2020

171. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscr

Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription ?
“Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.”

[amp_mcq option1=”Ashoka” option2=”Samudragupta” option3=”Harshavardhana” option4=”Krishnadeva Raya” correct=”option1″]

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The correct answer is A) Ashoka.
The inscription quoted is characteristic of the edicts of Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE). Ashoka, after his conversion to Buddhism, promoted the principle of Dhamma, which included tolerance and respect for all religious sects (Samavaya).
The quote explicitly warns against sectarianism – praising one’s own sect excessively and blaming others – stating that such behavior actually harms one’s own sect. This message promoting inter-religious harmony and restraint is a recurring theme in Ashoka’s edicts, particularly Major Rock Edict XII.
Samudragupta (Gupta dynasty) was known for his military conquests and religious tolerance, but this specific ethical instruction about inter-sectarian behaviour is uniquely characteristic of Ashoka’s Dhamma policy expressed through his inscriptions. Harshavardhana (Pushyabhuti dynasty) also patronized multiple religions, and Krishnadeva Raya (Vijayanagara Empire) was known for tolerance, but the phraseology strongly points to Ashoka.

172. With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dro

With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote

[amp_mcq option1=”measurement of land” option2=”coins of different monetary value” option3=”classification of urban land” option4=”religious rituals” correct=”option1″]

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The correct answer is A) measurement of land.
The terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” are technical terms found in ancient Indian inscriptions and texts, particularly those related to land grants and administration.
These terms represent units of land measurement, often defined by the amount of seed required to sow a particular area of land. A “kulyavapa” was a smaller unit than a “dronavapa”. These measurements were crucial for revenue assessment and land administration in different historical periods and regions of India.
Other ancient units of land measurement varied across regions and time periods, but units based on seed measure like kulyavapa, dronavapa, and also nivartana (based on area) were common. These terms provide valuable insight into the agricultural and administrative practices of ancient and early medieval India.

173. The Vittal-Vidhwansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchab

The Vittal-Vidhwansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchable people as its target audience was published by

[amp_mcq option1=”Gopal Baba Walangkar” option2=”Jyotiba Phule” option3=”Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi” option4=”Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar” correct=”option1″]

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The correct answer is A) Gopal Baba Walangkar.
Gopal Baba Walangkar (1840-1900), also known as Gopal Krishna, was a pioneering figure in the Dalit movement in Maharashtra. He is considered the first journalist from the untouchable community.
“Vittal-Vidhwansak” (meaning “Destroyer of Pollution”) was the first monthly journal specifically aimed at raising awareness and addressing the issues faced by the untouchable community. It was published by Gopal Baba Walangkar starting around 1888.
Jyotiba Phule was a prominent social reformer who worked for the upliftment of backward classes and women, influencing Walangkar, but “Vittal-Vidhwansak” was published by Walangkar. Gandhi and Ambedkar were later figures in the broader struggle against untouchability, with Ambedkar becoming the foremost leader of the Dalit movement in the 20th century.

174. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following? 1. Invitation

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following?

  • 1. Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference
  • 2. Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement
  • 3. Acceptance of Gandhiji’s suggestion for enquiry into police excesses
  • 4. Release of only those prisoners who were not charged with violence

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”1, 2 and 4 only” option3=”3 only” option4=”2, 3 and 4 only” correct=”option2″]

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The correct answer is B) 1, 2 and 4 only.
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a political agreement signed by Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, on March 5, 1931. It marked the end of the Civil Disobedience Movement and paved the way for Congress participation in the Second Round Table Conference.
Statement 1 is correct: A key term of the pact was the British government’s agreement to invite the Indian National Congress to participate in the upcoming Second Round Table Conference.
Statement 2 is correct: The government agreed to withdraw all ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement that were not essential for normal administration.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Gandhiji’s demand for a public inquiry into police excesses during the movement was explicitly refused by Lord Irwin and was not included in the pact.
Statement 4 is correct: The government agreed to release all political prisoners not convicted for violence. Prisoners charged with violence or inciting violence were not to be released under the pact.
Other terms of the pact included the return of confiscated property not yet sold to third parties, permitting coastal villages to make salt for consumption (not for sale), and allowing peaceful picketing of liquor, opium, and foreign cloth shops. However, the demand for Bhagat Singh and his comrades’ release was not met, which led to criticism of the pact.

