GENERAL STUDIES H istor y

01
HISTORY
After analysing the previous year question papers, we have noticed that around 12-15 questions are asked
from the History section. From Ancient India, questions are asked from topics like Harappan civilization,
Rig Vedic age, Mauryan age, Six Indian philosophies, Gupta age, Literature during Ancient era. Questions
from Medieval India covers the topics like Delhi Sultanate, Mughal empire, Foreign travellers during
medieval age, Maratha empire, Vijayanagar empire, Art, Architecture and Literature. From Modern India,
questions are mainly asked from the Indian National Movement. Topics from World History asked in the
paper includes American war of Independence, Russian revolution, French revolution, World Wars I and II.

PART I ANCIENT INDIA

THE PRE-HISTORY OR STONE AGE
The age, when the pre-historic man began to use stones for utilitarian purpose is termed as the Stone age.
The Stone age is divided into four category—the Paleolithic age or the Old Stone age, the Mesolithic age or
the Middle Stone age, the Neolithic age or the New stone age and the Chalcolithic age.

1. The Paleolithic Age

• The Paleolithic culture of India developed in the pleistocene period or the Ice age. The Paleolithic men
belonged to the Negrito race. Homo Sapiens first appeared in the last phase of this age.
• Paleolithic men were hunters and food gatherers. They had no knowledge of agriculture, fire or pottery,
they used tools of unpolished, undressed rough stones and lived in cave rock shelters. They are also called
Quartzite men. In India, Uttar Bahini in the Jammu area has revealed early paleolithic artifacts in the
upper Shiwaliks.
• According to the nature of the stone tools used by the people and change in the climate. This age
is divided into three phases, like Early or Lower Paleolithic, Middle Paleolithic and Upper Paleolithic.
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2. The Mesolithic Age
• It is a transition phase between the Paleolithic age and
the Neolithic age. The Mesolithic people lived on
hunting, fishing and food gathering. At a later stage they
also domesticated animals.
• The characteristics tools of the Mesolithic age are
microliths, pointed cresconic blades, scrapers etc made
up of stones.
• Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh and Bagor in Rajasthan
provide the earliest evidence for the domestication of
animals.
• The people of Paleolithic and Mesolithic ages practiced
painting. Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh is a striking site
of Pre-historic painting.
3. The Neolithic Age
• The people of this age used tools and improved
implements of polished stone. They particularly used
stone axes.
• The neolithic settlers were the earliest farming
communities. They produced ragi and horse-gram
(kulathi). They domesticated cattle, sheeps and goats.
They wove cotton and wool to make clothes. Hand
made pottery and use of potter wheel first appears
during the Neolithic age.
• Neolithic men lived in caves and decorated their walls with
hunting and dancing scenes. They knew the art of making
boats. In the later phase, people lived a more settled life
and lived in circular and rectangular houses made of mud
and reed. It is interesting that in Burzahom domestic
dogs were buried with their masters in their graves.
• Koldihwa in Uttar Pradesh revealed a three fold cultural
sequence i.e. Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Iron age.
Mehrgarh in Balochistan is the oldest Neolithic site in
Pakistan (7000 BC).
• Important sites include Chotanagpur region, Central
India and South of the Krishna river. Belan valley of
Vindhays and middle part of the Narmada valley shows
all the three phases of Stone age.
4. The Chalcolithic Age
• The end of the Neolithic period saw the use of metals.
Copper was the first metal to be used. Chalcolithic
culture refers to the stone-copper phase. People also
used hand-axes and other objects made up of
copperware.
• Chalcolithic people were primarily rural communities.
They domesticated animals and practised agriculture.
They were not acquainted with burnt bricks and lived in
thatched houses. They venerated the mother Goddess
and worshipped the bull.
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• The people of Chalcolithic culture were the first to use
painted pottery. Black and red pottery painted with
white line design was most popular. The ceramics
obtained from malwa is considered the richest among the
Chalcolithic ceramics.
• Important sites of this phase are spread in Rajasthan,
Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh etc.
INDUS VALLEY CIVILISATION
Indus Valley Civilisation is one of the four earliest
civilisations of the world along with the civilisations of
Mesopotamia, Egypt and China.
• The civilisation forms part of the Protohistory of India
and belongs to the Bronze age. Also called Harappan
civilisation because, first excavated site is Harappa.
– Time Period According to Radio Carbon dating
approximately 2350 BC, according to Wheeler 2500
BC-1500 BC.
– Extension From W-E (1550 km) Sutkagen dor in
Balochistan (Pakistan) to Alamgirpur in Meerut (Uttar
Pradesh). From N-S (1100 km) Manda (Jammu and
Kashmir) in North to Daimabad (Maharashtra) in
South.
• In Indus Valley Civilisation basic administration
decisions were taken by group of people.
Town Planning
• It was not uniform. A unique feature was the grid
system i.e. streets cutting across one another at right
angles, dividing the town into large rectangular blocks.
• The towns were divided into two parts: upper part or
citadel and lower part.
• The fortified citadel on the Western side housed public
buildings and members of ruling class.
• Below the citadel on the Eastern side, lay the lower
town inhabited by the common people.
• Underground Drainage System connected all houses to
the street drains.
The Great Bath (Mohenjodaro) It was used for
•
religious bathing. Steps at either end leads to the surface.
There were changing rooms alongside.
• The Granaries (Harappa) Six granaries in a row were
found in the citadel at Harappa.
• Houses were made up of burnt bricks. They were often
two or more storeyed, varied in size, with a square
courtyard around, which had a number of rooms.
Windows did not face the main streets. They had tiled
bathrooms.
• Lamp-posts were erected at regular intervals. It indicates
the existence of street lighting.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 755

Major Harappan Sites, their Excavators and Findings Social Life

Name of • It was a highly developed urban way of life.
Excavator(s) Region/River Excavational Findings
Sites
Society principally consisted of middle class
Harappa Dayaram Montgomery district Rows of six granaries, stone urban people. Presence of various classes like
Sahni (1921) of Punjab lingam and yoni figurines, virgin priests, merchants, craftsmen, peasants and
(Pakistan) on the goddess seal, wheat and barley in
left bank of the river wooden mortar, nude dancing labourers can be seen.
Ravi male and female made of stone, • The dress of the men consisted of two
dancing Nataraja
garments, the upper and the lower cotton
Mohenjodaro RD Banerjee Larkana district in Pashupati seal, bronze image of a garments, which were generally used. Wool
(1922) Sindh on the right dancing girl, three cylindrical
bank of Indus seals, mother goddess figurines, was also used. Different kinds of necklaces
(Pakistan) seated male sculpture of the have been discovered. Bracelets were used quite
Priest King, the Great Granary and commonly. The vanity case found at Harappa
the Great Bath
reveals, that the Harappan women knew the art
Chanhudaro M Gopal Situated in Sindh Shops of shell ornament makers, of wall painting.
Majumdar, on the bank of the bead makers, metal workers
Mackey (1931) Indus river (metals so, discovered were gold, • They domesticated buffaloes, bulls, oxens,
silver, tin, copper etc.) sheeps, asses, goats, elephants, pigs and dogs.
Kalibangan A Ghosh Situated in Seven fire altars, a ploughed field, • Harappans produced wheat, barley, pulses etc.
(1953-60) Rajasthan on the cylindrical seals, wheels of toy In some areas evidence of rice have been found.
left bank of the river carts, houses with their own wells,
Ghaggar black bangles
Rangpur Rangnath Rao Situated on the left Rice was cultivated
Trade and Commerce
(1953-54) bank of Mahi river Internal (in India) as well as external (foreign)
(Gujarat)
trade prevailed during Harappan Civilisation.
Ropar YD Sharma Situated in Punjab Evidence of burying a dog with a No metallic money but barter system was
(1953-54) on the banks of the human burial
river Sutlej practised.
Surkotada JP Joshi Situated in Kutch Provides the first actual remains
• Agriculture, industry and forest produce
(1954) (Bhuj) (Gujarat) of horse bones, bead making provided the basis for internal and external
shops trade.
Lothal Rangnath Rao Situated in Gujarat Only site with an artificial brick • Weights and measure of Harappa were made of
(1957) on the confluence dockyard, Persian Gulf seal, limestone, steatite etc. They were in the
of the Sabarmati terracotta model of Egyptian
and Bhargava mummies, sacrificial fire altar, multiples of 16.
rivers near the Gulf remains of rice husk, the only • The inter-civilisational trade is evident from the
of Cambay other site with remains of rice
husk being Rangpur (Ahmedabad) mention of word ‘Meluha’ (probably Indus
valley) in the Sumerian literature.
Banawali RS Bisht Situated on the left Terracotta model of the plough,
(1973) bank of the river good quality of barley
Mesopotamian cylindrical seals have been
Saraswati found from Mohenjodaro.
Dholavira BB Lal (1959), Situated in Gujarat Giant reservoirs, dams and
RS Bisht in the Rann of embankments unique water Art and Craft
(1990-91) Kutch management systems,
10-alphabet sign board, • Harappans used stone tools and were well
Megalithic burials acquainted with bronze. Bronze was made by
mixing copper (from Khetri) with tin.
Religion • Bead Making and jewellery of gold, silver
precious stone were made. Cotton fabrics were
The chief male deity was Pashupati Mahadeva (Proto shiva), which used in summers and woollen in winters.
is represented on a seal surrounded by elephant, tiger, rhino and
buffalo (all facing in different direction) and two deers appear at his
• Both men and women were very fond of
ornaments and dressing up.
feet.
• Pottery both plain (red) or painted (red and
• Female deity i.e. Mother Goddess—depicted in various style.
black) pottery was made. Pots were decorated
Symbolic worship was also there—Phallus worship, Yoni worship. with human figures, plants, animals and
• Evidence of fire worship was also found at Lothal, Kalibangan geometrical patterns and ochre was painted
and Harappa. Animal (Unicorn Bull) and tree worship (Pipal) also over it.
found there. • Seals were made of steatite pictures of one
• The harappans also believed in evil-powers and might have used horned bull, buffalo, tiger, rhinocerous, goat
amulets as protection against them. and elephant are found on the seals. They
marked ownership of property.
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Script and Language The Aryans

• Script and language is undeciphered, script is The word Aryan is derived from Arya, which mean
pictographic in nature. Fish symbol is most favourably disposed towards new corners and later it implied
represented. high birth, but generally, it refers to a language and not race.
• Overlapping of the letters show that it was • There are many theories about the origin of these people.
written from right to left in the first line and then left The most accepted view is that they lived in the great
to right in the second line. The style is called steppe land which stretches from Poland to Central Asia.
boustrophedon. A signboard inscription bearing 10 They were semi-nomadic people. In 2nd millennium BC,
pictographs has been found from Dholavira in Gujarat. they started moving from their original home and
migrated Eastwards and Southwards.
Decline of • The Boghaz Koi inscriptions dated to 1400 BC gives the
information about peace treaty between the Hittites and
Indus Valley Civilisation the Mittanis rulers of the Hittani, in which the names of
It is believed by historians many factors contributed to the Vedic Gods Indra, Mitra, Nasatya and Varuna are
decline of this ancient civilisation. mentioned. This supports the view, of the Central Asian
homeland theory that Central Asia being the homeland, of
Decline of Indus Civilisation : Different Views Aryan. Vedic age was divided into two parts
Cause of Declines Thinkers
External Aggression Wheeler, Piggot, Gordan-childe Early Vedic or Rigvedic Age
Inundation MR Sahani • The main source of information for the study of early
Epidemic KVR Kennedy Vedic age people is the Rigveda. The founders of the
Vedic culture, were the Aryans, probably immigrant
Tectonic Disturbances (e.g. Dholavira) Marshall and Raikes
people whose first arrival in India is dated around
Sudden Decline Wheeler 2000-1500 BC.
Climatic Change RL Stein, AN Ghosh • The Rig Veda gives us information that Aryans first
Deforestation, scarcity of resources, Walter Fairservis settled at the region called ‘Sapta Sindhu or the land of
ecological imbalances seven rivers’ (Presently that region is — East Afghanistan,
Flood (e.g., Mohenjodaro) Marshal, SR Rao, Maickey Punjab and West Uttar Pradesh)-Indus, Jhelum, Ravi,
The destruction due to change in GF Holes
Chenab, Beas, Sutlej and Saraswati.
course of river Ghaggar
The Rig Vedic Economy
• Early Aryans were semi-nomadic and later on, they became
Contribution of cultivator. They gave great preference to the cattle, so the
Indus Valley Civilisation ruling class was warriors, who were able to fight for cattle.
• The Harappan Civilisation which flourished between • In cattle, ‘cow’ was preferable. The word ‘Gauri’ (cow) is
2600 BC and 1900 BC had major contributions. Some mentioned 176 times in Rig Veda. Many more terms
of them include standardised weight and measures, related with the word ‘Gau’ like Gavishti means search for
planned city construction, public buildings like Great cows, Godhuli for daughter are found. The term Aghanya
Bath. The Harappans worshipped fire, Mother goddess, (not to be killed) has been used for cows.
tree, phallus which was carried forward by the Aryans.
• The agricultural practise, use of seals for trade,
The Rig Vedic Society
ornaments and dresses were also great contribution of • The Rig vedic society was based on kinship. The early
Harappans. Hence, the impact of Harappan civilisation Aryans were essentially tribal and egalitarians. Tribe was
could be seen on socio, economic, political and called Jana. Society was patriarchal, male child (who
religious life of the people. fought for the cattle) was preferred.
• Existence of joint family pattern. Eldest male member of
the family was known as Kulapa.
THE VEDIC AGE • ‘Varna’ was the term used for colour and it seems that the
Aryan language speakers were fair and the indigenous
The history of Vedic Age is known largely through its inhabitants were dark in complexion.
religious texts, the vedas, which gave the period its name. • No evidence of caste system is found. Members of same
The vedas recorded not only the religion of the vedic family indulged in different occupation. This is well
people, but also details of their lives that give us a look illustrated in a hymn of 9th mandala. Non-Aryans were
at their Political, Social and Economic pattern. called Dasas or Shudras.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 757

• Women possessed respectable status in the society, took

part in tribal assemblies, in religious sacrifices along with
their husbands. Child marriage was not in existence. The
marriageable age was 16 or 17 years for girls. Polygamy
and polyandry both existed, but monogamy was in
fashion. There was no Purdah system.
• Widow remarriage and Niyoga prevailed in society.
The Rig Vedic Polity
• The head was the supreme of the tribe or Jana. He
worked on the collective response of the tribal
assemblies. Tribal assemblies were Sabha, Samiti, Gana
and Vidhata. Vidhata was the oldest one. These
assemblies upheld every important activity (like social,
military, religious, etc).
• The samitis were comprising the whole clan. The sabha
was a selected group of elderly people. Vidhata was
engaged in redistributive functions. Chief was called
Gopati. Women were allowed in Sabha and Vidhata.
• Vajrapati was the officer of pasture, led by Kulapa (the
family head) and Gramini in war. Senani was another
important functionary after Purohita. Military functions
were performed by tribal units like rata, gana, grama.
Tax known as Bali was voluntary.
The Rig Vedic Religion
• The early vedic people were nature worshippers. Neither
they had temples nor idols. They prayed by the means
of recitation of Mantra.
• The motive of worship was to get Praja (children), Pasu
(cattle) and Dhana (wealth), till that time they didn’t
aspire for spiritual upliftment.
Rivers Mentioned in the Rig Veda
The Later Vedic Age
The expression later Vedic age comprises the far reaching
changes and developments that took place in the religion,
social, economic and political conditions of the people
during the period when the later Sanhitas Sama Veda,
Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda and the Brahmanas, Arayank
and Upanishads were composed. The age is also known as
Painted Grey Ware (PGW) iron phase.
Geographical Extent
• During the later Vedic period, Aryans moved into
Eastward and Southward areas. A study of the literature
reveals that moving from Punjab, the Aryans settled in
Delhi and upper gangetic doab.
• The story of Agni and Videha Madhava moving
Eastward, as narrated in Satapatha Brahmana, gives a
proof of the Eastward march.
Social Life
• The four-fold division of society became clear-initially
based on occupation, which later became hereditary
Brahmins (Priests), Kshatriyas (Warriors), Vaishyas
(Agriculturists, cattle-rearers, traders) and Sudras (servers
of the upper three).
• Women enjoyed freedom and respect, but their status
deteriorated compared to earlier time. The institution of
gotra appeared in this age first time. Gotra signified
descent from common ancestors.
• Concept of four Ashrams came into being it consisted
four stages of life– Brahmacharya, Grihastha,
Vanaprastha and Sanyas. Chariot racing was main sport
and gambling was the main past time.

Rig Vedic Name Modern Name

Sindhus Indus
PURUSHASUKTA THEORY
Vitasta Jhelum
Purushasukta is a late hymn of 10th Mandal of Rigveda.
The hymn says that four persons originated from the
Askini Chenab
body of the Purusha or the primeval creator. The
Parushni Ravi Brahmana (mouth), the Kshatriya (arms), the Vaishya
Vipasa Beas (thighs) and the Shudra (feet).
Shatudri Sutlej
Gomal Gomati Political Organisation
Krumu Kurram • Tiny tribal settlements were replaced by strong
Drishadvati Ghaggar kingdoms. A regular army was maintained for the
Suvasthu Swat protection of kingdom.
Kubha Kabul • Powers of the king (Samrat) was increased. Importance of
Naditarna Saraswati assemblies declined. Women were no longer permitted to
Sadanira Gandak attend assemblies. The term ‘rashtra’ indicating territory
first appeared in this period.
Gods • References of priest (Purohita), Commander in chief
During Rig vedic period Agni, Indra, Varuna, Soma, (Senapati), Charioteer (Suta), Treasurer (Sangrahita), Tax
Dyaus, Ashwin, Pushan and Surya were the prominent collector (Bhagdugha), Chief queen (Mahisi) and the
gods. Usha, Aditi, Ratri and Sandhya were the worshipped game companion (Aksavapa).
goddess.
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Religion
Rise of Vishnu alongside Rudra new Gods (Vishnu,
Rudra, Prajapati etc) came into prominence. Rig Vedic
Gods (Indra, Varuna etc) lost prominence. Sacrifices
became more elaborate. Increase in the prestige and
importance of priestly class. Emergence of new
philosophical concepts.
Sacrifices Performed in Later Vedic Period
• Rajasuya Consecration Ceremony This conferred
supreme power on the king. The Rajasuya sacrifice
consists of five major ritual or ceremonies. Asvamedha
horse sacrifice which was meant to establish kings
supremacy over his neighbours. The Aitareya and
Shatapatha Brahmana mention the names of some
monarchs, who performed the sacrifice.
• Ratnahanimasi Ceremony The king had to approach
dignitaries who lived in permanent dwellings. Vajapeya
chariot race which was meant to re-establish his
supremacy over his own people within the kingdom.
Pottery
The later Vedic people used black and redware,
black-strippedware, painted greyware pottery. Redware
was most popular with them and has been found almost
all over Western Uttar Pradesh. However, the most
distinctive pottery of the period is known as Painted
Greyware, which comprised bowls and dishes, used either
for rituals or for eating by the upper classes.
Economic Life
• The shift towards Gangetic valley with the use of iron
and fire made possible the growth of agriculture.
Pastoralism was no longer the main subsistence activity
of the people, though cattle rearing was also practised.
• Shatapatha Brahmana describes the various stages of
agriculture such as ploughing, sowing, reaping and
threshing. Both kharif and rabi crops were grown.
• Rice (Vrihi) and wheat (Godhuma) become the chief
crops of the later Vedic Aryans, though they continued
to produce barley (Yava).
VEDIC LITERATURE
• The word ‘Veda’ is derived from Sanskrit word vid,
meaning to know, signifying knowledge par excellence.
The Vedic text are shruti i.e. directly revealed to authors
by God.
• Smritis are remembered and collected parts of literature
of later period. They are also called samhitas in the
sense that they represent oral tradition of the time.
• Four vedas and their Samhitas, the Brahmanas, the
Aranyakas and the Upanishads form a class of literature
known as shruti.
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The Rig Veda
It is divided into 10 books or mandalas. Mandala II to VII
are considered the oldest and known as family mandalas.
Book I, VIII and X seem to be added later.
It dated 1500 BC-1000 BC. It has 1028 hymns written by
number of priestly families. The Rig Veda was written
when Aryans were still in Punjab. Book II to VII are
earliest and are attributed to Gritsamada, Vishvamitra,
Vasudeva, Atri, Bhardwaj, Vashishtha, Kanva and Angiras.
Rig Veda is recited by Hotri. Gayatri mantri is in 3rd
mandal of Rig Veda.
The Yajur Veda
It is a ritualistic Veda. Written in prose, it deals with
procedure for performance of sacrifices and contain rituals
as well as hymns. It is divided into Shukla Yajur Veda
(poetry) (including Vajasneyi samhita) and Krishna Yajur
Veda (prose and poetry) (Katha, Matriyani and Taittiriya,
Vapisthal samhita in which mantra and Brahamanas part are
not separated). Yajur Veda is recited by Adhvaryu.
The Sama Veda
Word Sama derived from the root word saman means
melody/music. It has 1603 verses, but except 99, all the rest
of the hymns have been borrowed from the Rig Veda. It
contains Dhrupada Raga. The Sama Veda shows that the
Aryans loved music and were not merely puritans. Sama
Veda is recited by udgatri.
The Atharva Veda
The Atharva Veda is entirely different from the other three
Vedas and is the last of the four Vedas. The Satapatha
Brahmana used the term trayi, i.e. the Rig Veda, Yajur
Veda and Sama Veda.
Atharva Veda mentions beliefs and practices of non-Aryans.
It contains magical mantra etc. In it, the sabha and the
Samiti are described as sisters and the two daughters of
prajapati. This Veda is also known as Brahma Veda.
Smriti Literature
The Smriti literature contains following
The Brahamanas
These are the prose commentaries on various Vedic hymns.
They explain the vedas in an orthodox way. They explain
the hidden meanings behind the hymns of Brahamans. They
are expressions of the cause (hetu). Shatapatha
Brahamana is the largest Brahamana book. It has the story
of Madhav.
The Aranyakas
The authors of the Aranyakas were sages dwelling in the
forest and explained vedic texts for their pupils in the form
of Aranyakas. So, these Aranyakas are known as forest
books. They form the concluding part of Brahamanas.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 759

Upavedas SHAD DARSHAN

These are subsidiary Vedas dealing with secular subjects. (Six Systems of Philosophy)
Four important upavedas are as follow ●
Nyaya (Analysis) Gautam
i. Ayur Veda Pertains to medicine. ●
Vaisesika (Atomic characteristic) Kanada
ii. Dhanur Veda Pertains to art of warfare. ●
Sankhya (Enumeration) Kapil
iii. Gandharva Veda Pertains to music. ●
Yoga (Application) Patanjali
iv. Shilpa Veda Pertains to art and literature. ●
Purva Mimansa (Enquiry) Jaimini
Uttar Mimansa (Vedanta) Vyasa
The Upanishads
●

The term Upanishads indicates knowledge acquired

by sitting close to the teacher. Mahajanapadas
• Under it, many metaphysical topics were discussed, such During the age of Buddha, we find 16 large states called
as the origin of universe, the nature of God, the origin Mahajanapadas mentioned in Buddhist text Angkuttar
and death of mankind etc. Nikaya. These Mahajanapadas were either monarchical or
• They do not believe in orthodox rituals and sacrifices. republican in character.
On the contrary, they are the followers of Karma The sixteen Mahajanapadas are as follow
(Action), Atma (Soul) and God (Brahma). They are
spiritual and philosophical in nature. Also known as Mahajanapada Capital Mahajanapada Capital
Vedanta or the end of Vedas. They always preaches the Kashi Varanasi Kuru Hastinapur,
Indraprastha
Jnana marga (knowledge path). and Isukara
• Upanishads are 108 in number. Satyamev Jayate is Kosala Shravasti Panchala Ahichhatra
extracted from Mundako Upanishad. Brihadaranyaka and Kampilya
Upanishad provides the first reference of the idea of Anga Champa Matsya Viratnagar
rebirth. Later, this idea appears in full form in the Magadh Girivraj or Rajgriha Surasena Mathura
Chandogya upanishad.
Vajji Vaishali Ashmaka Pratisthana

Vedangas (Limbs of Vedas) Malla Kushinagar and

Pavapuri
Avanti Mahismati

• These are treatises on Science and Arts. The six vedangas
are as follow
– Shiksha (phonetics), Kalpa (rituals), Vyakarna
(grammar), Chanda (metrics), Nirukta (etymology),
Jyotisha (astronomy). Yaska’s Nirukta (5th century
BC) is the oldest linguistic text.
Epics
Mahabharata It is believed to be written by Ved Vyas
and is older than ‘Ramayana’. Originally Mahabharata
consisted of 880 verses then it was raised to 24000
verses. The final compilation brought the number of
verses to 100000. Razmnama is translation of
Mahabharata in Persian language.
Ramayana It is known as Aadikavya, written by Valmiki
in Sanskrit. In it, capital of Kaushal Mahajanapad,
Ayodhya (Saket) has been mentioned. Persian
translation of Ramayana is written by Badayuni.
Tamil translation of Ramayana is written by Kamban.
It is also known as Bible of South India. Presently,
Ramayana have 24000 shlokas. Ramcharitmanas was
written by Tulsidas in Awadhi language.
Puranas The word ‘Purana’ means old. Writer of Puranas
is Lomharsh’s son Ugrvarsh. It was written in AD 4th
century in Gupta age. Number of Puranas are 18.
Oldest Purana is Matasya Purana. It tells about
Satvahana dynasty. In Purana, 10 avtar of Vishnu has
been mentioned. Vayu Puran gives details about Gupta
dynasty.
Chedi Shuktamati Gandhara Taxila
Vatsa Kausambi Kamboja Rajpur ot
Hataka
RISE OF JAINISM AND
BUDDHISM
During 5th-6th centuries BC two new religion emerged in
the form of Jainism and Buddhism.
Jainism
• The founder of Jainism was Mahavira. He was born in
540 BC as Vardhamana (childhood name) at
Kundagrama near Vaishali. His father Siddhartha was
the head of a famous Kshatriya clan, and his mother,
named Trishala, was the sister of Chetaka, the king of
Vaishali. He was also related to Bimbisara, the ruler of
Magadha, who had married Chellana, the daughter of
Chetaka.
• During the early stages Mahavira joined a group of
ascetics called Nirgranthas. Parsa was the founder of this
sect. Mahavira attained Kaivalya (perfect knowledge)
under sal tree, near village Jimbhikagrama, on the bank
of the river Rijupalika and died at the age of 72 at
Pavapuri near modern Rajgir in 468 BC.
760 CDS Pathfinder

