UPSC 1996 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Kula, Vamsa, and Gotra were terms associated with the social and family structure of ancient Indian society, particularly in relation to lineage and ancestry. In contrast, Kosa referred to the treasury and was a key element in state administration. Mentioned in Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Kosa was one of the seven components of Kautilya’s Saptanga policy, which included Swamin (Ruler), Amatya (Ministers), Janapada (Territory), Durg (Forts), Kosa (Treasury), Bala (Army), and Mitra (Friend or Ally).

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: Joseph François Dupleix, the French Governor-General in India, was the first European to actively involve himself in the disputes and power struggles of Indian rulers. Dupleix actively pursued a policy of interference in local Indian disputes, particularly during the Carnatic Wars (1746-1763) and the succession conflicts in Hyderabad. He supported rival claimants and used French military power to influence Indian politics. In the First Carnatic War (1746-1748), Dupleix allied with Chanda Sahib against Anwar-ud-Din, the Nawab of Arcot, to strengthen French influence in the region. During the Second Carnatic War (1749-1754), he backed Muzaffar Jung for the throne of Hyderabad and Chanda Sahib for the Nawabship of Arcot, aiming to expand French control in South India. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Robert Clive, known for expanding British rule in India, adopted similar strategies to Dupleix, especially after the Battle of Plassey (1757). Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese general, focused on maritime dominance, controlling key ports like Goa and Malacca, rather than engaging in local territorial disputes. Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of Bengal (1773-1785), implemented reforms but built upon the policies of Clive and Dupleix, not initiating the first interventions in princely conflicts.

Explanation

Assertion(A) is true: The Constitution of India does not define the term "minority." While the Constitution provides for the protection of minorities through various provisions (such as Articles 29 and 30), the word "minority" itself is not defined. However, certain minority groups are recognized and protected, but the Constitution leaves the exact definition to be determined by laws, such as the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. Reason (R) is true: The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is not a constitutional body; it was created under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, passed by Parliament. Unlike other commissions such as the Election Commission, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the NCM is a statutory body, not one established by the Constitution. However, Reason (R) does not explain Assertion (A) directly. The fact that the Minorities Commission is a statutory body does not explain why the term "minority" is not defined in the Constitution.

Explanation

The "Diamond Ring" phenomenon is a striking optical effect observed during a total solar eclipse. It occurs when a small sliver of the Sun’s light is visible around the edge of the Moon, creating the appearance of a brilliant diamond resting on a luminous ring. This effect is typically seen moments just before the eclipse reaches totality or immediately after it ends.

Explanation

Vedic literature consists of the Vedas, which are the oldest religious texts of India, comprising hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings. It includes four Vedas--Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda--and their associated texts like the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. The river most mentioned in early Vedic literature is the Sindhu. It is mentioned over 150 times in the Rig Veda, the oldest known Hindu text. The Sindhu is identical to the Indus River and is considered to be a sacred river associated with fertility, abundance and prosperity. Other rivers that are mentioned in early Vedic literature include the Saraswati, Yamuna and Ganges. Saraswati is called naditama or the best of the rivers in the Rig Veda.

Explanation

Arthashastra, attributed to Kautilya, contains provisions related to social and economic aspects, including marriage and divorce. According to Arthashastra, a wife deserted by her husband had the legal right to seek divorce and remarry. If a man abandoned his wife without valid reason then she could remarry after waiting for a certain period. It also mentions conditions under which a woman could remarry if her husband was missing, dead, or had become a renunciate (ascetic).

Explanation

Nastaliq is a highly stylized Persian script, known for its fluid and elegant appearance. Introduced to India during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods, it was widely used in manuscripts, poetry, and royal decrees. This script reflects the cultural fusion of Persian and Indian traditions, particularly under the Mughal Empire. It remains a hallmark of Islamic calligraphy and is still used in Persian and Urdu writing today.

Explanation

Sufism is the mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes inner spiritual development, seeking a direct connection with God through meditation, poetry, and devotion. Sufis are often part of "orders" called tariqa, which are congregations centered around a grand master wali. These orders trace their teachings through a lineage of successive teachers, ultimately connecting back to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chisti, founder of the Chishti Sufi order in India, emphasized the use of sama (devotional music) as a means of spiritual connection with God. He believed that music, when performed with pure devotion, could elevate the soul and foster closeness to the divine. This practice became central to Chishti gatherings, inspiring spiritual ecstasy. While Baba Farid and Sayyid Muhammad Gesudaraz focused more on spiritual teachings and community service, the tradition of sama continues today at Muin-ud-din Chisti’s dargah in Ajmer.

Explanation

The term "boycott" originates from the name of Captain Charles Boycott, a British land agent in Ireland. In 1880, Irish tenants protested against his harsh treatment by refusing to cooperate with him or work on his land. This form of non-cooperation was later adopted globally as a political tool of protest. The other terms: Gherao, Bandh, and Hartal are not derived from personal names.

Explanation

The Supreme Court of India, in the Bijoe Emmanuel case (1986), ruled that no one can be compelled to sing the National Anthem as it violates Fundamental Rights.

Statement 1 is correct: The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression. It ruled that the right to freedom of speech and expression is not limited to spoken words but also includes silence.

Statement 2 is correct: If someone refuses to sing due to religious beliefs, forcing them violates their right to freedom of conscience and religion.

Statement 3 is correct: There is no legal provision in Indian law that mandates individuals to sing the National Anthem. Respect for the anthem is required, but singing it is not obligatory.