175. With reference to the book “Desher Katha” written by Sakharam Ganesh D

With reference to the book “Desher Katha” written by Sakharam Ganesh Deushkar during the freedom struggle, consider the following statements:

  • 1. It warned against the Colonial State’s hypnotic conquest of the mind.
  • 2. It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs.
  • 3. The use of ‘desh’ by Deushkar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option1″]

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The correct answer is A) 1 and 2 only.
Sakharam Ganesh Deushkar’s book “Desher Katha” (meaning “The Story of the Country”) was a highly influential work during the Swadeshi movement. It was originally written in Bengali and published in 1904.
Statement 1 is correct: The book critically analyzed the economic exploitation by the British colonial rule and warned how foreign rule impacted the Indian mind and culture, advocating for a mental liberation from colonial influence.
Statement 2 is correct: “Desher Katha” significantly inspired the Swadeshi movement, influencing various forms of nationalist expression, including street plays, songs, and other cultural performances aimed at spreading the message of self-reliance and patriotism.
Statement 3 is incorrect: While Deushkar wrote in Bengali and the book was particularly influential in Bengal, the term ‘desh’ referred to the entire Indian motherland, not specifically or solely the region of Bengal. The book’s message resonated throughout India as a call for national awakening and swadeshi.
Sakharam Ganesh Deushkar (1869-1912) was a close associate of Sri Aurobindo and Bipin Chandra Pal. His book went through multiple editions and was widely read by nationalists. It was eventually banned by the British government in 1910 due to its revolutionary potential and nationalist message.

176. Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ gener

Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period ?

[amp_mcq option1=”An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates” option2=”A diary to be maintained for daily accounts” option3=”A bill of exchange” option4=”An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates” correct=”option3″]

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‘Hundi’ is a traditional financial instrument widely used in India for trade and credit transactions. It functions as a bill of exchange, a promissory note, or a draft. It allowed merchants to transfer money from one place to another without physically carrying cash, reducing the risk of theft, or to borrow/lend money based on written promises. The term and instrument were prevalent in the post-Harsha period and continued to be important throughout the medieval and colonial eras.
A Hundi is essentially an indigenous form of a bill of exchange used for transferring funds or credit.
There were various types of Hundis, such as Darshani Hundi (payable on sight) and Mudati Hundi (payable after a fixed period). The Hundi system facilitated trade and commerce across long distances in India.

177. Consider the following events in the history of India : Rise of Pra

Consider the following events in the history of India :

  1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
  2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman – I
  3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka – I
  4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala

What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time ?

[amp_mcq option1=”2-1-4-3″ option2=”3-1-4-2″ option3=”2-4-1-3″ option4=”3-4-1-2″ correct=”option3″]

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Let’s establish the approximate time periods for each event:
2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman I: Mahendravarman I ruled from c. 600 to 630 CE.
4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala: Gopala founded the Pala dynasty in Bengal around c. 750 CE.
1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja: Mihira Bhoja I (King Bhoja) was a major ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, reigning from c. 836 to 885 CE.
3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka I: Parantaka I reigned from 907 to 955 CE. The revival of the Chola dynasty was by Vijayalaya in the mid-9th century (c. 848 CE), but Parantaka I represents a significant phase of expansion shortly after Bhoja’s peak. Considering Parantaka I specifically, this event is the latest.
The chronological order is thus: Pallavas under Mahendravarman I (early 7th century) -> Palas under Gopala (mid-8th century) -> Pratiharas under Bhoja (mid-late 9th century) -> Cholas under Parantaka I (early 10th century). This corresponds to the sequence 2 – 4 – 1 – 3.
The correct chronological order of the rulers/dynasties mentioned is Pallavas (Mahendravarman I), Palas (Gopala), Pratiharas (Bhoja), and Cholas (Parantaka I).
This question tests knowledge of major dynasties and rulers of post-Gupta/early medieval South and North India. Understanding the approximate centuries in which these dynasties flourished is crucial.

178. Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of Ind

Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Indian handicrafts were ruined.” option2=”Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.” option3=”Railway lines were laid in many parts of the country.” option4=”Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures.” correct=”option1″]

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During the first half of the nineteenth century, the Industrial Revolution in Britain had a devastating impact on Indian handicrafts. British manufactured goods, especially textiles produced efficiently by machines, were imported into India and sold at cheaper prices than traditionally made Indian goods. This unequal competition, combined with policies favoring British imports and disadvantaging Indian exports, led to the decline and ruin of indigenous industries, particularly the cotton textile industry, causing widespread unemployment among Indian artisans.
The influx of cheaper, machine-made British goods led to the destruction of traditional Indian handicrafts during the early period of British rule influenced by the Industrial Revolution.
Options B and C describe developments that occurred later in the 19th century, particularly after the 1850s. Option D is incorrect; British policy was generally aimed at facilitating the entry of British manufactures into India with low tariffs, while often imposing high tariffs on Indian goods entering Britain.

179. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the followi

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements :

  • Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
  • Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
  • The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option2″]

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Statement 1 is incorrect. Sthaviravadins are associated with the Theravada school of Buddhism, which is considered one of the earliest schools and part of the Hinayana tradition (though Theravadins reject the term Hinayana). Mahayana Buddhism is a later, distinct tradition. Statement 2 is correct. The Mahasanghika school was one of the two main branches of early Buddhism after the Second Buddhist Council. The Lokottaravada sect, known for its transcendental view of the Buddha, was indeed an important offshoot of the Mahasanghika school. Statement 3 is correct. The Mahasanghikas held more liberal views regarding the nature of the Buddha and arhats compared to the Sthaviravadins. Their inclination to view the Buddha as a supramundane or deified being, emphasizing his transcendental nature (as seen in Lokottaravada), contributed significantly to the philosophical basis and popular appeal that characterized the later development of Mahayana Buddhism, which focuses on the universal potential for Buddhahood and the bodhisattva ideal.
The Mahasanghikas’ views on the Buddha’s nature paved the way for Mahayana Buddhism, and Lokottaravada was a Mahasanghika offshoot.
The split between Sthaviravada and Mahasanghika schools occurred primarily over matters of monastic discipline and interpretation of the Dharma. Mahayana Buddhism, which emerged centuries later, built upon some of the philosophical differences initiated by the Mahasanghikas.

180. With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs :

With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs :

1. Aurang—In-charge of treasury of the State
2. Banian—Indian agent of the East India Company
3. Mirasidar—Designated revenue payer to the State

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

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option2″]

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Pair 1 is incorrect. ‘Aurang’ in the context of Mughal and post-Mughal India, particularly concerning European trade, referred to a factory or depot, especially related to the collection and processing of goods like textiles, where weavers or producers delivered their output. It was not typically the in-charge of the State treasury, which was managed by officers like Diwan or Bakshi depending on the specific treasury (revenue, military payments, etc.). Pair 2 is correct. ‘Banian’ was a term used, especially by the British, for Indian merchants, brokers, or agents who assisted European traders in conducting business in India by acting as intermediaries. Pair 3 is correct. ‘Mirasidar’ (or Mirazdar) in South India referred to a holder of ‘miras’, a hereditary right to land or a share in village produce. Mirasidars were often the recognized landholders and were responsible for paying land revenue to the state.
‘Banian’ and ‘Mirasidar’ are correctly defined in the context of historical Indian economic and land systems.
The ‘Aurang’ system, particularly for indigo and cotton, was a significant part of the economic interaction between European companies and Indian producers. Mirasidars held a privileged position in the agrarian structure, often belonging to the dominant castes and having hereditary rights to cultivate land and collect dues.
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