• After the death of Mahavira, during the reign of king • Second council was held at Vallabhi (Gujarat) in the AD
Chandragupta Maurya (the founder Mauryan empire), a 512 under the leadership of Devardhi and resulted in
severe famine led to the migration of some Jains under final compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.
Bhadrabahu to the Deccan. Sthula bhadra remained in
North and allowed wearing white garments. Bhadrabahu Jain Literature
maintained nudity leading to division as Digambaras The sacred books of the Jainas are known as Siddhartha
(sky clad or naked) and Svetambaras (white clad). or Agama, it include
• There are 24 Tirthankaras in the history of Jainism. i. Twelve Angas ii. Twelve Upangas
Mahavir Swami was the last and the 24th Tirthankara of iii. Ten Prikarnas iv. Six Chhedasutras
Jainism.
v. Four Mulasutras vi. Two Sutra Granthas
Preachings of Mahavira They are written in Prakrit language. Among the Jaina
• Rejected the authority of the Vedas and the Vedic writers, the most important were Bhadrabahu
rituals. Did not believe in the existence of God. (Kalpa-Sutra), Siddhasena, Divakara, Manibhadra, Siddha,
Hemachandra (Parisistha Parvan), Nayachandra and
• Attainment of salvation (Moksha) by believing penance
Mallinath. The Jainas wrote narrative literature, kavyas,
and dying of starvation. Laid great emphasis on equality
novels, dramas and hymns.
or universal brotherhood.
In Jainism, there are three Ratnas and they are called
•
the Way of Nirvana.
Buddhism
i. Right faith—Samyak Vishwas Founded by Gautam Buddha (Sakyamuni or Tathagat)
known originally as Siddhartha (childhood name).
ii. Right knowledge—Samyak Gyan
iii. Right conduct—Samyak Karma Buddha’s Life
• There are five main teachings of Jainism • He was born in 563 BC (widely accepted) in a sal
i. Non-injury (Ahimsa) groove of Lumbini garden in Kapilavastu. His mother
ii. Non-lying (Satya) was Mahamaya (a Kosalan princess) and his father was
iii. Non-possession (Aparigraha) Sudhodhana (of Sakya tribe).
iv. Non-stealing (Asteya) • Buddha’s name was Siddhartha and gotra was Gautama.
v. Observe continence (Brahmacharya) His mother died after 7 days of his birth and he was
brought up by his Step-mother Mahaprajapati Gautami.
• The first four principles were given by Parsavanath and
Devadutta was his cousin. Buddha’s wife was Yashodhara
fifth one i.e. Brahmacharya was added by Mahavira.
and she gave birth to their son Rahul. Buddha’s charioteer
Tirthankaras and their Symbols was Channa and favourite horse was Kanthak.
Name Symbol Name Symbol • He was moved by the misery, which people suffered in
Rishabha Bull Vimalnath Boar the world and looked for its solution. He left home at
Ajitnath Elephant Ananthnath Falcon the age of 29. This incident became famous as
Mahabhinishkramana– ‘great going forth’.
Sambharanath Horse Dharamnath Vajra
• He first became a disciple of Alara Kalam. Kalam was
Abhinandan Swami Monkey Shantinath Deer
the specialist of Samakhya philosophy. After sometime,
Sumathinath Curlew Kunthunath He-Goat
he left Alara and joined Rudraka. From there, he went
Padamprabhu Red Lotus Arnath Fish
to Uruvela and practised great penance. His conception
Suparshvanatha Swastik Mallinath Jar (Kalash) of religion was purely ethical.
Chandraji Prabhu Moon Muniswasth Tortoise • Buddha got enlightenment under the pipal tree known as
Suvidhinath Crocodile Naminath Blue Lotus Bodhi tree at Gaya in Bihar. He gave his first sermon at
Shitalnath Kalpa-Vriksha Neminath Conch Shell Sarnath (ancient name was Rishipattan) first sermon
Shreyansnath Rhinoceros Parsavanath Serpent (Snake) became famous by the name of Dharma Chakrapravartan
Vasupujya Buffalo Mahavira Lion
(or the turning of wheel of law).
• He spent his last days near Vaishali. At Pava, a man
Jain Councils named Chunda fed him pork, after eating it Buddha died
of dysentery at the age of 80 in 483 BC in Kushinagar,
• First council was held at Pataliputra (Bihar) by
the capital of Mallas. His death is known
Sthulbhadra, in the beginning of the 3rd century BC and
resulted in the compilation of 12 Angas to replace 14 Mahaparinirvana i.e. final blowing out. His favourite
Purvas. disciple was Ananda.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
Teachings of Buddha
• His four noble truths (Arya Satyas)
–The world is full of sorrows (Sabbam Dukham).
–The cause of sorrow is desire (Dwadash
Nidan/Pratitya Samutpada).
– If desires are conquered, all sorrows can be removed
(Nirvana).
– This can be achieved by following the 8-fold path
(Ashtangika Marga).
The second truth, is based on Buddha’s doctrine of
Paticheha samutpada or Pratitya samutpada i.e. law of
dependent origination or causation.
• Eight-Fold Path (Ashtangika marga)
i. Right understanding ii. Right thought
iii. Right speech iv. Right action
v. Right livelihood vi. Right effort
vii. Right mindfulness viii. Right concentration
• Three Jewels (Triratnas)
i. Buddha (the enlightened) ii. Dhamma (doctrine)
iii. Sangha (order)
• Code of Conduct
i. Do not convert the property of others
ii. Do not commit violence
iii. Do not use intoxicants
iv. Do not speak a lie
v. Do not indulge in corrupt practices
• Belief in Nirvana Also known as moksha or salvation. It
refers to belief in the concept of ultimate bliss, whereby
the person gets freedom from the cycle of birth and
death.
• Belief in Ahimsa Law of Karma and Madhya
Marga/Madhyama Pratipada (the middle path).
• Kutagorshala It is a place where Buddhist monks
discusses religious issues.
Division of Buddhism
The Buddhism was divided into following sects
i. Hinayana or Lesser Wheel The followers of
Hinayana believed in the original teachings of Buddha.
They believed in individual salvation. They do not
believe in idol-worship.
ii. Mahayana or Greater Wheel The follower of
Mahayana sect believed in the heavenliness of Buddha
and sought the salvation through the grace and help
of Buddha and Bodhisattvas. It came into existence
during the reign of Kanishka.
iii. Vajrayana or Vehicle of Thunderbolt The followers
of Vajrayana believed that salvation could be attained
by acquiring the magical powers i.e. Vajra. The chief
divinities of their sect were Taras. Vajrayana became
popular in Eastern part of India, particularly in Bengal
and Bihar.
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Buddhist Texts
Tripitakas refers to Buddhists scriptures, it includes Vinay
Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
• Vinaya Pitaka It contains the rules and regulations of
monastic discipline for monks. An account of the life
and teaching of the Buddha is also given.
• Sutta Pitaka Few discourses delivered by many
Buddhist scholars like Sariputta, Ananda and others are
given in it. It lays down the principles of Buddhism. It
is a collection of Buddha’s sermon and is divided into
five groups.
• Abhidhamma Pitaka Having the philosophy of
Buddha’s teachings. It investigates mind and matter to
help the understanding of things as they truly are
– Jatak Stories It tells about 550 previous births of
Buddha.
– Milindapanho A conversation among Greco-Bactrian
king, Menander and a Buddhist monk, Nagasena. It is
written in the form of question and answer type.
– Kathavastu It is hinayana granth. It is the first book
written in Sanskrit language in Buddhist religion.
– Mahavibhashashastra Written by Vasumitra,
encyclopedia of Buddhist religion.
– Dipavamsha and Mahavamsha In Pali language, it
tells about the history of Sri Lanka.
Buddhist Councils
• The First Council (483 BC) It was held at Sattapanni
(Saptaparni) cave near Rajagriha under the chairmanship
of Mahakassapa. Here Vinaya Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka
were compiled by Upali and Ananda respectively.
Ajatashatru was the king at that time.
• The Second Council (383 BC) It was held at Vaishali
during the reign of Kalashoka, the king of Shishunaga
dynasty. The chairman was Sabakami. The monk of
Vaishali wanted some changes in the rites. It resulted in
division of sect into Sthavirvadins and Mahasamghikas.
• The Third Council (250 BC) It was held at
Pataliputra during the reign of Ashoka (the Mauryan
ruler). This council was held under the Presidentship of
Mogaliputta Tissa, to revise the Buddhist texts.
• The Fourth Council (AD 72) It was held during the
reign of Kanishka (the Kushana ruler) in Kashmir under
the presidentship of Vasumitra and Ashwaghosha.
Buddhism got divided into Hinayana and Mahayana.
Stupa and Vihara
• Stupas are doomed monuments containing relies of the
Buddha. The stupas are carved with symbols of Buddha
foot print, bodhi tree, vase.
• Viharas are monastery halls, which the monks would
originally have used for study, solitary, meditation and
communal worship.
762
MAGADHA EMPIRE
The period from 6th to 4th centuries BC saw the struggle for
supremacy among four Mahajanapadas-Magadha, Kosala,
Vatsa and Avanti. The founder of Magadha was Jarasandha
and Brihadratha. But the growth started under the Haryankas.
Magadha embraced the former districts of Patna, Gaya and
parts of Shahabad and grew to be the leading state of the
time.
Following are the causes for rise of Magadha
• Magadha become prominent under the leadership of
Bimbisara of the Haryanka dynasty. Advantageous
geographical location with both Rajgriha and Pataliputra
situated at strategic locations.
• Abundance of natural resources, such as iron enabled
Magadha rulers to equip with effective weapons. Use of
elephants on large scale in war. The alluvial soil of the
Gangetic valley and sufficient rainfall were very conducive
for agriculture.
Haryanka Dynasty
Originally founded in 566 BC by the grandfather of
Bimbisara, but actual foundation was laid by Bimbisara.
Bimbisara He was contemporary of Buddha. He conquered
Anga (East-Bihar) to gain control over trade route with
the Southern states. His capital was Rajgriha (Girivraja).
He strengthened his position by matrimonial alliance
with the ruling families of Kosala, Vaishali and Madra.
His capital was surrounded by 5 hills, the openings in
which were closed by stone walls on all sides. This
made Rajgir impregnable.
Ajatshatru Son of Bimbisara, killed his father and seized
the throne. Annexed Vaishali and Kosala (annexed
Vaishali with the help of a war engine, which was used
to throw stones.) Kosala was ruled by Prasenajit at that
time. Buddha died during his reign; arranged the first
Buddhist Council.
Udayin He founded the new capital at Pataliputra, situated
at the confluence of the Ganga and Son.
Shishunaga Dynasty
• Founded by a minister Shishunaga. He was succeeded by
Kalasoka (II Buddhist Council held during his period).
Dynasty lasted for two generations only.
• Greatest achievement was the destruction of power of
Avanti. Last Ruler was Nandivardhan.
Nanda Dynasty
• It is considered as first of the non-Kshatriya dynasties.
Founder was Mahapadma Nanda. He added Kalinga to his
empire. He claimed to be the ekarat, the sole sovereign
who destroyed all the other ruling princes. Alexander
attacked India in the reign of Dhana Nanda-the last ruler.
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• Nandas were fabulously rich and enormously
powerful. Maintained 200000 infantry, 60000 cavalry
and 6000 war elephants. This is supposed to have
check on Alexander’s army from advancing towards
Magadha.
ALEXANDER’S INVASION
●
Alexander (356 BC-323 BC) was the son of Philip of
Macedonia (Greece) who invaded India in 326 BC. At
that time North-West India was split up into a number
of small independent states like Taxila, Punjab (kingdom
of Porus), Gandharas etc.
●
Porus fought the famous Battle of Hydaspes (on bank
of Jhelum) with Alexander. When Alexander reached
Beas, his soldiers refused to go further, so he was
forced to retreat.
●
He erected 12 huge stone altars on the Northern bank
of Beas to mark the farthest point of his advance.
Remained in India for 19 months and died in 323 BC
at Babylon.
The Mauryan Empire
The most immediate and unexpected by product of
Alexander’s invasion of North-West was that it hastened
the Mauryan conquest of the whole country.
Chandragupta Maurya (321-298 BC)
• The founder of the Mauryan empire was Chandragupta
Maurya. He overthrew the last Nanda ruler,
Dhanananda with the help of Kautilya also known as
Chanakya.
• In 305 BC Chandragupta defeated Seleucus Nicator
(the Greek ambassador), who surrendered a big
territorial part to him including Kabul, Afghanistan,
Baluchistan and Herat also received a Greek
ambassador i.e. Megasthenese (wrote Indica having the
description of Mauryan administration, society etc.)
• Chandragupta adopted Jainism and went to
Sravanabelagola with Bhadrabahu where he died by
Starvation (Sallekhana Santhara) at Chandragiri hill.
Bindusara (298-273 BC)
The son and successor of Chandragupta Maurya. Called
Amitraghata (slayer of foes) by Greek writers. He is
said to have conquered “the land between the two seas,”
i.e. the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. At the time of his
death, almost the entire sub-continent came under the
Mauryan rule. Greek Ambassador, Deimachus visited the
court sent by Antiochus.
Ashoka (273-232 BC)
• The son and successor of Bindusara. It is said that he
became king by killing his 99 brothers. When he
became the king, Radhagupta, a Minister of Bindusara
also helped him.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
• Under Ashoka the empire reached its Zenith. And in
the history first time the entire Indian sub-continent
came under a single umbrella (except extreme
Southern India). He fought a battle known as Kalinga
War in 261 BC in the 8th year of his coronation, in
which one lakh people died.
• Ashoka sent peace missionaries inside India as well
as abroad. Ashoka Dhamma was made up of tenets
of most of famous sect of that time though tenets
from Buddhism were predominant.
• Ashoka used his policy of Dhamma to promote
religious tolerance in society. He also used Dhamma
based policy to promote Buddhism in foreign land
and Dhamma as a foreign policy to promote peace.
• A stone portrait of Emperor Ashoka has been found
at Kanaganahalli. This is situated near Bhima river in
Gulbarga district of Karnataka.
Ashoka’s Edicts
Ashokan edicts are inscribed either on pillars of stone
or on rocks. They consists of major and minor group.
They give information on the life and reign of the
king.
Major Rock Edicts
• They are a set of 14 inscriptions found at 8 places–
Dhauli, Girnar, Jauguda, Kalsi, Mansehra,
Shahbazgarhi, Sopara and Yerragudi.
• The major rock edicts also include two separate
edicts found at Kalinga. They deal with
administration and ethics.
Some Important Rock Edicts
Major Rock Edicts Content
MRE I Prohibition of animal sacrifice
MRE II Refers to Cholas, Pandyas, Satya putras and
Kerala putra (kingdom of South) and care for
man and animals
MRE III Liberality to Brahmins
MRE IV Non-violence; courtesy to relations
MRE V Appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras
MRE VII Tolerance among all sects
MRE VIII Dhammayatras
MRE IX Charity, kinship, Dhamma
MRE XII Religious tolerance
MRE XIII Kalinga war; Bheri Ghosha to Dhamma Ghosha
Minor Rock Edicts
These are spread over 13 places i.e. Bairat, Brahmagiri,
Gavimath, Gujarra, Jatinga-Rameshwar, Maski,
Palkigunda, Maadagiri, Rupanath, Sasaram, Siddhapur,
Suvarnagiri and Yerragudi. Bhabru Inscriptions is
located at Bairat in Rajasthan and deals with Ashoka’s
conversion to Buddhism.
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Major Pillar Edicts
These are a set of 7 edicts found at Allahabad, Meerut, Sopara,
Lauriya Areraj, Lauriya Nandangarh and Rampurva. These
edicts are engraved on Monolithic pillars. Kausambi edicts are
known as Queen’s Edict. They indicate about donations given
by queen Karuvaki.
Minor Pillar Edicts
• Rummindei Pillar Inscription It mentions the exemption
of Lumbini (birth place of Buddha) from tax.
• Nigalisagar Pillar Inscription It is located in Kapilvastu. It
informs about Ashoka increasing the size of stupa of
Buddha Konakamana to double of its former size.
• Scheism Edict It is located at Kausambi, Sanchi and
Sarnath. It appeals for maintaining unity in Buddhist order.
• Barabara Cave Inscriptions It is located in Bihar. They
speak about Ashoka’s donation of cave to the Ajivikas.
Later Mauryas
According to Buddhist tradition, Ashoka ruled for 27 years.
The disintegration of the Mauryan empire seemed to have set
in immediately after Ashoka’s death. The tenth and the last of
the Mauryas was Brihadratha, who was murdered by his
General Pushyamitra Shunga. This was the end of Mauryan
dynasty.
Mauryan Administration
• The Mauryan state was a welfare state with highly
Centralised Government. King was the Nucleus, assisted by
Mantri Parishad, which included
i. Yuvaraj The crown prince.
ii. Gopa The Purohit Chief Priest.
iii. Senapati Commander-in-Chief of army and other
ministers.
• Coins of Mauryan Empire was called Pana and it was made
up of silver and copper.
• The later Maurya’s and Post Maurya Kingdom started votive
inscription to record the religious offering made to
institutions and land grants made to official or any other
citizen.
Facts about Mauryans by Megasthenese
• According to Megasthenese, the administration of army was
carried by a board of 30 officers divided into six committees,
each consisting of five members. They are as follow
i. Army ii. Cavalry iii. Elephants
iv. Chariot v. Navy vi. Transport.
• Though, Megasthenese said that there was no slavery in
India, yet according to Indian sources slavery was a
recognised institution during Mauryans reign.
• Tamralipti in the Gangetic delta was the most prosperous
part on the East coast of India.
• Megasthenese in his Indica had mentioned 7 castes in Mauryan
society.
764
Art and Architecture
• Mauryan art is classified into two groups
i. Popular/Folk Art Sculpture of Yaksha and Yakshini
e.g. Yaksha of Parkham (Mathura), Yakshini from
Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh) and Didarganj (Patna).
ii. Royal/Court Art Royal Palace of Chandragupta
Maurya at Kumharar, Patna (Fa-hien referred it as the
creation of God), city of Patliputra, Ashokan pillars,
stupas and caves.
• Mauryans introduced stone masonry on large scale. Pillars
represent the masterpiece of Mauryan sculpture, e.g.
– Single lion capital at Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh.
– Four lion capital at Sarnath and Sanchi.
– Carved elephant at Dhauli and engraved elephant at
Kalsi.
• Stupas were built throughout the empire to enshrine the
relics of Buddha e.g. Sanchi and Bharhut.
• Varanasi was the best producer of silk.
POST MAURYAN PERIOD
Mauryans were succeeded by many ruling dynasties from
Central Asia in North-West India and by native rulers
(Sungas, Kanvas, Satavahanas) in the Eastern, Central and
Deccan region of India.
The Shunga Dynasty (185 BC-73 BC)
• Pushyamitra founded this dynasty. His dominions extended
to South as far as the Narmada river and included cities of
Patliputra, Ayodhya and Vidisha.
• The fifth king was Bhagabhadra, to whose court
Heliodorus, the Greek ambassador visited. A Shunga king,
Agnimitra was the hero of Kalidasa’s Malavikagnimitram.
• This period saw the revival of Bhagvatism. Patanjali’s classic
Mahabhashya was written during this time. The famous
book on Hindu Law, Manusmriti was compiled during this
period.
The Kanva Dynasty
The founder of this short-lived dynasty was Vasudeva, who
killed the last Shunga king Devabhuti. They were swept away
by Satavahanas of the Deccan.
The Satavahanas
• Founder of Satavahanas was Simuka. They were the
successors of the Mauryans in the Deccan and the Central
India. Important king was Gautamiputra Satakarni
(AD 106-130) who raised the power and prestige of
Satavahanas to greater heights. He set-up his capital at
Paithan on the bank of river Godavari in Aurangabad
district.
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• First evidence of land grants to Brahmins was found
(started by Satavahanas). Satavahanas built Nagarjuna
Konda stupa and Amravati Stupa.
• Mostly issued lead coins (apart from copper and
bronze). Acted as a bridge between North and South
India. Satavahana rulers called themselves Brahmins.
They performed Vedic rituals and worshipped Gods
like Krishna, Vasudeva and others. However, they
also promoted Buddhism by granting land to the
monks.
• The two common religious constructions were the
Buddhist temple that was called Chaitya and the
monastries, which was called Vihara. The most
famous Chaitya is that of Karle in West Deccan.
• Their provinces were called Ahara, as it was in
Ashoka’s time. Their officials were known as amatyas
and mahamatyas, as they were known in Mauryan
times.
Chedis
• Chedis capital was Kalinganagara.
• The greatest and the most powerful king of the
dynasty was Kharvela. His capital was Kalinganagara.
• The only source of information about the king
Kharvela is the Hathigumpha inscription written in
Prakrit language and Brahmi script. In the 9th year of
his reign Kharvela built Mahavijaya Prasad (place of
Great Victory) on both the banks of the river Prachi,
in order to commemorate his victories in the North.
• In the 13th year of his reign, Kharvela undertook
many welfare schemes like building caves for the Jaina
monks in the Udaigiri hills i.e. Hathigumpha and
Ranigumpha caves.
Ikshavaku
The Ikshavaku dynasty was founded by the legendary
king Ikshavaku. The important personalities belonging to
this royal house are Bharata, Harish Chandra, Dilipa,
Sagara, Raghu, Rama and Paseuadi.
Kingdoms After the Mauryas
The Indo-Greeks
• A number of invasions took place around 200 BC.
The first to invade India were the Greeks, who
were also called the Indo-Greeks or Bactrian Greeks
(because they ruled Bactria).
• The most famous Indo-Greek ruler was Menander
(165-145 BC), also known as Milinda. He had his
capital at Sankala (modern Sialkot) in Punjab. He was
converted to Buddhism by Nagasena or Nagarjuna
(described in Milindapanho or the Question of Milinda).
Greeks were the first to issue gold coins in India.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
The Shakas or Scythians (90 BC)
• The Greeks were followed by the Sakas, who controlled
a larger part of India than the Greeks did. There were 5
branches of the Shakas with their seats of power in
different parts of India and Afghanistan.
• The most famous Shaka ruler in India was Rudradaman
I (AD 130-150). He is famous for the repairs of
Sudarshana lake in Kathiawar. His inscription was
Junagarh inscription.
• A king of Ujjain, who called himself Vikramaditya
defeated Shakas in 58 BC and started Vikram era (58 BC).
The Parthians/Pahalvas (AD 1st-3rd Century)
Originally, they lived in Iran, invaded at the beginning of
Christian era, from where they moved to India. In
comparison to Greeks and Shakas, they occupied only a
small portion in North-West India in the 1st century. The
most famous Parthian King was Gondophernes
(AD 19-45), in whose reign St Thomas is said to have come
to India for the propagation of Christianity.
The Kushans (AD 45)
• Came from North Central Asia near China. Their
empire included a good part of Central Asia, a portion
of Iran, a portion of Afghanistan, Pakistan and almost
the whole of North India.
• Kanishka was the most famous king. He patronised the
following scholars
– Ashvaghosha (wrote Buddhacharita, which is the
biography of Buddha and ‘Sutralankar’). Nagarjuna
(wrote Madhyamik Sutra). Charaka (a physician,
wrote Charakhsamhita).
• Kanishka is known in history because of two reasons
i. He started an era in AD 78 , which is now known as
Saka era and is used by the Government of India.
ii. He extended his whole-hearted patronage to Buddhism
(held a Buddhist council in Kashmir). Some of the
successors of Kanishka bore typical Indian names as
Vasudeva.
• During Kanishka’s rule, foreign trade fluorished and it
was at peak. Trade flourished through silk routes and
oceanic routes. During Kanishka reign, Gandhara School
of Art and Mathura School of Art flourished and
developed.
Sangam Age (300 BC-AD 600)
The age of 3 Southern kingdoms Cheras, Pandyas, Cholas
was known as Sangam Age. The word ‘Sangam’ means
assembly. It was an assembly of Tamil poets and scholars.
The Three Sangam Kingdom
Kingdom Capital Royal Emblem
Cholas Uraiyur later Puhar Tiger
Cheras Vanji or Karur Bow
Pandyas Madurai Carp (fish)
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The Pandyas
First mentioned by Megasthenese, who says that their
kingdom was famous for pearls and was ruled by a
woman. Their capital was Madurai. Important king was
Nedunjeliyan.
The Cholas
The kingdom was called Cholamandalam or Coromandal.
The chief centre was Uraiyur, a place famous for cotton
trade. Capital was Kaveripattanam/Puhar. A Chola king
named Elara conquered Sri Lanka and ruled it over for 50
years. Karikala was their famous king.
The Cheras
Their capital was Vanji (also called Kerala country). It
owed its importance to trade with the Romans. The Romans
set-up two regiments at Vanji to protect their interests.
Greatest king was Senguttuvan, the Red Chera. Fought
against the Cholas about
AD 150.
Other Aspects of Sangam Age
All the gathered information is based on Sangam literature.
Sangam was a college or assembly of Tamil poets held
probably under Royal patronage (especially Pandyas).
Silappadikaram by Ilango Adigal (story of a married couple)
and Manimekalai by sattanar are the famous epics of this time.
THE GUPTA PERIOD
After the decline of Mauryas, Guptas came into existence.
Actually, we found two names related with Gupta dynasty,
before Chandragupta I. These are Sri Gupta and
Ghatotkacha.
Chandragupta I
He was the first prominent ruler of Gupta dynasty and
assumed the title of Maharajadhiraja. He made his empire
stronger by his own efforts and also by making marriage
with Lichchavi princess. Lichchavi were a very powerful
family or ruling class of Mithila at that time.
Samudragupta (AD 335-375)
• Samudragupta has been called the ‘Indian Napoleon’ by
VA Smith because of his extensive military conquests.
He assumed the titles of Vikramanka and Kaviraja.
• Virasen was his commander-in-chief during Southern
campaign. Vasubandhu, a famous Buddhist scholar was
his minister.
• He subjugated 5 kingdoms in lower Bengal, upper
Assam, Nepal and the territories farther West as well as
number of republican clans.
766
• Samudragupta also advanced through the forest tract
of Madhya Pradesh to the coast of Orissa and then
moved upto Kanchi, the capital of Pallavas.
• Some coins of the Samudragupta represent him as
playing on the Veena. He also performed Asvamedha
sacrifice.
• He was a devotee of Vishnu though a follower of the
Brahmanical religion, he was tolerant of other faiths
he granted permission to the Buddhist king of
Ceylon, Meghavarman, to build a monastery at Bodh
Gaya.
Chandragupta II (AD 380-412)
(Chandragupta Vikramaditya)
• Samudra Gupta was succeeded by Chandra Gupta II
around AD 375. However, some historians put
Ramagupta between Samudra Gupta and Chandra
Gupta II.
• In the play Devichandraguptam of Visakhadatta,
Ramagupta is the elder brother of Chandra Gupta II.
It was during the rule of Ramagupta that Shakas
attacked Gupta Empire. Finding his position
precarious, Ramagupta agreed to surrender Queen
Dhruvadevi to a Shaka ruler.
• Chandra Gupta II objected to it and saved the
honour of the family by killing the Shaka chief and
rescuing Dhruvadevi. He later on married her.
However, the Gupta records do not refer to
Ramagupta.
• Political marriages occupied a prominent place in
the foreign policy of the Guptas. Chandra Gupta II
followed the same policy when he conciliated the
Naga chieftains of the upper and central provinces
by accepting the hand of the princess Kubernaga
and allied himself with the powerful family of the
Vakatakas of the Deccan by marrying his daughter
Prabhavati with Rudrasena II.
• He issued silver coins (first Gupta ruler to issue
silver coins) and adopted the title Vikramaditya and
Sakari in memory of his victory.
• The Mehrauli iron pillar inscription near Qutub
Minar enumerates the exploits of a king called
Chandra.
• During his reign the Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hein
(399-414) visited India.
NAVRATNAS IN
CHANDRAGUPTA II’S COURT
Chandragupta II is credited with maintaining in his
court 9 Luminaries or great scholars viz., Kalidas,
Amarsimha, Dhanvantri, Varahamihira, Vararuchi
(Vartika-a comment on Ashtadhyayi), Ghatakarna,
Kshapranak, Velabhatt and Shanku.
CDS Pathfinder
Kumaragupta I
Kumaragupta adopted the title of Mahendraditya. Founded
Nalanda University (a renowned university of ancient India).
Kalidas (The Shakespeare of India) flourished in the reign of
both Chandragupta II and Kumargupta I. Kumaragupta was the
worshipper of Lord Kartikeya (son of Lord Shiva, his vehicle
is peacock).
Skandagupta (Fall of Gupta Empire)
He faced Hunas (a fierce nomads of Central Asia) effectively.
The weak successors of Skandagupta could not check the
growing Huna power. Feudatories rose in Bihar, Bengal,
Madhya Pradesh, Vallabhi etc.
Administration
• Kings were called Parameshwara/Maharajadhiraja/
Parambhattaraka. They issued the largest number of gold
coins in Ancient India, which were called Dinars.
• The most important officer in the Gupta Empire was
Kumaramatyas and they were appointed by the king in
home province and they were mostly paid in cash. The
Guptas has system of provincial and local administration
empire was divided into bhukti and each bhukti was under
charge of uparika. Bhukti was divided into district (vishyas)
and it was placed under vishyapati. Village headman was
very important during Gupta period.
• Lands were gifted to brahmanas by the Gupta kings and
such grants were known as Agraharas.
Social Development
The castes were further divided into sub-castes. The practice of
untouchability intensed (especially hatred for Chandalas).
Fa-hien mentions that the Chandalas lived outside the village
and were distanced by the upper class. Varna-Shankar became
highlighted during this era.
Religion
The Bhagwad Gita was written and Buddhism declined during
this period. Vishnu temple at Deogarh (near Jhansi), a small
temple near Sanchi and a brick temple at Bhitargaon (near
Kanpur) belong to the Gupta architecture.
Gupta Art and Crafts
• In art, architecture, sculpture, painting and terracotta
figurines, the Gupta period witnessed unprecedented
activities and development all over India. That is why, the
period is also referred to as the Golden Age of Ancient
India.
• The brick temples of the Gupta period include those of
Bhitargaon in Kanpur, Bhitari in Ghazipur and Deogarh in
Jhansi. The Buddhist University at Nalanda was set-up in
the 5th century.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 767

• The rock-cut architecture of the period is represented • Lilavati of Bhaskara is written as standard text of
by the two conventional types - the Chaityas and the mathematics.
Vihara. They are mostly found at Ajanta, Ellora, • Varahamihira wrote the Panchasidhantika and the
Bagh and Udaigiri caves of Orissa. Brihatsamhita. He said that the Moon moves around the
• Gupta age marks the beginning of the main style of Earth and the Earth, together with the Moon, move round
temples architecture in India namely the Nagara style the Sun.
and Dravida style. The finest example of temple • Brahmagupta was a great Mathematician. He wrote the
architecture is the Dasavatara temple at Deogarh. It is Brahma-sphutic Siddhanta in which he hinted at the ‘Law
also an example of early stone temple with a Shikara. of Gravitation.’
It has a square grabhagriha with exquisitely carved • University of Nalanda was set-up during the rule of
doorway. Other examples of temple architecture are Kumaragupta I, who become king in AD 415. This
Parvati temple at Nachna Kuthara, Shiva temple at University of Nalanda is called Oxford of Mahayan
Koh, Cave temple at Udaigiri etc. Buddhism.
Famous Temples of the Gupta Age • Palakapya wrote the Hastyagarveda, a treatise on the
disease of elephants. Kamandaka’s Nitasara was written on
Temple Location the political morality.
Vishnu Temple Tigawa (Jabalpur) • Court language was Sanskrit. Dhanvantri was a physician
Shiva Temple Bhumara (Nagaud) famous for Ayurveda knowledge.
Parvati Temple Nachna Kuthara
Dasavtar Temple
Shiva Temple
Deogarh (Jhansi)
Koh (Nagaud)
POST GUPTAS
Bhitargaon Temple Bhitargaon
With the decline of the imperial Guptas at the end of 5th or
Lakshman Temple Kanpur (Brick made) the beginning of 6th century, Magadha and its capital
Lakshman Temple Sirpur (Raipur) Pataliputra, lost their importance. After the fall of the
Mukund Darra Temple Kota Guptas, five major centres of power and their centres
Jarasangh’s Sitting emerged in North India.
Rajgriha (Bihar)
The Age of Smaller Kingdoms
Literature The disintegration of the Gupta empire gradually paved the
Kalidas, the great Sanskrit dramatist, belonged to this way for the growth of many smaller kingdoms. The
period. His books are Abhigyanashakuntalam, Maukharis started gaining political power towards the end of
Bhagwad Gita, Ritusamhara, Meghadutam, 5th century and hold over modern Uttar Pradesh and parts of
Kumarsambhavam, Malvikagnimitram, Raghuvamsa, Magadha. From the middle of 6th century till about AD 675
Vikramovarshiyam etc. the kings who ruled Magadha were known as Later Guptas.
Other Literary Works
Author Book
VARDHAN DYNASTY
Sudraka Mrichchakatikam Founder of Vardhan dynasty was Pushyabhuti Vardhan.
Bharavi Kiratarjuniya
Dandin Dasa Kumar Charita and Kavyadarshan Harshavardhana (AD 606-647)
Bhasa Svapnavasavadattam, Charudatta • Harshavardhana was the younger son of
Vishakhadatta Mudrarakshasa Devichandraguptam Prabhakaravardhana. Hiuen Tsang gave account of his
reign, in his book, Si-Yu-Ki. Bana’s Harshacharita,
Science and Technology inscriptions, coins and Harsha’s own writings i.e.,
Ratnavali, Priyadarshika and Nagananda, are other
• Aryabhatt the great Mathematician wrote the authentic sources of Harsha’s era.
Aryabhattiya and the Suryasiddhanta. In the
• Shashanka, the ruler of Gauda killed Grahavarman
Aryabhattiya, he described the place value of the
(Maukhari ruler) in alliance with Devagupta and
first nine numbers and the use of zero. He also imprisoned his wife Rajyasri (Harsha’s sister). Later
calculated the value of π and invented Algebra. In Rajyavardhana killed Devagupta, but he was assassinated by
the Suryasiddhanta, he proved that the Earth Shashanka in AD 606.
revolves around the Sun and rotates on its axis.
• The news of the death of Rajyavardhan reached his
• In this way, he discovered the cause of the solar and younger brother Harshavardhana, who now coronated
lunar eclipses and the methods for calculating the himself in AD 606 and proceeded to avenge his brother’s
timings of their occurrence. He also said that the death and release his sister. From this year started the
heavenly bodies, like the Moon, were spherical. Harsha era.
768
Later Southern Indian Kingdoms
The Vakatakas
• Beginning of the 7th century, the Chalukyas of Badami, the
Vakatakas and the Ikshavakus emerged as the three major
states in Deccan. While in South India after the fall of
Satavahanas, the Pallavas established a powerful kingdom.
• The kingdom was founded by Vindhyasakti, basically
Brahmins. Most important king was Pravarsena-I who
performed Ashwamedha Yajnas.
• Chandragupta II married his daughter Prabhavati to a
Vakataka king Rudrasenar-II and with his support
succeeded in conquering Gujarat.
• It is said that the magnificent caves of Ajanta, Vihara caves
and Chaitya caves belong to the Vakataka age.
The Chalukyas of Badami
• The Chalukyas grew powerful in Deccan in the middle of
the AD 6th century. The dynasty had two branches viz.
Vatapi (Badami) and Kalyani.
• Pulakesin-I was the founder of the Chalukya dynasty, but
the most important ruler of the dynasty was Pulakesin-II
who ruled from AD 610-642. He sent an ambassador to the
Persian king Khusro II. The greatest achievement of
Pulakesin II was that, he inflicted a defeat on
Harshavardhana.
The Pallavas (Kanchi)
Simha Vishnu was founder of Pallavas dynasty. They set up
their capital at Kanchi (identical with modern Kanchipuram).
Pallava temples were usually free-standing. But one example
of temple cut out of large rocks are the seven ratha temple
(seven pagodas) at Mahabalipuram.
The Gangas
First and famous king of Gangas of Odissa was Ananta
Varman (1076-1147) who established his power over the
whole territory between the Ganga and the Godavari. He
built the famous temple of Lord Jagannath at Puri. Kesari
who used to rule Odissa before Gangas, built the famous
Lingaraja temple at Bhubhaneswar.
The Cholas
• Founder of Cholas was Vijayalya with Capital-Tanjore
Cholas were feudal of Pallavas. Important king was Rajaraj
I. He built Brihadeshwar temple at Tanjore devoted to
Shiva. This temple is also known as Rajrajeshwar Temple.
• His son Rajendra I annexed the whole of Sri Lanka. In the
Pala king Mahipala, he took title of Gangaikonda after
that. The empire was divided into 6 mandalas or province
administered by Governors. Mandalams were further
divided into Valanadus, Valanadus into Nadus and Nadus
into Taniyars.
CDS Pathfinder
• The Gopuram style of art developed under Cholas.
Local self-government was practiced during the reign
of Cholas (concept of Panchayati Raj has been
borrowed from it).
The Rashtrakutas
• The Rashtrakutas rose up against the Chalukyas
under Dantidurga. Dantidurga founded this dynasty
in AD 753 and made Manyakheta his capital.
• King Krishna-I further expanded the kingdom, but is
best remembered in history as the builder of the
rock-cut Kailash temple at Ellora.
• Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha I (814-880 AD) is
compared to Vikramaditya in giving patronage to men
of letters. He wrote the first Kannada poetry Kaviraj
marg and Prashnottar Mallika.
• The King Krishna-III set-up a pillar of victory and a
temple at Rameshvaram.
Bhakti Movement
During AD 7th century, Bhakti Movement started in
South India. Two prominent saints came to fore
(i) Alvars and (ii) Nayanars.
i. Alvars These saints were worshipper of Vishnu.
They venerated vaishnavism and regard vishnu as
supreme. Collection of their hymns are called
Divya Prabandha.
ii. Nayanars These saints were bhakti saints who
worshipped the Hindu god Shiva. Women’s
participation was prominent in Nayanar. Both
above bhakti movement started in present day
Tamil Nadu.
Northern Indian Kingdoms
(AD 750-1200)
The powerful kingdom arose between AD 750-1000.
The Rashtrakutas were ruling Northern Deccan, the
Pratiharas in Avanti and parts of Southern Rajasthan
and the Palas in Bengal. All three were engaged in a
continual tripartite struggle.
The Rajputs
• Rajputs came into prominence in 9th and 10th
centuries.
• There is also a body of opinion claiming that some of
them were foreign immigrants assimilated into Hindu
fold over the centuries. Lastly there were the
Agnikulas, the fire family. They were as follow
– The Pratiharas or Parihars, not the same as the main
Pratiharas but with whom they had connections.
– The Chahamanas or (Chauhans)
– The Chalukayas (or Solankis)
– The Paramaras (or Pawars)
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
The Pratiharas (or Gurjara Pratihara)
• The foundation of one branch of Pratiharas was laid
down by Harichandra, a Brahaman near modern
Jodhpur in the middle of the AD 6th century. Bhoj
was the greatest ruler of this vast empire from
Kannauj. He was also known as Adivaraha and Mihira.
• Mahendrapala is believed to have started his reign
about 893. His teacher was Rajashekhara a celebrated
poet, dramatist and critic author. Rajashekhara has the
literary work like Bal-Bharata, Bal Ramayan
Bhuvanosh, Harvilas, Karpuramanjari, Kavya Mimansa,
Prapanch Pandav, Vidhsaal etc.
The Chandellas
• The Chandellas became rulers in Southern
Bundelkhand under Nannuka early in the 9th century.
• They had their capital at Kharjuravahaka (modern
Khajuraho).
• They were a patron of learning and fine arts and built
Kandariya Mahadeva temple at Khajuraho in AD 1000.
Chauhan
• Ruled over Shakambri (modern Sambhar–Rajasthan).
Founder of Chauhan was Semharaja. Important king
was Prithviraj Chauhan.
• First Battle of Tarain, 1191 Prithviraj Chauhan
defeated Mohammad Ghori. Second Battle of Tarain,
1192 Mohammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan.
• His court Poet was Chandbardai who composed
Prithviraj Raso.
Gahadavals
They ruled over Kannauj. Important king was Jai Chand,
he was defeated by Mohammad Ghori in 1194 in Battle
of Chandawar.
The Chalukayas (Anhilwara)
• The Chalukayas or Solankis were rulers of Gujarat and
Kathiawar for about three and a half centuries.
• Important ruler—Pulakesin II, Aihole inscription is
associated with him, composed by his court poet
Ravikirti.
The Paramaras
• The dynasty was founded by Upendra or Krishnaraja.
The main branch of the Paramaras comprised
descendants of the Rashtrakutas who ruled Malwa.
769
• Bhoja (1910-1055) is the best king of the Paramara rulers,
also called as Kaviraj. He wrote the Samaraganasutradhar
(a rare work on architecture) and the Ayurvedasaravasva
(work on medicine).
Kingdoms in Bengal
The Palas of Bengal
• In the middle of the AD 8th century, the Pala dynasty
came into power. Its founder was Gopal (AD 750) who
was elected to the throne as he had proved his valour and
capability as a leader.
• He was a Buddhist. He was succeeded by Dharmapala
(AD 770-810) who won Kannauj.
• Dharmapala was succeeded by Devapala who won Orissa
and Assam and was followed by Mahipala I. Mahipala was
attacked and defeated by Rajendra Chola.
• Suleiman (an Arab merchant) visited them and was
impressed. The Palas were patrons of Buddhism.
Dharmapala founded the University of Vikramashila and
revived Nalanda University.
The Senas
• After the Palas, the Senas established an empire in Bengal.
The earliest member of the Sena dynasty was Samanta
Sena.
• The greatest ruler of this dynasty was his grandson
Vijayasena. Vijayasena was a devotee of Shiva. The muslim
ruler Muhammad Bakhtyar Khilji attacked its capital
Nadia and captured it.
Kingdoms in Kashmir
Following were the two important dynasties of Kashmir
Karkota Dynasty
The Karkota dynasty was founded by Durlabh Vardhan in
7th century. Lalitaditya Muktapid was the most important
ruler of this dynasty. He constructed the Martand temple in
Kashmir.
Lohar Dynasty
Sangramraj was the founder of Lohar dynasty. Kalhan was
the court poet of Harsha, Lohara king. He wrote
‘Rajtarangiri’ which contains the history of Kashmir.
770
PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. Read the following statement(s)
with reference to the 6th century
to 4th century BC.
1. The Mahajanapadas bear the
names of the dominant
Kshatriya lineage in most cases.
2. People in the 6th century BC
did not know the use of iron.
3. By the 6th century BC a class
of free peasants and merchants
had emerged.
4. Private property in the form of
animals, land and its produce
had emerged by the 6th century
BC.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 2 (b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) Only 4
2. Consider the following statements
with regard to the Vedic texts.
1. Brahmanas deal with
metaphysical problems.
2. Upanishad deal with methods of
performing Vedic rituals.
3. Atharva Veda documents folk
tradition.
4. Rig Veda carries linguistic
similarities with the Avesta.
Which of the statements given
above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4 (d) All of these
3. In the context of later Vedic age,
read the following statement(s)
and select those that may not be
correct?
1. It cannot be said that the Vedic
society shifted to East.
2. The Vedic society used iron
technology mostly for weapons
of war.
3. In agriculture only labour
intensive technology was used.
4. People married outside their
‘gotra’.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) 2 and 3 (b) Only 1
(c) Only 3 (d) Only 2
4. The following statement(s) provide
interesting information on the
rulers/dynasty of the ancient
period.
CDS Pathfinder
1. Surya Varman II built the 8. Match the following
temple of Angkor Vat.
List I List II
2. Aphsad inscription throws (Harappan Sites) (States)
light on later Guptas.
A. Kalibangan 1. Haryana
3. Hathigumpha inscription B. Mohenjodaro 2. Rajasthan
provides information on C. Rangpur 3. Gujarat
Kharavela. D. Banawali 4. Sindh
Select the correct answer
Codes
using the codes given below. A B C D A B C D
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(a) 2 4 3 1 (b) 2 4 1 3
(c) Only 3 (d) All of these (c) 3 4 2 1 (d) 4 2 1 3
5. With regards to the early 9. The early Buddhism incorporated
ancient Indian monuments pre-Buddhist elements, as is best
and sculpture and their demonstrated
patrons, identify the correct (a) in the worship of Buddha as icons
(b) by the presence of large standing Yaksas
pairs. and Yaksis
1. Amaravati : Satavahana (c) in the elaborate narrative scenes from the
2. Cave shrines at : Ashoka life of Buddha and from the Jatakas which
Barabar hills reveal a strong ethical bias
3. Kailash temple at : Rashtrakutas (d) in the incorporation of non-Buddhist deities
Ellora and mythical concepts
4. Stupa at Shahji ki : Kanishka
dheri near Peshawar 10. The available information on the later
Vedic age comes from different sources,
Codes including excavations, these have
(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 2 yielded archaeological evidence of
(c) 3 and 4 (d) All of these different types at different places.
6. Regarding the early Vedic Examine the following statement(s).
1. Iron axe at Noh.
age, which of the following
statements is correct? 2. Iron ploughshare at Jakhera.
3. Bones of cattle at Hastinapur and
(a) The purohita or priest had no
Atranjikhera with indications that
special place in the society
these were used as a source of food.
(b) The ‘Sabha’ and ‘Samiti’ had
no power in the selection of
Select the correct answer using the codes
the Raja
given below.
(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 2
(c) Religion was not based on (c) All of these (d) None of these
magico-ritual formulae
(d) Gods were worshipped for the 11. The Sun temple of Konark was built by
spiritual upliftment of the Narasimhadeva I. To which dynasty did
people he belong to?
(a) Somavamsi dynasty
7. The Atharvaveda informs us (b) Imperial Ganga dynasty
about (c) Suryavansi Gajapti dynasty
1. the folk traditions of later (d) Bhoi dynasty
Vedic period. 12. In the context of later Vedic period,
2. the elite traditions of later what may not be correct?
Vedic society. (a) Mixed farming which included cultivation
3. the socio-religious and herding were the main subsistence
conditions of the common activity
people of Vedic society. (b) The importance of both Sabha and Samiti
declined
Select the correct answer (c) Public and private sacrifices became very
using the codes given below. important
(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 2 (d) The important Later Vedic and Early Vedic
(c) Only 3 (d) 1 and 3 Gods were different
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 771

