Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Firoz Shah Tughlaq (reigned 1351-1388 AD) was one of the most prominent rulers of the Tughlaq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. His reign is remembered for a number of reforms and infrastructural developments. He is credited with building the largest and most significant canal network during this period, aimed at boosting agriculture and ensuring water availability. The Britisher used to call him the Father of the Irrigation Department because of the many gardens and canals he built like the canal connecting the Yamuna to Hissar city; Satluj to the Ghaggar, etc.

Explanation

Assertion is correct: The early Turkish rulers in India relied heavily on their military to establish and maintain control over the region. The Delhi Sultanate was founded on military conquest, and the rulers relied on military commanders for administrative control. During this time, the sultanate’s governance was largely militarized, and military leaders had significant power and influence over the territory. Reason is true: The concept of Iqta was introduced in India during the rule of Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish (r. 1211-1236). An Iqta was a land grant that was given to military leaders in return for their service. These military leaders, often called Iqtadars, were in charge of the administration of the land within their assigned Iqta and were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting revenue, and providing military support to the Sultan. The system of Iqta created a decentralized form of administration, where military leaders had significant autonomy within their assigned territories. Thus, Reason (R) correctly explains the Assertion (A).

Explanation

The Economic Survey of India is published annually by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. It is usually released just before the Union Budget and provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s economic performance in the previous year and outlook for the future. The Economic Survey is prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance and includes analyses of various economic sectors, fiscal policies, and key challenges the country faces.

Explanation

The Greeks (2nd century BCE to 1st century CE in northwestern India), Kushanas (1st to 3rd century CE across northern India and Central Asia), and Shakas (2nd century BCE to 4th century CE in western India) were key powers during the Post-Mauryan period. Greek, Kushanas and Shakas needed legitimacy for their rule for people to accept them as their king. Accepting religion in the local area was the best way to achieve legitimacy. Buddhism provided the easiest entry in comparison to Hinduism which had strict birth related caste structure.

Explanation

Ashoka’s Edicts represent some of the earliest and most extensive inscriptions in Indian history, providing valuable insights into his policies and beliefs. Carved on rocks, pillars, and caves throughout his empire, these edicts reveal Ashoka’s commitment to Dhamma (moral law). The Assertion (A) is true: Ashoka’s edicts emphasize the importance of social harmony and ethical conduct over specific religious devotion. For example, in Rock Edict XII, Ashoka urged people to respect all religions and avoid criticism of other faiths. Similarly, Rock Edict VII emphasizes religious tolerance and harmony, stating that all religions should coexist peacefully. The Reason (R) is also true: His focus was on equity and moral values rather than endorsing a particular religion. Ashoka’s edicts spread ideas of equity, justice, and moral conduct rather than promoting any single religion, even though he embraced Buddhism. Thus, Both statements are true, and R correctly explains A.

Explanation

Shivaji (1627-1680) opposed the Mughal dynasty and founded the Maratha kingdom in 17th-century India. His kingdom’s security was based on religious toleration and on the functional integration of Brahmans, Marathas, and Prabhus. He was assisted by a council of Eight members (Ashtapradhan) in his administration. The members of the council are:

1. Peshwa - Head of the administration, overseeing governance.

2. Sumant - In charge of foreign affairs and diplomacy.

3. Sachiv - Managed records and communications.

4. Amatya - Responsible for finances and revenue.

5. Dabir - Handled correspondence.

6. Senapati - Military commander-in-chief.

7. Nyayadhish - Chief justice, overseeing law and order. 8. Pandit Rao - Managed religious affairs and advised on spiritual matters.

Explanation

The Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka are a series of inscriptions on rock surfaces across the Indian subcontinent, issued by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka to communicate his policies, ethical principles, and the spread of Dhamma (moral law).

Option (c) is correct: The Ashoka Major Rock Edicts II and XIII are significant because they provide information about the Sangam Kingdom, which was located in the southern part of India. Rock Edict II mentions the Tamil kingdoms and provides insights into the connections and diplomatic interactions between Ashoka’s Mauryan Empire and the southern kingdoms, particularly emphasizing the relationship with Cholas, Pandyas, and Satyaputras. Rock Edict XIII is famous for describing Ashoka’s Kalinga War and its consequences. It focuses on Ashoka’s messages of Dhamma, non-violence, and the dissemination of his moral teachings to various regions, as shown in the Ashoka Empire 250 BC map.

Explanation

The Dharma Chakra Pravartana Sutta records the Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath, where he expounded the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This path provides a practical guide to overcoming dukkha (suffering) and achieving Nirvana. The Eightfold Path consists of: Right View; Right Intention; Right Speech; Right Action; Right Livelihood; Right Effort; Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. It advocates a balanced approach, avoiding extremes of asceticism and indulgence, laying the foundation for Buddhist ethics and practice. This sermon marks the beginning of the Sangha (monastic community).

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Mrichchakatikam (The Little Clay Cart) is an ancient Sanskrit play by Shudraka, blending romance, social commentary, and drama, and is known for its vivid portrayal of love, class struggles, and moral dilemmas.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Buddhacharita was written by Ashvaghosha, not Vasuvandhu. The work, composed in the 2nd century CE, narrates the life and teachings of Sakyamuni (Gautama Buddha), including his birth, renunciation, enlightenment, and his efforts to spread the Dharma.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Mudrarakshasa is a classical Sanskrit play by Vishakhadatta, depicting the political intrigue and cunning diplomacy of Chanakya as he helps Chandragupta Maurya rise to power, showcasing themes of statecraft and strategy.

Pair 4 is correctly matched: Harshacharita (The Deeds of Harsha) is a biographical work on Emperor Harsha (7th century CE), written by Banabhatta. He was the court poet of Harshavardhana and is considered one of the earliest Indian biographers.

Explanation

The Komagata Maru Incident (1914) involved a Japanese steamship, the Komagata Maru, carrying 376 Indian passengers (mostly Sikhs) attempting to migrate to Canada but were denied entry to Canada under discriminatory immigration laws and were forced to return to Calcutta, India. Gandhi ji stayed in South Africa for 21 years and fought for the rights of the non-Europeans in South Africa. Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and toured India on the advice of Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Tilak established the Indian Home Rule League in April 1916 in Belgaum. The league focused its activities in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Central Province, and Berar, excluding Bombay. The objective was to achieve self-government for India.