GS Sectional Mock 1 - History, Art & Culture; (Date : 21-04-2024)

Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• Ajanta is a series of rock-cut caves in the Sahyadri ranges on the Waghora River near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. There are a total of 29 caves there of which 25 were used as Viharas or residential caves while were used as Chaitya or prayer halls. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The Ajanta caves were inscribed by the Buddhist monks, under the patronage of the Vakataka kings. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The figures in these caves were made using fresco painting techniques and demonstrate considerable naturalism. The colors were obtained from local vegetation and minerals. The outlines of the paintings were done in red colour and then the inside was painted. One of the striking features is the absence of blue colour in the paintings. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

Important Ancient Inscriptions and Edicts:

• Sohgaura Copper Plate: The earliest known copper- plate, known as the Sohgaura copper-plate, is a Mauryan record that mentions famine relief efforts. It is one of the very few pre-Ashoka Brahmi inscriptions in India. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Hathigumpha Inscription: The Hathigumpha Inscription also known as Elephant Cave Inscription from Udayagiri Khandagiri Caves in Odisha, were inscribed by King Kharavela during 2^nd century BCE. It is the main source of information about Kalinga ruler Kharavela. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Aihole Inscription: Aihole in Karnataka was the first capital of Chalukyas. The inscription is written in Sanskrit, and it is in Kannada script. There is a mention about the defeat of Harshavardhana by Pulakeshin II and the victory of Chalukyas over Pallavas. It also mentions the shifting of the capital from Aihole to Badami. They were written by Ravikirti, the court poet of Pulakeshi II who reigned from 610 to 642 CE. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• Dholavira in Gujarat – giant water reservoir, unique water harnessing system, stadium, dams, and embankments, inscription comprising 10 large-sized signs like an advertisement board. It is the latest IVC city to be discovered. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• Lothal in Gujarat –an important site for naval trade, had a dockyard, rice husk, fire altars, painted jar, modern day chess, terracotta figures of horse and ship, instruments for measuring 45, 90 and 180-degree angles, practice of burial of cremated remains. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
• Chanhudaro (Lancashire of India) is located in present-day Pakistan –the only Indus city without a citadel. Bead making factory and use of lipsticks has been found.

Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

In the Nagara style of Temple Architecture Shikharas were generally of three types:

• Latina or Rekha-prasad: They were square at the base and the walls curved inward to a point on the top. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• Phamsana: They had a broader base and were shorter in height than the Latina ones. They slope upwards in a straight line. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
• Valabhi: They had a rectangular base with the roof rising into vaulted chambers. They were also called wagon-vaulted roofs. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• Lepakshi Paintings Located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, these mural paintings were executed on Veerabhadra temple walls at Lepakshi in 16^th Century.
• Made during the Vijaynagara period, they follow a religious theme, based on Ramayana, Mahabharata and incarnations of Vishnu. The paintings show a complete absence of primary colours, especially blue. They depict a decline in painting in terms of quality. The forms, figures and details of their costumes are outlined with black colour.
  • Hence, option B is correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• The Gandhara School of Art developed in the western frontiers of Punjab, near modern-day Peshawar and Afghanistan. The Greek invaders brought with them the traditions of the Greek and Roman sculptors, which influenced the local traditions of the region. Thus, Gandhara School also came to be known as the Greco-Indian School of Art. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The Mathura School flourished on the banks of the river Yamuna in the period between the 1^st and 3^rd centuries AD. The sculptures of the Mathura School were influenced by the stories and imageries of all three religions of the time – Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• In the Southern parts of India, the Amaravati School developed on the banks of the Krishna River, under the patronage of the Satvahana rulers. While the other two schools focused on single images, Amaravati School put more emphasis on the use of dynamic images or narrative art. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• About Parthenon Sculptures :
  • The Parthenon Sculptures housed at the British Museum are a collection of over 30 ancient stone sculptures from Greece, dating back more than 2,000 years. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
  • Originally adorning the walls and grounds of the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill in Athens, these artifacts are significant remnants of Athens' Golden Age, with the temple's construction completed in 432 BC.
  • Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • Dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Parthenon is a symbol of cultural and historical importance. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

Recently, the UNESCO, during its 18^th session of the Intergovernmental Committee in Botswana, officially added Gujarat's iconic Garba dance to its esteemed Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage(ICH) of Humanity.

• Intangible cultural heritage refers to the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills, and associated instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces that communities, groups and individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.
  • Taj Mahal is a tangible cultural heritage, as it is a building, historic place, monument, and artifact. Hence, option C is correct.
• Here’s the list of existing UNESCO's ICH in India:

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• Temple architecture in South India began under the Pallava ruler Mahendravarman. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The temples developed during the Pallava dynasty can be classified into four stages chronologically:

• Mahendra Group: This was the first stage of Pallava temple architecture. Under him, the temples were known as mandapas, unlike the Nagara style in which the mandapas meant only the assembly hall.
• Narasimha Group: This represented the second stage of the development of temple architecture in South India.
• Rajasimha Group: Rajasimha led the third stage of temple development. Under him, the development of real structural temples started in place of rock-cut temples
• Nandivarman Group: This was the fourth stage of temple development during the Pallava period. The temples built were smaller in size. The features were almost similar to the Dravidian style of temple architecture.
• After the decline of the Pallava dynasty, temple architecture acquired a new style under the Chola kingdom, known as the Dravidian style of temple Architecture.

• The ancient port city of Mamallapuram under the Pallava dynasty in Tamil Nadu, flourished with a number of marvelous architecture. This 7^th-century Pallava site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 by the name “Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala, the famed Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid and Somanathapur in Karnataka have been added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage list. This inclusion marks the 42^nd UNESCO World Heritage Site in India Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Recently, Santiniketan, which is a town located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, was also included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
• Chennakeshava Temple in Belur:
  • It was built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over the Cholas in 1116 AD. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
    • Beluru (also known earlier as Velapuri, Velur and Belapur in olden times) is situated on the banks of the Yagachi River and was one of the capitals of the Hoysala Empire.
• Keshava Temple of Somanathapur:
  • It is a beautiful Trikuta Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in three forms-Janardhana, Keshava and Venugopala. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
    • The main Keshava idol is missing, and the Janardhana and Venugopala idols are damaged.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

The pre-historic paintings were generally executed on rocks and these rock engravings were called Petroglyphs.

• The first set of pre-historic paintings were discovered in Bhimbetka caves in Madhya Pradesh. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

There are three major phases of pre-historic paintings:

