History — UPSC Prelims PYQs

Which of the following factors contributed to the formation of the Forward Bloc by Subhas Chandra Bose in 1939? 1. Bose failed to win the confidence of Mahatma Gandhi. 2. The Congress Left was disunited and failed to support Bose. 3. The Communists did not support Bose in his endeavours. 4. The supporters of M.N. Roy and socialist leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan preferred Congress unity to supporting Bose. Select the answer using the code given below:

Consider the following statements: I. Pali texts contain the first definite references to coins, e.g., kahapana, nikkha, kamsa, and kakanika. II. The literary evidence from Pali texts is corroborated by archaeological evidence of punch-marked coins from many sites, most of them made of silver. The above statements have been associated with which of the following? 1. Emergence of urban life 2. Transition to money economy Select the answer using the code given below:

Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara? 1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami 2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole 3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh 4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal Select the answer using the code given below:

What does an empty seat represent in early Buddhist iconography?

Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns: I. There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels. II. Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations have been discovered. III. There are houses built in large part with baked bricks, around relatively spacious courtyards, with their own wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements? 1. Statement I suggests that spinning was a laborious activity done at home. 2. Statement II suggests the extent of the scientific knowledge that the Harappans possessed. 3. Statement III suggests the emergence of a common property system. Select the answer using the code given below:

Which one of the following Carnatic music ragas is similar to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music?

Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct? 1. It was located in the lower Krishna valley. 2. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size. 3. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia. Select the answer using the code given below:

Consider the following statements regarding the British policy in Awadh immediately after its annexation in 1856: 1. The taluqdars were dispossessed of their estates but allowed to retain their arms and forts. 2. A Summary Revenue Settlement was made in 1856 assuming that the taluqdars were outsiders. 3. The British believed in taking revenue directly from the peasants by removing the taluqdars. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents:

Which one of the following statements with regard to the Moidams, built by the Tai-Ahom kingdom and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is/are correct? 1. They acted as army fortresses. 2. They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles. 3. They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles. 4. They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles. Select the answer using the code given below:

Which one of the following statements about the Eka Movement and Bardoli Satyagraha is correct?

Which of the following pairs of the king and his dynasty in early historical Tamilakam is/are not correctly matched? 1. Senguttuvan : Chera 2. Udiyanjeral : Chola 3. Nedunjeliyan : Pandya Select the answer using the code given below:

In which one among the following texts does the term kshetra-patni ('mistress of the field') originate?

Consider the following assertion: The genesis of political alliances based on community lay in the very nature of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919. Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion? 1. Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates. 2. Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger. 3. Deprived classes rallied around the favours inherent in separate electorates. Select the answer using the code given below:

Consider the following statements with regard to the film 'Boong': 1. The film has recently won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award in the Children's and Family Film category. 2. The film is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi. 3. This is the first Indian film to win a BAFTA award in the Children's and Family Film category. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements relating to the use of the place-value system in India: 1. The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595-596). 2. In the ninth century, place-values become general in inscriptions all over India. 3. The place-values have been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, the famous classical singer from Karnataka, represented the:

Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included?

Consider the following statements about the Rigvedic period: I. Irrigation from wells allowed agriculture to expand away from flood plains and strips on river margins into the present Punjab and Haryana plains having underground water levels reasonably close to the surface. II. Draught-animal power was employed to draw up water out of the wells. Which of the following information support/supports the above statements? 1. There is evidence in the Rigveda of the use of ashma chakra (stone pulley wheel) and ahava (strapped wooden pails) to draw up water. 2. Mention has been made in the Rigveda of the use of implements like parashu/kulisha (axe) and datra/sreni (sickle). 3. There is a history of the use of ox, even before the Rigveda, for ploughing the land and pulling the carts. Select the answer using the code given below:

The famous female figurine known as 'Dancing Girl', found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of

Subsequent to which one of the following events, Gandhiji, who consistently opposed untouchability and appealed for its eradication from all spheres, decided to include the upliftment of 'Harijans' in his political and social programme?

"Sedition has become my religion" was the famous statement given by Gandhiji at the time of

Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime State, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands?

Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of

Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the 'Pradeshika', 'Rajuka' and 'Yukta' were important officers at the

Who provided legal defence to the people arrested in the aftermath of Chauri Chaura incident?

The irrigation device called 'Araghatta' was

With reference to ancient India (600-322 BC), consider the following pairs: Territorial region — River flowing in the region I. Asmaka — Godavari II. Kamboja — Vipas III. Avanti — Mahanadi IV. Kosala — Sarayu How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

The first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, a music training school, was set up in 1901 by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in

Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles 'Mattavilasa', 'Vichitrachitta' and 'Gunabhara'?

Who among the following was the founder of the 'Self-Respect Movement'?

Consider the following pairs: Party — Its Leader 1. Bharatiya Jana Sangh — Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee 2. Socialist Party — C. Rajagopalachari 3. Congress for Democracy — Jagjivan Ram 4. Swatantra Party — Acharya Narendra Dev How many of the above are correctly matched?

With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets? 1. Nayaputta 2. Shakyamuni 3. Tathagata Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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

Consider the following dynasties: 1. Hoysala 2. Gahadavala 3. Kakatiya 4. Yadava How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in the early eighth century AD?

Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards: 1. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award For the most spectacular and outstanding performance by a sportsperson over period of last four years. 2. Arjuna Award For the lifetime achievement by a sportsperson 3. Dronacharya Award To honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons and teams. 4. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar To recoganize the contribution made by sportspersons even after their retirement. How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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

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

“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?

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

With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin. 2. 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?

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?

Consider the following pairs: Site Well known for 1. Besnagar : Shaivite cave shrine 2. Bhaja : Buddhist cave shrine 3. Sittanavasal : Jain cave shrine How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese?

Consider the following statements in respect of the 44th Chess Olympiad, 2022: 1. It was the first time that Chess Olympiad was held in India. 2. The official mascot was named Thambi’. 3. The trophy for the winning team in the open section is the Vera Menchik Cup. 4. The trophy for the winning team in the women’s section is the Hamilton-Russell Cup. How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts: 1. Nettipakarana 2. Parishishta Parvan 3. Avadanasataka 4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana Which of the above are Jaina texts?

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?

With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements: 1. The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalalud- 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 the north-west of his kingdom to Mongols. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following pairs: 1. Nannuka Chandela 2. Jayashakti Paramara 3. Nagabhata II Gurjara-Pratihara 4. Bhoja Rashtrakuta How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

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:

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?

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?

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?

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?

With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts: 1. Nettipakarana 2. Parishishta Parvan 3. Avadanasataka 4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana Which of the above are Jaina texts?

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?

Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?

With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs: Historical person Known as 1. Aryadeva Jaina scholar 2. Dignaga Buddhist scholar 3. Nathamuni Vaishnav a scholar How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

Consider the following pairs: Site of Ashoka’s major rock edicts Location in the State of Dhauli Odisha Erragudi Andhra Pradesh Jaugada Madhya Pradesh Kalsi Arnataka How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

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

“Yoga Vasistha” was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati during the reign of:

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

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

According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire were experts in which of the following areas? 1. Wrestling 2. Astrology 3. Accounting 4. Soothsaying Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Consider the following statements: 1. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 recomm- ended granting voting rights to all the women above the age of 21. 2. The Government of India Act of 1935 gave women reserved seats in the legislature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following pairs: Historical place Well - known for 1. Burzahom: Rock-cut shrines 2. Chandra - ketugarh: Terracotta art 3. Ganeshwar: Copper artefacts Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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

Consider the following statements: 1. It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince. 2. It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus. 3. It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged from Hyderabad State. 2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged from the Vijayanagara Empire. 3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Who among the following is associated with ‘Song from Prison’, a translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics in English?

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?

With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements: 1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty. 2. It is the only circular temple built in India. 3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region. 4. 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?

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

Which one of the following statements is correct?

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

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? 1. The Guptas of Magadha 2. The Paramaras of Malwa 3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar 4. The Maukharis of Kanauj 5. The Yadavas of Devagiri 6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

In the first quarter of the seventeenth century, in which of the following was/were the factory/factories of the English East India Company located? 1. Broach 2. Chicacole 3. Trichinopoly Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism. 2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. 3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around: 1. women’s right to gain education 2. age of consent 3. restitution of conjugal rights Select the correct answer using the code given below:

With reference to the book “Desher Katha” written by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during the freedom struggle, consider the following statement: 1. It warned against the Colonial States hypnotic conquest of the mind. 2. It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs. 3. The use of ‘desh’ by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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?

