MODERN INDIA

2023

1. By which one of the following Acts was the Governor General of Bengal designated as the Governor General of India?

(a) The Regulating Act

(b) The Pitt’s India Act

(d) The Charter Act of 1833

2. With reference to Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with

(a) archaeological excavations

(b) establishment of English Press in Colonial India

(d) construction of railways in Colonial India

3. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I : 7th August is declared as the National Handloom Day.

Statement-II: It was in 1905 that the Swadeshi Movement was launched on the same day.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

2022

1. In the Government of India Act 1919, the functions of Provincial Government were divided into “Reserved” and “Transferred” subjects. Which of the following were treated as “Reserved” subjects?

1. Administration of Justice

2. Local Self-Government

3. Land Revenue

4. Police

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 2 and 4

2. Consider the following freedom fighters:

1. Barindra Kumar Ghosh

2. Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee

3. Rash Behari Bose

Who of the above was/were actively associated with the Ghadar Party?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

3. With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements:

1. The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Princely States.

2. Any Province, which is not prepared to accept the new Constitution would have the right to sign a separate agreement with Britain regarding its future status.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

4. With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements:

1. The Dutch established their factories/warehouses on the east coast on lands granted to them by Gajapati rulers.

2. Alfonso de Albuquerque captured Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate.

3. The English East India Company established a factory at Madras on a plot of land leased from a representative of the Vijayanagara empire.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2021

1. Consider the following statements:

Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order.
Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to him there.
The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2. Consider the following statements:

The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 recommended granting voting rights to all the women above the age of 21.
The Government of India Act of 1935 gave women reserved seats in legislature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

3. With reference to 8th August, 1942 in Indian history, which one of the following statements is correct?

(a) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC.

(b) The Viceroy’s Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians.

(d) Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion Status once the Second World War was over.

4. Who among the following is associated with ‘Songs from Prison’, a translation of ancient India religious lyrics in English?

(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

(b) Jawaharlal Nehru

(c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

(d) Sarojini Naidu

5. Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School?

(a) Annie Besant

(b) Debendranath Tagore

(c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

(d) Sarojini Naidu

6. In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon are remembered as

(a) Leaders of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement

(b) Members of the Interim Government in 1946

(d) Officers of the Indian National Army

7. With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?

The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.
The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanagara Empire.
Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

8. In the first quarter of seventeenth century, in which of the following was/were the factory/factories of the English East India Company located?

Broach
Chicacole
Trichinopoly

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

9. With reference to Madanapalle of Andhra Pradesh, which one of the following statements is correct?

(a) Pingali Venkayya designed the tricolor Indian National Flag here.

(b) Pattabhi Sitaramaiah led the Quit India Movement of Andhra region from here.

(c) Rabindranath Tagore translated the National Anthem from Bengali to English here.

(d) Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott set up headquarters of Theosophical Society first here.

2020

1. In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around

women’s right to gain education
age of consent
restitution of conjugal rights

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2. Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20^th century because of

(a) peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters

(b) its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions

3. Wellesley established the Fort William College Calcutta because

(a) he was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so

(b) he wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India

(d) he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

4. With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Trumult is the description of which of the following events?

(a) The Revolt of 1857

(b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921

(d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

5. Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of the Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?

(a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.

(b) Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.

(d) Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures.

6. With reference to the book ‘Desher Katha’ written by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during the freedom struggle, consider the following statements:

It warned against the Colonial State’s hypnotic conquest of the mind.
It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs.
The use of ‘desh’ by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

7. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following?

Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference
Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement
Acceptance of Gandhiji’s suggestion for enquiry into police excesses
Release of only those prisoners who were not charged with violence

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

8. The Vital-Vidhvansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchable people as its target audience was published by

(a) Gopal Baba Walangkar

(b) Jyotiba Phule

(d) Bhimrao Ranji Ambedkar

2019

1. Consider the following statements about ‘the Charter Act of 1813’:

It ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade with China.
It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Indian territories held by the Company.
The revenues of India were now controlled by the British Parliament.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2. With reference to Swadeshi Movement, consider the following statements:

It contributed to the revival of the indigenous artisan crafts and industries.
The National Council of Education was established as a part of Swadeshi Movement.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

3. Consider the following pairs:

	Movement/Organization	Leader
1.	All India Anti-Untouchability League	Mahatma Gandhi
2.	All India Kisan Sabha	Swami Sahajanand Saraswati
3.	Self-Respect Movement Naicker	E.V. Ramaswami

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

4. With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements:

Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of ‘indentured labour
In Lord Chelmsford’s ‘War Conference’, Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

5. With reference to Indian National Movement, consider the following pairs:

	Person	Position held
1.	Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru	President, All India Liberal Federation
2.	K.C. Neogy	Member, The Constituent Assembly
3.	P.C. Joshi	General Secretary, Communist Party of India

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2018

1. Consider the following events:

The first democratically elected communist party government formed in a State in India.
India’s then largest bank, ‘Imperial Bank of India’, was renamed ‘State Bank of India’.
Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier.
Goa became a part of independent India.

Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?

(a) 4 – 1 – 2 – 3

(b) 3 – 2 – 1 – 4

(d) 3 – 1 – 2 – 4

2. In the Federation established by The Government of India Act of 1935, residuary powers were given to the

(a) Federal Legislature

(b) Governor General

(d) Provincial Governors

3. Which of the following led to the introduction of English Education in India?

Charter Act of 1813
General Committee of Public Instruction, 1823
Orientalist and Anglicist Controversy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

4. In 1920, which of the following changed its name to “Swarajya Sabha”?

(a) All India Home Rule League

(b) Hindu Mahasabha

(d) The Servants of India Society

5. Which among the following events happened earliest?

(a) Swami Dayanand established Arya Samaj.

(b) Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neel Darpan.

(d) Satyendranath Tagore became the first Indian to succeed in the Indian Civil Services Examination.

6. With reference to educational institutions during colonial rule in India, consider the following pairs:

Institution Founder

Sanskrit College at Benaras — William Jones
Calcutta Madarsa — Warren Hastings
Fort William College — Arthur Wellesley

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

7. The staple commodities of export by the English East India Company from Bengal in the middle of the 18th century were:

(a) Raw cotton, oil-seeds and opium

(b) Sugar, salt, zinc and lead

(d) Cotton, silk, saltpetre and opium

8. Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha?

(a) Active all-India participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement

(b) Active involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement

(c) Joining of peasant unrest to India’s National Movement

(d) Drastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial crops

9. Who among the following were the founders of the “Hind Mazdoor Sabha” established in 1948?

(a) B. Krishna Pillai, E.M.S. Namboodiripad and K.C. George

(b) Jayaprakash Narayan, Deen Dayal Upadhyay and M.N. Roy

(d) Ashok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta

10. Which one of the following statements does not apply to the system of Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Lord Wellesley?

(a) To maintain a large standing army at others expense

(b) To keep India safe from Napoleonic danger

(c) To secure a fixed income for the Company

(d) To establish British paramountcy over the Indian States

11. After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?

The territories called ‘Santhal Parganas’ were created.
It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

12. Economically one of the results of the British rule in India in the 19th century was the

(a) increase in the export of Indian handicrafts

(b) growth in the number of Indian owned factories

(c) commercialization of Indian agriculture

(d) rapid increase in the urban population

13. Regarding Wood’s Dispatch, which of the following statements are true?

Grants-in-Aid system was introduced.
Establishment of universities was recommended.
English as a medium of instruction at all levels of education was recommended.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

14. He wrote biographies of Mazzini, Garibaldi, Shivaji and Shrikrishna ; stayed in America for some time; and was also elected to the Central Assembly. He was

(a) Aurobindo Ghosh

(b) Bipin Chandra Pal

(c) Lala Lajpat Rai

(d) Motilal Nehru

2017

15. Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of Ryotwari Settlement in India during the British rule?

Lord Cornwallis
Alexander Read
Thomas Munro

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

16. The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for

(a) the participation of workers in the management of industries.

(b) arbitrary powers to the management to quell industrial disputes.

