UPSC 2006 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Muhammad bin Tughlaq (reigned 1325-1351) was a controversial Sultan of Delhi known for his ambitious yet often failed policies, including the introduction of token currency and the shifting of the capital to Daulatabad. While his reforms aimed at modernizing administration, they led to economic instability and widespread discontent. Assertion (A) is correct: Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced a variety of coins during his reign, including a gold coin referred to as the Dinar by Ibn Batutah. His interest in monetary innovations is well-documented. Reason (R) is incorrect: Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s plan to introduce token currency was implemented using copper and brass coins, not gold. The intention behind issuing token currency was to address a shortage of precious metals and not to promote trade with West Asian and North African countries.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is False: Mars takes a longer time than Earth to orbit the Sun. The time taken by a planet to orbit around the Sun is called its orbital period or year. Mars has an orbital period of about 687 Earth days which means it takes 687 days to complete one revolution around the Sun. Earth takes 365.25 days (about 365 days) to complete one revolution around the Sun. Reason (R) is True: Mars does have a smaller diameter than Earth. The diameter of Earth is 12,742 km. The diameter of Mars is 6,779 km (almost half of Earth). The time taken by a planet to orbit the Sun depends on its distance from the Sun, not its diameter. Since Mars is farther from the Sun than Earth thus it has a longer orbital period.

Explanation

The Lodi Dynasty (1451-1526) was the last Afghan ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. It was founded by Bahlol Lodi, Which marked the beginning of Afghan rule in Delhi, and ended with the defeat of Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat, which led to the establishment of the Mughal Empire.

Option (c) is correct The correct chronological order of the rulers of the Lodi dynasty are as follows:

Bahlol Khan Lodi (1451-1489) established Afghan rule in Delhi after overthrowing the Sayyid Dynasty. Sikandar Shah Lodi (1489-1517)was son of Bahlol Lodi. He is known for administrative efficiency and establishing the city of Agra in 1504. Ibrahim Lodi (1517-1526) was son of Sikandar Lodi.His defeat by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat (1526) marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of the Mughal Empire.

Explanation

The invasions of ancient India by the Greeks, Sakas, and Kushanas occurred between the 4th century BCE and the 2nd century AD, marking significant cultural and political shifts in the Indian subcontinent due to the introduction of Hellenistic, Central Asian, and nomadic influences.

Option (a) is correct:

Greeks: In the 4th century BCE, Alexander the Great initiated the Greek invasions into India. After his death, his Indian conquests we taken over by the Seleucids and then by the Greeks of Bactria. Sakas: The Sakas, or Scythians, were a group of nomadic tribes from Central Asia who invaded north-western India in the 2nd century BC, following the path set by the Greeks. Kushanas: The Kushans, originally from Central Asia (modern China), invaded India from the 1st to the 3rd century AD.

Explanation

The Angkor Vat Temple, located in modern-day Cambodia, was built under the reign of King Suryavarman II (reigned 1113-c. 1150) of the Khmer empire. Originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it later became a major Buddhist center. The temple complex is a prime example of Khmer architecture and is one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Fig: Angkor Vat Temple

Explanation

Raja Wodeyar established the Wodeyar dynasty in Mysore, around the late 14th century. During this period, Venkata II (1586 to 1614) was one of the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire (1336 A.D to 1646 A.D.), which, despite being in decline, continued to wield influence over southern India.

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect: Amoghavarsha I (814-878 CE) was one of the greatest rulers of the Rashtrakuta Empire, he was known for his negotiations and peace treaty with the Gangas and other southern powers and for his immense contributions to literature. He authored Kavirajamarga, the earliest known Kannada literary work, and shifted the capital to Manyakheta.

Option (b) is correct: Dantidurga is considered to be the founder of the Rashtrakuta Empire in the Deccan region of India, during the late 8th century. He overthrew the rule of the Chalukya dynasty and laid the foundation for what became a powerful empire in India.

Option (c) is incorrect: Dhruva was also a ruler of the Rashtrakuta Empire, notably crushing the revolt in Gujarat and effectively dealing with invasions from the Arab world.

Option (d) is incorrect: Krishna I was another significant ruler from the Rashtrakuta dynasty, known particularly for the construction of the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora.

Explanation

Tukaram, a renowned Bhakti saint from Maharashtra, lived in the early 17th century, making him a contemporary of Jahangir (reign:1605-1627 AD). He is remembered for his devotional poetry (Abhangas) dedicated to Lord Vitthal, promoting equality, devotion, and moral values. His life and works contributed significantly to the Warkari tradition, which emphasized collective worship and a simple, ethical life.

Explanation

The Al lahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prashasti), composed by Harishena, highlights Samudragupta’s conquests and administrative capabilities. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Mahapadma Nanda predated the inscription’s composition. There is no connection between Chandragupta Maurya and this inscription. Ashoka built many pillars but did not contribute to this inscription.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Ikshvaku dynasty ruled Andhra Pradesh during the 3rd-4th century CE. The Ikshvakus primarily followed Brahmanical traditions but were not hostile to Buddhism. Their reign saw the coexistence of multiple religious traditions. Many Buddhist stupas and viharas were constructed during their rule, particularly in Nagarjunakonda.

Statement 2 is correct: The Pala dynasty (8th-12th century CE) ruled over Bengal and Bihar and was known for its strong patronage of Mahayana Buddhism. They played a significant role in establishing major Buddhist centers such as Vikramashila, Nalanda, and Somapura Mahavihara. Rulers like Dharmapala and Devapala actively promoted Buddhism, not only within India but also in regions like Tibet.