Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

The Manganiyars are a traditional Muslim community of musicians from the Thar desert region of Rajasthan, India. Known for their rich musical heritage, they specialize in folk and devotional music, often performing for royalty, festivals, and religious occasions. Their repertoire includes Sufi songs, bhajans, and wedding songs, which are deeply rooted in the region’s cultural and spiritual life. The Manganiyars use traditional instruments such as the dholak, khartal, and sarangi, passing down their art through generations. Their performances are recognized for their emotional depth and storytelling, making them an integral part of Rajasthan’s musical tradition.

Explanation

According to the Linguistic Experts Committee, the following benchmarks must be met for a language to be considered "classical":

High antiquity of (its) is early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years. A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations of speakers. Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry, epigraphical and inscriptional evidence. The Classical Languages and literature could be distinct from its current form or could be discontinuous with later forms of its offshoots. Both Kannada and Telugu have been declared as ‘Classical Language/Languages’ by the Government. Gujarati has not been declared as a classical language by the government of India. The classical languages in our country are Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014), Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali (announcement made in 2024).

Explanation

Lokayata and Kapalika are not part of the six orthodox systems of Indian Philosophy. Lokayata philosophy, also known as Carvaka, is an ancient Indian materialistic school that rejects the supernatural and emphasizes empirical knowledge and sensory perception. It advocates for a life of pleasure and rationality, dismissing concepts like karma, rebirth, and the existence of gods. The Kapalika sect was a radical and esoteric Tantric Shaivite tradition that practiced intense rituals, including the use of skulls and other tantric symbols, to achieve spiritual liberation.

Explanation

The national motto of India "Satyameva Jayate" inscribed below the national emblem is derived from the Mundaka Upanishad. This ancient Sanskrit scripture is one of the principal Upanishads embedded within the Atharva Veda. The phrase "Satyameva Jayate" translates to "Truth alone triumphs." The adoption of ‘Satyameva Jayate’ as the national motto reflects India’s commitment to truth and righteousness, values deeply embedded in its ancient scriptures. The phrase was popularized during India’s independence movement and was chosen to symbolize the nation’s moral and ethical foundation.

Explanation

Partition of Bengal (1905) was made public by the British Government in 1903 and partition came into force in October 1905. The reasons given by the British was that Bengal was too big to be administered and this division of Bengal into eastern and western Bengal would develop Assam. The Partition of Bengal was annulled during the visit of the Royal Majesties, George V and Queen Mary to India. King George V announced the abrogation in the Delhi Durbar in December, 1911.

Explanation

The Ghadar Party was a revolutionary organisation centred on the weekly newspaper "The Ghadr," which had branches in the Far East and along the US coast in addition to its San Francisco headquarters. The Ghadr programme aimed to organise official assassinations, disseminate anti-imperialist and revolutionary literature, coordinate with Indian troops stationed abroad, get weapons, and spark a simultaneous uprising across all British colonies. Their plans were encouraged by two events in 1914, the Komagata Maru incident and the outbreak of the First World War. The Ghadr Party’s inspirational forces were Lala Hardayal, Ramchandra, Bhagwan Singh, Kartar Singh Saraba, Barkatullah, etc.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Bijak is the collection of ideas and teachings of Kabir. Kabir was an Indian mystic poet and saint who lived in the 15th century. His verses may be found in the Sikhism’s holy book Guru Granth Sahib and his writings had an impact on the Bhakti movement in Hinduism. It is widely believed that Kabir was associated with Ramananda.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Vallabhacharya’s philosophy came to be known as Pushti Marga. He was one of the first to promote Krishna Bhakti on the basis of Maha Bhagavata Purana. He founded the philosophy of Shuddhadvaita which believed in the absolute union. He prescribed Pushtimarg as the means for salvation (extreme devotion to God).

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It leads to symptoms like bleeding gums, bruising, fatigue, and poor wound healing.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Rickets occurs due to Vitamin D deficiency, which impairs calcium absorption, leading to soft and weak bones in children. In adults, it can lead to osteomalacia.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Night blindness is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin A, not Vitamin E. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, particularly in low-light conditions. Vitamin E deficiency, on the other hand, may lead to nerve and muscle damage or immune system issues.

Explanation

Diphtheria has not been eradicated in India. It remains a public health concern, with cases still reported annually. It is a bacterial disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, and difficulty breathing. A characteristic thick gray membrane forms on the throat and tonsils in severe cases. Diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated objects. It is preventable through the DPT (Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus) vaccine, which is part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). Chickenpox has not been eradicated in India. It is a common infectious disease, particularly among children, and continues to occur throughout the country. It is caused by the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a highly contagious virus that spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with blisters. Symptoms include an itchy rash with red spots or blisters, fever, and fatigue. Following extensive surveillance and immunization campaigns, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared India free of smallpox in 1977. It is caused by the Variola virus, was one of the deadliest diseases in history, with a high mortality rate of 30%. It presented with symptoms like high fever, severe headache, and distinctive pus-filled blisters. Smallpox spread through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.

Explanation

Monasteries in Buddhism serve as centers of spiritual practice, meditation, and learning, preserving Buddhist teachings and traditions. They also foster community life and support the monastic community in pursuing enlightenment.

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Tabo Monastery is located in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh known for its ancient murals and manuscripts.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Lhotsava Lhakhang temple is in Nako village in the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh. Zanskar Valley is in the Kargil district of Ladakh. It has been identified as one of the hundred most endangered heritage sites by the World Monuments Fund.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Alchi temple complex is situated in Alchi village of Leh district, Ladakh. It was associated with Guru Rinchen Zangpo around the 10th century.