13. With reference to Prehistoric 18. Which of the following were the 24. Which one of the following pairs is
India, which of the following yajnas that were performed during correctly matched?
statements may not be correct? the Vedic age? (a) Bhavabhuti : Kiratarjuniya
(a) It can be said that the Harappan 1. Vratyastama yajna (b) Bharavi : Mehmadhava
people inherited the knowledge of 2. Asvamedha yajna
wheat, barley and cotton cultivation (c) Banabhatta : Harshacharita
from the earlier inhabitants of
3. Rajasuya yajna (d) Bhartuhari : Geet Govinda
Mehragarh Select the correct answer using the
25. The God with there heads and
(b) Excavations at Belan valley sites codes given below.
have helped us in determining the (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 horns, surrounded by animals,
nature of the transition from food (c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these represented on a seal from
gathering to food producing stage Mohenjodaro is said to be
(c) The earliest crop cultivated in South 19. Who were Tirthas in the Mauryan (a) Varuna (b) Indra
India was millets period? (c) Vishnu (d) Pashupati
(d) Excavations at Cachar hills have (a) Highest category of officials and
yielded no traces of Neolithic culture they were 14 in number 26. Mohenjodaro is also known as
(b) Concerned with economic functions (a) mound of the great
14. Which one of the following is not (b) mound of the survivors
(c) Military head
an important factor in the (c) mound of the living
(d) Had administrative and judicial
Mauryan decline? (d) mound of the dead
(a) Increase in imperial expenditure powers
(b) Weakening of state control 20. Consider the following statements 27. Which of the following animals
(c) Inactivity of the army regarding Indus Valley Civilisation were domesticated by the
(d) Invasion by foreign powers and its site Harappans?
15. Which of the following statements 1. Evidence of dockyard was found (a) Goat, oxen, pig, buffalo
at Lothal. (b) Oxen, elephant, horse, pig
regarding Ashoka’s Dhamma is not
2. An inscription comprising ten (c) Buffalo, sheep, dog, pig
correct?
large sized signs of the (d) Camel, oxen, buffalo, pig
(a) Rock edict XIII is of paramount
importance in the understanding of Harappan script was found at 28. Consider the following animal(s),
Ashokan policy of Dhamma. Banawali.
with reference to the Indus Valley
(b) The fifth Rock edict introduces the 3. Replica of plough and evidence
Civilisation
institution of Dhamma maha-mattas. of ploughed field were found at
Dholavira and Kalibangan 1. the bull
(c) Ashoka’s Dhamma could not survive
him. respectively. 2. the elephant
(d) The policy of Dhamma was an Which of the statements given 3. the rhinoceros
attempt at founding a new religion. above are incorrect? The figure(s) of which of the above
16. Match the following (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 animal is/are found on the Indus
(c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these seals?
List I List II (a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 2
21. The main characteristic of the
A. Fractional Burial 1. Maharashtra (c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
Chalcolithic Indus Valley Civilisation was
B. Complete Extended 2. South Indian
(a) town planning 29. In Ashoka’s administration,
Burial Chalcolithic (b) drainage system Rajukas looked after
(c) well laid out roads (a) religious matters
C. Dead body in 3. West Indian
East-West Portion Chalcolithic (d) pucca houses (b) collection of taxes
D. Dead body in 4. East Indian 22. Consider the following statement(s) (c) municipal administration
North-South Portion Chalcolithic (d) administration of justice
1. The people of Harappan culture
Codes used themselves in gambling. 30. Match the following
A B C D A B C D 2. The Aryas at first settled in
List I List II
(a) 4 1 3 2 (b) 2 1 4 3 Western Uttar Pradesh. (Works) (Authors)
(c) 3 4 1 2 (d) 4 3 2 1 Which of the statement(s) given
A. Manimekalai 1. Puhalendi
17. Consider the following statements above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 B. Maduraikanji 2. Thiruvalluvar
regarding Vedas
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 C. Kural 3. Konnguvelir
1. Rig Veda consists of hymns and
prayers. D. Perungadai 4. Mangudi Marudan
23. Which one of the following pairs is
2. Musical hymns are found in E. Nalavenba 5. Sittalai and
not correctly matched? Sattanar
Yajur Veda while Sam Veda
comprises of rituals. (a) Birth : Lotus and
seal Codes
3. Charms and spells are A B C D E
mentioned in the Atharva Veda. (b) Mahabhiniskramna : Horse
(renunciation) (a) 1 2 3 4 5
Which of the statements given (b) 2 4 5 1 3
(c) Nirvana (Enlightment) : Bodhitree
above are correct? (c) 3 1 5 2 4
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 (d) Mahaparinirvana : Wheel
(Death) (d) 5 4 2 3 1
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
772 CDS Pathfinder

31. Which of the following is the Who among these were associated 42. Which of the following can
correct chronological order? with the first excavations carried definitely be said to be the beliefs
(a) Kushans, Guptas, Sungas, Mauryas out at Harappa and Mohenjodaro? and the practices of the Indus
(b) Mauryas, Sungas, Kushans, Guptas (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 people?
(c) Guptas, Kushans, Mauryas, Sungas (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 4 1. Worship of nature.
(d) Sungas, Mauryas, Guptas, Kushans 2. Phallic and Yonic worship.
37. Consider the following statements
32. Match the following and which are correct ones? 3. Belief in ghosts and spirits.
List I List II 1. Kushana minted the gold coins 4. Belief in life after death.
of very high quality. Select the correct answer using the
A. Chaitya 1. Amravati
B. Stupa 2. Shravanabelagola 2. Satavahanas minted the lead codes given below.
coins. (a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 1, 3 and 4
C. Gomateswara 3. Karle
3. Shakas minted the bronze coins. (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) All of these
D. Brick temple 4. Rajgir
5. Halebid Codes 43. Consider the following statements
(a) 1 and 2 regarding sites of Indus Valley
Codes (b) 1 and 3
A B C D A B C D
Civilisation
(c) 2 and 3
(a) 3 1 4 2 (b) 1 2 3 4 1. Mohenjodaro was situated on
(d) All of the above
the bank of river Indus.
(c) 3 1 2 4 (d) 3 1 2 5
38. Indus Valley Civilsation is also 2. Harappa was located on the
33. Match the following known as Harappan culture Bank of river Ravi.
List I List II because 3. Kalibangan was located on the
(Temples) (Built by) (a) the site of the Harappa is six times bank of river Ghaggar.
A. Khajuraho 1. Thirumalai Nayak larger than the Mohenjodaro site Which of the statement(s) given
temples (b) The Indus Valley Civilisation is above is/are correct?
B. Dilwara temple 2. Chandellas considered the elementary/initial (a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3
at Mount Abu stage of vedic culture and the (c) 1 and 2 (d) All of these
C. Jagannath 3. Chalukyas Harappa is believed to be the same
temple at Puri as the Harappa mentioned in the 44. In which among the following
D. Vithalaswami 4. Anantavaram Vedas sacrifices, the sacrificial material
temples Choda Ganga (c) the Harappa was the first site to be used was sura in vedic era?
5. Vijayanagara rulers excavated in the Indus Valley (a) Rajasurya (b) Agnistoma
Codes (d) the most important evidence of the (c) Sautramani (d) Vajapeya
A B C D A B C D achievements of this civilisation have 45. The head of a district (Ahara), the
(a) 2 1 5 3 (b) 4 5 3 2 been excavated from Harappa
principal coordinator of the revenue
(c) 3 4 5 2 (d) 2 3 4 5 39. The 9th mandala of the Rig Veda and the officer incharge of general
34. The great grammarian Patanjali of samhita is devoted wholly to and military functions in his
ancient India was whose (a) Urvashi and the Heaven jurisdiction during Mauryan empire
contemporary among the (b) ‘Soma’ and the God who is named was known as
following? after the drink (a) Krori (b) Rajuka
(a) Chandragupta Maurya (c) Indra and his elephant (c) Foujdar (d) Chirastadar
(b) Ashoka (d) Gods related to plants and drugs
(c) Pushyamitra Sunga
46. Which of the following causes have
(d) Susarman Kanva
40. The main cause of the tribal wars been attributed to the eclipse of
among the early Aryan settlers, the Indus Valley Civilisation?
35. Match the following the most famous of which 1. Frequency of floods.
List I List II mentioned in Rig Veda as ‘Battle 2. Foreign invasions.
(Important Finds) (Sites) of Ten Kings’, was 3. Onset of the drought conditions.
A. Dockyard 1. Harappan (a) cattle and land disputes Select the correct answer using the
B. Ploughed Field 2. Lothal (b) foreign invasions
codes given below.
C. Horse 3. Kalibangan (c) showing supremacy (a) 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2
D. Great Bath 4. Sarkotda (d) intrigues of the leaders (c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these
5. Mohenjodaro 41. According to the Dharmashastras, 47. Indus Valley Civilisation is called
Codes ‘Anuloma’ is a marriage between a Harappan Civilisation because
A B C D A B C D (a) higher caste man and a lower caste (a) Harappa was six times larger than
(a) 1 4 2 5 (b) 2 3 4 5 woman Mohenjodaro
(c) 4 3 5 1 (d) 2 5 4 3 (b) lower caste man and a higher caste (b) Harappa has more features
woman
36. Consider the following persons (c) Harappa was excavated first
(c) man and a woman of the same
1. John Marshall (d) Indus Valley Civilisation was believed
caste
2. SR Rao to be early Vedic Civilsation, hence
(d) man and a woman of the same it is named after Mythological World
3. RD Bannerjee gotra Harappa
4. Dayaram Sahni
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 773

48. Consider the following statement(s) Codes Select the correct answer using codes
1. The Harappan people did not A B C A B C given below.
know the art of writing. (a) 3 1 2 (b) 1 2 3 (a) 1, 4 and 5 (b) 1 and 2
2. The period when man began to (c) 2 3 1 (d) 3 2 1 (c) 1, 2, 3 and 5 (d) All of these
use metal is called the 55. Consider the following 60. Consider the following statements
Neolithic age.
statements regarding authors about the events and their time of
Select the correct answer using the and their creations occurence.
codes given below. 1. Somnath Temple was plundered in
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 1. Megasthenese wrote Indica
and Vishakhadutta wrote 1026 AD.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Mudrarakshasa. 2. Saka era commenced in 78 AD.
49. Match the following 2. Kautilya wrote Arthashastra. 3. Death of Harshavardan and birth
List I List II 3. Banbhatta wrote Ratnavali. of astronomer Aryabhatta took
place in 476 AD.
A. Kosala 1. Sravasti Which of the statements given
Which of the statements given above
B. Avanti 2. Mahishamati above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3
are correct?
C. Vatsa 3. Kausambi (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 3
D. Lichchhavi 4. Vaishali (c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
(c) 1 and 2 (d) All of these
Codes 56. Match the following 61. Consider the following statements
A B C D A B C D List I List II 1. Hieun-Tsang visited India in the
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 3 4 1 days of Chandragupta II.
A. Dhanvantri 1. Chandragupta
(c) 2 3 1 4 (d) 4 3 1 2 Vikramaditya 2. Alberuni came to India at the time
50. Which of the following pairs are B. Banabhatta 2. Harshavardhana of Mahmud of Ghazni.
correctly matched? C. Harisena 3. Samudragupta 3. Fa-Hein visited India during the
D. Amir Khusrau 4. Alauddin Khilji days of Samundragupta.
1. Allahabad Prashasti : Samudragupta
2. Aihole inscription : Pulakesin II 5. Kanishka Which of the statements given above
3. Gwalior Prashasti : Devapala Codes
are incorrect?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3
4. Hathigumpha : Rudradaman A B C D A B C D
inscription (c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 3 4 5
Codes (c) 3 5 2 1 (d) 4 1 3 5 62. Which one of the following pairs is
(a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 1 and 2 correctly matched?
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
57. Kanishka was a great patron of (a) Harappan Civilisation : Painted Grey Ware
art and literature, which of the (b) The Kushans : Gandhara
51. Which one of the following was following personalities adorned School of Art
initially the most powerful city his court? (c) The Mughals : Ajanta Paintings
State of India in the 6th century (a) Aswaghosa Parsva, Vasumitra (d) The Marathas : Pahari School of
BC? and Charaka Painting
(a) Gandhara (b) Kamboj (b) Aswaghosa, Nagarjuna, 63. Match the following
(c) Kashi (d) Magadh Nagasena and Vasumitra
(c) Aswaghosa, Parsva, List I List II
52. An example of the Dravida style of (Dynasities) (Kingdoms)
Hemachandra and Nagarjuna
architecture is provided by the
(a) Kailashanatha temple, Kanchipuram (d) Aswaghosa, Vasumitra, Asanga A. Chalukyas 1. Kanchipuram
and Hemachandra B. Pallavas 2. Badami
(b) Lingaraja temple, Bhubhaneshwar
C. Pandyas 3. Vengi
(c) Sun temple, Konark 58. Who among the following was
D. Satavahanas 4. Madurai
(d) Kandariya Mahadeva temple, the author of Abhidhamma
Khajuraho treatise Kathavatthu? Codes
53. Which of the following works and (a) Maha Kassapa A B C D A B C D
(b) Mahindra (a) 2 1 4 3 (b) 2 4 1 3
authors is/are correctly matched?
(c) Milinda (c) 3 4 1 2 (d) 3 1 4 2
1. Kiratarjuniya : Bharavi (d) Moggaliputta Tissa
2. Panchatantra : Shudraka
64. Consider the following statement(s)
3. Kumarsambhava : Kalidasa 59. Which of the following features 1. In Deccan, the first iron object
are common to Jainism and appears after the late Jorwe
4. Surya Sidhanta : Varahamihira
Chalcolithic phase (900 BC-800 BC).
Codes Buddhism?
2. The sites in Deccan such as
(a) Only 2 (b) 3 and 4 1. Denial of the authority of
Nevasa, Chandoli, Inamgaon,
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 4 the Vedas. Prakash show continuity between
2. Condemnation of animal the iron phase and the Chalcolithic
54. Match the following sacrifice. phase.
List I List II 3. Pursuing severe ascetism. Which of the statement(s) given above
A. First Sangam 1. Madurai 4. Existence of a soul. is/are correct?
B. Second Sangam 2. Tenmadurai 5. Rejection of existence of (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
C. Third Sangam 3. Kavatupram God. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
774 CDS Pathfinder

65. Mahavir Swami belonged to which (b) music, dance, ragas and wrestling Codes
clan? (c) ministers, civil servants, subalterns A B C D A B C D
(a) Kosala (b) Huna and those involved in espionage (a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 4 3 2 1
(c) Jantriak (d) Sakya (d) aristocrats, acharyas, traders and (c) 3 1 5 2 (d) 5 4 3 2
monks
66. Match the following 76. Which one of the following
71. Who was Paura during the
List I List II inscriptions mentions Pulakesin
Maurya Empire?
(Places of Historical (Located in the (a) Chief Judge II’s military success against
Movements) Country) (b) Dandapal Harashavardhana?
A. Angkorwat 1. Afghanistan (c) Governor of the city (a) Allahabad Pillar inscription
B. Borobudur 2. Sri Lanka (d) Mantri (b) Aihole inscription
C. Barmiyan 3. Java (c) Damodarpur Copperplate inscription
72. Consider the following statement(s) (d) Bilsad inscription
D. Anuradhapuram 4. Cambodia
and which among them is correct
5. Nepal 77. Which one of the following
statement?
Codes (a) First Buddhist council took place in statements is not true about the
A B C D A B C D Saptaparni cave near Rajgriha. Chalcolithic cultures of India?
(a) 2 3 4 1 (b) 4 3 1 2 (b) Second Buddhist council was held (a) They were primary communities in
(c) 3 4 1 3 (d) 5 4 3 1 at Kashi under the Kala Ashoka. the hilly and riverine areas
(c) Third Buddhist council was held at (b) They mostly used stone and copper
67. Which of the following statements Patliputra.
regarding temples/monuments are objects and occasionally low grade
(d) Fourth Buddhist council was held by bronze
correct? Kanishka at Kashmir.
1. Brihadeswara temple is located (c) A large number of them appeared
at Thanjavur in the state of 73. Consider the following statements after the end of the bronze
Tamil Nadu. and find the incorrect statements. Harappan culture
2. Dilwara temple is located in 1. Abhidhamma pitaka discusses (d) They were restricted to the Ganga,
state of Rajasthan. about philosophical principle of Yamuna doab and foothills of the
Buddhism. Himalayas
3. Lingraja temple is located in
2. Milindapanho discusses
state of Odisha. 78. Which one of the following is the
dialogues between Meander and
4. Hampi monument are found in Nagsena. most fundamental difference
the state of Karnataka. 3. Suttapitaka deals with rules between Mahayana Buddhism and
Select the correct answer using the and regulation for Buddhist Hinayana Buddhism?
codes given below. monks. (a) Emphasis on Ahimsa
(a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 1, 3 and 4 4. Vinaya pitaka deals with (b) Casteless Society
(c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) All of these religious discourses of Buddha. (c) Workship of Gods and Goddesses
Which of the statements given (d) Worship of the Stupa
68. Which of the following statements
regarding ancient kingdoms and above are correct? 79. Match the following
capitals is incorrect? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) All of these List I List II
(a) Mahishmati was capital city of
Avanti kingdom. 74. Match the following A. Practice of fire cult 1. Lothal
(b) Capital of Vatsa kingdom was at B. Granary 2. Kalibangan
Kausambi. List I C. Great Bath 3. Mohenjodaro
List II
(Schools of D. Shipbuilding 4. Harappa
(c) Viratnagri was capital city of ancient (Persons)
Thought)
kingdom matsya. Codes
(d) Badami was capital city of A. Mimansa 1. Aksapada Gautama
B. Nyaya 2. Isvarakrishna
A B C D A B C D
Satavahana kingdom.
C. Sankhya 3. Jaimini (a) 2 4 3 1 (b) 1 4 3 2
69. ‘Sangam literature’ is D. Vedanta 4. Shankaracharya (c) 2 1 3 4 (d) 1 3 4 2
(a) classical Sanskrit literature
patronised by the Guptas Codes 80. Who amongst the following Chola
(b) Pali literature dealing with the history A B C D A B C D king fought against the Shailendra
of the sanghas (a) 3 1 2 4 (b) 2 4 3 1 king of Shri Vijaya and defeated
(c) early Tamil literature attributed to the (c) 3 4 2 1 (d) 2 1 3 4 him?
first 3 centuries of the Christian era 75. Match the following (a) Parantaka I (b) Sundar Chola
(d) Sanskrit works of Puranic nature (c) Rajaraj Chola I (d) Rajendra Chola I
List I List II
dealing with the sanctity of the 81. Arrange in chronological order the
(Ancient Names of (Modern Names
place where there is confluence of
rivers in Prayaga
the Rivers) of the Rivers) following foreign invasions.
A. Vitasta 1. Chenab 1. Indo Greek 2. Shakas
70. The nation of saptanga that was B. Asikini 2. Beas 3. Parthians 4. Kushans
introduced in the Arthashashtra C. Parushni 3. Jhelum Codes
includes D. Vipasa 4. Sutlej (a) 2, 1, 3, 4 (b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(a) kings, territory, administration and
5. Ravi (c) 3, 4, 1, 2 (d) 1, 2, 3, 4
treasury
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 775

82. Arrange the following events in (b) He was the 23rd tirthankara, the first In the early history of the far South
chronological order. 22 tirthankaras being considered in India, three tribal principalities
legendary are mentioned in Ashokan
1. Reign of Kanishka
(c) He was the last and 24th inscriptions of the 3rd century BC
2. Visit of Hieun Tsang
tirthankara, who was not considered
3. Alexander’s invasion and in Kharavela inscription of the
as the founder of the new faith but
4. Ashoka’s Kalinga War as a reformer of the existing 1st century BC.
Codes religious sect (a) Vakatakas, Cholas and Satvahanas
(a) 2, 1, 3, 4 (b) 1, 3, 4, 2 (d) He was not one of the 24 (b) Cholas, Pandyas and Cheras
(c) 3, 4, 1, 2 (d) 3, 4, 2, 1 tirthankaras (c) Ikshvakus, Vakatakas and Pandyas
(d) Pallavas, Cholas and Pandyas
83. Match the following 88. Which of the following statement
List I List II is/are regarding “Uparika tax”? 93. The Ashtadhyayi of Panini, the
1. It is an additional and Mahabhasya of Patanjali and the
A. Hinduism 1. Eight Fold Path
oppressive tax. Kashika Vritti of Jayaditya deal
B. Jainism 2. Monotheism
2. It is the tax paid by cultivators. with
C. Buddhism 3. Divinity (a) Principles of Law
D. Islam 4. Three Fold Path 3. It is an extra tax levied on all
subjects. (b) Principles of Phonetics
Codes (c) Principles of Grammar
4. It was a land tax on
A B C D A B C D (d) Principles of Linguistics
cultivators.
(a) 2 1 4 3 (b) 2 4 1 3 94. Fa-Hien’s mission to India was to
Select the correct answer using the
(c) 3 4 1 2 (d) 3 4 2 1 (a) learn about the administrative
codes given below.
84. Consider the following (a) Only 1 (b) 1, 2 and 3 system of the Gupta kings
statement(s) related to life events (c) 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4 (b) understand the social position of
of Buddha is incorrect? women during the Gupta period
89. Which one among the following (c) visit the Buddhist institutions and to
(a) Buddha was born at Lumbini and statements about Ashokan edicts
he was younger contemporary of collect copies of Buddhist
is correct? manuscripts
Mahavira.
(a) The Pillar edicts were located in all (d) get full knowledge about the
(b) Buddha got enlightenment under parts of the empire
Peepal tree at Bodh Gaya. condition of peasants during the
(b) The edicts give details of his period of Gupta kings
(c) Buddha delivered his first Seromon personal concerns but are silent on
at Rajgir. events of the empire 95. What are the great epics that help
(d) Death of Buddha or Mahaparinirvana (c) The subject of inscribed matter on to know the Sangam Age?
took place at Kusinagar. Rock edicts differs completely with (a) Silappadikaram and Manimekalai
that of the Pillar edicts (b) Ramayana and Mahabharatha
85. Which one among the following is
(d) The Greek or Aramaic edicts are (c) Illiad and oddessey
not a characteristic of Rig Vedic
versions or translations of the texts (d) Psalms and Proverbs
Aryans?
(a) They were acquainted with horses, used in other edicts 96. The style in which Tamil and
chariots and the use of bronze 90. Which one of the following Sanskrit mixed is called
(b) They were acquainted with the use statements regarding Harappan (a) Malayalam (b) Creyole
of iron (c) Manippravalam (d) Thulu
civilisation is correct?
(c) They were acquainted with the cow, (a) The standard harappan seals were 97. The ruins at harappa were
which formed the most important made of clay professionally examined for the
form of wealth (b) The inhabitants of harappa had first time by
(d) They were acquainted with the use neither knowledge of copper nor (a) Sir John Marshall
of copper and the modern bronze (b) Cunningham
ploughshare (c) The Harappan civilisation was rural (c) Mortimer Wheeler
86. The earliest Buddhist literature based (d) Bishop Caldwell
which deal with the stories of the (d) The inhabitants of Harappa grew
and used cotton 98. Which of the following statement(s)
various birth of Buddha are is/are correct about Jainism.
(a) Vinaya pitakas 91. In Buddhism, what does
(b) Sutta pitakas
1. Rig Veda mentions two
“Patimokkha stand for”? Tirthankaras-Rishabh Dev and
(c) Abhidamma pitakas (a) A description of Mahayana Arishtanemi
(d) Jatakas Buddhism 2. The 24th Tirthankara was
87. The Jainas believe the Jainism is (b) A description of Hinayana Buddhism Vardhaman Mahavira
the outcome of the teachings of 24 (c) The rules of Sangha (Emblem-lion)
tirthankaras. In the light of this (d) The questions of king mehander 3. The sacred books of Jainas are
statement, which one among the written in Pali language.
92. Consider the following passage and
following is correct of Vardhamana identify the three tribal Select the correct answer using the
Mahavira? principalities referred to there, in codes given below.
(a) He was the first tirthankara and the (a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 3
using the codes given below.
founder of Jainism (c) Only 2 (d) All of these
776 CDS Pathfinder

99. Consider the following statement(s) Select the correct answer using the Codes
regarding Sankhya school codes given below. (a) Both the statements are individually
1. Sankhya does not accept the (a) 1 and 4 (b) 4 and 2 true and Statement II is the correct
theory of rebirth or (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 2 explanation of Statement I
transmigration of soul. (b) Both the statements are individually
106. Which of the following ruler of true, but Statement II is not the
2. Sankhya holds that it is the Satavahana Empire composed correct explanation of Statement I
self-knowledge that leads to Gathasaptashati?
liberation and not any exterior (c) Statement I is true, but Statement
(a) Simuka II is false
influence or agent.
(b) Pulumayi (d) Statement I is false, but Statement
Select the correct answer using the (c) Gautamiputra Satkarni II is true
codes given below. (d) Hala
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 112. Which of the following marriage is
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 107. “Heliodorus" a greek ambassador especially practised by warriors?
of the Indo-Greek king was sent (a) Daiva (b) Pisaka
100. Who among the following is to the court of which ruler? (c) Rakshasa (d) Gandharva
known to have maintained the (a) Bhagbhadra (b) Devabhuti
Silk Route and trade? (c) Pushyamitra (d) Ghosha 113. In which of the following
(a) Ashoka (b) Kanishka inscriptions Ashoka made his
(c) Vima Kadphises (d) Vasudeva
108. Which among the following rulers famous declaration, “All men are
is often described as “the first my children”?
101. The ruler of Kushan dynasty, empire builder of Indian History”?
(a) Minor Rock Edict (Ahravra)
Kanishka was the follower of (a) Dhanananda
(b) Pillar Edict VII
(a) Jainism (b) Hinayanism (b) Bimbisara
(c) Separated Kalinga Rock Edict I
(c) Hinduism (d) Mahayanism (c) Mahapadmananda
(d) Chandragupta Maurya (d) Lumbini Pillar Edict
102. The famous book ‘Brihat Katha’
was written by 109. Who was the author of the book 114. Rajashekhara was the teacher of
‘Silappadikarma’? which of the following ruler?
(a) Gunadhya (b) Panini
(a) Bhoj
(c) Sarva Varman (d) Radhagupt (a) Ilango Adigal
(b) Vijayalya
(b) Perudevanar
103. Which of the following inscription (c) Mahendrapala
(c) Seethalai Saathanaar
are related to Satavahana period? (d) Gopal
(d) Tiruttakrdeva
(a) Nanaghat (b) Nasik
115. Statement I Harsha is called the
(c) Paithan (d) Both ‘a’ and ‘b’ 110. Which among the following is/are
last Great Hindu Emperor of
104. Consider the following place(s) the terms used for coins of the
India, but he was neither a
Gupta period?
1. Ajanta Caves staunch Hindu nor the ruler of
1. Dinara 2. Dramma
2. Lepakshi Temple the whole country.
3. Rupaka 4. Suvarna
3. Sanchi Stupa Statement II Harsha defeated
Select the correct answer using the Pulakesin-II, the maitraka ruler
Which of the above places is/are
codes given below. of Vallabhi.
also known for mural paintings?
(a) Only 4 (b) 2 and 3
(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 2 Codes
(c) 1 and 4 (d) All of these
(c) All of these (d) None of these (a) Both the statements are individually
111. Statement I Virasen was the true and Statement II is the correct
105. Who among the following were explanation of Statement I
Commander-in-chief of
teachers of Gautama Buddha (b) Both the statements are individually
Samudragupta during Northern
before his enlightenment? campaign. true, but Statement II is not the
1. Alara Kalama correct explanation of Statement I
Statement II Samudragupta’s
2. Rudraka Ramputra (c) Statement I is true, but Statement
arms reached as far as Kanchi, II is false
3. Makkhali Gosala Tamil Nadu, where the Pallavas (d) Statement I is false, but Statement
4. Nigantha Nataputta were compelled to recognise his II is true
suzerainty.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 777