• Upper Paleolithic Period (40,000-10,000 BC): The walls of the rock shelter caves were made of quartzite hence using minerals for pigments. In this period, white, dark red, and green were used to depict large animals like bison, elephants, rhinos, tigers, etc. For the human figurines, red was used for hunters, and green mostly for dancers.
• Mesolithic Period (10,000-4000 BC): This period mainly saw the use of red color. In comparison to the Upper Paleolithic Period, the size of the paintings became smaller during this period. One of the most common scenes depicted in these paintings is of group hunting and several other paintings depict grazing activity and riding scenes. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• Chalcolithic Period: This period saw an increase in the number of paintings using green and yellow colours. Most of the paintings seen depict battle scenes. There are many paintings of men riding horses and elephants. Some of them even carry bows and arrows which might indicate preparedness for skirmishes. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• Sittanavasal Cave (Arivar Koil) Paintings: Dated from the 1^st century BC to the 10th century AD, and located in Tamil Nadu, these famous rock-cut cave temples are known for their paintings based on Jainism. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• Ravan Chhaya Rock Shelter: Located in the Keonjhar district of Odisha, these ancient fresco paintings on a rock shelter are in the shape of a half-opened umbrella. It is believed that this shelter acted like a royal hunting lodge. The most noticeable painting is that of a royal procession that dates back to the 7^th century AD. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
• Lepakshi Temple Paintings: Located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, these mural paintings were executed on Veerabhadra temple walls at Lepakshi in the 16^th century. Made during the Vijayanagara period, they follow a religious theme based on Ramayana, Mahabharata and incarnations of Vishnu. Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• Regional Schools of Art: In medieval period sub- imperial Schools developed a space for them by developing their own styles. They remembered their Indian roots and a penchant for colourful paintings. The different schools and styles that developed in this period were:
• Rajasthani Schools of Painting:
  • Mewar School of Painting: It is dominated by the extraordinary figure of Sahibdin (painting focuses on Sahibdin’s depiction of literary texts – the Rasikapriya, the Ramayana and the Bhagavata Purana). Later its paintings depicted the life at court in Mewar. The unique point of this period is the extraordinary ‘tamasha’ paintings that show court ceremonial and city views in unprecedented detail. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.
  • Kishangarh School of Painting: Paintings at Kishangarh is associated with the most romantic legends – Sawant Singh and his beloved Bani Thani, and of the intertwining of lives and myths, romance and bhakti. It is sometimes argued that the women in ‘bani thani’ is said to resemble the character of Radha. They also made many paintings on the devotional and amorous relations between Radha and Krishna. Hence, pair 2 and 3 are not correctly matched.
• Pahari Styles of Painting: This style of painting developed in the sub-himalayan states. Pahari paintings can be grouped into two groups: Jammu or Dogra School: Northern Series Basholi and Kangra School: Southern Series
  • Basholi School: The paintings created in the Pahari School in the 17^th century were called the Basholi School. This was the early phase and expressive faces with a receding hairline and big eyes that are shaped like lotus petals characterize it. These paintings use a lot of primary colours. Hence, pair 4 is correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• Pattachitra: A traditional painting of Odisha. The base of the painting is treated cloth while the colours used comes from natural sources. No pencil or charcoal is used, rather brush is used to draw the outlines in red or yellow after which the colours are filled. The themes of these paintings are inspired from Jagannath and Vaishnava cult.
• Patua Art: The art of Bengal. These paintings are done on pats or scrolls and for generations, the scroll painters or patuas have been going to different villages to sing their stories in lieu of food or money. Traditionally these were painted on cloth and told religious stories; today they used to comment on political and social issues.
• Tanjore Paintings: The Thanjavur or Tanjore School is famous for the special style of decorative paintings. The Maratha rulers patronized them during the 18^th century. These paintings are unique as they are mostly created on glass and board instead of cloth and vellum preferred in north India.
  • They are unique because of the use of brilliant colour patterns and the liberal use of gold leaf. They used many types of gemstones and cut glasses for embellishments to create larger than life images. Most of the paintings depicted smiling Krishna in various poses and various major events in his life.
  • These paintings reached their zenith under the patronage of Sarfoji Maharaj who was a great patron of the arts. Hence, option C is correct.
• Phad Painting: It is predominantly found in Rajasthan and is a scroll-type art. Painted with vegetable colours on a long piece of cloth called phad. The subjects have large eyes and round faces.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

Embroidery is a decorative art form that involves stitching designs or patterns onto fabric using a needle and thread

• Kashidakari: This is the most famous embroidery of the Kashmir valley. The term ‘kashidakari’ literally means ‘needle work’. It uses simple chain stitches involving floral patterns. Hence, option 1 is correct.
• Sujni: The Sujani embroidery work of Bihar, is a textile expressive art product, given protection under the GI registration act. The base fabric used in this work is generally red or white. Outlines of the main motif are highlighted with a thick chain stitch. Hence, option 2 is correct.
• Kondapalli Bommalu Toys: Kondapalli Toys are toys made of wood in Kondapalli of Krishna district, a nearby Vijayawada in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.It is made using a soft wood. The wooden pieceis heated to make it moisture-free. Subsequently, different parts of the toy are carved separately and are then glued together.Hence, option 3 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

Indian Classical Dance Forms:

• Presently, Sangeet Natak Akademi, there exists eight classical dance forms in India.

Bharatnatyam:

• The origins of this dance form can be traced back to ‘Sadir’ – the solo dance performance of the temple dancers or ‘devadasis’ in Tamil Nadu, hence it was also referred to as ‘Dashiattam’.
• In the early nineteenth century, four dance teachers of Thanjavur defined the elements of a Bharatnatyam recital. They are:
  • Jatiswaram – It is the Nritta component and is devoid of expressions, it includes the different poses and movements.
  • Shabdam – It is the dramatic element with expressed words, which includes the abhinaya in the song. It is generally in praise of the glory of God.
• Bharatnatyam is often referred to as the ‘fire dance’, as it is the manifestation of fire in the human body. Most of the movements in Bharatnatyam resemble to that of a dancing flame. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Kuchipudi:

• The dance form gained prominence under the patronage of the Vijayanagar and Golconda rulers.
• Both Lasya and Tandava elements are important in the Kuchipudi dance form. Apart from group performances, there are some popular solo elements in Kuchipudi as well. Some of them are:
  • Manduk shabdam – Tells the story of a frog.
  • Tarangam – The dancer performs with his/her feet on the edges of a brass plate and balancing a pot of water on the head or a set of diyas.
  • Jala Chitra Nrityam – In this item, the dancer draws pictures on the floor with his or her toes while dancing. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Odissi: The caves of Udayagiri-Khandagiri provide some of the earliest examples of Odissi dance. The elements of Odissi dance form include:

• Mangalacharan or the beginning where a flower is offered to mother earth.
• Batu nritya comprising of the dance. It has the Tribhanga and the Chowk postures.
• Pallavi which includes the facial expressions and the representation of the song.
• Tharijham consisting of pure dance before the conclusion. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• Varkari Panth or Varkari Sampradaya:
  • The followers in this community are devotees of Lord Vishnu, in his manifestation as Vithoba and the worship is centered on Vithoba’s temple at Pandharpur in Maharashtra. The sect has a strict avoidance towards alcohol and tobacco.
  • Their annual pilgrimage Vari undertakes interesting events. In Vari, the Varkaris carry the padukas of the saints in palkhis from Samadhi to Pandharpur.
  • Events Ringan and Dhava are held during pilgrimage. Under Ringan, a sacred horse runs through the rows of pilgrims, who try catching the dust particles kicked off and smear their head with the same.
  • Prominent figures under this sect include Jnaneshvar (1275–1296), Namdev (1270–1350), Eknath (1533–1599), and Tukaram (1598– 1650). Hence, option A is correct.
• Ramanandi Sampradaya:
  • They adhere to the teachings of the Advaita scholar Ramananda. This is the largest monastic group within Hinduism in Asia
  • Its two sub-groups are Tyagi and Naga.
• Brahma Sampradaya:
  • It is associated with Lord Vishnu, ParaBrahma or Universal Creator (not to be confused with the Brahma deity).
  • The founder was Madhvacharya. Gaudiya Vaishnavism promoted by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is associated with Brahma Sampradaya. The ISKCON belongs to this sampradaya.
• Nimbarka Sampradaya:
  • Also known as the Hamsa Sampradaya and Kumara Sampradāya, the followers worship Radha and Krishna deities.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

Mimamsa:

• The word ‘Mimamsa’ literally means the art of reasoning, interpretation and application. This school focuses on the analysis of the texts of Samhita and Brahmana that are portions of the Vedas. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • They argue that the Vedas contain the eternal truth and they are the repositories of all knowledge. If one has to attain religious merit, acquire heaven and salvation, they will have to fulfill all the duties which are prescribed by the Vedas.
• The texts that describe the Mimamsa philosophy in detail, are the Sutras of Jaimini, which were supposedly composed in the 3rd century BCE. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• They argue that salvation is possible through performing rituals, but it is also necessary to understand the justification and reasoning behind Vedic rituals. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • It was necessary to understand this reasoning if one wanted to perform the rituals perfectly, which will allow them to attain salvation.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• The oldest text that formed the basis of Vedanta philosophy was Brahmasutra of Badrayana which was written and compiled in the 2^nd century BCE. The philosophy propounds that Brahma is the reality of life and everything else is unreal or Maya. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Shankaracharya wrote commentaries on the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. His changes led to the development of Advaita Vedanta. Another major philosopher of this school was Ramanujan who wrote in the 12^th century AD. He considers brahma to be without any attributes. He considers Knowledge or jnana/gyan to be the main means of attaining salvation. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• Ramanuja's philosophical foundation was qualified monism and is called Vishishtadvaita in the Hindu tradition. He considers Brahma to possess certain attributes. He considers loving the faith and practicing devotion as the path to attain salvation. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• Sariputraprakarana by Ashvaghosha, an eminent philosopher, is considered the first example of classical Sanskrit drama. It was a nine-act play. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• Sudraka was the first to introduce the essence of conflict in his play Mricchakatika. Apart from a hero and a heroine, this play features an antagonist for the first time. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• Koothiyattam (Koodiyattam) is India’s oldest continuing form of theatre and living tradition that has survived since 10^th century AD in Kerala.
  • It completely adheres to the rules laid down in Natya Shastra and is the traditional privilege of the Chakyar and Nambiar castes of Kerala. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• Sanskrit Poetry: This genre is called Kavya or poetry. Unlike the drama section where the story is the main focus of the text, poetry concentrates more on the form, style, figure of speech, etc. One of the greatest Sanskrit poets is Kalidasa who wrote Kumara Sambhava (the birth of Kumar), and Raghuvamsa (the dynasty of the Raghus). He also wrote two smaller epics called Meghaduta (the cloud messenger) and Ritusamhara (medley of seasons). Hence, option C is correct.
• Meghaduta, a Sanskrit poem by Kalidasa, tells the story of a mystical being banished to earth who sends a message to his wife through a passing cloud, describing the beauty of the places it will pass. The poem is admired for its lyrical beauty, nature descriptions, and expression of human emotions.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• Adi Shankaracharya:
  • Adi Shankaracharya propounded the Doctrine of Advaita (Monism). According to Advaita Vedantins, the Upanishads reveal a fundamental principle of nonduality termed ‘brahman’, which is the reality of all things. Advaitins understand brahman as transcending individuality and empirical plurality. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
  • Adi Shankaracharya established four Mathas in the four corners of India at Sringeri, Puri, Dwaraka and Badrinath– for propagation of Sanathana Dharma. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • Recently, Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Statue of Equality on the outskirts of Hyderabad to commemorate the 11^th-century Bhakti saint Sri Ramanujacharya on his 1,000th birth anniversary. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• The earliest book on mathematics was Sulvasutra written by Baudhayana in the 6^th century BC. There is a mention of ‘Pi’ and even some concepts very similar to Pythagoras theorem in the Sulvasutra. Pi is presently used to calculate the area and circumference of the circle. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.
• In the Medieval period, Narayan Pandit produced works of mathematics which include Ganitakaumudi and Bijaganitavatamsa. Nilakantha Somasutvan wrote Tantrasamgraha, which contains the rules of trigonometric functions. Nilakanatha Jyotirvida compiled Tajik, dealing with a large number of Persian technical terms. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
• In the 9^th century AD, Mahaviracharya wrote Ganit Sara Sangraha which is the first textbook on arithmetic in present-day form. In his book, he described in detail the current method of finding the Lowest common multiple. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.
• Bhaskaracharya was one of the leading mathematicians in the 12^th century AD. His book Siddhanta Shiromani is divided into four sections:
  • Lilavati (dealing with Arithmetic)
  • Beejganita (dealing with Algebra)
  • Goladhyaya (about spheres)
  • Grahaganita (mathematics of planets.) Hence, pair 4 is correctly matched

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• Charak Samhita mainly deals with use of plants and herbs for medicinal purposes. In a way, it mainly deals with Ayurveda as a science having the following eight components:
  • Kaya Chikitsa (General Medicine)
  • Kaumara-Bhrtya (Paediatrics)
  • Shalya Chikitsa (Surgery)
  • Salakya Tantra (Ophthalmology/ENT)
  • Buta Vidya (Demonology/Psychiatry)
  • Agada Tantra (Toxicology)
  • Rasayana Tantra (Elixirs)
  • Vajikarana Tantra (Aphrodisiacs). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• In Charak Samhita, extensive note on digestion, metabolism and immune system is written. Charaka emphasises that the functioning of a human body depends on three Doshas: 1. Bile, 2. Phlegm and 3. Wind. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • These doshas are produced with the help of blood, flesh and marrow and the body becomes sick due to an imbalance between these three doshas.
• Drugs can be used to restore this balance. Charaka in his book has put more emphasis on prevention rather than cure. Genetics also finds a mention in Charaka Samhita. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• Aryabhatta in around 499 AD wrote Aryabhattiya in which the concepts of mathematics as well as astronomy were explicitly mentioned. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The book had four sections: Method of denoting big decimal numbers by alphabet, Number theory, geometry, trigonometry and Bijaganita on Astronomy. Astronomy was also called khagol shastra in those days. Khagol was the famous astronomical laboratory in Nalanda where Aryabhatta studied. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Aryabhatta in his book stated that the earth is round and rotates on its own axis. He formulated the area of a triangle and discovered algebra. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

Recently, the Regional Review meeting of the National Ayush Mission (NAM) was ceremonially inaugurated.

• At the meeting, following robust programmes of AYUSH were highlighted:
  • Ayurvidya: Promotion of healthy lifestyle through Ayush for school children. Hence pair 1 is correct.
  • Supraja: Ayush for Maternal & Neonatal intervention. Hence pair 2 is not correct.
  • Vayomitra: Ayush based geriatric programme; prevention and management of Osteoarthritis and other Musculoskeletal disorders. Hence pair 3 is not correct.
• NAM is being implemented with the vision and objectives to provide Ayush health care services throughout the country by strengthening and improving facilities, to provide informed choice to the needy public.
  • Under NAM, the Ministry of Ayush is working on operationalisation of 12,500 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres (AHWCs) through support of State/UT Governments by 2023-24.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have put off entering paradise in order to help others attain enlightenment. There are many different Bodhisattvas.

• Vajrapani: Vajrapani is one of the earliest-appearing bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. Like Indira, he holds a thunderbolt as a foe of sin and evil. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• Manjushri (Stimulator of Understanding): Manjushri is a bodhisattva associated with transcendent wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
• Maitreya: The Future Buddha. Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.
• Avlokiteswara (Kind Hearted): Also known as Padmapani.
• Kshitigrihya: Guardian of Prugatories.
• Amitabha: Buddha of Heaven.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• According to the Syadvada (The theory of Perhaps/Maybe), all our judgments are relative, conditional, and limited. According to Sayadwad, seven modes of prediction are available. Absolute affirmation and absolute negation both are wrong. All judgments are conditional. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Jainism principally aims at the attainment of freedom from worldly bonds. No rituals is necessary for such liberation. It can be obtained through the Right knowledge, Right Faith and Right Action. These three are considered to be the Three Jewels or Triratna of Jainism. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Jainsim recognised the existence of the gods but placed them lower than the Jina. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• The concept of three gods connected with life, death and destruction united together as "Trinity" or "Trayi" had first materialised during the Gupta Period. According to neo-Hinduism, the three gods Brahma-Vishnu-Maheswar were united in the trinity concept or Trayi. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The Chandala appeared in society as early as the fifth century BC. By the 5^th century AD their number had become so enormous and their disabilities so glaring that it attracted the attention of the Chinese pilgrim Fa-hien. He informs us that the Chandalas lived outside the village and dealt in meat and flesh. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The Eran inscription of the Gupta era is the first evidence of Sati in India, a practice in which a widow would immolate herself on her husband's funeral pyre. This practice became more prevalent in later centuries. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• About Kabir Das (1440-1510 AD):
  • He was the disciple of the Bhakti movement, Ramananda. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
  • He was a Nirguna saint within the Bhakti movement and openly criticized the orthodox ideas of major religions like Hinduism and Islam. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
  • His poems are called “Banis” (utterances) or ‘Dohe’. His works are compiled in the famous book “Bijak”. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

"Fana" is a term in Sufism, a mystical Islamic belief system, referring to the spiritual concept of a devotee achieving a state of complete and selfless absorption or merger with Allah, the Supreme Being. Hence, option A is correct.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• St. Thomas came to India during the reign of the Indo-Parthian king Gondophernes. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Gondophernes was a king in the areas of Arachosia, Kabul, and Gandhara, which are present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan. He is known from coins and inscriptions, and is sometimes identified with the Guduvhara or Gondophares mentioned in early Christian writings. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The followers of Jesus Christ started spreading Christianity to different parts of the world. One of the twelve followers of Jesus, St Thomas travelled to India and brought Christianity to this land. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

About Hinayana Buddhism :

• It means the lesser vehicle. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The school includes the followers of the original preaching of the Buddha. It is more of an orthodox school.
• They did not believe in idol or image worship of Buddha.
• They believe in individual salvation and try to attain individual salvation through self-discipline and meditation. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The ultimate aim of Hinayana is thus nirvana.
• One of the sub-sects of Hinayana is Sthaviravada or Theravada. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The Hinayana scholars used the Pali language to interact with the masses.
• Emperor Ashoka patronized the Hinayana sect as the Mahayana school came into being much later.
• Hinayana school in its original form is almost non-existent in the present age.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

Jainism does not have a single founder, instead of that the truth comes to the world in difficult and different times by a teacher who shows the way or a Tirthankara.