(d) a system of tribunals and a ban on strikes.

17. Consider the following statements:

The Factories Act, 1881 was passed with a view to fix the wages of industrial workers and to allow the workers to form trade unions.
N.M. Lokhande was a pioneer in organizing the labour movement in British India.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

18. The object of the Butler Committee of 1927 was to?

(a) Define the jurisdiction of the Central and Provincial Governments.

(b) Define the powers of the Secretary of State for India.

(d) Improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States.

19. Consider the following pairs:

Radhakanta Deb — First President of the British Indian Association
Gazulu Lakshmi Narasu Chetty — Founder of the Madras Mahajana Sabha
Surendranath Banerjee — Founder of the Indian Association

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

20. In the context of Indian history, the principle of `Dyarchy (diarchy)’ refers to

(a) Division of the central legislature into two houses.

(b) Introduction of double government i.e., Central and State governments.

(d) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.

21. With reference to Indian freedom struggle, consider the following events:

Mutiny in Royal Indian Navy
Quit India Movement launched
Second Round Table Conference

What is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?

(a) 1-2-3

(b) 2-1-3

(c) 3-2-1

(d) 3-1-2

2016

22. The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the

(a) Agitation against the Partition of Bengal

(b) Home Rule Movement

(d) Visit of the Simon Commission to India

23. Satya Shodhak Samaj organized

(a) a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar.

(b) a temple-entry movement in Gujarat.

(c) an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra.

(d) a peasant movement in Punjab.

24. The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to

(a) social reforms

(b) educational reforms

(d) constitutional reforms

25. Consider the following:

Calcutta Unitarian Committee
Tabernacle of New Dispensation
Indian Reform Association

Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

26. What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?

(a) Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto

(b) Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government

(d) Aurobindo Ghosh’s inability to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress

27. The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War

(a) India should be granted complete independence.

(b) India should be partitioned into two before granting independence.

(d) India should be given Dominion status.

2015

28. With reference to Rowlatt Satyagraha, which of the following statements is/are correct?

The Rowlatt Act was based on the recommendations of the ‘Sedition Committee’.
In Rowlatt Satyagraha, Gandhiji tried to Utilize the Home Rule League.
Demonstrations against the arrival of Simon Commission coincided with Rowlatt Satyagraha.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

29. Who of the following was/were economic critic/critics of colonialism in India?

Dadabhai Naoroji
G.Subramania Iyer
R.C. Dutt

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

30. With reference to Congress Socialist Party, consider the following statements:

It advocated the boycott of British goods and evasion of taxes.
It wanted to establish the dictatorship of proletariat.
It advocated, separate electorate for minorities and oppressed classes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) None

31. The Government of India Act of 1919 clearly defined

(a) the separation of power between the judiciary and the legislature

(b) the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments

(d) None of the above

32. Who of the following organized a march on the Tanjore coast to break the Salt Law in April 1930?

(a) V.O. Chidambaram Pillai

(b) C.Rajagopalachari

(d) Annie Besant

33. Consider the following statements

The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu.
The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

34. With reference to the Cabinet Mission, which of the following statements is/are correct?

It recommended a federal government.
It enlarged the powers of the Indian courts.
It provided for more Indians in the ICS.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(d) None

35. Which one of the following movements has contributed to a split in the Indian National Congress resulting in the emergence of ‘moderates’ and ‘extremists’?

(a) Swadeshi Movement

(b) Quit India Movement

(d) Civil Disobedience Movement

2014

36. The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until

(a) the First World War when Indian troops were needed by the British and the partition was ended.

(b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911.

(d) the Partition of India in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan.

