upsc prelims general studies

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UPSC PRELIMS GENERAL STUDIES

HISTORY – NCERT BASICS

QUESTIONS with ANSWER KEY

Time Allowed: Two Hours Maximum Marks: 200

I N S T R U C T I O N S

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have any unprinted or torn or missing pages or items, etc. if so, get it replaced by a complete test booklet.

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Series A, B, C or D carefully and without any omission or discrepancy at the appropriate places in the

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the Box provided alongside. DO NOT write anything else on

the Test Booklet.

4. This Test Booklet contains 100 items (questions). Each item is printed in English. Each item comprises

our responses (answers). You will select the response which you want to mark on the Answer Sheet. In

case, you feel that there is more than one correct response, mark the response which you consider the

best. In any case, choose ONLY ONE response for each item.

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with you the Test Booklet.

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10. Penalty for wrong answer rs:

THERE WILL BE PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS MARKED BY CANDIDATE IN THE OBJECTIVE

TYPE QUESTION PAPERS.

I. There are four alternatives for the answer to every question. For each question for which a wrong

answer has been given by the candidate, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be

deducted as penalty.

II. If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the

given answers happens to be correct and there will be same penalty as above to that question.

III. If a question is blank, i.e., no answer is given by the candidate; there will be no penalty for that

question.

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Question Type:

CC- Conventional & Conceptual

CD- Conventional & Descriptive

FD- Factual & Direct

MB- Map Based

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1. Consider the following statements

about ‗Jati‘ system in India {CD}

1. Jatis were ranked on the basis of

their background and their

occupation

2. The rank of the Jatis were fixed

permanently

3. The status of the same Jati could

vary from place to place

4. The rules of the Jati were framed

by the rulers and enforced by

Jati Panchayats

Choose the correct code:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) All the above

2. Consider the following statement

about ‗Prashasti‘ : {CD}

1. It describes the achievement of

rulers

2. It was composed by learned

Brahmanas

3. They were written in both

Sanskrit and Pali

4. The details mentioned in them

were exact depiction of the king‘s

achievements


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3 only

3. Arrange the following events in

chronological order {FD}

1. Battle of Seringapatnam

2. Treaty of Salbai

3. Battle of Plassey

4. Third Anglo Maratha war

Select the code:

(a) 3 – 1 – 2 – 4

(b) 2 – 3 – 1 – 4

(c) 3 – 2 – 1 – 4

(d) 3 – 2 – 4 – 1

4. Bandagans were {FD}

(a) Slaves purchased for Military

services

(b) People who worked in the

court of Sultans

(c) Slaves purchased for building

forts

(d) People who worked in

Agriculture

5. Consider the following statement:

{ CD }

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1. Faience is a material that is

naturally found.

2. Faience was used to make

beads, bangles, earrings, and

tiny vessels.

Select the code:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

6. During Harappan Civilisation metals

were sourced from different places.

Select the correct pair of metals and

sources {FD}.

1. Copper – Oman

2. Tin – Afghanistan

3. Gold – Karnataka

Select the correct code:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) All the above

7. Assertion (A) Stone circles or

boulders were placed on the graves.

{CC }

Reason (R) It served as signposts to

find the burial site as people could

return to the same place whenever

they wanted.

(a) Both statements are True, R is

correct reason

(b) Both statements are True, R is

not correct reason

(c) A is true and R is false

(d) A is false and R is True


about a Harappan city: { FD}

1. The western part of the city,

which was usually smaller has

been referred to as the Lower

town

2. The eastern part of the city,

which was usually larger has

been referred to as the Citadel

Select the correct statements:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

9. Vajji, the capital of Magadha was

described in which among the

following Buddhist book? { FD }

(a) Digha Nikaya

(b) Vinaya Pitaka

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(c) Both a and b

(d) None of the above

10. The administrative reforms introduced

by Warren Hasting includes { FD}

1. Introduction of Criminal and Civil

court in each district

2. Establishment of Supreme Court

3. Permanent Settlement System

4. Codification of Hindu and Muslim

laws


12. Which of the following are true

regarding Jainism? {CD}

1. Both men and women must

leave their homes and follow

very strictly the rules of ahimsa.

2. Prakrit was used by the followers

to make ordinary people to

understand the teachings of

Mahavira.

3. Jains had to lead very simple

lives by begging for food.

Select the correct statement/s:

(a) 1 and 2 (a) 1 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only (d) All the above

11. Select the correct pair/s of

Philosophies and philosophers: { FD}

1. Vaishesika – Gotama

2. Nyaya – Konada

3. Samkya – Kapila

4. Yoga – Patanjali

Code:

(a) 1 and 4 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1,2 and 4 only

(d) All the above

13. Which of the following is/are true

regarding Ashoka‘s Dhamma? {CD}

1. It involves worship of God, or

performance of a sacrifice.

2. Pillars were erected and

missionaries were sent abroad to

spread dhamma.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2


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14. Which among the following were

prominent technological developments

that took place during 700-1750 AD (in

India)? {CD}

1. Persian wheel in irrigation.

2. Spinning wheel in weaving

3. Steam Engine for navigation

4. New food and beverages like

potatoes, corn, chillies, tea and

coffee.

Select the correct option:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) All the above

15. Which among the following were

considered to be major changes that

happened in religion during early

medieval history of India? {CC}

1. Brahmins lost their importance

as the idea of Bhakti evolved.

2. The emergence of the idea

Sufism, where devotees can

pray their personal deities by

sermons without the aid of

priests or elaborate rituals.

3. Islam, a new religion appeared

during this period.


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) All the above

16. Identify the famous city of medieval

and the modern times from the

description given below { FD }

1. It has been addressed as the

gate to Mecca

2. The Portuguese, Dutch and

English had their factories in this

city

3. It is famous for zari which had

market in West Asia, Africa and

Europe

Choose the correct answer from the

options given below

(a) Cannanore

(b) Calicut

(c) Surat

(d) Masulipatnam

17. Several categories of land were

mentioned in Chola inscription. Select

the correct pair of land grant and to

whom was it granted: {FD }

1. Vellanvagai - land of non-

Brahmana peasant proprietors

2. Brahmadeya - land gifted to

Brahmanas

3. Pallichchhandam - land for the

maintenance of a school

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4. Shalabhoga - land donated to

Jaina institutions

Select the code:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 only

18. Assertion (A) Ain-i-Akbari written by

Abul Fazl was a useful document for

the historians.

Reason (R) Ain-i-Akbari deals with

Akbar‘s administration, household,

army, revenues and the geography of

his empire. {CC}

(a) Both statements are True, R is

correct reason

(b) Both statements are True, R is

not correct reason

(c) A is true and R is false

(d) A is false and R is True

19. Nobles appointed as governors

(Subadhars) often controlled the

offices of { FD}

(a) revenue administration and

military administration only

(b) revenue , military, political

(c) revenue, military and

economic administration

(d) revenue, military, political and

economic administration

20. Calico act is related to {CD}

(a) Ban on use of printed cotton

textiles

(b) Restriction of trade in India

(c) Land reform measures

(d) Revenue reform measures


regarding bhakti movement {CD}

1. Alwars and Nayanmars came

from all castes including

untouchables

2. Alwars and Nayanmars were

sharply critical about Buddhists

and Jains

Choose the correct statement(s) from

the options given below

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

22. Consider the following about Ahoms:

{CD}

1. The Ahoms migrated to the

Brahmaputra valley from

present-day Cambodia.

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2. They created a new state by

suppressing the older political

system of the Bhuiyans

(landlords).


