UPSC 2003 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

The Indian Constitution is a unique blend of influences from various countries, incorporating their best practices into its framework. Directive Principles of State Policy were inspired by Ireland. The Irish Constitution provided the model for including socio-economic rights in the form of guiding principles for state policy. Fundamental Rights were borrowed from the United States of America. The American Bill of Rights served as the inspiration for ensuring basic human rights in India. The Concurrent List in Union-State Relations was influenced by Australia, reflecting their federal structure. The concept of India as a Union of States with greater powers to the Union was derived from Canada, which has a strong federal system with residual powers vested in the central government. List-I (Items in the Indian Constitution) List-II (Country from which it was derived Parliamentary System of Government United Kingdom President as Supreme Commander of Armed Forces United States of America Procedure for Amendment of the Constitution South Africa Emergency Provisions (National Emergency) Germany (Weimar Constitution)

Explanation

The entry of European powers into India marked a pivotal era in Indian history, characterized by trade, colonial expansion, and rivalry among European nations. These powers established factories, forts, and settlements to dominate trade routes and resources in India. Statement (a) is incorrect: The Portuguese, led by Afonso de Albuquerque, captured Goa in 1510, not 1499. The capture of Goa marked the establishment of Portuguese colonial rule in India and made Goa their stronghold for over four centuries. Statement (b) is correct: The English East India Company opened its first factory in South India at Masulipatam (modern-day Machilipatnam) in 1611. This marked the beginning of English trade in South India. Statement (c) is correct: The English established their first factory in Eastern India at Hariharpur, near Balasore in Orissa, in 1633. This was a strategic move to expand their trading operations in Eastern India. Statement (d) is correct: Under the leadership of Joseph François Dupleix, the French occupied Madras (modern-day Chennai) in 1746 during the First Carnatic War. However, Madras was later returned to the British by the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748.

Explanation

The Dutch established factories on the Coromandel coast, in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal and Bihar. Amongst the above, they opened their earliest factory at Pulicat in 1609. Their other principal factories in India were at Surat (1616), Bimlipatam (1641), Karaikal (1645), Chinsura (1653), Kasimbazar (near Murshidabad), Balasore, Patna, Nagapatam (1658) and Cochin (1663).

Explanation

Qutb-ud-Din Aibak (1206-1210 AD) was the first Sultan of Delhi and the founder of the Mamluk dynasty. Aibak’s notable achievements include the construction of the Qutb Minar in Delhi, which is a symbol of Islamic architecture, and his efforts to consolidate control over northern India by defeating Rajput kingdoms and expanding his empire.

Option (d) is correct: Qutb-ud-din Aibak died in 1210 CE from a fatal accident while playing Chaugan (a Persian-origin game similar to polo). He fell from his horse during the match in Lahore and succumbed to his injuries. His death was accidental and occurred during a leisure activity, not due to treachery or battle. Other important rulers of the Mamluk dynasty are:

Shamsuddin Iltutmish 1210 - 1236 AD Raziyya Sultan - 1236 - 1240 AD Ghiyasuddin Balban - 1266 - 1287 AD

Explanation

The time a planet takes to complete one revolution around the Sun depends on its distance from the Sun. Planets farther from the Sun have larger orbits, resulting in longer revolution periods.

Option (b) is correct: Jupiter takes the longest time among the given options to orbit the Sun, requiring approximately 4,333 days(11.86 Earth years). This is due to its significantly larger orbital path compared to the other planets listed. Hence, this is the correct answer. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Earth completes one revolution around the Sun in approximately 365.25 days, which is relatively short compared to the other options provided. Mars requires around 687 days(1.88 Earth years) to complete a revolution. While this is longer than Earth’s revolution time, it is still shorter than that of Jupiter. Venus has the shortest revolution period among the listed planets, taking approximately 224.7 Earth days(0.615 years) to orbit the Sun.