QUESTIONS FROM
CDS EXAM (2012-2016)
2012 (I) (c) Silk routes existed before the 2013 (I)
Christian era and thrived almost
1. The site of Harappa is located on upto 15th century 13. In the Gupta age, Varahamihira
the bank of river (d) As a result of silk route trade, wrote the famous book, ‘Brihat
(a) Saraswati (b) Indus precious metals like gold and silver, Samhita’. It was a treatise on
(c) Beas (d) Ravi flowed from Asia to Europe (a) astronomy
(b) statecraft
2. Ashokan inscriptions of Mansehra 8. Which among the following (c) ayurvedic system of medicine
and Shahbazgadhi are written in statements regarding the Gupta (d) economics
(a) Prakrit language, Kharoshthi script Dynasty is/are correct?
(b) Prakrit language, Brahmi script 1. The Kumaramatyas were the 14. Which of the following was/were
(c) Prakrit-Aramaic language, Brahmi most important of the and they not related to Buddha’s life?
script were appointed directly by the 1. Kanthaka
(d) Aramaic language, Kharoshthi script king in the home provinces. 2. Alara Kalama
3. Who among the following Chinese 2. The village headmen lost 3. Channa
importance and of the 4. Goshala Maskariputra
travellers visited the Kingdoms of
transactions began to be effected
Harshavardhana and Kumar without their consent.
Select the correct answer using the
Bhaskar Varma? codes given below.
(a) I-Tsing (b) Fa-Hien Select the correct answer using the (a) Only 1 (b) Only 4
(c) Hiuen Tsang (d) Sun Shuyun codes given below. (c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 and 4
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
4. Which one among the following (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Indus cities was known for water Directions (Q. Nos. 15-16) The
management? 9. Which among the following following questions consist of two
(a) Lothal (b) Mohenjodaro materials were used for minting statements, Statement I and
(c) Harappa (d) Dholavira coins during the rule of the Statement II. You are to examine
Mauryas? these two statements carefully and
5. Who among the following scholars (a) Gold and Silver select the answer to these questions
were contemporary of Kanishka? (b) Silver and Copper using the codes given below.
1. Ashvaghosa 2. Nagarjuna (c) Copper and Bronze
Codes
3. Vasumitra 4. Chanakya (d) Gold and Copper
(a) Both the statements are true and
Select the correct answer using the 10. What was the Kutagarashala Statement II is the correct explanation
codes given below. literally, a hut with a pointed roof? of Statement I
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4 (b) Both the statements are true, but
(a) A place where animals were kept
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 3 Statement II is not the correct
(b) A place where intellectual debates
explanation of Statement I
among Buddhist mendicants took
(c) Statement I is true, but Statement II is
2012 (II) place
false
(c) A place where weapons were stored
6. The polity of the Harappan people, (d) Statement I is false, but Statement II is
(d) A place to sleep true
as derived from the material
evidence, was 11. The Dhamma propagated by 15. Statement I There was great
(a) secular-federalist Ashoka was exodus of Jaina monks under the
(b) theocratic-federalist (a) the tenets of Buddhism leadership of Bhadrabahu to the
(c) oligarchic (b) a mixture of the philosophies of Deccan following severe famine in
(d) theocratic-unitary Ajivikas and Charvakas the Ganga valley towards the end
(c) a system of morals consistent with of Chandragupta’s reign.
7. Silk routes are a good example of the tenets of most of the sects of
vibrant pre-modern trade and the time
Statement II Chandragupta
cultural links between distant Maurya joined the Jaina order as a
(d) the religious policy of the state
parts of the world. Which one monk.
among the following is not true of 12. Which one among the following 16. Statement I Mahavira initially
silk routes? pairs is not properly matched? joined a group of ascetics called
(a) Megasthenese : Indica
(a) Historians have identified several silk Nirgranthas.
route over land and sea (b) Ashvaghosa : Buddhacharita
Statement II The sect was
(b) Silk routes have linked Asia with (c) Panini : Mahabhashya founded 200 years earlier by
Europe and Northern Africa (d) Vishakhadatta : Mudrarakshasa Parsva.
778
2013 (II)
17. Statement I Kali age reflects
the presence of deep social
crisis characterised by
varnasankara i.e.
intermixture of varnas or
social orders.
Statement II The Vaisyas
and Sudras (peasants,
artisans and labourers) either
refused to perform producing
functions or pay taxes or
supply necessary labour for
economic production resulting
in weakening of Brahminical
social order and social tension.
Codes
(a) Both the statements are true
and Statement II is the correct
explanation of Statement I
(b) Both the statements are true,
but Statement II is not the
correct explanation of
Statement I
(c) Statement I is true, but
Statement II is false
(d) Statement I is false, but
Statement II is true
18. Among the precious stones,
the most extensive foreign
trade during the Gupta age
was that of
(a) diamonds (b) ruby
(c) pearl (d) sapphire
19. Which of the following
statement(s) is/are not correct
about Bhakti tradition in
South India?
1. Earliest Bhakti Movements
in India were led by Alvar
and Nayanar saints.
2. Naalayira Divya
Prabandham, frequently
described as Tamil Veda is
an anthology of compositions
by the Alvars.
3. Karaikkal Ammaiyar,
women Alvar saints,
supported patriarchal
norms.
Select the correct answer
using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 3
(c) Only 2 (d) All of these
20. Sangam literature formed a
very important source for the
reconstruction of the history of
South India. It was written in
(a) Tamil (b) Kannada
(c) Telugu (d) Malayalam
CDS Pathfinder
4. Vedic sacrifices were of two
2014 (I) kinds — those conducted by the
21. The only inscribed stone portrait of householder and those that
Emperor Ashoka has been found at required ritual specialists.
(a) Sanchi (b) Amaravati Select the correct answer using the
(c) Kanaganahalli (d) Ajanta codes given below.
(a) Only 3 (b) 1 and 2
22. Which one of the following statements
(c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) All of these
about Rig Veda is not correct?
(a) Deities were worshipped through prayer
and sacrificial rituals 2015 (II)
(b) The Gods are presented as powerful,
who could be made to intervene in the 27. Patanjali was
(a) a philosopher of the ‘Yogachara’
world of men via the performance of
school
sacrifices
(b) the author of a book on Ayurveda
(c) The Gods were supposed to partake of
the offerings as they were consumed by (c) a philosopher of the ‘Madhyamika’
the fire school
(d) The sacrifices were performed in the (d) the author of a commentary on
temples Panini’s Sanskrit grammar
23. Consider the following statement(s) 28. Match the following
1. The Jains believed that Mahavira List I List II
had twenty-three predecessors. (King) (Region)
2. Parshvanatha was twenty-third A. Shashanka 1. Assam
Tirthankara. B. Kharavela 2. Maharashtra
3. Rishabh was immediate successor of C. Simuka 3. Odisha
Mahavira. D. Bhaskara Varman 4. Bengal
Which of the statement(s) given above
Codes
is/are correct?
A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) Only 2 (d) Only 3 (a) 4 2 3 1 (b) 1 3 2 4
(c) 4 3 2 1 (d) 1 2 3 4
24. Which one of the following statements
about ancient Indian Mahajanapadas 29. In ancient India, the ‘Yaudheyas’
were
is correct? (a) a sect of the Buddhism
(a) All Mahajanapadas were oligarchies (b) a sect of the Jainism
where power was exercised by a group
(c) a republican tribe
of people
(d) vassals of the Cholas
(b) All Mahajanapadas were located in
Eastern India
(c) No army was maintained by the 2016 (I)
Mahajanapadas
30. Who among the following
(d) Buddhist and Jaina texts list sixteen
Mahajanapadas archaeologists was the first to
identify similarities between a
25. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held pre-Harappan culture and the
in Kashmir under the leadership of mature Harappan culture?
(a) Bindusara (b) Ashoka (a) Amalananda Ghosh
(c) Kunal (d) Kanishka (b) Rakhaldas Bannerjee
(c) Daya Ram Sahni
(d) Sir John Marshall
2015 (I)
31. Consider the following statement(s)
26. Which of the following characteristic(s)
1. Abhinavagupta wrote a
describes the nature of religion comprehensive treatise called
according to the Rig Veda? the Tantraloka which
1. Rig Vedic religion can be described systematically presents the
as naturalistic polytheism. teachings of the Kula and Trika
2. There are striking similarities systems.
between the Rig Vedic religion and 2. The Samaraichchakaha by
the ideas in the Iranian Avesta. Haribhadra Suri written in
3. Vedic sacrifices were conducted in Gujarat around the 8th century
the house of the priest who was is technically not a tantric work
but is saturated with tantric
called yajaman.
ideas and practices.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 779

Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
32. Which one among the following
was not an attribute of
Samudragupta described in
Prayag Prashasti?
(a) Sharp and polished intellect
(b) Accomplished sculptor
(c) Fine musical performances
(d) Poetical talent of a genius
33. Kamandaka’s Nitisara is a
contribution to
(a) Logic and Philosophy
(b) Mathematics
(c) Political morality
(d) Grammar
34. The Lilavati of Bhaskara is a
standard text on
(a) Mathematics (b) Surgery
(c) Peotics (d) Linguistics
35. The Agrahara in early India was
37. Which of the following
(a) the name of a village or land
granted to Brahmins
(b) the garland of flowers of Agar
(c) the grant of land to officers and
soldiers
(d) land of village settled by Vaishya
farmers
36. Consider the following statement(s)
about votive inscriptions in the
2nd century BC
1. They record gifts made to
religious institutions.
2. They tell us about the idea of
transference of the meritorious
results of the action of one
person to another person.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
statement(s) is/are true?
1. Faxian’s Gaoseng Faxian Zhuan
was the earliest first-hand
Chinese account of Buddhist
sites and practices in India.
2. Faxian was only 25 year old at
the time of writing the text.
3. Faxian’s main aim in coming to
India was to obtain and take
back texts containing monastic
rules.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) Only 3 (b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these

ANSWERS
Practice Exercise
1 b 2 d 3 b 4 d 5 b 6 c 7 a 8 a 9 c 10 b
11 b 12 b 13 d 14 c 15 c 16 d 17 b 18 d 19 a 20 b
21 a 22 a 23 d 24 c 25 d 26 d 27 c 28 d 29 d 30 d
31 b 32 c 33 d 34 c 35 b 36 c 37 a 38 c 39 b 40 a
41 a 42 d 43 d 44 b 45 b 46 d 47 c 48 d 49 a 50 b
51 d 52 a 53 c 54 c 55 a 56 a 57 a 58 a 59 b 60 c
61 b 62 b 63 a 64 c 65 c 66 b 67 d 68 d 69 c 70 a
71 c 72 b 73 a 74 a 75 c 76 b 77 d 78 c 79 a 80 d
81 d 82 c 83 c 84 c 85 b 86 d 87 c 88 d 89 a 90 d
91 c 92 b 93 c 94 c 95 a 96 c 97 c 98 a 99 c 100 b
101 d 102 a 103 d 104 b 105 d 106 d 107 a 108 c 109 a 110 d
111 b 112 c 113 c 114 c 115 c

Questions from CDS Exam (2012-16)

1 d 2 d 3 c 4 d 5 d 6 c 7 a 8 a 9 b 10 b
11 c 12 c 13 a 14 b 15 b 16 b 17 a 18 d 19 b 20 a
21 c 22 d 23 a 24 d 25 d 26 c 27 d 28 c 29 c 30 a
31 c 32 b 33 c 34 a 35 a 36 a 37 c
780
PART II MEDIEVAL INDIA
MUSLIM INVASION
Arab Conquest of Sind
• As Harshvardhana and Pulakesin II were struggling
for supremacy in India, a revolutionary change was
taking place, i.e. the emergence of Islam in Arabia.
• The Arabs, for long the carriers of Indian trade with
Europe, were attracted by rich sea-ports of Sind.
However, two expeditions sent by Al-Hajjaj the
Governor of Iraq failed.
• The third expedition under his nephew and
son-in-law Mohammed-bin-Qasim, managed to
acquire control over Sind in AD 712. Multan was
conquered in AD 713.
Mahmud of Ghazni
• Mahmud came to the throne of Ghazni in AD 997.
He moved towards India in AD 1001 by attacking
and killing Jaipala, the King of Punjab in the First
Battle of Waihind. The first attack was made against
frontier post and many forts and districts were
captured.
• The sixth expedition (the Second Battle of Waihind)
was against Anandapala (Hindu shahi ruler of
Punjab) in AD 1008. The expedition in AD 1009 was
against Nagarkot in the Kangra hills.
• Ghazni led 17 expeditions between AD 1001 and
AD 1027. He plundered Thaneshwar, Mathura,
Kannauj and Somnath. The temple of Somnath
dedicated to Shiva was plundered in 1025 situated on
the sea coast of Kathiawar (Gujarat).
• Utbi regarded as a great literary figure at that time,
he was Mahmud’s court historian. His
Kitab-ul-Yamini or Tarikh-I-Yamini is a book on
Mahmud’s life and times.
• Firdausi (Persian poet) known as the immortal
Homer of the East wrote the Shahanama, Al Beruni
a brilliant scholar from Central Asia wrote
Tahqiq-i-hind. Farukhi was also court poet of
Ghazni.
Mohammed Ghori
• Muizzuddin Mohammed-bin-Sam (known as
Mohammed Ghori), the last Turkish conqueror of
North India, had no son.
• The King of Delhi Prithviraj Chauhan completely
routed the Ghori’s forces in AD 1191 at Tarain (First
Battle of Tarain). But Prithviraj was defeated in the
Second Battle of Tarain (AD 1192), Delhi and Ajmer
were captured by Mohammed Ghori.
CDS Pathfinder
• Fall of Delhi and Ajmer laid the foundation of Muslim Rule
in India. Ghori also defeated Jaichand (Ruler of Kannauj) at
Battle of Chandawar in 1194. Bakhtiyar Khilji, his general,
annexed East India and destroyed Nalanda and Vikramshila
University. Ghori died in 1206, leaving Qutub-ud-din
Aibak as incharge.
• Sufi Saint Khawaja Moin-ud-din Chisti came with him from
Afghanistan. Tomb of Moin-ud-din Chisti is in Ajmer also
known as Ajmer Sharif. He founded Chisti Silsila.
THE DELHI SULTANATE
• Qutub-ud-din Aibak was Turkish slave by origin. He was
purchased by Mohammad Ghori who later made him his
Governor. After the death of Ghori, Aibak became the
master of Hindustan and founded the slave dynasty in 1206.
The Delhi Sultanate (AD 1206-1526) had five ruling
dynasties
i. The Ilbari (Slave) ii. The Khilji
iii. The Tughlaq iv. The Sayyid
v. Lodhis
• Of these five dynasties the first three were of Turkish
origin and the Lodhis were Afghans.
The Slave or Ilbari Dynasty
The first dynasty of the Sultanate has been designated by
various scholars as the Slave dynasty or the Mamluq dynasty
or the Ilbari dynasty.
Qutub-ud-din Aibak
• He was the founder of the Sultanate of Delhi.
Qutub-ud-din Aibak was the first Muslim King of India.
He began his reign with the modest little Malik and
Sipahsalar, which had been conferred upon him by
Mohammed Ghori. Lahore and later Delhi were his capitals.
• He was famous for his generosity and earned the sobriquet
of lakh-baksh (giver of lakhs).
• He laid the foundation of Qutub Minar in Delhi after the
name of the famous Sufi Saint Khwaja Qutub-ud-din
Bakhtiyar Khilji. Aibak constructed the first mosque in
India Quwat-ul-Islam (Delhi) and Adhai Din Ka Jhopara
(At Ajmer).
• Hasan Nizami and Fakhr-ud-din (whom Aibak patronised)
were all praised for the qualities of head and heart of Aibak
and sense of justice in their works Taj-ul Massir and
Tarikhi Mubarik Shahi respectively.
• His task was only half done, when he died of a sudden fall
from a horse at Lahore in 1210 while playing Chaugan
(Polo).
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
Shams-ud-din Iltutmish
• He was the real founder of the Delhi Sultanate. He
made Delhi as the capital of the empire. He suppressed
the revolts of ambitious nobles, fought with the sons
of Aibak and sent expeditions against the Rajputs in
Ranthambore, Jalor, Mewar.
• His governing class was entirely of foreign origin. It
consisted of two groups, Turkish slave officers and
Tazik. He introduced the silver coin (tanka) and the
copper coin (jital). He organised the Iqta system and
introduced reforms in civil administration and army,
which was now paid and recruited.
• He set-up official nobility of slaves known as
Turkan-i-Chalgani or Chalisa (a group of forty
powerful turkish nobles).
• On 18th February, 1229 the Khalifa sent emissaries
from Baghdad with a decree registering the
independent status of the Delhi Sultanate. Iltutmish
was called the father of Tomb building (built Sultan
Garhi). He completed Qutub Minar.
• He saved Delhi Sultanate from the wrath of Chengiz
Khan, the Mongol leader, by refusing shelter to
Khwarizm Shah, whom Chengiz Khan was chasing.
Razia Sultan
• She was the first and the last Muslim woman ruler of
medieval India. The first rebellion against her was
raised by Kabir Khan, the Governor of Lahore.
• Altunia the Governor of Bhatinda was also a
revolutionary. So, she moved straight towards Bhatinda,
but was defeated and taken as prisoner by Altunia, who
married her.
• Razia with her husband was moving towards Delhi.
She was defeated by Bahram Shah, a son of Iltutmish.
Deserted by her soldiers, she was murdered by
robbers.
• Razia succession continued, in which three rulers ruled
in continuity
i. Bahram Shah (AD 1240-1242)
ii. Ala-ud-din Masud Shah (AD 1242-1246)
iii. Nasir-ud-din Mahmud (AD 1246-1266)
• Nasir-ud-din was the grandson of Iltutmish.
Balban
• Balban ascended the throne in 1266-67 with host of
problems. The first and foremost among these was the
future relationship of the nobility with the king.
• He ordered the separation of the military department
from the Finance Department (Diwan-i-Wizarat) and
the former was placed under a Minister for Military
Affairs (Diwan-i-Ariz).
781
• He impressed upon the people that kingship was the vice
regency of God on Earth (Niyabat-i-Khudai) and its
dignity was next only to prophethood. The King was the
shadow of God (Zil-i-Ilahi). Balban abandoned the chalisa.
• Balban introduced Sijdah or Paibos and started Nauroz
festival. Balban took strong measures to safeguard the
North-West frontier against the Mongol invasions.
• His son Mohammed’s death was a mashing blow to Balban
and the death-knell to his dynasty. He was deeply racist
and excluded non-Turks from the administration. The last
ruler of dynasty was Kaiqubad, he was killed by
Jalal-ud-din Khilji, who established Khilji dynasty.
The Khiljis
• The coming of the Khiljis to power was more than a
dynastic change. Their ascendancy is known as Khilji
Revolution, because it marked the end of monopolisation
of power by the Turkish nobility and racial dictatorship.
• The accession of Jalal-ud-din, Firoz Khilji marked the end
of an epoch and signified a ‘revolution’ in the political and
cultural history of medieval India.
Jalal-ud-din Firoz Khilji
• He was an old man of 70, when he came to the throne
and was unable to deal firmly with the problem of those
troubled times.
• In order to win goodwill of Mongols, the Sultan married
one of his daughter to the Mongol leader Ulugh Khan, a
descendant of Chengiz Khan.
• One of the most important events of Jalal-ud-din’s reign
was the invasion of Devagiri the capital of the Yadava
kingdom in the Deccan by Ala-ud-din (his nephew) and
son-in-law of the Sultan and Governor of Kara.
Ala-ud-din Khilji
• His first major conquest was the rich kingdom of Gujarat,
which was then ruled by the Vaghela King Karna.
• In 1299, Ala-ud-din’s army under the joint command of
Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan invaded Anhilwad, the
capital of Gujarat.
• During plunder of the rich port of Cambay, Ala-ud-din’s
Commander Nusrat Khan acquired a Hindu turned
Muslim slave Kafur (also known as Hazar Dinari), who
later on rose to become a great Military General and the
Malik Naib of Ala-ud-din.
• After the conquest of Gujarat, Ala-ud-din moved to
Rajputana, where he conquered Ranthambore in 1300-1301
from Hamir Deva a descendant of Prithviraj III. In 1303
AD, he attacked Chittor the capital of Mewar, which was
being ruled by Gahlot King Ratan Singh, whose queen
Padmini committed Jauhar when her husband was
defeated.
782
• Ala-ud-din Khilji is known for his market reform policy.
He established four separate market in Delhi. Market was
put under control of officer called Shahna-i-Mandi. Price of
commodities were fixed, merchants were registered with
market. Separate department Diwani Riyasat was created
and Naib-i-Riyasat was officer responsible for new
department. Secret agent ‘Munhiyas’ were appointed to
inform Sultan about condition of market.
• Ala-ud-din Khilji started measurement of land and land
revenue were collected in cash also. He also introduced
dagh system (branding of horse), huliya (list of soldier) and
cash payment to soldier.
• Hauz Khas, Mahal Hazar Satoon and Jamait Khana Mosque
were built by Ala-ud-din. He adopted the title
Sikandar-i-Sani.
• Added the entrance door to Qutab Minar, built Alai
Darwaza and built his capital at Siri fort. Last Ruler was
Qutub-ud-din Mubarak Khilji.
• He patronised the famous Persian poet Amir Khusrau, who
was known as Tuti-i-Hind (Parrot of India). Khusrau also
invented sitar by modifying veena.
The Tughlaqs
The Tughlaqs were a Muslim family of Turkish origin. They
provided three competent rulers- Ghiyas-ud-din,
Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq and Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq
• Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq (real name Ghazi Malik) founded
the third dynasty of the Sultanate. He also discarded
Ala-ud-din’s system of measurement of land for the
assessment of land revenue.
• He took keen interest in the construction of canals for
irrigation and formulated a famine policy to provide relief
to peasants in the time of drought.
• He built the fortified city of Tughlaqabad and gave a new
touch to the architecture of the Sultanate period.
• He established his capital at Tughlaqabad. He came in
conflict with Sufi Saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya.
Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq
• Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq (real name Jauna Khan) succeeded
Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq under title Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq.
He was the most remarkable personality among the Sultans of
Delhi.
Few ambitious projects taken up by Mohammed during his
period are as follow
– Shifting the capital from Delhi to Devagiri (Daulatabad)
in 1327. He wanted to control South India better, from
Daulatabad but Daulatabad was found to be unsuitable
because it was not possible to control North India from
there. So, he decided to re-transfer the capital to Delhi.
– Introduction of the token currency (1329-30).
(introduction of bronze tankas in place of silver tankas).
CDS Pathfinder
The value of token coin was equal to a silver coin.
But, this experiment failed on account of the
circulation of counterfeit coins on a very large scale
and rejected by foreign merchants. So, he withdrew
the token currency. He offered to exchange all the
token coins for silver coins.
– The Sultan planned an expedition for the conquest
of Khurasan and Iraq, but the scheme was
abandoned, when the Sultan learnt that conditions
in Iraq had improved.
– The plan for the conquest of Quarachil (Kumaun
Hills) met with a disastrous end. Quarachil has
been identified with Rajput state in the
Kumaun-Garhwal region.
• He increased the revenue and set-up new department
for agriculture Diwan-i-Amir Koh. Ibn Battuta (the
famous traveller) came to Delhi in 1334. He acted as
Qazi of the capital for 8 years.
• Ibn Battuta has recorded the contemporary Indian
scene in his Safarnamah called Rehla. Battuta was a
moroccan explorer. His travel account tell us about
his journey through the Delhi Sultanate period.
• During his period, Vijayanagara empire was
established in AD 1336 by Harihara and Bukka, and
Bahamani Kingdom AD 1346 by Hasan Gangu
Behman Shah.
Firoz Shah Tughlaq
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who became Sultan in AD 1351
was a patron of arts and literature. He did not give
any harsh punishment and banned the inhuman
practices like cutting hands, nose etc.
He abolished as many as twenty-three taxes and
substituted them with only the following four taxes
i. Kharaj (a land tax equal to 1/10 of the produce of
the land)
ii. Jaziya (a tax paid by non-Muslims)
iii. Zakat (tax on property (2.5%))
iv. Khams (1/5th of booty captured in war)
• He also made the civil and military post hereditary.
One remarkable feature of his reign was his interest
in civil works. He founded a number of new cities
and towns, three most famous being Hissar,
Fatehabad, Jaunpur and Firozabad, Firoz Shah Kotla
(in Delhi).
• To beautify his new capital Firozabad in Delhi the
Ashokan pillars were brought, one from Topara in
Ambala and the other from Meerut.
• He was very fond of collecting a large number of
slaves (about 180000 slaves) and had a separate
department for it known as Diwan-i-Bandagan.
• He set-up a separate department, called the Diwan-i-
Khairat, for the help of the poor and the needy. He
built Dar-ul-Shafa or a charitable hospital.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 783

• Ziauddin Barani (the historian was in his court) • He founded Agra in 1504 and made it as his capital. He
wrote two well- known works of history the reimposed Jaziya. Women were prohibited to go on saint
Tarikh-i-Firozshahi and the Fatwa-i-Jahandari. graves during his reign. He imposed ban on any language
• He introduced two new coins Adha (50% jital) and
other than Persian.
Bikh (25% jital). He wrote his autobiography The Ibrahim Lodhi
Fatuhat-Firozshahi. Timur invaded India during his
reign. He was not ablest ruler. He was defeated and killed by Babur
in the first Battle of Panipat (1526) and sultanate period ended.
TIMUR INVASION
During Nasir-ud-din Mahmud’s (last ruler) reign, Timur
Administration under
the Mongol leader of Central Asia invaded India. Timur Delhi Sultanate
reached Delhi in December 1398 and ordered general
• Administration/Kingdom was divided into iqtas. The head of
massacre.
the civil administration was a Wazir (head of finance
department).
The Sayyids • The Wazir was assisted by a deputy or Naib Wazir, an
• Khizr Khan, the founder of the Sayyid dynasty, Accountant General (Mushrif-i-mumalik) and the Auditor
General (Maustauji-i-mumalik).
had collaborated with Timur and as a reward for
services to the invader and was given the • The chief justice was Qazi-i-mumalik (having both religious
governorship of Lahore and Multan. and secular functions). He was responsible for the
enforcement of the shariat.
• Khizr Khan’s three successors—Mubarak Shah
(1421-33), Mohammed Shah (1434-43) and • The officer-in-charge of the royal correspondence army head
Ala-ud-din Alam Shah (1443-51) assumed the royal was known by the name of Ariz-i-mumalik and he was
responsible for all military works like–recruitment, payment,
title of Sultan and ruled as sovereign rulers, but all
inspection of the troops.
were incapable rulers.
• Barid-i-Mumalik The officer-in-charge of royal post and
• During the 27 years of Sayyid dynasty the sultanate
news agency.
of Delhi remained in trouble due to external
invasions, internal intrigue, chaos and confusion. • The provinces were divided into ‘shiqs’ under the control of
These conditions provided an opportunity to Bahlol ‘Shiqdars’. The next unit was paraganas headed by munsifs.
Lodhi. • Iqta system prevailed under which land of the empire was
• Yahya-bin-Ahmed-bin-Abdullah Sirhindi wrote the
divided into several large and small tracts called Iqta and
were given to soldiers, officers and nobles.
Tarikh-i-Mubarakshahi (a history of Sultans of
Important departments were as follow
Delhi from time of Muizz-ud-Din,
– Diwan-i-Insha Department of correspondence
Muhammad-bin-Sam).
– Diwan-i-Ariz Military department
– Diwan-i-Risalat Department of appeals
The Lodhis – Diwan-i-Qaza-i-Mumalik Department of Justice
The Lodhis, who ruled for 75 years were Afghans by
– Diwan-i-Ishtikak Department of pensions
race. The Lodhis were ruling over Sirhind when
Sayyids, were in India. Sultanate Literature
Bahlol Lodhi Books Author Books Authors
Bahlol Lodhi was the founder of the Lodhi dynasty. Alberuni Tahkik-i-Hind Amir Khusrau Tarikh-i-Alai
He was one of the Afghan Sardars, who established Alberuni Qanun-i-Masudi Zia-ud-din Barani Fatwa-i-Jahandari
themselves in Punjab after the Timur’s invasion. He Alberuni Jawahar-i-Jawahar Zia-ud-din Barani Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi
introduced coins, he called his Sardar Masnad-i-Ali. Minhaj-us-Siraj Tabaqat-i-Nasiri Firoz Shah Fatwa-i-Firoz Shahi
Amir Khusrau Laila-Majnu, Firozabadi Qamus
Sikandar Lodhi Quran-us-Saadin
• He was the noblest and ablest ruler of the 3rd Lodhi Amir Khusrau Khazain-ul-Futuh Hassan Nizami Taj-ul-Maathir
rulers. He set-up an efficient coinage system, Amir Khusrau Tughlaqnama Abu Bakr Chach Namah
military, spy network and also introduced the Amir Khusrau Nuh-Siphir Fakhruddin Tarikh-i-Mubarak
system of auditing of accounts. Shahi
Amir Khusrau Miftah-ul-Futuh Shams-i-Shiraj Afif Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi
• He repaired Qutub Minar. He introduced the
Amir Khusrau Ayina-i-Sikandari Ibn Batutta Kitab-ul-Rehla
measuring scale ‘Gaz-i-Sikandari’ for measuring
cultivated fields. He wrote Persian verses with the Amir Khusrau Hasht Bihisht Isami Futuh-us-Salatin
name of the Gul-rukhi. Amir Khusrau Shirin Khusrau Firdausi Shahnamah
784 CDS Pathfinder