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

With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote

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

Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because:

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

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

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

Consider the following events in the history of India: 1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja 2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I 3. Establishment of Chola power by Purantaka 4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?

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?

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following? 1. Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference 2. Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement 3. Acceptance of Gandhi’s suggestion for enquiry into police excesses. 4. Release of only those prisoners who were not charged with violence. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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.”

With reference to the scholars/literatures of ancient India, consider the following statements: 1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga. 2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana. 3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term Paramitas?

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?

Consider the following statements: 1. Deification of the Buddha 2. Trading the path of Bodhisattvas 3. Image worship and rituals Which of the above is/are the features/features of Mahayana Buddhism?

Consider the following statements about ‘the Charter Act of 1813’: 1. It ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade with China. 2. It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Indian territories held by the Company. 3. The revenues of India were now controlled by the British Parliament. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?

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: E. V. Ramaswami Naicker Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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

Which one of the following groups of plants was domesticated in the ‘New World’ and introduced into the ‘Old World’?

Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to albums and individual portraits?

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

Consider the following statements: 1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar. 2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements: 1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as ‘Amil’. 2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution. 3. The office of ‘Mir Bakshi’ came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi. PYQs ANALYSIS Sr. No Topic 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Total 1 Early Medieval Period 1 1 1 1 4 2 The Delhi Sultanate 2 1 1 4 3 Regional Kingdom 1 1 1 1 4 4 Vijayanagar Empire 1 1 1 1 4 5 Bhakti and Sufi Movement 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 6 Mughal Period 1 3 1 5 7 Miscellaneous 1 1 1 3 Total 5 4 2 5 1 1 4 4 2 1 1 - 30 * Question count may vary due to subjectivity Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to Swadeshi Movement consider the following statements: 1. It contributed to the revival of the indigenous artisan crafts and industries. 2. The National Council of Education was established as a part of the Swadeshi Movement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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?

Building ‘Kalyana Mandapam’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of

With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements: 1. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of ‘indentured labour’. 2. In Lord Chelmsford’s War Conference’, Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War. 3. Consequent upon the breaking of the Salt Law by the Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/ differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar? 1. 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. 2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights or Zamindars were not hereditary. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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?

After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government? 1. The territories called ‘Santhal Paraganas’ were created. 2. It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non- Santhal. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Which among the following events happened earliest?

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

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements: 1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri. 2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Regarding Wood’s Dispatch, which of the following statements are true? 1. Grants-in-Aid system was introduced. 2. Establishment of universities was recommended. 3. English as a medium of instruction at all levels of education was recommended. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Which reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to

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

With reference to educational institutions during colonial rule in India, consider the following pairs: Institution Founder: 1. Sanskrit College at Benaras - William Jones 2. Calcutta Madrasa - Warren Hastings 3. Fort William College - Arthur Wellesley Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

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

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna. 2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas. 3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries. 4. Annamacharya Keertanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The staple commodities of export by the English East Indian Company from Bengal in the middle of the 18th century were

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

Which one of the following foreign travelers elaborately discussed diamonds and diamond mines of India?

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

Which of the following led to the introduction of English Education in India? 1. Charter Act of 1813 2. General Committee of Public Instruction, 1823 3. Orientalist and Anglicist Controversy. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Which reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?

Economically, one of the results of the British rule in India in the 19th century was the:

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

Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? 1. Arasavalli 2. Amarkantak 3. Omkareshwar Select the correct answer using the code given below:

With reference to Indian freedom struggle, consider the following events: 1. Mutiny in Royal Indian Navy 2. Quit India Movement launched 3. Second Round Table Conference What is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism. 2. 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?

The object of the Butler Committee of 1927 was to:

The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous for illustrated paintings at:

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?

Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of Ryotwari Settlement in India during the British Rule? 1. Lord Cornwallis 2. Alexander Read 3. Thomas Munro Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for:

With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of the Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them. 2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron. 3. 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:

In the context of Indian history, the principle of ‘dyarchy (diarchy)’ refers to:

Consider the following pairs: 1. Radhakanta Deb – first President of the British Indian Association 2. Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty – founder of the Madras Mahajan Sabha 3. Surendranath Banerjee – Founder of the Indian Association Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Consider the following statements: 1. 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. 2. N. M. Lokhande was a pioneer in organizing the labour movement in British India. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: 1. It is a song and dance performance. 2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance. 3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Satya Shodhak Samaj organized:

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

In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs: Term Description 1. Eripatti: Land revenue which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank 2. Taniyurs: Villages donated to single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins 3. Ghatikas: Colleges generally attached to the temples Which of the pairs given above is correctly matched?

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

Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of the Shunga dynasty?

Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally

Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements: 1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land. 2. Private owners of workshops paid an industry tax. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following: 1. Calcutta Unitarian Committee 2. Tabernacle of New Dispensation 3. Indian Reform Association Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?

The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to:

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

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

With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements: 1. Siddhas (Sittars) of the Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry. 2. Lingayats of the Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorising of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of which of the following?

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

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. 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?

With reference to Rowlatt Satyagraha, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Rowlatt Act was based on the recommen-dations of the ‘Sedition Committee’. 2. In Rowlatt Satyagraha, Gandhiji tried to utilise the Home Rule League. 3. Demonstrations against the arrival of the Simon Commission coincided with Rowlatt Satyagraha. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/ are the essential element/elements of the feudal system? 1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority 2. The emergence of an administrative structure based on control and possession of the land 3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Consider the following pairs: Medieval Indian State: Present Region 1. Champaka: Central India 2. Durgara: Jammu 3. Kuluta: Malabar Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Consider the following statements: 1. The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu. 2. The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

With reference to Congress Socialist Party, consider the following statements: 1. It advocated the boycott of British goods and evasion of taxes. 2. It wanted to establish the dictatorship of the proletariat. 3. It advocated separate electorate for minorities and oppressed classes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Who of the following was/were economic critic/critics of colonialism in India? 1. Dadabhai Naoroji 2. G. Subramania Iyer 3. R.C. Dutt Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Kalamkari painting refers to:

The Government of India Act of 1919 clearly defined:

With reference to the Cabinet Mission, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It recommended a federal government. 2. It enlarged the powers of the Indian courts. 3. It provided for more Indians in the ICS. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Consider the following: The arrival of Babur into India led to the: 1. introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent 2. introduction of the arch and dome in the region’s architecture 3. establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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?

In Medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was:

Consider the following statements: 1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal. 2. The Philosophy of PushtiMarg was propounded by Madhvacharya. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

In Medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for

The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a:

With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’?

What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)? 1. To disclaim any intention to annex the Indian States 2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown. 3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Consider the following statements: 1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal. 2. The Philosophy of PushtiMarg was propounded by Madhvacharya. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Chaitra, one of the national calendars based on the Saka Era, corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?

The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to:

Consider the following languages: 1. Gujarati 2. Kannada 3. Telugu Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language/Languages’ by the Government?

With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs. Famous works of sculpture Site A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below Ajanta A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on the rock Mount Abu “Arjuna’s Penance”/“Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders Mamallapuram Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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: Zanskar Valley 3. Alchi Temple Complex: Ladakh Which of the above pairs given is/are correctly matched?

Consider the following pairs: 1. Garba: Gujarat 2. Mohiniattam: Odisha 3. Yakshagana: Karnataka Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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

The 1929 Session of Indian National Congress is on significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because the:

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

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

The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from:

With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements: 1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama. 2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam. 3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Every year, a month-long ecologically important campaign/ festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?

The Chinese traveller 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? 1. The roads and river routes were completely immune from robbery. 2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person. 3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements: 1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. 2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. 3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following historical places: 1. Ajanta Caves 2. Lepakshi Temple 3. Sanchi Stupa Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?

With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school: 1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of the soul. 2. 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?

