UPSC 2022 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Between the 8th and 12th centuries AD, medieval India saw the rise of regional dynasties like the Chandelas, Paramaras, Gurjara-Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas, which shaped the political, cultural, and architectural landscape after the decline of centralized powers like the Guptas and Harsha’s empire.

Pair 1 is correctly matched: The Chandela dynasty was founded around the 9th century, and Nannuka is traditionally regarded as the founder. Chandela dominion extended from the Yamuna (Jumna) River in the north to the region of Saguar (now Sagar) and from the Dhasan River in the west to the Vindhya Hills. It was during Chandela rule that Khajuraho turned into a cultural and architectural hub. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple stands as the pinnacle of Chandela architectural achievement. The Chandela dynasty is famous for constructing the Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nannuka established the dynasty in the early 9th century CE.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Vakpati’s sons Jayashakti (Jeja) and Vijayashakti (Vija) consolidated the Chandella power. Vakapati succeeded his father Nannuka of the Chandela dynasty and he was succeeded by Vijayshakti and Jayshakti. The Paramara dynasty was a prominent Rajput dynasty that ruled Malwa, with kings like Bhoja and Munja being its most famous rulers.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Vatsaraja was a Pratihara ruler who came to the throne in about 778 AD controlled eastern Rajasthan and Malava. Nagabhata II (reigned c. 793-833) was his successor. He was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king Govinda III (reigned 793-814). He ruled in the early 9th century CE and is known for his military campaigns against the Palas and Rashtrakutas.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: Bhoja I / Mihir Bhoja (c.836-885 AD) was the successor of Nagabhatta II, who had a long reign of over 44-46 years and proved to be the most successful and popular ruler of Pratiharas. An Arab visitor to western India, the merchant Sulaymn, referred to the kingdom of Juzr (which is generally identified as Gurjara) and its strong and able ruler, who may have been Bhoja. The Rashtrakuta dynasty was a prominent power in the Deccan, with kings like Amoghavarsha and Krishna I.

Explanation

Ashoka’s Rock Edicts are distributed across South Asia and are categorized as Major and Minor Rock Edicts. These inscriptions highlight Emperor Ashoka’s principles of governance and his promotion of Dhamma, or ethical conduct. Major Rock Edict Sites: Dhauli (Odisha), Girnar (Gujarat), Mansehra and Shahbazgarhi (Pakistan), Jaugada (Odisha), Erragudi (Andhra Pradesh) Kalsi (Uttarakhand), Sopara (Maharashtra) etc. Minor Rock Edict Sites: Sopara (Maharashtra), Maski, Brahmagiri and Gavimath (Karnataka), Bairat (Rajasthan) etc.

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Dhauli is an important site of Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts in Odisha, located near Bhubaneswar. The inscriptions mention Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma and his remorse after the Kalinga War (261 BCE). The site also features the famous Elephant Carving which symbolizes the emergence of Buddhism.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Erragudi or Yerragudi rock edict is located in Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. It mentions Ashoka’s efforts to spread Dhamma (morality and non-violence). The edicts here are inscribed on a granite rock and are written in Brahmi script and Prakrit language.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Jaugada is not located in Madhya Pradesh. It is actually located in the Ganjam district of Odisha. It is another significant site of Ashoka’s major rock edicts. The edicts here are written in Brahmi script.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: Kalsi is actually in Uttarakhand, not Karnataka. It is the only Ashokan Major Rock Edict site in North India. It highlights Ashoka’s message of non-violence, moral conduct, and religious tolerance. The edicts here are inscribed in the Brahmi script and are significant because they mark the northernmost extent of Ashoka’s empire. 4 Art and Culture

Explanation

The Government of India Act 1919 introduced the system of ‘dyarchy’ in provincial governance. It divided subjects into two categories: reserved and transferred. Reserved subjects like law and order, land revenue, administration of justice, finance, and police were controlled by the governor and his executive council of bureaucrats. Transferred subjects like education, health, and local self-government were managed by ministers elected from the legislative council. This was aimed at increasing Indian representation in the government, though real power remained with the British. The Act came into effect in 1921.

Explanation

The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple projects in Somnath Temple complex in August 2021. The Somnath temple, also called Deo Patan, is located in Prabhas Patan, Veraval in Gujarat, India.

Statement 1 is correct: Somnath Temple, is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Apart from Somnath, other famous jyotirlingas are Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh), Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh), Bhimashankar (Maharashtra), Baidyanath (Jharkhand), Kashi Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh) etc.

Statement 2 is correct: Al-Biruni, an Arab traveler, gave a highly favorable description of Somanth temple in Kitab Al-Hind (Book of India). It is believed to have inspired Mahmud of Ghazni’s expedition in 1024 AD.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The contemporary Somnath temple’s reconstruction was started under the orders of the first Home Minister of India, Vallabhbhai Patel. The then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple in 1951.

