History

(PRE-Mix)
June 2019 to March 2020

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1. Which of the following statements is/are correct about Zamindari system under the Mughals?

1. The Mughals appointed people to act as tax officers, sending them around the country to oversee
collection of revenue. These people were known as the zamindars

2. All categories of zamindars under the Mughals were required to perform certain police, judicial
and military duties.

3. Zamindars under the Mughals were, in fact, more the public functionaries than revenue collecting
agents.

4. Although zamindaris were allowed to be held hereditarily, the holders were not considered to be
the proprietors of their estates.

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

B. 2, 3 and 4 only

C. 1, 3 and 4 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

Zamindars

• The Mughals appointed people to act as tax officers, sending them around the country to oversee
collection of revenue. These people were known as the zamindars (intermediaries)

• All categories of zamindars under the Mughals were required to perform certain police, judicial and
military duties.

• Zamindars under the Mughals were, in fact, more the public functionaries than revenue collecting
agents.

• Although zamindaris were allowed to be held hereditarily, the holders were not considered to be the
proprietors of their estates.

Jagirdar

• It is a title created during the times of Delhi Sultanate. Under Delhi Sultanate, the Jagirdars were
allowed to collect taxes, revenues and maintain a standing army. This way, they received benefits and
land grants from the Delhi Sultans.

• The Mughals continued the Jagirdari system while making slight changes to the way they ruled.
Under Mughals, the Jagirdars were allowed to collect taxes, revenues and in turn submit them to the
Mughal coffers. However, the option of maintaining an army was removed.

2. Which of the following statements is/are correct about Charter Act 1813?

1. It ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade
with China.

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 2. There was a provision that Company should spend Rs 1 lakh every year on the education of
Indians.

3. It saw the first faint beginnings of Central Legislature in India.

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: A

Explanation

3. Which of the following statements is/are correct about Swadeshi Movement?

1. Abanindranath Tagore painted Bharat Mata as a protest against the partition of Bengal.

2. Nandalal Bose, a student of Abanindranath Tagore, was the first recipient of a scholarship offered
by the Indian Society of Oriental Art , founded in 1907.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

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 Explanation

4. Which of the following organizations are correctly matched with their leaders?

1. The East India Association Dadabhai Naoroji

2. The Indian League Sisir Kumar Ghosh

3. The Indian Association of Calcutta Surendranath Bannerjee and Anand Mohan Bose

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

• The East India Association was organized by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1866 in London to discuss the
Indian question and influence public men in England to promote Indian welfare

• The Indian League was started in 1875 by Sisir Kumar Ghosh with the object of "stimulating the sense
of nationalism amongst the people" and of encouraging political education

• The Indian Association of Calcutta superseded the Indian League and was founded in 1876 by
younger nationalists of Bengal led by Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose, who were
getting discontented with the conservative and pro-landlord policies of the British Indian Association.

• It was the most important of pre-Congress associations and aimed to

✓create a strong public opinion on political questions

✓unify Indian people on a common political programme

5. The following statements about Mughal Paintings are in the context of which ruler?

1. He commissioned the illustrations of several literary and religious texts and established an Art
Studio

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 2. Illustrations of Persian versions of Mahabharata (Razmanama) and Ramayana were produced in
miniature form.

3. The most important work is illustration of Hamzanama.

A. Humayun

B. Akbar

C. Jahangir

D. Shah Jahan

Answer: B

Explanation

• Akbar commissioned the illustrations of several literary and religious texts and established an Art
Studio (karkhana)

• Key painters in his karkhana were Baswan and Daswant.

• Illustrations of Persian versions of Mahabharata (Razmanama) and Ramayana were produced in
miniature form.

• Historical works such as Akbar Nama also remained the main themes of Mughal paintings.
• The most important work is illustration of Hamzanama (it narrates the legendary exploits of Amir
Hamza, an uncle of Muhammad)

• Between 1560 and 1566, the Tutinama ("Tales of a Parrot"), was also illustrated.
6. Which of the following statements is/are correct about Hinayana Buddhism?

1. Hinayana Buddhists think that reaching Nirvana is the ultimate goal of all Buddhists and that you
should gain Nirvana for yourself.

2. It is found mostly in the North and West, covering

3. Its early works were written in Pali

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: C

Explanation

• Hinayana is lesser vehicle while Mahayana is Great vehicle. Hinayana follows the original teaching of
Buddha. It emphasizes individual salvation through self discipline and meditation.

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 • Hinayana Buddhism followers think that everyone needs to gain Nirvana on their Hinayana Buddhists
think that The Buddha was a Human instead of a God because they think The Buddha was simply a
man who found a way to Nirvana.

• Hinayana think that The Buddha is an ordinary person because he has many human looking like a
person, being born like a person, living like a person Hinayana think that The Buddha is an ordinary
person because he has many human looking like a person, being born like a person, living like a person
Hinayana is followed as a teaching or philosophy It is found mostly in the South and West covering
Indo Its early works were written in Pali Hinayana A Yana is a vehicle.

• A Hinayana is a lesser vehicle while a Mahayana is a Great vehicle. Hinayana follows the original
teaching of Buddha. It emphasizes individual salvation through self discipline and meditation.
Hinayana Buddhism followers think that everyone needs to gain Nirvana on their own Hinayana
Buddhists think that The Buddha was a Human instead of a God because they think The Buddha was
simply a man who found a way to Nirvana.

• Hinayana think that The Buddha is an ordinary person because he has many human-like
characteristics such as looking like a person, being born like a person, living like a person Hinayana
think that The Buddha is an ordinary person because he has many human-like characteristics such as
looking like a person, being born like a person, living like a person Hinayana is followed as a teaching
or philosophy It is found mostly in the South and West covering Indo-china and Ceylon (Sri-Lanka) Its
early works were written in Pali.

7. Which of the following is/are sites belonging to the Neolithic Period

1. Paiyampalli

2. Chirand

3. Chopani Mando

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

• Important Neolithic Sites North-Western: Mehrgarh; Burzahom Bihar and mid-Gangetic Valley
region: South India: along the rivers Bhima, Krishna, Tungabhadra and Kaveri Some important sites
Sanganakallu, Brahmagiri, Maski Utnur, Nagarjunakonda, Budihal Paiyampalli in Tamil Nadu
Paiyampalli in Tamil Nadu Paiyampalli: It is known for the excavation site in the region which has
remains of Neolithic and Megalithic periods. Chirand:

✓It has a large pre-historic mound which is known for its continuous archaeological record from the
Neolithic age.

• The excavations in Chirand have revealed stratified Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Iron Age settlements,
and transitions in human habitation patterns dating from 2500 BCE to 30 CE. Chopani Mando:
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 ✓It is an important archaeological site, which indicates transition of humans from food gathering
society to food production society. It is situated in Belan river state, India.

A three phase sequence of paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic is attributed by Important Neolithic
Sites Burzahom; Gufkral; Koldihwa; Mahagara Gangetic Valley region: Chirand South India: along the
rivers Bhima, Krishna, Tungabhadra and Kaveri Some important sites Maski, Piklihal, Hallur in
Karnataka Budihal in Andhra Pradesh in Tamil Nadu in Tamil Nadu It is known for the excavation site
in the region which has remains of Neolithic and Megalithic periods.

Historic mound which is known for its continuous archaeological record from the have revealed
stratified Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Iron Age settlements, and transitions in human habitation
patterns dating from 2500 BCE to 30 CE. is an important archaeological site, which indicates
transition of humans from food gathering Belan river valley in modern Allahabad district of Uttar
Pradesh , Mesolithic and Neolithic is attributed by archeologists.

8. We have evidences of which of the following crops from Harappan Civilization?

1. Wheat

2. Cotton

3. Rice

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

• The Indus people produced wheat, barley, rai, peas, sesamum, mustard Earliest people to produce
cotton. A piece of woven cloth As early as 1800 BCE, the people of Lothal grew rice, the remains of
which have been found embedded in pottery The Indus people produced wheat, barley, rai, peas,
sesamum, mustard woven cloth has been found at Mohenjodaro. , the remains of which have been
found in the form of husks embedded in pottery.

9. Which of the following statements is/are true?

1. Both Pallavas and Chalukyas tried to establish supremacy over the land lying between the Krishna
and the Tungabhadra.

2. This doab was again the bone of contention in late medieval times between the Vijayanagar and
the Bahmani kingdoms.
A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

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 Answer: C

Explanation

The Pallavas and the Chalukyas championed Brahmanism, performed Vedic sacrifices, and made
grants to the brahmanas, the two quarrelled with each other over plunder, prestige, and territorial
resources. Both tried to establish supremacy over the land lying between the Krishna and the
Tungabhadra. Time and again, the Pallava princes tried to cross the Tungabhadra, which formed the
natural historic boundary between many a kingdom of the Deccan and the deep south. This doab was
again the bone of contention in late medieval times between the Vijayanagar and the Bahmani
kingdoms

10.Which of the following pairs of 'Famous Place’ and the ‘River‘ which passes through it is/are correctly
matched?

1. Pandharpur : Chandrabhaga

2. Tiruchirapalli : Cauvery

3. Hampi : Malaprabha

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: A

Explanation

• Pandharpur is a well known pilgrimage town on the banks of India. Vithoba temple attracts about a
million Hindu pilgrims during the major July). It is a major holy place in Maharashtra and it is also
called South Kashi in Maharashtra. It is famous for the Lord temple situated on the bank of Bhima
river. Bhima river is also known as Chandrabhaga as it takes shape like crescent moon near the town.

• Tiruchirappalli sits almost at the geographic centre of Tamil Nadu Cauvery Delta begins 16 kilometres
west of the city where the Kaveri river splits into two, forming the island Srirangam, which is now
incorporated in Tiruchirappalli.

• Hampi is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River border with Andhra Pradesh. Hampi also
referred to as the Group of Monuments at Hampi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in east-
central Karnataka, India. It became the pilgrimage centre of the Hindu religion. It was the capital
of Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century.

11.Welby Commission is famous in Modern Indian History for which of the following reasons?

A. Educational reforms

B. Relations between British crown and Indian princely states

C. Police reforms

D. To enquire into the Drain theory

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 Answer: D

Explanation

Dadabhai Naoroji in his famous book Poverty and UnBritish Rule in India wrote his Drain Theory. He
showed how India‘s wealth was going away to England in the form of:

• salaries
• savings,
• pensions,
• payments to British troops in India and
• profits of the British companies.
Because of the same the British Government was forced to appoint the Welby Commission, with
Dadabhai as the first Indian as its member, to enquire into the matter.

12.Which of the following is/are correct about Charter Act 1813?

1. It completely abolished the monopoly of East India Company in trade with India

2. It completely abolished the monopoly of East India Company in trade with China

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Explanation

Charter Act 1813

• The Charter Act of 1813 In England, the business interests were pressing for an end to the Company's
monopoly over trade in India because of a spirit of laissez faire and the continental system by
Napoleon by which the European ports were closed to Britain.

• The 1813 Act sought to redress these grievances

• The Company's monopoly over trade in India ended, but the Company retained the trade with China
and the trade in tea.

• The Company was to retain the possession of territories and the revenue for 20 years more, without
prejudice to the sovereignty of the Crown. (Thus, the constitutional position of the British territories
in India was defined explicitly for the first time.)

• Powers of the Board of Control were further enlarged.

• A sum of one lakh rupees was to be set aside for the revival, promotion and encouragement of
literature, learning and science among the natives of India, every year. (This was an important
statement from the point of state's responsibility for education.)
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13.In political matters the East India Company was subordinated to the British government directly. By
which act did this happen?

A. Regulating Act, 1773

B. Pitt‘s India Act, 1783

C. Charter Act, 1793

D. None of the above

Answer: B

Explanation

• East India Company Act 1773 (Regulating Act, 1773)

• By the Regulating Act of 1773 (later known as the East India Company Act 1773), the Parliament of
Great Britain imposed a series of administrative and economic reforms; this clearly established
Parliament's sovereignty and ultimate control over the company.

• The Act recognized the company's political functions and clearly established that the "acquisition of
sovereignty by the subjects of the Crown is on behalf of the Crown and not in its own right". East India
Company Act 1784 (Pitt's India Act)

• The bill differentiated the East India Company's political functions from its commercial activities. In
political matters, the East India Company was subordinated to the British government directly To
accomplish this, the Act created a Board of Commissioners for the Affairs of India, usually referred to
as the Board of Control

14.Which of the following newspapers is/are correctly matched with their editors?