With reference to Indian History, the Members of the Constituent Assembly from the Provinces were:

The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for:

Quit India Movement was launched in response to:

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

The people of India agitated against the arrival of the Simon Commission because:

Annie Besant was: 1. Responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement 2. The founder of the Theosophical Society 3. Once the President of the Indian National Congress Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.

In the context of the 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?

The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the:

Consider the following Bhakti Saints: 1. Dadu Dayal 2. Guru Nanak 3. Tyagaraja Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine? 1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practise penance. 2. Every object, even the smallest particle, has a soul. 3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

Which of the following characterises/characterises the people of the Indus Civilization? 1. They possessed great palaces and temples. 2. They worshipped both male and female deities. 3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare. Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below

Consider the following Bhakti Saints: 1. Dadu Dayal 2. Guru Nanak 3. Tyagaraja Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

The distribution of powers between the Centre and the States in the Indian Constitution is based on the scheme provided in the:

Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called “Bhumisparsha mudra”. It symbolises:

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

Which of the following parties were established by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar? 1. The Peasants and Workers Party of India. 2. All India Scheduled Castes Federation. 3. The Independent Labour Party. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

The Religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of:

The Rowlatt Act aimed at:

With reference to the scientific progress of Ancient India, Which of the statements given below are correct? 1. Different kinds of specialised surgical instruments were in common use by the 1st century AD 2. Transplant of internal organs in the human body began in the 3rd century AD 3. The concept of sine of an angle was known in the 5th century AD. 4. The concept of cyclic quadrilateral was known in the 7th century AD. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances? 1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatnatyam 2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatnatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements. Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

With reference to the history of Ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? 1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment 2. Indifference to the authority of Vedas 3. Denial of the efficacy of rituals Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Consider the following: 1. Assessment of land revenue on the basis of nature of the soil and the quality of crops. 2. Use of mobile cannons in warfare. 3. Cultivation of tobacco and red chillies. Which of the above was/were introduced into India by the English?

The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929) is very important in history, because: 1. The Congress passed a resolution demanding complete independence. 2. The rift between the extremists and moderates was resolved in that Session. 3. A resolution was passed rejecting the two-nation theory in that Session Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements: The most effective contribution made by Dadabhai Naoroji to the cause of Indian National Movement was that he- 1. Exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British. 2. Interpreted the ancient Indian texts and restored the self-confidence of Indians. 3. Stressed the need for eradication of all the social evils before anything else. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The Congress ministries resigned in the seven provinces in 1939, because:

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? 1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period 2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music 3. Dhrupad alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices? 1. Meditation and control of breath. 2. Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place. 3. Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Mahatma Gandhi undertook fast unto death in 1932, mainly because:

Which of the following is/are the principal feature(s) of the Government of India Act, 1919? 1. Introduction of diarchy in the executive government of the provinces. 2. Introduction of separate communal electorates for Muslims. 3. Devolution of legislative authority by the centre to the provinces. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

With reference to the history of Ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? 1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment 2. Indifference to the authority of Vedas 3. Denial of the efficacy of rituals Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:

With reference to Ryotwari Settlement, consider the following statements: 1. The rent was paid directly by the peasants to the Government. 2. The government gave Pattas to the Ryots. 3. The lands were surveyed and assessed before being taxed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to the Guilds (Shrenis) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is/are true? 1. Every Guild was registered with the central authority of the state and the King was the chief administrative authority on them 2. The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the Guild 3. The guild had judicial powers over its own members. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Brahmo Samaj? 1. It opposed idolatry. 2. It denied the need for a priestly class for interpreting the religious texts. 3. It popularized the doctrine that the Vedas are infallible. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

With reference to the period of Indian freedom struggle, which of the following was/were recommended by the Nehru report? 1. Complete Independence for India. 2. Joint electorates for reservation of seats for minorities 3. Provision of fundamental right for the people of India in the constitution. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

With reference to the period of colonial rule in India, “Home Charges” formed an important part of the drain of wealth from India. Which of the following funds constituted “Home Charges”? 1. Funds used to support the India Office in London. 2. Funds used to pay salaries and pensions of British personnel engaged in India. 3. Funds used for waging wars outside India by the British. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

Regarding the Indus valley civilization, consider the following statements: 1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene. 2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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?

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

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

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

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

What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organise a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda? 1. The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought. 2. The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?