UPSC 1998 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 4: Pluto was considered the smallest planet in the solar system. It was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Note: If we consider only the eight classical planets, Mercury is the smallest. B is correctly matched with 3: Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system, with a diameter of about 139,820 km. It is a gas giant and has a mass more than twice that of all the other planets combined. It features the iconic Great Red Spot, a giant storm. C is correctly matched with 2: Venus located between Mercury and Earth is the second planet from the Sun. Venus is often called Earth’s "twin" due to its similar size and composition. D is correctly matched with 1: Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, orbiting at an average distance of 57.91 million km (0.39 AU). It has the shortest orbit of all planets, completing one revolution around the Sun in 88 Earth days.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Asteroids orbit the Sun in an elliptical path, similar to planets. They are rocky remnants from the early formation of the Solar System about 4.6 billion years ago. Their composition includes metals, silicates, and carbon-rich materials.

Statement 2 is correct: Most asteroids are much smaller, typically less than 1 km in diameter. There are millions of asteroids in the Solar System, ranging in size from tiny pebbles to massive bodies.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Most asteroids are located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, not Jupiter and Saturn. This re-gion is called the Main Asteroid Belt, which contains the majority of known asteroids. Some asteroids such as Trojan asteroids, share orbits with Jupiter but are not found in the region between Jupiter and Saturn.

Explanation

Fawazil was the surplus or excess revenue collected by the Iqtadars beyond their prescribed share and remitted to the central treasury, ensuring financial accountability and contributing to the Sultanate’s centralized economy. Sikandar Lodhi (1489 to 1517) of the Lodi dynasty abolished the practice of sending "fawazil" to the central treasury. This move by Sikandar Lodi was part of his efforts to consolidate his power and reduce the financial control of the central government over the military officials, allowing them greater autonomy.

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 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).