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 2


23. Which among the following was

decided during the Delhi Durbar of

1911? {CD }

(a) It called on to design New

Delhi and its buildings

(b) It was decided to shift the

capital of India from Calcutta

to Delhi

(c) To make Queen Victoria as

Empress of India

(d) Both (b) and (c)

24. Consider the following statements:

{CD}

(a) Permanent Settlement System

of 1793 was introduced during

the period of Lord Cornwallis

(b) Rajas and taluqdars were

recognized as zamindars and

were supposed to collect rent

from the peasants

(c) The amount to be paid was

fixed permanently ensuring

regular flow of revenue to the

Company

(d) Zamindars invested money in

improving the land

Select the correct code from below

(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

25. Which of the following works were

done by Panini? {FD}

1. Grammar for Sanskrit

2. Arranging vowels and

consonants in special order

3. Codification of rules of language


options given below

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1 only


regarding 'Shrenis' { CD}

1. It was an association formed by

merchants

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2. They provided training to people

3. They also served as banks

4. They organised trade


options given below

3. The city of Dholavira stood

beside a tributary of Sabarmathi

in Gujarat



regarding Vikrama Era or Vikram

29. Consider the following (FD)

Movement Founder

Samvat { CD}

1. It is associated with Mauryan

king Chandragupta Maurya

2. It was founded as a mark of

victory over Sakas


options given below

1. Satnami

Movement

2. Satyasodhak

Samaj

3. Young Bengal

Movement

- Jyotirao Phule

- Ghasidas

- Vivian Derozio

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

28. Consider the following

1. Cotton was probably grown at

Mehrgarh from about 7000 years

ago

2. The city of Lothal was located on

Rann of Kutch.

Select the incorrect pairs

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only



{ CC}

1. The only way in which the

trading companies could flourish

(a) 1 and 2 only

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only

(c)

(d)

2, 3 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

(d) All the above

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in Eastern markets was by

eliminating rival competitors.

2. Fierce battles were fought

between the trading companies

to secure their market.

3. Trade was carried on with arms

and trading posts were protected

through fortification

Which of the above statement(s) is/are

true?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) All of the above

31. In the aftermath of the Great Revolt of

1857 (CD)

1. Policies were framed to protect

landlords and zamindars.

2. A Secretary of state for India,

who was a member of British

cabinet was appointed.

3. Both Muslims & Hindus were

treated with suspicion and

hostility

Select the correct code

32. Consider the following (CD)

1. The Marathas dream of ruling

from Delhi was shattered by the

defeat in the Third Battle of

Panipat in 1761.

2. The East India Company

annexed Awadh through the

policy of ‗Doctrine of Lapse‘.

Which of the above statement is/are true?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2


{ FD}

1. Mansab is a position or rank of

an official in Mughal court

2. Rank and salary were

determined by a numerical value

called zat.

3. Mansabdars did not reside in or

administer the jagirs allocated to

them


options given below

(a) 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only (a) 1 and 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only

(d) All the above (c)

(d)

1 only

1, 2 and 3

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34. Consider the following about Kalighat

paintings { CD }

1. The school produced paintings

that cannot be reproduced by

lithography

2. The school restricted itself to the

depiction of natural, nationalistic

and secular themes

Which of the above statement(s) is/are

correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(a) A judge who interprets

criminal cases

(b) A supreme head of the

administration under the

governor general

(c) A jurist of the Muslim

community responsible for

expounding the law that the

judge should administer


37. Consider the following pairs { FD}

Tribes Region Occupation

(c) Both 1 and 2


1. Van

gujjars

- Punjab Hills - Farming

2. Labadis - Andhra

Pradesh

-Cattle

herders

35. The policy of ―paramountcy‖ primarily

aimed at { CD}

(a) Stopping all the wars that the

Company was engaged with

native princely states

(b) Suspending all subsidiary

alliance with Princely states

(c) Subordinating all European

companies trading in India

(d) Making all Indian states

accept the suzerainty of the

British

36. The role of Mufti in context to Indian

History { FD }

3. Gaddis - Kulu - Shepherds

4. Bakarwals - Kashmir - Rear goats

Choose the correct code from below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

38. The main objective of the Prarthana

Samaj was to {CD}

(a) Spiritually purify the Hindu

community from Western

pollution.

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(b) Remove caste restrictions and

towards upliftment of women

(c) Revive the gurukul education

system in India.

(d) Establish a swatantra (free)

India.

39. Who among the following were

members of the tripartite struggle for

Kannauj? {FD}

1. Gujara Prathihara

2. Rashtrakuta

3. Chauhans

4. Palas


options given below

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only


{ CD}

1. The Sikh movement began to get

politicised in the seventeenth

century, a development which

culminated in the institution of

the Khalsa

2. The Khalsa tradition was initiated

by the last living Guru of

Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh.

Choose the correct statements from

the options given below

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

41. Which of the following statements

about Vindhyas range is/are correct?

(CD)

1. Vindhyas range is located in the

central part of India.

2. The places where rice was first

grown are to the north of the

Vindhyas.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2


1. The word India comes from the

Indus, called Sindhu in Sanskrit.

2. The Iranians and the Greeks

who came through the northwest

about 2500 years ago and were

familiar with the Indus, called it

the Hindos or the Indos.

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3. The name Bharata was used for

a group of people who lived in

the northwest and who are

mentioned in the Rigveda, the

earliest composition in Sanskrit.


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 1 only

(d) All the above.

43. Which of the following statements are

correct? (MB)

1. Bhimbetka, Hungsri, Kurnool has

evidence of Palaeolithic sites.

2. Koldihwa, Mahagara, Chirand

has source of Neolithic evidence.

3. Adichanallur and Brahmagiri are

Megalithic sites.


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3



(CC)

Assertion (A): The earliest

domesticated animals include sheep

and goat.

Reason (R): Animals were looked

after carefully as they provide milk,

which is an important source of food,

and meat.

Select the code

(a) Both A and R is true but R is

the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A & R are true but R is

the not correct explanation of

A

(c) A is true R is False

(d) A is false R is true


1. The crafts persons of Bidar were

famous for their inlay work in

copper and silver.

2. Chola bronze statues were made

using the lost wax technique.

Which of the above statement is/are

true?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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46. Arrange the following IVC sites in

North-South direction( MB)

1. Lothal

2. Dholavira

3. Mohenjadaro

4. Kalibangan

5. Harrappa


(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

(b) 2, 1, 4, 3 and 5

(c) 5, 4, 2, 3 and 1

(d) 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1

47. Which of the following statement/s

about Family Language of is/are

correct? (FD)

1. Sanskrit, Assamese, Gujarati,

Hindi, Kashmiri, Sindhi belongs

to Indo-European family.

2. Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and

Malayalam belong to the

Dravidian family.

3. Languages spoken in Jharkhand

and parts of central India belong

to the Austro-Asiatic family.

4. Languages of north-eastern

states India belong to the Tibeto-

Burman family


(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) All the above


is/are incorrect about Vedic age?(CD)

1. There are two groups who are

described in terms of their work

— the priests and the rajas.

2. The people who composed the

hymns described themselves as

Aryas and called their opponents

Dasas or Dasyus.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2


is/are correct about Megaliths ? (CC)

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1. The practice of erecting megalith

was prevalent in Deccan, North

East and Kashmir.

2. There were some difference in

status amongst the people who

were buried.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2


Tribe Occupation

1. Banjaras - Nomadic Herder

2. Gonds - Shifting cultivation

3. Bhils - Hunter Gatherers

Select the correct pairs

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) All the above

51. With reference to the Palaeolithic age,

consider the following statements.

(CD)

1. It spans nearly one fourth of

human history.

2. This period extends from 24,000

years ago till about 12,000 years

ago

3. Evidence of the existence of

ostriches were found in India

during this period.