1. Swadesamitran : G. Subramaniya Iyer

2. Bengalee : Surendranath Banerjee

3. Sudharak : NN Sen

Choose the correct option

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: A

Explanation

1 and 2 are correctly matched. 3 is incorrect.

Sudharak : Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Indian Mirror : N.N. Sen.

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15.Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Dadabhai Naoroji put forward the drain of wealth‘ theory in his book Economic History in India.

2. R. C. Dutt promoted the same theory in his book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Explanation

• The Drain of Wealth theory was systemically initiated by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1867 and further
analysed and developed by R.P. Dutt, M.G Ranade etc

• In 1867, Dadabhai Naoroji put forward the drain of wealth theory in which he stated that the Britain
was completely draining India. He mentioned this theory in his book ‘Poverty and Un-British Rule’ in
India.

• Further in his book , he stated the loss of 200-300 million pounds of revenue to Britain.
• On the footsteps of Dadabhai Naoroji, R. C. Dutt also promoted the same theory by keeping it as a
major theme of his book Economic History in India.

• Dadabhai Naoroji gave several factors that caused external drain. These are:
• Home charges refer to the interest on public debt raised in England at comparatively higher rates;
expenditure incurred in England by the Secretary of State on behalf of India;

• Annuities on account of railway and irrigation works;

• Indian office expenses including pensions to retired officials who had worked in India or England,
pensions to army and navals etc.

• Remittances to England by Europeans to their families

• Remittances for purchase of British Goods for consumption of British employees in India. Interest
charges on public debt held in Britain

• Trade as well as Indian labour was deeply undervalued.

16.Which of the following statement(s) are true about animals in Harappan Civilization?

1. Animal bones found at Harappan sites include those of cattle, sheep, goat, buffalo and pig.

2. Studies done by archaeo-zoologists or zooarchaeologists indicate that these animals were

domesticated.

3. Bones of wild species such as boar, deer and gharial are also found.

A. 1 and 2 only

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 B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

• Animal bones found at Harappan sites include those of cattle, sheep, goat, buffalo and pig. Studies
done by archaeo-zoologists or zooarchaeologists indicate that these animals were domesticated.

• Bones of wild species such as boar, deer and gharial are also found. We do not know whether the
Harappans hunted these animals themselves or obtained meat from other hunting communities.

• Bones of fish and fowl are also found.

NCERT Class 12 Ch 1

17.Which of the following statement(s) are true about water storage and usage in Harappan civilization?

1. Most Harappan sites required irrigation for agriculture

2. Traces of canals have been found

3. Water reservoirs have been found at Kalibangan

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: A

Explanation

• Most Harappan sites are located in semi-arid lands, where irrigation was probably required for
agriculture.

• Traces of canals have been found at the Harappan site of Shortughai in Afghanistan, but not in Punjab
or Sind.

• It is also likely that water drawn from wells was used for irrigation.
• Besides, water reservoirs found in Dholavira (Gujarat) may have been used to store water for
agriculture.

Please refer NCERT Class 12 Chapter 1

18.Which of the following statement(s) are correct about Citadel and Lower Town?

1. The Citadel owes its height to the fact that buildings were constructed on mud brick platforms.

2. It was walled, which meant that it was physically separated from the Lower Town.

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 3. The Lower Town was not walled

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: A

Explanation

• The Citadel owes its height to the fact that buildings were constructed on mud brick platforms. It was
walled, which meant that it was physically separated from the Lower Town.

• The Lower Town was also walled.

• Several buildings were built on platforms, which served as foundations.
Please refer NCERT Class 12 Chapter 1

19.Arrange the following in correct chronological order.

1. Invasion of Alexander of Macedon

2. Accession of Chandragupta Maurya

3. Accession of Nanda dynasty

Choose the correct option

A. 3-2-1

B. 1-2-3

C. 2-1-3

D. 3-1-2

Answer: D

Explanation

• c. 345 BCE Origin of the Nanda dynasty

• c. 327-325 BCE Invasion of Alexander of Macedon
• c. 321 BCE Accession of Chandragupta Maurya
Please refer NCERT Class 12 Chapter 2

20.Answer the following about Megasthenes

1. He was an ambassador in the court of Asoka

2. He mentions the Pandyas and says that their kingdom was famous for pearls

A. 1 only
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 B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation

Megasthenes was an ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya.

21.Which of the following statements is/are true about Jaipur?

1. It is named after Raja Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer, who also founded the city in 1727.

2. It is one of the earliest planned cities of modern India.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation

Jaipur was founded in 1727 by the Rajput ruler Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer, after whom the city is
named. It was one of the earliest planned cities of modern India, designed by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya.

It was planned based on the principles of Vastu shastra and Shilpa Shastra. (Shila Shastra – It is an
ancient umbrella term for numerous Hindu texts that describe arts, crafts, and their design rules,
principles and standards. In the context of temple design, Shilpa Shastras were manuals for sculpture
and Hindu iconography, prescribing among other things, the proportions of a sculptured figure,
composition, principles, meaning, as well as rules of architecture)

22.Which of the following statements is/are true about Jaipur?

1. Jaipur was established on the hills and built according to a grid plan interpreted in the light of Vedic
architecture.

2. The city’s urban planning shows an exchange of ideas from ancient Hindu and modern Mughal as
well as Western cultures.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2
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 Answer: B

Explanation

• The walled city of Jaipur includes its oldest parts–Chandpole, Surajpole, Ajmeri Gate—and some of its
finest monuments including the City Palace and the iconic Hawa Mahal. Unlike other cities in the
region located in hilly terrain, Jaipur was established on the plain and built according to a grid plan
interpreted in the light of Vedic architecture.

• The streets feature continuous colonnaded businesses that intersect in the centre, creating large
public squares called chaupars. Markets, stalls, residences and temples built along the main streets
have uniform facades.

• The city’s urban planning shows an exchange of ideas from ancient Hindu and modern Mughal as well
as Western cultures.

• The grid plan is a model that prevails in the West, while the organization of the different districts
refers to traditional Hindu concepts

23.Which of the following statements is/are correct in the context of Jaipur being awarded the UNESCO
World Heritage Status?

1. A World Heritage Status brings with it certain restrictions and obligations around construction and
infrastructure.

2. Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site

3. It is the second city to be designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, after Ahmedabad in
2016.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. None of the above

Answer: A
Explanation
• A World Heritage Status also typically brings with it certain restrictions and obligations— specifically
around construction and infrastructure. This could place certain limitations, hopefully for the better,
on construction activity within the walled city of Jaipur.

• Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site In 2017, old Ahmedabad was India’s
first city to win the heritage city tag. In 2018, sites in Mumbai the Victorian and Art Deco Ensembles
straddling two heritage precincts of Fort and Marine Drive were chosen as world heritage sites.
Campaign for the 292-year-old Jaipur had started in 2015 when it was first nominated.

24.The announcement for Jaipur as the 2nd UNESCO World Heritage city in India was made at the 43rd
session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in?

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 A. Baku

B. Rome

C. Paris

D. Tashkent

Answer: A

Explanation

• The decision was taken on Saturday, 06th July, 2019, in Azerbaijan’s Baku at the 43rd session of the
World Heritage Committee (WHC) that started on June 30 and will conclude on July 10.

• The achievement is especially well-earned for Jaipur, as the International Council on Monuments and
Sites (ICOMOS) had recently put the proposal on ―deferral.

25.Which of the following monuments of Rajasthan also find a place in UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

1. Chittorgarh Fort

2. Kumbhalgarh

3. Ranthambore Fort

4. Gagron Fort

5. Amer Fort

6. Jaisalmer Fort

7. Keoladeo National Park

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. All except 4

B. All except 6

C. All except 7

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

• Within the State of Rajasthan, six extensive and majestic hill forts together reflect the elaborate,
fortified seats of power of Rajput princely states that flourished between the 8th and 18th centuries
and their relative political independence.

• Within the defensive walls of the forts, the architecture of palaces and other buildings reflects their
role as centres of courtly culture, and places of patronage for learning arts and music. Chittorgarh
Fort consists of 7 gates so high that enemies could not see or attack inside the fort, by even standing
on an elephant or a camel. It is also the largest fort of India. Kumbhalgarh Fort, built on a 1100-meter
high hill top that looks over the Aravali range of hills, this majestic fort was built in 15th century by
Rana Kumbha of the Rajput dynasty and expanded through the 19th century. Its wall is the second
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 largest wall in Asia. Gagron Fort - Suspended on a low crest at the convergence of three rivers
namely, Ahu, Sindh and Kali rivers, this marvelous creature is both water-protected as well as jungle-
protected, with the forests also surrounding it Jaisalmer Fort .

• The Fort camouflages in the yellow desert as its massive yellow sandstone walls shine in a lion color
during the day fade to honey-gold color as the sun sets. This is why, the fort is also known as Sonar-
Quila or Golden Fort. The Keoladeo National park consists of grasslands, wetlands, woodlands. It is a
man made and managed wetland area and amongst the best bird areas of the world

26.Which of the following sentences in the context of taxes in the era of Mahajanapadas is/are correct?

1. The rulers of the mahajanapadas started collecting regular taxes.

2. Taxes on crops were the most important.

3. There were taxes on crafts persons as well.

4. There were also taxes on goods that were bought and sold, through trade.

Which of the following is/are correct in this context?

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

B. 2, 3 and 4 only

C. 1, 3 and 4 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

Taxes for the rulers of the mahajanapadas were (a) building huge forts (b) maintaining big armies, they
needed more resources. And they needed officials to collect these. So, instead of depending on
occasional gifts brought by people, as in the case of the raja of the janapadas, they started collecting
regular taxes.

• Taxes on crops were the most important. This was because most people were farmers. Usually, the tax
was fixed at 1/6th of what was produced. This was known as bhaga or a share.

• There were taxes on crafts persons as well. These could have been in the form of labour. For example,
a weaver or a smith may have had to work for a day every month for the king.

• Herders were also expected to pay taxes in the form of animals and animal produce.
• There were also taxes on goods that were bought and sold, through trade.
• And hunters and gatherers also had to provide forest produce to the raja.
NCERT Class 6, Page 59

27.In context of ancient history, which of the following correctly defines the word Anuvrata?

A. It a name given by Aryans to the area where the Indus Valley people used to live

B. It is one of the doctrines of Jainism put forth by Vardhman Mahavira

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 C. It is a place where specimens of paintings by early man are found in the Narmada valley

D. None of the above

Answer: B

Explanation

• The anu vratas are a category of vows that are part of the 12 vows of a layperson in Jainism.
• The anu vratas are sometimes called the small vows, or vows of limited nature. The term comes from
the Sanskrit anu, meaning ―common, tiny or ―fine; vr, meaning ―conduct or restrain; and rta, which
means order or ―oath.

• Ascetics or monks observe these same vows strictly, so, they are referred to as the maha vratas, or
"great vows."

• But the layperson observes an anu vrata only for a limited period and more moderately as his life
circumstances allow.

• The anu vratas consist of: Ahima a vow to not harm or injure. Satya a vow to be truthful. Asteya –
also called acaurya, this is a vow to not steal. Brahmacharya – a vow of celibacy for ascetics or chastity
for laypeople. Parigraha parimana – a vow to limit attachment to worldly possessions.

28.Lomas Rishi caves are associated with which religion/sect?

A. Buddhism

B. Jainism

C. Charvaka

D. Ajivika

Answer: D

Explanation

• The Lomas Rishi Cave, also called the Grotto of Lomas Rishi, is a sacred architectural feature located
in the Barabar and Nagarjuni hills of Jehanabad district in the Indian state of Bihar.

• This rock-cut cave was carved out as a sanctuary.

• It was built during the Ashokan period of the Maurya Empire in the 3rd century BCE, as part of the
sacred architecture of the Ajivikas.

• Ajivikas were founded in the 5th century BCE by Makkhali Gosala The Ājīvika school is known for its
Niyati ("Fate") doctrine of absolute determinism, the premise that there is no free will, that
everything that has happened, is happening and will happen is entirely preordained and a function of
cosmic principles.

29.With regard to the contribution of Ashoka in the field of art and architecture, which of the following
is/are correct?

1. His greatest innovation is believed to be the substitution of stone for wood and bricks.

2. The Ashokan pillars were made of the same material as the sculptures of Gandhara school of art.
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 Which of the following is/are correct in this context?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation

• Ashoka's greatest innovation is believed to be the substitution of stone for wood and brick
✓The Ashokan pillars were made of Chunar sandstone (spotted red sandstone) the same material as
the Mathura school of art.

30.There were two major changes in agriculture around the time of the shift from Janapadas to
Mahajanapadas.