37. The 1929 Session of Indian National Congress is of significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because the

(a) attainment of Self-Government was declared as the objective of the Congress

(b) attainment of Poorna Swaraj was adopted as the goal of the Congress

(d) decision to participate in the Round Table Conference in London was taken

38. The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a

(a) revolutionary association of Indians with headquarters at San Francisco

(b) nationalist organization operating from Singapore

(d) communist movement for India’s freedom with headquarters at Tashkent

39. What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)?

To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States.
To place the Indian administration under the British Crown.
To regulate East India Company’s trade with India.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2013

40. The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission because

(a) Indians never wanted the review of the working of the Act of 1919

(b) Simon Commission recommended the abolition of Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the Provinces

(d) the Simon Commission suggested the partition of the country

41. Quit India Movement was launched in response to

(a) Cabinet Mission Plan

(b) Cripps Proposals

(d) Wavell Plan

42. The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for

(a) the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third

(b) the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land

(d) writing off all peasant debts

43. Annie Besant was

responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement.
the founder of the Theosophical Society.
once the President of the Indian National Congress.

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

44. The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the

(a) imposition of certain restrictions to carry arms by the Indians

(b) imposition of restrictions en newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages

(d) removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth

45. The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to

(a) solve the problem of minorities in India

(b) give effect to the Independence Bill

(d) enquire into the riots in East Bengal

2012

46. Consider the following statements:

The most effective contribution made by Dadabhai Naoroji to the cause of Indian National Movement was that he

Exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British.
Interpreted the ancient Indian texts and restored the self-confidence of Indians.
Stressed the need for eradication of all the social evils before anything else.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

47. The Rowlatt Act aimed at:

(a) compulsory economic support to war efforts

(b) imprisonment without trial and summary procedures for trial

(d) imposition of restrictions freedom of the press

48. The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929) is very important in history, because

the Congress passed a resolution demanding complete independence.
the rift between the extremists and moderates was resolved in that Session.
a resolution was passed rejecting the two-nation theory in that Session.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(d) None of the above

49. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Brahmo Samaj?

It opposed idolatry.
It denied the need for a priestly class for interpreting the religious texts.
It popularized the doctrine that the Vedas are infallible,

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

50. Consider the following

Assessment of land revenue on the basis of nature of the soil and the quality of crops.
Use of mobile cannons in warfare.
Cultivation of tobacco and red chillies.

Which of the above was/were introduced into India by the English?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2

(d) None

51. The Congress ministries resigned in the seven provinces in 1939, because

(a) the Congress could not form ministries in the other four provinces

(b) emergence of a ‘left wing’ in the Congress made the working of the ministries impossible

(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct

52. Which of the following is/are the principal feature(s) of the Government of India Act, 1919?

Introduction of dyarchy in the executive government of the provinces.
Introduction of separate communal electorates for Muslims.
Devolution of Legislative authority by the centre to the provinces.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

53. During Indian freedom struggle, the National Social Conference was formed. What was the reason for its formation?

(a) Different social reform groups or organizations of Bengal region united to form a single body to discuss the issues of larger interest and to prepare appropriate petitions/ representations to the government.

(b) Indian National Congress did not want to include social reforms in its deliberations and
decided to form a separate body for such a purpose.

(c) Behramji Malabari and M. G. Ranade decided to bring together all the social reform group of the country under one organization.

(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context.

54. Which of the following parties were established by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?

The Peasants and Workers Party of India
All India Scheduled Castes Federation
The Independent Labour Party

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

55. Mahatma Gandhi undertook fast unto death in 1932, mainly because

(a) Round Table Conference failed to satisfy Indian political aspirations

(b) Congress and Muslim League had differences of opinion

(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context

56. With reference to Ryotwari Settlement,consider the following statements

The rent was paid directly by the peasants to the government.
The government gave the Pattas to the Ryots.
The lands were surveyed and assessed before being taxed.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 Only

(b) 1 and 2

(d) None of the above

2011

57. The tendency for increased litigation was visible after the introduction of the land settlement system of Lord Cornwallis in 1793. The reason for this is normally traced to which of the following provisions?

(a) Making Zamindar’s position stronger vis-a-vis the ryot.

(b) Making East India Company an overlord of Zamindars.

(d) None of the (a), (b) and (c) above.

