Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

The dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is one of the most famous philosophical exchanges found in the Kathopanishad, a part of Yajurveda. In their dialogue, Nachiketa asks profound questions about the nature of death, immortality, and the soul’s journey, which leads to deep philosophical teachings on the eternal nature of the self (Atman) and the ultimate truth (Brahman).

Explanation

The Milindapanho (Questions of King Milinda) is an important Buddhist text that records a philosophical dialogue between Indo-Greek King Menander I (Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena. This text explores profound Buddhist concepts like impermanence (Anicca), non-self (Anatta), and the doctrine of karma through logical discourse and metaphors. The Milindapanho is considered an important work in the Theravada tradition.

Explanation

The Saka Era is a historical calendar that begins in 78 A.D., marking its epoch in Indian history. The Vikrama Samvat is another significant calendar system in India, which starts from 58 B.C.. To convert a Saka year to Vikrama Samvat, 136 years are added to the Saka year. Therefore, adding 136 years to 465 (Saka year) results in 601, which corresponds to a Vikrama Samvat year.

Explanation

Sufi orders, also known as tariqas, are mystical paths within Islam, characterized by a focus on spiritual purification, ritualism, and asceticism. These orders, such as the Naqshbandi, Qadiri, and Chishti, provide a framework for spiritual growth, emphasizing practices like dhikr (invocation), muraqaba (meditation), and sama (music and poetry) to attain spiritual stations and ultimately union with God. Assertion (A) is correct: Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti introduced the Chisti order in India in the 12th century. His teachings focused on love, humility, and devotion to God, and his dargah in Ajmer became a symbol of communal harmony. Reason (R) is incorrect: The Chisti order derives its name from Chisht, a village in present-day Afghanistan not Ajmer. The Chisti Sufis were instrumental in fostering spiritual and cultural exchanges in medieval India.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: An isopleth map is a type of thematic map that uses lines (isopleths) to connect points of equal value of a particular variable. These maps are ideal for visualizing data that changes gradually across a geographical area, like pressure. Lines (isopleths) link points of identical values, such as isobars (equal pressure), isotherms (equal temperature), or isoheights (equal altitude). Isobars, which are lines connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure, are a classic example of data visualized using an isopleth map. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

A choropleth map uses different shades or colors to represent statistical data across predefined areas, such as population density by country or state. Chorochromatic Map also known as area-class maps, chorochromatic maps depict regions of different categories using various colors, often representing qualitative data like land use or vegetation types.For example a map showing different colors for various land cover types, such as forests, urban areas, and water bodies. Choroschematic maps simplify spatial relationships using schematic representations, often abstracting geographic details to highlight specific information. It may not adhere to strict geographic accuracy. Example: A transit map illustrating subway lines and stations without accurate geographic scaling.

Explanation

The Mir Bakshi was a pivotal figure in the military administration under Akbar’s reign. They managed the recruitment, organization, and payment of the army. Additionally, they supervised military campaigns and oversaw overall military affairs. Diwan was the head of the revenue department in the provinces and oversaw revenue and finance. Mir Saman was in charge of the imperial household. He was responsible for managing the purchase and procurement of goods and supplies for the royal household, including furniture, clothing, and other necessities. Bakshi was head of the military department at provincial level.

Explanation

Padmapani is a title often used for Avalokiteshvara. He is one of the most revered Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism, symbolizing compassion and mercy. His name means "The Lord Who Looks Down (upon the world with compassion)." Avalokitesvara is believed to postpone his own enlightenment to help all sentient beings achieve liberation. He is especially worshiped in Tibet, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The Dalai Lama is considered an incarnation of Avalokitesvara in Tibetan Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism and represent key Bodhisattvas who embody different aspects of Buddhist ideals and qualities. Vajrapani: Vajrapani is a prominent Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, often depicted holding a vajra (thunderbolt), symbolizing power and the ability to ward off evil. Manjusri: Manjusri is a Bodhisattva associated with wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. He is often depicted holding a sword to cut through ignorance and a scripture in his left hand, symbolizing the wisdom of the Buddha. Maitreya: Maitreya is the future Buddha in Buddhist tradition, believed to appear in the future to teach pure Dharma. Maitreya is often depicted as a joyful and benevolent figure, embodying hope and compassion for the future.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: The Indian Ocean exhibits a unique phenomenon called the monsoon drift, where seasonal wind reversals, driven by the monsoon system, significantly influence ocean currents. During the northeast monsoon (November-March), winds originate from the northeast, pushing the North Equatorial Current southwestward and westward across the Equator. In contrast, the southwest monsoon (May-September) brings winds from the southwest, causing a reversal in current direction. This cyclical shift in wind patterns directly impacts the flow of ocean currents, making the Indian Ocean distinct from other major oceans.

Option (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

As the reversal of ocean currents in the Indian Ocean is caused by seasonal monsoon winds and not the ocean’s size. As the Indian Ocean is not landlocked though it is bordered by Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent. It is because salinity variations do not primarily cause the reversal of currents.

Explanation

The events of the 20th century were marked by major political reforms, protests, and movements that significantly shaped India’s struggle for independence. Morley-Minto Reforms (1909) introduced separate electorates for Muslims and increased Indian representation in the legislature under British rule. Simon Commission (1927) was appointed to review the Government of India Act, 1919, which was met with widespread protests in India due to its all-white composition. Chauri-Chaura Incident (1922) was a violent clash between protesters and police during the Non-Cooperation Movement, leading to the death of 22 policemen, which caused Gandhi to suspend the movement. Dandi March (1930) led by Mahatma Gandhi to defy the British salt monopoly, marking a pivotal moment in the Civil Disobedience Movement.Gandhi and his followers illegally produced salt by collecting seawater and evaporating it, symbolizing defiance of British law.

Explanation

The Chittagong Armoury Raid took place in April, 1930, in Chittagong was led by Surya Sen. The aim was to establish an armed struggle and ignite a rebellion against the British government. The Kakori Conspiracy (1925) is associated with looting a train carrying government funds by the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), and Ram Prasad Bismil was one of its chief organizers. The Lahore Conspiracy refers to the Central Assembly Bombing which took place in 1929. The bombing was an attempt to protest against the repressive laws of the British government. Jatin Das was accused of making a bomb that was thrown in the Assembly Hall during a regular session by Bhagat Singh and Batukeswar Dutt. The Ghadar Party was an important revolutionary organization founded in 1913 in the United States by Lala Hardayal and other expatriates. Its goal was to liberate India from British colonial rule through armed struggle.