Which of the following is/are correct in this context?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

Changes in agriculture:

• There were two major changes in agriculture around this time.

• One was the growing use of iron ploughshares. This meant that heavy, clayey soil could be turned over
better than with a wooden ploughshare, so that more grain could be produced.

• Second, people began transplanting paddy. This meant that instead of scattering seed on the ground
from which plants would sprout, saplings were grown and then planted in the fields. This led to
increased production, as many more plants survived.

NCERT Class 6, Page 60

31.Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The percentage of gold in the Gupta gold coins was constantly falling and that the gold content of
the later Gupta coins was only half of that of the Kushana coins.

2. The post-Gupta period underwent a major change in the rural sector and one of the changes was
land grants on a large-scale as donations.

Which of the above statements are correct?

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 A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

32.Answer the following about coinage

1. The first coins to bear the names and images of rulers were issued by Chandragupta Maurya.

2. Punch-marked coins were issued by merchants, bankers and townspeople as well.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation

• To some extent, exchanges were facilitated by the introduction of coinage.

• Punch-marked coins made of silver and copper (c. sixth century BCE onwards) were amongst the
earliest to be minted and used.

• These have been recovered from excavations at a number of sites throughout the subcontinent.
Numismatists have studied these and other coins to reconstruct possible commercial networks.
Attempts made to identify the symbols on punch-marked coins with specific ruling dynasties,
including the Mauryas, suggest that these were issued by kings.

• It is also likely that merchants, bankers and townspeople issued some of these coins.
• The first coins to bear the names and images of rulers were issued by the Indo-Greeks, who
established control over the north-western part of the subcontinent c. second century BCE.

Please refer NCERT Class 12 Chapter 2

33.Answer the following question as follows

Statement A - Many important cities such as Taxila, Kausambi, Pataliputra ceased to exist after the
Gupta period.

Statement B - During later phases of Gupta period trade and urban economy was badly aected due to
Huna invasions.

A. If Statement A and B are both true, and Statement B is the reason for A

B. If Statement A and B are both true, but Statement B is not the reason for A
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 C. If Statement A is true and Statement B is not

D. If Statement B is true and Statement A is not

Answer: A

34.Which of the following statements is/are correct in the context of Khajuraho Group of Temples?

1. The temples are famous for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.

2. The Khajuraho group of temples were built together but were dedicated to two religions,
Hinduism and Jainism.

3. The Khajuraho group of temples belong to Vaishnavism school of Hinduism and not to the Saivism
school.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: A

Explanation

Statement 3 is incorrect because Khajuraho group of temples belong to Vaishnavism school of

Hinduism, Saivism school of Hinduism and Jainism - nearly a third each.

35.Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Sangam texts were called 'Sangam' because they were supposed to have been composed and
compiled in assemblies (known as sangams) of poets that were held in the city of Madurai.

2. The poems belonging to Sangam literature were composed by Tamil poets, both men and women,
from various professions and classes of society.

3. Sangam literature is primarily secular, dealing with everyday themes in a Tamilakam context

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

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 Explanation

• Also, Tamilakam refers to the geographical region inhabited by the ancient Tamil people. Tamilakam
covered today's Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and southern parts of Andhra Pradesh
and Karnataka.

NCERT Class 6, Page 89

36.Consider the following statements

Statement A: Cholas built splendid temples that were adorned with stone and metal sculpture to
recreate the visions of Alvars and Nayanars who sang in the language of the people.

Statement B: Both Nayanars and Alvars were revered by the Vellala peasants

A. if both statements A and B are correct and Statement B is the reason for A

B. if both statements A and B are correct and statement B is not the reason for A

C. if statement A is correct and B is incorrect

D. if statement B is correct and A is incorrect

Answer: A

Explanation

• Both Nayanars and Alvars were revered by the Vellala peasants. Not surprisingly, rulers tried to win
their support as well.

• The Chola kings, for instance, often attempted to claim divine support and proclaim their own power
and status by building splendid temples that were adorned with stone and metal sculpture to recreate
the visions of these popular saints who sang in the language of the people.

• These kings also introduced the singing of Tamil Shaiva hymns in the temples under royal patronage,
taking the initiative to collect and organise them into a text (Tevaram).

37.Consider the following statements about Lingayat tradition

1. Lingayats encouraged post-puberty marriage and the remarriage of widows.

2. Our understanding of the Virashaiva tradition is derived from vachanas (literally, sayings)
composed in Kannada by women and men who joined the movement.

Which of the above are incorrect?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

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 Explanation

• The Lingayats also encouraged certain practices disapproved in the Dharmashastras, such as post-
puberty marriage and the remarriage of widows.

• Our understanding of the Virashaiva tradition is derived from vachanas (literally, sayings) composed
in Kannada by women and men who joined the movement.

NCERT Class XII Chapter 2

38.What does the term ziyarat imply, in the context of Sufism?

A. rules pertaining to conduct of disciples at the dargah

B. pilgrimage to the dargah of the Shaikh on his death anniversary

C. the continuation of a chain of Sufi tradition

D. the rituals of initiation of a disciple in a Sufi tradition

Answer: B

Explanation

• When the shaikh died, his tomb-shrine (dargah, a Persian term meaning court) became the centre of
devotion for his followers.

• This encouraged the practice of pilgrimage or ziyarat to his grave, particularly on his death
anniversary or urs (or marriage, signifying the union of his soul with God).

• This was because people believed that in death saints were united with God, and were thus closer to
Him than when living. People sought their blessings to attain material and spiritual benets.

• Thus evolved the cult of the shaikh revered as wali.

NCERT Class XII Chapter 2

39.Which of the following statements are true in the context of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya's khanqah?

1. There was an open kitchen.

2. Shaving the heads of initiates, yogic exercises were some of the practices that were adopted.

3. Bowing before the Shaikh was also practiced.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

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40.Which of the following statements about Guru Nanak are true?

1. He rejected sacrifices, ritual baths, image worship, austerities and the scriptures of both Hindus
and Muslims

2. He organised his followers into a community.

3. He did not wish to establish a new religion.

4. He proposed a simple way to connect to the Divine by remembering and repeating the Divine
Name, expressing his ideas through hymns.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

B. 2, 3 and 4 only

C. 1, 3 and 4 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

• The message of Baba Guru Nanak is spelt out in his hymns and teachings.
• These suggest that he advocated a form of nirguna bhakti. He repudiated the external practices of the
religions he saw around him.

• He rejected sacrifices, ritual baths, image worship, austerities and the scriptures of both Hindus and
Muslims.

• For Baba Guru Nanak, the Absolute or rab had no gender or form.
• He proposed a simple way to connect to the Divine by remembering and repeating the Divine Name,
expressing his ideas through hymns called ―shabad in Punjabi, the language of the region. Baba Guru
Nanak would sing these compositions in various ragas while his attendant Mardana played the rabab.

• Baba Guru Nanak organised his followers into a community.

• He set up rules for congregational worship (sangat) involving collective recitation.
• He appointed one of his disciples, Angad, to succeed him as the preceptor (guru), and this practice was
followed for nearly 200 years.

• It appears that Baba Guru Nanak did not wish to establish a new religion, but after his death his
followers consolidated their own practices and distinguished themselves from both Hindus and
Muslims.

41.Which of the following revolt centres are correctly matched with their leaders?

1. Bareilly – Khan Bahadur

2. Bihar – Kunwar Singh

3. Faizabad – Shah Mal

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 Select the Correct Option

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: A

Explanation: Centres of Revolt and Leaders

1. Delhi - General Bakht Khan

2. Kanpur - Nana Saheb

3. Lucknow - Begum Hazrat Mahal

4. Bareilly - Khan Bahadur

5. Bihar - Kunwar Singh

6. Faizabad - Maulvi Ahmadullah

7. Jhansi - Rani Laxmibai

8. Baghpat - Shah Mal

42.Consider the following statements about Widow Remarriage in the 19th Century

1. It was mainly due to the efforts of Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar that the Hindu Widows’
Remarriage Act, 1856, was passed, legalizing marriage of widows

2. Vidyasagar cited Vedic texts to prove that the Hindu religion sanctioned widow remarriage.

Which of the above are incorrect?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Explanation

• The Brahmo Samaj had the issue of widow remarriage high on its agenda and did much to popularize
it.

• But it was mainly due to the efforts of Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (1820-91), the principal of
Sanskrit College, Calcutta, which the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act, 1856, was passed; it legalised
marriage of widows and declared issues from such marriages as legitimate.

• Vidyasagar cited Vedic texts to prove that the Hindu religion sanctioned widow remarriage.
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43.Arrange the following in the correct chronological order?

1. First Anglo-Burmese War

2. First Anglo-Bhutan War

3. First Anglo-Nepal War

4. First Anglo-Afghan War

Select the Correct Option

A. 1-2-3-4

B. 4-3-2-1

C. 2-3-1-4

D. 3-1-4-2

Answer: D

Explanation: Chronology

1. First Anglo-Nepal War 1814 – 1816

2. First Anglo-Burmese War 1824 – 1826

3. First Anglo-Afghan War 1839 – 1842

4. Second Anglo-Burmese War 1852 – 1853

5. First Anglo-Bhutan War 1864 – 1865

6. Second Anglo-Afghan War 1878 – 1880

44.Which of the following statements are true in the context of Brahmo Samaj under Raja Ram Mohan
Roy?

1. Prayers, meditation and readings of the Upanishads were to be the forms of worship

2. The long-term agenda of the Brahmo Samaj was to purify Hinduism and to preach monotheism

3. The Samaj also tried to incorporate teachings of other religions.

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

• Raja Rammohan Roy founded the Brahmo Sabha in August 1828; it was later renamed Brahmo Samaj.
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 • Through the Sabha he wanted to institutionalise his ideas and mission.
• The Samaj was committed to “the worship and adoration of the Eternal, Unsearchable, Immutable
Being who is the Author and Preserver of the Universe”.

• Prayers, meditation and readings of the Upanishads were to be the forms of worship and no graven
image, statue or sculpture, carving, painting, picture, portrait, etc., were to be allowed in the Samaj
buildings, thus underlining the Samaj’s opposition to idolatry and meaningless rituals.

• The long-term agenda of the Brahmo Samaj—to purify Hinduism and to preach monotheism—was
based on the twin pillars of reason and the Vedas and Upanishads.

• The Samaj also tried to incorporate teachings of other religions and kept its emphasis on human
dignity, opposition to idolatry and criticism of social evils such as sati.

45.Which of the following statements are incorrect about the Councils of India Act 1909?

1. The elective principle was recognized for the non-official membership of the legislative councils
in India.

2. Satyendra Sinha was the first Indian to be appointed in 1909.

Select the Correct Option

A. 1only

B. 2only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Explanation

Indian Councils Act of 1909

• The elective principle was recognised for the nonofficial membership of the councils in India. Indians
were allowed to participate in the election of various legislative councils, though on the basis of class
and community.

• For the first time, separate electorates for Muslims for election to the central council was established
—a most detrimental step for India.

• The number of elected members in the Imperial Legislative Council and the Provincial Legislative
Councils was increased. In the provincial councils, non-official majority was introduced, but since
some of these non-officials were nominated and not elected, the overall non-elected majority
remained.

• According to Sumit Sarkar, in the Imperial Legislative Council, of the total 69 members, 37 were to be
the officials and of the 32 non-officials, 5 were to be nominated. Of the 27 elected non-officials, 8
seats were reserved for the Muslims under separate electorates (only Muslims could vote here for the
Muslim candidates), while 4 seats were reserved for the British capitalists, 2 for the landlords and 13
seats came under general electorate.

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 • The elected members were to be indirectly elected. The local bodies were to elect an electoral
college, which in turn would elect members of provincial legislatures, who in turn would elect
members of the central legislature.

46.Which of the following oganizations are correctly matched with their leaders?

1. Indian Social Conference – M. G. Ranade

2. The Indian League – Surendra Nath Banerjea

3. Indian National Association – Sisir Kumar Ghosh

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 3 only

C. 1 only

D. 2 and 3 only

Answer: A

Explanation

• Founded by M.G. Ranade and Raghunath Rao, the Indian Social Conference met annually from its
first session in Madras in 1887 at the same time and venue as the Indian National Congress.

• It focused attention on the social issues of importance; it could be called the social reform cell of the
Indian National Congress, in fact. The conference advocated inter-caste marriages and opposed
polygamy.

• The Indian League was started in 1875 by Sisir Kumar Ghosh with the object of “stimulating the
sense of nationalism amongst the people” and of encouraging political education.