4. The climate periodically

fluctuated between warm and

cool temperatures.

Select the correct answer using the

codes below.

(a) 2 and 4 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

52. During the rule of Mahajanapadhas,

taxes were collected from (FD)

1. Crafts persons

2. Herders

3. Hunters & Gatherers


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) All the above

53. Arrange chronologically the foreign

travelers who visited India (FD)

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1. Xuan Zang

2. Fa Xian

3. I-Qing


(a) 3 – 2 - 1

(b) 2 – 1 - 3

(c) 1 – 2 - 3

(d) 3 – 1 – 2


regarding the socio-economic

condition during later vedic-period.

(CD)

1. Women played an active role in

assemblies

2. They had trade with countries

like Babylon.

3. Gold and Silver coins like

satamana and krishnala were the

only coins used as media for

exchange.

4. Child marriages had become

common.

Which of the statements given above

is/are correct?

(a) 2 and 4 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4


1. The rules made for the Buddhist

Sangha were written down in a

book called the Vinaya Pitaka

2. Buddhism believed in the idea of

Karma, which would affect us

both in this life and the next.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2


1. Alauddin Khalji constructed a

new garrison town named Siri.

2. Muhammad Tuqhluq shifted his

capital from Delhi to Daulatabad.


true?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2


regarding Jainism (CD)

1. Jainas had to observe celibacy

and men had to give up

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everything, including their

clothes

2. It was supported mainly by

farmers.

3. The spread of Jainism was

confined only to different parts of

North India and Gujarat.


is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3


regarding Kanishka (FD)

1. The Fourth Buddhist Council was

convened in Kashmir by

Kanishka.

2. Budhacharita, the biography of

Buddha was composed during

his reign.

Which of the statements give above

is/are not correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2


regarding Mahayana Buddhism(CD)

1. The statue of Buddha was

shown instead of certain signs in

the sculptures

2. The Bodhisattvas instead of

being in isolation, helped other

people to attain salvation


is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2


regarding Mauryan Dynasty (FD)

1. Megasthenes, the Greek

ambassador was sent to the

court of Ashoka.

2. Ashoka‘s inscriptions were in

Prakrit and were written in the

Brahmi script

3. Ashoka sent messengers to

Syria, Egypt and Greece to

spread the idea of Dhamma.


is/are not correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

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61. Which of the following statements are

true about Kabir? (CD)

1. His teachings were based on

rejection of major religious

traditions

2. He ridiculed all forms of external

worship of both Hinduism and

Islam

3. He believed in a formless

Supreme God.


codes below.

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) None of the above

(d) All the above

62. Consider the following statements.

(CD)

1. The Mahalwari system was

followed in Bengal presidency

while Ryotwari system was

followed in South India

2. Captain Read and Thomas

Munro devised the Mahalwari

system of collecting revenues.


true?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2


1. Tipu Sultan established a close

relationship with the Portuguese

and also modernized his army

through their help.

2. Tipu Sultan was killed in the

Battle of Seringapatnam against

the East India Company.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

64. Consider the following about ‗Indigo

Cultivation‘ (CD)

1. Under the system of Ryoti

cultivation, the planter produced

indigo in lands that he directly

controlled.

2. Under the system of Nij

cultivation, the planters forced

the village headman to sign a

contract to produce indigo.

Which of the above statements is/are

true?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

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(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2


1. Wootz steel was a high carbon

steel in South India that was

used in the making of swords.

2. The swords and armour making

industry died with the conquest

of India by the British.


false?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2


regarding Battle of Plassey (CD)

1. Robert Clive led the company‘s

army against Alivardi Khan at

Plassey

2. After the battle, Mir Qasim was

made the Nawab of Bengal


correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) None

67. Which of the following tribes were

involved in rearing of cocoons? (FD)

(a) Santhals

(b) Munda

(c) Kols

(d) Gujjars

68. Who among the following leaders

were associated with the Khilafat

agitation?(FD)

1. 1.G.K Gokhale

2. 2. Mohammad Ali

3. Shaukat Ali


codes below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

69. Evidence of wheat was found in which

of the following sites?( MB)

1. Mehrgarh

2. Gufkarl

3. Chirand

4. Hallur


(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

20

(d) 2 and 4 only

70. Consider the statements regarding

―Direct Action day‖ (CD)

1. The Muslim league called for

‗Direct action‘ after the failure of

Cabinet Mission plan.

2. The call for ‗Direct Action‘

resulted in communal riots many

parts of India.


(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) All the above


72. Battles have been fought during Rig

Vedic period for? (CD)

1. Land

2. Cattle

3. Water

4. People


(a) 1 only (a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) All the above

71. Which of the following were true with

reference to domestication during

ancient times? (CD)

1. People domesticated plant and

animals that were not prone to

disease.

2. People selected plants that yield

large-size grain

3. Animals that were relatively

gentle were selected for

breeding


(a) 1 and 2 only

73. Consider the following statements:

(CD)

1. Grama Bhojakas were large

landowners, who were used by

king to collect taxes from

villages.

2. Grihapatis were large

landowners and independent

farmers.

3. Dasa Kamakaras were people

who earn living by working on

the field owned by others.


21

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) All the above

74. The term dargahs, khanqahs and

idgahs during Shah Jahan‘s time

refers to (FD)

(a) Important trade centre

(b) Administration centre

(c) Important centre of Sufi

culture

(d) A market place

75. These tribes belong to central India.

They are reluctant to do work for

others. They consider themselves as

people of the forest who could live

only on forest produce. It was below

dignity of these tribals to become a

labourer. They are (CD)

1. Santhals

2. Baigas

3. Gonds

4. Mundas


about Rig Veda (CD)

1. Some of the hymns in Rig Veda

are in dialogue form

2. contain more than Thousand

hymns called Sukta or Well Said

3. Only Indus and Sarasvati river

are mentioned in the hymns.

Select the Incorrect Statement

(a) 1 Only

(b) 1 & 2 only

(c) 3 Only

(d) 1 & 3 Only


1. Al-Beruni wrote a book in Arabic

known as the Kitab al-Hind

2. Much of the wealth Mahmud of

Ghazni carried away was used to

create a splendid capital city at

Ghazni.


false?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

22


regarding Mysore Kingdom (CD)

1. Mysore controlled the profitable

trade of the Coromandel Coast

2. Tipu stopped the export of

sandalwood, pepper and

cardamom

Select the Incorrect Statement

(a) 1 Only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

79. Vetti, a frequently mentioned tax in

Chola kingdom is (FD)

(a) A form of forced labour

(b) Land tax

(c) A cess on succession of

family property

(d) Tax on uncultivated land

(c) To protect cultivators on

payment of taxes

(d) Provide martial training to all

people of the territory

81. Which of the following movements

campaigned for freedom of thought

and expression? (FD)

(a) Singh Sabha movement

(b) The Ramakrishna Mission

(c) Veda samaj



about Aligarh movement? (CD)

1. It was founded by Maulana Abul

kalam azad in 1875.

2. It promoted modern education,

including Western science to

Muslims.


true?

80. A system of rakhi was introduced to

(CD)

(a) Protect women of the society

(b) To celebrate brotherhood by

women who are being

protected

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

23


regarding Rowlatt Act (CD)

1. It curbed fundamental rights

such as the freedom of

expression and strengthened the

police powers

2. Sathyagraha sabhas were set up

3. Gandhiji renounced his

knighthood.

