UPSC 2016 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

In the context of the economic history of medieval India, the term ’Araghatta’ refers to a waterwheel, an important piece of technology used for irrigation. The term ‘Araghatta’ derives from the words "ara" which means "spoke" and "ghatta" means "pot". The waterwheels were used to lift water from wells or rivers to irrigate crops. This technology played a significant role in agricultural productivity, particularly in regions with an agrarian economy by providing a reliable and efficient method of irrigation. Baburnama provides a comprehensive explanation and a picture of the Persian Wheel which was in use in the Punjab province. 2 Medieval History

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Eripatti was a special kind of land donated by individuals. The revenue from it was set aside for the maintenance of tanks in the village.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: During the Chola administration, occasionally a very large village would be administered as a single unit and this was called Taniyur. These villages were not necessarily just large administrative units but could also be village settlements that were either wholly or largely populated by Brahmins or associated with religious functions.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Ghatikas were educational institutions, often associated with temples, where learning took place. These colleges were centers for higher education, particularly in subjects like philosophy, logic, and religious studies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Ajanta Caves were built in two phases: Satavahana period (2nd century BCE) and later in the Vakataka period (5th-6th century CE). They are primarily associated with Buddhist art and culture. They are famous for murals, sculptures, and rock-cut chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monasteries). Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) was built in the 7th-8th century CE during the reign of Narasimhavarman I (630-668 CE) of Pallava dynasty.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Ajanta caves are mostly dedicated to Buddhist denominations while Mahabalipuram is known for rock-cut monolithic temples, cave temples, and the Shore Temple (structural temple built with granite blocks) mostly dedicated to Shaivaite and Vaishnavite traditions.

Statement 3 is correct: Both Mahabalipuram and Ajanta are one of the finest examples of rock-cut monuments. The Ajanta Caves are a series of rock-cut caves carved into a horseshoe-shaped cliff housing chaityas and viharas with intricate carvings and paintings. The monuments at Mahabalipuram include rock-cut temples and bas-reliefs such as the Shore Temple, the Pancha Rathas and the Arjuna’s Penance relief.

Explanation

The British played a significant role in reconstructing India’s ancient history through archaeological excavations, such as those at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, and the translation of ancient texts like the Vedas and Arthashastra. Their efforts helped revive interest in India’s rich cultural and historical heritage, though often through a colonial lens.

Option (b) is correct: James Prinsep, an officer in the East India Company’s mint, deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts in 1837, unlocking the meaning of Ashoka’s edicts. His discovery revealed the king referred to as Piyadassi ("pleasant to behold"), later identified as Ashoka. This breakthrough was crucial in reconstructing the Mauryan period and understanding Ashoka’s role in Indian history. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Georg Bühler was a German Indologist known for his work on Sanskrit and ancient Indian inscriptions. Max Müller was a German philologist who contributed to the study of the Vedas and Sanskrit literature. William Jones was an Orientalist who founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal and is famous for recognizing the relationship between Sanskrit, Latin, and Greek.

Explanation

On 24 September 1873, Jotirao Govindrao Phule formed Satyashodhak Samaj to focus on the rights of depressed groups such as women, the Shudra, and the Dalit in Maharashtra. The Satyashodhak Samaj opposed idolatry and the caste system, advocating for reason and equality. It rejected the need for priests and promoted simple religious practices for all. The group’s viewpoints were voiced through the Deenbandhu newspaper. Members included Muslims, Brahmins, and government officials, with financial support primarily from Phule’s Mali caste.

Explanation

Option (1) is incorrect: The Calcutta Unitarian Committee (1823) was founded by Rammohan Roy, Dwarkanath Tagore, and William Adam to promote Unitarian beliefs and social reforms, but Keshab Chandra Sen was not involved in its formation.

Option (2) is correct: The Tabernacle of New Dispensation (1881) was established by Keshab Chandra Sen as part of his Nava Vidhan (New Dispensation) movement, which aimed to integrate the teachings of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and other religions into a universal faith. It reflected his belief in religious harmony and spiritual unity

Option (3) is correct: Indian Reform Association (1870), focusing on social reforms such as women’s rights, education, widow remarriage, and temperance (restrictions on alcohol consumption). The association played a crucial role in advocating progressive changes in Indian society.

Explanation

The Malavikagnimitra is a Sanskrit play by Kalidas. The play tells the love story of Agnimitra the son Of Pushyamitra Shunga- the founder of the Shunga dynasty. He falls in love with the servant girl named Malavika.

Option (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect Swapnavasavadatta: A Sanskrit play by Bhasa that tells the story of the love between King Udayana of Vatsa and his wife Vasavadatta, with themes of separation, reunion, and devotion. Meghadoota: A lyrical Sanskrit poem by Kalidasa in which a yaksha (a celestial being) sends a message to his beloved through a cloud, expressing longing and deep emotion. Ratnavali: A Sanskrit play by Harsha that explores the romantic and political intrigue surrounding the king Udayana and his love for Ratnavali, with themes of virtue, love, and diplomacy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Under the rule of Krishna Deva Raya (ruler of Vijayanagar empire), the taxation system was quite well-organized and efficient. The tax rate was fixed between one-third and one-sixth depending on the quality of the land. This method ensured that the tax burden was more equitable, as fertile land produced higher yields and therefore could bear a higher tax rate.

Statement 2 is correct: Commercial taxes consisting of levies, duties and customs on manufactured articles of trade were also levied. Private owners of workshops also paid an industry tax. In addition to the land tax, there were taxes levied on shopkeepers, farm workers, farm servants, laborers, posters, shoemakers, musicians, etc. Grazing and house taxes were also imposed.

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect: Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909 introduced separate electorates on the basis of religion, thus introducing a system of communal representation. This was not the reason for the Congress split in 1907.

Option (b) is correct: There were ideological differences between the Moderates and Extremists over the method of achieving self-rule, leadership struggles, and the evolving political climate under British rule. The Surat split was caused because of Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government’.

Option (c) is incorrect: Formation of Muslim League in 1906 at Dhaka was not the reason for Congress split in 1907.

Option (d) is incorrect: Aurobindo Ghosh’s inability to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress was not a reason for the Surat Split.

Explanation

The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ was a reaction to the British decision to partition Bengal, calling for the boycott of British goods and the promotion of indigenous industries. It played a significant role in uniting Indians against colonial rule and sparked a broader nationalistic awakening.