• There were 23 Tirthankaras or great-learned men in the Jain religion before Mahavira. It is commonly mistaken that Mahavira was the founder of Jainism, instead, he was the last and 24^th Tirthankara. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• Jainism, like Buddhism, rejects the authority of Vedas. However, unlike Buddhism, it believes in the existence of the soul (atman). Soul is the core and the fundamental focus of the Jain philosophy. It is the soul that experiences existence and gains knowledge, not mind nor body as both are believed to be a heap of matter. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• Jainism has two major ancient sub-traditions:
  • Digambaras [Sub-sects include Mula Sangh (original community) and Terapanthi, Taranpathi, and Bispanthi (these three are modern communities)].
  • Svetambaras (Sub-sects include Sthanakavasi and Murtipujaka). Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• Mudra Rakshasa: It is a political drama and narrates the ascent of King Chandragupta Maurya to power in India. It was written by Vishakhdutta. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• Mricchakatika: it depicts the Love affair of young Brahmin Charudatta with a wealthy courtesan. It was written by Sudraka. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.

• Malavikagnimitra: It is The love story of Malavika a maiden of Queen and Agnimitra the son of Pushyamitra Shunga. It was written by Kalidasa. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• Lingayatism: It is also known as Veershaivism, it is a distinct Shaivite tradition that believes in monotheism through worship centred on Lord Shiva in the form of linga. It rejects the authority of the Vedas and the caste system. The tradition was established in the 12^th century AD by Basavanna. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.
• Nathpanthi: Also known as Siddha Siddhanta, they adhere to the teachings of Gorakhnath and Matsyendranath and worship Adinath, a form of Shiva. They use the technique of Hatha Yoga to transform one’s body into a state of awakened self’s identity with absolute reality. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
• Ajivikas: The school was founded by Makkhali Gosala in 5^th century BC. The school revolves around the Niyati (Fate) doctrine of absolute determinism. It believes that there is no free will and that whatever has happened, is happening, or will happen is entirely pre-ordained or pre-decided and is based on cosmic principles. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• The Government in 2021 renamed the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, the country’s highest sporting honor, after hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• It is the highest sporting award given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of four years. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The award comprises a medallion, a certificate, and a cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh.
• The Khel Ratna award was instituted in 1991-1992 and the first recipient was Chess legend Viswanathan Anand.
  • Among the other winners were Leander Paes, Sachin Tendulkar, Dhanraj Pillay, Pullela Gopichand, Abhinav Bindra, Anju Bobby George, Mary Kom and Rani Rampal in 2020.Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• Kambala is a buffalo race held in Coastal Karnataka districts Udupi and Dakshina Kannada during the winter months when farmers harvest their paddy crops.
  • The race is held on two parallel tracks filled with mud and water. Each pair of buffaloes will also have a jockey, or 'Kambala runner' to control and command the animals on the track.
  • The team that wins qualifies for higher rounds till a champion emerges.

Hence, option B is correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• Medaram Jathara(primarily celebrated by the Koya tribe) is the largest tribal religious congregation in the world, held biennually, with approximately 10 million people converging on the place, over four days in the month of 'Magha' (February) on the full moon day in Medaram. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Medaram is a remote place in the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Telangana.
• Medaram Jathara commemorates the bravery of Sammakka and Saralamma, tribal goddesses who fought against injustice. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • It is a festival with no Vedic or Brahmanic influence.
  • Sammakka, found as a newborn amidst tigers, grew up to become a tribal chief and married Pagididda Raju (Kakatiya feudatory chief), she had two daughters, Sarakka and Nagulamma, and a son named Jampanna.
  • During the Jathara people offer bangaram (gold) in the form of jaggery of a quantity equal to their weight to the goddesses and take holy baths in the Jampanna Vagu (stream).

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• Jalikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport in which participants attempt to grab the hump of the bull and hang on to it while the bull tries to escape.
  • It is celebrated in the second week of January during the harvest festival of Pongal in Tamil Nadu. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The Supreme Court of India had banned Jalikattu in 2014 on the grounds of animal cruelty, following a petition by the Animal Welfare Board of India and other animal rights groups.
  • However, in 2017, the Tamil Nadu government passed an ordinance to allow Jalikattu, which was later upheld by the Supreme Court in 2023. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• References to Jalikattu can be found in Silappadikaram, one of the five great epics of Tamil literature, written in the Sangam age (300 BCE - 300 CE). Hence, statement 3 is correct. d economic activity in West Bengal. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

Chronology of Harappan Archaeology

(AD)
1853	A. Cunningham’s find of a Harappan seal. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
1921	Daya Ram Sahani’s excavation at Harappa
1931	Marshall excavated Mohenjo Daro. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
1938	Mackay excavated the same size.
1940	Vats excavated Harappa.
1946	Mortimer Wheeler excavated Harappa. Hence, statement 3 is correct

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• The New Stone Age or Neolithic Age began in 9000 BC. The only known Neolithic settlement in the Indian subcontinent, attributed to 7000 BC, is in Mehrgarh, which is situated in Baluchistan, a province of Pakistan. Hence, option 1 is correct.
• In the northwest, Kashmiri Neolithic culture was distinguished by its dwelling pits, a wide range of ceramics, the variety of stone and bone tools, and the complete absence of microliths. Its most important site is Burzahom, which means 'the place of birch situated 16 km north-west of Srinagar. Hence, option 2 is correct.
• The other place that has yielded considerable bone implements in India is Chirand, 40 km west of Patna on the northern side of the Ganges. Hence, option 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• Dolmen: A dolmen is a megalithic structure formed by placing a large capstone on two or more support stones, forming a chamber below, sometimes closed in on three sides. Often used as a tomb or burial chamber. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Cist: A Cist is a small stone-built coffin-like box or ossuary used to hold the bodies of the dead. Burials are megalithic forms very similar to dolmens in structure. These types of burials were completely underground. There were single and multiple-chambered cists. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Stone Circles: Stone circles are commonly called "cromlechs" (a word in the Welsh language); the English word "cromlech" is sometimes used in that sense. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• In Rigvedic times, the king was assisted by priests. The two priests who played a major role in role in Rig Vedic times were Vasistha and Viswamitra. Vasistha was conservative and Viswamitra a liberal. Viswamitra composed the Gayatri mantra to widen the Aryan world. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• In Rigvedic times, the tribal society was divided into three occupational groups, warriors, priests, and the common people on the same pattern as in Iran. The term shudra is mentioned for the first time in the Rig Veda in its tenth book, which is its latest addition. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The most important divinity in the Rig Veda is Indra, who is called Purandaraor destroyer of dwelling units. The second position is held by Agni. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• Anga: Anga was located in the east of Magadha and west of Raj Mahal hills. It had its capital at Champa. It roughly corresponds to the modern districts of Munger and Bhagalpur. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• Kosala: The Shatpath Brahman gives a description of Kosala Mahajanapadas. With its capital at Shravasti, it was located in the northwest of Magadha, around the area occupied by present eastern Uttar Pradesh. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
• Vatsa: The Vatsa appears to be one from the Rig Vedic period. It is said to be an offshoot of the Kurus, who shifted from Hastinapur and settled in Kaushambi. Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• Minor Pillar Inscriptions:
  • Rummindei Pillar Inscription: Asokha’s visit to Lumbini & exemption of Lumbini from tax. Hence, option 1 is correct.
  • Nigalisagar Pillar Inscription, Nepal: It mentions that Asoka increased the height of the stupa of Buddha Konakamana to its double size. Hence, option 2 is correct.
• Major Pillar Inscriptions:
  • Sarnath Lion Capital: Near Varanasi was built by Ashoka in commemoration of Dhammachakrapravartana or the first sermon of Buddha. Hence, option 3 is not correct.

Vaishali Pillar, Bihar, single lion, with no inscription.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

The Pandyas: Covers modern Tirunelveli, Madurai, Ramnad districts and south Travancore.	Capital: Madurai	Port: Korkai Hence, Option 1 is correct.
The Cholas:  Covers modern Tanjore and Tiruchirappalli districts of Tamil Nadu.	Capital: Uraiyur	Port: Kaveripattnam Hence, Option 2 is not correct.
The Cheras:  Covers mostly the Kerala coast.	Capital: Karuvur	Port: Tondi  Hence, Option 3 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• There were many types of labour dues included in local taxes, with irrigational labour (vetti/vettinai) at the village and nadu levels being the most popular. The taxes on homes and shared areas were collectively referred to as natacci.
• Numerous trade and artisanal dues also existed, including
  • Cunkam (a toll), and tattar pattam (a tax on goldsmiths). Hence Pair 1 is correctly matched.
  • Kurai kacu (a tax on fabric)
  • Verrilai (a tariff on betel leaf)
  • Vannar parai (a tax on washermen). Hence Pair 2 is correctly matched.
  • Paci pattam (a tax on fishing). Hence Pair 3 is correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

Sabha and Samiti

• The term ‘Sabha’ referred to an assembly in the Rig Vedic period. The elder members of the ‘Jana’ took part in the ‘Sabha’. This assembly was also attended by women known as ‘Sabhavati’. In the later Vedic period, however, women stopped attending the ‘Sabha’.
• Music, dance, magic, and witchcraft were also practised at the ‘Sabha’ along with dicing and gambling. This assembly performed administrative and judicial functions, exercised its judicial authority, and also discussed pastoral affairs.
• The political business and discussions performed in the folk assembly were known as ‘Samiti’. The ‘Samiti’ was responsible for electing the ‘Rajan’. Apart from political business, the ‘Samiti’ also discussed philosophical issues. Prayers and religious ceremonies were a major concern for this assembly. This assembly, however, gained importance only towards the end of the Early Vedic period.