Select the correct statements from the

options given below

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3


regarding Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan

(CD)

1. He was the founder of the

Khudai Khidmadgars which

turned out to be a violent

movement

2. He joined hands with Jinnah and

supported partition of India

Select the correct statements from the

options given below

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

85. Hospice is a (FD)

(a) Place of worship

(b) Place for religious meetings

(c) House of rest for travellers

(d) Market place

86. Consider the following (CC)

1. Hunting-gathering pattern of life

began not before the Neolithic

period.

2. Mesolithic cultures did not

practice domestication of

animals unlike Neolithic people.

3. The use of bow and arrow

cannot be found in Mesolithic

culture, unlike Neolithic culture.

4. Evidence of pottery is absent

from the Neolithic culture but is

markedly found in Mesolithic

culture.


codes below.

(a) 3 and 4 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only


24

87. The Ilbert Bill Controversy is a high

watermark in the history of Indian

National Movement. It is related to

(FD)

1. Improving working conditions in

factories for Indian workers

2. Ban of indigenous press and

missionary activities by the state

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2


88. Arrange the following events in

chronological order: (FD)

1. The Muslim League moves a

resolution at Lahore demanding

a measure of autonomy for the

Muslim-majority areas

2. The British Cabinet sends a

three-member Cabinet Mission

to Delhi

3. The Muslim League decides on

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 3

(b) 1, 4, 2 and 3

(c) 4, 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1, 3, 4 and 2

89. There is a mention in prashasti, that

the Prathihara king Nagabhata

defeated Kirata in a battle. Kiratas are

(FD)

(a) Rulers of Kannuj

(b) Rulers of part of Orissa

(c) Rulers of North Eastern India

(d) Tribals


1. The Congress resolved to fight

for Purna Swaraj in 1929 under

the leadership of Mahatma

Gandhi.

2. Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar

Dutt threw a bomb in Central

Legislative assembly on April 8,

1929.


true?


codes below.

―Direct Action‖ for winning

Pakistan

(a)

1 only

4. Congress ministries come to

power in some provinces of

(b)

(c)

2 only

Both 1 and 2

British India (d) Neither 1 nor 2

25

91. The term chintz, cossaes and

bandanna refers to (FD)

(a) Spices

(b) Silk clothes

(c) Printed cotton clothes

(d) Woollen clothes

92. Consider the following about William

Jones. (CD)

1. He studied ancient Indian texts

on law, philosophy, religion and

politics.

2. He shared a deep respect for

ancient cultures and set up the

Asiatic society of Bengal.

3. The Benaras Hindu college was

setup in 1791 to encourage the

study of ancient Sanskrit texts.

Select the correct statements

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) All the above


regarding Indigo Rebellion (CD)

1. The rebellion began in

Champaran, Bihar

2. The rebellion did not had the

support of local zamindars

Select the incorrect statement :

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2


colonial affect in tribal lives (CC)

1. British efforts to settle Jhum

cultivators was successful

2. Britishers classified forests as

'Reserved' for the protection of

Environment.

Choose the correct code :

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

95. The Kingsway that led to the viceroy's

palace had borrowed features

from (CD)

1. Sanchi Stupa

2. Lal Qila

3. Purana Qila

Choose the correct code from

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3


96. Treaty of Salbai deals is related to

(FD)

(a) Anglo-Mysore war

(b) First Anglo-Maratha war

(c) Second Anglo-Maratha war

(d) Carnatic wars

97. Under whose tenure, the British

territories were divided into different

Presidencies? (FD)

(a) Lord Dalhousie

(b) Lord Canning

(c) Lord Cornwallis

(d) Lord Warren Hastings


Indian constitution (CD)

1. All Indians above the age of

18 were allowed to vote in the

first election

2. Both Men and Women were

granted the adult franchise


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

99. The term 'politics of prayers '

denotes a political method followed

by (FD)

(a) Moderates

(b) Extremists

(c) Revolutionary Terrorists

(d) British sympathizers for

Indian cause

100. Consider the

following (FD)

Leader

Place

Nana Saheb - Jhansi

Bahadur Shah - Delhi

Tantia Tope -Kanpur

Select the correct pairs

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) All the above

Answer Keys

1. Answer: b

Source : Our Past II Page no 8

Explanation : As society became more differentiated, people were grouped into jatis or sub-

castes and ranked on the basis of their backgrounds and their occupations. Ranks were not

fixed permanently, and varied according to the power, influence and resources controlled by

members of the jati. The status of the same jati could vary from area to area. Jatis framed

their own rules and regulations to manage the conduct of their members. These regulations

were enforced by an assembly of elders, described in some areas as the jati panchayat .

2. Answer: a

Source: Our Past II Page no: 18

Explanation: Prashastis contain details that may not be literally true. But they tell us how

rulers wanted to depict themselves – as valiant, victorious warriors, for example. These were

composed by learned Brahmanas, who occasionally helped in the administration. They were

written partly in Sanskrit and partly in Tamil.

3. Answer: c

Source: Our past-III Pg 12-18

Explanation:

1. Battle of Seringapatnam - 1799

2. Treaty of Salbai - 1782

3. Battle of Plassey - 1757

4. Third Anglo Maratha war – 1817

4. Answer: a

Source : Our Past II page - 37

Explanation: The early Delhi Sultans, especially Iltutmish, favoured their special slaves

purchased for military service, called bandagan in Persian. They were carefully trained to man

some of the most important political offices in the kingdom. Since they were totally dependent

upon their master, the Sultan could trust and rely upon them.

5. Answer: b

Source: Our Past I page no 37

Explanation: Faience is a material that is artificially produced. A gum was used to shape sand

or powdered quartz into an object. The objects were then glazed, resulting in a shiny, glassy

surface. The colours of the glaze were usually blue or sea green. Faience was used to make

beads, bangles, earrings, and tiny vessels.

6. Answer: d

Source: Our Past I page no 37-38 Explanation:

The Harappans probably got copper from present-day Rajasthan, and even from Oman in

West Asia. Tin, which was mixed with copper to produce bronze, may have been brought

from present-day Afghanistan and Iran. Gold could have come all the way from present-day

Karnataka, and precious stones from present day Gujarat, Iran and Afghanistan

7. Answer: a

Source : Our Past I page 49

Explanation : Stone circles or boulders placed on the surface probably served as signposts to

find the burial site, so that people could return to the same place whenever they wanted to.

8. Answer: d

Source: Our Past I page no: 33

Explanation: The western part of Harappan cities, which was usually smaller but higher, has

been referred to as the Citadel. The eastern part of Harappan cities, which was usually larger

but lower, has been referred to as the Lower town.

9. Answer: a

Source: Our Past I Page no- 62

Explanation: Digha Nikaya, a famous Buddhist book, gives a detailed account of Vajji and

also contains some of the speeches of the Buddha. These were written down about 2300

years ago. The rules made for the Buddhist sangha were written down in a book called the

Vinaya Pitaka.

10. Answer: c

Source : Our Past III pg 21,22,28

Explanation: From 1772 a new system of justice was established. Each district was to have

two courts – a criminal court ( faujdari adalat ) and a civil court (diwani adalat ). Under the

Regulating Act of 1773, a new Supreme Court was established, while a court of appeal – the

Sadar Nizamat Adalat – was also set up at Calcutta. To bring about uniformity, in 1775 eleven

pandits were asked to compile a digest of Hindu laws. N.B. Halhed translated this digest into

English. By 1778 a code of Muslim laws was also compiled for the benefit of European

judges. Permanent Settlement system introduced by Lord Charles Corwallis 1793

11. Answer: b


Explanation: Over centuries, India‗s intellectual exploration of truth has come to be

represented by six systems of philosophy. These are known as Vaishesika, Nyaya, Samkhya,

Yoga, Purva Mimansa and Vedanta or Uttara Mimansa. These six systems of philosophy are

said to have been founded by sages Konada, Gotama, Kapila, Patanjali, Jaimini and Vyasa,

respectively. These philosophies still guide scholarly discourse in the country.