Sultanate Architecture • This expansion was responsible for the alliance of the
Bahmani kingdom with Warangal, which lasted for
Structure Location Builder about 50 years and was a major factor in the inability of
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque Delhi Qutub-ud-din Aibak the Vijayanagara Empire to overrun the Tungabhadra
Adhai din ka Jhopra Ajmer Qutub-ud-din Aibak doab or to stem the Bahmani offensive in the area.
Qutub Minar Delhi IItutmish (Founded by
Qutub-ud-din Aibak) Deva Raya I
Tomb of Hazarat Nizamuddin Delhi Alauddin Khilji
• He assumed the title of Maharajadhiraja. The reign of
Auliya
Deva Raya I began with a renewed fight for the
Alai Darwaza Delhi Alauddin Khilji
Tungabhadra doab.
Jammat Khana Masjid Delhi Alauddin Khilji
• He was defeated by the Bahmani ruler, Firoz Shah and
Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq Delhi Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
had to pay a huge indemnity. He also agreed to marry
Tughlaqabad Fort Delhi Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
his daughter to the Sultan Deva Raya I who undertook a
Moth ki Masjid Delhi Wazir Miya Bhoiya (Prime
Minister of Sikandar Lodhi)
number of schemes for the welfare of the people.
• In AD 1410, he got constructed a dam across the
Tungabhadra, with canals leading to the city. This
THE VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRE greatly helped in agriculture. He was also a great patron
of the scholars.
• Vijayanagara kingdom was founded by Harihar I and • Nicolo De Conti, an Italian (Venetian), visited the
Bukka I (Sons of Sangama), who were feudatories of Vijayanagara empire under Deva Raya I. Conti describes
Kakatiyas and later became ministers in the court of the city of Vijayanagara as having a circumference of 96
Kampili. km and employing 90000 potential soldiers and also
• Harihara and Bukka were brought to the centre by mentions the festivals like Deepawali, Navratri etc.
Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq, converted to Islam and were
sent to South again to control rebellion. Few foreign travellers to India during Medieval Period
• Harihar and Bukka founded the Vijayanagara Empire in ●
Marco Polo was an Italian traveller from Venice, who
1336 on the advice of Vidyaranya, who converted them visited India in AD 1295.
back to Hindu. ●
Nicolo De Conti an Italian (Venetian) visited the
• Vijayanagara Empire ruler believed in divinity and said Vijayanagara empire in 1419, is author of India
they ruling by will of God Virupaksha. Idols of Recognita.
Vijayanagara rulers were also started to be kept in ●
Abdur Razzaq was an Uzbek Islamic scholar and
temples. Colonel Colin Mackenzie brought Hampi of ambassador of Shah Rukh, visited India from 1442-1445.
Vijayanagara Empire into light in the AD 19th century. ●
Duarte Barbosa was a missionary from Portugal and
visited India in 1560.
Sangama Dynasty ●
Fernao Nuniz Portuguese traveller visited Vijayanagara
Harihara I during reign of Achayuta Raya.
●
Nikitin Russian merchant visited Bahmani kingdom.
He made Anagundi his capital. He annexed the Hoyasala
State in AD 1364. When, the Muslim ruler of Mandurai
defeated and killed the Hoyasala ruler Vir Ballal III. Deva Raya II
• He was the greatest ruler of the Sangama dynasty. In
Bukka I order to strengthen his army, he inducted more Muslims
• He made Gutti his capital. The war with Bahmanis and asked all his Hindu soldiers and officers to learn the
started in AD 1367, during the reign of Bukka I. The art of archery from them.
Bahmani Sultan defeated Bukka I and after a long war
• With his new army, he crossed the Tungabhadra river
concluded a treaty which restored the old positions.
and tried to recover Mudkal, Bankapur etc which were
• The empire saw expansion under Bukka I. His son
to the South of the Krishna river and had been lost to
Kumara Kampan successfully led an expedition against
the Bahmani Sultans. Three hard battles were fought, but
Madurai and annexed it. This is mentioned in Madura
at the end, the two sides had to agree to the existing
Vijayam written by Ganga Devi (Kampan’s wife).
frontiers.
Harihara II • Deva Raya II was called Immadi Devaraya and also
• Bukka I was succeeded by his son Harihara II, who Proudha Devaraya or the great Devaraya by his subjects.
embarked upon a policy of expansion towards the Some quarter varahas (gold coins of Vijayanagara) of
Eastern sea coast. This new policy of expansion Deva Raya II describe him as Gajabetakara (the elephant
consequently led the Vijayanagara Empire into fresh hunter).
conflicts.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
• Deva Raya II was a great patron of literature and
himself an accomplished scholar in Sanskrit. He is
credited with the authorship of two Sanskrit works
Mahanataka Sudhanidhi and a commentary on the
Brahma Sutras of Badarayana.
• The king had leaning for Vira Saivism, yet he showed
tolerance in religious views. He appointed people
belonging to different religions as his minister. He got
constructed a mosque in the Vijayanagara and ordered
that a copy of Quran be placed before his throne.
The Saluva Dynasty
• Vijayanagara witnessed chaos and disorder after 1465
due to weak rulers. However, the situation was saved by
the Governor of Chandragiri, Narasimha Suluva, who
seized the throne in about 1485 in what is known in
history as the First Usurpation.
• Narasimha was succeeded by Timma and Imadi
Narasimha, who were minors at the time of their
coronation. The real power was in the hands of Narsa
Nayak, who was the Reagent.
The Tuluva Dynasty
Following the death of Narsa Nayak in 1505, his son Vira
Narasimha, succeeded as the reagent. He deposed Imadi
Narasimha and laid the foundation of the Tuluva Dynasty
by what is known in history as the Second Usurpation.
Babur referred Krishna Deva Raya (1509-1529) as the
greatest ruler of the Tuluva Dynasty.
Krishnadeva Raya
• He maintained friendly relations with Albuquerque, the
Portuguese Governor, whose Ambassador Friar Luis
was a resident in Vijayanagara.
• He gave Albuquerque permission to built a Fort of
Bhatkal. He built the Vijaya Mahal (House of Victory)
and expanded the Hazara Rama temple and the Vithal
Swami temple.
• He took the titles of Yavanaraja Sthapanacharya (restorer
of the Yavana kingdom, i.e. Bahmani) and
Abhinava-Bhoja.
• He was also known as Andhra Pitamaha and Andhra
Bhoja. He was a gifted scholar in both Telugu and
Sanskrit of which only two works are extant.
• The Telugu work on polity Amuktamalyada and the
Sanskrit drama Jambavati Kalyanam is also written by
him. Krishna Deva Rai was also a great patron of art
and literature, and was known as Andhra Bhoj.
Krishnadeva Raya’s Ashtadiggajas
Krishnadeva Raya’s court was adorned by following
Ashtadiggajas (the eight celebrated poets)
• Peddana, who wrote Manucharitam and Harikathasaran-
samu.
785
• Timma, who wrote Parijatapahara-vam.
• Madaya, who wrote Raja Shekarcharitam.
• Dhurjate, who wrote Kalahasti Mahatyam.
• Surona, who wrote Raghav Pandaviyam and Prabhavati
Pradyuman.
• Tenali Ramalingam, who wrote Ponduranga Mahatyam.
• Ayyalaraju Ramabhadra, who wrote Sakalamata sara
Sangraha.
• Rama Raja Bhushan was the eighth poet.
After Krishnadeva Raya, there was a period of confusion,
following which Achayuta Rai ascended the throne and
ruled upto 1542. Sadasiva Raya followed Achyuta Ray and
ruled upto 1570.
The Aravidu Dynasty
The Aravidu Dynasty was founded by Thirumala II, the
brother of Rama Raja, who ruled in the name of Sadasiva
Raya. On his failure to repopulate Vijayanagara, he shifted
the capital to Penugonda. During his rule, the Nayaks
became independents. Tirumala then divided his empire
into three practically linguistic sections and placed them
under his sons.
BAHAMANI KINGDOM
• The Bahamani kingdom of Deccan was founded by
Hasan Gangu, whose original name was Ismail Mukh.
The capital was Gulbarga. Hasan Gangu took the title
of Ala-ud-din Hasan, Bahaman Shah (AD 1347-58) and
became the first king of Bahamani in AD 1347.
• He renamed Gulbarga as Ahsanabad. At the time of his
death his dominion had four provinces Gulbarga,
Daulatabad, Berar and Bidar.
• Mahmud Shah I (1358-75) son of Bahaman Shah
established a council consisting of eight ministers and
decentralised his provincial administration. He fought
with Vijayanagara.
• Firoz Shah (1397-1422) was the most remarkable figure
in Bahamani kingdom. He was determined to make
Deccan the cultural centre of India. He inducted Hindus
in his administration to large extent. He built an
observatory at Daulatabad. He founded city of
Firozabad on the bank of river Bhima. Firoz defeated
Devaraya I.
• Firoz Shah was succeeded by his brother Ahmed Shah I
(AD 1422-36). He shifted his capital from Gulbarga to
Bidar, Ahmed Shah is known as Wali or saint due to his
association with Gesu Daraz.
• Humayun was succeeded by his son Nizam Shah
(1461-63) and then by Mohammed Shah III (AD
1463-82). Mahmud Gawan was the Prime Minister of
Mohammed. Bahamani kingdom saw a resurgence under
Mahmud Gawan’s guidance. His military conquests
included Konkan, Goa and Krishna-Godavari Delta,
Nikitin a Russian merchant, visited Bidar during his reign.
786
• Adilshahi of Bijapur (1490-1686) founded by Yusuf Adil
Shah. Greatest ruler of the kingdom was Ibrahim Adil
Shah. He introduced ‘Dakhini’ in place of Persian
language. Another ruler Mohammed Adil Shah built the
Gol Gumbaz. It was annexed by Aurangazeb.
• Imad Shahis of Berar (1490-1574) founded by Fateullah
Khan II Mad-ul-Mulk with Daulatabad as capital. Later, it
was conquered and annexed by one of the Nizam Shahi
rulers of Ahmednagar.
• Qutub Shahis of Golconda (1518-1687) founded by Quli
Qutub Shah. He built the famous Golconda fort and
made it his capital.
Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah was the greatest of all. He
founded the city of Hyderabad. He built the famous
Charminar. Most important port of Qutub Shahi kingdom
was Masulipatnam. The kingdom was annexed by
Aurangzeb (1687).
• Barid Shahis of Bidar (1528-1619) founded by Ali Barid.
Annexed by Adil Shahis of Bijapur.
RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS
The Sufis
• Sufism is a mystical Islamic belief and practice in which
Muslim seeks the truth of divine love and knowledge
through direct personal experience of God. Sufis are
against the orthodoxy and fanaticism of religion.
• In India, Sufism appealed not only to Muslims but also to
Hindus and these sufi saints became venerated figure for
all.
• In Islam visiting pilgrimage site associated with
Muhammad or other venerated figure such as sufi saints
etc is called Ziyarat. The abode of sufi was called
Khanqah.
• During 13th century, the Sufism was divided into 14
silsilas. Sufis had many branches in India.
The Chistis
Founder was Khwaza Abu-e-Chisti, but in India
Moin-ud-din Chisti popularised it. His tomb is situated at
Ajmer in Rajasthan.
• Main disciple of Moin-ud-din was Khwaza Qutub-ud-din
Bakhtiyar Kaki (after him Qutub Minar was named).
• Famous saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya saw the reign of seven
Delhi Sultans. He was also known as Mahboob-i-Ilahi
(beloved of God) and Sultan-ul-Auliya (king of the saints).
His tomb is situated in Delhi.
• Sheikh Nasir-ud-din (Chirag-i-Delhi) was also a disciple of
Mahboob-i-Illahi. Amir Khusrau and Al-Biruni were also
follower of Chisti.
CDS Pathfinder
Qadiri
• Founder was Sheikh Mohi-ud-din Qadir Zilani in
India. It was popularised by Shah Nizamat Ullah,
Makhdum Zilani Dara Shikoh (son of Shah Jahan) was
the disciple of Mullah Shah Badakshi.
• He (Dara) wrote the Safinat-ul-Auliya, Sakinat-ul-Auliya.
These are the biographies of the saints. Dara Shikoh also
translated some books as Sir-e-Akbar, Sir-e-Asrar.
Naqshabandi
• Founder father Khwaza Baha-ud-din Naqshabandi in
India. It was popularised by Khwaza Khwand Mahmud
(his centre was in Kashmir).
• Other saints Baqi-Billah, Shahwali ullah, Khwaza Mir
Dard Naqshaband. Mir Dard wrote the Dard-e-Dil, the
Sham-e-Mahfil, the Ilm-ul-Khitab.
• Other famous silsilah were Firdausi, Quadiri, Satari etc.
Bhakti Movement
• Bhakti is a devotional worship of God with the
ultimate objective of attaining Moksha or Salvation.
• Initially, Bhakti Movement started in South India in
the form of alvar and nayanar. Gradually Bhakti
Movement spread to North. In North India, Bhakti
Movement started to fluorish in 13th century.
• Bhakti saint were against the casteism, ritualism,
religious sacrifices. Bhakti saints professed equal
participation of women in religious practices. These
saints used the local dialect to promote their ideas and
communicate with masses.
Bhakti Movement is divided into two branches
i. Nirguna ii. Saguna
Nirguna Saints
Guru Nanak He was born at Talwandi in Lahore. He
propogated Monotheism, Hindu-Muslim unity and
denounced Idol worship. His disciple Mardana
played Rabas. He established Sikh religion. His
teachings are found in Guru Granth Sahib.
Dadu Dayal He was born in Ahmedabad to Muslim
parents, bought up by a Hindu. His teachings are
collected in a book called Bani. His disciples were
Sundaradasa, Rajjab, Bakham and Warid. He founded
Brahma sect or Param Brahma Sampradaya.
Kabir He was opposed to caste, creed, idol worship and
propogated Hindu-Muslim unity. His works are
Sabada Doha, Holi, Rekhtal etc. Verses of Kabir
Namdev, Ravidas, Dhanna, Pipa etc were included in
Adi Granth.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
Saguna Saints
Tulsidas Contemporary to Akbar. Works-
Ramcharitamanas, Kavitawali, Gitawali, Parvati
Mangal, Janki Mangal, Vinay Patrika etc.
Ramananda Propagated Bhakti in North India.
Organised a group of cadres called Bairagi.
Surdas He was disciple of Vallabhacharya. He was a
blind poet from Agra. He sang the glory of
Krishna in his Sursagar.
Gorakhnath Founder of Nath Hindu monastic
movement in India. His followers are mostly
found in Himalayan states. Followers are called
yogis.
Mirabai Rathor princess of Merta and
daughter-in-law of Rana Sanga of Mewar
(husband-Bhoja Raja). She wrote the verse
Padavali. She believed in Krishna.
Chaitanya He was known as Gaudiya Mahaprabhu.
He was founder of Gaurang or Bengal
Vaishnavism. His teacher was Ishwapuri.
Shankara Deva He established EK Sharan
Sampradaya or Mahapurushiya Sampradaya. He
divided universe into two parts Aswatantra and
Swatantra.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu He was also a great saint.
There had been Vaishnavism in Bengal long
before his birth, but Chaitanya accepted that
Krishna alone is the most perfect God. ‘Kirtan’
system was given by Chaitanya.
Bhakti Saints of Maharashtra
Namdev By profession he was a tailor. Earlier he
believed in Saguna stream, but later on diverted
towards Nirguna branch. He was poet saint of
Maharashtra. Earlier he was influenced by
Vaishnavism. He worshipped Vithoba. He
formed a varkari sect of Hinduism.
Tukaram Tukaram was contemporary of Shivaji. He
was part of varkari devotionalism tradition, he is
also known for Abhanga devotional poetry. His
poetry was devoted to vithoba (avatar of
Vishnu).
Ramdas A noted spiritual poet of Maharashtra. He
is famous for his Advaita vedantist text and
Dashbodh. He was spiritual guru of Shivaji.
Eknath He was famous religious Marathi poet of
Varkari Sampradaya. He wrote Bhavarth
Ramayan and a variant of Bhagvata Purana.
Taneshwara He was 13th century Marathi saint,
poet, philosopher and yogi. He wrote
Dnyaneshwari (commentary on Gita) and
Amrutobhava. His works are considered gem of
Marathi language.
787
Important Philosopher and
Bhakti Saints
Shankaracharya He was born at Kalodi, Kerala. He taught
concepts of Maya (illusion), Advaita and importance of
Vedanta. He established four Mathas at Badrinath, Puri,
Sringeri and Dwarka. He wrote commentaries on
Upanishads, Bhagwad Gita and Brahmasutras of Badrayana.
He is also known as Pseudo-Buddhist as many of his
doctrines were similar to that of Buddhist doctrines.
Abhinava Gupta He was a philosopher, mystic and aesthetican
from Kashmir. His most famous work is Tantraloka, a
treatise on all philosophical and practical aspects of Kashmir
Shaivism.
Ramanuja Acharya He was Tamil Vaishnavite saint. He gave
philosophy of Visist-advait. Wrote Vedanta Samgraha,
commentaries on Brahmasutras and Bhagwad Gita.
Madhavacharya He was Kannada Vaishnavite saint. He gave
philosophy of Dvaita.
Nimbarka Telugu Vaishnavite saint, contemporary of Ramayana.
Concept of Dvaitadvaita was promoted by him.
Vallabhacharya He was a Telugu Vaishnavite saint. He was
born at Varanasi in 1479 and went to Vrindavan, where he
resided permanently. He established the philosophy of
Shuddhadvaita. Vallabhacharya’s teachings are also known as
Pushtimarga. He was the contemporary of Vijayanagara King
Krishna Deva Raya.
Raghunandan He belonged to Nabadwip (Nadia) in Bengal. He
was considered to be the most influential writer in the
Dharamashastras.
The Sikh Gurus
and Their Contribution
Guru Nanak First Guru of Sikhs, Founder of Sikhism.
(1469-1539)
Guru Angad Compiled the biography of Guru Nanak Dev, known as
(1504-1552) Janam Sakhi introduced Gurumukhi Script; 63 hymns of
Guru Angad Dev included in Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Amar Das He promoted inter-caste dining at his kitchen. Akbar granted
(1479-1574) villages to finance the scheme, out of which grew Amritsar.
Guru Ram Das Son-in-law of Guru Amar Das.
(1534-1581)
Guru Arjun Son of Guru Ram Das died after torture in Mughal (Jahangir)
Dev (1563-1606) detention for sheltering rebellious Mughal prince Khusrau.
Guru Hargobind Son of Guru Arjun Dev, put on two words–one signifying Miri
(1595-1644) (secular power) and other Piri (spiritual power), Built the Akal
Takht in 1608.
Guru Har Rai Son of Guru Hargobind supported Dara’s claim in the wars
(1630-1661) of succession between Shah Jahan’s sons.
Guru Harikishan Son of Guru Har Rai, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi,
(1656-1664) was constructed in his memory.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Son of Guru Hargobind, Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in
(1621-1675) New Delhi, is where Guru’s body was cremated. He was
executed on Mughal orders.
Guru Govind Singh Son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, tenth and the last sikh guru.
(1666-1700) Guru Granth Sahib was finally completed.
788 CDS Pathfinder

• Akbar then consolidated his empire through a series of

THE MUGHAL EMPIRE conquests, the most difficult and most memorable being
the campaign against Rana Pratap of Chittor, whom he
Babur defeated in the famous Battle of Haldighati in 1576.
• The Mughal empire was founded by Zahir-ud-din
• Akbar introduced Mansabdari system system, it means
rank or position. So rank of government official was
Muhammad Babur. He was a turk. In 1523, the
determined.
invitation came from Daulat Khan Lodhi, the Governor
of Punjab and Alam Khan, uncle of Sultan Ibrahim • He abolished the pilgrim tax. In 1564, he abolished
Lodhi of Delhi to invade India. Jaziya. Land revenue system during Akbar’s Rule was
known as Zabti. Todar Mal was the incharge of Revenue
• He defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the first Battle of Panipat
System.
in 1526. Babur possessed a large part of artillery, a new
• Akbar formulated an order known as Din-i-Ilahi (Divine
kind of weapon coming into use in Europe and Turkey.
Monotheism) in 1582. Birbal, Abul Fazal and Faizi
Babur introduced gunpowder and artillery in war in
joined the order. Akbar issued the ‘Decree of
India.
Infallibility’ in 1579. Abul Fazal wrote the Ain-i-Akbari.
• Defeated the Rana Sangram Singh of Mewar in the
• Navratna of his court were Birbal, Todar Mal, Abul
decisive Battle of Khanwa which took place on 16th Fazal, Tansen, Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khana, Mullado
March, 1527 at Khanwa. Defeated Rajput Chief Medini Pyaja, Hakim Hukkam, Faizi, Maan Singh.
Rai in the Battle of Chanderi in 1528. Defeated the
• Chand Bibi revolted during the reign of Akbar. Akbar
Afghan Chief under Mahmud Lodhi in the Battle of
built Buland Darwaza in 1601 AD in Fatehpur Sikri to
Ghaghra in Bihar in 1529. Tomb of Babur is situated in
communicate his victory over Gujarat. He also built
Kabul.
Ibadat Khana.
Father Monserrate wrote a commentary on his journey
Humayun •
to the court of Akbar. He wrote about personality of
• Babur’s eldest son Humayun divided the empire Akbar, lavishness, customs, rituals of the palace. He also
inherited from his father among his three brothers wrote about revenue and justice systems.
Kamran, Hindal and Askari.
The Conquest of Akbar
• Humayun built the Dinpanah at Delhi as his second
capital. He was attacked by Sher Shah at Chausa (Battle Year Territory Specific
of Chausa) in 1539 and was defeated badly. In Battle of 1561 Malwa The ruler of Malwa was Baz Bahadur.
Kannauj (1540) he was defeated again by Sher Shah Suri. 1564 Garhkatanga Rani Durgawati and her minor son, Bir
• After wandering for 15 years and after the death of Sher (a kingdom in Narayan, died fighting Mughals. The Mughal
Gondwana) army was led by Asaf Khan.
Shah, Humayun regained his lost kingdom in 1555,
1567 Chittor The storming of the fortress of Chittor was
defeating Sikander Shah with the help of Bairam Khan. one of the most famous military feats of
• Humayun died in 1556, after an accidental fall from the Akbar. Rana Udai Singh was its ruler.
stairs of his library building (Sher Mandal, Delhi). 1572-73 Gujarat Akbar built the famous Buland Darwaza at
Fatehpur Sikri in commemoration of this
• Humayunnama is the account of Humayun’s life written victory.
by Gulbadan Begum (his half-sister). 1574-76 Bihar and Akbar personally marched against Bihar and
Bengal drove out Daud from Patna and Hajipur.
Akbar 1576 Battle of Rana Pratap, the son of Udai Singh of Mewar,
Haldighati was severely defeated by the Mughal army
• Akbar (AD 1556-1605) was undoubtedly the brightest under Maan Singh and Asaf Khan.
star of the Mughal empire. Jalal-ud-din Mohammed 1581 Kabul Mirza Hakim was defeated.
Akbar was born in 1542 at Amarkot when his father
1586 Kashmir and
Humayun and mother Hamida Banu were struggling. Baluchistan
• At the time of his father’s death Akbar was merely
1591 Sindh
13 years old and was in the guardianship of Bairam
1592 Orissa The Mughal army was led by Maan Singh.
Khan, who on hearing of Humayun’s death coronated
Akbar at Kalanaur. 1595 Qandhar The Mughal army in this battle was
commanded by Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan.
• In November 1556, the Mughal army under Bairam
Khan moved towards Delhi and defeated Hemu in the 1601 Asirgarh The capture of Asirgarh marked the climax of
Akbar’s career of conquest.
Second Battle of Panipat.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
Jahangir
• Akbar’s eldest son Salim assumed the title ‘Nur-ud-din
Mohammed Jahangir’ and ascended the throne. He mostly
lived in Lahore, which he adorned with gardens and
buildings. A few months after his accession, his eldest son
Khusrau revolted against him.
• Jahangir’s first political success was against the Mewar
Rana Amar Singh (1615). In 1620, Prince Khurram
conquered Kangra. Jahangir followed the policy of his
father with regard to the Deccan.
• In 1617, Ahmednagar fell and Khurram was rewarded
with the title ‘Shah-Jahan’. Jahangir married Mehr-u-nisa,
whom he gave the title ‘Nur-Jahan’.
• Nur-Jahan was a politically shrewd and ambitious woman
who dominated the royal household especially when
Jahangir fell ill. She had great influence on Jahangir’s life
as she had the status of Pad Shah Begum, coins were
struck in her name and on all farmans her name was
attached to the imperial signature.
• Nur Jahan’s influence secured high positions for her father
I’timad-ud-Daulah and for her brother Asaf Khan. She
married Asaf’s daughter Mumtaz Mahal to Khurram.
• Problem arose, when Nur Jahan married her daughter Sher
Afghani to Jahangir’s youngest son, Shaharyar. Now, Nur
Jahan supported him for the heir-apparent.
• The Mughal court was divided into Pro-Nur Jahan and
Anti-Nur Jahan. These events hampered the military
operation for the recovery of Kandahar.
• Captain Hawkins (1608-11) and Sir Thomas Roe (1615-19)
visited his court to gain favourable concessions for English
trade with India. As a result of the efforts of Thomas Roe,
English factories were established at Surat, Agra,
Ahmedabad and Broach.
Shah Jahan
• Shah Jahan, the third son of Jahangir, ascended the throne
in AD 1628 and married Mumtaz in 1612.
• He was an able general and administrator. In the first year
of his reign Shah Jahan had to overcome the revolts of the
Bundela chief, Juzhar Singh and the Afghan noble named
Khan Jahan Lodhi an ex-viceroy of the Deccan.
• Shah Jahan’s reign of 30 years is regarded as the Golden
age of Mughal in art and architecture during which
monument like the famous Taj Mahal at Agra in the
memory of his wife Mumtaz, the Red fort at Delhi with
its Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam, the Jama Masjid and
the famous Jewel-studded peacock throne were built
among other numerous pieces of architecture.
• At the time of Shah Jahan’s sickness in 1657 his eldest son
was in Agra, Shuja was Governor in Bengal, Aurangzeb
was viceroy in the Deccan and the youngest Murad was
Governor in Gujarat.
• Aurangzeb took control of the fort and crowned himself
at Delhi, after defeating his brothers. Shah Jahan was kept
in strict confinement at Agra fort till his death in 1666.
789
• Many foreign travellers visited India during the reign
of Shah Jahan. Two Frenchman Bernier and Travenier
and an Italian adventurer Manucci, the author of the
Storio Dor Magor are specially noteworthy.
Aurangzeb
• Aurangzeb ascended the throne with the title of
Alamgir (conqueror of the world) and ruled for almost
50 years.
• During his reign the Mughal empire reached territorial
climax. He first defeated the Imperial army at
Dharmatt and then defeated a force led by Dara in the
Battle of Samugarh.
• He ordered the arrest and later executed the ninth Sikh
Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur. He discontinued the
practice of inscribing the Kalima on the coins and
abolished the celebration of the new year’s day
(Nauroz). He was constantly involved in trying to
curtail the rising maratha power, however he failed to
subdue them.
• Aurangzeb’s reign was marked by growing agrarian
crisis and popular rebellions, such as those of the Jats,
the Satnamis, the Sikhs and the Rajputs (when Jodhpur
was annexed).
• His religious policies were great setback to the
standards of tolerance and liberalism set by his
predecessors. Mulhitasib (regulator of moral conduct)
was appointed in the reign. Aurangzeb was called a
Darvesh or Zinda Pir. He also forbade Sati. He
patronised the greatest digest of Muslim law in Indian
Fatawa-i-Alamgiri. He was a diplomat and capable
general.
• He imposed Jaziya on the Hindus in 1679. He banned
music and dancing. He died in 1707 in the Deccan.
Later Mughals
Bahadur Shah He was generous, learned and pious
without any bigotry. He assumed the title of Shah
Alam and was known as Shah-i-Behkhabar.
Jahandar Shah Jahandar Shah’s three brothers namely
Azim-us-Shan, Rafi-us-Shan and Jahan Shah lost
their lives in the Battle of successions. He became
king with the help of Zulfikar Khan. He abolished
Jaziya.
Farrukhsiyar He had succeeded the throne with the help
of Sayyid brothers Abdullah Khan and Hussain Ali.
In 1717, Farrukhsiyar gave tax free trade permission
to British East India Company to trade through
Bengal. This Royal farman became Magna Carta for
British East India Company. In 1719, Sayyid Brothers
killed him with the help of Maratha Peshwa Balaji
Vishwanath.
Mohammed Shah Nadir Shah invaded India in 1738-39.
Nadir Shah defeated him in the Battle of Karnal
(1739) and took away peacock throne and Kohinoor
diamond. He was the most pleasure loving ruler of
loose morals and therefore, called Mohammed Shah
Rangeela.
790
Ahmed Shah Mohammed Shah was
succeeded by his only son
Ahmed Shah, born through a
dancing girl whom the emperor
had married. During this period,
Safdarjung the nawab of Awadh
was the Wazir of the empire.
During Ahmed Shah’s reign
Ahmed Shah Abdali invaded
India twice in 1749 and 1752,
when he marched upto Delhi.
Alamgir II After the de-thronement
of Ahmed Shah, Aziz-ud-din a
grandson of Jahandar Shah was
placed on the throne with the
title Alamgir II.
Shah Alam II Shah Alam II joined
hands with Mir Qasim of Bengal
and Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh in
the Battle of Buxar against the
British in 1764. They were
defeated.
Akbar II He gave the title of Raja to
Ram Mohan Roy. He started the
Hindu-Muslim unity festival
Phool-Walon-Ki-Sair.
Bahadur Shah II During the revolt
of 1857, he was proclaimed the
emperor by the rebels. He was
confined by the British to the
Red Fort.
Mughal
Administration
• Babur and Humayun had a Prime
Minister known as Vakil. After
Bairam Khan’s fall all important
departments of finance were taken
away from the Vakil.
• Wazir or Diwan was the head of
the revenue department.
• Mir Bakshi Military department.
• Mir Saman Held independent
charge of the household department
and the Karkhanas.
• Chief Qazi Judicial department.
• Sadr-us-Sadr Charitable and
religious endowments.
• Mustaufi Auditor-General.
• Amil Judicial officer in civil court.
• Kanungo Head accountant.
• Lambardar Head of village.
• Patwari Accountant of village.
• Sipah Salar Commander of the
force.
• Kotwal was primarily the chief of
the city police.
• The Mansabdari system introduced
by Akbar was a unique feature of
the administrative system of the
Mughal empire.
• In Akbar’s reign the empire was
divided into 15 Subas.
• The territory of the empire was
divided into Khalisa, Jagirs and
Inam.
• Zabti system was based on the
measurement and assessment of
land.
• During Mughals Tins-i-Kamil refers
to cash crop and earning from cash
crop.
Revenue System
• Land was measured using the
Sikandari-gaz one-third of the
average produce was fixed as tax.
• The peasant was given a Patta and
a Qabuliyat, which fixed the
peasants rights and taxes.
Zamindars were removed and taxes
were directly collected.
THE AFGHAN
INTERLUDE
Sher Shah Suri
• He founded second Afghan dynasty
(1st Lodhi dynasty). Sher Shah’s
original name was Farid. In AD
1522, Farid took service under
Babur Khan Lohani (Governor of
Bihar) ruler in Bihar.
• Sher Shah was an Afghan, who
ruled Agra and Delhi. Sher Shah
was particularly perturbed by
activities of Raja Maldev of Marwar.
Sher Shah got better of him in the
Battle of Sammel in 1544. Sher Shah
divided his empire into 47 Sarkars.
Each sarkar was divided into smaller
units called parganas. Sher Shah died
in 1545 in an explosion during his
conquest of Kalinjar fort.
CDS Pathfinder
• A civilian was to be head of entire
province and was given a small
army. In the field of central
administration Sher Shah followed
the Sultanate pattern.
There were four main central
departments, which were as follow
i. Diwan-i-Wijarat This department
was concerned with financial
matter.
ii. Diwan-i-Ariz Headed by
Ariz-i-mumalik. It was a military
department.
iii. Diwan-i-Insha Working as a
secretariat.
iv. Diwan-i-Rasalat Headed by
Sadar, this department dealt with
foreign affair matter.
Diwan-i-Kaza headed by Qazi.
The Qazi looked after the judicial
administration.
There were two important officials at
the Sarkar level, which were as follow
i. Shiqdari-i-Shiqadaran to maintain
law and order.
ii. Munshif-i-Munshifan to supervise
the revenue collection.
• Sher Shah is known for the
construction of the Grand Trunk
Road, that stretched from the river
Indus in the West to Sonargaon in
Bengal in East.
• Sarais (rest house) were built on
roads. Markets developed around
these and some of them were even
used for new service as Dak-Chowki.
• He introduced coins of unalloyed
gold, silver and copper of fixed
standards. The silver ‘Rupaya’ and
the copper ‘Dam’ were also
available.
• He built a tomb at Sasaram (Bihar)
for himself which is a masterpiece of
architecture.
• He built a new city on the bank of
Yamuna river (present day Purana
Qila).
• Abbas Khan Sarwani was the
historian in the court of Sher Shah
who wrote (The Tarikh-i-Sher
Shahi).
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
THE MARATHAS
Shivaji, the son of Shahaji, was the
creator of the Maratha nation. He
united the Maratha chiefs from
Malwa, Konkan and Desh regions to
carve out a small kingdom.
He took control of the hereditary
Jagir after the death of his guardian
Konadev in 1647.
• Shivaji was born in the hill fort of
Shivner in 1627. Shivaji began his
military career at a young age. He
captured the fort of Toran in 1656.
From 1656, he started capturing
many other forts from the local
officers of Bijapur.
• After sometime, Shivaji raided
Bijapur. Ali Adil Shah of Bijapur
sent his General Afzal Khan to
capture Shivaji. But Shivaji was too
clever for him and killed him with
a deadly weapon called Baghnakh
or tiger’s claw.
• Shivaji now began to attack the
Mughal territories. Aurangzeb sent
Shaista Khan, the Viceroy of the
Deccan, with a big army against
Shivaji. Shaista Khan captured
Poona. But Shivaji managed to
outwit the Mughals in 1663.
• Aurangzeb sent his own son,
Prince Muazzam and then, on his
failure, Mirza Raja Jai Singh of
Amber was sent against Shivaji.
Raja Jai Singh won a few victories
against Shivaji and besieged him in
Purandhar in 1665.
• Shivaji visited the Mughal Court of
Agra at the persuasion of Jai Singh,
but he was put there in detention.
However, Shivaji escaped in 1666
and resumed his career of conquests.
• In 1674, Shivaji made Raigarh as
his capital and celebrated his
coronation and assumed the title of
‘Chhatrapati’. He died in 1680 at
the age of 53.
• Shivaji’s son Sambhaji ascended the
throne in the face of a hostile
faction which supported his
step-brother Rajaram. His raiding
the Mughal territories and giving
shelter to Akbar II the rebel son of
Aurangzeb, prompted the later to
capture and execute Sambhaji in
1689.
• Rajaram was crowned the King
but when he died, his widow Tara
Bai ascended the throne.
Sambhaji’s son Shahu after his
release from the Mughals in 1707
had to contend with his aunt Tara
Bai for the Maratha throne.
The Ashtapradhan
Pradhan Post/Responsibility
Peshwa or the Prime Minister, he looked after
Chief Minister/ general administration and later
Mukhya assumed great importance.
Pradhan
Pratinidhi Rajaram created the new post
of Pratinidhi, thus, taking the
total number of Ministers to
nine.
Amatya or Accountant general, he later
Majumdar became Revenue and Finance
Minister.
Sachiv or Also called Chitnis, he looked
Surunavis after the royal correspondence.
(Surnis)
Sumant or Foreign affairs and the master
Dabir of royal ceremonies.
Senapati or Military Commander, he looked
Sar-i-Naubat after the recruitment, training
and discipline of the army.
Mantri or Personal safety of the king, he
Waqianavis looked after the intelligence,
posts and household affairs.
Nyayadhish Administration of justice.
Pundit Rao Looking after charitable and
religious affairs of the state. He
worked for the moral upliftment
of the people.
Maratha Confederacy
Kingdom Territory
Scindia Gwalior
Holkar Indore
Pawar Dhar
Gaekwad Baroda
Bhonsle Nagpur
Peshwa Puna
Revenue Administration
• Shivaji abolished the Jagirdari
system and replaced it with
Ryotwari system. Shivaji brought
about changes in the position of
hereditary revenue officials,
variously called Deshmukhs,
Deshpandes, Patils and Kulkarnis.
Shivaji strictly supervised the
Mirasdars, i.e., those with
hereditary rights in land.
• Though, he did not completely do
away with these officials, he
considerably reduced their powers
by close supervision and strict
collection of revenue from them.
• Appointment of revenue officials
(Subahdars or Karkuns, in charge
of revenue administration of
791
Prants) helped in establishing a
strong revenue system.
• The revenue system seemed to have
been patterned on the Kathi system
of Malik Ambar, in which land was
carefully measured with the help of
a measuring rod or kathi.
• The assessment of revenue was
made after a careful survey and
classification of the lands according
to their quality and yield. The
share of the state was fixed at
two-fifths of the gross produce.
• The cultivator was given the option
of paying either in cash or kind. A
new revenue assessment was
completed by Annaji Datto in
AD 1679.
The Peshwas
• The period of Peshwa domination
in Maratha history started during
Shahu’s reign with the appointment
of Balaji Vishwanath as the Peshwa
of King Shahu in 1713.
• Balaji Vishwanath was an able
administrator as well as an excellent
diplomat. He was followed by Baji
Rao I (son of Balaji Vishwanath)
who was the Peshwa from 1720 to
1740. During this period, the
Maratha kingdom was transformed
into an empire.
• Balaji Baji Rao succeeded Baji Rao
I and was formally made the head
of the state after the death of King
Shahu in 1749. During Balaji Baji
Rao reign, the Maratha empire
further expanded and Maratha
Army overran the whole of Delhi.
• The Marathas came into conflict
with Ahmed Shah Abdali of
Afghanistan. The result was the
Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.
The Maratha Army was completely
•
routed and the Peshwa’s son,
Vishwas Rao and Sadashiva Rao
Bhau were killed.
• The Peshwa ruled from Poona, but
four semi-independent Maratha
states emerged. These states were
Baroda ruled by Gaikwad, Nagpur
ruled by Bhonsle, Indore ruled by
Holkar and Gwalior ruled by
Scindhia.
• Last Peshwa was Baji Rao II. He
signed Treaty of Bassein 1802,
under it he signed subsidiary alliance
with British and thus, Maratha
kingdom slowly diminished.
792 CDS Pathfinder

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. Arrange the following dynasties (c) to control South India better 12. Arrange the following dynasties in
in correct chronological order. (d) All of the above correct chronological order.
1. Saluva 2. Sangama 6. Who was the first Sultan of 1. Tughlaq 2. Khilji
3. Tuluva 4. Aravidu Delhi to introduce the practice 3. Pallava 4. Kushana
Codes Codes
of Sijda?
(a) 2, 1, 3, 4 (b) 4, 3, 2, 1 (a) 3, 4, 2, 1 (b) 3, 4, 1, 2
(a) Firoz Tughlaq
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4 (d) 3, 4, 1, 2 (c) 4, 3, 1, 2 (d) 4, 3, 2, 1
(b) Alauddin Khilji
2. Match the following (c) Balban 13. Which of the following pairs incorrectly
(d) Mohammed Tughlaq matched?
List I List II
(Name of the Books) (Authors) 7. ‘Ijara’ revenue system was (a) The Hindi classic : Malik Mohammed Jaisi
padmavat
A. Prithviraja Raso 1. Somadeva started during the reign of
(b) The title of Saadi : Hasan-i-Dehlvi
B. Shahnama 2. Alberuni (a) Bahadur Shah Zafar
(c) Ibn Battuta’s : Kitab-i-Rehla his
C. Tahquiq-i-Hind 3. Firdausi (b) Farrukhsiyar account of foreign travels
D. Kathasaritsagara 4. Chandbardai (c) Jahandar Shah (d) Language : Turki the rulers of Delhi
5. Bilhana
(d) Mohd Shah patronised by