Vidhata

• Vidhata was the earliest tribal assembly. The term ‘Vidhata’ has been repeated in the Rig Vedas 122 times and, therefore, seems like the most important assembly. The purpose of this assembly was to make decisions for secular, military, economic, social, and religious purposes.
• The participation of women in the ‘Sabha’ is indicated only once in the Rig Veda. However, there is a frequent mention of the participation of women in the ‘Vidhata’. Women also took part in the discussions of the assembly.
• This was the earliest folk assembly of the Rig Vedic period. The different clans and tribes used the ‘Vidhata’ as a common ground for the worship of their Gods. Hence, option A is correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

The term "Navaratna" refers to a group of nine exceptional scholars and advisors who were part of Chandragupta II's court. These nine individuals were renowned for their expertise in various fields, including literature, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and the arts.

A brief description of the nine Ratnas is as follows :

• Amarsimha: Amarsimha was a Sanskrit lexicographer and a poet and his Amarkosha is a vocabulary of Sanskrit roots, homonyms, and synonyms. Hence, option 1 is correct.
• Dhanvantri: He was a great Physician.
• Harisena: He is known to have composed the Prayag Prasasti or Allahabad Pillar Inscription.
• Kahapanaka :Kahapanka was an astrologer.
• Sanku: Sanku was in the field of Architecture.
• Varahamihira: Varahamihira lived in Ujjain and he wrote three important books: Panchasiddhantika, Brihat Samhita, and Brihat Jataka. Hence, option 2 is correct.
• Kalidasa: A renowned Sanskrit poet and playwright, considered one of the greatest literary figures in ancient India. Hence, option 3 is correct.
• Vararuchi: Vararuchi is the name of another gem of Chandragupta Vikramaditya who was a grammarian and Sanskrit scholar.
• Vetalbhatta: Vetalbhatta was a magician

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

Harshavardhana was a Pushyabhuti emperor who ruled northern India from 606 to 647 CE.

• Harsha made Kannauj his seat of power, and from there he extended his authority in all directions. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The reign of Harsha is historically important because of the visit of Chinese pilgrim Hsuan Tsang, who left China in AD 629 and traveled to India. He had come to study at the Buddhist University of Nalanda situated in Bihar. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
  • Fa-Hein’s visit to India occurred during the reign of Chandragupta II.
• Harshavardhna began the association at Allahabad at 644 BC. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• The Ghaznavids were not known for their tolerance; in fact, Mahmud of Ghazni was infamous for his campaigns against Hindu temples. Mahmud of Ghazni invaded India multiple times and famously sacked the Somnath temple. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Firdausi was the poet laureate at the court of Mahmud. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Mahmud of Ghazni did play a significant role in the spread of Persian culture in the Indian subcontinent. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• The Palas were indeed great patrons of Sanskrit literature and played a significant role in the development of Nalanda University. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The Rashtrakutas made notable contributions to the development of regional languages like Kannada, as seen in the writings of Pampa and others. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The Pratiharas were not known for their promotion of Persian literature and art; their cultural patronage was more aligned with Hindu traditions. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• The Turkish rulers, particularly Qutb-ud-din Aibak, played a crucial role in the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Corps of Forty/Chahalgani was a council of 40 Turkic slave emirs who administered the Delhi Sultanate as per the wishes of the sultan. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• The Turkish rulers introduced the Iqta system, a land revenue system, in India. Hence, option 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

Department	Meaning	Function
Diwan-i-Risalat	Department of appeals	In charge of foreign affairs and lidealing with diplomatic correspondence
Diwan-i-Qaza	Department of justice	Managing justice
Diwan-i-Khairat	Department of charity	In charge of charity
Diwan-i-arz	Department of Military	Responsible for maintaining the royal army and recruiting troops.was introduced by Balban
Diwan-i-kohi	Department of agriculture	In charge of managing the agricultural activities in the kingdom. This department was created by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
Diwan-i-insha	Department of correspondence	In charge of the royal correspondence and the regulations set by the Sultans were the basis of law
Diwan-i-Bandagan	Department of slaves	In charge of slaves

Hence, pair 1 is correct. Pair 2,3 are not correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• Mohammad Bin Tughlaq set up a new department of Agriculture, Diwan-i-amir-kohi. He launched a scheme by which taccavi loans were given to farmers to buy seed and to extend cultivation. Hence, pair 1 is not correct.
• Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq initiated Sharecropping pattern in India. He was first to start digging wells and canals for Irrigation. Hence, pair 2 is correct.
• Alauddin Khalji was a powerful ruler. He extended the boundaries of Delhi sultanate beyond Vindhyas up to the Deccan. He was a great administrator. To maintain his army, Alauddin Khalji gave the order to measure all land which was under cultivation. He was first ruler to do so. The land was divided and land revenue fixed according to its fertility. Hence, pair 3 is not correct.
  • His other reforms included:
  • He started the system of branding of horses and descriptive roster of individual soldiers to inhibit corruption.
  • He fixed the prices of necessary commodities which were below the normal market rates.
  • He strictly prohibited black marketing.
  • Revenue was collected in cash and not in kind.
  • He followed discriminatory policies towards the Hindus and imposed the Jizya, a grazing tax and a house tax on the Hindu community.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

Ashtadiggajas is the collective title given to the eight great Telugu scholars and poets in the court of Emperor Krishnadevaraya.

These scholars were:

• Allasani Peddana. Hence, option 1 is the correct
• Nandi Thimmana. Hence, option 2 is the correct
• Madayyagari Mallana
• Dhrujati
• Pingali Surana
• Ramrajabhusanudu
• Tenali Ramakrishna. Hence, option 3 is the correct

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

India has been a destination for foreign travelers for centuries, attracting explorers, traders, scholars, and adventurers. Here is a list of foreign travellers who visited the Vijayanagar Kingdom:

Name of Travellers	Place They came from
Abu Abdullah/lbn Batuta	Morocco.
Nicolo de Conti	Italy. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
Abdur Razzaq	Persia. Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.
Athanasius Nikitin	Russia
Ludvico de Vorthema	Italy
Duarte Barbosa	Portugal. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
Dominigo Paes	Portugal
Fernao Nuniz	Portugal
Marco Polo	Republic of Venice

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• Tabaqat-i Nasiri is an elaborate history of the Islamic world written in Persian by Minhaj-i-Siraj in 1260. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• The Shahnama is a long epic poem written by the Persian poet Firdausi. Consisting of some 50,000 "distichs" or couplets (two-line verses), the Shahnameh is one of the world's longest epic poems and the longest epic poem created by a single author. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
• Amir Khusrau was a prolific writer and has left behind important works like Qirānu-s Sa’dain, Miftahu-l Futuh, Shirin wa Khusrau, Hasht Bihisht, Masnavi Dewal Rani wa Khizr Khan, Matlau’l Anwar, I’jaz-i KhusravI, Khazainu-l Futuh and Nuh Sipihr. pair 3 is not correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system in his administration. In this system, every officer, every officer was assigned a rank. These ranks were divided into Zat and Sawar.
  • Zat- It fixed the personal status and salary of a person
  • Sawar-It indicated the number of cavalrymen a person was required to maintain. Hence, statement 1 is not correct
• In the 16^th century, the Chaharbagh layout was brought from Iran to the Indian subcontinent by Babur. This tradition gave birth to the Mughal gardens which perhaps displayed its highest form in the Taj Mahal. Hence, statement 2 is not correct
• Humayun ascended the throne in 1530 and in 1533 he founded a new city, Din Panah. Hence, statement 3 is not correct

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

According to popular tradition, the court of the Mughal ruler Akbar had nine intellectuals called the Navaratnas or the nine gems.