12. Answer: d

Source : Our Past I Page no : 69

Explanation: Mahavira taught a simple doctrine: men and women who wished to know the

truth must leave their homes. They must follow very strictly the rules of ahimsa, which

means not hurting or killing living beings. ―All beings,‖ said Mahavira ―long to live. To

all things life is dear.‖ Ordinary people could understand the teachings of Mahavira and

his followers, because they used Prakrit. There were several forms of Prakrit, used in different

parts of the country, and named after the regions in which they were used. Followers of

Mahavira, who were known as Jainas, had to lead very simple lives, begging for food.

13. Answer: b

Source: Our Past I Page no - 80

Explanation: Ashoka‗s dhamma did not involve worship of God, or performance of a sacrifice.

He felt that just as a father tries to teach his children, he had a duty to instruct his subjects. He

was also inspired by the teachings of the Buddha. He appointed officials, known as the

dhamma mahamatta who went from place to place teaching people about dhamma.

14. Answer: c

Source : Our Past II Page no. 6-7

Explanation: At different moments in this(700-1750 A.D) period new technologies made their

appearance — like the Persian wheel in irrigation, the spinning wheel in weaving, and

firearms in combat. New foods and beverages arrived in the subcontinent: potatoes, corn,

chillies, tea and coffee.

15. Answer: b

Source: Our Past II Page - 110

Explanation: It was during this period that important changes occurred in what we call

Hinduism today. These included the worship of new deities, the construction of temples by

royalty and the growing importance of Brahmanas, the priests, as dominant groups in society.

Their knowledge of Sanskrit texts earned the Brahmanas a lot of respect in society. Their

dominant position was consolidated by the support of their patrons— new rulers searching for

prestige. One of the major developments was the emergence of the idea of bhakti — of a

loving, personal deity that devotees could reach without the aid of priests or elaborate rituals

16. Answer: c

Source: Our Past II page no - 84

Explanation : Surat in Gujarat was the emporium of western trade during the Mughal period

along with Cambay (present day Khambat) and somewhat later, Ahmedabad. Surat was the

gateway for trade with West Asia via the Gulf of Ormuz. Surat has also been called the gate

to Mecca because many pilgrim ships set sail from here. In the seventeenth century the

Portuguese, Dutch and English had their factories and warehouses at Surat.

17. Answer: b

Source : Our Past II page no 26

Explanation : Chola inscriptions mention several categories of land. vellanvagai is a land of

non-Brahmana peasant proprietors. Brahmadeya is the land gifted to Brahmanas.

Shalabhoga is the land for the maintenance of a school. Devadana and tirunamattukkani

refers to land gifted to temples. Pallichchhandam - land donated to Jaina institutions

18. Answer: a


Explanation : Akbar ordered one of his close friends and courtiers, Abul Fazl, to write a history

of his reign. Abul Fazl wrote a three-volume history of Akbar‗s reign, titled Akbar Nama. The

first volume dealt with Akbar‗s ancestors and the second volume recorded the events of

Akbar‗s reign. The third volume is the Ain-i Akbari. It deals with Akbar‗s administration,

household, army, the revenues and the geography of his empire. It also provides rich details

about the traditions and culture of the people living in India. The most interesting aspect

about the Ain-I- Akbari is its rich statistical details about things as diverse as crops, yields,

prices, wages and revenues.

19. Answer: a

Our Pasts –II page no 53

Nobles appointed as Governors (subadars) often controlled the offices of revenue and military

administration (diwani and faujdari) as well. This gave them extraordinary political, economic

and military powers over vast regions of the Mughal Empire. As the governors consolidated

their control over the provinces, the periodic remission of revenue to the capital declined

20. Answer: a

Source : Our past-III part 2 pg -83

Explanation: In 1720, the British government enacted a legislation banning the use of printed

cotton textiles – chintz – in England. This Act was known as the Calico Act.

21. Answer: c

Source: Our past 2 page 105

Explanation : The seventh to ninth centuries saw the emergence of new religious movements,

led by the Nayanmars (saints devoted to Shiva) and Alvars (saints devoted to Vishnu) who

came from all castes including those considered

―untouchable‖ like the Pulaiyar and the Panars. They were sharply critical of the Buddhists

and Jainas and preached ardent love of Shiva or Vishnu as the path to salvation

22. Answer:b


Explanation : The Ahoms migrated to the Brahmaputra valley from present-day Myanmar in

the thirteenth century. They created a new state by suppressing the older political system of

the bhuiyans (landlords). During the sixteenth century, they annexed the kingdoms of the

Chhutiyas (1523) and of Koch-Hajo (1581) and subjugated many other tribes.

23. Answer: b

Source: Our Past III part 1 page 70

Explanation : In 1911, when King George V was crowned in England, a Durbar was held in

Delhi to celebrate the occasion. The decision to shift the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi

was announced at this Durbar. New Delhi was constructed as a 10-square-mile city on

Raisina Hill, south of the existing city. Two architects, Edward Lutyens and Herbert Baker,

were called on to design New Delhi and its buildings. The government complex in New Delhi

consisted of a two- mile avenue, Kingsway (now Rajpath), that led to the Viceroy‗s Palace

(now Rashtrapati Bhavan), with the Secretariat buildings on either sides of the avenue.

24. Answer: c

Source : Our Pasts III page no 28

Explanation: Zamindars did not have an interest in improving the land. Some had lost their

lands in the earlier years of the settlement; As long as zamindars could give out the land to

tenants and get rent, they were not interested in improving the land

25. Answer: c

Source: Our past I page no 69

Explanation : One of the most famous was Panini, who prepared a grammar for Sanskrit. He

arranged the vowels and the consonants in a special order, and then used these to create

formulae like those found in Algebra. He used these to write down the rules of the language in

short formulae

26. Answer: d


Explanation : Many crafts persons and merchants now formed associations known as shrenis.

These shrenis of crafts persons provided training, procured raw material, and distributed the

finished product. Then shrenis of merchants organised the trade. Shrenis also served as

banks, where rich men and women deposited money.

27. Answer: b

Source : Our Past I page no 106

Explanation : The era beginning in the 58 BCE is traditionally associated with Gupta king

Chandragupta II, who had founded it as a mark of victory over the Shakas and assumed the

title of Vikramaditya. The Vikram Samvat has also been adopted alongside the Gregorian

calendar as the national calendar by Independent India

28. Answer: b

Source: Our Pasts-I page 36,39

Explanation: The city of Lothal stood beside a tributary of the Sabarmati in Gujarat. The city of

Dholavira was located on Khadir Beyt in the Rann of Kutch

29) Answer: a

Source: Our Pasts-III pg 116-117

Explanation: The Satnami movement in Central India was founded by Ghasidas who worked

among the leather workers and organized a movement to improve their social status. The

Satyashodhak Samaj was founded by Jyotirao Phule to work on caste equality. The Young

Bengal movement of Henry Vivian Derozio promoted radical ideas and attacked traditions and

customs.

30) Answer: d

Source: Our Past III page 10

Explanation: The only way in which the trading companies could flourish in Eastern markets

was by eliminating rival competitors. Fierce battles were fought between the trading

companies to secure their market. Trade was carried on with arms and trading posts were

protected through fortification.

31) Answer: b

Source: Our Pasts III pg 60-61

Explanation: The land and property of Muslims was confiscated on a large scale and they

were treated with suspicion and hostility. The British believed that they were responsible for

the rebellion in a big way.