58. Which one of the following observations is not true about the Quit India Movement of 1942?

(a) It was a nonviolent movement

(b) It was led by Mahatma Gandhi

(d) It did not attract the labour class in general

59. Which amongst the following provided a common factor for tribal insurrection in India in the 19th century?

(a) Introduction of a new system of land revenue and taxation of tribal products

(b) Influence of foreign religious missionaries in tribal areas

(d) The complete disruption of the old agrarian order to the tribal communities

60. With reference to the period of colonial rule in India, “Home Charges” formed an important part of drain of wealth from India. Which of the following funds constituted “Home Charges”?

Funds used to support the India Office in London.
Funds used to pay salaries and pensions of British personnel engaged in India.
Funds used for waging wars outside India by the British.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d)1, 2 and 3

61. What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda?

The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought.
The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

62. What was the purpose with which Sir William Wedderburn and W.S.Caine had set up the Indian Parliamentary Committee in 1893?

(a) To agitate for Indian political reforms in the House of Commons

(b) To campaign for the entry of Indians into the Imperial Judiciary

(d) To agitate for the entry of eminent Indians into the British Parliament

63. Mahatma Gandhi said that some of his deepest convictions were reflected in a book titled, “Unto this Last” and the book transformed his life. What was the message from the book that transformed Mahatma Gandhi?

(a) Uplifting the oppressed and poor is the moral responsibility of an educated man

(b) The good of individual is contained in the good of all

(d) All the statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct in this context

64. With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for

(a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement

(b) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference

(d) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

65. With reference to the period of India freedom struggle, which of the following was/were recommended by the ‘Nehru report’?

Complete Independence for India.
Joint electorates for reservation of seats for minorities.
Provision of fundamental rights for the people of India in the Constitution.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

MEDIEVAL INDIA

2023

1. Who among the following rulers of mediaeval Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese?

(a) Ahmad Shah

(b) Mahmud Begarha

(d) Muhammad Shah

2022

1. Consider the following pairs:

	King		Dynasty
1.	Nannuka	—	Chandela
2.	Jayashakti	—	Paramara
3.	Nagabhata II	—	Gurjara-Pratihara
4.	Bhoja	—	Rashtrakuta

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair

(b) Only two pairs

(d) All four pairs

2. In medieval India, the term “Fanam” referred to:

(a) Clothing

(b) Coins

(d) Weapons

3. With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements:

1. The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji.

2. During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city.

3. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of north-west of his kingdom to Mongola.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

4. With reference to Indian history, who of the following were known as “Kulah-Daran”?

(a) Arab merchants

(b) Qalandars

(d) Sayyids

2021

1. With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct sequence in ascending order in terms of size?

(a) Paragana-Sarkar-Suba

(b) Sarkar-Paragana-Suba

(d) Paragana-Suba-Sarkar

2. According to the Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the following areas?

Wrestling
Astrology
Accounting
Soothsaying

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

3. Consider the following statements:

It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince.
It was during the reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus.
It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

2019

1. With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar?

Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection.
Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2. Consider the following statements:

In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as ‘Amil’.
The lqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.
The office of ‘Mir Bakshi’ came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

3. Consider the following statements:

Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

4. With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?

(a) Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.

(b) Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.

(d) Tansen invented many Ragas.

5. Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?

(a) Humayun

(b) Akbar

(c) Jahangir

(d) Shah Jahan

2018

1. Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India?

(a) Francois Bernier

(b) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier

(d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre

2017

2. Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom?

(a) Kakinada

(b) Motupalli

(d) Nelluru

2016

3. With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta’ refers to

(a) bonded labour

(b) land grants made to military officers

(c) waterwheel used in the irrigation of land

(d) wasteland converted to cultivated land

4. With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?

(a) Shramana

(b) Parivraajaka

(d) Maagadha

5. Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements:

The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

6. Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally

(a) agriculturists

(b) warriors

(d) traders

2015

7. Consider the following pairs:

Medieval Indian State Present Region

Champaka : Central India
Durgara : Jammu
Kuluta : Malabar

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

8. Consider the following:

The arrival of Babur into India led to the

introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
introduction of the arch and dome in the region’s architecture
establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

9. With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of the feudal system?

A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority
Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land
Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

10. Who of the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed to belong?

(a) Amoghavarsha I

(b) Ballala II

(c) Harihara I

(d) Prataparudra II

2014

11. Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

(a) the mosque for the use of Royal Family

(b) Akbar’s private prayer chamber

(d) the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs

12. In medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for

(a) military officers

(b) village headmen

(d) chiefs of craft guilds

2013

13. Consider the following Bhakti Saints:

Dadu Dayal
Guru Nanak
Tyagaraja

Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 only

(d) 1 and 2

2012

14. With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices?

Meditation and control of breath
Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place
Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANCIENT HISTORY AND CULTURE

2023

1. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?