All the Navaratnas in the court of Akbar:

• Mulla Do Pyaja: He acted as an advisor to Akbar.
• Raja Todar Mal: The most prestigious Finance Minister in maybe all of the Mughal Empire.
• Faizi: A renowned poet and scholar from The Mughal court.
• Raja Birbal: He played the role of the court jester in the court of Akbar.
• Abul Fazal: Famous for his writing of his work, the Akbarnama.
• Tansen: One of the most stalwarts of the Hindustani Classical Music
• Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan: One of the most revered poets as well as military generals in the Mughal empire.
• Raja Man Singh: A trusted Generals of the military of Akbar
• Fakir Aziao-Din: He was a Sufi mystic and an advisor.

All the three scholars were adorned as navaratna in the court of Akbar. Hence, option D is Correct.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• Ayangar system was a special feature of village administration in Vijayanagar empire. A body of 12 functionaries known as Ayangars conducted the village affairs. Hence, option D is correct.
• They were granted tax free lands Manyams which they were to enjoy in perpetuity.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• In the Delhi Sultanate, the task of collecting revenue directly from peasants and measurement of land rested on Amils. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Iqta system evolved in West Asia, particularly in Persia under the Buyid dynasty, which formalized the system and ruled during the 10^th and 11^th century. In India, the system was provided an institutional status by Iltutmish (Mamluk dynasty). Under the Iqta system, the land of the empire was divided into various tracts of land called Iqta which were assigned to officers known as ‘Iqtadars’. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• Ghiyas ud-din Balban (1266 -1287) had setup a military department called ‘Diwan-i-arz’, under which ‘Ariz-i-mamalik’ was responsible for the organization and maintenance of the royal army. Alauddin Khalji introduced ‘Dagh’ system (i.e. branding of horses) to improve horse quality as well as eliminate fake numbering to further enhance efficiency of Diwan-i-arz department. In contrast, Mir Bhakshi was the head of the military department during Mughal India. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• In 1758, the Maratha forces under Raghunath Rao crossed into the Punjab and drove out Prince Timur, son of Ahmad Shah Abdali whom the latter had left as the governor of the Punjab, and appointed Adina Beg Khan as its governor. Abdali took up the Maratha’s expansion as a challenge to his authority.
• As a result, the Third Battle of Panipat was fought between Marathas and Ahmad Shah in 1761, which resulted in Afghan victory and ceasure of Maratha’s dream of unifying India under their rule. Hence, option A is correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• Sarvastivada, (Sanskrit: “Doctrine That All Is Real”) also called Vaibhashika, a school of early Buddhism. Hence, option C is correct.
• A fundamental concept in Buddhist metaphysics is the assumption of the existence of dharmas, cosmic factors and events that combine momentarily under the influence of a person’s past deeds to form a person’s life flux, which he considers his personality and career. Differences arose among the various early Buddhist schools concerning the ontological reality of these dharmas.
• While, like all Buddhists, the Sarvastivadins consider everything empirical to be impermanent, they maintain that the dharma factors are eternally existing realities. The dharmas are thought to function momentarily, producing the empirical phenomena of the world, which is illusory, but to exist outside the empirical world. In contrast, the Sautrantikas (those for whom the sutras, or the scriptures, are authoritative) maintained that the dharma factors are not eternal but momentary, and the only actually existing dharmas are the ones presently functioning.
• The Sarvastivada school is also known as the Vaibhashika because of the 2^nd-century-CE commentary Mahavibhasha (“Great Elucidation”). This text itself was commented upon by the important 4^th- or 5^th-century Buddhist thinker Vasubandhu in his Abhidharmakosha, prior to his conversion to the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism. Thus, elements of the Sarvastivada school came to influence Mahayana thought.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• Bhakti movement was based on doctrine that relationship between God and man is through love and worship rather than performing any ritual or religious ceremonies. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• It was in south India where Bhakti movement was started by Alvar saints and was taken to North India by Ramanand. Hence, both statements 1 and 3 are correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• Guru Angad Dev, second of the 10 gurus, invented and introduced the Gurmukhi (written form of Punjabi) script. He popularized and expanded the institution of Guru ka Langar which was started by Guru Nanak Dev. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The compilation of the Adi Granth, the holy text of the Sikhs, was carried out by Guru Arjan Dev. He oversaw the building of Sri Darbar Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, in Amritsar. He established the town of Tarn Taran Sahib close to Goindwal Sahib. He was the first great martyr in Sikh history and was honored with the title Shaheedan-de-Sartaj (The crown of martyrs) after being executed on the orders of Emperor Jahangir. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Adi Mahotsava is a national tribal festival organized by TRIFED under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs since 2007. It celebrates tribal culture, crafts, gastronomy, trade, and traditional art. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
• The 2023 theme is "A celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Crafts, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce". The festival offers a platform for tribal artisans to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers while promoting their business. It is a celebration of India's diverse tribal heritage and their creativity.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• Shivaji was a great administrator. He laid the foundations of a sound system of administration. The king was the pivot of the government. He was assisted by a council of ministers called Ashtapradhan. 
• However, each minister was directly responsible to Shivaji.

1. Peshwa – Finance and general administration. Later he became the prime minister.
2. Sar-i-Naubat or Senapati – Military commander, a honorary post.
3. Amatya – Accountant General.
4. Waqenavis – Intelligence, posts and household affairs.
5. Sachiv – Correspondence.
6. Sumanta – Master of ceremonies.
7. Nyayadish – Justice.
8. Panditrao – Charities and religious administration.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• Krishna Deva Raya maintained friendly relations with Albuquerque, the Portuguese governor. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• He took titles of Yavanraja Sthapnacharya i.e. restorer of the Yavan kingdom, Abhinava Bhoja, Andhra Bhoj and Andhra Pitamah. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• He was a gifted scholar in both Telugu and Sanskrit of which only two works are extant: the Telugu work on polity ‘Amuktamalyada’ and Sanskrit drama ‘Jambavati Kalyanam’. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

Various Officers under Mughal Administration

• Quanungos: Hereditary land-holders as well as local officers
• Faujdar: In-charge of law and order
• Amalguzar: Assessment and collection of land revenue
• Wazir: Head of Revenue Department 
• Mir Bakhshi: Head of Military Department 
• Barids: Intelligence Officier/Spies
• Waqia-Navis: Reporter
• Mir Saman: Incharge of Imperial-household

Hence, option D is correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• The Portuguese established the first European factory in India at Calicut in 1500. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Vasco da Gama's arrival in Calicut in 1498 marked the beginning of direct sea routes from Europe to India. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Albuquerque's 'Blue Water Policy' aimed at dominating the Indian Ocean trade by securing control over key maritime routes. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The Portuguese dominance in the spice trade did not directly lead to the decline of Indian spice merchants; instead, it resulted in increased competition and conflicts with other European powers. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