32) Answer: c

Source: Our Pasts III pg 18-19

Explanation: The Third Anglo Maratha war(1817-19) crushed the Maratha powers in the

hands of the British. The Doctrine of Lapse introduced by Lord Dalhousie was used to annex

Satara, Sambalpur, Udaipur, Nagpur, Jhansi and Awadh

33. Answer: d

Source : Our Pasts II page 51

Explanation : The term mansabdar refers to an individual who holds a mansab, meaning a

position or rank. It was a grading system used by the Mughals to fix (1) rank, (2) salary and

(3) military responsibilities. Rank and salary were determined by a numerical value called zat.

The higher the zat, the more prestigious was the noble‗s position in court and the larger his

salary. They received their salaries as revenue assignments called jagirs which were

somewhat like iqtas.

34. Answer: d

Source: Our Pasts III part 2 page - 132

Explanation : The kalighat artists made simple paintings and drawings that could be easily

reproduced by lithography. From depiction of Hindu Gods, goddesses, mythological

characters, these paintings reflect variety of themes. They also portray secular themes and

personalities and in the process played a role in the independence movement. The prints are

hand coloured.

35. Answer: d

Source : Our Past III Part I Pg 18

Explanation : The Company claimed that its authority was paramount/supreme hence its

power is greater than that of the Indian states. In order to protect its interests it was justified in

annexing or threatening to annex any Indian kingdom

36. Answer: c

Source : Our Pasts III Part 1 Page no - 21

Explanation : With the introduction of new system of justice in 1772, every district is to have

two courts, a criminal court and civil court. Maulvis and Pandit interpreted Hindu and Muslims

law for European collectors who presided civil courts The criminal courts were still under a

qazi (A judge) and a mufti but under the supervision of the collectors

37. Answer: b

Source : Our Pasts III part 1 page no 41

Explanation : The Van Gujjars of the Punjab hills and the Labadis of Andhra Pradesh were

cattle herders, the Gaddis of Kulu were shepherds, and the Bakarwals of Kashmir reared

goats.

38. Answer: b

Source : Our Pasts III page - 120

Explanation : Prarthana Samaj was found by Atma Ram Pandurang in 1867 to make people

believe in one God. It advocated reforms of the social system of hindus, rought to remove

caste restrictions, abolish child marriage, encourage women education and end the and end

the ban on widow remarriage.

39. Answer: c

Source : Our past 2, page 21

Explanation: Rulers belonging to the Gurjara-Pratihara, Rashtrakuta and Pala dynasties

fought for control over Kanauj. There were three ―parties‖ in this long drawn conflict and the

conflict was known as ―tripartite struggle‖

40. Answer: c

Source : Our past 2, page 118.

Explanation: The Sikh movement began to get politicised in the seventeenth century, a

development which culminated in the institution of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.

The community of the Sikhs, called the Khalsa Panth, became a political entity.

41. Answer: c

Source: Our Past- I, Chapter 1

Explanation : The places where rice was first grown are to the north of the Vindhyas.

Vindhyas range is located in the central part of India.

42. Answer: d

Source: Our Past –I, Chapter 1, Page 4

Explanation: The word India comes from the Indus, called Sindhu in Sanskrit.The Iranians and

the Greeks who came through the northwest about 2500 years ago and were familiar with the

Indus, called it the Hindos or the Indos, and the land to the east of the river was called India.

The name Bharata was used for a group of people who lived in the northwest, and who are

mentioned in the Rigveda, the earliest composition in Sanskrit (dated to about 3500 years

ago).

43. Answer: c

Source: Our Past – I, Chapter 2

Explanation : Refer map ( Our pasts-I page no 14)

44. Answer: a

36

Source: Out Past – I, Chapter 3

Explanation: When animals are looked after carefully, they provide milk, which is an

important source of food, and meat, whenever required. In other words, animals that are

reared can be used as a ‗store‗ of food.

45. Answer: c

Source: Our Pasts-II page 77,81

Explanation: The crafts persons of Bidar were so famed for their inlay work in copper and

silver that it came to be called Bidri. Bronze is an alloy containing copper and tin. Chola

bronze statues were made using the ‗lost wax‗ technique.

46. Answer: d

Source: Our Past-I, Chapter 4

47. Answer: d


Explanation: Sanskrit is part of a family of languages known as Indo-European. Some

Indian languages such as Assamese, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri and Sindhi; Asian

languages such as Persian and many European languages such as English, French,

German, Greek, Italian and Spanish belong to this family. They are called a family

because they originally had words in common. Other languages used in the subcontinent

belong to different families. For instance, those used in the north-east belong to the Tibeto-

Burman family; Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam belong to the Dravidian family;

and the languages spoken in Jharkhand and parts of central India belong to the Austro-

Asiatic family.

48. Answer: d


Explanation: There are two groups who are described in terms of their work- the priests,

sometimes called Brahmins, who performed various rituals and the rajas. Sometimes, the

people who composed the hymns described themselves as Aryas and called their

opponents Dasas or Dasyus. These were people who did not perform sacrifices, and

probably spoke different languages.

49. Answer: c

Source: Our Past –I, page 39

Explanation: The practice of erecting megaliths began about 3000 years ago, and was

prevalent throughout the Deccan, south India, in the north-east and Kashmir. These finds

suggest that there was some difference in status amongst the people who were buried.

37

Some were rich, others poor, some chiefs, others followers.

50. Answer: c

Source: Our pasts II- page 94,95,97

Explanation: The Banjaras were the most important trader nomads. Their caravan was

called tanda. The Gonds lived in a vast forested region called Gondwana and practiced

shifting cultivation. The Bhils of western and central India practiced agriculture and some

clans remained as hunter gatherers.

51. Answer: c

Source : Our Pasts-I page 17-18

Explanation: The Palaeolithic period extends from 2 million years ago to about 12,000

years ago. This long stretch of time is divided into the Lower, Middle and Upper

Palaeolithic. This long span of time covers 99% of human history. Ostriches were found in

India during the Palaeolithic period. Large quantities of ostrich egg shells were found at in

Maharashtra. The climate during the Paleolithic Age consisted of a set of glacial and

interglacial periods in which the climate periodically fluctuated between warm and cool

temperatures.

52. Answer: d

Source: Our Pasts I pg no 59

Explanation: As the rulers of mahajanapadhas were building forts and maintaining big

armies they needed more resources. They started collecting regular taxes from farmers,

crafts persons, traders, herders and hunters & gatherers.

53. Answer: b

Source: Our Pasts-I page 105

Explanation: The Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, Fa Xian came to Indian subcontinent about

1600 years ago, Xuan Zang( who came around 1400 years ago) and I-Qing, who came

about 50 years after Xuan Zang.

54. Answer: a

Source : our past 1 chapter 5

Explanation: There was no improvement in the status of women. They were still

considered inferior and subordinate to men. Women also lost their political rights of

attending assemblies. The Later Vedic people were familiar with the sea and they traded

with countries like Babylon. Vaishyas organized themselves into guilds known as ganas.

Besides nishka of the Rig Vedic period, gold and silver coins like satamana and krishnala

38

were used as media of exchange. Child marriages had become common.

55. Answer: c

Source: Our Pasts- I page 66, 70

Explanation: Men and women who followed Buddhism had left their homes and join the

Sangha. The rules made for the Buddhist Sangha were written down in a book called the

Vinaya Pitaka. Buddha taught that life is full of suffreings and unhappiness. He belived that

the results of our actions (called karma), whether good or bad, affect us both in this life and

the next.

56. Answer: c

Source: Our Pasts-II Pg 41

Explanation: Alauddin Khalji raised a large standing army to handle Mongol invasions and

also constructed a new garrison town named Siri. Muhammad Tuqhlaq moved the

residents and soldiers from Delhi to the new capital Daulatabad in the south.