• The Indian Association of Calcutta (also known as the Indian National Association) superseded the
Indian League and was founded in 1876 by younger nationalists of Bengal led by Surendranath
Banerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose

47.Consider the following statements about the SNDP movement

1. The SNDP movement was an example of regional movement born out of conflict between the
depressed classes and upper castes.

2. It was started by Sree Narayana Guru Swamy among the Ezhavas of Kerala, who were a backward
caste of toddy-tappers and were considered to be untouchables

3. The Ezhavas were the single largest caste group in Kerala constituting 26 per cent of the total
population

Which of the above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

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 C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

• The SNDP movement was born out of conflict between the depressed classes and upper castes.
• It was started by Sree Narayana Guru Swamy among the Ezhavas of Kerala, who were a backward
caste of toddy-tappers and were considered to be untouchables, denied education and entry into
temples.

• The Ezhavas were the single largest caste group in Kerala constituting 26 per cent of the total
population.

• Narayana Guru, himself from the Ezhava caste, took a stone from the Neyyar River and installed it as
a Sivalinga at Aruvippuram on Sivaratri in 1888.

• It was intended to show that consecration of an idol was not the monopoly of the higher castes.
• With this he began a revolution that soon led to the removal of much discrimination in Kerala’s
society.

• The movement (Aruvippuram movement) drew the famous poet Kumaran Asan as a disciple of
Narayana Guru.

• In 1889, the Aruvippuram Kshetra Yogam was formed which was decided to expand into a big
organisation to help the Ezhavas to progress materially as well as spiritually.

• Sree Narayana Guru held all religions to be the same and condemned animal sacrifice besides
speaking against divisiveness on the basis of caste, race or creed.

48.Arrange the following in the correct chronological order of their establishment?

1. The Calcutta Madrasah

2. Fort William College

3. The Sanskrit College

Select the Correct Option

A. 1-2-3

B. 3-2-1

C. 1-3-2

D. 3-1-2

Answer: C

Explanation

• The Calcutta Madrasah was established by Warren Hastings in 1781 for the study of Muslim law and
related subjects.
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 • The Sanskrit College was established by Jonathan Duncan, the resident, at Benaras in 1791 for study
of Hindu law and philosophy.

• Fort William College was set up by Wellesley in 1800 for training of civil servants of the Company in
languages and customs of Indians (closed in 1802)

49.Which of the following statements are true in the context of Government of India Act, 1935?

1. The Hindu Mahasabha and the National Liberal Foundation, however, declared themselves in
favour of the working of the 1935 Act in the central as well as at the provincial level.

2. It was a result of the discussions held at the Third Round Table Conference

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither of the above

Answer: C

Explanation

• Amidst the struggle of 1932 (CDM and its aftermath), the Third RTC was held in November, again
without Congress participation. The discussions led to the formulation of the Act of 1935.

• The 1935 Act was condemned by nearly all sections and unanimously rejected by the Congress. The
Hindu Mahasabha and the National Liberal Foundation, however, declared themselves in favour of
the working of the 1935 Act in the central as well as at the provincial level.

50.Which of the following statements are incorrect about the Wood’s Despatch (1854)?

1. It repudiated the ‘downward filtration theory’ of the British government of India

2. It laid stress on female and vocational education, and on teachers’ training.

Select the Correct Option

A. 1only

B. 2only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Explanation

Wood’s Despatch, 1854

This document was the first comprehensive plan for the spread of education in India.

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 1. It asked the government of India to assume responsibility for education of the masses, thus
repudiating the ‘downward filtration theory’, at least on paper.

2. It systematized the hierarchy from vernacular primary schools in villages at bottom, followed by
Anglo-Vernacular High Schools and an affiliated college at the district level, and affiliating
universities in the presidency towns of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras.

3. It recommended English as the medium of instruction for higher studies and vernaculars at school
level.

4. It laid stress on female and vocational education, and on teachers’ training.

5. It lay down that the education imparted in government institutions should be secular.

6. It recommended a system of grants-in-aid to encourage private enterprise.

51.Which of the following newspapers are correctly matched with their founders?

1. Swadesamitran – G. Subramaniya Aiyar

2. Voice of India – Dadabhai Naoroji

3. Indian Mirror – N.N. Sen

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

• The early phase of nationalist movement from around 1870 to 1918 focused more on political
propaganda and education, formation and propagation of nationalist ideology and arousing, training,
mobilisation and consolidation of public opinion, than on mass agitation or active mobilisation of
masses through open meetings. For this purpose the press proved a crucial tool in the hands of the
nationalists.

• Many newspapers emerged during these years under distinguished and fearless journalists.
• These included
✓The Hindu and Swadesamitran under G. Subramaniya Aiyar,

✓The Bengalee under Surendranath Banerjea,

✓Voice of India under Dadabhai Naoroji,

✓Amrita Bazar Patrika under Sisir Kumar Ghosh and Motilal Ghosh,

✓Indian Mirror under N.N. Sen,

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 ✓Kesari (in Marathi) and Maharatta (in English) under Balgangadhar Tilak,

✓Sudharak under Gopal Krishna Gokhale,

✓Hindustan and Advocate under G.P. Verma.

52.Consider the following statements about Surendranath Banerjea

Statement A: In 1883, Surendranath Banerjea became the first Indian journalist to be imprisoned

Statement B: He had criticised a judge of Calcutta High Court for being insensitive to the religious
sentiments of Bengalis

A. If Statements A and B are both true, and Statement B is the reason for A

B. If Statements A and B are both true, but Statement B is not the reason for A

C. If Statements A is true, but Statement B is not true

D. If Statements B is true, but Statement A is not true

Answer: A

Explanation: In 1883, Surendranath Banerjea became the first Indian journalist to be imprisoned.

In an angry editorial in The Bengalee Banerjea had criticised a judge of Calcutta High Court for being
insensitive to the religious sentiments of Bengalis in one of his judgements.

53.Arrange the following in the correct chronological order of their establishment?

1. Meerut Conspiracy Case

2. The Second Lahore Conspiracy Case

3. INA Trials

Select the Correct Option

A. 1-2-3

B. 3-2-1

C. 1-3-2

D. 3-1-2

Answer: A

Explanation

• Meerut Conspiracy Case – March 1929 – 33 leftist trade union leaders were convicted for organizing
an Indian Railway strike

• The Second Lahore Conspiracy Case – May 1929 – Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru for the
assassination of Saunders

• INA Trials – November 1945 - Prem Kumar Sehgal, Shah Nawaz Khan, Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon

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54.In 1715, an English mission led by John Surman to the court of the Mughal emperor _______________
secured three famous Farmans, giving the Company many valuable privileges in Bengal, Gujarat and
Hyderabad. The Farmans thus obtained were regarded the Magna Carta of the Company.

A. Bahadur Shah I

B. Farrukh Siyar

C. Jahandar Shah

D. Neither of the above

Answer: B

Explanation:

Their important terms were

• In Bengal, the Company’s imports and exports were exempted from additional customs duties
excepting the annual payment of 3,000 rupees as settled earlier.

• The Company was permitted to issue dastaks (passes) for the transportation of such goods. The
Company was permitted to rent more lands around Calcutta.

• In Hyderabad, the Company retained its existing privilege of freedom from duties in trade and had to
pay the prevailing rent only for Madras.

• In Surat, for an annual payment of 10,000 rupees, the East India Company was exempted from the
levy of all duties.

• It was decreed that the coins of the Company minted at Bombay were to have currency throughout
the Mughal empire.

55.Which of the following statements are incorrect about the First Anglo-French War (1740-48)?

1. The First Carnatic War ended in 1748 when the Treaty of Aix-La Chapelle was signed bringing the
Austrian War of Succession to a conclusion.

2. Under the terms of this treaty, Madras was handed back to the English, and the French, in turn,
got their territories in North America.

Select the Correct Option

A. 1only

B. 2only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Explanation

• The First Carnatic War was an extension of the Anglo-French War in Europe which was caused by the
Austrian War of Succession.
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 • Although France, conscious of its relatively weaker position in India, did not favour an extension of
hostilities to India, the English navy under Barnet seized some French ships to provoke France.

• France retaliated by seizing Madras in 1746 with the help of the fleet from Mauritius, the Isle of
France, under Admiral La Bourdonnais, the French governor of Mauritius. Thus began the first
Carnatic War.

• The First Carnatic War ended in 1748 when the Treaty of Aix-La Chapelle was signed bringing the
Austrian War of Succession to a conclusion.

• Under the terms of this treaty, Madras was handed back to the English, and the French, in turn, got
their territories in North America.

56.Which of the following oganizations are correctly matched with the people who founded them?

1. Tattvabodhini Sabha – Ashwini Kumar Dutta

2. Sadharan Brahmo Samaj – Ananda Mohan Bose

3. Prarthana Samaj – Atmaram Pandurang

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 3 only

C. 1 only

D. 2 and 3 only

Answer: D

Explanation

• Debendranath Tagore headed the Tattvabodhini Sabha (founded in 1839) which, along with its organ
Tattvabodhini Patrika in Bengali, was devoted to the systematic study of India’s past with a rational
outlook and to the propagation of Rammohan’s ideas.

• After 1878, the disgusted followers of Keshab set up a new organisation, the Sadharan Brahmo
Samaj.

• The Sadharan Brahmo Samaj was started by Ananda Mohan Bose, Shibchandra Deb and Umesh
Chandra Datta.

• It reiterated the Brahmo doctrines of faith in a Supreme being, one God, the belief that no scripture or
man is infallible, belief in the dictates of reason, truth and morality.

• In 1867, Keshab Chandra Sen helped Atmaram Pandurang found the Prarthana Samaj in Bombay.
57.Consider the following statements about the Home Rule Leagues

1. Tilak set up his Home Rule League in April 1916 and it was restricted to Bombay city, Karnataka,
Central Provinces and Berar.

2. Annie Besant’s Home Rule League had 200 branches and had George Arundale as the organising
secretary.
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 3. Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhulabhai Desai, Chittaranjan Das, Madan Mohan Malaviya,
Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Tej Bahadur Sapru and Lala Lajpat Rai all joined the Home Rule agitation

Which of the above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: B

Explanation

• Tilak set up his Home Rule League in April 1916 and it was restricted to Maharashtra (excluding
Bombay city), Karnataka, Central Provinces and Berar.

• Annie Besant set up her league in September 1916 in Madras and covered the rest of India (including
Bombay city). It had 200 branches, was loosely organised as compared to Tilak’s League and had
George Arundale as the organising secretary.

• The Home Rule agitation was later joined by Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhulabhai Desai,
Chittaranjan Das, Madan Mohan Malaviya, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Tej Bahadur Sapru and Lala Lajpat
Rai. Some of these leaders became heads of local branches. Many of the Moderate Congressmen who
were disillusioned with Congress inactivity, and some members of Gokhale’s Servants of India Society
also joined the agitation.

58.Arrange the following in the correct chronological order of their establishment?

1. Nehru Report

2. Jinnah’s Fourteen Points

3. Delhi Proposals of the Muslim League

Which of the above are correct?

A. 1-2-3

B. 3-2-1

C. 1-3-2

D. 3-1-2

Answer: D

Explanation

• In December 1927, a large number of Muslim leaders had met at Delhi at the Muslim League session
and evolved four proposals for their demands to be incorporated into the draft constitution.

• These proposals, which were accepted by the Madras session of the Congress (December 1927),
came to be known as the ‘Delhi Proposals’.
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 • The Nehru Report was finalized by August 1928.
• In March 1929, Jinnah gave fourteen points which became the basis of all future propaganda of the
Muslim League.

59.Which of the following statements are true in the context of Irwin’s Declaration (October 31, 1929)?

1. It said that the natural issue of India’s constitutional progress is the attainment of Dominion
status

2. It also promised a Round Table Conference

Which of the above are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither of the above

Answer: C

Explanation

• “In view of the doubts which have been expressed both in Great Britain and in India regarding the
interpretations to be placed on the intentions of the British government in enacting the statute of
1919, I am authorised on behalf of His Majesty’s Government to state clearly that in their judgement
it is implicit in the Declaration of 1917 that the natural issue of India’s constitutional progress as they
contemplated is the attainment of Dominion status.” However, there was no time scale.

• The dominion status promised by Irwin would not be available for a long time to come.
• There was nothing new or revolutionary in the declaration.
• Lord Irwin also promised a Round Table Conference after the Simon Commission submitted its report.
60.Which of the following statements are incorrect about the Indian National Congress session of 1906?

