UPSC 1998 Prelims Questions with Answers

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).

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Mrichchakatikam (The Little Clay Cart) is an ancient Sanskrit play by Shudraka, blending romance, social commentary, and drama, and is known for its vivid portrayal of love, class struggles, and moral dilemmas.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Buddhacharita was written by Ashvaghosha, not Vasuvandhu. The work, composed in the 2nd century CE, narrates the life and teachings of Sakyamuni (Gautama Buddha), including his birth, renunciation, enlightenment, and his efforts to spread the Dharma.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Mudrarakshasa is a classical Sanskrit play by Vishakhadatta, depicting the political intrigue and cunning diplomacy of Chanakya as he helps Chandragupta Maurya rise to power, showcasing themes of statecraft and strategy.

Pair 4 is correctly matched: Harshacharita (The Deeds of Harsha) is a biographical work on Emperor Harsha (7th century CE), written by Banabhatta. He was the court poet of Harshavardhana and is considered one of the earliest Indian biographers.

Explanation

The Komagata Maru Incident (1914) involved a Japanese steamship, the Komagata Maru, carrying 376 Indian passengers (mostly Sikhs) attempting to migrate to Canada but were denied entry to Canada under discriminatory immigration laws and were forced to return to Calcutta, India. Gandhi ji stayed in South Africa for 21 years and fought for the rights of the non-Europeans in South Africa. Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and toured India on the advice of Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Tilak established the Indian Home Rule League in April 1916 in Belgaum. The league focused its activities in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Central Province, and Berar, excluding Bombay. The objective was to achieve self-government for India.

Explanation

Indian Muslims were generally not attracted to the Extremist movement because of the movement’s emphasis on Hindu symbolism, rituals, and historical references. The extremists believed in sacrificing everything including life for the cause of the motherland. They tried to instill self respect and patriotism in the people by invoking past heroes like Ashoka, Shivaji, Maharana Pratap, and this approach alienated many Muslims who felt that their religious and cultural identity was not adequately represented or respected.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: The correct sequence of the different layers of the atmosphere from the surface of the Earth upwards is: Troposphere Stratosphere Mesosphere Ionosphere Troposphere: This is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth’s surface up to about 8-15 km. It contains most of the Earth’s weather systems and clouds. Stratosphere: Above the troposphere, this layer extends from around 15 km to 50 km. It contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation. Mesosphere: Above the stratosphere, the mesosphere stretches from 50 km to 85 km. It is the layer where meteors burn up upon entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. Ionosphere: This is not a distinct layer like the others but rather a region of the atmosphere (spanning from about 60 km to 1,000 km) where ionization of gases occurs. The ionosphere overlaps with the thermosphere and exosphere.

Explanation

The climate data provided, with moderate temperatures and distinct seasonal rainfall patterns, is more in line with the China-type climate found in parts of Eastern Asia. The temperature gradually increases from 3.9°C in January to 27.8°C in July and then decreases towards December. This shows warm summers and cool winters, which is characteristic of the China-type climate, where summers are typically hot and humid and winters are cold and dry.

Explanation

Option (d) is correct: The 1997 Indonesian forest fires were primarily caused by human activities like slash-and-burn agriculture to clear land for plantations, particularly for palm oil production. These fires escalated due to a lack of effective forest management practises. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

The greenhouse effect refers to the trapping of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases, leading to global warming. While global warming can influence climate patterns, there is no direct evidence linking the greenhouse effect as the immediate cause of the 1997 fires. The ozone layer protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Its depletion is primarily associated with increased UV exposure. Ozone layer depletion does not have a direct connection to forest fires, including those in Indonesia in 1997. El Niño is a climatic phenomenon characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, leading to significant weather changes globally. But it is not directly associated with Indonesian forest fires.

Explanation

Sohgaura copper-plate inscription is among the earliest records highlighting the Mauryan state’s concern for preserving food grains during crises. Issued during the Mauryan period, it details a directive for famine relief by storing grains, showcasing a significant step in disaster preparedness by the state. This inscription reflects the Mauryan administrative foresight in dealing with natural calamities and highlights the organized approach of the empire. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Rummindei Pillar Edict of Ashoka is associated with Ashoka’s spread of Dhamma, focusing on moral and ethical governance rather than food grain preservation. Prayaga-prasasti is an inscription that commemorates the achievements of Emperor Samudragupta. It is a eulogy that highlights the military and political prowess of the Gupta dynasty. The Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandragupta II primarily commemorates victories and royal patronage rather than providing instructions for crisis management or food grain preservation.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Lothal, located in present-day Gujarat, was a major port city of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is renowned for its well-planned dockyard, which is considered one of the earliest known examples of a dockyard in the world, indicating the importance of maritime trade.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, marking the beginning of his teachings on the Middle Path.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: The Lion Capital of Ashoka is not associated with Rajgir but was found at Sarnath. The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a famous sculpture from the Mauryan period and is now the national emblem of India.

Pair 4 is correctly matched: Nalanda was a renowned center of Buddhist learning, attracting scholars from across Asia. Nalanda University (Bihar) was one of the greatest centers of Buddhist learning in ancient India, flourishing under the Gupta and Pala dynasties. It attracted scholars from across Asia, including China, Korea, and Tibet.

Explanation

The correct order of development (from oldest to newest):

Urban Culture arose with the Indus Valley Civilization (~2600 BCE), marking the emergence of planned urban centers.(4) Iron Plough usage began around the 1st millennium BCE, enhancing agricultural output.(3) Punch-marked Silver Coins started circulating by the 6th century BCE as early currency.(2) Gold Coins were introduced during the Kushan period, establishing high-value currency standards.(1)