UPSC 2011 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Indus Valley Civilization, one of the earliest urban cultures, is notable for its advanced urban planning, trade systems, and crafts, yet it was largely secular in nature with no dominant religious structure.

Statement 1 is correct: The Indus Valley Civilization is often considered more secular compared to other ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia or Egypt, where religion played a dominant role in daily life and governance. Although evidence of religious practices exists (e.g., figurines, seals depicting deities, the Great Bath which may have had ritual significance), there is no clear evidence of a theocratic society or large, grandiose temples. The focus of the Indus civilization appears to be on urban planning, trade, and practical aspects of daily life.

Statement 2 is correct: The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the earliest known civilizations to have used cotton for textile production. Evidence of cotton cultivation has been found at several Indus sites, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, where cotton fibers have been discovered, indicating its use in making cloth. Also, cotton seeds found near Mehrgarh dated to 5000 BCE.

Explanation

Dialectical materialism is the philosophical foundation of Karl Marx’s theory of class struggle. It asserts that social and economic progress occurs through contradictions and conflicts between different economic classes, leading to revolutionary change. Marx argued that human history is shaped by material conditions rather than ideas alone, and that class struggle between the proletariat (working class) and bourgeoisie (capitalist class) would eventually lead to a socialist society.

Explanation

The concepts of Dharma and Rita were central to the Vedic civilization of India, shaping its moral, social, and cosmic order. Dharma and rita are interconnected, with rita providing the cosmic framework within which dharma operates. Together, they create a moral universe where every action aligns with the natural order. These concepts guide both personal behavior and societal norms, ensuring that individuals act in accordance with the universal laws and maintain harmony in all aspects of life.

Statement 1 is correct: In the Vedic context, dharma refers to the concept of obligations and duties. It is about the righteous conduct and the moral responsibilities one has to oneself and to society.

Statement 2 is correct: Rita is the principle of natural order which regulates and coordinates the operation of the universe and everything within it. It is the cosmic order or the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe.

Explanation

Tribal revolts in 19th-century India were driven by the disruption of traditional tribal life, which centered on shifting cultivation, hunting, and forest produce during colonial rule.

Option (d) is correct:

The influx of non-tribals and the imposition of settled agriculture led to land loss for tribals. Restrictions on forest resources and shifting agriculture, along with the introduction of moneylenders, reduced tribals to landless laborers and bonded peasants. The establishment of government monopolies on forests (1865-1878) further exploited tribes. Tribal egalitarianism was replaced by caste-based inequalities, and the influence of Christian missionaries also fueled resentment leading to uprisings like the Kol Rebellion (1832), Santhal Rebellion (1855-56), and Munda Rebellion (1899-1900).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The primary reason the west-erlies in the Southern Hemisphere are stronger and more per-sistent than in the Northern Hemisphere is because the South-ern Hemisphere has significantly less landmass (about 20% land and 80% water), whereas the Northern Hemisphere has 40% land and 60% water. The vast oceans in the Southern Hemisphere allow westerly winds to move with minimal obstruction, making them stronger and more persistent. In contrast, larger landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere create friction and disrupt wind flow.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Coriolis force acts equally in both hemispheres at the same latitude as it depends on the Earth’s rotation and the latitude. It does not make the westerlies stronger in one hemisphere over the other. The main reason for the difference is the land-sea distribution. The Coriolis force is stronger near the poles and weaker at the equator, but it does not explain the difference in strength of the westerlies between the two hemispheres.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The African and Eurasian desert belt (Sahara, Arabian, Thar, Gobi) lies in the sub-tropical high-pres-sure zone (20°-30° latitudes). In this region, descending dry air from the Hadley Cell suppresses cloud formation and rainfall, creating arid conditions. This becomes the main reason for the formation of these deserts.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Warm ocean currents increase evaporation followed by humidity, leading to higher rainfall in coastal areas rather than desert formation. Deserts are main-ly found near cold ocean currents (e.g., the Atacama Desert near the Peru Current, the Namib Desert near the Benguela Current), which cool the air and reduce its moisture-holding capacity, causing dry conditions. Moreover, many deserts in this belt are landlocked, far from direct oceanic influence.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The lower stratosphere is most-ly free from clouds and water vapor, as most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere below. This impacts the clear air conditions, making it ideal for jet aircraft to fly smoothly.

Statement 2 is correct: The stratosphere is a stable layer with no vertical air movements like convection currents. In contrast, the troposphere experiences turbulence due to rising and falling air masses. The absence of vertical winds in the lower stratosphere ensures a steady flight for jet aircraft.

Explanation

Mangroves function as a safety hedge due to their ex-tensive root systems. These roots act as a natural barrier, pro-tecting coastlines from erosion and the impact of strong waves during storms, cyclones, and tsunamis. The dense network of roots helps to dissipate the energy of waves, reducing their im-pact on the shoreline.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Kheda Satyagraha (1918) was a protest against the British government’s tax demands on Gujarat farmers whose crops had failed due to drought. Despite the revenue code allowing remission, the government insisted on full payment, threatening to seize property. Led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and others, Gandhi encouraged farmers to resist paying taxes peacefully. The government eventually agreed to return confiscated property and suspend tax collection for the year.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Permanent Settlement was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 and it was confined in the areas of Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Varanasi (United Provinces), Northern Karnataka. It was never introduced in Gujarat.

Explanation

Statement (a) is correct: Yukti Kalpataru, written by the Indian scholar Bhoja in the 11th century CE, is a work of great significance that discusses a wide range of topics, including shipbuilding. This text does provide evidence of the advanced shipbuilding techniques of the time, offering insight into how ships were constructed and used for trade and warfare. Indian maritime history of Shipbuilding dates back to the Harappan civilization. India had a well-developed maritime tradition, but other civilizations, like China, also had advanced shipbuilding. Statement (b) is correct: The South Indian rulers always patronized traders and monks due to their knowledge and wisdom. Heavy grants and lands were issued for their knowledge about the outside world. The Cholas, Pallavas, and Srivijaya kingdom had strong maritime links due to royal patronage of trade and cultural exchanges. Statement (c) is correct: Indians have been familiar with the monsoon winds since the Gupta era. Although the Bay of Bengal’s monsoon winds made sea travel easier, this was not the only factor in India’s early commerce and cultural connections with Southeast Asia. Note: Although all the statements seems correct but UPSC has given option (c) as the most convincing correct answer.