Hence, option C is correct

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• The English established their first factory in India at Masulipatnam, not Surat. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• Sir Thomas Roe was the first English ambassador to the Mughal court during the reign of Jahangir. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked the beginning of British political dominance, but it was fought between the British East India Company and Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The English initially focused on spice trade and later shifted their focus to textile trade. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Hence, option D is correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• Robert Clive introduced the dual system of government, i.e., the rule of the two—the Company and the Nawab—in Bengal in which both the Diwani, i.e., collecting revenues, and Nizamat, i.e., police and judicial functions, came under the control of the Company. Warren Hastings did away with the dual system in 1772. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The Company acquired the Diwani functions from the emperor and the Nizamat functions from the subahdar of Bengal. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• The dual system led to an administrative breakdown and proved disastrous for the people of Bengal. Neither the Company nor the Nawab cared for administration and public welfare. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• The Treaty of Allahabad was signed on 16 August 1765, between the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and Robert Clive, of the East India Company, in the aftermath of the Battle of Buxar on 22 October 1764. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• The Treaty of Seringapatam 1792, ended the Third Anglo-Mysore War. Its signatories included Lord Cornwallis on behalf of the British East India Company, representatives of the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Maratha Empire, and Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
• The Treaty of Bassein was a pact between the English East India Company and Baji Rao II, the Maratha confederacy's Peshwa, it was signed on 31 December 1802 after the Battle of Poona, at the present-day Bassein (Vasai). Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• The system of subsidiary alliances was pioneered by the French East India Company governor Joseph François Dupleix, who in the late 1740s established treaties with the Nizam of Hyderabad, and other Indian princes in the Carnatic region. It was probably Dupleix, who first gave on hired European troops to Indian rulers to fight their wars.
  • The subsidiary alliance system was used by Lord Wellesley, who was governor general from 1798-1805, to build an empire in India. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• Under the system, the allying Indian state’s ruler was compelled to accept the permanent stationing of a British force within his territory and to pay a subsidy for its maintenance. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• In the last stage, the money or the protection fee was fixed, usually at a high level; when the state failed to pay the money in time, it was asked to cede certain parts of its territories to the Company in lieu of payment. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• John Lawrence (1864–69) started a policy of masterly inactivity, which was a reaction to the disasters of the First Afghan War and an outcome of practical common sense and an intimate knowledge of the frontier problem and of Afghan passion for independence. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.
• Lytton started a new foreign policy of ‘proud reserve’, which was aimed at having scientific frontiers and safeguarding ‘spheres of influence’. According to Lytton, the relations with Afghanistan could no longer be left ambiguous
  • Auckland who came to India as the governor-general in 1836, advocated a forward policy. This implied that the Company government in India itself had to take the initiative to protect the boundary of British India from a probable Russian attack. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
• Warren Hastings took charge as the governor general at a critical period of British rule when the British were to encounter the powerful combination of the Marathas, Mysore, and Hyderabad.
  • He followed a policy of ring-fence which aimed at creating buffer zones to defend the Company’s frontiers. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• System of land revenue, under which the land was assessed by a systematic survey and measurement of the entire cultivable land was initiated by Sher Shah Suri. During Akbar’s rule, this system was more elaborated and implemented in detail across the Mughal Empire. Akbar followed the system of standardization of measurement of land; ascertaining the produce per bigha of land; and fixation of the State’s share in that produce. Hence, 1 is not correct.
• In the First Battle of Panipat (1526), Babur used cannons against Ibrahim Lodhi’s army. It was further used by Babur himself in the Battle of Khanwa in 1528 against the army of Rana Sanga. Hence, 2 is not correct.
• Chillies are believed to be of Mexican origin and dates back to 3500 BC. It was introduced to the rest of the world by Christopher Columbus who discovered America in 1493. It became popular in Portugal. In 1498, Vasco-da-Gama reached Indian shores and introduced chillies in India. Tobacco is a plant that grows natively in North and South America. Hence, 3 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• Land settlements introduced in India by the English East India Company are as follows:
• Permanent Settlement (1793):
  • It was introduced by Lord Cornwallis. Hence, 1 is not correct.
  • The Rajas and Taluqdars were recognised as zamindars and asked to collect rent from the peasants and pay revenue to the Company.
  • The amount to be paid was fixed permanently.
• Mahalwari Settlement (1822):
  • It was devised by Holt Mackenzie in the Northwestern Provinces (region of Agra, Oudh and Punjab).
  • Collectors went from village to village, inspecting the land, measuring the fields, and recording the customs and rights of different groups.
  • The estimated revenue of each plot within a village was added up to calculate the revenue that each village (Mahal) had to pay.
  • This demand was to be revised periodically.
  • The charge of collecting the revenue and paying it to the Company was given to the village headman, rather than the zamindar.
• Ryotwari System (1820): It was started in South India by Captain Alexander Read and Thomas Munro. Hence, 2 and 3 are correct.
  • This system allowed the government to deal directly with the peasant (ryot) for revenue collection, and gave the peasant freedom to give up or acquire new land for cultivation.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• The Doctrine of Lapse was a controversial policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India, during the mid-19^th century.
• The doctrine aimed at annexing princely states if they lacked a natural heir, either adopted or biological, upon the demise of the ruler.
  • According to Dalhousie, if a ruler died without a male heir, the state's sovereignty would "lapse" or be annexed by the British East India Company.
• Satara was annexed using the Doctrine of Lapse. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The Doctrine of Lapse allowed the British to annex any princely state if the ruler died without a natural heir. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The Doctrine of Lapse also applied to Awadh; it was annexed under the pretext of misgovernance. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• Bharat Stree Mahamandal was a women's organization founded by Sarala Devi Chaudhurani in Prayagraj in 1910. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• Ramabai Ranade founded the Ladies Social Conference (Bharat Mahila Parishad), under the parent organization National Social Conference, in 1904 in Bombay. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
• Pandita Ramabai Saraswati founded the Arya Mahila Samaj to serve the cause of women. She pleaded for improvement in the educational syllabus of Indian women before the English Education Commission. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

Lord Mayo 1869–72:

• Opening of the Rajkot College in Kathiawar and the Mayo College at Ajmer for political training of Indian princes.
• Establishment of Statistical Survey of India.
• Establishment of Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
• Introduction of state railways.
• Lord Mayo took interest in the Prison reforms, especially the convict settlements at the Andaman Islands. The most important legal reform during his time was the passage of the Indian Evidence Act in 1872. The act removed this anomaly and differentiation and introduced a standard set of law applicable to all Indians. Earlier the law system was differentiated and was applied as per the caste, community and social group in question.
• While visiting the convict settlement at Port Blair in the Andaman Islands in 1872 for the purpose of inspection, he was assassinated by Sher Ali Afridi, an Afghan convict who used a knife. Hence, option A is correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

Balshastri Jambhekar (1812–46) was a pioneer of social reform through journalism in Bombay; he attacked Brahminical orthodoxy and tried to reform popular Hinduism.

• He started the newspaper Darpan in 1832. Known as the father of Marathi journalism, Jambhekar used the Darpan to awaken the people to an awareness of social reforms, such as widow remarriage, and to instill in the masses a scientific approach to life. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• He was the first professor of Hindi at the Elphinston College Founded in 1849 in Maharashtra. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Paramahansa Mandali was started as a secret society by Dadoba Pandurang, Mehtaji Durgaram, and others. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• Justice Movement: This movement in the Madras Presidency was started by C.N. Mudaliar, T.M. Nair, and P. Tyagaraja to secure jobs and representation for the non-brahmins in the legislature. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.
• Self-Respect Movement: This movement was started by E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, and Balija Naidu, in the mid-1920s. The movement aimed at nothing short of a rejection of the Brahminical religion and culture which Naicker felt was the prime instrument of exploitation of the lower castes. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
• Aruvippuram Movement: 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 the consecration of an idol was not the monopoly of the higher castes.
  • The movement (Aruvippuram Movement) drew the famous poet Kumaran Asan. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• Savitribai went on from girls’ education to question many social evils and work towards eradicating them. She started the Mahila Seva Mandal to raise awareness about women’s rights. She and her husband rigorously campaigned against the dehumanisation of widows and advocated widow remarriage.
• Savitribai is said to have organised a successful barbers’ strike to denounce the inhumane practice of shaving widows’ heads. With her husband, she set up a home called Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha (home to prevent infanticide) in 1863, where unwed mothers and widows who became pregnant under unfortunate circumstances could have safe deliveries instead of resorting to killing the infants or themselves. Savitribai is said to have organised a successful barbers’ strike to denounce the inhumane practice of shaving widows’ heads.
• She and her husband set an example against the evil of untouchability by opening their own water storage to everyone. After Jyotiba’s death, Savitribai took over the Satya Shodhak Samaj, presiding over the meetings, guiding the workers, and working for plague victims. She died in 1897, getting infected by the plague while caring for a patient. Hence, Option B is correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha was founded in 1867 by Mahadev Govind Ranade and others, with the object of serving as a bridge between the government and the people. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The Bombay Presidency Association was started by Badruddin Tyabji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and K.T. Telang in 1885. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• 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. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• Shyamji Krishna Varma established the ‘Indian Home Rule Society’ in 1905 in London. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.
• ‘Anushilan Samiti’ was founded in 1902 in Calcutta by Pramod Mitter. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
• Abhinav Bharat was named after the ‘Abhinav Bharat Society’, an organisation founded by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.

Hence, option A is correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• About Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024:
  • The bill particularly focuses on including four ethnic groups in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The ethnic groups are Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group.
  • By extending Scheduled Tribe status to these communities, the bill intends to ensure their socio-economic and political empowerment.
• Significance:
  • The bill ensures that the reservations for these existing communities such as Gujjars and Bakarwals remain unaffected while providing new reservations for the newly listed STs.
    • Gujjars and Bakarwals are nomadic — they migrate with their livestock to the higher reaches in the summer, and return before the onset of winter.
• Hence, Option C is correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

Recently, the two coastal towns Moodbidri and Karkala in Karnataka, are reviving their ancient water bodies that date back to thousands of years ago.