Codes 8. Mahmud of Ghazni attacked 14. Which of the following pair(s) is/are
A B C D A B C D India mainly incorrectly matched?
(a) 4 3 2 1 (b) 4 2 5 3 (a) to plunder the wealth of India 1. Alberuni : Tahqiq-i-Hind
(c) 5 3 1 2 (d) 2 4 3 5 (b) to establish his empire in India 2. Firdausi : Shahnama
(c) to spread Islam in India 3. Utbi : Tarikh-i-Firozshahi
3. Match the following (d) to take the famous artisans of 4. Barni : Tariq-Yamini
List I List II India to his court Codes
A. Char Minar at 1. Alauddin Khilji 9. Which of the following battles (a) Only 4 (b) 1 and 2
Hyderabad was fought in AD 1192? (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 and 4
B. Moti Masjid at Agra 2. Qutub-ud-din (a) First Battle of Tarain
Aibak 15. Consider the following statement(s)
(b) Second Battle of Tarain 1. Muhammad Shah (1719-48) was the
C. Quwwat-ul-Islam 3. Shahjahan
Mosque at Delhi (c) Battle of Talikota first Mughal ruler to patronise urdu.
D. Fort of Siri 4. Adil Shah of (d) Battle of Khanwa 2. Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote the
Bijapur 10. Arrange the following in correct famous epic ‘Padmavat’ in Hindi.
5. Aurangzeb
chronological order. Which of the statement(s) given above
Codes 1. Tughlaqabad Fort is/are correct?
A B C D A B C D (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
2. Lodhi Gardens
(a) 1 3 2 5 (b) 1 2 3 4 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Qutub Minar
(c) 4 3 2 1 (d) 5 4 3 1 16. In Krishna Deva Raya’s court, Ashta
4. Fatehpur Sikri
4. Match the following Diggajas were the
Codes
(a) eight great poets of his court
List I List II (a) 3, 1, 4, 2 (b) 3, 1, 2, 4
(b) eight great ministers in his court
(Dynasties) (Capitals) (c) 1, 3, 2, 4 (d) 1, 3, 4, 2
(c) eight elephants placed at eight corners
A. Hoysalas 1. Madurai 11. Match the following of his capital
B. Yadavas 2. Warangal (d) eight great scholars of his kingdom
C. Kakatiyas 3. Dwarasamudra List I List II
D. Pandyas 4. Devagiri A. Tarikh-i-Alai 1. Gulbadan
17. The Sultan of Delhi who is reputed to
Begum have built the biggest network of
Codes canals in India was
B. Tarikh-i-Mubaraksahi 2. Nizamuddin
A B C D A B C D Auliya (a) lltutmish
(a) 2 4 1 3 (b) 3 2 4 1 (b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
C. Tarikh-i-Hind 3. Yahya-bin-
(c) 3 4 2 1 (d) 4 3 2 1 Ahmed (c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
(d) Sikandar Lodhi
5. Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq D. Humayunnama 4. Amir Khusrau
transferred his capital from Delhi 5. Al-Beruni 18. Who was the last ruler of the Tughlaq
to Daulatabad Codes
dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate?
(a) to develop cultural and trade (a) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
A B C D A B C D
relations with the Deccan (b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq Shah-II
(a) 4 3 5 1 (b) 5 4 3 2
(b) to protect his country from the (c) Nasir-ud-din-Mahmud
(c) 4 1 5 3 (d) 3 1 2 4
attack of Mongols (d) Nusrat Shah
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 793

19. Consider the following statements 24. Consider the following historical 32. The first Muslim ruler to formulate
1. He organised an efficient spy personalities the theory of kingship similar to the
system. 1. Abdur Razzak theory of divine right of king was
2. To prevent fraudulent musters, (a) Qutub-ud-din Aibak
2. Edordo Barbosa
he began the practice of (b) Alauddin Khilji
3. Marco Polo
branding horses (Daag) and (c) IItutmish
4. Nicolo di Conti (d) Balban
preparing descriptive rolls of
soldiers (Chehra). What is the correct chronological
order in which they visited India? 33. For his unbounded generosity, who
3. One of the most remarkable of amongst the following Sultans was
(a) 4, 1, 2, 3 (b) 3, 4, 1, 2
his reforms was that of titled by all writers of the time as
(c) 2, 3, 4, 1 (d) 1, 2, 3, 4
market regulation.
‘Lakh Baksh’ or giver of lakhs?
4. He set aside the supremacy of 25. Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq’s (a) Nasir-ud-din Mahmud
the Ulema in the discharge of experiment of producing token (b) Balban
state duties. currency failed on account of the (c) Qutubuddin Aibak
These statements are about (a) rejection of token coins for (d) Babar
(a) Sikandar Lodhi purchase by foreign merchants
(b) Firuz Shah Tughlaq (b) melting of token coins
34. What does the word iqta stand for?
(c) Alauddin Khilji (a) Law of primogeniture
(c) large scale minting of spurious
(d) Qutub-ud-din Aibak coins (b) Crown lands donated to army officers
(d) poor quality of token currency (c) State’s share of one-third of the spoils
20. Which of the following pairs is of war
correctly matched? 26. Who amongst the following (d) The grant of revenue from a territory in
(a) Diwan-i-Bandgani : Firoz Tughlaq Sultans of the Slave dynasty lieu of salary
(b) Diwani-i-Mustakhraj : Balban reigned for the longest period? 35. Match the following
(c) Diwan-i-Kohi : Alauddin Khilji (a) Qutub-ud-din Aibak
(d) Diwan-i-Arz : Mohammed (b) Ghiyas-ud-din Balban List I List II
Tughlaq (c) Nasir-ud-din Mahmud A. Land tax paid by the Hindus 1. Kham
21. In the Delhi Sultanate an (d) Shams-ud-din lltutmish B. State’s share one/fifth of the 2. Kharaj
spoils of war
administrative unit called 27. Who among the following
C. Land tax paid by the Muslims 3. Ushar
‘Paragana’ was headed by an introduced the famous Persian D. Property tax 4. Zakat
official known as festival of Navroz in India?
(a) Shiqdar (b) Barid (a) Balban (b) Firoz Tughlaq Codes
(c) Ariz (d) Amil (c) IItutmish (d) Alauddin Khilji A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 1 3 4 (b) 1 2 3 4
22. Match the following 28. Which of the following pairs is (c) 2 3 4 1 (d) 3 2 4 1
List I List II correctly matched?
(a) Guru Amar Das : Miri and Piri 36. In which order did the following
A. Muftis 1. Intelligence Agency
(b) Guru Arjun Dev : Adi Granth dynasties rule Delhi?
B. Barid 2. Expounder of Law (c) Guru Ram Das : Dal Khalsa 1. Slave 2. Khilji
C. Kotwal 3. Minister Incharge of (d) Guru Govind Singh : Manji 3. Lodhi 4. Sayyid
Army 5. Tughlaq
D. Arz-i-Mamalik 4. Head of City 29. The founder of the first Afghan Codes
Administration dynasty in India was (a) 1, 2, 5, 4, 3 (b) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
(a) Ibrahim Lodhi (b) Bahlul Lodhi (c) 2, 3, 4, 5, 1 (d) 4, 5, 3, 2, 1
Codes (c) Sikandar Lodhi (d) Sher Shah Suri
A B C D A B C D 37. Babar laid the foundation of the
(a) 2 4 1 3 (b) 1 2 3 4 30. Which of the following pairs is not Mughal empire in AD 1526, by
(c) 4 3 2 1 (d) 2 1 4 3 correctly matched? defeating
23. Match the following (a) Alai Darwaza : Ala-ud-din Khilji (a) Daulat Khan Lodhi
(b) Jamait Khana : Balban (b) Ibrahim Lodhi
List I List II Masjid (c) Rana Sanga
(Authors) (Works) (c) Qutub Minar : Iltutmish (d) Alauddin Khilji
(d) Hissar : Firoz Shah Tughlaq
A. Minhaj-us-Siraj 1. Tarikh-i-Firuzshai 38. What was the occasion for Rana
B. Zia-ud-din Barni 2. Tabaqat-i-Nasiri 31. Who was the first monarch in the Kumbha’s construction of the ‘tower
C. Firzu Shah 3. Haquiqi Hindi Delhi Sultanate to start direct of victory’ at Chittor?
(Tughlaq) relations with the cultivators to (a) His victory against Rao Jodha of
D. Abdul-Wahid 4. Fatuhat-i-Firuzshahi know the actual amount they Marwar
Bilgrami paid as land revenue? (b) His victory against Mahmud Khilji of
(a) Balban Malwa
Codes
(b) Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq (c) His victory against Ahmed Shah of
A B C D A B C D Gujarat
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 1 3 4 (c) Alauddin Khilji
(d) Sikandar Lodhi (d) His victory against Ibrahim Shah of
(c) 1 2 4 3 (d) 2 1 4 3 Bengal
794 CDS Pathfinder

39. Which of the following are true 43. Who was the founder of Chishti 49. Which of the following statements are
about the Manasabdari system? Silsila? true regarding Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq?
1. It meant organisation of civil (a) Khwaza Moin-ud-Din 1. He introduced measures of regulate
and military services of the (b) Shiabuddin Shuarawardi markets.
state on the basis of (c) Sheikh Abdul Kadir Jalani 2. He introduced monetary reforms.
gradation of ranks. (d) Shah Abdul Satari 3. He increased the taxes paid by the
2. The word ‘mansab’ is derived people of the Doab region.
44. Which of the following Bhakti
from the Arabic word 4. He invited leaders of different faiths
Saints in chronological order? for religious discussions.
meaning ‘fixing the place’.
(a) Guru Nanak, Tulsidas, Ramdas,
3. Mansab in the Mughal Select the correct answer using the codes
Tukaram
administration fixed the rank, given below.
(b) Tulsidas, Guru Nanak, Tukaram,
dignity and office of the (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
Ramdas
public servant. (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 4
(c) Guru Nanak, Tulsidas, Tukaram,
Select the correct answer using Ramdas 50. Which of the following were not included
the codes given below. (d) Tulsidas, Guru Nanak, Ramdas, in the market regulation introduced by
(a) Only 3 (b) 2 and 3 Tukaram Alauddin Khilji?
(c) Only 1 (d) All of these 45. Match the following 1. The Sultan fixed the prices of
40. Which of the following were the foodgrains far below the usual rates.
List I List II 2. He imported the necessaries by
features of the Mansabdari
A. Second Battle of 1. Decline of relaxing important duties.
system introduced by the Panipat Vijayanagara 3. He followed a non-intervention policy
Mughals? empire as far as the civil supplies were
1. Periodic inspection of B. Second Battle of 2. British rule in India concerned.
artillery. Tarain
4. Advances were given to merchants if
2. Branding horses. C. Battle of Talikota 3. Turkish rule in
India they did not posses enough capital.
3. Hereditary grant of Jagirs. Select the correct answer using the codes
D. Battle of Plassey 4. Mughal rule in
4. Lack of distinction between India given below.
civil and military departments. 5. Slave dynasty in (a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3
Select the correct answer using India (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 and 4
the codes given below. Codes 51. Match the following
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 A B C D A B C D
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 1 and 4 (a) 2 3 4 1 (b) 3 1 2 4 List I List II
41. Match the following (c) 4 3 1 2 (d) 5 3 2 1 A. Iqta 1. Maratha
B. Jagir 2. Delhi Sultanate
List I List II 46. With reference to the Medieval
C. Amaram 3. Mughals
A. Battle of Haldighati 1. Babar Indian rulers, which one of the D. Mokasa 4. Vijayanagara
B. Battle of Bilgarm 2. Akbar following statements is correct?
Codes
C. Second Battle of Panipat 3. Humayun (a) Alauddin Khilji first set-up a
separate ariz department A B C D A B C D
D. Battle of khanwa 4. Jahangir
(b) Balban introduced the branding (a) 3 2 1 4 (b) 2 3 4 1
Codes system of horses of his military (c) 2 3 1 4 (d) 3 2 4 1
A B C D A B C D (c) Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq was 52. Which one among the following books
(a) 2 3 2 1 (b) 1 3 2 1 succeeded by this uncle to the was authored by a lady of the Mughal
(c) 3 2 4 2 (d) 2 4 1 3 Delhi throne
Royal House?
42. Which of the following are true (d) Firoz Tughlaq set-up a separate (a) Akbar Nama (b) Babur Nama
with regard to Akbar? department of slaves (c) Humayun Nama (d) Badshah Nama
1. He abolished Jaziya and the 47. Who laid the foundation of the 53. Amir Khusrau’s ‘Khazain-ul-Futuh’
Pilgrim Tax in AD 1564 and first independent Turkish gives information about the reign of
AD 1563 respectively. kingdom in India? (a) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
2. He erected the ‘Ibadatkhana’ (a) Mohammad-bin-Qasim (b) Alauddin Khilji
for holding religious (b) Qutub-ud-din Aibak (c) Qutub-ud-din Mubarak Shah Khilji
discussions. (c) Ghiyasuddin Balban (d) Jalal-ud-din Khilji
3. His Din-i-Ilahi was a code of (d) Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq
social conduct. 54. Which of the following pairs are
48. Who among the following first correctly matched?
4. He got the Khutba to be read
divided his empire into Iqtas
in his name in AD 1574. 1. Amir Khusrau : Alauddin Khilji
during the process or civil 2. Zia-ud-din Barni : Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq
Select the correct answer using
administration? 3. Ibn Batutah : Firoz Shah
the codes given below. (a) Aibak
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 2 and 3 4. Minhaj-us-Siraj : Iltutmish
(b) lltutmish
(c) 1 and 4 (d) All of these Codes
(c) Razia Sultan
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4
(d) Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq
(c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 795

55. Match the following 61. Which of the following pairs is Codes
incorrectly matched? A B C D E
List I List II (a) 5 1 4 3 2
(a) Athanasius : Bahmani kingdom
A. Kabir 1. Weaver Nikitin (b) 1 2 3 4 5
B. Ravidas 2. Barber (c) 4 5 3 2 1
(b) Nicolo Conti : Deva Raya I
C. Namdev 3. Tailor (d) 3 2 5 4 1
(c) Abdur Razzaq : Deva Raya II
D. Sena 4. Cobbler (d) None of the above 67. Consider the following statement(s)
Codes about Sufism
62. Consider the following 1. The Sufism were critical of the
A B C D A B C D statements regarding the
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 3 2 1 4 dogmatic definitions and
Vijayanagara empire. scholastic methods of interpreting
(c) 4 3 2 1 (d) 4 1 3 2 1. It was named after the city the Quran and Sunna (traditions
56. Match the following of Vijayanagara. of the prophet) adopted by the
2. Krishna Dava Raya was the theologians.
List II
List I greatest of all the
(Language of the 2. The Sufis sought an
(Saint-Poets) Vijayanagara rulers.
Compositions) interpretation of the Quran on
3. Kings of Vijayanagara ruled
A. Mirabai 1. Malayalam the basis of their personal
on behalf of Shaivite deity
B. Tyagaraja 2. Bengali Virupaksha. experience.
C. Chandidas 3. Hindi 4. Vijayanagara empire Which of the statement(s) given
D. Purandardasa 4. Telugu successfully resisted the above is/are correct?
5. S Kannada march of the Delhi Sultans (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
to the South. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Codes
A B C D A B C D Which of the statement(s) given 68. Match the following
(a) 2 4 1 5 (b) 3 4 2 5 above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4 List I List II
(c) 2 5 1 4 (d) 3 5 2 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2, 3 and 4 A. Nizamuddin Auliya 1. Firdausi
57. For the first, time, the land was B. Sheikh Bahauddin Zakaria 2. Chisti
divided into different categories of 63. The Portuguese traveller, Nuniz C. Sheikh Abdulla 3. Suhrawardi
purposes of revenue on the basis of visited Vijayanagara during the D. Badruddin Samarqandi 4. Shattariya
the quality of land and its capacity reign of which one of the
for production during the reign of following? Codes
(a) Alauddin Khilji (a) Vira Narasimha (b) Deva Raya I A B C D A B C D
(b) Firuz Tughlaq (c) Achyuta Raya (d) Sadasiva Raya (a) 2 1 4 3 (b) 4 1 2 3
(c) Sher Shah Suri (c) 3 1 4 2 (d) 3 2 1 4
64. Which one of the following is the
(d) Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq
correct chronological order of 69. Akbar’s land revenue system was
58. Consider the following statement(s) the Afghan rulers on the throne known as
1. Shivaji biography by Sabhasad of Delhi? (a) Bandobast system
is known as Bakhar. (a) Sikandar Shah-Ibrahim Lodhi- (b) Zabti system
2. Watandars were the local Bahlul Khan Lodhi (c) Todar Mal’s revenue system
elements in Maratha kingdom. (b) Sikandar Shah-Bahlul Khan Lodhi- (d) All of the above
3. The lowest unit of the country Ibrahim Lodhi
(c) Bahlul Khan Lodhi-Sikandar Shah-
70. Match the following
was termed as ‘‘prants’’ in the
Maratha Kingdom. lbrahim Lodhi List I List II
Which of the statement(s) given (d) Bahlul Khan Lodhi-lbrahim Lodhi- (Structures) (Places)
above is/are correct? Sikandar Shah A. Akbar’s Mausoleum 1. Lahore
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 65. Which one of the following B. Gola Mendola 2. Chittorgarh
(c) Only 3 (d) All of these departments was created by C. Jahangir’s Mausoleum 3. Sikandara
59. The ruler of which one of the Alauddin Khilji to improve the D. Vijayastambha 4. Udaipur
following was not invited to join the functioning of the state Codes
revenues? A B C D A B C D
confederacy of fight against (a) Diwan-i-Mustakharaj
Vijayanagara in the Battle of (b) Diwan-i-Kohi
(a) 4 3 1 2 (b) 4 3 1 2
Talikota? (c) Diwan-i-Arz (c) 3 4 3 1 (d) 3 4 1 2
(a) Ahmadnagar (b) Berar (d) Diwan-i-Insha 71. Akbar founded the Din-i-Ilahi
(c) Bijapur (d) Golconda
66. Match the following primarily to
60. Which one of the following (a) put an end to differences between the
sequences indicates the correct List I List II Hindus and the Muslims
chronological order? A. Adil Shahi 1. Berar (b) establish a national religion which
(a) Shankaracharya, Ramanuja, Chaitanya B. Imad Shahi 2. Bidar would be acceptable to the Muslims
(b) Ramanuja, Shankaracharya, Chaitanya C. Qutub Shahi 3. Ahmadnagar and Hindus
(c) Ramanuja, Chaitanya, Shankaracharya D. Nizam Shahi 4. Golconda (c) ensure racial and communal harmony
(d) Shankaracharya, Chaitanya, Ramanuja E. Barid Shahi 5. Bijapur (d) form a religious club
796 CDS Pathfinder

72. Consider the following statement(s)
1. Mirabai was a contemporary of
Guru Nanak.
2. Ramdas was a contemporary of
Shivaji.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
73. Which one among the following
depicts the correct meaning of the
term Jins-i-Kamil concerning crops
in Mughal India?
(a) Paddy crop
(b) Cash crop
(d) Coarse crop
(d) Crop grown in the arid
74. Al-Beruni came to India along with
(a) Mahmud of Ghazni
(b) Mohammed-bin-Qasim
(c) Mohammed Ghori
(d) Timur
75. Which one of the following pair is
correctly matched?
(a) Zia-ud-din Barni : Tarikh-i-
Mohammedi
(b) Shams-i-Siraj : Tarikh-i-Firozshahi
Afif
(c) Ibn Batuta : Fatwa-i-Jahandari
(d) Amir Khusrau : Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
76. Which of the following was/were
steps taken by Sher Shah to
promote trade and commerce?
1. Making travel safe for traders.
2. Building a new highway
between Delhi and Warangal.
3. Abolishing internal duties and
levying taxes only at the points
of import and sale.
4. Building sarais along roadways.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) All of these
77. Which one among the following is
not a function of Mir Bakshi, the
Head of the Military Department
as well as of the nobility under
Mughal rule?
(a) He made recommendations for
appointment of Mansabs to the
emperor
(b) He collected reports of intelligence
and information agencies of the
empire and presented them to the
emperor at the court
(c) He was responsible for all incomes
and expenditures and held control
over Khalisa, Jagir and Inam lands
(d) He was responsible for the security
of foreign travellers on the highways
of the empire
78. Consider the following statement(s)
1. Humayun regained his Delhi
throne from Sher Shah in AD
1555.
2. Humayun defeated Hemu at the
Second Battle of Panipat in AD
1556.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
79. Silk routes are a good example of
vibrant pre-modern trade and
cultural links between distant
parts of the world. Which one
among the following is not true of
silk routes?
(a) Historians have identified several silk
route over land and sea
(b) Silk routes have linked Asia with
Europe and Northern Africa
(c) Silk routes existed before the
Christian era and thrived almost upto
15th century
(d) As a result of silk route trade,
precious metals like gold and silver,
flowed from Asia to Europe
80. Which one among the following
statements is incorrect of the
Jajmani system?
(a) It was a non-market exchange
system
(b) It was practised in many villages
and regions during the pre-colonial
period
(c) It was introduced under pressure
from the colonial regime
(d) It was incorporated into wider
networks of exchange through which
agricultural products and other
goods circulated
81. The first Muslim invasion of India
was led by
(a) Mahmud of Ghazni
(b) Mohammad Ghori
(c) Mohammad-bin-Qasim
(d) Timur
82. Which of the following statements
about the creation of departments
by the various Sultans is not
correct?
(a) Diwan-i-Mustakhraj or the Department
of Revenue to realise the areas was
created by Alauddin Khilji
(b) Diwan-i-Amirkohi or the Department
of Agriculture became more
prominent during the reign of
Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq
(c) Diwan-i-Bandagan or the
Department of Slaves was created
by Feroz Shah Tughlaq
(d) Diwan-i-Khairat or the Department
of Public Charities was created by
Sikander Lodhi
83. The introduction of token
currency by Mohammad-bin-
Tughlaq did not succeed because
(a) the scarcity of silver for minting the
silver Taka was over
(b) merchants refused to accept the
token currency
(c) extensive counterfeiting of token
currency
(d) foreign trade suffered badly
84. Which of the following was not one
of the long-term benefits of the
transfer of capital by
Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq to
Daulatabad?
(a) It led to a better control of the
peninsula by the Sultanate
(b) It helped in bringing North and
South India closer together by
improving communications
(c) It resulted in a new process of
cultural interaction between North
and South India
(d) It shifted the centre of political
gravity from the North to the South
85. Which of the following
statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) Balban did not go for fresh
conquests, rather he concentrated
on consolidation of the infant state
at Delhi
(b) He set about a policy for
liquidation of the Challisa or 40
nobles
(c) Balban did not differentiated in
matters of administration and
justice
(d) All of the above
86. Match the following
List I List II
A. Urdu 1. Composed verses
in Hindavi using
Persian
B. Amir Khusro 2. Literal meaning of
the world is Army or
Camp
C. Sher Shah Suri 3. Built old fort in Delhi
Codes
A B C
(a) 2 1 3
(b) 1 2 3
(c) 3 1 2
(d) 1 3 2
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
87. Which of the following
statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) During the reign of Nasiruddin
Mahmud Tughlaq, Timur
(Timurlang), a central Asian Turk,
invaded India and sacked Delhi
(b) The dynasty founded by Khizr
Khan, Timur’s nominee, is known
as the Sayyid dynasty because
Khizr Khan was a descendant of
the prophet
(c) Both ‘a’ and ‘b’
(d) Neither ‘a’ nor ‘b’
88. Which of the following is/are
wrong in context of Alauddin
Khilji?
1. Alauddin’s Southern expedition
was led by Malik Kafur.
2. Malik Kafur marched with his
army upto Madurai.
3. North Indian army had not
managed to cross Vindhyas
other than that of Alauddin
Khilji Army.
4. Alauddin established a direct
control over the defeated
States of Deccan.
Select the correct answer using
the codes given below.
(a) 2, 3 and 4 (b) Only 3
(c) Only 4 (d) 3 and 4
89. Consider the following
statement(s) about Iltutmish
1. He was the first sovereign
ruler of the Sultanate of Delhi.
2. He was the first Sultan of
Delhi to issue regular currency
and declare Delhi as the
capital of his empire.
3. He created the Turkish
nobility called the chalisa or
the group of forty.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 3
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
90. Match the following
List I List II
A. Mohammad- 1. Land revenue
bin-Tughlaq assessment based
on actual
measurement
B. Firoz Tughlaq 2. Restoration of the
prestige of the
crown
C. Balban 3. Creation of
department of
agriculture
D. Alauddin Khilji 4. Creation of the
employment bureau
797
Codes 96. Which of the following
A B C D A B C D administrative officers is not
(a) 3 4 2 1 (b) 4 3 2 1 correctly matched with their duties?
(c) 4 3 1 2 (d) 1 4 2 3
(a) Wakil-i-Dar : Controller of the royal
91. Which one of the following pairs household
is correctly matched? (b) Hamir-i-Hajib : Master of ceremonies at
(a) Umarah : Group of officers the court Hajib
called nobles (c) Akhurbek : Superintendent of royal
(b) Barids : The news reporters (d) Naib-i-Mulk : Deputy Prime Minster
and secret spies
97. Which of the following is/are not
(c) Majlis-i-Am : Council of friends and
or Majlis-i- trusted officers of the correct with regard to the
Khalawant Sultan, which he architecture of the Turks?
consulted on 1. In the sphere of decoration, the
important affairs of
Turks eschewed representation of
state
(d) All of the above human and animal figures in
their buildings.
92. Alam Khan, one of those who 2. The Turks used geometrical and
invited Babur to invade India was floral designs, combining them
(a) an uncle of Ibrahim Lodhi and a with panels of inscriptions
pretender to the throne of Delhi
containing, verses from the Quran.
(b) a cousin of Ibrahim Lodhi, who was
ill-treated and expelled from the 3. The Turks did not borrow from
country Hindu motifs.
(c) the father of Dilawar Khan to 4. The Turks did not add colour to
whom cruel treatment was meted their buildings, they used only
out by Ibrahim Lodhi white marble.
(d) a high official in Punjab province, Select the correct answer using the
who was very much discontented
codes given below.
with Ibrahim Lodhi’s treatment to
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 4
his tribe
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 3
93. Amir Khusrau gave the first
graphic description of Jauhar of 98. In Delhi Sultanate, the struggle
Rajput women, after victory of between the monarchy and the
Turkish Chiefs continued till one of
Alauddin Khilji over which
Rajput State? the Turkish Chiefs gradually
arrogated all power to himself and
(a) Ranthambhor (b) Chittor
ascended to throne in 1265. Name
(c) Jalor (d) Sevana
this Turkish Chief.
94. Consider the following (a) Nizan-ul-Mulk Junaidi
statement(s) (b) Nasiruddin Mahmud
1. Amir Khusrau created a new (c) Ulugh Khan
literary style in Persian, which (d) Iltutmish
came to be known as
Sabaq-i-Hind. 99. Consider the following statement(s)
2. Amir Khusrau was disciple of about Alauddin Khilji.
Nizammudin Auliya. 1. The maximum number of Mongol
3. He introduced the perso-arabic invasions took place during his
ragas etc. reign.
Which of the statement(s) given 2. He was the first sultan to adopt
above is/are correct? the principle of measurement of
(a) Only 3 (b) 1 and 2 cultivable land for determining
(c) All of these (d) None of these land revenue.
95. The story that Alauddin Khilji Which of the statement(s) given
invaded Chittor to secure above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
Padmini, the queen of Rana
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ratan Singh of Mewar, was
vividly described by 100. After the capture of Delhi and Ajmer
(a) Amir Khusrau in Khazainul Futuh by Mohammed Ghori the successor
(b) Col J Todd in Annals and of Prithviraj Chauhan founded a
Antiquities of Rajasthan new kingdom with its capital at
(c) Malik Mohammed Jayasi in the (a) Mewar (b) Ranthambhore
epic Padmavat
(c) Chittor (d) Ajmer
(d) Ibn Battuta in his Rehla
798
101. Alauddin Khilji’s market control
system died instantaneously
with his death because
(a) it was not based on the principle
of demand and supply
(b) Alauddin Khilji’s successors had
no will to continue the system
(c) Both ‘a’ and ‘b’
(d) the whole system was kept alive
by the use of brute force
102. Consider the following
statements about Balban
1. He called himself
Naib-i-Khudai or Deputy of
the God.
2. He created Diwan-i-Arz or
department of military affairs.
3. He propounded the theory of
kingship and restored peace
in the Doab.
4. He liquidated the Turkish
nobility chalisa or the group
of forty.
Which of the statements given
above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) All of these
103. Consider the following statements
1. Firoz Shah Tughlaq created
Diwan-i-Khairat for helping
poor Muslim parents in the
marriage of their daughter.
2. Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq was
known as a ‘Prince of
Moneyers’.
3. Firoz Shah Tughlaq wrote in
verses in Persian under the
name of Gulrakhi.
Which of the statements given
above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these
104. Which of the following is true
about Firoz Shah Tughlaq?
(a) He established a department of
public works
(b) He constructed a water clock and
sun clock at Delhi
(c) He formed a charity department
(d) All of the above
105. Which of the following agrarian
measures was not taken by
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq?
(a) He discarded measurement in
favour of sharing
(b) The chiefs and headmen of
villages were given back their
perquisites
(c) The basis of the demand by the
government was to get-hasil
(actual recovery) with enough
provision for crop failures
(d) He made a large reduction in the
scale of revenue fixed by Alauddin
and brought it down to one-sixth
of the gross produce
106. Which of the following was not
one of the revenue and agrarian
measures of Firoz Shah Tughlaq?
(a) He retained only four kinds of
taxes sanctioned by the Quran
(Kharaj, Zakat, Jaziya, and khums)
(b) He undertook revaluation of land to
certain its assessment
(c) Religious endowments which had
reverted to the state under
previous rulers were returned to
the earlier holders or their
descendants
(d) He was generous in granting land
to civil and military officers and in
farming out land
107. Which of the following
statement(s) is/are correct about
Sultan Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq?
(a) He was the first Sultan to
formulate the ‘Famine code’ to
provide relief to famine affected
people
(b) He was the most learned Muslim
ruler who was well versed in
various branches of
learning-including astronomy,
mathematics and medicine
(c) He granted Sondhar loan to the
poor for promoting agriculture
(d) All of the above
108. Which of the following statements
about Iqta system is correct?
(a) Iqta means revenue assignment of
a particular area in lieu of cash
salary
(b) The principle of hereditary Iqta was
completely rejected by Balban
(c) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq differentiated
between the allotment of the
revenues within an Iqta for the
personal income of the muqta and
that for the payment of salaries to
the troops placed under his charge
(d) All of the above
109. ‘A Forgotten Empire’, written by
the renowned historian Robert
Sewell is about which one of the
following Empires?
(a) Kushan empire
(b) Mauryan empire
(c) Vijayanagara empire
(d) Mughal empire
CDS Pathfinder
110. Who among the following has
issued the coin rupee for the first
time?
(a) Muhammed-bin-Tughlaq
(b) Alauddin Khilji
(c) Sher Shah
(d) Akbar
111. Which of the following was the
original name of Tansen, the
famous musician in the court of
Akbar?
(a) Mahananda Pande
(b) Lal Kalwant
(c) Baz Bahadur
(d) Ramtanu Pande
112. Which one among the following
was/were reason/reasons for the
success of European trading
companies in South India during
the 17th century?
1. The presence of the Mughals in
the South was not as much as
in the North.
2. The Vijayanagara Kingdom had
been overthrown in the late
16th century.
3. The South had many small and
weak states.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
113. Which one of the following
statements about the teachings of
Kabir is not correct?
(a) He was not against pilgrimage and
idol worship
(b) He believed in universal love
(c) He emphasised on one God and the
spread of devotionalism
(d) He did not consider it necessary of
abandon the normal life of a
householder
114. The Iron Pillar near Qutub Minar
draws attention of scientists due to
its
(a) antiquity (b) glitter
(c) hardness (d) restlessness
115. Which one among the following was
a possible reason for the success of
Nadir Shah’s military compaign in
Delhi?
(a) Weak Mughal Emperor
(b) Lack of strong defence in the
North-West Frontier
(c) Late preparation for the defence of
Delhi
(d) Use of superior military technology
by the invading army
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 799