Explanation

The Mongol invasions of India, particularly during the Delhi Sultanate, began in the early 13th century under Genghis Khan and continued through the 14th century. The invasions targeted northern India, with significant assaults during the reigns of Iltutmish, Ala-ud-din Khalji, and Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq. Despite several incursions, the Mongols did not establish permanent control over Indian territories.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The first Mongol invasion of Indiatook place in the reign of Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish. Who was a ruler of Slave dynasty and was also able to preserve his kingdom.

Statement 2 is correct: During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, Mongols attacked and pillaged not only the surrounding areas, but Delhi itself. Alauddin formed a large standing army for conquest and defense, but the Mongols attacked during his Chittor siege.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq faced several Mongol invasions during his reign but he successfully defended his kingdom against them and did not lose any territory to the Mongols. In some cases, he even launched counterattacks and drove the Mongols out of the region.

Explanation

The ’Kulah-Daran’ are a group of Persian immigrants who lived in India in the eleventh century. "Kulah-Daran" literally translates to "hat-wearers" and was used to describe people who wore a specific kind of Persian cap called a "kulah." The Sayyids (1414 to 1451 AD) were known as ‘Kulah Daran’ during the Delhi sultanate. They were the fourth ruling family of the Delhi Sultanate established by Khizr khan. Other dynasties of the Dehi Sultanate are:

Mamluks (AD 1206-AD 1290) The Khaljis (AD 1290-AD 1320) The Tughlaqs (AD 1320-AD 1412) The Lodis (AD 1451-AD 1526).

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India provides for the administration and control of scheduled areas and tribes in India. It aims to protect the interests of tribal communities and prevent the exploitation of tribal lands and resources. One of the key provisions under the Fifth Schedule is that it restricts the transfer of land from tribal people to non-tribal people in tribal areas, thus safeguarding their land rights and ensuring their protection against land alienation.

Option (b) is incorrect: This would create a local self-governing body in that area that is not specifically tied to the Fifth Schedule, as local self-governance is addressed in other parts of the Constitution, like the Panchayati Raj system.

Option (c) is incorrect: This would convert that area into the Union Territory is incorrect. The Fifth Schedule does not convert any area into a Union Territory; it applies to scheduled areas within existing states.

Option (d) is incorrect: The State having such areas would be declared a Special Category State is incorrect. The Fifth Schedule does not declare a state as a special category state. According to Article 244(1), the President defines Scheduled Areas, and the Governor, after consulting the Tribal Advisory Council (TAC), can make regulations for their governance. These regulations may include restrictions on land transfers to non-tribals, the allocation of land to Scheduled Tribes, and the regulation of money-lending activities involving tribal communities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Low, thick clouds, not the high clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth.

Statement 2 is incorrect: High, thin clouds, not the low clouds primarily transmit incoming solar radiation. At the same time, they trap some of the outgoing infrared radiation emitted by the Earth and radiate it back downward, thereby warming the surface of the Earth.

Explanation

Sangam literature, composed between 300 BCE and 300 CE, is a collection of Tamil poems reflecting ancient South Indian society, culture, and politics. It was composed by poets at the Sangam councils held in Madurai and include contributions from poets like Agastya, Kapilar, and Nakkirar. The literature is divided into Eighteen Greater and Ten Lesser Anthologies, covering themes of love (akam), valor (puram), and ethics. Key texts include Tolkappiyam (grammar), Purananuru (heroic poetry), and Akananuru (love poetry), offering insights into the region’s political, social, and religious life. The two major Tamil epics, Silappathikaram and Manimekalai, are cornerstones of Tamil literature and reflect the cultural and spiritual life of ancient Tamil society

Option (b) is correct: Sangam literature does make references to the social classification of Varna, which was a system of social classification in ancient India based on occupation and birth. Sangam Literature provides valuable details about the Sangam society and polity.Social classification of varna was known to Sangam poets.There is mention of social classes like the Arashar (kings), Vaishiyar (traders), and Velalar (farmers).

Explanation

Akbar had commissioned the translation of many Sanskrit works such as Mahabharata, Ramayana, Lilavati, and Yogavashishta into the Persian language. A Maktab Khana (translation bureau) was also established at Fatehpur Sikri for this purpose.

Option (a) is correct: The "Yoga Vasistha" was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati during the reign of Akbar. It was commissioned by Akbar as part of his efforts to bring together different religious and philosophical ideas, bridging the gap between Hinduism and Islam. This translation helped introduce key concepts from Vedanta, Yoga, and Hindu philosophy to Persianspeaking audiences