UPSC 2019 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526) was a series of Muslim dynasties that ruled over large parts of the Indian subcontinent. It marked the introduction of Islamic governance and administration in India.

Statement 1 is correct: In the land revenue system of the Delhi Sultanate, the central government appointed amil to collect revenues in each subdivision called Amil.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Iqta system of land control was first introduced in the Delhi Sultanate by Iltutmish. The institution known by its Arabic name, iqta, had existed in the early Islamic world as a means of rewarding services to the state. In the administration of the Caliphate, it served as a means of funding operations and compensating civil and military leaders. It was not an ancient indigenous institution.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The office of Mir Bakshi was established under the Mughal empire, who was head of the military department, nobility, information and intelligence agencies.

Explanation

Vijayanagara art and architecture, flourishing from the 14th to 16th centuries, blends Dravidian styles with Islamic and Persian influences. Notable for grand temples like Virupaksha and the Hampi ruins, it features large gopurams, intricate carvings, and expansive courtyards, reflecting both devotion and royal splendor.

Option (d) is correct: Kalyan Mandapa (or Kalyana Mandapam) is an architectural feature commonly seen in South Indian temples, especially during the Vijayanagara period (14th-17th century). These mandapas were used for ceremonial purposes, such as the symbolic marriage of deities. The Virupaksha Temple and Hazara Rama Temple in Hampi are prime examples of Vijayanagara architecture which feature Kalyana Mandapams with intricately carved pillars and large open spaces. The Kalyan Mandapa serves as a ceremonial hall within the temple complex, specifically built for conducting marriage rituals of deities, symbolizing the divine wedding of the presiding deity. The mandapas are often elaborately decorated with sculptures, intricate carvings, and motifs depicting deities, mythological scenes, and floral patterns.

Explanation

Sohgaura is located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Rapti River. The Sohgaura copper plate inscription, dating to the Mauryan period (possibly pre-Ashokan), was found here. The Sohgaura inscription belongs to the Mauryan era (not the Harappan civilization) and refers to famine relief measures, food grain storage, and granary management. It was written in Prakrit in the Brahmi script. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect: Kot Diji, Desalpur and Chanhudaro are Harappan sites. Kotdiji means "Fort of the Daughter’’ and is located in Khairpur province, Pakistan. Here copper-bronze objects, bangles and arrowheads; etched carnelian and other beads and numerous terracotta human, bull, and bird effigy figurines were found. Desalpur, located in Gujarat, is a key Harappan site known for its well-planned settlement, including fire altars and beads, highlighting its role in trade and craft production. Chanhudaro is located on the bank of the Indus River in Sindh, Pakistan. Bead makers’ shops have been found here.

Explanation

According to OECD the term social capital can be defined as "networks together with shared norms, values and understandings that facilitate co-operation within or among groups". It consists of trust, mutual understanding, shared values and behaviour that bind together the members of a community and make cooperative action possible. Such interaction enables people to build communities, to commit themselves to each other, and to knit the social fabric. The proportion of literates in the population and the size of population in the working age group can be the examples of human capital. The stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines is the example of physical capital.

Explanation

The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution governs the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes. Article 244(1) defines these areas as specified by the President. In the landmark Samatha v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1997) case, the Supreme Court ruled that transferring tribal land to private parties, including for mining, is null and void, reinforcing safeguards for tribal rights. The Governor, with advice from the Tribal Advisory Council (TAC), can make regulations for peace and good governance in these areas. These can include restrictions on land transfers, allotments, and money-lending activities involving scheduled tribes.

Explanation

The Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution was added by the 1st Amendment (1951) to protect the laws included in it from judicial scrutiny on the ground of violation of fundamental rights. At this time, Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister of India. He remained in the office from the year 1947 to 1964. This schedule deals with the provisions as to validation of certain Acts and Regulations of the state legislatures primarily dealing with land reforms and abolition of the zamindari system and of the Parliament dealing with other matters.

Explanation

Ashokan edicts and inscriptions, carved on pillars and rocks across the Indian subcontinent, convey Ashoka’s policies of Dhamma, promoting non-violence, religious tolerance, and moral conduct. The Kanaganahalli inscription located in Kanganahalli (in present-day Gulbarga, Karnataka), is a significant discovery. The inscription and relief depict Ashoka in the form of a portrait and a reference to his title, "Ranyo Ashoka," highlighting his role as a ruler.

Explanation

Dew formation occurs when the Earth’s surface cools down sufficiently at night, causing moisture in the air to con-dense into water droplets on cool surfaces. On clear nights, the Earth’s surface loses heat rapidly through a process called radia-tive cooling. This cooling lowers the temperature of surfaces like grass or leaves, leading to the formation of dew as the air reaches its dew point.

Option (b) is correct: On cloudy nights, the situation changes. Clouds act like a blanket, reflecting back the infrared radiation (heat) emitted by the Earth’s surface. This process is known as the greenhouse effect at a smaller scale. Because the heat is trapped, the Earth’s surface doesn’t cool enough for dew to form.

Explanation

Liberty is generally understood not as the absence of restraint or mere freedom to do whatever one likes, but as the freedom to develop one’s full potential within the framework of laws and rights that ensure the same freedom for others. This idea aligns with the concept of positive liberty, which is the ability to act in ways that allow personal and collective growth, while also respecting the freedoms of others.

Explanation

Swadeshi Movements were large-scale protests against the partition of Bengal. Later, the movement spread to other regions of the nation. New means of protest like processions, public meetings, and boycotts of imported goods were used.

Statement 1 is correct: Emphasis was placed on Self-Reliance (Atma Shakti), honour, social and economic regeneration of the villages. Swadeshi textile mills, banks, etc, were set up. At Tuticorin, V.O. Chidambaram Pillai founded the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company. This gave a boost to indigenous artisans.

Statement 2 is correct: The National Council of Education, established in 1906, was created to organize and promote national education in India, with a particular emphasis on teaching in the vernacular languages.