116. Shaikh Moinuddin, Bakhtiyar 120. Consider the following 2. He further divided these sarkars
Kaki and Farid-ud-din statement(s) about the famous into smaller administrative units
Ganj-i-Shakar were traveller Ibn Battuta. called Parganas.
(a) prominent military leaders of the 1. He was a Moroccan traveller. 3. His land revenue policy is an
Sultanate period important land mark in the
2. He narrated his experiences
(b) prominent painter from the history of Indian agrarian system.
while travelling the
Sultanate period
subcontinent in the 14th 4. His silver rupia after elimination
(c) prominent Chisti Saints century in Kitab-ul-Hind. of its inscription was current till
(d) prominent poets from the courts 1835 and formed the basis of the
3. He was sent as an envoy of
of the Sultanate period Sultan of Delhi to China. later British Indian currently.
117. Match the following Which of the statement(s) given These statements are about
List I List II above is/are correct? (a) Alauddin Khilji
(Events) (Places/Persons) (a) Only 3 (b) 1 and 2 (b) Sher Shah Suri
A. Tarmashirin 1. Vijayanagara (c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these (c) Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
Khan’s invasion of (d) Jahangir
India 121. Which one among the following
B. Visit of Farnao 2. Zainul Abidin was not a reform measure 126. Consider the following statement(s)
Martinz carried out by Mahmud Gawan about Vijayanagara Empire
Evangelho, the of Bahmani Kingdom?
Portuguese factor 1. Vijayanagara was noted for its
C. Visit of the traveller 3. Champaner
(a) The kingdom was divided into markets dealing in spices,
Nuniz eight provinces or Tarafs textiles and precious stones.
D. Network of canals 4. Mohammed (b) Nobles were paid salaries and 2. Krishnadeva Raya’s rule was
in Kashmir valley Tughlaq were asked to maintain characterised by the strain
contingents of horses
Codes within the imperial structure.
(c) A tract of land, Khalisa, was set
A B C D A B C D 3. The amara-nayakas were military
apart for the expenses of he
(a) 2 1 3 4 (b) 2 3 1 4 Tarafdar commanders who were given
(c) 4 3 2 1 (d 4 1 3 2 (d) Lands were measured and land territories to govern by the
118. Consider the following taxes were fixed on that basis Royas.
statement(s) relating to Sher 122. The Nayakas in the Which of the statement(s) given
Shah. Vijayanagara period were often above is/are correct?
1. During Sher Shah’s reign, the called as the Amara nayakas (a) Only 3 (b) 1 and 2
village panchayat and because (c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these
zamindars were not allowed
(a) their position was hereditary 127. Consider the following observation(s)
to deal with civil and
criminal cases at the local (b) they granted the amaram lands relating to the reign of the Mughal
level. (c) for their maintenance they were Emperor Akbar.
given revenue and tax free
2. Sher shah set-up army 1. Akbar strengthened his control
amaram lands
cantonments in different parts on the nobility and the army by
(d) their exploits were considered introducing the mansabdari
of the empire and a strong
immortal (amara)
garrison was posted in each system.
of them. 123. The meaning of word Bantai 2. Under the mansabdari system
Which of the statement(s) given during medieval period was every officer was assigned a rank
above is/are correct? (a) religion tax (mansab).
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (b) wealth tax 3. The ranks were divided into
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) system of calculating revenue three : Zat and Chera.
(d) property tax Which of the statement(s) given
119. Which one among the following
pairs is correctly matched? 124. The sufi saint who maintained above is/are correct?
that devotional music was one (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(a) The Second : Defeat of Jaichand (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Only 3
way of coming close to God was
Battle of of Kannauj by
Tarain Mohammad Ghori (a) Moin-ud-din Chisti 128. Chishti order became the most
(b) The First (b) Baba Farid popular sufi order in India on
: Defeat of Sikander
Battle of Lodhi by Babar (c) Sayyid Muhammad Gesudaraz account of
Panipat (d) Shah Alam Bukhari (a) Its high ethical ideals
(c) The Battle of : Defeat of 125. Consider the following (b) the identification of the Chisti saints
Chausa Humayun by Sher with the common masses
Shah statement(s)
1. He divided his whole empire (c) the liberal outlook of many of its
(d) The Battle of : Defeat of Rana saints
Khanwa Pratap by Akbar into 47 divisions called
sarkars. (d) All of the above
800
QUESTIONS FROM
CDS EXAM (2012-2016)
2012 (II)
1. Which one among the following is
not a function of Mir Bakshi, the
Head of the Military Department
as well as of the nobility under
Mughal rule?
(a) He made recommendations for
appointment of Mansabs to the
emperor
(b) He collected reports of intelligence
and information agencies of the
empire and presented them to the
emperor at the court
(c) He was responsible for all incomes
and expenditures and held control
over Khalisa, Jagir and Inam lands
(d) He was responsible for the security
of foreign travellers on the
highways of the empire
2. Consider the following
statement(s) about Shivaji’s
military acumen
1. He was a master in guerrilla
tactics and swift cavalry warfare.
2. He had built a series of
fortified strongholds on the
table mountains of the
Western Deccan.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Consider the following
statement(s) about Sufism.
1. The Sufism were critical of the
dogmatic definitions and
scholastic methods of
interpreting the Quran and
Sunna (traditions of the
prophet) adopted by the
theologians.
2. The Sufis sought an
interpretation of the Quran on
the basis of their personal
experience.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
4. Which one among the following
depicts the correct meaning of the
term Jins-i-Kamil concerning
crops in Mughal India?
(a) Paddy crop
(b) Cash crop
(c) Coarse crop
(d) Crop grown in the arid
5. Which one among the following
books was authored by a lady of the
Mughal Royal House?
(a) Akbar Nama (b) Babur Nama
(c) Humayun Nama (d) Badshah Nama
6. Consider the following statement(s)
about the European travellers to
India.
1. Sir Thomas Roe, the
Representative of the East India
Company, was granted the
permission by Jahangir to open a
factory at Surat.
2. Captain Hawkins was driven out
from Agra by the Mughals at the
instigation of Portuguese.
3. Father Monserrate travelled with
Akbar on his journey to
Kashmir.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 (b) Only 1
(c) 1 and 2 (d) 1 and 3
2013 (I)
7. What was Ziyarat in the language
of the Sufis?
(a) Pilgrimage to the tombs of Sufi
saints for seeking barkat (spiritual
grace)
(b) Reciting divine name
(c) Offering free kitchens run on futuh
(unasked for charity)
(d) Setting up of auqaf (charitable trusts)
8. Between 1309 and 1311, Malik
Kafur led two campaigns in South
India. The significance of the
expeditions lies in it that
1. they reflected a high degree of
boldness and spirit of adventure
on the part of the Delhi rulers.
2. the invaders returned to Delhi
with untold wealth.
3. they provided fresh geographical
knowledge.
4. Alauddin promoted Malik Kafur
to the rank of Malik-naib or
Vice-Regent of the empire.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 2 and 4 (d) All of these
CDS Pathfinder
9. Ibn Battuta’s work, Rihla,
completed in 1355, is
(a) an autobiography
(b) an account of the Delhi Sultans from
Aibak to Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
(c) a religious text
(d) an account of trade with Morocco
2013 (II)
10. Rajatarangini, authored by
Kalhan, describes the history of
(a) Gujarat (b) Bengal
(c) Kashmir (d) Punjab
11. Which of the following did not
constitute part of the army reforms
of Sher Shah?
(a) Keeping a large army at the centre
(b) Introduction of a swiftly moving
artillery
(c) Cash payment to soldiers
(d) Introduction of the practice of
branding horses
12. The Mansabdari system of the
Mughals was a complex system. Its
efficient functioning depended
upon
1. the practice of offering the title
of ‘Mansabdar’ to military
personnel only.
2. proper functioning of the dagh
(branding) system.
3. proper functioning was of the
jagirdari system.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
13. Which one among the following
thinkers argued that Maratha rule
in general and Shivaji in particular
represented early nationalist
consciousness in India?
(a) Pandita Ramabai
(b) MG Ranade
(c) Bipin Chandra Pal
(d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
2014 (I)
14. Consider the following statement(s)
regarding Indian Feudalism in the
early medieval period
1. The revenue assignments were
called Bhoga.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 801

2. The hereditary chiefs neither 24. Which empire did Nicolo de Conti,
collected revenues nor assumed
2014 (II) Abdur Razzaq, Afanasy Nikitin and
administrative powers. 19. Statement I The 12th century Fernao Nuniz visit?
Which of the statement(s) given witnessed the emergence of a new (a) The empire of Kannauj
above is/are correct? movement in Karnataka led by a (b) Vijayanagara empire
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 Brahmana named Basavanna. (c) Hoysala empire
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Statement II The Lingayats (d) Rashtrakuta empire
15. Consider the following worshipped Shiva in his
statement(s) from Kalhana’s manifestation as a Linga. 2015 (II)
Rajatarangini. Codes
(a) Both the statements are individually
25. Consider the following statement(s)
1. The common people ate rice
true and Statement II is the correct about Alauddin Khilji’s market
and Utpala-saka (a wild
vegetable of bitter taste). of Statement I policy
2. Harsha introduced into (b) Both the statements are individually 1. He placed markets under the
Kashmir a general dress true, but Statement II is not the control of a high officer called
befitting a king which included correct of Statement I ‘Shahna’ for strictly controlling
a long coat. (c) Statement I is true, but Statement the shopkeepers and prices.
II is false 2. In order to ensure a regular
Which of the statement(s) given
(d) Statement I is false, but Statement supply of cheap foodgrains, he
above is/are correct? II is true ordered the land revenue from
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
Doab region to be paid directly to
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 20. Which of the statements given
the state.
below about the Mughal rule in
16. Match the following Which of the statement(s) given above
India is false?
List I List II (a) Peasant communities were a united is/are correct?
(Authors) and homogeneous group (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(Texts)
(b) There was an abundance of food (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
A. Kitab-al-Hind 1. Ibn Battuta
grain 26. Match the following
B. Rehla 2. Al-Biruni
(c) The state encouraged those crops
C. Humayun Nama 3. Lahori that brought in more revenue List I List II
D. Badshah Nama 4. Gulbadan Begum (d) Most regions produced two crops (Terms) (Meanings)
Codes in a year A. Mihrab 1. Stepped pulpit
A B C D A B C D 21. The ruins of the Vijayanagara at B. Mimbar 2. Direction towards the
(a) 2 4 1 3 (b) 3 1 4 2 Kaba for prayer
Hampi were brought to light in
(c) 3 4 1 2 (d) 2 1 4 3 C. Khutba 3. Arch
1800 by
(a) Colonel Colin Mackenzie D. Kibla 4. Sermon
17. Consider the following
statement(s) about Sher Shah’s (b) Sir John Shore Codes
(c) Andrew Fraser
administration A B C D A B C D
(d) John Marshall
1. He divided his empire into (a) 2 1 4 3 (b) 2 4 1 3
Sarkars, which were further 22. Marco Polo’s trip to India (AD (c) 3 1 4 2 (d) 3 4 1 2
subdivided into Parganas. 1271) earned much fame in
27. Match the following
2. The Sarkars and the Parganas Europe on account of
were directly administered by (a) his having discovered a safe route List I List II
Sher Shah without the help of to India (Persons) (Works)
any other officials. (b) his having established amicable A. Uddanda 1. Sudhanidhi
relations with many Kings of India B. Sayana 2. Mallikamaruta
Which of the statement(s) given
(c) his account of commercial, C. Yadavaprakasha 3. Malatimadhava
above is/are correct?
religious and social conditions in D. Bhavabhuti 4. Vaijayanti
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
the East
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Codes
(d) All of the above
18. Match the following A B C D

List I List II 2015 (I) (a) 2 1 4 3

(b) 3 4 1 2
(Temples) (Towns) 23. Upari refers to which one of the (c) 2 4 1 3
A. Kailasanatha 1. Bhubaneswar following? (d) 3 1 4 2
B. Lingaraj 2. Khajuraho (a) A form of Marathi poetry that
emerged during the Maratha period 28. The ‘Sur Sagar’ is
C. Kandariya Mahadev 3. Mount Abu
(b) A category of tenancy tenure held (a) a medieval treatise on music
D. Dilwara 4. Kanchipuram
under the Maratha regime composed by Tansen
Codes (c) A court official during Maratha rule (b) a poetic work of Surdas
A B C D A B C D (d) A group of peasants who repelled (c) memories of Bahadur Shah Zafar
(a) 4 2 1 3 (b) 4 1 2 3 against their oppressive landlords (d) None of the above
(c) 3 1 2 4 (d) 3 2 1 4 under Maratha rule
802 CDS Pathfinder

29. After the death of Shivaji, there 32. The Rihla was written in 1. The kings claimed to rule on
was a fight for succession (a) Arabic in the 14th century by Ibn behalf of the God Virupaksha.
between Battuta 2. Rulers used the title ‘Hindu
(a) Shambhaji and the widow of Shivaji (b) Persian in the 15th century by Suratrana’ to indicate their close
(b) Shambhaji and Bajirao Abdur Razzaq links with Gods.
(c) Rajaram and Shambhaji (c) Persian in the 13th century by Ibn 3. All royal orders were signed in
(d) None of the above Battuta Kannada, Sanskrit and Tamil.
(d) Italian in the 13th century by 4. Royal portrait sculpture was now
30. Match the following Marco Polo displayed in temples.
List I List II Select the correct answer using the
(Authors) (Works)
2016 (I) codes given below.
A. Somadeva 1. Malavikagnimitram (a) Only 4
B. Kalidasa 2. Kathasaritsagara 33. The followers of Gorakhnath (b) 1 and 2
C. Bhasa 3. Chaurapanchasika were called (c) 1, 2 and 3
D. Bilhana 4. Svapnavasavadatta (a) Jogis (b) Nath-Panthis (d) 1, 2 and 4
Codes (c) Tantriks (d) Sanyasis
36. Iqta in medieval India meant
A B C D A B C D 34. What were the 12 states of the (a) land assigned to religious personnel for
(a) 2 1 4 3 (b) 3 4 1 2 Sikh confederacy called? spiritual purposes
(c) 2 4 1 3 (d) 3 1 4 2 (a) Misl (b) Gurmata (b) land revenue from different territorial
31. Who among the following was not (c) Sardari (d) Rakhi units assigned to army officers
a painter at Akbar’s Court? 35. Which of the following (c) charity for educational and cultural
(a) Daswanth (b) Abdus Samad activities
statement(s) about the
(c) Kalyan Das (d) Basawan (d) the rights of the Zamindar
Vijayanagara empire is/are true?

ANSWERS
Practice Exercise
1 a 2 a 3 c 4 c 5 c 6 c 7 a 8 a 9 b 10 b
11 a 12 d 13 d 14 d 15 c 16 a 17 c 18 c 19 c 20 c
21 d 22 c 23 d 24 b 25 c 26 d 27 a 28 c 29 b 30 b
31 c 32 d 33 c 34 d 35 a 36 a 37 b 38 b 39 d 40 b
41 a 42 a 43 a 44 c 45 c 46 d 47 b 48 b 49 b 50 c
51 b 52 c 53 b 54 b 55 a 56 a 57 c 58 b 59 a 60 b
61 d 62 c 63 c 64 c 65 c 66 a 67 c 68 a 69 b 70 d
71 b 72 c 73 b 74 a 75 d 76 c 77 a 78 a 79 d 80 d
81 c 82 d 83 c 84 c 85 c 86 a 87 c 88 d 89 d 90 a
91 d 92 a 93 a 94 c 95 c 96 d 97 c 98 c 99 c 100 b
101 a 102 d 103 c 104 d 105 d 106 a 107 d 108 d 109 c 110 c
111 d 112 a 113 a 114 d 115 d 116 c 117 c 118 b 119 c 120 c
121 d 122 c 123 c 124 b 125 b 126 d 127 c 128 d

Questions from CDS Exam (2012-16)

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 b 5 c 6 b 7 a 8 d 9 d 10 c
11 b 12 c 13 b 14 a 15 c 16 d 17 a 18 b 19 b 20 a
21 a 22 c 23 b 24 b 25 c 26 c 27 a 28 b 29 c 30 a
31 c 32 a 33 a 34 a 35 d 36 b
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
PART III MODERN INDIA
ADVENT OF THE
EUROPEANS IN INDIA
In the AD 17th-18th centuries India became a centre of
attraction for many European nations, who were inspired
by the new spirit of adventure and discovery. Following is
the order in which Europeans came to India
The Portuguese
• Vasco da Gama was sent in 1498 from Lisbon to find
the direct sea-route from Europe to India. Francisco
Almeida was the first Governor of Portuguese in India
(1505-09). He introduced ‘The Policy of Blue Water’.
Albuquerque, the next Governor, built a great
territorial power in India.
• They established trading settlements at Calicut, Cochin
and Cannanore. Cochin was the early capital of the
Portuguese in India. The Portuguese maritime empire
acquired the name of Estado da India which intended
to monopolise the pepper and spice trade of the East.
• The Portuguese were able to establish their settlements
near the sea in Diu, Daman, Salsette, Bassein, Chaul
and Bombay on the Western coast and San Thome near
Madras and Hooghly in Bengal.
Dutch
• In 1602, the Dutch East India Company was formed by
the Dutch Parliament through a charter which gave
them powers to fight wars.
• The Dutch gradually set-up factories at Masulipatnam,
Pulicat, Surat, Bimilipatnam, Karikal, Chinsura,
Kasimbazar, Boranagore, Patna, Balasore, Nagapatnam
and Cochin. In 18th century, Dutch power in India
began to decline and finally, collapsed with their defeat
by English in the Battle of Bedara in 1759.
English
• English East India Company was founded in AD 1600
by the merchants of London, for trade with India. It
was chartered on 31st December, 1600 by Queen
Elizabeth and granted the monopoly of Eastern trade.
• Jahangir permitted the East India Company to establish
factories at several places in the empire. Gradually, the
company established factories at Agra, Ahmedabad,
Baroda, Broach, Bombay, Surat, Madras, Masulipatnam
and different parts of Orissa, Bihar, Bengal.
• The Island of Bombay was acquired by the East India
Company from the British Government in 1668 and
was immediately fortified. The first factory of English
was established at Surat (1608).
803
Danes
Danes East India Company was founded in AD 1616. They
established their settlement at Bengal (Serampur),
Tranqueber (Tamil Nadu). They were forced to sell their
settlements to the British in 1854.
French
• ‘Compagnie des Indes Orientales’ popularly known as the
French East India Company was formed by Colbert,
under state patronage in AD 1664.
• In AD 1667, an expedition was sent under
Francois Caron, who established the first French factory
India at Surat. In AD 1669, Marcara founded another
French factory at Masulipatam by securing patent from
the Sultan of Golconda.
• In July 1672, French squadron under De La Haye
occupied San Thome near Madras.
• In 1673, Francois Martin, director of the Masulipatam
factory, obtained from Sher Khan Lodi, Governor of
Valikondapuram, a site for a factory, which later
developed into Pondicherry and its first governor was
Francois Martin.
• In Bengal, the French laid the foundation of their famous
settlement of Chandranagar in AD 1690 on a site granted
to them by Shaista Khan.
The European Commerce
India had maintained its trade relations with the foreign
merchants even during the earlier centuries. There was a
great difference between the foreign merchants who had
earlier settled in and conducted brisk trade from India and
the Europeans who came to India in the 16th and 17th
centuries.
GOVERNOR-GENERAL
OF BENGAL
Warren Hastings (1773-85)
• He became Governor of Bengal in 1772 and first
Governor-General of Bengal in 1773, through the
Regulating Act. He abolished the dual system of
administration.
• He divided Bengal into districts and appointed collectors
and other revenue officials. He established India’s first
Supreme Court in Calcutta.
• He founded Asiatic Society of Bengal with William Jones
in 1784 and wrote introduction to the first English
translation of the Gita by Charles Wilkins.
• Started Diwani and Faujdari adalats and the district level
Sadar diwani and Nizmat adalats (appellate courts).
804
• He redefined Hindu and Muslim
laws. A translation of code in
Sanskrit appeared under the title
‘Code of Gentoo laws’.
• First Anglo-Maratha War was
fought during his period, which
ended with Treaty of Salbai
(1776-82). Second Anglo-Mysore
War (1780-84), ended with Treaty
of Mangalore. Rohilla War (1774)
look place.
• Pitts India Act, 1784 and Edmund
Burke Bill, 1783 was passed.
Deprived Zamindars of their
judicial powers. Maintenance of
records was made compulsory.
• Impeachment proceedings started
against him in Britain on the
charges of taking bribe. After a
trial of 7 years, he was finally
acquitted.
Lord Cornwallis (1786-93)
• First person to codify laws (1793).
The code separated the revenue
administration from the
administration of justice. He
introduced Izaredari System in
1773. He started the permanent
settlement of Bengal.
• He created the post of District
Judge. He is called the father of
Civil Services in India. Third
Anglo-Mysore War and the Treaty
of Seringapatam. He undertook
police reforms.
Sir John Shore (1793-98)
He played an important role in
planning the permanent settlement.
Introduced First Charter Act (1793).
Famous for his policy of
non-interference. Battle of Kharla
between Nizam and Marathas (1759).
Lord Wellesey (1798-1803)
• Introduced the system of
Subsidiary alliance. Madras
presidency was formed during his
tenure. Fourth Anglo-Mysore
war in 1799, Tipu Sultan died. First
subsidiary treaty with Nizam of
Hyderabad. Second Anglo-Maratha
War took place.
• In 1800, he set-up Fort William College
in Calcutta. He was famous as Bengal
Tiger. He brought the censorship of
Press Act, 1799.
Sir George Barlow (1805-07)
Vellore mutiny (1806, by soldiers) took
place. Second Anglo-Maratha War ended.
Lord Minto I (1807-13)
Treaty of Amritsar (1809) with Ranjit Singh
was signed. Charter Act of 1813 ended the
monopoly of East India Company in India.
Lord Hastings (1813-23)
Adopted the policy of intervention and
war. Anglo-Nepal War (1813-23) took
place.
GOVERNOR-GENERALS
OF INDIA
Lord William Bentinck (1828-35)
• Most liberal and enlightened among all
Governor-General of India. Regarded as
the ‘Father of Modern Western
Education in India’. Abolition of Sati in
1829 by Regulation XVII. Thugi was
suppressed in 1830. Passed the Charter
Act, of 1833.
• Deposition of Raja of Mysore and
annexation of his territories (1831).
Abolition of provincial court of appeal
and appointment of commissioners
instead.
• He was first Governor-General of India.
First Medical College was opened in
Calcutta in 1835. Signed Treaty of
Friendship with Ranjit Singh (1831).
Annexed Coorg (1834) and Central
Cachar (1831).
Sir Charles Metcalfe (1835-36)
Passed the famous press law, which
liberated the press in India. He is known
as liberator of press.
Lord Auckland (1836-42)
In 1839, Lord Auckland had started
construction of Grand Trunk Road from
Calcutta to Delhi. In his period, Sher Shah
Suri Marg was also renamed as the Grand
Trunk Road (GT Road).
CDS Pathfinder
Lord Ellenborough
(1842-44)
Brought an end to the Afghan
War (1842). The main events
which took place during his
tenure were as follow
• Annexation of Sindh to
British Empire (1843).
• Charles Napier was replaced
by Major Outram as the
resident in Sindh.
Lord Hardinge (1844-48)
The main events during his
tenure were First Anglo-Sikh
War and the Treaty of Lahore.
Lord Dalhousie (1848-56)
The main events during his
tenure were Second Anglo-Sikh
War (1848-49) and annexation of
Punjab. Abolished title and
passed pensions. Widow
Remarriage Act (1856).
Introduced Doctrine of Lapse.
Woods Educational Despatch of
1854 was passed. Introduction of
the Railway, Telegraph and
the Postal System in 1853.
Second Anglo-Burmese War
(1852) took place. Santhal
uprisings (1855-56) took place.
Charter Act of 1853 was passed.
DOCTRINE OF LAPSE
●
The Doctrine of Lapse was
planned by Lord Dalhousie to
deal with questions of
succession to princely states or
Territory of India. According
to the doctrine, if ruler of any
princely states under the
paramountry of the company
died without a natural heir, the
state would automatically be
annexed to the British Empire.
●
The company took over the
princely states of Satara
(1848), Jaitpur and Sambalpur
(1849), Nagpur and Jhansi
(1854), Tanjore and Arcot
(1855), Udipur (Chhattisgarh)
and Oudh (1856) under the
terms of the Doctrine of
Lapse.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
VICEROYS
OF INDIA
Lord Canning (AD 1858-62)
• The last Governor-General and the
first Viceroy. Withdrew Doctrine
of Lapse. Transfer of control from
East India Company to the crown,
the Government of India Act, in
1858.
• ‘White Mutiny’ by European
troops in 1859 took place. Indian
Councils Act of 1861 was passed.
Lord Elgin (AD 1862-63)
Wahabi Movement, took place.
Inauguration of High Court
judicature in Bengal. Transfer of
Indian Navy to admiralty.
Lord John Lawrence
(AD 1864-69)
He created the Indian Forest
Department. Bhutan War of 1865
took place. Setting up of the High
Courts at Calcutta, Bombay and
Madras in 1865. Opened the
Telegraphic Communication with
Europe.
Lord Mayo (AD 1869-72)
Opening of the Rajkot College in
Kathiawar and the Mayo College at
Ajmer for political training of Indian
Princes. Establishment of Statistical
Survey of India. Establishment of
Department of Agriculture and
Commerce. Started the process of
financial decentralisation in India.
Lord Northbrook (AD 1872-76)
Important events took place during
his rule are Kuka Movement, Trial of
Gaekwad of Baroda and Bihar
Famine. He abolished income tax.
Lord Lytton (AD 1876-80)
• Royal titles in 1876, Queen
Victoria assuming the title of
‘Kaiser-i-Hind’ or Queen Empress
of India. The Arms Act of 1878
was passed.
• Famine of 1876-78 affecting
Madras, Bombay, Mysore,
Hyderabad, parts of Central India
and Punjab, appointment of Famine
Commission under the Presidency
of Richard Strachey in 1878. He
was also called as the Viceroy of
reverse characters.
• Under his governorship, the
Vernacular Press Act was passed in
1878 to curtail the freedom of the
Indian language press. The Act was
intended to prevent the vernacular
press from expressing criticism of
British policies.
Lord Ripon (AD 1880-84)
The first Factory Act in 1881 to
improve labour conditions.
Continuation of financial
decentralisation. Government
resolution on local self-government in
1882. Appointment of Education
Commission under chairmanship of
Sir William Hunter in 1882.
Lord Dufferin (AD 1884-88)
Establishment of the Indian National
Congress. He was Governor-General
and Viceroy of India. Punjdeh Affair
(1884). He celebrated the silver jubilee
of Queen Victorica on 16th February,
1887.
Lord Lansdowne (AD 1888-94)
• Second Factory Act of 1891 was
passed which, granted a weekly
holiday.
• Categorisation of civil services into
imperial, provisional and
subordinate. Indian Council Act of
1892, was passed.
• Setting up of Durand Commission
in 1893 to define the Durand Line
between India and Afghanistan
(now between Pakistan and
Afghanistan).
Lord Elgin II (AD 1894-99)
British officials assassinated by
Chapekar brothers in 1897. Lyall
commission appointed after famine of
1896-97.
Lord Curzon (AD 1899-1905)
• Appointment of Police
Commission in 1902 under Sir
Andrew Frazer to review police
administration.
805
• Appointment of Universities
Commission in 1902 and passing of
Indian Universities Act in 1904.
• Establishment of Department of
Commerce and Industry. Passed
the Indian Coinage and Paper
Currency Act (1899) and put India
on a gold standard.
Lord Minto II (AD 1905-10)
Establishment of Muslim League by
Aga Khan in 1906. Split of Congress
in annual session of 1907 in Surat. The
Indian Council Act of 1909 or the
Morley-Minto Reforms was passed.
Popularisation of anti-partition and
Swadeshi Movement.
Lord Hardinge II (AD 1910-16)
• Annie Besant announced the Home
Rule Movement. Coronation
durbar of king George V held in
Delhi in 1911. Creation of Bengal
Presidency (like Bombay and
Madras) in 1911 or partition of
Bengal was cancelled (1911).
Transfer of capital from Calcutta to
Delhi in 1911.
• Establishment of the Hindu
Mahasabha in 1915 by Madan
Mohan Malaviya. Gandhiji came
back to India from South Africa
(1915).
Lord Chelmsford (AD 1916-21)
• Formation of Home Rule Leagues
by Annie Besant and Tilak in 1916.
Lucknow Pact between the
Congress and Muslim League in
1916.
• Appointment of Saddler’s
Commission in 1917 for reforms in
educational policy. Jallianwalla
Bagh massacre of 1919. Launch of
Non-cooperation and Khilafat
Movement.
• Appointment of SP Sinha as the
Governor of Bihar (the first Indian
to become a governor). Death of
Tilak (1st August, 1920).
Lord Reading (AD 1921-26)
• Moplah rebellion in Kerala in 1921.
Communist Party was founded in
1920 by MN Roy.
806
• Chauri Chaura incident on
5th February, 1922 and
subsequent withdrawal on
non-cooperation movement.
• Vishwabharati University started
in 1922. Establishment of Swaraj
party by CR Das and Motilal
Nehru in 1922.
• Decision to hold simultaneous
examinations for the ICS both in
Delhi and London, with effect
from 1923. Kakori train robbery
of 1925.
Lord Irwin (AD 1926-31)
• Appointment of the Harcourt
Butler Indian States Commission
in 1927. Visit of Simon
Commission to India in 1928 and
boycott of the Commission by
the Indians.
• An All-Parties Conference held at
Lucknow in 1928 for suggestions
for the (future) Constitution of
India, the report of which was
called the Nehru Report or the
Nehru Constitution.
• Murder of Saunders, the assistant
superintendent of police of
Lahore, bomb blast in the
Assembly Hall of Delhi in 1929,
the Lahore conspiracy case and
bomb accident in train in Delhi in
1929.
Lord Willingdon (AD 1931-36)
• Second Round Table Conference
in 1931 and failure of the
conference, resumption of Civil
Disobedience Movement.
• Announcement of Communal
Award in 1932 under which
separate communal electorates
were set-up.
• ‘Fast unto death’ by Gandhiji in
Yervada prison, broken after the
Poona Pact in 1932.
• Third Round Table Conference of
1932. The Government of India
Act of 1935. Burma separated
from India in 1935.
• Establishment of All India Kisan
Sabha in 1936 and Congress
Socialist party by Acharya
Narendra Dev and Jaya Prakash
Narayan in 1934.
Lord Linlithgow (AD 1936-44)
• First general elections in 1936-37,
Congress attained absolute majority
in 6 states.
• Resignation of the Congress
ministries after the outbreak of the
World War II in 1939.
• Escape of Subhash Chandra Bose
from India in 1941 and organisation
of the Indian National Army.
• Cripps Mission and Cripps plan to
offer dominion status to India and
setting up of a Constituent
Assembly, its rejection by the
Congress.
• Passing of the ‘Quit India
Resolution’ by the Congress in
1942. Outbreak of ‘August
Revolution’ or Revolt of 1942 after
the arrest of national leaders.
Lord Wavell (AD 1944-47)
• Wavell Plan and the Shimla
Conference in 1942. C
Rajagopalachari’s CR formula in
1944, failure of Gandhi-Jinnah talks
in 1944. End of World War II in
1945. Proposals of the Cabinet
Mission Plan in 1946 and its
acceptance by the Congress.
• Observance of ‘Direct Action Day’
on 16th August, 1948 by the Muslim
League. Announcement of the end of
British Rule in India by Clement
Atlee (Prime Minister of England) on
20th February, 1947.
Lord Mountbatten
(AD March 1947-August 1947)
Last Governor-General of India.
Introduction of Indian Independence
Bill in the House of Commons. India
Independence Act passed by the British
Parliament on 4th July, 1947 by which
India became independent on 15th
August, 1947.
C Rajagopalachari (AD 1948-50)
The last Governor General of
free India (The first being
Mountbatten). The only Indian
Governor General, remained in office
till January, 1950.
CDS Pathfinder
LAND REVENUE
SYSTEM
Permanent Settlement
• Introduced in Bengal, Bihar-Orissa,
districts of Banaras and Northern
districts of Madras by Lord
Cornwallis in 1793. Sir John Shore
planned this settlement.
• It declared zamindars as the
owners of the land. Hence, they
could keep 1/11th of the revenue
collected to themselves while the
British got a fixed share of 10/11th
of the revenue collected. The
zamindars were free to fix the
rate. Assured of their ownership,
many zamindars stayed in towns
and exploited their tenants.
• The zamindars collected the rents of
land through different intermediate
collectors. As a result of such
practice there had been creation of
multi-level ranks of collector under
the zamindar.
Ryotwari Settlement
• It was introduced in Bombay,
Madras and Assam. Munro and
Charles Reed recommended it. In
this system, the direct settlement
was made between the Government
and the Ryots. The revenue was
based on the basis of the quality of
the soil and the nature of the crop.
• The revenue was fixed for a period
not exceeding 30 years. It was
based on the Scientific Rent Theory
of Ricardo. The position of the
cultivator became more secure.
Mahalwari System
• It was introduced in the area of
Ganga valley NWFP, parts of
Central India and Punjab. Revenue
settlement was to be made by
village or estates with landlords.
• In this system, a settlement was
made with the village which
maintained a form of common
ownership known as Bhai Chara or
with Mahals, which were group of
villages. Revenue was periodically
revised.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
Taluqdari System
• The Mahalwari system did not
cover the whole of the Uttar
Pradesh. In the district of Oudh,
there existed another system
known as Taluqdari system. Under
it a number of villages were put
under the Taluqdari system. The
government entered into an
agreement with the Taluqdar for a
period of 30 years.
• The Taluqdar collected the
stipulated revenues from different
villages put under his charge and
deposited them with the
government, after deducting the
cost of collection of the revenues
and his own remuneration for the
arduous work.
• Unlike the Bengal Zamindars the
Oudh Taluqdars had no real rights
over the lands under their charge.
Moreover, they worked as revenue
collectors for the fixed period of
the settlement, and not in
perpetuity.
REVOLT OF 1857
The mighty upsurge of 1857, swept
over many parts of Northern and
Central India like an avalanche. The
British Empire in India was rattled
to its foundation. It was the most
significant movement of resistance
against European colonial rule.
Causes of the Revolt
• Political Cause Nana Sahib was
refused pension as he was the
adopted son of Peshwa Baji
Rao-II. He later led the revolt
from Kanpur.
• Awadh (Lucknow) was annexed
in 1856, on charge of
maladministration and Jhansi was
annexed owing to Doctrine of
Lapse.
• Military Discrimination Indian
soldiers were paid low salaries,
they could not rise above the rank
of Subedar and were racially
insulted.
807
• Religious Discrimination The William Taylor and Edgre
social reforms by British was against
•
suppressed the revolt at Arrah.
the people’s will (widow remarriage, Tantia Tope was betrayed by a
abolition of sati, school for girls, friend. He was captured and
Christian missionaries etc). Soldiers executed on 15th April, 1859.
were asked to use the Enfield Rifles
with greased (by pork or beef) Causes Behind the
cartridges. Failure of the Revolt
• Economic Grievances Heavy
• Lack of unity and poor
taxations, discriminatory tariff organisation of the revolt. All the
policy; destruction of traditional
classes of the society were not
handicrafts that hit peasants, effected or participated in the
artisians and small zamindars. revolt. Lack of common motive for
participating in the revolt.
Outbreak of the Revolt
Scindhias,
• Some of the rulers like
• Bengal Resentment in 19 native
Nizam and Holkars helped
infantry of Behrampur, which
Britishers in repressing the revolt.
refused to use the newly introduced
The military equipment of rebels
Enfield Rifle.
was inferior.
• Mangal Pandey 34th native
Different Leaders Associated with
infantry fired at the sergeant major
the Revolt of 1857
of his regiment. Known as a part of
Mutiny of Barrackpur. Place Leaders
• Where the rulers were loyal to the Barrackpore Mangal Pandey
British, the soldiers revolted, as in Delhi Bahadur Shah II, Bakht
Gwalior and Indore. In some places, Khan Hakim Ahsanullah
people revolted before the sepoys. (Chief advisor to Bahadur
Shah II)
• In the beginning, the rebels were Lucknow Begum Hazrat Mahal, Bijris
successful. Europeans were killed, Qadir, Ahmadullah (advisor
of the ex-Nawab of Awadh)
police stations and law courts were
attacked and revenue records were Kanpur Nana Sahib, Rao Sahib
(nephew of Nana), Tantia
destroyed. But, the revolt was soon Tope, Azimullah Khan
suppressed. (advisor of Nana Sahib)
Jhansi Rani Laxmibai
Suppression of the Revolt Bihar (Jagdishpur) Kunwar Singh, Amar Singh
• John Lawrence remarked, ‘‘Had a Allahabad and Maulvi Liyakat Ali
single leader of ability arisen among Banaras
them we must have been lost Faizabad Maulvi Ahmadullah (he
beyond redemption.’’ Delhi was declared the revolt as
Jihad against English)
recaptured on 20th September, 1857
Farrukhabad Tufzal Hasan Khan
by John Nicholson and Bahadur
Bijnor Mohammed Khan
Shah II was deported to Rangoon,
where he died in 1862. His sons Muradabad Abdul Ali Khan
were shot dead at Delhi. Bareilly Khan Bahadur Khan
• Jhansi was recaptured by Hugh Mandsor Firoz Shah
Rose on 17th June, 1858. Rani Gwalior/Kanpur Tantia Tope
Lakshmi Bai died in the battle field. Assam Kandapareshwar Singh,
Manirama Datta
Kanpur was recaptured on
6th December, 1857 by Colin Orissa Surendra Shahi, Ujjwal
Shahi
Campbell. Lucknow was recaptured
Kullu Raja Pratap Singh
on 21st March, 1858 by Colin
Rajasthan Jaidayal Singh and
Campbell, Havelock and Outram. Hardayal Singh
Nana Sahib and Hazrat Mahal both Gorakhpur Gajadhar Singh
escaped to Nepal.
Mathura Devi Singh, Kadam Singh
808
OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS
●
At Jhansi, Rani Laxmibai, the widow queen of Raja
Gangadhar Rao, the last Maratha ruler of Jhansi, led
the rebellion.
●
In Bihar, Kunwar Singh of Arrah, raised the banner
of rebellion, which soon spread to many parts of Bihar,
including Danapur, Chhotanagpur, Ranchi, Palamau
etc. The tribals of the region also joined the rebellion.
Kunwar Singh overthrew the British authority in
Shahabad and established his own government. He
marched to Kalpi to help Nana Sahib for a joint
attack on Kanpur.
●
Prince Firoz Shah raised the banner of revolt at
Mandsor (Madhya Pradesh) and kept the British forces
engaged in Central India. Driven out of central
provinces, he campaigned in Ruhelkhand and Awadh.
He also joined the forces of Tantia Tope in Rajputana.
●
Khan Bahadur Khan raised the banner of revolt in
Ruhelkhand with epicenter at Bareilly. He proclaimed
himself the Nawab Nazim.
Social and Cultural Uprisings
Brahmo Samaj
• Brahmo Samaj was founded by Raja Rammohan Roy in
1828 at Calcutta.
• Roy believed in the modern scientific approach and
principles of human dignity and social equality. He put
his faith in monotheism.
• He wrote the Gift to Monotheists (1809) and translated it
into Bengali the Vedas and five Upanishads to prove his
conviction to that ancient Hindu text.
• In 1814, he set-up Atmiya Sabha in Calcutta to campaign
against idolatry, caste rigidities, meaningless rituals and
other social evils.
• In 1825, he established a Vedanta college where courses
in both Indian learning and Western social and physical
science were offered.
• Roy was a gifted linguist. He knew more than a dozen
language including Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, English,
French, Latin, Greek and Hebrew. He proposed English
system of education.
Prarthana Samaj
• Mahadev Gobind Ranade along with Dr Atmaram
Pandurang reorganised Paramhansa Sabha under the
guidance of Keshab Chandra Sen and founded Prarthana
Samaj in 1867. It was primarily a Social Reform and
Social Work Movement.
• Beyond the religious concerns, the primary focus of the
Prarthana Samaj was to improve the condition of women
and depressed classes. The samajist demanded to end the
caste system, abolish the child marriages and infanticide,
educate the women and remarriage of windows.
CDS Pathfinder
• A paper named Subodh Patrika was started in order
to spread the teaching of the society. Some prominent
Prarthana Samajist like Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar,
Narayan Ganesh Chandarvarkar, Gopal Ganesh
Agarkar, KT Telang etc contributed for overall
development of the society.
Arya Samaj
Arya Samaj founded by Dayanand Saraswati or
Mulshankar (1824-83).
• The first Arya Samaj unit was formally set up by him
at Bombay in 1975 and later the headquarter of the
Samaj was established at Lahore.
• Dayanand’s views were published in the famous work
of Satyarth Prakash (The True Exposition). He gave
slogan “Go Back to the Vedas”. He disregarded
Puranas, idol worship, casteism and untouchability. He
advocated widow remarriage.
• Arya Samaj has established a large number of
educational institutions in India particularly in the
North, like Kanya Gurukuls and DAV (Dayanand
Anglo-Vedic) Schools and College.
• Dayanand was the first man to use the term Swaraj
and recognise Hindi as the National Language of
India.
• The Arya Samaj opposed all social evils of the Hindu
society like sati, polygamy, child marriage, purdah,
casteism etc and started the Shudhi movement.
Rama Krishna Mission
• The first Rama Krishna Math was established by the
disciple of Rama Krishna, Swami Vivekananda at
Baranagar in 1897.
• Vivekananda went to America in 1893 and attended the
World Parliament of Religious Conference at Chicago.
• Vivekananda revived Hindu Spiritualism and thus,
established its superiority over Islam and Christianity.
Irish woman Margaret Nobel (known as sister Nivedita)
popularised the mission.
Young Bengal Movement
• During the late 1820 and early 1830 there emerged a
radical intellectual trend among the youth in Bengal,
which came to be known as the ‘Young Bengal
Movement’.
• Founded by Henry Vivian Derozio, who taught in
Hindu College Calcutta from 1826 to 1831. Derozio is
considered as the first nationalist poet of Modern India.
• He also edited Hosperus and Calcutta Literary Gazette.
He urged the students to live and die for truth. Derozio
also supported women rights and education.
• The movement was too radical, therefore it could not
survive for long.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 809