(a) Andhra

(b) Gandhara

(d) Magadha

2. With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements :

The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
Stupa was generally a repository of relics. 3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

3. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as

(a) capital cities

(b) ports

(d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras

4. Which one of the following explains the practice of Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?

(a) Kings employing women bodyguards.

(b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters

(d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death

5. Consider the following dynasties:

Hoysala
Gahadavala
Kakatiya
Yadava

How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

6. With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs:

	Literary work	Author
1.	Devichandragupta	Bilhana
2.	Hammira-Mahakavya	Nayachandra Suri
3.	Milinda-panha	Nagarjuna
4.	Nitivakyamrita	Somadeva Suri

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

7. “Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects.”

The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?

(a) Buddhism

(b) Jainism

(d) Vaishnavism

8. Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and canalcum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?

(a) Devaraya I

(b) Mallikarjuna

(d) Virupaksha

9. Consider the following pairs:

	Site	Well known for
1.	Besnagar	Shaivite cave shrine
2.	Bhaja	Buddhist cave shrine
3.	Sittanawasal	Jain cave shrine

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

2022

1. Consider the following pairs:

	Site of Ashoka’s major rock edicts		Location in the State of
1.	Dhauli	—	Odisha
2.	Erragudi	—	Andhra Pradesh
3.	Jaugada	—	Madhya Pradesh
4.	Kalsi	—	Karnataka

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair

(b) Only two pairs

(d) All four pairs

2. Which one of the following statement about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?

(a) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.

(b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.

(d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.

3. “Yogavasistha” was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati during the reign of:

(a) Akbar

(b) Humayun

(d) Aurangzeb

4. The world’s second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja?

(a) The best means of salvation was devotion.

(b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.

(d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.

5. The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.

2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.

3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

6. With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts:

1. Nettipakarana

2. Parishishtaparvan

3. Avadanashataka

4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana

Which of the above are Jaina texts?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4

7. With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs:

	Historical person		Known as
1.	Aryadeva	—	Jaina scholar
2.	Dignaga	—	Buddhist scholar
3.	Nathamuni	—	Vaishnava scholar

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) None of the pairs

(b) Only one pair

(c) Only two pairs

(d) All three pairs

8. According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which of the following are correct?

1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment.

2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free.

3. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master’s son.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2021

1. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?

(a) Dholavira

(b) Kalibangan

(d) Ropar

2. From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?

The Guptas of Magadha
The Paramaras of Malwa
The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
The Maukharis of Kanauj
The Yadavas of Devagiri
The Maitrakas of Valabhi

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only

(d) 5 and 6 only

3. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Mitakshara was the civil law for upper castes and Dayabhaga was the civil law for lower castes.
In the Mitakshara system, the sons can claim right to the property during the lifetime of the father, whereas in the Dayabhaga system, it is only after the death of the father that the sons can claim right to the property.
The Mitakshara system deals with the matters related to the property held by male members only of a family, whereas the Dayabhaga system deals with the matters related to the property held by both male and female members of a family.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

4. With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to

(a) Dance forms of Northwest India

(b) Musical instruments

(d) Tribal languages

5. With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous

(a) Jain monks

(b) Playwrights

(d) Philosophers

6. Which one of the following statements is correct?

(a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora River.

(b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal River.

(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari River.

