Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Hybridoma technology is a groundbreaking biotechnological method developed for the large-scale production of monoclonal antibodies. This technique involves the fusion of an antibody-producing B lymphocyte with a myeloma (cancer) cell, creating a hybrid cell line called a hybridoma. These hybridomas are capable of producing a single type of antibody (monoclonal) indefinitely. Monoclonal antibodies are widely used in medical diagnostics, treatment of diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders, and in research applications. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Interferons, are proteins used in antiviral therapies. They are not produced using hybridoma technology. They are typically synthesized using recombinant DNA technology. Antibiotics are derived from microorganisms like fungi and bacteria, not via hybridoma technology. Alcohol production relies on fermentation processes, not hybridoma technology.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is true: Ashoka annexed Kalinga after the brutal Kalinga War (261 BCE), which deeply impacted him and led to his adoption of Dhamma (Buddhist principles). Reason (R) is true: Kalinga held a strategic position with control over important land and sea routes to South India, which made it economically and militarily significant. He retained Kalinga after its conquest and incorporated it into his empire over its sheer importance with respect to land and sea trade connectivity. Thus, R explains A. Hence, Option (a) is correct.

Explanation

Military governorship in ancient India, particularly during the periods of the Mauryan, Gupta, and Kushana empires, was a key feature of the administrative structure. Amongst the given options, Greeks were the first who introduced military governorship in India. They appointed their Governors called Strategos. These military governors had both military and administrative authority and were responsible for maintaining control and collecting taxes. The practice was further continued by subsequent foreign invaders and Indian rulers as well such as Sakas, Parthians and later Mughals.

Explanation

The Alexander’s invasion of India in 326 B.C is a pivotal moment in ancient history, marking the encounter between Greek and Indian civilizations. At the time of Alexander’s invasion in 326 B.C., the northern part of India was under the rule of the Nanda dynasty (343 - 321 BCE). The king of the Nanda dynasty at the time of Alexander’s invasion of India was Dhanananda.

Explanation

Ibrahim Adil Shah II (1580-1627 AD) of Bijapur sultanate was known for promoting religious harmony and blending Hindu-Muslim traditions in music, art, and literature. His secular outlook earned him the title ’Jagadguru’ (World Teacher) among his subjects. He also wrote a book called ’Kitab-i-Nauras’, which discussed religious tolerance and philosophical ideas. Gulshan- i-Ishq was one of his portraits made after his death.

Explanation

Balaji Vishwanath (1713-1720 AD) became the Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Maratha Empire in 1714 during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the grandson of Shivaji Maharaj. He is credited with playing a pivotal role in strengthening the administration of the Maratha Empire and ensuring the centralization of power under the Peshwa system. His leadership set the stage for the Maratha Empire’s expansion in the 18th century.

Explanation

The feudal system in ancient India was a socio-economic and political structure characterized by a hierarchy of landownership and obligations, where land was held in exchange for service, primarily military or administrative. Assertion(A) is true: The feudal system, a hierarchical system of land-use and protection, originated in ancient India due to military campaigns. This is true because, during wars and conquests, victorious rulers granted land to military officers and local chiefs as a reward for their service. These landholders, called samantas, later became hereditary lords, leading to the emergence of feudal structures. Reason (R) is also true: During the post Mauryan and Gupta period feudal system became the main state apparatus as the Guptas granted large land tracts (agraharas and bhukti) to Brahmins, officers, and feudatories (samantas). These landholders gained administrative and military control, further decentralizing power. Reason (R) is not a correct explanation of Assertion(A):

Feudal system expanded through other factors, not simply the Gupta period.The emergence of feudalism in India was influenced by the arrival of various foreign invaders and rulers.

Explanation

Sangam literature refers to the ancient Tamil literary corpus, composed between 300 BCE and 300 CE, which includes poems celebrating heroism, love, and ethics. Notable works include the Tolkappiyam, the earliest Tamil grammar text, and the Ettuthokai and Pattupattu, which offer insights into the socio-political and cultural life of Tamil kingdoms. A is true: The Padinen Kilukanakku is a collection of 18 post-Sangam Tamil literary works, divided into Aham (love) and Puram (war) genres. These works are considered a continuation of the Sangam literature in terms of themes, style, and language. They reflect the same poetic traditions and cultural values as the Sangam compositions. R is true: The Padinen Kilukanakku is classified as post-Sangam literature because it was composed after the Sangam period proper. While the Sangam works are the earliest Tamil literary compositions, the Padinen Kilukanakku texts were written later during the post-Sangam period (circa 300-600 CE). R is the correct explanation of A: The Padinen Kilkanakku texts though composed in the Post-Sangam period but carry forward the Aham and Puram poetic traditions of the Sangam era, thereby forming a continuation of the earlier compositions.

Explanation

Upon returning to India from South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi initiated his first successful satyagraha in Champaran in 1917. The movement arose in response to the plight of indigo farmers in Bihar, who were compelled by British planters to grow indigo under oppressive conditions, leading to widespread exploitation. To support these farmers, Gandhi led a peaceful and nonviolent resistance movement, advocating for their rights and justice.

Explanation

The Early Nationalists movement, also known as the Moderates phase of freedom struggle, was led by a group of political leaders between 1885 and 1907. Most of the early nationalist leaders were drawn from educated middle-class professionals including lawyers, teachers and government officials and they adopted a constitutional and peaceful approach to achieve their objectives. Assertion (A) is True: The early nationalists failed to draw the masses into the mainstream of the national movement such that their area of influence remained limited to urban educated Indians. Reason (R) is False: The movement advocated for reforms like better representation in legislative councils, the reduction of discriminatory practices, and educational reforms. While it did not initially address the economic hardships of peasants or workers, it did aim at broader social and political changes within British India.