57. Answer: a

Source : our past 1 page 69-70

Explanation: Followers of Mahavira, who were known as Jainas, had to lead very simple

lives, begging for food. They had to be absolutely honest, and were especially asked not to

steal. Also, they had to observe celibacy. And men had to give up everything, including

their clothes. Jainism was supported mainly by traders. Farmers, who had to kill insects to

protect their crops, found it more difficult to follow the rules. Over hundreds of years,

Jainism spread to different parts of north India, and to Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka

58. Answer: d

Source: our past 1 page 103

Explanation: The fourth Buddhist Council was convened in Kashmir by Kanishka under the

chairmanship of Vasumitra. Asvagosha participated in this council. The most famous

Kushana ruler was Kanishka, organised a Buddhist council, where scholars met and

discussed important matters. Ashvaghosha, a poet who composed a biography of the

Buddha, the Buddhacharita, lived in his court. Ashvaghosha and other Buddhist scholars

now began writing in Sanskrit.

59. Answer: c

Source: our past 1 page 103

Explanation: Earlier, the Buddha‗s presence was shown in sculpture by using certain

signs. For instance, his attainment of enlightenment was shown by sculptures of the

39

peepal tree. Now, statues of the Buddha were made. Many of these were made in

Mathura, while others were made in Taxila.

The second change was a belief in Bodhisattvas. These were supposed to be persons

who had attained enlightenment. Once they attained

enlightenment, they could live in complete isolation and meditate in peace.

However, instead of doing that, they remained in the world to teach and help other people.

60. Answer: b

Source: Our Pasts-I page 79-80

Explanation: Megasthenes was an ambassador who was sent to the court of

Chandragupta by the Greek ruler of West Asia named Seleucus Nicator. Ashoka‗s

inscriptions were in Prakrit and were written in the Brahmi script. He sent messengers to

Syria, Egypt, Greece and Srilanka to spread the idea of Dhamma.

61. Answer: d

Source: Our pasts –II page 16-117

Explanation: Kabir‗s teachings were based on a complete, indeed vehement, rejection of

the major religious traditions. His teachings openly ridiculed all forms of external worship of

both Brahmanical Hinduism and Islam, the pre-eminence of the priestly classes and the

caste system. Kabir believed in a formless Supreme

God and preached that the only path to salvation was through bhakti or devotion. Kabir

drew his followers from among both Hindus and Muslims.

62. Answer: d

Source: Our Past-III page no 28.

Explanation: Captain Read and Thomas Munro devised the Ryotwari system of collecting

revenues in South India.

63. Answer: b

Source: Our Pasts III page 17

Explanation: Tipu Sultan established a close relationship with the French in India, and

modernized his army with their help. Tipu Sultan was killed in the Battle of Seringapatnam

in 1799 by the East India Company.

64. Answer: d


Explanation: Under the ryoti system, the planters forced the ryots to sign a contract, an

40

agreement (satta). At times they pressurised the village headmen to sign the contract on

behalf of the ryots. Within the system of nij cultivation, the

planter produced indigo in lands that he directly controlled. He either bought the land or

rented it from other zamindars and produced indigo by directly employing hired labourers.

65. Answer: d

66. Answer: b

Source: Our Pasts-III (Part I) Page 13&14:

Explanation : Robert Clive led the company‗s army against Sirajuddaulah at Plassey not

Alivardi Khan. Khan died in 1756, succeded by Sirajuddaulah. After the defeat in the

Battle, Mir Jafar was made the Nawab of Bengal.

67. Answer: a

Source: Our Pasts III pg 46

Explanation: In the eighteenth century, Indian silk was in demand in European markets.

The fine quality of Indian silk was highly valued and exports from India increased rapidly.

As the market expanded, East India Company officials tried to encourage silk production to

meet the growing demand. Hazaribagh, in present-day Jharkhand, was an area where the

Santhals reared cocoons.

68. Answer: b

Source: Page 149: Our Pasts-III (Part II) Explanation :

In 1920 the British imposed a harsh treaty on the Turkish Sultan or Khalifa. People were

furious about this as they had been about the Jallianwala massacre. Also, Indian Muslims

were keen that the Khalifa be allowed to retain control over Muslim sacred places in the

erstwhile Ottoman Empire. The leaders of the Khilafat agitation, Mohammad Ali and

Shaukat Ali, now wished to initiate a full-fledged Non-Cooperation Movement. G.K

Gokhale is a late moderate leader, Khilafat is a extremist movement with Gandhi taking up

the Islamic cause for communal harmony.

69. Answer: b

Source: Our Past 1 page 25

Explanation: Hallur is in Andhra Pradesh, where there is no possibility of growing wheat.

70. Answer: c

Source: Our Pasts III part 2 Page 158

Explanation: After the failure of the Cabinet Mission, the Muslim League decided on mass

41

agitation for winning its Pakistan demand. It announced 16 August 1946 as ―Direct Action

Day‖. On this day riots broke out in Calcutta, lasting several days and resulting in the

death of thousands of people. By March 1947 violence spread to different parts of northern

India.

71. Answer: c

Source : Our Past I Page 23

Explanation: Domestication is the name given to the process in which people grow plants

and look after animals. Very often, plants and animals that are tended by people become

different from wild plants and animals. This is because people select plants and animals

for domestication. For example, they select those plants and animals that are not prone to

disease. They also select plants that yield large- size grain, and have strong stalks,

capable of bearing the weight of the ripe grain. Seeds from selected plants are preserved

and sown to ensure that new plants (and seeds) will have the same qualities. Among

animals, those that are relatively gentle are selected for breeding.

72. Answer: d

Source: Our Past I page 46

Explanation: There are many prayers in the Rig veda for cattle, children (especially sons),

and horses. Horses were yoked to chariots that were used in battles, which were fought to

capture cattle. Battles were also fought for land, which was important for pasture, and for

growing hardy crops that ripened quickly, such as barley. Some battles were fought for

water, and to capture people.

73. Answer: c


Explanation: In the northern part of the country, the village headman was known as the

grama bhojaka. Usually, men from the same family held the position for generations. In

other words, the post was hereditary. The grama bhojaka was often the largest landowner.

Generally, he had slaves and hired workers to cultivate the land. Besides, as he was

powerful, the king often used him to collect taxes from the village. He also functioned as a

judge, and sometimes as a policeman. Apart from the gramabhojaka, there were other

independent farmers, known as grihapatis, most of whom were smaller landowners. And

then there were men and women such as the dasa karmakara, who did not own land, and

had to earn a living working on the fields owned by others.

74. Answer: c

Source : Our Past III part 1 page 66

Explanation: Delhi during Shah Jahan‗s time was also an important center of Sufi culture. It

had several dargahs, khanqahs and idgahs. Open squares, winding lanes, quiet cul-

desacs and water channels were the pride of Delhi‗s residents.

42

Dargah – The tomb of a Sufi saint

Khanqah – A sufi lodge, often used as a rest house for travelers and a place where people

come to discuss spiritual matters, get the blessings of saints, and hear sufi music

Idgah – An open prayer place of Muslims primarily meant for id prayers Cul-de-sac –

Street with a dead end

75. Answer: b

Source: Our Pasts III (Part I) page 41

Explanation: Baigas of central India were reluctant to do work for others. The Baigas saw

themselves as people of the forest, who could only live on the produce of the forest. It was

below the dignity of a Baiga to become a labourer

76. Answer: c

Source – Our Past I pg 43&45

Explanation: Indus and its other tributaries, and Sarasvati are also named in the hymns.