7. With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:

It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
It is the only circular temple built in India.
It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

8. Consider the following pairs:

	Historical place	Well-known for
1.	Burzahom	Rock-cut shrines
2.	Chandraketugarh	Terracotta art
3.	Ganeshwar	Copper artefacts

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

2020

1. With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements:

Panini is associated with Pushyamitra
Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana
Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2. With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs:

1.	Aurang	–	In-charge of treasury of the State
2.	Banian	–	Indian agent of the East India Company
3.	Mirasidar	–	Designated revenue payer to the State

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

3. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

4. Consider the following events in the history of India:

Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I
Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka-I
Pala dynasty founded by Gopala

What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?

(a) 2 – 1 – 4 – 3

(b) 3 – 1 – 4 – 2

(c) 2 – 4 – 1 – 3

(d) 3 – 4 – 1 – 2

5. Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period?

(a) An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates

(b) A diary to be maintained for daily accounts

(c) A bill of exchange

(d) An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates

6. With reference to the history of India, the terms ‘kulyavapa’ and ‘dronavapa’ denote

(a) measurement of land

(b) coins of different monetary value

(d) religious rituals

7. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription?

“Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.”

(a) Ashoka

(b) Samundragupta

(d) Krishanadeva Raya

8. With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs:

	Famous Place		Present State
1.	Bhilsa	–	Madhya Pradesh
2.	Dwarasamudra	–	Maharashtra
3.	Girinagar	–	Gujarat
4.	Sthanesvara	–	Uttar Pradesh

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(d) 2 and 4 only

9. With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were known as

(a) ports handling foreign trade

(b) capitals of powerful kingdoms

(d) important of Buddhist pilgrimage centers

10. With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’?

(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style

(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas

(c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path

(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India

11. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:

1.	Parivrajaka	–	Renunciant and Wanderer
2.	Shramana	–	Priest with a high status
3.	Upasaka	–	Lay follower of Buddhism

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2019

1. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?

(a) Chanhudaro

(b) Kot Diji

(c) Sohgaura

(d) Desalpur

2. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?

(a) Kanganahalli

(b) Sanchi

(d) Sohgaura

3. Consider the following:

Deification of the Buddha
Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
Image worship and rituals

Which of the above is/are the feature/ features of Mahayana Buddhism?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

4. With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?

(a) It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.

(b) It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.

(d) The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.

5. Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of

(a) Chalukya

(b) Chandela

(d) Vijayanagara

2018

1. Consider the following pairs:

Tradition State

1. Chapchar Kut Festival — Mizoram

2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur

3. Thang-Ta Dance — Sikkim

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3

2. With reference to culture history of India,consider the following statements:

Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries.
Annamacharya kirtnas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venketshwara.

Which of the statement is given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4

3. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements:

White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.
Red Sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow.

Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

4. With reference to the Indian History, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?

(a) Avalokiteshvara

(b) Lokesvara

(c) Maitreya

(d) Padmapani

5. The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the

(a) Bundi school

(b) Jaipur school

(d) Kishangarh school

6. With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to

(a) Buddhism

(b) Jainism

(d) Shaivism

2017

7. With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.
Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

8. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.
Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

9. Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom?

(a) Kakinada

(b) Motupalli

(d) Nelluru

10. The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at:

(a) Ajanta

(b) Badami

(d) Ellora

11. Consider the following pairs:

	Traditions	Communities
1	Chaliha Sahib Festival	Sindhis
2	Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra	Gonds
3	Wari-Warkari	Santhals

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) None of the above

12. Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?

Arasavalli
Amarakantak
Omkareshwar

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

13. With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:

It is a song and dance performance.
Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 only

2016

14. In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:

Term Description

Eripatti Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank
Taniyurs Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
Ghatikas Colleges generally attached to the temples

Which of the pairs given above correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 3 only

(d) 1 and 3

15. With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?

(a) Shramana

(b) Parivrajaka

(d) Maagadha

16. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?

(a) Georg Buhler

(b) James Prinsep

(d) William Jones

17. Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?

(a) Swapnavasavadatta

(b) Malavikagnimitra

(d) Ratnavali

18. With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements:

Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

19. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?

