Q3991. Which British official was predominantly responsible for negotiating the Treaties of Subordinate Isolation with the majority of the Rajput states in 1817-18?
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Q3992. Arrange the following architectural developments of ancient India in their correct chronological order.
I. Construction of the monolithic Kailasanatha temple at Ellora
II. Excavation of the earliest rock-cut caves at Barabar
III. Erection of the free-standing structural Dashavatara temple at Deogarh
IV. Construction of the brick stupa core at Sanchi by Ashoka
Select the correct order from the options given below.
I. Construction of the monolithic Kailasanatha temple at Ellora
II. Excavation of the earliest rock-cut caves at Barabar
III. Erection of the free-standing structural Dashavatara temple at Deogarh
IV. Construction of the brick stupa core at Sanchi by Ashoka
Select the correct order from the options given below.
Explanation
The architectural history of India begins with early rock-cut excavations like the Barabar caves in the Mauryan period, followed by the construction of the stupa core at Sanchi. Free-standing structural temples like the Dashavatara at Deogarh emerged during the Gupta period. Finally, the massive monolithic Kailasanatha temple at Ellora was carved later, during the Rashtrakuta rule in the eighth century.
Q3993. Regarding the application of Article 256 (obligation of States and the Union), which of the following views represents the most appropriate legal interpretation?
Explanation
Article 256 is intended as a safeguard to ensure states comply with parliamentary laws. Legally, it is viewed as a coercive tool that the Union should use sparingly and only after other administrative and legal dialogues have failed. Invoking such directions is a serious matter, as continued non-compliance by a state can lead to the imposition of President’s Rule under Article 365.
Q3994. Identify the odd one out among the following substances based on their role in environmental issues.
Explanation
Chlorofluorocarbons, halons, and carbon tetrachloride are all recognized as ozone-depleting substances and are regulated under the Montreal Protocol. Sulfur dioxide, however, is primarily known as a precursor to acid rain and a contributor to atmospheric aerosols. While it affects air quality and climate, it does not play a direct role in the chemical destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer.
Q3995. What was the primary effect of eliminating the ‘Vermin’ schedule in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022?
Explanation
The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 removed the vermin schedule, and the Central Government can now declare specific species outside Schedules I and II as vermin by notification.
Q3996. Among the states of Rajputana, which was the last to sign the treaty of Subordinate Alliance with the British East India Company in 1823?
Explanation
While most Rajput states had concluded treaties with the East India Company by 1818, Sirohi was the last to sign a treaty of Subordinate Alliance. This event took place in 1823. The delay was primarily due to a long-standing territorial dispute with Jodhpur, which claimed suzerainty over Sirohi, necessitating prolonged negotiations before the British recognized its independent sovereign status.
Q3997. Which of the following statements about the development of sculpture during the Gupta period is incorrect?
Explanation
Sculpture during the Gupta period is regarded as the classical peak of Indian art, known for its balanced proportions and spiritual serenity. While earlier styles like Gandhara and Mathura provided a foundation, the Gupta period saw a synthesis where indigenous elements became dominant. Rather than being replaced by Gandhara styles, the art became more refined, internalized, and uniquely Indian in its expression.
Q3998. Excessive use of irrigation in arid regions with poor drainage systems primarily leads to which long-term effect?
Explanation
Excessive irrigation in arid regions, especially without proper drainage, causes the water table to rise. As water evaporates from the surface, it leaves behind dissolved salts that accumulate in the root zone. This process eventually makes the soil too saline for most vegetation to survive. The resulting loss of plant cover leaves the land vulnerable to erosion, leading to permanent desertification.
Q3999. Prior to the 2022 amendment, which Schedule of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 was specifically dedicated to "Vermin" (animals that could be hunted)?
Explanation
Before the recent amendments in 2022, the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 categorized wild animals into six schedules. Schedule V was specifically dedicated to "Vermin," which included species like common crows, fruit bats, mice, and rats. Animals listed in this schedule could be hunted without a license, as they were not afforded the same level of high legal protection.
Q4000. Which of the following is the most accurate description of the primary objective of the British East India Company in making treaties with Rajput states in 1817-18?
Explanation
The primary British objective in negotiating treaties with the Rajput states in 1817-18 was strategic security. By establishing a network of dependent states, the East India Company created a buffer zone that protected British-held territories from external threats like the Marathas and Pindaris. This policy ensured regional stability while maintaining indirect control without the high costs of direct administration.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 3991 | (b) Charles Metcalfe |
| 3992 | (a) II, IV, III, I |
| 3993 | (b) Coercive tool used only as a last resort after legal dialogue. |
| 3994 | (b) Sulfur dioxide |
| 3995 | (b) Central Government can declare specific non-Schedule I/II species as vermin by notification |
| 3996 | (d) Sirohi |
| 3997 | (d) The Gandhara influence became highly pronounced, completely replacing indigenous styles. |
| 3998 | (d) Soil salinization and subsequent desertification |
| 3999 | (d) Schedule V |
| 4000 | (a) Creating a buffer of dependent states to secure British lands |
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This page has 9654 practice MCQs on the RAS Prelims syllabus. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
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Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation. Practise one chapter at a time, note the facts you got wrong and revise them. Repeat the chapter after a few days.
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