Explanation

The Charter Act of 1833 marked a significant milestone in British India’s administrative history. It centralized governance, abolished the East India Company’s trading activities, and initiated legislative reforms to consolidate British rule. Statement (a) is correct: The Charter Act of 1833 ended the trading activities of the East India Company. The company was transformed into a purely administrative body, and its commercial functions were abolished. Statement (b) is correct The act changed the title of the supreme authority in India to Governor-General of India in Council. William Bentinck became the first Governor-General of India under this provision. Statement (c) is correct: The Charter Act of 1833 conferred all law-making powers on the Governor-General in Council, making it the sole legislative authority for all British territories in India. Statement (d) is incorrect:. The first Indian to be appointed as a Law Member in the Governor-General’s Council was Satyendra Prasad Sinha, but this happened much later under the Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms). The Charter Act of 1833 only created the post of a Law Member which was filled by British officials, such as Lord Macaulay.

Explanation

The Maurya (321 BCE - 185 BCE), Sunga (185 BCE - 73 BCE), and Kanva dynasties (73 BCE - 30 BCE) represent significant eras in ancient Indian history, spanning the rule from centralized imperial administration to regional governance and eventual fragmentation.

Statement 1 is correct: The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha, was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga, who then established the Sunga dynasty (185 BCE).

Statement 2 is correct: The last Sunga king, Devabhuti, was assassinated by his minister Vasudeva Kanva, a Brahmana, who subsequently usurped the throne and founded the Kanva dynasty (73 BCE).

Statement 3 is correct: The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was overthrown by the Andhras (also known as the Satavahanas) around 30 BCE, marking the end of the Kanva dynasty and the establishment of the Satavahana dynasty in central India.

Explanation

Buddhism and Jainism part of the Shramana traditions are two ancient Indian religions that originated around the same time, during the 6th century BCE. They emphasized asceticism, non-violence, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. They offered alternative philosophies to Vedic ritualism, focusing on personal spiritual practices and ethical living.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Vardhaman Mahavira’s mother, Trishala, was the sister (and not daughter) of Chetaka, a chief of the Lichchhavi clan. The Lichchhavis were known for their democratic and republican system of governance.

Statement 2 is correct: Gautama Buddha’s mother, Maya Devi, was a princess from the Koshalan dynasty. She was married to King Suddhodana of the Shakya clan and was the mother of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha.

Statement 3 is correct: Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara of Jainism, was associated with Benaras (Varanasi), where he was born. According to Jain tradition, he was born into a royal family and preached a doctrine of non-violence, truth, and asceticism. The serpent symbol is associated with him.

Explanation

Marathas were a prominent warrior group from the western region of India who rose to power in the 17th century under the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj. They formed the Maratha Empire, which became the strongest native power in India following the decline of the Mughal Empire. Assertion (A) is correct: The Marathas emerged as a dominant force after the decline of the Mughal Empire due to their military strength, administrative capabilities, and extensive networks of alliances. Reason (R) is incorrect: Marathas did have a vision of a strong and unified empire under their control, but the idea of a "united Indian nation" as a political and cultural entity was not articulated in the way we understand the modern concept of a nation-state today. The Maratha Empire was driven more by regional, dynastic, and military ambitions rather than a unifying national ideology.

Explanation

The Saluva Dynasty is credited with stabilizing the Vijayanagara Empire after the decline of the Sangama Dynasty, restoring order and expanding its territories. Under Saluva Narasimha, the empire strengthened its military and administrative structures, ensuring its resilience. The dynasty also laid the groundwork for the prosperity that flourished under the subsequent Tuluva Dynasty. Assertion (A) is correct: Saluva Narasimha, a Vijayanagara Empire ruler in the late 15th century, is credited with ending the declining Sangama dynasty and founding the Saluva dynasty in 1485 CE. Reason (R) is correct: This shift was necessitated by internal rebellion and external threats from the Bahmani Sultanate and the Gajapati rulers of Odisha. His primary motive was to restore stability and prevent further disintegration of the empire. The assertion about his actions and the reason attributing these to his concern for the kingdom’s survival are both accurate, and R explains A effectively. Hence, R is the correct explanation of A.