(a) Georg Buhler

(b) James Prinsep

(d) William Jones

20. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

21. What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?

Both were built in the same period.
Both belong to the same religious denomination.
Both have rock-cut monuments.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) None of the statements given above is correct

22. In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:

Term Description

Eripatti : Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank
Taniyurs : Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
Ghatikas : Colleges generally attached to the temples

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 3 only

(d) 1 and 3

2015

23. Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?

Avanti
Gandhara
Kosala
Magadha

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 3 and 4 only

24. Kalamkari painting refers to

(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India

(b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India

(d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India

25. Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?

Avanti
Gandhara
Kosala
Magadha

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 3 and 4 only

26. Who of the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed to belong?

(a) Amoghavarsha I

(b) Ballala II

(d) Prataparudra II

27. With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar

(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli

(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri

28. Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?

(a) Odia

(b) Konkani

(d) Assamese

2014

29. Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?

Avanti
Gandhara
Kosala
Magadha

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 4

(d) 1, 3 and 4

30. Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta

(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika

(d) Sankhya and Yoga

31. Consider the following towns of India:

Bhadrachalam
Chanderi
Kancheepuram
Karnal

Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabric?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4

32. Consider the following languages

Gujarati
Kannada
Telugu

Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

33. With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements:

Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

34. With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs:

	Famous work of sculpture	Site
1	A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below	Ajanta
2	A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boarincarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock	Mount Abu
3	“Arjuna’s Penance”/ “Descent of Ganga” sculpated on the surface of huge boulders	Mamalla-puram

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

35. With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is `Kalaripayattu’?

(a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India

(b) It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area

(d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India

36. Consider the following pairs:

Garba : Gujarat
Mohiniattam : Odisha
Yakshagana : Karnataka

Which of the pairs given above is / are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

37. With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs:

	Famous shrine	Location
1	Tabo monastery and temple complex	Spiti Valley
2	Lhotsava Lhakhang temple, Nako	Zanskar Valley
3	Alchi temple complex	Ladakh

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly atched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

38. A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their

(a) martial arts in North-East India

(b) musical tradition in North-West India

(d) pietra dura tradition in Central India

39. With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to

(a) an assembly of village elders

(b) a religious sect

(d) an administrative functionary

2013

40. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?

The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance
Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul
Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

41. The Chinese traveler Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?

The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.
As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

42. Which of the following characterizes/ characterize the people of Indus Civilization?

They possessed great palaces and temples.
They worshipped both male and female deities.
They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None of the statements given above is correct

43. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks

(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks

(d) There is no material difference between the two

44. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

(a) The extinction of the flame of desire

(b) The complete annihilation of self

(d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension

45. Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization?

They possessed great palaces and temples
They worshipped both male and female deities
They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None of the statements given above is correct

46. With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:

The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India
The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya
At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

47. In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

(a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck

(b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters

(d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism

48. Consider the following Bhakti Saints:

Dadu Dayal
Guru Nanak
Tyagaraja

Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 only

(d) 1 and 2

49. Consider the following historical places:

Ajanta Caves
Lepakshi Temple
Sanchi Stupa

Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) None

50. With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school:

Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul.
Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2012

51. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?

Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
Denial of efficacy of rituals

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

52. Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes

(a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation

(b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara

(c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory

(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context

53. With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them.
The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild.
The guild had judicial powers over its own members.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

54. With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct?

Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments were in common use by 1st century AD.
Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of 3rd century AD.
The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD.
The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in 7th century AD.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

55. The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of

(a) Bhakti

(b) image worship and Yajnas

(d) worship of nature and Bhakti

56. The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the

(a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent

(b) three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of Indian can be classified

(d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

57. With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?

Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.
Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.
Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) None of the above is correct

58. How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?

Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2011

59. The “dharma” and “rita” depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements:

Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one’s duties to oneself and to others.
Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

60. The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by

(a) Universal Law

(b) Universal Truth

(d) Universal Soul

61. India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of early maritime history of Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation/explanations?

(a) As compared to other countries, India had a better ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times

(b) The rulers of southern India always patronized traders, brahmin priests and buddhist monks in this context

(d) Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanations in this context

62. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:

It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2