. The Lingaraja Temple is a prime example of later Kalinga architecture.

43. Amnesty International is

Amnesty International is

an agency of the United Nations to help refugees of civil wars

a global Human Rights Movement

a non-governmental voluntary organization to help very poor people

an inter-governmental agency to cater to medical emergencies in war-ravaged regions

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UPSC IAS – 2015

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Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization focused on human rights. It is a global movement of more than 10 million people in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end abuses of human rights. It works to mobilize public opinion to put pressure on governments where abuses occur. Thus, it is best described as a global Human Rights Movement.

– Amnesty International is a well-known international NGO.
– Its primary focus is human rights advocacy and campaigning.
– It operates globally.

Amnesty International was founded in London in 1961 following an article by lawyer Peter Benenson about two Portuguese students jailed for raising a toast to freedom. It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977.

44. Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies fr

Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic?

Khangchendzonga National Park

Nandadevi National Park

Neora Valley National Park

Namdapha National Park

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UPSC IAS – 2015

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Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) is located in Sikkim and is home to Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. Due to the vast altitude range within the park (from approximately 1,800 m to over 8,586 m), it encompasses a wide variety of climate zones, including tropical (in lower valleys), subtropical, temperate, alpine, and areas reaching near-arctic conditions at the highest elevations. This wide variation allows it to host a diverse range of ecosystems and biodiversity.

– The question asks for a National Park with a climate ranging from tropical to arctic.
– This requires a park with significant altitudinal variation, extending from low elevations to very high mountains.
– Khangchendzonga National Park is located around the world’s third-highest peak and spans a vast altitude range.

Khangchendzonga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique natural and cultural significance, representing a sacred landscape. While other Himalayan parks like Nanda Devi and Namdapha also have significant altitudinal ranges and diverse climates, Khangchendzonga’s specific range makes it the most fitting answer for a transition from tropical/subtropical to arctic conditions.

45. With reference to the Cabinet Mission, which of the following statemen

With reference to the Cabinet Mission, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It recommended a federal government.
2. It enlarged the powers of the Indian Courts.
3. It provided for more Indians in the ICS.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only

2 and 3

1 and 3

None

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UPSC IAS – 2015

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Statement 1 is correct. The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) recommended a Union of India which should be federal, consisting of British Indian Provinces and the Indian States, with the Union controlling only foreign affairs, defence, and communications, and having the necessary powers to raise the finances required for these subjects. This proposed structure was federal in nature, with a weak centre and significant autonomy for provinces and groups of provinces.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Cabinet Mission Plan did not propose any measures to enlarge the powers of the Indian Courts. Its focus was on the political structure and the process of constitution-making.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The Cabinet Mission Plan was concerned with the constitutional future of India and the transfer of power. It did not deal with administrative matters like the composition or recruitment of the Indian Civil Service (ICS).
Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.

– The Cabinet Mission proposed a federal Union with limited central powers.
– It did not address the powers of Indian courts or the composition of the ICS.
– The plan aimed to set up a Constituent Assembly and an Interim Government.

The Cabinet Mission Plan’s proposal for grouping of provinces (Sections A, B, and C) was a key feature, aiming to accommodate the concerns of the Muslim League, although the interpretation of its mandatory nature became a point of contention.

46. Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarma-ment and Development for 2014 w

Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarma-ment and Development for 2014 was given to which one of the following?

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

Indian Institute of Science

Indian Space Research Organization

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research

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UPSC IAS – 2015

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The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2014 was awarded to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The award recognized ISRO’s significant achievements in space science and technology, contributing to national development and international cooperation.

– The question asks for the recipient of the 2014 award.
– This requires specific knowledge of the awardee for that particular year.
– ISRO received the award in 2014.

The Indira Gandhi Prize is awarded annually by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust to individuals or organizations in recognition of creative efforts towards promoting international peace, development, and a new international economic order; ensuring that scientific discovery and development are used to further the large good of humanity; and enlarging the scope of freedom and enriching the human spirit.

47. Which of the following statements regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/ar

Which of the following statements regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/are correct?

1. It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank and World Bank.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2015

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Statement 1 is correct. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a global fund created to support the efforts of developing countries to respond to the challenge of climate change. It aims to help developing countries limit or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Green Climate Fund was established by 194 countries at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the UNFCCC in Cancun in 2010. While it collaborates with various international organizations including multilateral development banks and UN agencies, it was not founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank, and World Bank collectively or as its founding bodies. It operates within the framework of the UNFCCC.

– The GCF is a key financial mechanism under the UNFCCC.
– Its primary goal is to support developing countries in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
– It was established by the UNFCCC parties, not specific listed international organizations.

The GCF is governed by a Board of 24 members (12 from developed and 12 from developing countries) and operates independently under the guidance of the UNFCCC.

48. Consider the following statements: 1. The first woman President of t

Consider the following statements:

1. The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu.
2. The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji.

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 IAS – 2015

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Statement 1 is incorrect. The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Annie Besant, who presided over the Calcutta session in 1917. Sarojini Naidu was the first *Indian* woman President, presiding over the Kanpur session in 1925.
Statement 2 is correct. Badruddin Tyabji was the third President of the Indian National Congress and the first Muslim President. He presided over the Madras session in 1887.
Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.

– Annie Besant was the first woman INC President.
– Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman INC President.
– Badruddin Tyabji was the first Muslim INC President.

The first President of the Indian National Congress was W.C. Bonnerjee (1885). The second President was Dadabhai Naoroji (1886).

49. Who of the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributa

Who of the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed to belong?

Amoghavarsha I

Ballala II

Harihara I

Prataparudra II

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UPSC IAS – 2015

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Harihara I, along with his brother Bukka I, founded the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 CE. The empire was established on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River, a tributary of the Krishna River. The founders initially ruled the kingdom as representatives of the deity Virupaksha, the principal deity of the region and the site of the new capital, Vijayanagara.

– The question describes the founding of the Vijayanagara Empire.
– The location is specified as the south bank of a tributary to the Krishna (Tungabhadra).
– The founders ruled as agents of a deity (Virupaksha).
– Harihara I was one of the founders of the Vijayanagara Empire and fits this description.

The Vijayanagara Empire grew into one of the most powerful South Indian kingdoms, known for its resistance to the Sultanates in the Deccan and its patronage of arts and culture. The worship of Virupaksha remained central to the state ideology.

50. Who of the following organized a march on the Tanjore coast to break t

Who of the following organized a march on the Tanjore coast to break the Salt Law in April 1930?

V. O. Chidambaram Pillai

C. Rajagopalachari

K. Kamaraj

Annie Besant

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UPSC IAS – 2015

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During the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930, parallel to Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March, C. Rajagopalachari (C.R.) organized and led a salt march in Tamil Nadu. The march started from Tiruchirappalli to Vedaranyam on the Tanjore (Thanjavur) coast to break the salt law.

– C. Rajagopalachari led the Salt Satyagraha in Tamil Nadu in 1930.
– The march was from Tiruchirappalli to Vedaranyam on the Tanjore coast.
– This was part of the wider Civil Disobedience Movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi.

V. O. Chidambaram Pillai was a freedom fighter associated with Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company and the Swadeshi movement in Tamil Nadu, but not the 1930 salt march. K. Kamaraj was a prominent Congress leader and later Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, but his significant role was in post-independence politics and the freedom movement in general, not this specific event. Annie Besant was a key figure in the Home Rule Movement, earlier than the Civil Disobedience Movement.