UPSC 1997 Prelims Questions with Answers

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.

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 3: India exports a significant quantity of iron ore to Japan due to its high demand for raw materials in its steel industry. B is correctly matched with 1: Indian leather goods have a substantial market in Russia. The demand for quality leather products in Russia aligns with India’s export capabilities in this sector. C is correctly matched with 4: The United Kingdom has historically been a major importer of Indian tea owing to long-standing trade ties and the popularity of tea in British culture. D is correctly matched with 2: The United States of America is a significant market for Indian cotton fabrics, given the demand for diverse textile products.

Explanation

The Mahabharata has been a significant source of inspiration for numerous literary works across India, influencing many regional languages. Pair (a) is incorrectly matched: Saraladasa (born as Siddheswara Parida) was a 15th-century poet and scholar of Odia literature and not Bengali. He is best known for three Odia books - Sarala Mahabharata, Vilanka Ramayana and Chandi Purana. Pair (b) is incorrectly matched: Kasirama, an important figure in Oriya literature, is most renowned for his adaptations of the Ramayana rather than the Mahabharata. Pair (c) is incorrectly matched: Tikkana was a Telugu poet who contributed to Andhra Mahabharatam, not Marathi. Pair (d) is correctly matched: Pampa was a Kannada poet, who authored Vikramarjuna Vijaya, also known as Pampa Bharata, based on the Mahabharata theme. His rendition of the Mahabharata focuses on the story of Arjuna and his heroic exploits.

Explanation

In India, inflation has traditionally been measured using the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and stands true for 1997. The WPI tracks the price changes of goods at the wholesale level, reflecting the prices at which goods are sold in bulk and is published by the Economic Adviser in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. However, in recent years, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has gained prominence as a measure of inflation, especially for policy decisions. The CPI measures price changes from the consumer’s perspective, capturing the retail prices of goods and services. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has adopted the CPI as the key measure for its inflation targeting framework.