This page lists 56 previous year UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (General Studies Paper-I) questions on the UPSC 1997 Prelims. Choose an option to see the correct answer and the full explanation on the same page.
Showing 1–10 of 56 questions
Manigrama was a well-known corporation of merchants in ancient India, particularly in South India. It played a crucial role in trade and commerce, often dealing with long-distance trade.
Option (d) is correct:
Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun, primarily found in the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter. They are remnants from the early formation of the Solar System. They vary in size from small pebbles to Ceres, which is nearly 946 km in diameter and classified as a dwarf planet. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:
Meteors do not revolve around the Sun in a fixed orbit like asteroids. They are small space debris or fragments of asteroids or comets that enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up due to friction with the air, producing a bright streak of light (commonly called a shooting star). Comets are not confined to the region between Mars and Jupiter. Comets are icy celestial bodies that originate from the Kuiper Belt or Oort Cloud (far beyond Neptune). They follow highly elliptical orbits around the Sun and develop a glowing coma and a tail when they approach the Sun due to ice subli-mation. Meteorites are meteors that survive their passage through Earth’s atmosphere and land on Earth’s surface. Unlike asteroids they do not orbit the Sun.
The Sun, positioned at the center of the Solar System, is the closest star to Earth, with a distance of roughly 93 million miles (approximately 8 light-minutes). Its proximity makes it crucial for life on Earth.
Option (d) is incorrect: Sirius, also known as the Dog Star, is one of the brightest stars visible from Earth. However, it is located approximately 8.6 light-years away, making it significantly farther than the Sun.
The presence of ice caps and frozen water is the most critical condition for the potential existence of life on Mars. Water is fundamental for life as we know it. The presence of frozen water (ice caps) on Mars suggests the possibility of liquid water under certain conditions, making it the most crucial factor for life. Recent discoveries of underground water reservoirs beneath the Martian surface further highlight its importance.
Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, is often called the "Red Planet" due to its iron-rich, reddish surface. It has a thin atmosphere primarily composed of carbon dioxide, with traces of nitrogen and argon. Mars has polar ice caps, large volcanoes like Olympus Mons, and a canyon system known as Valles Marineris. The planet experiences seasons, dust storms, and temperature fluctuations. Scientific interest in Mars stems from evidence of ancient rivers, lakes, and possible subsurface water, making it a key target in the search for past or present life.
Abul Fazl, a historian and one of Navratnas in Akbar’s court, mentioned the discovery of America by Europeans in his monumental work ‘Ain-i-Akbari’. His writings provide insights into Akbar’s court, administration, and cultural milieu, showing the reach of Mughal intellectual pursuits. Other important writings of the Abul Fazl are:
Akbarnama The History of Akbar Insh-i-Abu’l Fazl Persian translation of the Bible
Balban (reigned 1266-1287) was one of the most prominent rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, particularly known for his strong and centralized rule. He was part of the Slave dynasty which began with Qutb-ud-Din Aibak. After consolidating his power, Balban assumed the grand title of "Zil-i-Ilahi", which means "The Shadow of God" or "The Shadow of the Divine." This title was a reflection of his absolute authority and divine right to rule. By adopting this title, Balban sought to emphasize the sacred nature of his rule and his unquestionable authority, essentially equating his position with the will of God.
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Moplah revolt | 1. Kerala |
| B. Pabna revolt | 2. Bihar |
| C. Eka movement | 3. Bengal |
| D. Birsa Munda revolt | 4. Awadh |
These revolts were often triggered by socio-economic oppression or resistance to administrative interference. The Moplah Revolt, also referred to as the Mappila Outbreaks, was a series of uprisings by the Mappila (Moplah) Muslim peasantry of Malabar (present-day Kerala). These uprisings were against the exploitation by Hindu landlords and the oppressive colonial state. The Pabna Peasant Uprising in Bengal, was led by peasants (ryots) against the oppressive zamindars. This revolt arose from economic distress and disputes over tenancy rights. The Eka (Unity) Movement emerged in Awadh (modern Uttar Pradesh) was a farmers’ rebellion against high rents, illegal levies, and the oppressive practices of landlords under British rule. The Birsa Munda Revolt was a significant tribal uprising in Bihar and the region now known as Jharkhand. The Munda community revolted against colonial policies and zamindari practices, which encroached upon their land and traditions.
The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949, as noted in the Preamble, marking the completion of the drafting process. The X stands for this date in the Preamble. However, it came into effect on 26th January 1950, to honor the Purna Swaraj Declaration of 1930, when India resolved to seek complete independence. The Preamble reflects the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, while the Constitution’s official enforcement began on Republic Day.
Ashokan pillar architecture is characterized by tall, monolithic stone columns with tapering shafts, polished surfaces, and inscriptions. Examples of some Ashokan Pillars are The Sarnath Pillar (UP), Lauria Nandangarh & Lauria Araraj (Bihar). Statement (a) is correct: Highly polished surfaces, which give them a smooth, lustrous finish. The pillars, made of sandstone, were polished so well that they shine even today. This smooth finish shows the advanced craftsmanship of the Mauryan period. Statement (b) is correct: Monolithic design, meaning each pillar was carved from a single block of stone.These pillars were carved from huge blocks of stone and transported to various locations across the Mauryan Empire. Statement (c) is correct: Tapering shafts, which narrow slightly towards the top, add to their elegance. Statement (d) is incorrect: Ashoka’s stone pillars were not generally parts of architectural structures like temples or gateways. Instead, they were freestanding monolithic columns, typically used for inscription and public proclamation. These pillars were placed at important sites to commemorate events, convey royal edicts, and spread Ashoka’s Dhamma (moral code).
The Ashokan Edicts are a series of inscriptions engraved on rocks, pillars, and cave walls across the Indian subcontinent, commissioned by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Dynasty in the 3rd century BC.
Option (a) is correct: The Maski Edict, found in Karnataka, is unique for explicitly mentioning Ashoka’s personal name. It confirms that the titles "Devanampiya" and "Piyadassi" refer to Emperor Ashoka.
Option (b) is incorrect: The Special Kalinga Edicts, issued by Ashoka for Kalinga highlights his shift from violence to Dhamma, promoting moral living and ethical governance.
Option (c) is incorrect: The Rummindei Edict (also known as the Lumbini Pillar Inscription) was discovered at Rummindei (present-day Lumbini in Nepal), which is recognised as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha commemorates Ashoka’s pilgrimage to Lumbini and his dedication to Buddhism.
Option (d) is incorrect: The Kalsi Edict, found in Uttarakhand, is the only Major Rock Edict in North India. It highlights Ashoka’s promotion of Dhamma and moral governance but does not mention his personal name, as shown in the Ashoka Empire 250 BC map. Fig.: Ashoka Empire, 250 BC Map
| Q | UPSC year | Correct answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997 | (d) Manigrama |
| 2 | 1997 | (d) Asteroids |
| 3 | 1997 | (c) Sun |
| 4 | 1997 | (c) Occurrence of ice caps and frozen water |
| 5 | 1997 | (d) Abul Fazl |
| 6 | 1997 | (c) Zil-I-Ilahi |
| 7 | 1997 | (a) A-1; B-3; C-4; D-2 |
| 8 | 1997 | (b) twenty-sixth day of November, 1949 |
| 9 | 1997 | (d) These are parts of architectural structures |
| 10 | 1997 | (a) Maski |
This page covers 56 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on the UPSC 1997 Prelims, asked between 1995 to 2024. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Questions on the UPSC 1997 Prelims are available for 30 years, from 1995 to 2024. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
