UPSC 2001 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

The Harappan Civilization made extensive use of seals for administrative, commercial, and religious purposes. These seals were crafted from a variety of materials, including steatite, terracotta, agate, chert, and faience. Notable examples include the Pashupati Seal and the Unicorn Seal etc.

Option (a) is correct: The most common animal depicted on the seals was one horned bull. Other animals like Buffalo, Tiger, Rhinoceros and Elephant were also commonly used. However, cows, horses and camels were not depicted on the seals

Explanation

Pair (a) is correctly matched: Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388) established the Diwan-i-Bandagan, a department for slaves, during the Tughlaq Dynasty. The officer in charge of the Diwan-i-Bandagan was the Wakil-i-dar. It oversaw the management of slaves and servants in the royal palace and administrative offices. Pair (b) is incorrectly matched: The Diwan-i-Mustakhraj was a department of the Delhi Sultanate that was created by Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316) to collect revenue arrears and to address corruption. It was responsible for investigating and collecting outstanding revenue from collectors. Pair (c) is incorrectly matched: The Diwan-i-Kohi was an agricultural department established by Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325-51) to improve agricultural productivity and food security in the Delhi Sultanate. He also developed a slew of measures to provide relief to famine victims. Pair (d) is incorrectly matched: The Diwan-i-Arz was the military department of the Delhi Sultanate and was established by Ghiyas ud din Balban (1266 to 1287). It was headed by Ariz-i-Mamalik.

Explanation

The establishment of Mughal rule in India began with Babur’s (1526 - 1530) victory over Sultan Ibrahim Lodiin the First Battle of Panipat (1526) and Rana Sanga in the Battle of Khanua(1527). These victories laid the foundation for the Mughal Empire, which was further consolidated by Akbar, who expanded and solidified Mughal authority across India. Assertion (A) is true: The Battle of Khanua was more decisive and significant than the First Battle of Panipat because it strengthened the Mughal rule in India, while the First Battle of Panipat only laid its foundation. Reason (R) is true: Rana Sanga was a skilled warrior and leader who had built a strong alliance of Rajput kingdoms. He was a more formidable adversary than Ibrahim Lodi. The Battle of Khanua was more significant because it neutralized the threat from the Rajputs and consolidated Babur’s authority. Thus, the Reason (R) is the correct explanation for the Assertion (A).

Explanation

Chengiz Khan (1162-1227) was a Mongol ruler who established one of the largest empires in history by uniting the Mongol tribes and launching successful military campaigns across Central Asia, China, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Iltutmish (reigned 1211-1236 AD) was the third Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, and during his reign, the Mongols, under the leadership of Chengiz Khan, attempted several incursions into the Indian subcontinent. In 1221, after the Khwarezmian prince fled into northern India, Chengiz Khan’s forces reached the Indus River and attacked the northwestern frontier of India. He successfully repelled the Mongol invasions, though the Mongols continued to raid the northwestern regions sporadically for some years.

Explanation

The given statements refer to notable figures and reform movements in Indian history, particularly Arya Samaj, Brahmo Samaj, and Sarvodaya Samaj.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Arya Samaj was established in 1875, not in 1835. It was founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati to promote Vedic ideals and social reform.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Lala Lajpat Rai, a prominent nationalist leader, was a staunch supporter of Arya Samaj and its principles. He did not oppose its appeal to the Vedas but actively advocated its social reform agenda.

Statement 3 is correct: Keshab Chandra Sen, as a prominent leader of Brahmo Samaj, played a significant role in championing women’s education and addressing social issues like child marriage and dowry.

Statement 4 is correct: Vinoba Bhave founded the Sarvodaya movement, which focused on the welfare of all sections of society, particularly through initiatives like the Bhoodan movement. It also worked with refugees.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is true: The Prayag Assembly was convened by Harshavardhana around AD 643. This assembly is a significant historical event where Harshavardhana gathered numerous scholars, monks, and dignitaries. Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang), was also present at the assembly and provided a detailed account of it. While it is true that Harshavardhana promoted Mahayana Buddhism during his reign, the assembly was not solely focused on promoting this form of Buddhism. Reason (R) is false: Harshavardhana organized the Prayag Assembly not just to promote Mahayana Buddhism but also to strengthen his rule and encourage religious discussions. The assembly was open to different beliefs.

Explanation

Rajendra I was a notable ruler of the Chola dynasty in South India. He succeeded his father, Rajaraja I, and further expanded the Chola Empire through extensive military campaigns.

Option (c) is correct: Among Rajendra I significant achievements was the invasion and annexation of Ceylon in the early 11th century. This conquest marked the incorporation of Ceylon into the Chola realm for a substantial period.

Option (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Aditya I was son of Vijayalaya Chola, Aditya I maintained diplomatic relations with Cheras but did not conquer Ceylon. Rajaraja I expanded the Chola empire significantly but did not conquer Ceylon. His major conquests were in the South Indian subcontinent and the Indian Ocean region. Vijayalaya Chola founded the Chola dynasty in the 9th century but did not conquer Ceylon. He focused on establishing Chola power in Tamil Nadu, not Sri Lanka.

Explanation

Bhakti saints were spiritual reformers who emphasized devotion to a personal god, transcending caste and social hierarchies. They used vernacular languages like Hindi to spread their messages of love, equality, and devotion.

Option (b) is correct:

A is matched with 3: Namdev, from Maharashtra, was a tailor and emphasized devotion to Lord Vitthal. B is matched with 2: Kabir, a mystic poet and social reformer, was a weaver who criticized religious orthodoxy. C is matched with 4: Ravidas, a cobbler by profession, challenged caste discrimination and advocated spiritual equality. D is matched with 1: Sena, a barber, is remembered for his devotion to Lord Vishnu. These saints’ professions underline the Bhakti movement’s commitment to breaking caste barriers and highlighting the dignity of labor.

Explanation

The London Muslim League was founded in 1908 by Syed Ameer Ali and other Muslim leaders. He was a prominent figure in the Muslim community, played a significant role in promoting the interests of Indian Muslims on an international platform. In 1909 he became the first Indian to be appointed as a member of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. He served in this prestigious position until his death in 1928, leaving a lasting impact on the representation of Indians in British institutions.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: The Mediterranean region is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months (e.g., December: 11.7 cm, January: 12.2 cm) and significantly decreases during the summer months (e.g., June: 0.3 cm, July-August: no rainfall). The temperatures remain moderate year-round, ranging from 9.4°C to 15.6°C, consistent with the Mediterranean region. Winters are mild, while summers are warm but not excessively hot, due to the maritime influence. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Monsoon regions have rainfall concentrated in the summer months (opposite to the Mediterranean pattern). Steppe regions are semi-arid with low annual rainfall (<50 cm) and higher temperature extremes, unlike the given data. North-West Europe experiences rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year, unlike the dry summers shown in the data.