1. The Extremists wanted either B G Tilak or Lala Lajpat Rai as the president

2. The Moderates proposed the name of Dadabhai Naoroji

Which of the above are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

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 Explanation

• The Extremists wanted either Tilak or Lajpat Rai as the president, while the Moderates proposed the
name of Dadabhai Naoroji.

• Finally, Dadabhai Naoroji was elected as the president and as a concession to the militants, the goal of
the Indian National Congress was defined as ‘swarajya or self-government’ like the United Kingdom
or the colonies of Australia and Canada.

• Also a resolution supporting the programme of swadeshi, boycott and national education was passed.
• The word swaraj was mentioned for the first time, but its connotation was not spelt out, which left the
field open for differing interpretations by the Moderates and the Extremists.

61.Which of the following events are correctly matched with the Viceroys under whose reign they
happened?

1. Chauri Chaura Incident – Lord Chelmsford

2. Karachi Session of Congress – Lord Irwin

3. Direct Action Day – Lord Mountbatten

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 3 only

C. 2 only

D. 2 and 3 only

Answer: C

Explanation

• Chauri Chaura incident happened on 5th February 1922, during the reign of Lord Reading (1921-26)
• Lord Chelmsford’s reign was 1916 – 21
• Karachi Session of the INC was held in March 1931 to endorse the Gandhi-Irwin pact, signed only a
few days ago

• Direct Action Day declared by Jinnah was held on 16th August, 1946 and it led to large scale rioting
between Hindus and Muslims. It happened during the reign of Lord Wavell.

62. Consider the following statements about Revolutionary Terrorism during late 19th and early 20th
century

1. The Anushilan Samiti was founded by Promotha Mitter.

2. Yugantar was the name of weekly started by some members of the Anushilan Samiti.

3. Aurobindo Ghosh, as part of the Anushilan Samiti, was tried in the Alipore Conspiracy Case.

Which of the above are correct?

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 A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

• The first revolutionary groups were organised in 1902 in Midnapore (under Jnanendranath Basu) and
in Calcutta, the Anushilan Samiti was founded by Promotha Mitter, including Jatindranath Banerjee,
Barindra Kumar Ghosh and others

• In April 1906, an inner circle within Anushilan (Barindra Kumar Ghosh, Bhupendranath Dutta) started
the weekly Yugantar and conducted a few abortive ‘actions’

• The whole Anushilan group was arrested including the Ghosh brothers, Aurobindo and Barindra, and
were tried in the Alipore conspiracy case, for waging a war against the King

• Chittaranjan Das defended Aurobindo. Aurobindo was acquitted of all charges with the judge
condemning the flimsy nature of the evidence against him.

• Barindra Ghosh, as the head of the secret society of revolutionaries and Ullaskar Dutt, as the maker of
bombs, were given the death penalty which was later commuted to life in prison.

63.Arrange the following acts of Constituent Assembly in the correct chronological order?

1. Ratification of India’s membership to the commonwealth

2. Adoption of National Anthem

3. Adoption of National Flag

Select the Correct Option

A. 1-2-3

B. 3-2-1

C. 1-3-2

D. 3-1-2

Answer: D

Explanation

• It adopted the national flag on July 22, 1947.

• It ratified the India’s membership of the Commonwealth in May 1949.
• It adopted the national anthem on January 24, 1950.
• It adopted the national song on January 24, 1950.

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64.Which of the following statements are true in the context of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement?

1. Bengal National College was set up with Aurobindo Ghosh as its principal.

2. Chidambaram Pillai’s venture, Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company, challenged British Indian
Steam Navigation Company.

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither of the above

Answer: C

Explanation

• Bengal National College, inspired by Tagore’s Shantiniketan, was set up with Aurobindo Ghosh as its
principal. Soon national schools and colleges sprang up in various parts of the country.

• On August 15, 1906, the National Council of Education was set up to organise a system of education
— literary, scientific and technical—on national lines and under national control.

• The swadeshi spirit also found expression in the establishment of swadeshi textile mills, soap and
match factories, tanneries, banks, insurance companies, shops, etc.

• V.O. Chidambaram Pillai’s venture into a national shipbuilding enterprise—Swadeshi Steam

Navigation Company—at Tuticorin, however, gave a challenge to the British Indian Steam Navigation
Company.

65.Which of the following statements are incorrect about the Indian National Congress sessions?

1. In 1896, the song Vande Matram was first sung publicly at the Congress’ session, by Rabindranath
Tagore himself.

2. On December 27, 1911, the National Anthem was first sung at the Calcutta session of the
Congress.

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Explanation

• In 1870, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay meticulously crafted a song titled Vande Matram which was
introduced to the public in 1882 with the publishing of his novel, Anandamath.
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 • In 1896, the song was first sung publicly at the Indian National Congress’ session, by Rabindranath
Tagore himself.

• The song went on to become a war cry during the partition of Bengal in 1905, and soon graduated to
become fiercely emblematic of the freedom struggle.

• On December 27, 1911, the National Anthem was first sung at the Calcutta session of the Congress.
• Jana Gana Mana’ is the first stanza of the Bengali hymn ‘Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata’, written by Nobel
Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. A slightly varied version of the song was adopted by Subhash Chandra
Bose’s Indian National Army in 1941 as the national anthem, called ‘Shubh Sukh Chain’, which also
became popular in India since.

• On August 15, 1947, after India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the Tricolour on the
ramparts of the Red Fort and addressed the nation, Capt Thakuri of the INA, who had given music to
the ‘Subh Sukh Chain’ version, was invited to play with members of his orchestra group.

• ‘Jana Gana Mana’ was adopted as the country’s National Anthem by the Constituent Assembly of
India on January 24, 1950, the last day of its last session.

• Dr Rajendra Prasad, the President of the Assembly, and later the President of India for two full terms,
had on that day also declared ‘Vande Mataram’ as the National Song.

66.Which of the following events are correctly matched with the Viceroys under whose reign they
happened?

1. Outbreak of Second World War – Lord Willingdon

2. Second Round Table Conference – Lord Linlithgow

3. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre – Lord Chelmsford

Which of the above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 only

C. 3 only

D. 2 and 3 only

Answer: C

Explanation

• Outbreak of Second World War – Lord Linlithgow (1936 – 44)

• Second Round Table Conference – Lord Willingdon (1931 – 36)
• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre – Lord Chelmsford (1916 – 21)
67.Consider the following statements about Cabinet Mission Plan

1. In February 1946, Lord Atlee made an announcement in which the right to self-determination
and the framing of a Constitution for India were conceded for the first time.

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 2. Sir Stafford Cripps was also a member of the Cabinet Mission Plan that was sent to India.

3. Provision was made for three groups of provinces to possess their separate constitutions.

Which of the above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

• The Attlee government announced in February 1946 the decision to send a high-powered mission of
three British cabinet members (Pethick Lawrence, Secretary of State for India; Stafford Cripps,
President of the Board of Trade; and A.V. Alexander, First Lord of Admiralty) to India to find out ways
and means for a negotiated, peaceful transfer of power to India.

• The British bid for a united and friendly India and an active partner in defence of the Commonwealth,
because a divided India would lack in defence and would be a blot on Britain’s diplomacy.

• The British policy in 1946 clearly reflected a preference for a united India, in sharp contrast to earlier
declarations.

• The Cabinet Mission reached Delhi on March 24, 1946.

• It had prolonged discussions with Indian leaders of all parties and groups on the issues of (i) interim
government; and (ii) principles and procedures for framing a new constitution giving freedom to India.

• As the Congress and the League could not come to any agreement on the fundamental issue of the
unity or partition of India, the mission put forward its own plan for the solution of the constitutional
problem in May 1946.

• It had provision for Grouping of existing provincial assemblies into three sections
68.Arrange the following acts of Constituent Assembly in the correct chronological order?

1. Formation of Swaraj Party

2. Chauri Chaura Incident

3. Gaya Session of INC

Which of the above are correct?

A. 1-2-3

B. 3-2-1

C. 1-3-2

D. 2-3-1

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 Answer: D

Explanation

• The Non-Cooperation Movement was abruptly called off by Gandhi ji following the Churi Chaura
incident (on 5thFebruary 1922) in the Gorakhpur district of U.P.

• The suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement led to a split within Congress in the Gaya session
of the Congress in December 1922.

• Leaders like Motilal Nehru and Chittranjan Das formed a separate group within the Congress known
as the Swaraj Party on 1 January 1923.

• The Swarajists wanted to contest the council elections and wreck the government from within.
69.Which of the following statements in the context of Sufi tradition are true?

1. Some mystics known as Qalandars, Madaris, Malangs etc. scorned the khanqah and ignored
rituals and observed extreme forms of asceticism.

2. They were known as ba-shari’a.

Which of the above are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither of the above

Answer: A

Explanation

• Some mystics initiated movements based on a radical interpretation of sufi ideals.

• Many scorned the khanqah and took to mendicancy and observed celibacy.
• They ignored rituals and observed extreme forms of asceticism.
• They were known by different names – Qalandars, Madaris, Malangs, Haidaris, etc.
• Because of their deliberate defiance of the Shari‘a they were often referred to as be-shari‘a, in
contrast to the bashari‘a sus who complied with it.

70.Pick the correct statements about Qutab Minar?

1. It was built primarily by Iltutmish.

2. Its last two floors were added by Feroz Shah Tughlaq.

Which of the above are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

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 C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation

• Qutbu'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in CE 1199 for the use of the mu'azzin (crier) to give
calls for prayer and raised the first storey, to which were added three more storeys by his successor
and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-DinIltutmish (CE 1211-36).

• All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the minar and supported by stone
brackets, which are decorated with honey-comb design, more conspicuously in the first storey.

• The minar's topmost storey was damaged by lightning in 1369 and was rebuilt by Firoz Shah Tughlaq,
who added another storey.

• In 1505, an earthquake damaged Qutub Minar; it was repaired by Sikander Lodi.

• On 1 September 1803, a major earthquake caused serious damage. Major Robert Smith of the British
Indian Army renovated the tower in 1828 and installed a pillared cupola over the fifth story, thus
creating a sixth.

71.On which among the following dates, the Second Round Table Conference was held?

A. 7 September 1931

B. 7 September 1932

C. 12 November 1930

D. 17 November 1932

Answer: A

Explanation: The second session opened on September 7, 1931.

72.In context with the Constituent Assembly, which among the following observations is/are correct?

1. The members of Constituent Assembly were elected directly

2. The basis of seats allocation was population

3. Composition of the Constituent Assembly was roughly in line with the suggestions of the Cabinet
Mission plan Consider the following statements about Cabinet Mission Plan.

Which of the above are correct?

A. 1 and 2only

B. 2 and 3only

C. 1 and 3only

D. All of the above

Answer: B
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 Explanation

• Election of the members of the Constituent assembly had been elected firstly, for undivided India.
• Its first sitting was held on December 9, 1946 and re-assembled as Constituent Assembly for divided
India on 14 August 1947.

• Its members were elected by indirect election by the members of the Provisional Legislative
Assemblies that had been established in1935.

• The Constituent Assembly was composed roughly along the lines suggested by the plan proposed by
the committee of the British cabinet, known as the Cabinet Mission.

• As per the Cabinet Mission plan, each Province and each Princely State or group of States were
allotted seats proportional to their respective population roughly in the ratio of 1:10Lakh.

• As a result the Provinces (that were under direct British rule) were to elect 292 members while the
Princely States were allotted a minimum of 93 seats. The seats in each Province were distributed
among the three main communities, Muslims, Sikhs and general, in proportion to their respective
populations.

• Members of each community in the Provisional Legislative Assembly elected their own
representatives by the method of proportional representation with single transferable vote.

• The method of selection in the case of representatives of Princely States was to be determined by
consultation.

• As a consequence of the Partition under the plan of 3 June 1947 those members who were elected
from territories which fell under Pakistan ceased to be members of the Constituent Assembly.

• The numbers in the Assembly were reduced to 299 of which 284 were actually present on 26
November 1949 and appended their signature to the Constitution as finally passed.

73.Arrange the following states in terms of their subscribing to the Subsidiary Alliance System of
Wellesly, chronologically.

1. Awadh

2. Hyderabad

3. Mysore

Which of the above are correct?

A. 1-2-3

B. 3-2-1

C. 1-3-2

D. 2-3-1

Answer: D

Explanation

• The Nizam of Hyderabad was the first to enter into such an alliance in1798.
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 • Tipu Sultan of Mysore refused to do so, but after the British victory in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War,
Mysore was forced to become a subsidiary state in1799.

• The Nawab of Awadh was the next to accept the Subsidiary Alliance, in 1801.
74.With reference to the relations of the Princely states with British Crown, which among the following
report said that “Paramountcy must remain paramount”?

