UPSC 2001 Prelims Questions with Answers

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

Procurement prices refer to the prices at which the government purchases food grains from farmers to maintain the Public Distribution System (PDS) and to build buffer stocks. These prices are set by the government and can sometimes be different from the minimum support prices (MSP).

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

Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the price fixed by the government to protect farmers from market fluctuations. It serves as a price floor, ensuring farmers receive a minimum guaranteed price for their crops. However, MSP is not the actual purchase price of grains. The government may procure food grains above the MSP at procurement prices. Issue prices are the prices at which the government sells food grains to consumers through the Public Distribution System (PDS).These prices are generally subsidized and lower than procurement prices to ensure affordability for the poor. A ceiling price is the maximum price that can legally be charged for a product, typically set to prevent overpricing by market forces.

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.

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect: The Harappan civilization (c. 2600-1900 BCE) is known for red and black pottery, not Painted Grey Ware (PGW), which is associated with the later Vedic period (1200-600 BCE).

Option (b) is correct: The Kushans (1st-4th century AD) patronized the Gandhara School of Art, which blended Greek, Roman, and Indian artistic styles, primarily in Buddhist sculptures.

Option (c) is incorrect: The Ajanta Paintings belong to the Gupta period (5th-6th century CE), long before the Mughals (16th-18th century CE). The Mughals are known for miniature paintings rather than Ajanta murals.

Option (d) is incorrect: The Pahari School of Painting developed in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu during the Rajput period, not under the Marathas (17th-18th century CE), who were more associated with Deccan-style paintings.

Explanation

The Hoysala dynasty (10th-14th centuries CE) ruled over present-day Karnataka, known for their patronage of art and architecture. They played a key role in resisting northern invasions in South India.

Option (b) is correct: Hoysala architecture is renowned for its intricate detailing, evident in the temples at Halebid and Belur in Karnataka. These monuments reflect unique craftsmanship and religious art of the period.

Option (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect Hampi and Hosper relate to Vijayanagara architecture. Mysore and Bangalore are not prominent Hoysala sites. Sringeri and Dharwar are not primarily known for Hoysala temples.

Explanation

The Babul Makka (Gate of Makka) was a symbolic and ceremonial term often associated with structures built or designated during the Mughal period that signified spiritual or geographical connections to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam.

Option (d) is correct: During the Mughal period, the port of Surat was referred to as Babul Makka due to its importance as a major trading port and its role in facilitating the pilgrimage to Makka.

Explanation

The Buddhist Councils were pivotal in preserving and organizing the Buddha’s teachings. The First Council (483 BCE), held under King Ajatasatru, aimed to preserve the Buddha’s teachings, with Mahakassapa presiding. The Second Council (383 BCE) under King Kalasoka led to the split into Early Theravada and Early Mahayana. The Third Council (250 BCE), presided by Mogaliputta Tissa under Emperor Ashoka, focused on purifying Buddhism and compiling the Abhidhamma Pitaka. The Fourth Council (1st century AD) under King Kanishka in Kashmir formalized the division into Mahayana and Hinayana sects.

Option (d) is correct: The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened during the reign of Emperor Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty around the 1st century CE in Kundalvana (modern-day Kashmir). The council was presided over by the scholar-monk Vasumitra, with Ashvaghosha serving as his deputy. This council had a significant influence on the development and spread of Mahayana Buddhism.