• These water bodies are part of the natural heritage and cultural identity of the towns, which are also known for their Jain temples and monasteries.
• Moodbidri town is known as ‘Jain Kashi’ (Benares of the Jains). It is home to Jain temples (Basadis and Nishidis) as well as monasteries.
• Hence, option C is correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• Shyamji Krishnavarma set up Indian Home Rule Society and India House and brought out the journal The Sociologist in London in 1905. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.
• Madame Bhikaji Cama operated from Paris and Geneva and brought out journal Bande Mataram. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
• Yugantar Patrika was a Bengali revolutionary newspaper founded in 1906 in Calcutta by Barindra Kumar Ghosh, Abhinash Bhattacharya and Bhupendranath Dutt. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• The official reason given for the partition was that Bengal had become too big to be administered and that partition would help in the development of Assam. However, the real motive behind the partition plan was seen to be the British desire to weaken Bengal, the nerve centre of Indian nationalism. This was sought to be achieved by putting the Bengalis under two administrations by dividing them on the basis of language and religion, and reducing the Bengalis to a minority in Bengal itself.
• The viceroy at that time, Lord Curzon, tried to woo the Muslims by arguing that Dacca could become the capital of the new Muslim majority province, which would provide them with a unity not experienced by them since the days of old Muslim viceroys and kings. Hence, option C is correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

Ancient Subika Painting:

• In a bid to preserve Manipur's rich cultural heritage, a concerted effort is underway to revive the ancient Subika painting style in Manipur, which is on the brink of extinction.
• The Subika painting style is intricately linked to the Meitei community's cultural history through its six surviving manuscripts: Subika, Subika Achouba, Subika Laishaba, Subika Choudit, Subika Cheithil and Thengrakhel Subika. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The paintings are done on handmade paper, and the materials for manuscripts, such as handmade paper or tree bark, are prepared locally. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

M.K. Gandhi issued a manifesto in March 1920, announcing his doctrine of the Non-Cooperation Movement. He was the main force behind the movement and urged the people to adopt Swadeshi principles and habits including hand spinning, weaving and work for the removal of untouchability.

• C.R. Das moved the main resolution on non-cooperation in the annual session of the Congress in Nagpur in 1920 and played a major role in promoting the movement. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• Alluri Sitaram Raju led the tribals in Andhra Pradesh and combined their demands with those of the Non-Cooperation Movement. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• J.M. Sengupta, a Bengali nationalist leader, supported the laborers on tea plantations in Assam in their protests and strikes. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

Ambikagiri Raichoudhury (1885–1967) was an Assamese poet, social worker, and the leading freedom fighter of India's freedom struggle. He is known as Assam Kesari. His poetry had a profound impact that helped in arousing nationalist spirit in the Assamese people during the Non-Cooperation Movement. Hence, Option B is the correct answer.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• There were many reasons for Change in the Muslim League’s Attitude. The Calcutta session of the Muslim League (1912) had committed the League to “working with other groups for a system of self- government suited to India, provided it did not come in conflict with its basic objective of protection of interests of the Indian Muslims”:
  • Annulment of partition of Bengal in 1911 had annoyed those sections of the Muslims who had supported the partition.
  • Britain’s refusal to help Turkey (ruled by the Khalifa who claimed religio-political leadership of all Muslims) in its wars in the Balkans (1912–13) and with Italy (during 1911) had angered the Muslims.
• Montagu’s Statement of August 1917 or August Declaration of 1917: In 1917, the British government announced a policy of increasing Indian participation in government and gradually moving towards self-governance. This meant that Indian nationalists' demand for self-government was no longer considered seditious.
• The Komagata Maru incident – 1914: Komagata Maru was the name of a ship which was carrying 370 passengers, mainly Sikh and Punjabi Muslim would-be immigrants, from Singapore to Vancouver. They were turned back by Canadian authorities after two months of privation and uncertainty.
  • It was generally believed that the Canadian authorities were influenced by the British government. The ship finally anchored at Calcutta in September 1914.
  • Hence, option B is correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• Bandi Jivan (A Life of Captivity) is an autobiographical account written by Sachindranath Sanyal. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• Pather Dabi (The Right of Way; or Demands of the Road) is a Bengali novel written by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. It was first published as a novel in 1926. The book is about a secret society named Pather Dabi whose goal is to free India from British rule. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
• Philosophy of the Bomb was written by Bhagwati Charan Vohra as a response to Gandhi’s criticism of the use of violent methods by revolutionaries. In it, revolutionaries defended their methods by saying that these violent methods were as important as Gandhiji’s non-violent methods. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms and Government of India Act, 1919:

• Dyarchy, i.e., rule of two—executive councillors and popular ministers—was introduced.
• The governor was to be the executive head in the province. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Subjects were divided into two lists: ‘reserved’ which included subjects such as law and order, finance, land revenue, irrigation, etc., and ‘transferred’ subjects such as education, health, local government, industry, agriculture, excise, etc. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The reserved subjects were to be administered by the governor through his executive council of bureaucrats, and the transferred subjects were to be administered by ministers nominated from among the elected members of the legislative council.
• The ministers were to be responsible to the legislature and had to resign if a no-confidence motion was passed against them by the legislature, while the executive councillors were not to be responsible to the legislature. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• In case of failure of constitutional machinery in the province the governor could take over the administration of transferred subjects also.
• The secretary of state for India and the governor general could interfere in respect of reserved subjects while in respect of the transferred subjects, the scope for their interference was restricted. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• After Gandhi’s arrest (March 1922), there was disintegration, disorganisation, and demoralisation among nationalist ranks. A debate started among Congressmen on what to do during the transition period, i.e., the passive phase of the movement.
• Those advocating entry into legislative councils came to be known as the ‘Swarajists’, while the ‘No-Changers’ opposed council entry, advocated concentration on constructive work, and continuation of boycott and non-cooperation, and quiet preparation for resumption of the suspended civil disobedience programme. Hence, statement 1 & 2 are not correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• Royal Indian Navy Mutiny: It broke out in February 1946, when a section of non-commissioned officers and sailors known as Ratings revolted against British officers. It started as a strike demanding better food and accommodation. The mutiny came to an end with the intervention of Sardar Vallabhhai Patel and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The mutineers surrendered on 23^rd February 1946.
• Quit India Movement: Mahatma Gandhi decided to initiate a new phase of the movement called Quit India Movement against the British in August 1942. He gave the slogan, ‘do or die’ to the masses and asked them to protest non-violently. Gandhi and other leaders were jailed at once, but the movement took its own course.
• Second Round Table Conference: A Second Round Table Conference was held in London during September 1931 to December 1931. Here, Gandhi represented the Indian National Congress (INC). It was the only Round Table Conference in which INC participated. Hence, option C is correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• First Round Table Conference: Nothing much was achieved at the conference. It was generally agreed that India was to develop into a federation, there were to be safeguards regarding defence and finance, while other departments were to be transferred. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Second Round Table Conference: The lack of agreement among the many delegate groups meant that no substantial results regarding India’s constitutional future would come out of the conference. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• Third Round Table Conference: It was not attended by the Indian National Congress and Gandhi. It was ignored by most other Indian leaders.
  • The recommendations were published in a White Paper in March 1933 and debated in the British Parliament afterwards. A Joint Select Committee was formed to analyse the recommendations and formulate a new Act for India, and that committee produced a draft Bill in February 1935, which was enforced as the Government of India Act of 1935 in July 1935. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

Quit India Movement: Extent of Mass Participation:

• Youth, especially the students of schools and colleges, remained in the forefront.
• Workers went on strikes and faced repression.
• Peasants of all strata were at the heart of the movement. Even some zamindars participated. These peasants concentrated their offensive on symbols of authority, and there was complete absence of anti-zamindar violence.
• Muslims helped by giving shelter to underground activists. There were no communal clashes during the movement.
• The Communists did not join the movement; in the wake of Russia (where the communists were in power) being attacked by Nazi Germany, the communists began to support the British war against Germany and the ‘Imperialist War’ became the ‘People’s War’. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The Muslim League opposed the movement, fearing that if the British left India at that time, the minorities would be oppressed by the Hindus.
• The Hindu Mahasabha boycotted the movement. The Princely states showed a low-key response. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• Gandhi Fasts: In February 1943, Gandhi started a fast as an answer to an exhortation by the government to condemn violence; the fast was directed against the violence of the State. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
  • The popular response to the news of the fast was immediate and overwhelming. Protests were organised at home and abroad through hartals, demonstrations, and strikes. Three members of the viceroy’s executive council resigned.

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