A. Strachey Commission Report

B. Campbell Commission Report

C. Hunter Commission Report

D. Butler Commission Report

Answer: D

Explanation: Harcourt Butler Committee

• A three-member committee headed by Harcourt Butler, appointed on December 16, 1927 to examine
the relations between the native states and the paramount power, declined to define what
paramountcy was but clearly and fortrightly stated that “paramountcy must remain paramount”.

• The committee fully endorsed that the Viceroy, not the Governor-General should remain the Crown
agent in dealing with the native states.

• The right to protect includes right to internal intervention.

• Paramountcy is the supreme sovereign power which was kept above the reach of law and
interpretation, to be exercised at the appropriate time subject to restraints of morality and
constitutional propriety against anerring ruler of a native state when other correctional means had
proved to be futile.

• It is a concept developed into a deterrent in the political relation between the British and the Indian
rulers.

75.The policy announcement of “progressive realization of responsible Government in India as an

integral part of the British Empire” was embedded in

A. Hartog Committee Report

B. Cabinet Mission Report

C. Montagu-Chelmsford Report

D. None of the above

Answer: C

Explanation: In August 1917, Montagu declared, in the House of Commons, for the first time, that its
objective was to gradually introduce responsible government in India, but as an integral part of the
British Empire

76.Following the INC session at Lahore, the flag of India was hoisted by Jawaharlal Nehru on on the
banks of Ravi River, in Lahore.
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 A. 25 December1929

B. 31 December1929

C. 31 January1930

D. 26 January1930

Answer: B

Explanation

• Declaration of the Independence of India was promulgated by the Indian National Congress on 19
December 1929, resolving the Congress and Indian nationalists to fight for PurnaSwaraj, or complete
self-rule independent of the British Empire.

• The flag of India was hoisted by Jawaharlal Nehru on 31 December 1929 on the banks of Ravi river,
inLahore

• The Congress asked the people of India to observe 26th of January as Independence Day
77.In the context of Nehru Report, which among the following observations is/are correct?

1. The report sought Dominion Status for India.

2. JL Nehru opposed Dominion Status as he, influenced by Bhagat Singh, sought ‘total
independence’.

3. Gandhi ji opposed this demand of JL Nehru and hence it was rejected.

Which of the above are correct?

A. 1 and 2only

B. 2 and 3only

C. 1 and 3only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

• The Nehru Report demanded that India be granted self-government under the dominion status within
the Empire.

• Younger nationalist leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru demanded that the
Congress resolve to make a complete and explicit break from all ties with the British.

• Jawaharlal Nehru had been influenced by the idea of Bhagat Singh ("total independence"), which
Singh had introduced a resolution demanding in 1927, which was rejected because of Gandhi’s
opposition.

78.Arrange the following events in terms of their correct chronology.

1. Blow to Lala Lajpat Rai’s Head

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 2. Assassination of Saunders

3. Submission of Nehru Report

Which of the above are correct?

A. 1-2-3

B. 3-1-2

C. 3-2-1

D. 2-3-1

Answer: B

Explanation

• Submission of Nehru Report – August1928

• Blow to Lala Lajpat Rai's Head – October1928
• Demise of LalaLajpatRai – November1928
• Assassination of Saunders – December1928
79.Who infamously said “… let them [Indians] produce a constitution which carries behind it a fair
measure of general agreement among the great peoples of India”?

A. Lord Wellingdon

B. LordIrwin

C. Lord Birkenhead

D. None of the above

Answer: C

Explanation

In 1925, Lord Birkenhead, Secretary of State for India, said in the House of Lords:

• Let them [Indians] produce a constitution which carries behind it a fair measure of general agreement
among the great peoples of India.

80.In context of Nehru Report, which among the following statements is/are incorrect?

1. It suggested that the provinces should be linguistically determined.

2. It rejected the provision of separate electorates’ for minorities.

Select the Correct Option

A. 1only

B. 2only

C. Both 1 and 2

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 D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Explanation: For the dominion it recommended:

• Dominion status on lines of self-governing dominions as the form of government desired by Indians
(much to the chagrin of younger, militant section—Nehru being prominent among them)

• Rejection of separate electorates which had been the basis of constitutional reforms so far; instead, a
demand for joint electorates with reservation of seats for Muslims at the Centre and in provinces
where they were in minority (and not in those where Muslims were in majority, such as Punjab and
Bengal) in proportion to the Muslim population there with right to contest additional seats

• Linguistic provinces
• Nineteen fundamental rights including equal rights for women, right to form unions, and universal
adult suffrage

• Responsible government at the Centre and in provinces

• Full protection to cultural and religious interests of Muslims
• Complete dissociation of State from religion.
81.Which of the following Governor Generals was called “Liberator of India Press”?

A. Lord William Bentinck

B. Sir Charles Metcalfe

C. Lord Auckland

D. Lord Ellen borough

Answer: B

Explanation: Licensing Regulations, 1823:

• The acting governor-general, John Adams, who had reactionary views, enacted these. According to
these regulations, starting or using a press without licence was a penal offence.

• These restrictions were directed chiefly against Indian language newspapers or those edited by
Indians.

• Rammohan Roy’s Mirat-ul-Akbar had to stop publication.

Press Act of 1835 or Metcalfe Act:

• Metcalfe (Governor-General - 1835-36) repealed the obnoxious 1823 ordinance and earned the
epithet, “liberator of the Indian press”.

• The new Press Act (1835) required a printer/publisher to give a precise account of premises of a
publication and cease functioning, if required by a similar declaration.

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82.At which among the following sessions, the All India Muslim league passed the Pakistan Resolution on
23 March 1940?

A. Karachi

B. Hyderabad

C. Lahore

D. Lucknow

Answer: C

Explanation

• The Lahore Resolution was a formal political statement adopted by the All-India Muslim League on
the occasion of its three-day general session in Lahore on 22–24 March 1940.

• The resolution called for independent states as seen by the statement:

• “That geographically contiguous units are demarcated regions which should be constituted, with such
territorial readjustments as may be necessary that the areas in which the Muslims are numerically in
a majority as in the North Western and Eastern Zones of (British) India should be grouped to
constitute ‘independent states’ in which the constituent units should be autonomous and sovereign.”

83.At which among the following sessions of the Muslim League, Mohammed Ali Jinnah had invented a
new slogan “Divide and Quit”?

A. Lucknow Session 1931

B. Karachi Session 1933

C. Lahore Session 1940

D. Karachi Session 1943

Answer: D

Explanation

• The communal question had become a baffling one as the Muslim League stiffened its demand for
Pakistan.

• Against the Congress demand of ‘Quit India’, the Muslim League’s new slogan was ‘Divide and quit’.
• Muslim League observed 23 March 1943 as Pakistan Day
84.During Freedom Struggle, Rabindranath Tagore renounced his Knighthood in protest for?

A. Partition of Bengal

B. Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre

C. Execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev

D. None of them

Answer: B
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 Explanation

• Poet Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913 for his
collection Gitanjali published in London in 1912.

• Tagore renounced his knighthood in response to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919.
• In the repudiation letter to the Viceroy, Lord Chelmsford, he wrote
• “The time has come when badges of honor make our shame glaring in the incongruous context of
humiliation, and I for my part, wish to stand, shorn, of all special distinctions, by the side of those of my
countrymen who, for their so called insignificance, are liable to suffer degradation not fit for human
beings.”

85.Who among the following has written Gulamgiri?

A. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

B. Acharya Vinoba Bhave

C. Jyotiba Phule

D. Dadu Dayal

Answer: C

Explanation

• Jyatirao phule wrote the book gulamgiri that means slavery. He dedicated his book to the American
movement of free slaves, and linked the conditions of black slaves of America with the low castes of
India.

• He hoped that one day like the end of slavery in America there would be an end to all sorts of
discriminations on Indian society.

86.Which of the following is/are true about Governor-General?

1. The Regulating Act of 1773 created the office with the title of Governor-General of the Presidency
of Fort William, or Governor-General of Bengal

2. The Government of India Act 1813 re-designated the office with the title of Governor-General of
India.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

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 Explanation

• The Regulating Act of 1773 created the office with the title of Governor-General of the Presidency of
Fort William, or Governor-General of Bengal to be appointed by the Court of Directors of the East
India Company (EIC).

• The Court of Directors assigned a Council of Four (based in India) to assist the Governor General, and
decision of council was binding on the Governor General during 1773-1784.

• The Government of India Act 1833 re-designated the office with the title of Governor-General of
India.

87.After the resignation of Subhas Bose in April 1939, who took over as the President of the INC?

A. J L Nehru

B. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

C. Pattabhi Sitaramaiya

D. Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Answer: D

Explanation

• For the 1939 elections of the President of Congress, Subhash announced his candidature knowing
that he would be opposed.

• When Nehru returned from Europe in 1938, Gandhi suggested him to announce his name as a
candidate. But he declined and suggested the name of Maulana Azad.

• But Maulana Azad withdrew his name and then new name came up was of Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramayya,
an Andhra leader.

• Bose contested and won.

• Eventually, due to differences with Gandhiji which led to his differences with the CWC, Bose resigned
from the president’s post in April 1939.

• This led to the election of Rajendra Prasad as president of the Congress.

88.In 1942, __________ called Bose the “Prince among the Patriots”.

A. JL Nehru

B. Sardar Patel

C. C Rajagopalachari

D. None of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

In 1942, Gandhi called Bose the “Prince among the Patriots”. When the death of Bose was reported,
Gandhi said that Netaji’s “patriotism is second to none.”
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89.Which of the following is/are true?

1. As per the CR Plan, one of the points was that the League shall cooperate with Congress in forming
a provisional government at centre.

2. Jinnah was opposed to having a common centre.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation

The main points in the CR Plan were:

• Muslim League to endorse Congress demand for independence.

• League to cooperate with Congress in forming a provisional government at centre.
• After the end of the war, the entire population of Muslim majority areas in the North-West and
North-East India to decide by a plebiscite, whether or not to form a separate sovereign state.

• In case of acceptance of partition, agreement to be made jointly for safeguarding defence, commerce,
communications, etc.

• The above terms to be operative only if England transferred full powers to India.
Objections

• Jinnah wanted the Congress to accept the two-nation theory.

• He wanted only the Muslims of North-West and North-East to vote in the plebiscite and not the
entire population.

• He also opposed the idea of a common centre.

90.Statement A: The British government sent a high-powered mission of three British cabinet members
to India to find out ways and means for a negotiated, peaceful transfer of power to India. Pethick
Lawrence was the chairman of the mission

Statement B: The traditional bulwarks of the Raj, such as the bureaucracy and the army, were also
now sympathizing with the Indians.

A. Statements A and B are both true, and Statement B is the reason for A

B. Statements A and B are both true, and Statement B is not the reason for A

C. Statement A is correct, and Statement B is incorrect

D. Statement B is correct, and Statement A is incorrect

Answer: A
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 Explanation

• The Attlee government announced in February 1946 the decision to send a high-powered mission of
three British cabinet members (Pethick Lawrence, Secretary of State for India; Stafford Cripps,
President of the Board of Trade; and A.V. Alexander, First Lord of Admiralty) to India to find out ways
and means for a negotiated, peaceful transfer of power to India.

• Pethick Lawrence was the chairman of the mission

Reasons for Imminent Withdrawal

1. Nationalism had penetrated into hitherto untouched sections and areas

2. There was a demonstration in favour of nationalism among the bureaucracy and the loyalist sections;
because the paucity of European ICS recruits and a policy of Indianisation had ended the British
domination of the ICS as early as the First World War and by 1939, there existed a British-Indian
parity. After the war, a depleted, war-weary bureaucracy battered by the 1942 events remained.

3. Demands of leniency for INA prisoners from within the Army and the revolt of the RIN ratings had
raised fears that the armed forces may not be as reliable.

91.Which of the following is/are true about Subhash Bose?

1. He joined the Indian Civil Service but resigned to join the Indian freedom movement.

2. He had also been the mayor of the city of Calcutta.

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation

• SC Bose passed the Indian Civil Services examination securing fourth position but resigned from the
service in 1921 to join the struggle for freedom by becoming a member of the Congress.

• His political guru was Chittaranjan Das.

• He became mayor of Calcutta in 1923.
92.Statement A: The Japanese handed over the Indian prisoners of war to Mohan Singh who tried to
recruit them into an Indian National Army.

Statement B: With the Japanese contemplating an Indian invasion, the idea of an armed wing of INA
seemed more relevant to them.