The Ganga and Yamuna are named only once.

77. Answer: d

Source: Our Pasts II page 21

Explanation: Mahmud of Ghazni raided the subcontinent almost every year – his

targets were wealthy temples, including that of Somnath, Gujarat. Much of the wealth

Mahmud carried away was used to create a splendid capital city at Ghazni.

Sultan Mahmud was also interested in finding out more about the people he conquered,

and entrusted a scholar named Al-Biruni to write an account of the subcontinent. This

Arabic work, known as the Kitab ul-Hind, remains an important source for historians.

78. Answer: b


Explanation: Mysore controlled the profitable trade of the Malabar Coast.

79. Answer: a

Source: Our Past II page18

Explanation : Under the Chola dynasty, there were around 400 different types of taxes, of

which vetti (forced labour), and kadamai (land revenue) were the most common.

43

80. Answer: c

Source: Our Pasts II, page 149

Explanation: Under a number of able leaders in the eighteenth century, the Sikhs

organized themselves into a number of bands called jathas, and later on misls. A system

called rakhi was introduced, offering protection to cultivators on the payment of a tax of 20

per cent of the produce.

81. Answer: d

Source : Our past 3 page 120

Explanation : Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, a teacher at Hindu College, Calcutta, in the

1820s, promoted radical ideas and encouraged his pupils to question all authority.

Referred to as the Young Bengal Movement, his students attacked tradition and custom,

demanded education for women and campaigned for the freedom of thought and

expression.

82. Answer: b


Explanation: The Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College, founded by Sayyid Ahmed Khan

in 1875 at Aligarh, later became the Aligarh Muslim University. The institution offered

modern education, including Western science, to Muslims. The Aligarh Movement, as it

was known, had an enormous impact in the area of educational reform

83. Answer: a

Source : Our pasts 3, part 2 page 116

Explanation : In 1919 Gandhiji gave a call for a satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act that the

British had just passed. The Act curbed fundamental rights such as the freedom of

expression and strengthened police powers. Mahatma Gandhi, Mohammad Ali Jinnah and

others felt that the government had no right to restrict people‗s basic freedoms.

Satyagraha Sabhas were set up to launch the movement. Rabindranath Tagore expressed

the pain and anger of the country by renouncing his knighthood.

84. Answer: d

Source: Our Pasts III, page 157

Explanation: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as Badshah Khan was the founder of

the Khudai Khidmatgars, a powerful non-violent movement. Badshah Khan was strongly

opposed to the Partition of India. He criticised his Congress colleagues for agreeing to the

partition in 1947.

44

85. Answer: c

Source : Our Pasts II, page 112

Explanation: The Sufi masters held their assemblies in their khanqahs or hospices.

Devotees of all descriptions including members of the royalty and nobility, and ordinary

people flocked to these khanqahs. They discussed spiritual matters, sought the blessings

of the saints in solving their worldly problems, or simply attended the music and dance

sessions. It refers to House of rest for travellers, especially one kept by a religious order.

86. Answer: d

Source: Our Pasts I chapter 2 and 3

Explanation: Hunting-gathering pattern of life was prevalent since Old stone age to

Mesolithic and Neolithic. However, there seems to have been a shift from big animal

hunting to small animal hunting and fishing. This is how bows and arrows were used in this

period. Domestication of animals, horticulture and primitive cultivation started during

Mesolithic period itself. However, during Neolithic period, domestication of sheep, goats

and cattle was widely prevalent. Cattle were used for cultivation and for transport. During

Neolithic age, wheels were used to make pottery. Pottery was used for cooking as well as

storage of food grains.

87. Answer: d

Source: Our Past III part 2 page 111

Explanation: The Ilbert Bill provided for the trial of British or European persons by Indians,

and sought equality between British and Indian judges in the country.

88. Answer: c

Source: our past3 part 2 page 124-126 Explanation:

1937-39- Congress ministries come to power in seven out of 11 provinces of British India

1940- The Muslim League moves a resolution at Lahore demanding a measure of

autonomy for the Muslim-majority areas

March 1946- The British Cabinet sends a three-member Cabinet Mission to Delhi

August 1946- The Muslim League decides on ―Direct Action‖ for winning Pakistan.

89. Answer: d

Source: Our past II page 19

Explanation: He won a victory over Chakrayudha (the ruler of Kanauj), He defeated the

king of Vanga (part of Bengal), Anarta (part of Gujarat), Malava (part of Madhya Pradesh),

Kirata (forest peoples), Turushka (Turks), Vatsa,Matsya(both kingdoms in North India).

45

90. Answer: b


Explanation: The decade closed with the Congress resolving to fight for Purna Swaraj

(complete independence) in 1929 under the presidentship of Jawaharlal Nehru. On 8 April,

1929, Bhagat Singh and B.K. Dutt threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly. The

aim, as their leaflet explained, was not to kill but ―to make the deaf hear‖, and to remind

the foreign government of its callous exploitation

91. Answer: c


Explanation: When the Portuguese first came to India in search of spices they landed in

Calicut on the Kerala coast in south-west India. The cotton textiles which they took back

to Europe, along with the spices, came to be called ―calico‖ (derived from Calicut),

and subsequently calico became the general name for all cotton textiles. Amongst the

pieces ordered in bulk were printed cotton cloths called chintz, cossaes (or khassa) and

bandanna.

92. Answer: d


Explanation: William Jones was studying ancient Indian texts on law, philosophy, religion,

politics, morality, arithmetic, medicine and the other sciences. Together with Henry

Thomas Colebrooke and Nathaniel Halhed, Jones set up the Asiatic Society of Bengal,

and started a journal called Asiatick Researches. The Hindu College was established in

Benaras in 1791 to encourage the study of ancient Sanskrit texts that would be useful for

the administration of the country.

93. Answer: b

Source: Our past III-pg 35

The peasants of Bengal were forced into Indigo production. After the rebellion, it shifted to

Bihar. The rebellion had the support of zamindars, village headman against the European

planters.

94. Answer: d

Source: Our pasts III, Pg 44

Explanation: British efforts to settle Jhum cultivators was unsuccessful. Eventually they

46

had to allow them the right to carry on shifting cultivation. The classification of reserved

forests was mainly to have monopoly in timber produce and not environmental protection.

95. Answer: a

Source: Our past III, Pg 71

Explanation: Kingsway, now called as Rajpath was aspired from buddhist stupa at Sanchi

and Red fort architecture. Purana Qila is Humayun's Tomb and a precursor to Taj mahal

and not Rajpath.

96. Answer: b

Source: Our past III, Pg 18

Explanation: Treaty of Salbai was the result of First Anglo- Maratha war in 1782.

97. Answer: d

Source: Our past III, pg 21

Explanation: The East India Company had acquired power in Bengal, Madras and Bombay

and were broadly divided into presidencies during the time of Lord Warren Hastings(1773-

1785)

98. Answer: b

Source: Our past III part 2, pg 162

Explanation: All Indians above the age of 21 would be allowed to vote in the state and

national elections.

99. Answer: a

Source: Our pasts III, pg 144

Explanation: In Bengal, Maharashtra and Punjab, leaders such as Bipin Chandra Pal, Bal

Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai were beginning to explore more radical objectives

and methods. They criticised the Moderates for their ―politics of prayers‖, and

emphasised the importance of self-reliance and constructive work.

100. Answer: b


Explanation: Nana Saheb, the adopted son of the late Peshwa Baji Rao who lived near

Kanpur, gathered armed forces and expelled the British garrison from the city. In Jhansi,

Rani Lakshmibai joined the rebel sepoys and fought the British along with Tantia Tope, the

general of Nana Saheb.

upsc prelims general studies

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