UPSC 2006 Prelims Questions with Answers

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.

Explanation

Takshasila (Taxila) was a vital ancient city located between the Indus and Jhelum rivers, functioning as a prominent educational and cultural center. It was renowned for its university, attracting scholars like Chanakya and Panini, and played a key role in Indian history.

Explanation

Abdul Hamid Lahori was a distinguished historian during the reign of Shahjahan (1628-1658), the Mughal emperor renowned for his architectural achievements like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Lahori is best remembered for his monumental work, the Padshahnama, a detailed chronicle of Shahjahan’s reign. This official record documents the emperor’s military campaigns, administrative reforms, cultural contributions, and architectural endeavors, offering valuable insights into the Mughal Empire’s zenith. Lahori’s work is regarded as a continuation of Akbar’s historian Abul Fazl’s style, blending meticulous historical recording with a grand narrative of the emperor’s glory.

Explanation

The English East India Company was granted permission to establish its first factory in Surat in 1613 by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. This decision was the result of Sir Thomas Roe’s successful diplomatic negotiations with the Mughal court, as he represented King James I of England. Surat, a thriving port city on the western coast of India, was a hub for international trade and was strategically chosen for its access to trade routes connecting India with the Middle East and Europe.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The provision of free and compulsory education for children in the 6-14 age group was included in the Constitution of India through the Eighty-sixth Amendment (not the Seventy-sixth) in 2002, which inserted Article 21A.

Statement 2 is correct: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) aims to provide universal education and includes the promotion of computer education in rural areas as part of its broader educational reforms.

Statement 3 is correct: Education was moved to the Concurrent List under Item 25 by the Forty-second Amendment in 1976. This allows both the Centre and states to legislate on education.

Explanation

The Lahore session of the Indian National Congress was held in 1929 under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru. During this session, the Congress adopted the historic resolution to demand Purna Swaraj (complete independence) from British rule. It was also decided to celebrate 26th January 1930 as Independence Day, marking the declaration of India’s resolve for full sovereignty. This session marked a significant shift in the freedom struggle, moving away from dominion status demands to the goal of complete independence.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Constitution of India does encourage equal pay for equal work for both men and women under Article 39(d), which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy. The Directive Principles call for the state to ensure that there is no discrimination between men and women in terms of equal pay for equal work.

Statement 2 is correct: The Constitution of India does not provide a specific definition of backward classes. However, it provides for affirmative action through Articles 15(4), 16(4), and 46 to promote the welfare of backward classes, but leaves the identification and classification of such groups to the state.

Explanation

The Diamantina Trench is a deep-sea trench located in the southeastern Indian Ocean, off the coast of Western Australia. It is part of the Diamantina Fracture Zone, a complex series of deep troughs and ridges. The trench was formed due to seafloor spreading and tectonic activity in the Indian Ocean basin. It is not associated with a subduction zone, unlike many other deep-sea trenches such as the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean.

Explanation

The 104th Constitution Amendment Bill deals specifically with the issue of reservation or quota for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) in private educational institutions. It was aimed to extend the reservations or affirmative action to private educational institutions so that SEBCs could access quality education in private institutions as well. Before this amendment, reservation policies applied primarily to government-run institutions, and private institutions were largely free to admit students on their own terms, without any mandatory quota for backward classes.

Explanation

Dr. Rajendra Prasad held the portfolio of Food and Agriculture in the Interim Government formed in the year 1946.