A. If both Statements A and B are correct, and B is the reason for A

B. If both Statements A and B are correct, and B is not the reason for A
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 C. If Statement A is correct, but Statement B is incorrect

D. If Statement B is correct, but Statement A is incorrect

Answer: A

Explanation

• The idea of creating an army out of the Indian prisoners of war (POWs) was originally that of Mohan
Singh, an Indian army officer who had decided not to join the retreating British army in Malaya. He
decided to turn to the Japanese for help.

• The Japanese handed over the Indian prisoners of war to Mohan Singh who tried to recruit them into
an Indian National Army.

• After the fall of Singapore, several POWs were ready to join Mohan Singh. By the end of 1942, 40,000
men were ready to join the INA.

• In September 1942, the first division of the INA was formed with 16,300 men.
• With the Japanese contemplating an Indian invasion, the idea of an armed wing of INA seemed more
relevant to them.

93.Which of the following statements is/are correct about SC Bose?

1. On October 21, 1943, Subhash Bose formed the Provisional Government for Free India at
Singapore

2. This provisional government declared war on Britain and the United States and was recognised by
the Axis powers.

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation

• On October 21, 1943, Subhash Bose formed the Provisional Government for Free India at Singapore
with H.C. Chatterjee (Finance portfolio), M.A. Aiyar (Broadcasting), Lakshmi Swaminathan (Women
Department), etc.

• The famous slogan—“Give me blood, I will give you freedom” was given in Malaya.
• This provisional government declared war on Britain and the United States, and was recognised by
the Axis powers.

• Recruits were trained and funds collected for the INA.

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94.Which of the following is/are true?

1. The Wavell Plan of July 1945 failed to break the constitutional deadlock between the Congress
and the League

2. In June 1945, Labour Party formed the government in Britain. Clement Attlee took over as the new
prime minister.

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Explanation

• The Wavell Plan (June 1945) backed by the Conservative government in Britain failed to break the
constitutional deadlock.

• In July 1945, Labour Party formed the government in Britain. Clement Attlee took over as the new
prime minister and Pethick Lawrence as the new secretary of state for India.

• In August 1945, elections to central and provincial assemblies were announced.

95.Statement A: The nationalist sentiment which reached a crescendo around the INA trials developed
into violent confrontations with the authority in the winter of 1945-46 in the form of three major
upsurges

Statement B: The Congress, including Gandhiji, did not officially support these upsurges because of
their tactics and timing.

A. Statements A and B are both true, and Statement B is the reason for A

B. Statements A and B are both true, and Statement B is not the reason for A

C. Statement A is correct, and Statement B is incorrect

D. Statement B is correct, and Statement A is incorrect

Answer: A

Explanation

The nationalist sentiment which reached a crescendo around the INA trials developed into violent
confrontations with the authority in the winter of 1945-46.

There were three major upsurges—

1. November 21, 1945—in Calcutta over the INA trials

2. February 11, 1946—in Calcutta against the sevenyear sentence to INA officer Rashid Ali
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 3. February 18, 1946—in Bombay, strike by the Royal Indian Navy ratings

• The Congress did not officially support these upsurges because of their tactics and timing.
• Negotiations had been an integral part of the Congress strategy, to be explored before a mass
movement could be launched, especially when the British were seen to be preparing to leave soon.

• In Gandhi’s opinion, the mutiny was badly advised: if they mutinied for India’s freedom, they were
doubly wrong; if they had any grievances, they should have waited for the guidance of leaders.

96.Who said that the “Congress is tottering to its fall, and one of my great ambitions, while in India, is to
assist it to a peaceful demise”?

A. Lord Curzon

B. Lord Dufferin

C. Lord Minto

D. None of these

Answer: A

Explanation

• In 1900; Lord Curzon announced to the Secretary of State, that "the Congress is tottering to its fall,
and one of my great ambitions, while in India, is to assist it to a peaceful demise".

• Lord Curzon the 'arch proconsul of imperialism' remarked "My own belief is that the Congress is
tottering to its fall, and one of my great ambitions while in India is to assist it to a peaceful demise“.

97.Who started the English weekly ‘New India’?

A. Lala Lajpat Rai

B. Bipin Chandra Pal

C. Dada Bhai Naoroji

D. Madan Mohan Malviya

Answer: B

Explanation

• New India (Weekly) was started by Bipin Chandra Pal

• New India (Daily) was started by Mrs. Annie Besant
98.Which of the following is not true about the Muslim League?

A. It was established by the Nawab Salimullah.

B. It was established in Calcutta in 1906.

C. The league supported the partition on Bengal

D. The league opposed the Swadeshi movement

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 Answer: B

Explanation: The Muslim League was started in Dhaka in 1906.

99.Which of the following provisions were included in the Nehru Report?

1. India must be given Dominion status

2. The Governor-General must be only the constitutional head

3. There was to be no separate electorate

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

• Dominion status on lines of self-governing dominions as the form of government desired by Indians
• Rejection of separate electorates which had been the basis of constitutional reforms so far; instead, a
demand for joint electorates with reservation of seats for Muslims at the Centre and in provinces
where they were in minority (and not in those where Muslims were in majority, such as Punjab and
Bengal) in proportion to the Muslim population there with right to contest additional seats.

• The Indian Parliament at the Centre to consist of a 500-member House of Representatives elected on
the basis of adult suffrage, a 200-member Senate to be elected by provincial councils; the House of
Representatives to have a tenure of 5 years and the Senate, one of 7 years; the central government to
be headed by a governor-general, appointed by the British government but paid out of Indian
revenues, who would act on the advice of the central executive council responsible to the
Parliament.

100.Consider the following statement(s) related to the Indian National Congress.

1. The Poorna Swarajya resolution was passed in Lahore session of the Congress held in December

2. The Congress Working Committee,-which met on January 2, 1930, decided that January 26,1930,
should be observed as the Poorna Swarajya Day.

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C
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 Explanation

• Declaration of the Independence of India, was promulgated by the Indian National Congress on 19
December 1929, resolving the Congress and Indian nationalists to fight for Purna Swaraj, or complete
self-rule independent of the British Empire.

• The flag of India was hoisted by Jawaharlal Nehru on 31 December 1929 on the banks of Ravi river, in
Lahore, modern-day Pakistan.

• The Congress asked the people of India to observe 26th of January as Independence Day
101.Which of the following is/are true about the food of Harappans?

1. There is archaeological evidence for cultivation of pea, chickpea, pigeon pea, horse gram and green
gram.

2. Oilseeds such as sesame, linseed, and mustard were also grown.

3. Animal foods were consumed only in very small quantities.

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 3 and 4 only

D. All of the above

Answer: A

Explanation

• To judge from the quantity of bones left behind, animal foods were consumed in abundance: beef,
buffalo, mutton, turtles, tortoises, gharials, and river and sea fish,” food historian K T Achaya
recorded in his magisterial history of Indian food, Indian Food: A Historical Companion

• Indus Valley Civilisation grew and ate a variety of cereals and pulses. There is archaeological evidence
for cultivation of pea (matar), chickpea (chana), pigeon pea (tur/arhar), horse gram (chana dal) and
green gram (moong).

• There is evidence that the Harappans cultivated Italian millet, ragi and amaranth, as well as sorghum
and rice. Achaya writes that oilseeds such as sesame, linseed, and mustard were also grown.

102.Which of the following is/are true about RIN Mutiny?

1. The ratings at shore establishments in Karachi, Madras, Calcutta, Mandapam, Visakhapatnam, and
the Andaman Islands also joined the revolting ratings of Bombay.

2. While the immediate trigger was the demand for better food and working conditions, the agitation
soon turned into a wider demand for independence from British rule.

3. One of the triggers for the RIN strike was the arrest of a rating, BC Dutt

Select the Correct Option

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 A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 3 and 4 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation

• On February 18, 1946, some 1,100 Indian sailors or “ratings” of the HMIS Talwar and the Royal Indian
Navy (RIN) Signal School in Bombay declared a hunger strike, triggered by the conditions and
treatment of Indians in the Navy.

• The morning after February 18, somewhere between 10,000-20,000 sailors joined the strike, as did
shore establishments in Karachi, Madras, Calcutta, Mandapam, Visakhapatnam, and the Andaman
Islands.

• While the immediate trigger was the demand for better food and working conditions, the agitation
soon turned into a wider demand for independence from British rule.

• One of the triggers for the RIN strike was the arrest of a rating, BC Dutt, who had scrawled “Quit
India” on the HMIS Talwar.

103.Which of the following is are true about the Rohillas?

1. The Rohillas were Afghans who entered India in the 18th century as the Mughal Empire was in
decline, and took control of Rohilkhand

2. In 1748, Nawab Ali Muhammad Khan, the adopted son of the Rohilla chief assisted Ahmad Shah
Durrani in his conquest of India

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation

• The Rohillas were Afghans who entered India in the 18th century as the Mughal Empire was in
decline, and took control of Rohilkhand, at the time known as Katehr.

• In 1737, Nawab AIi Muhammad Khan received the territory of Katehr(Rohilkhand) from Emperor
Muhammad Shah, only to lose everything to Nawab Wazir of Oudh in 1746.

• Two years later, he assisted Ahmad Shah Durrani in his conquest of India, recovering all his former
possessions.

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 • The Rampur royals have played an important role in the socio-cultural history of the Ganga-Yamuna
belt. They run the Amir Raza library in Rampur, once known as the official darbar of the Nawab,
which is home to some 15,000 manuscripts in Arabic, Urdu, Persian and Turkish, as well as a
seventh-century Quran.

104.S t a t e m e n t A : H e c o m p l e t e d t r a n s l a t i o n o f fi f t y U p a n i s h a d s f r o m t h e i r
original Sanskrit into Persian in 1657 so that they could be studied by Muslim scholars.

Statement B: Dara Shikoh developed a friendship with the seventh Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai and
devoted much effort towards finding a common mystical language between Islam and Hinduism

A. Both statements A and B are correct, and B is the reason for A

B. Both statements A and B are correct, and B is not the reason for A

C. Statement A is correct, and Statement B is incorrect

D. Statement B is correct, and Statement A is incorrect

Answer: A

Explanation

• Dara Shikoh was a follower of Lahore's famous Qadiri Sufi saint Mian Mir, whom he was introduced to
by Mullah Shah Badakhshi (Mian Mir's spiritual disciple and successor).

• Mian Mir was so widely respected among all communities that he was invited to lay the foundation
stone of the Golden Temple in Amritsar by the Sikhs.

• Dara Shikoh subsequently developed a friendship with the seventh Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai.
• Dara Shikoh devoted much effort towards finding a common mystical language between Islam and
Hinduism.

• Towards this goal he completed the translation of fifty Upanishads from their original Sanskrit into
Persian in 1657 so that they could be studied by Muslim scholars.

• His translation is often called Sirr-e-Akbar ("The Greatest Mystery"), where he states boldly, in the
introduction, his speculative hypothesis that the work referred to in the Qur'an as the "Kitab al-
maknun" or the hidden book, is none other than the Upanishads.

105.Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. “The 21st” in Bangla, commemorates the day in 1952 when students of the University of Dhaka
launched a nationwide protest against the imposition of Urdu on the people of what was then East
Pakistan.

2. In recognition of the Bengali people’s struggle for their language and culture, UNESCO announced
that January 21 would be observed worldwide as International Mother Language Day.

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

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 C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation

• Ekushe February, or simply “Ekushe”, which is “The 21st” in Bangla, commemorates the day in 1952
when students of the University of Dhaka launched a nationwide protest against the imposition of
Urdu on the people of what was then East Pakistan.

• In 1999, in recognition of the Bengali people’s struggle for their language and culture, UNESCO
announced that February 21 would be observed worldwide as International Mother Language Day.

106. Which of the following is/are Classical Dances of India?

1. Mohiniattam

2. Manipuri

3. Sattariya

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Answer: D
Explanation: Classical Dances of India

- Bharatnatyam
- Kathakali
- Kathak
- Manipuri
- Odissi
- Kuchipudi
- Sattriya
- Mohiniyattam
107.Which of the following is/are true?

1. In the Natya Shastra, compiled by Bharat Muni dated 200 B.C.E. – 200 C.E., musical instruments
have been divided into four main categories on the basis of how sound is produced.

2. The Natya Shastra is also notable for the "Rasa" theory, which asserts that entertainment is a
desired effect of performance arts but not the primary goal, and that the primary goal is to
transport the individual in the audience into another parallel reality, full of wonder, where he
experiences the essence of his own consciousness, and reflects on spiritual and moral questions

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 Select the Correct Option

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation

• In the Natya Shastra, compiled by Bharat Muni dated 200 B.C.-200 A.D., musical instruments have
been divided into four main categories on the basis of how sound is produced.

✓The Tata Vadya or Chordophones- Stringed instruments, e.g. Toomba

✓The Sushira Vadya or Aerophones- Wind instruments, e.g. flute

✓The Avanaddha Vadya or Membranophones- Percussion instruments, e.g. table

✓The Ghana Vadya or Idiophones- Solid instruments which do not require tuning, e.g. pots and pans,
jhanj, falams (In early times these instruments were the extension of the human body such as sticks,
clappers, rods, etc. and were also closely related to objects of utility in daily life)

• The Natya Shastra is notable for its aesthetic "Rasa" theory, which asserts that entertainment is a
desired effect of performance arts but not the primary goal, and that the primary goal is to transport
the individual in the audience into another parallel reality, full of wonder, where he experiences the
essence of his own consciousness, and reflects on spiritual and moral questions

108.Who among the following is considered to be the originator of the khayal and tarana styles of
Hindustani Classical Music?

A. Niyamat Khan

B. Mohamma

C. Amir Khusro

D. Tansen

Answer: C

Explanation

• Amir Khusro was a Sufi mystic and a spiritual disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya.
• He was a poet as well as prolific musician. He is regarded as the “father of qawwali”
• He is also credited with enriching Indian classical music by introducing Persian and Arabic elements in
it, and was the originator of the khayal and tarana styles of music.

• Khayal later reached its zenith during the times of Mohammad Shah Rangila and today is integral part
of Hindustani Classical Music.

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109.How Kumbh mela is organised in India?

A. Every 4 years at 3 locations

B. Every 12 years at 4 locations

C. Every 3 years at 4 locations

D. Every 4 years at 3 locations

Answer: B

Explanation

• Kumbha (Kumbha means pot) Mela is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that takes place at the following four
locations of India

• Prayag (near the city of Allahabad, in the state of Uttar Pradesh) at the confluence of three rivers
Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and Saraswati

• Haridwar (in the state of Uttarakhand) where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas
• Ujjain (in Madhya Pradesh), on the banks of Ksipra river
• Nasik (in Maharashtra) on the banks of Godavari river.
• The pilgrimage occurs four times every twelve years, once at each of the four locations.
• Each twelve-year cycle includes the Maha (great) Kumbha Mela at Prayag, attended by millions of
people, making it the largest pilgrimage gathering around the world.

110. Which among the following is incorrectly matched?

A. Thyagaraja Festival – Andhra Pradesh & Tamilnadu

B. Mahamastakabhisheka- Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh

C. Pooram – Kerala

D. Teej- Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh

Answer: B

Explanation

• Mahamastakabhisheka holds in Karnataka only and is held once in 12 years

• Mahamastakabhisheka (Grand Consecration/The Great Indian Festival), refers to the abhiṣheka
(anointment) of the Jain images when held on a large scale.

• The most famous of such consecrations is the anointment of the Bahubali Gommateshwara Statue
located at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, India.

• It is an important Jain festival held once in every 12 years.

111.Which of the following is/are true?

1. The All India Trade Union Congress was founded on October 31, 1922.

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 2. Lala Lajpat Rai was elected as the first president of AITUC.

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation

• The All India Trade Union Congress was founded on October 31, 1920.
• The Indian National Congress president for the year, Lala Lajpat Rai, was elected as the first president
of AITUC and Dewan Chaman Lal as the first general secretary.

112.Which of the following is/are true?

1. In 1883, Surendranath Banerjea became the first Indian journalist to be imprisoned.

2. Bal Gangadhar Tilak built anti-imperialist sentiment among the public through Sivaji festivals
(started in 1893), Ganapati festivals (started in 1896)

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation

• In 1883, Surendranath Banerjea became the first Indian journalist to be imprisoned.

• In an angry editorial in The Bengalee Banerjea had criticised a judge of Calcutta High Court for being
insensitive to the religious sentiments of Bengalis in one of his judgements.

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak had built up anti-imperialist sentiments among the public through Ganapati
festivals (started in 1893), Shivaji festivals (started in 1896) and through his newspapers Kesari and
Maharatta.

113.Which of the following statements is/are true?

1. James Augustus Hickey in 1780 started Calcutta General Advertiser, the first newspaper in India

2. It was seized in 1782 because of its outspoken criticism of the Government.

Select the Correct Option

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 A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation: James Augustus Hickey in 1780 started The Bengal Gazette or Calcutta General
Advertiser, the first newspaper in India, which was seized in 1872 because of its outspoken criticism of
the Government.

114.Consider the following statements and identify which of these is/are correct

1. The period 1773-1853 witnessed the high point of centralization in EIC-controlled India

2. Charter Act of 1813 marked the advent of double government in British India

Select the Correct Option

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation

• The Acts from 1773 to 1853 witnessed increased centralization of Governor of Bengal who became
Governor-General of Bengal and eventually Governor-General of India.

• It was eventually in 1853 that a withering of this process started.

• It established the Governor-General’s Legislative Council with limited local representation which
functioned as functioned as a mini-Parliament.

• The impetus for decentralization came through the initiatives of Lord Canning which bore fruit in the
1861 Indian Councils Act. It made a beginning of representative institutions by associating Indians
with the law-making process.

• Pitt’s India Act of 1784 distinguished between the commercial and political functions of the Company.
• It allowed the Court of Directors to manage the commercial affairs but created a new body called
Board of Control to manage the political affairs. Thus, it established a system of double government.

115.Consider the following statements and identify which of these is/are correct

1. The Act of 1784 laid the foundation of government by written laws and regulations in British
lndia in place of the personal rule of rulers

2. The Act of 1784 also established Board of Control in British India

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 Select the Correct Option

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation

• The Pitts India Act 1784 established a Board of Control consisting of six commissioners, including,
two Cabinet ministers.

• The Board of Control was to guide and control the work of the Court of Directors and the
Government of
India.

• They were to control all matters of civil and military Government of the British territories in India.
• The Act of 1793 laid the foundation of government by written laws and regulations in British lndia in
place of the personal rule of rulers.

116.The Treaty of Seringapatam is associated with which of the following wars?

A. Second Anglo-Maratha War

B. Third Anglo-Mysore War

C. Third Anglo-Maratha War

D. Fourth Anglo-Mysore War

Answer: B

Explanation

• The First Anglo-Mysore War (1767–69) - Treaty of Madras

• The Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780–84) - Treaty of Mangalore
• The Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790–92) - Treaty of Seringapatnam – Tipu had to surrender half of
his kingdom to the British East India Company and its allies

• The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1798–99) - Siege of Seringapatnam

117.The British East India Company ceased to be a trading Company via which among the following
legislation?

A. Pitts India Act of 1784

B. Charter Act of 1813

C. Charter Act of 1833

D. Government of India Act 1858

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 Answer: C

Explanation

• The Charter Act 1833: It is considered to be an attempt to codify all Indian Laws.
• The Governor General of Bengal now became the The Governor General of India.
• One of the Provision of this act – “the East India Company now lost its trading privilege i.e., tea and
monopoly in China, henceforth it became a purely administrative body under the crown.”

118.The first President of the Indian Home Rule League (1916) was _______?

A. Joseph Bapista

B. Mrs. Annie Besant

C. N.C. Kelkar

D. B.G. Tilak

Answer: A

Explanation

• Indian Home Rule League of Bal Gangadhar Tilak was launched in April 1916 and Home Rule League
in Sept 1916 by Annie Besant.

• Joseph Bapista was the fi rst President of the Indian Home Rule League established in April 1916 .
119.Which among the following acts is also known to be a beginning of the parliamentary System in
India?

A. Indian Councils Act 1892

B. Indian Councils Act 1904

C. Indian Councils Act 1909

D. Government of India Act 1919

Answer: A

Explanation

• The Act of 1892 can be said to be a First step towards the beginning of the parliamentary system in
India, where the members were authorized to ask questions.

• Indian Councils Act 1892 can also be said to introduce the principle of representation.
120.Who among the following was the first chairman of UPSC?

A. Sir Ross Barker

B. Sir David Petrie

C. Sir Eyre Gorden

D. Sir F.W. Robertson

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 Answer: A

Explanation: First Public Service Commission was established on October 1, 1926 under the
Chairmanship of Sir Ross Barker.

121.Which one of the following Harappan sites is NOT located in Gujarat?

A. Surkotada

B. Rangpur

C. Sutkagendor

D. Desalpur

Answer: C

Explanation

• Sutkagan Dor is the westernmost known archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• It is located about 480 km west of Karachi on the Makran coast near Gwadar, close to the Iranian
border, in Pakistan's Baluchistan Province.

• Desalpar Gunthli is a village and site belonging to Indus Valley Civilisation located at Nakhtrana
Taluka, Kutch District, Gujarat, India.

• Rangpur is an ancient archaeological site near Vanala on Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat. It is the type
site for the Rangpur culture, a regional form of the late phase of the Indus Valley Civilization that
existed in Gujarat during the 2nd millennium BCE.

122.In which one of the following do we come across a detailed account of the municipal administration
of Mauryas?

A. The Arthashastra of Kautilya

B. The account of Megasthenes

C. The Mudrarakshasa

D. Mauryan inscriptions

Answer: B

Explanation

• Megasthenes’ account gives details about the Mauryan administration, particularly the
administration of the capital city of Pataliputra

• Megasthenes refers to the six committees of five members each to look after the administration of
Pataliputra.

• These committees looked after:

1. Industries

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 2. Foreigners

3. Registration of birth and deaths

4. Trade

5. Manufacture and sale of goods

6. Collection of sales tax.

• The foreigners are treated well.

• Special officers are appointed to ensure that no foreigner is harmed, and judges hand out harsh
punishment to those who take unfair advantage of the foreigners.

• Sick foreigners are attended by physicians and taken care of.

• Foreigners who die in India are buried, and their property is delivered to their relatives.
123.Who was the patron king of Pataliputra Buddhist Council?

A. Ajatashatru

B. Kalashoka

C. Ashoka

D. Kanishka

Answer: C

Explanation

124.Which symbol shows renunciation?

A. Lotus

B. Bull

C. Elephant

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 D. Horse

Answer: D

Explanation

• Among the earliest and most common symbols of Buddhism

• The dharma wheel, traditionally represented with eight spokes, is generally seen as referring to the
historical process of teaching Buddhism, the eight spokes referring to the Noble Eightfold Path.

• The lotus, as well, can have several meanings, often referring to the quality of compassion and
subsequently to the related notion of the inherently pure potential of the mind.

• The Bodhi Tree represents the spot where the Buddha reached nirvana and thus represents
liberation.

• The Buddha's teachings are referred to as the "Lion's Roar" in the sutras, indicative of their power
and nobility.

• The riderless horse represents renunciation and the deer represent Buddhist disciples, as the
Buddha gave his first sermon at the deer park of Varanasi.

• Mahayana symbols are:

✓Lotus flower Representing purity and enlightenment.

✓Endless knot, or, the mandala Representing eternal harmony.

✓Goldenfish Representing conjugal happiness and freedom.

✓Victory banner Representing a victorious battle.

✓Wheel of the Dharma Representing knowledge.

✓Treasure vase Representing inexhaustible treasure and wealth.

✓Parasol Representing the crown, and protection from the elements.

✓Conch shell Representing the thoughts of the Buddha.

125.Which of the following inscriptions is found in purest Sanskrit?

A. Ruminidei

B. Junagarh

C. Kalsi

D. Patliputra

Answer: B

Explanation

• The Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman, also known as the Girnar Rock inscription of
Rudradaman, is a Sanskrit prose inscribed on a rock by the Indian Satraps ruler Rudradaman I.

• It is located near Girnar hill near Junagadh, Gujarat.

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• The Junagadh rock contains inscriptions of Ashoka (fourteen of the Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka),
Rudradaman I and Skandagupta.

• The inscription is significant as a historical record of public works in ancient India, nearly 500 years
before the inscription was created. It mentions the construction of a water reservoir named
Sudarshana nearby, during the reign of the Maurya Empire founder Chandragupta Maurya

• Later, during the reign of Ashoka, it mentions a Yavana king named Tushaspha building conduits
• The Junagadh rock inscription also highlights an eulogy-style Sanskrit from the 2nd-century. It is the
first long inscription in fairly standard Sanskrit that has survived into the modern era.

• This is the first long inscription recorded entirely in more or less standard Sanskrit, as well as the first
extensive record in the poetic style.

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