Satya Shodhak Samaj Other Socio-religious Movements

• Satya Shodhak Samaj (Truth Seeker’s Society) Movement Founder Feature
was founded by Jyotiba Phule in 1873. He Ved Samaj Keshab Chandra ● K Sridharula renamed it as Brahmo Samaj of South
belonged to the Mali (gardener) community Sen and India in 1871.
K Sridharula in
and organised a powerful movement against 1864
● K Sridharula translated Brahmo Samaj into Tamil
and Telugu languages.
upper caste domination and Brahminical
supremacy. Deva Samaj Shiv Narain ● Teachings were compiled in book form named
Agnihotri in 1887 Deva Shastra.
• Phule’s works ‘Sarvajanik Satyadharma’ and at Lahore
● Belief in the Supreme Being, Eternity of Soul,
‘Gulam Giri’ became sources of inspiration Supremacy of Guru.
for the common masses. Ahmadiya Mirza Ghulam in ● Belief that Islam is the final dispensation for
Movement Punjab in 1889 humanity.
• Phule opened with the help of his wife, a
girls school at Poona and was a pioneer of Dravida John Rathinam and ● Goals were to eradicate the ills of the existing caste
Kazhagam EV Ramaswamy system including untouchability.
widow remarriage movement in Maharashtra.
● Name of Dravida Kazhagam was changed to
Dravidar Kazhagam in 1944.
JAJMANI SYSTEM Dravida C Iyothee Thass ● Movement emphasised that Scheduled caste
●
This system was an Indian social caste Mahajana in 1891 people to register themselves as “casteless
Sabha Dravidians” instead of identifying themselves as
system and was an interaction between Hindus.
upper castes and lower castes. It was an
Self-Respect EV Ramaswamy ● Aim of achieving a society where backward castes
economic system where lower castes Movement in 1925 have equal human rights.
performed various functions for upper
● To encourage backward castes to have
castes. self-respect in the context of a caste-based society
●
The terminology of Jajmani system was that considered them to be a lower end of the
hierarchy.
introduced by William Wiser. He found
in his study on a village in Uttar Deoband Rashid Ahmad ● The movement was inspired by scholar Shah
Movement Gangohi, Waliullah Dehlawi.
Pradesh, that how different castes (Deobandis) Muhammad Yaqub
interacted with one another in the ● The group founded an Islamic seminary known as
Nanautawi in 1867
Darul Uloom Deoband, where Islamic revivalist and
production and exchange of goods and anti-imperialist ideology of the Deobandis began to
services. develop.
●
The system is based on the agricultural ● Deobandis advocated a notion of composite
system of production and distribution of nationalism by which Hindus and Muslims were
goods and services. seen as one nation.
Radha Tulsi Ram popularly ● Belief in one Supreme Being, Supermacy of Guru
Swami known as Dayal and Simple Social Life.
The Theosophical Movement Movement Sahib or Swamiji
Maharaj, in 1861
• The Theosophical Society was founded by
Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olcott in New

•
York in 1875.
The founders arrived in India in January 1882
and established the headquarters of the
society at Adyar near Madras.
• The society belief in the universal
brotherhood of humanity without any
discrimination, study of comparative religion,
philosophy and science and the unexplained
laws of nature and the powers latent in
human.
• In 1888, Mrs Annie Besant joined the society
in England. Her membership provided an
asset of greatest values to the society.
• Annie Besant (1847-1933) became its
President after the death of Olcott in 1907.
She laid the foundation of the Central Hindu
College in Banaras in 1898, which became
BHU in 1916.
NATIONAL MOVEMENTS
Indigo Revolt (AD 1859-60)
• The European planters used totally arbitary and ruthless methods to
force peasants to grow the unremunerative Indigo crop on a part of
their land in Eastern India.
• In 1860, the terribly oppressed indigo peasants launched
‘non-cultivation of indigo’ movements. Beginning with the Ryots of
Govindpur village in Nadia district (Bengal) the Indigo strikes
rapidly spread to other areas by the spring of 1860.
• Important role was played by Harish Chandra Mukherji, editor of
Hindu Patriot. ‘Deen Bandhu Mitra’s’ play Neel Darpan was based
on this. Michel Madhusudan Dutta eminent Bengali poet cum
play-writer, translated Neel Darpan into English.
• The government appointed an Indigo Commission in 1860. Indigo
riots took place in 1867-68 in Champaran (Bihar).
810
The Indian National Congress
• Founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume (AO Hume)
a retired British member of Indian Civil Service. It is
thought, his main purpose was to encourage the
foundation of Congress to provide a ‘safety valve’ or
‘safety outlet’ to growing discontent among the educated
Indians.
• The first session of the Indian National Congress was
held on 28th December, 1885. Dadabhai Naoroji changed
the name of the organisation to Indian National Congress
(INC). Wyomesh Chandra Banerjee a leading lawyer of
Calcutta was elected its President. Its session was held in
Bombay under WC Banerjee in 1885 (72 delegates
attended it).
• In 1890, Kadambini Ganguly, the first woman graduate
of Calcutta university, addressed the Congress session.
The most outstanding representative of this school was
Bal Gangadhar Tilak later popularly known as
Lokamanya Tilak. He was born in 1856. The most
outstanding extremist leaders were Bipin Chandra Pal,
Aurobindo Ghosh and Lala Lajpat Rai.
The Partition of Bengal
• On 20th July, 1905 Lord Curzon issued an order to
divide the province of Bengal into two parts. It was
done with a partial motive to set-up a communal gulf
between Hindus and Muslims.
• The Anti-Partition Movement was started by most
prominent leaders like Surendranath Banerjee and
Krishna Kumar Mitra. There were cries of ‘Bande
Mataram’ which became a national song of Bengal.
• Rabindranath Tagore composed the national song ‘Amar
Sonar Bangla’ for the occasion which was sung by huge
crowd parading the streets. This song was adopted as
national anthem by Bangladesh in 1971 after liberation.
• The ceremony of Raksha Bandhan was observed on
16th October, 1905. Hindu and Muslim tied ‘rakhi’ in
one another’s wrists as a symbol of the unbreakable
unity.
Swadeshi Movement
• The leader of Bengal felt that mere demonstrations,
public meetings and resolutions were not enough and
something more concrete was needed and the answer felt
was Swadeshi and Boycott. People burnt foreign clothes
and foreign goods.
• The leaders of Bengal took up the work of national
education in right earnest. National educational
institutions were opened by them and literary, technical
and physical education was given there.
• On 15th August, 1906 a national council of education
was set-up and Aurobindo Ghosh was appointed as the
first Principal of the National College.
CDS Pathfinder
• An important aspect of the Swadeshi Movement was
emphasis placed on self-reliance. At the Calcutta session
the Congress decided to boycott British goods on 7th
August, 1905.
• Lala Lajpat Rai, BG Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal (Lal,
Bal and Pal) and Aurbindo Ghosh played important role
in Swadeshi Movement.
Muslim League (1906)
In 1906, the All India Muslim League was founded under
the leadership of Agha Khan, Nawab Salim-ul-lah of Dacca
and Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk. The League supported
separate electorate for the Muslim community and opposed
the Nationalist moves of the Congress. In return, the
British declared that they would protect the ‘special
interest of the Muslims’.
The Surat Split or
Surat Session of INC (1907)
• The Indian National Congress (INC) split in two
groups, the moderate and extremist groups at the Surat
session in 1907. Extremists were led by Lal Lajpat Rai,
BG Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal and the moderates by
Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
• The government launched a massive attack on the
extremists (between 1907 and 1911) by suppressing their
newspaper (Incitement to offences) and their leaders.
The Ghadar Party Movement (1913)
• Taraknath Das, Sohan Singh Bhakana and Lala Hardayal
founded the Ghadar Party Movement.
• In November, 1913, the Hind Association of America
was founded by Sohan Singh Bhakana. It decided to
publish a weekly paper Ghadar or Hindustan Ghadar in
commemoration with the Revolt of 1857.
• The organisation headquarter was at San Francisco. Lal
Hardayal, Bhai Parmanand and Ram Chandar were
leading figures of the Ghadar Party Movement.
• Ghadar party planned to initiate as armed revolt in
India, in 1915. They planned to start revolt in Punjab
firstly, then followed by Bengal and rest of India. India
units as far as Singapore were planned to participate in
the revolt.
• British intelligence infiltrated the Ghadarite movement
and crushed the plan before started.
Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
• The major problem at Champaran in Bihar was of the
Indigo planters. The European planters forced the
peasant to grow indigo on 3/20th of the total land area
(tin katie system). Peasants were also forced to sell their
produce at the prices fixed by the Europeans. When the
German syntactic dyes replaced indigo, the planters
demanded high rents and illegal dues from the peasants
in order to maximise their profit.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
• Through tours in rural areas, he established direct
contact with ordinary people and talked about their
concerns in the language which they understood. This
was a novel political technique; it had never been
practiced by the educated leaders of the congress.
• For the first time, the peasants were drawn into political
agitation under a new type of leadership.
• For the first time in India, Gandhi was displaying that
magnetic personality, which was to draw multitudes to
him and to earn him the title of Mahatma and the
nickname of Bapu. Under pressure from the
Government of India, the Government of Bihar
appointed a committee of enquiry (June, 1917). The
recommendations of the committee were implemented,
by the Champaran Agrarian Act of 1917. He was also
member of this committee.
• Some of leaders associated with Gandhiji in this
Satyagraha were JB Kripalani, Rajendra Prasad, Mahadev
Desai, Narhari Parikh etc.
• Based on this movement, a book Neel Darpan was
written by Dinbandhu Mitra.
Ahmedabad Satyagraha (1918)
• While Gandhiji was still engaged in his task in Bihar, he
received a letter from Shrimati Anasuyabai. She informed
him about the condition of workers in Ahmedabad mills
and requested him to take up their cause with the mill
owners.
• The terrible plague of 1917-18, led to a heavy decline in
the number of workers in the major industrial city of
Ahmedabad. In order to attract the workers, the mill
owners started paying them 75% of their wages as
plague bonus.
• The mill-owners declaration of locking out the mills on
22nd February, 1918 made the situation even more
serious. At last, the issue was resolved with the
intervention of Mahatma Gandhi. The mill owners
agreed to give 35% of wages as bonus. This offer was
accepted by the workers.
• Gandhiji intervened in a dispute between the workers
and mill owners and he took a fast unto death to force a
compromise.
Kheda Satyagraha (1918)
• It was first Non-Cooperation Movement in India. In
1917 most of the kharif crops of the farmers of Kheda
district in Gujarat were destroyed due to heavy rains
thus, incapacitating them to pay the land revenue to the
government. When the government refused to comply
with the peasant’s demand to remit the land revenues,
Gandhiji advised them to withhold the payment and
launch a struggle against the government on 22nd
March, 1918.
• Gandhiji with his lieutenants like Vallabhbhai Patel, the
young lawyer of Kheda (who had become Gandhiji’s
follower during this Satyagraha), Indulal Yagnik and
many other youth, toured villages to encourage the
peasants.
811
Home Rule Leagues (1916)
• Home Rule Leagues having been inspired by the Irish
rebellion, Mrs Annie Besant (September, 1916) and BG
Tilak (April, 1916) set-up the Home Rule League.
• BG Tilak linked up Swaraj with the demand for the
formation of linguistic states and education in Vernacular
language. Tilak gave the popular slogan, “Freedom is my
birth right and I shall have it.”
Lucknow Pact (1916)
The Lucknow session of the INC in 1916 was memorable
event on account of two important development. First was
re-admission of the extremists who had been expelled from
the INC 9 years earlier. The second development was the
alliance between the Congress and Muslim League.
Rowlatt Act (1919)
The government passed the Rowlatt Act in March 1919,
which empowered the British Government to detain any
person without trial. The act was a serious betrayal of the
promises made by the government during the world war
period.
Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy (1919)
• People were agitating against arrest of their popular
leaders Dr Saif-ud-din Kitchlew and Dr Satyapal.
• On 13th April, 1919, Baisakhi Day, hundreds of people
were massacred and several thousand wounded in
Jallianwala Bagh where they had assembled to held a
protest meeting against the repressive policies of the
government.
• The troops led by General Dyer opened fire on the
unarmed men and women, young and old, Hindu and
Muslim. It was regarded as the worst massacre during
the entire freedom struggle. Hunter Commission was
appointed to enquire into it.
• Sardar Udham Singh killed General Dyer on 13th
March, 1940, when the latter was addressing a meeting
in Caxton hall in London.
The Khilafat Movement (1920-22)
The All India Khilafat Conference held at Delhi in
November, 1919. Gandhiji was the head of Khilafat
Committee. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad also led the
movement. Later a Khilafat Manifesto was published which
called upon the British to protect the Khalifa (Caliphate).
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22)
• The Non-Cooperation Movement under the leadership
of Mahatma Gandhi, was launched to press three main
demands
i. The Khilafat issue.
ii. The redressal of the Punjab wrongs.
iii. The attainment of Swaraj.
812
• The programme of the movement had two main aspects
i. Destructive ii. Constructive
• Under the first category came
– Surrender of titles and honorary offices and
resignation from nominated seats in local bodies.
– Refusal to attend official functions.
– Gradual withdrawal of children from officially
controlled schools and colleges.
– Boycott of British Courts by lawyers and litigants.
– Refusal on the part of the military, clerical and
labour classes to offer themselves as recruits for
service in Mesopotamia.
– Boycott the elections to the Legislative Council.
– Boycott of the foreign goods.
• Under the second category came
– Use of Swadeshi goods.
– Hand spinning and weaving.
– Removal of social evils like casteism and
untouchability.
– Hindu-Muslim unity.
– Collection of money for Tilak Swaraj fund.
– Setting up national educational institutions.
• The Prince of Wales visited India during this period.
Chauri Chaura Incident (1922)
• In Chauri Chaura (Near Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh), a
police station including 22 policemen was burnt on
5th February, 1922. On 12th February, 1922, Gandhiji
decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Most of the nationalist leaders including CR Das,
Motilal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal
Nehru, however, expressed their bewilderment at
Gandhi’s decision to withdraw the Non-Cooperation
Movement on 12th February, 1922. In March 1922,
Gandhiji was arrested and sentenced for 6 years in jail.
The Swarajya Party (1923)
• CR Das, Motilal Nehru and NC Kelkar suggested that
instead of boycotting the councils, they should enter
and expose them.
• In December 1922, Das and Motilal Nehru formed the
Congress Khilafat Swarajya Party with CR Das as the
President and Motilal Nehru as one of the secretaries.
• The Swarajists contested elections to the Legislative
Assembly and Provincial Councils. In 1923, elections
they got 42 seats out of 101 elected seats in Bengal and
Central Province. The party broke in 1926 after the
death of CR Das.
CDS Pathfinder
Simon Commission (1927)
• In November 1927, the British Government appointed the
Indian Statutory Commission known as the Simon
Commission (after the name of Chairman).
• John Simon, a British politician, was appointed as
Chairman of the commission to review the situation in
India with a view to introduce further reforms and
extension of parliamentary democracy.
• At Madras Session in 1927 presided over by Dr Ansari,
the Indian National Congress decided to boycott the
commission.
• The police came down heavily on demonstrators. The
lathi-charge at Lahore, led to the death or Lala Lajpat
Rai because of injuries (30th October, 1928).
• The agenda for the second round table conference held in
London was to discuss the report of Simon Commission.
Bardoli Movement (1928)
• Bardoli Movement against the payment of land tax led by
Vallabhbhai Patel in a village called Bardoli in Gujarat.
• Vallabhbhai Patel got the title Sardar from the women of
this movement.
The Nehru Report (1928)
• Having boycotted the Simon Commission, the Indian
political parties tried to hammer out a common political
programme.
• All parties conference met in February, 1928 and
appointed a sub-committee under the chairmanship of
Motilal Nehru to draft a Constitution. This was the first
major attempt by the Indians to draft a constitutional
framework for the country.
• The committee also included Tej Bahadur Sapru. The
report was finalised on August, 1928.
Other Political Parties
and Movements (1922-27)
• The moderates who had walked out of the INC in 1918,
formed National Liberal League, later known as the All
India Liberal Federation and cooperated with the
government.
• The All India Khilafat Committee also ceased to function
after the abolition of Khilafat in Turkey by Mustafa
Kamal Pasha in 1924.
• The Hindu Mahasabha, a communal organisation of the
Hindus, founded in December 1915, also gained strength
and Madan Mohan Malaviya was elected as its President at
Belgaum Session.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
Revolutionary Movements
Hindustan Republic Association
• In October 1924, a meeting of revolutionaries from all parts
of India was called at Kanpur. This meeting was attended
by old revolutionary leaders like Sachindranath Sanyal,
Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee and Ram Prasad Bismil and also
by some new revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Shiv Verma,
Sukhdev, Bhagwati Charan Vohra and Chandra Shekhar
Azad.
• At this meeting, it was decided to set-up the Hindustan
Republican Association which was later recognised as the
Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). The
HSRA was founded at Kanpur in October, 1924 by
Sachindra Nath Sanyal, Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee,
Ramprasad Bismil and Chandra Shekhar Azad and declared
its objectives.
Kakori Conspiracy Case
• Revolutionaries decided to commit a dacoity in a running
train on 9th August, 1925 at Kakori on the
Lucknow-Saharanpur section of the Northern railway. 29
arrested and tried in the Kakori Conspiracy Case.
• Four revolutionaries Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan,
Roshan Lal and Rajendra Lahiri were sentenced to death.
Saundar’s Murder
• The first revolutionary act of the HSRA was the murder of
Mr Saundars, the Assistant Superintendent of Police,
Lahore, who had ordered Lathi-charge and brutally
wounded Lala Lajpat Rai during Anti-Simon Commission
protest march at Lahore on 17th December, 1928.
• Saundars was killled at Lahore railway station on 30th
October, 1928 by Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad and
Rajguru.
Bomb at Legislative Assembly
• Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw two crude
bombs in Central Legislative Assembly on 8th April, 1929,
when assembly was discussing the Public Safety Bill and the
Trade Disputes Bill.
• Bhagat Singh and Dutt were arrested and tried in Central
Assembly Bomb Case. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru
were hanged to death on 23rd March, 1931 at Lahore jail
for their role in Saunder’s murder case.
Chittagong Armoury Raid
Surya Sen (1930), a revolutionary of Bengal masterminded the
raid on Chittagong armoury. He was hanged in 1933. On 27th
February, 1931 Chandra Shekhar Azad was surrounded by the
police at Alfred Park, Allahabad where he shot himself dead.
813
Movements After
Simon Commission
Lahore Session or Poorna Swaraj (1929)
• On 19th December, 1929, under the Presidentship of
Pandit JL Nehru, the Lahore Session of the Congress
gave voice to the new militant spirit. It passed a
resolution declaring Poorna Swaraj (complete
independence) to be the Congress objective.
• On 31st December, 1929 the newly adopted
tri-colour flag of freedom was hoisted. On 26th
January, 1930, it was fixed as the first Independence
Day, which was to be celebrated every year.
The Civil Disobedience Movement
The Civil Disobedience Movement was started by
Gandhiji on 12th March, 1930 with his famous Dandi
March.
Dandi March
Mahatma Gandhi launched the Salt Satyagraha on 12th
March, 1930. Gandhiji marched from his Sabarmati
Ashram (Ahmedabad) with 78 followers. After 24 days
long march, he symbolically broke the Salt Law at Dandi
on 6th April, 1930. The breaking of the Salt Laws
formally inaugurated the Civil Disobedience Movement.
This movement sparked off patriotism also among the
Indian soldiers in British Army. The Garhwali soldiers
refused to open fire on the people of Peshawar.
First Round Table Conference
(12th November, 1930– January 1931)
The First Round Table Conference was held in London.
57 political leaders from India participated the
conference. Congress didn’t participate.
Gandhi-Irwin Pact
In March 1931, the famous Gandhi-Irwin Pact was
signed. Gandhi was appointed as the representative of
the Congress of the Second Round Table Conference.
Second Round Table Conference
(1st September - 1st December, 1931)
The Second Round Table Conference opened in
September, 1931 in London. Gandhiji represented the
INC and went to London to meet British PM Ramsay
MacDonald. Indian National Congress in 1932 was
declared an illegal organisation. British Government also
refused to concede the basic nationalist demand for
freedom on the basis of immediate grant of dominion
status.
814
The Communal Award (16th August, 1932)
Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald announced his
‘Communal Award’ on 16th August, 1932. According to
this award, the Muslim, European and Sikh voters would
elect their candidates by voting in separate communal
electorates. The award declared the depressed class (Scheduled
caste of today) also to be Minority Community entitled to
separate electorate and thus, separated them from the rest of the
Hindus.
Poona Pact (25th September, 1932)
• Gandhiji started his fast unto death in Yeravada jail near
Poona, an 25th September, 1932. He wanted the
Communal Award to be withdrawn. The Poona Pact
according to which the idea of separate electorates for the
depressed classes was abandoned, but the seats reserved for
them in the provincial legislatures were increased from 71
in the Award to 147 and in the Central Legislature to 18%
of the total.
• Poona Pact agreed upon to appoint electorate for upper
and lower classes. Upliftment of harijan now became
Gandhi’s main concern. He started an All India
Anti-Untouchability League in September, 1932 and the
weekly Harijan in January, 1933 even before his release.
8th January, 1933 was observed a ‘Temple Entry Day’.
• After the Poona Pact, Mahatma Gandhi lost interest in
the Civil Disobedience Movement and fully engrossed in
the Anti-Untouchability Movement, which led to the
foundation of the Harijan Sevak Sangh.
Third Round Table Conference (1932)
Held from 24th November to December, 1932. The
Congress boycotted it and only 46 delegates attended the
session.
Lahore Resolution of League
• In 1940 at the Lahore, a resolution called for independent
state for Muslims i.e. Pakistan, which was totally based
on the Two-Nation Theory of Muslim League.
• The term Pakistan had been coined by Choudhary
Rahmat Ali in his Pakistan Declaration in 1933. He
referred to the names of the five northern regions of the
British India namely; Punjab, Afghania, Kashmir, Sindh
and Baluchistan.
Demand for Pakistan
• In March, 1940 at the Lahore, demand for Pakistan was
called. The session was chaired by Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
• The Muslim League demanded that the areas in which the
Muslims are numerically in a majority as in the
North-Western and Eastern Zones of India should be
grouped to constitute Independent states.
• The Muslim League was encouraged by the British
Government to press its demand for a separate state.
CDS Pathfinder
• The demand for a separate state was opposed by
Congress and large sections of Muslims such as,
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan
and others.
The Individual Satyagrahas
• There were two opinions in Congress about the
launching of civil disobedience. Gandhi felt that the
atmosphere was not in favour of civil disobedience as
there were differences and indiscipline within the
Congress. While some leaders of Congress, socialists
and the All India Kisan Sabha were in favour of
immediate struggle.
• The August Offer had disillusioned the Congress.
Finally, Gandhiji had a long meeting with the Viceroy
at Simla in September, 1940, after which he was
convinced that the British would not modify their
policy in India.
• He therefore, decided to launch Individual Satyagraha.
The aim of the satyagraha was to disprove the British
claim of India supporting the war effort wholeheartedly.
• On 17th October, 1940, Acharya Vinoba Bhave (the
first Satyagrahi) inaugurated the satyagraha by
delivering an anti-war speech at Paunar; Bhave had
been personally selected by Gandhiji for this.
• Mahatma Gandhi suspended it on 17th December, 1940
due to little enthusiasm it created. Jawaharlal Nehru
was the second to offer Satyagraha after Vinoba Bhave.
It was during Individual Satyagraha that Gandhi
declared Nehru as his chosen successor. Individual
Satyagraha was also known as Delhi Chalo Satyagraha.
August Offer (1940)
• To get Indian cooperation in the war effort the viceroy
announced the August Offer (August 1940), which
proposed dominion status as the objective for India,
expansion of viceroy’s Executive Council, setting up of
a Constituent Assembly would frame the Constitution
after war according to their social, economic and
political conceptions.
• Subject to fulfillment of obligation of the government
regarding defence, minority rights treaties with states.
All India Services and no future Constitution to be
adopted without the consent of minorities. The
Congress rejected the August Offer, but it was
accepted by the Muslim League.
Cripps Mission (1942)
• In March 1942, when Japan occupied Rangoon, after
having overrun almost the whole of South-East Asia.
• The British Government, with a view to get support
from India, sent Sir Stafford Cripps, leader of the
House of Commons to settle terms with the Indian
leaders.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
• For the first time, through the Cripps Mission, British
Government recognised the Right of Dominion for
India. The mission promised for fulfillment of past
promises to ‘self government’ of Indian people.
• The Indian leaders refused to accept more promise for
the future and Gandhiji told the proposals as a
post-dated cheque on a crashing bank.
The Quit India Movement (1942)
• Also known as proposal and leaderless revolt. The
Congress met at Bombay on 8th August, 1942 and
passed the famous Quit India Resolution. Gandhiji gave
the slogan ‘Do or Die.’
• The Quit India Movement became a powerful mass
compaign galvanising people into vehemently demanding
freedom from the British rule.
• On 9th August, 1942, Gandhiji and other Congress
leaders were arrested and the Congress party was
declared illegal once again.
• The violence had broken out in different parts of the
country. Many government offices were destroyed,
telegraph wires were cut and communication paralysed.
• Mahatma Gandhi disclaimed all responsibilities for the
violence which was the consequence of repressive
measure taken by the British. The parallel government
was set-up in Ballia in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, by Chittu
Pandey.
• The movement was finally crushed. Span of the
movement was short lived, but the importance of the
movement lay in demonstrating the intensity of the
nationalist feeling that people displayed and the extent to
which people would go to make sacrifices in order to
achieve freedom.
• The Muslim League did not support the Quit India
Movement. Achyut Patwardhan, Ram Manohar Lohia,
Jayaprakash Narayan and Aruna Asaf Ali were the
movement’s leaders.
The Indian National Army (INA)
• The Indian National Army led by Subhash Chandra
Bose was in cooperation with the Japanese.
• Subhash Chandra Bose, after founding the Forward
Bloc, in January 1941, escaped from India and went to
Berlin (Germany) via Moscow.
• Subhash Chandra Bose, who had escaped from his
confinement in Calcutta in 1941 formed the Indian
National Army in 1943, in Singapore, along with
Rasbehari Bose.
• The Azad Hind Fauj as the INA was aimed at a
military campaign for the liberation of India. The INA
consisted mostly of Indian soldiers of the British Army
who had taken prisoners by the Japanese after they had
conquered the British colonies in South-East Asia.
815
• INA had three fighting brigades named Gandhi, Azad
and Nehru. Even a women’s regiment named the Rani
Jhansi Regiment was formed.
• In July 1944, Subhash Chandra Bose asked for Gandhi’s
blessings for India’s last war of independence. Subhash
Chandra Bose who was now called Netaji by the soldiers
of the INA gave his followers the battle cry of ‘Jai Hind’.
Subhash Chandra bose also gave the slogan ‘Dilli Chalo’.
• The last echo of the INA Movement was heard when the
INA prisoners were tried at the Red Fort in Delhi and
were defended by a panel of lawyers which included Tej
Bahadur Sapru, Bhulabhai Desai and Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Rangoon and Singapore were the two INA headquarters.
• 12th November, 1945 was celebrated as the INA Day.
Towards the Dominion States
Rajagopalachari Formula
• C Rajagopalachari (CR) the veteran Congress leader,
prepared a formula for Congress-League Cooperation. It
was an acceptance of the league’s demand for Pakistan.
The main points in CR plan were as follows
– Muslim League to endorse Congress demand for
independence.
– League to cooperate with Congress in forming a
provisional government at centre.
– After the end of the war, the entire population and
Muslim majority areas in the North-West and
North-East of India decide by plebiscite.
– In case of acceptance of partition agreement to be
made jointly for safeguarding defence, commerce
communication etc.
– The above terms to be operative only if England
transferred full powers to India.
• Jinnah wanted the Congress to accept the Two Nation
Theory. He wanted only the Muslim of North-West and
North-East to vote in the plebiscite and not the entire
population. Hindu leaders led by VD Savarkar
condemned the CR Plan.
Wavell Plan and Shimla Conference
(1945)
In May 1945, Lord Wavell, the Viceroy of India, went to
London and discussed his ideas about the future of India
with the British administration. The talks resulted in the
formulation of a plan of action that was made public in
June 1945. The plan is known as Wavell Plan.
Wavell Plan
• The plan suggested reconstitution of the Viceroy’s
Executive Council in which the Viceroy was to select
persons nominated by the political parties. Different
communities were also to get their due share in the
council and parity was reserved for Caste-Hindus and
Muslims.
816
• While declaring the plan, the Secretary of State for
Indian Affairs made it clear that the British Government
wanted to listen to the ideas of all major Indian
communities.
Simla Conference
• To discuss these proposals Wavell called for a conference
at Shimla on 25th June, 1945. Leaders of both the
Congress and the Muslim League attended the
conference, which is known as the Simla Conference.
• However, differences arose between the leadership of the
two parties on the issue of representation of the Muslim
community.
All this resulted in a deadlock. Finally, Wavell announced
the failure of his efforts on 14th July, 1945.
The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)
• The Attlee Government announced in February 1946, the
decision to send a high-powered mission of three British
Cabinet members : Pethick Lawrence–Stafford Cripps and
AV Alexander to India to find out ways and means for a
negotiated peaceful transfer of power of India.
• The mission rejected the Muslim League’s demand for
Pakistan. The mission proposed a Two Tier Federal Plan,
which was initially accepted by both the Congress and
Muslim League. The Muslim League eventually decided
to keep away.
Reaction to the Plan
• The Muslim League joined the cabinet but decided to
boycott the Constituent Assembly which started its work
of framing the Constitution on December, 1946.
• The Muslim League on 6th June and the Congress on
24th June, 1946 accepted the long-term plan, but forward
by the Cabinet Mission.
• July 1946, elections were held in provincial assemblies for
the Constituent Assembly. The Congress got 209 of the
total 273 seats.
• 29th July, 1946, the league withdrew its acceptance of the
long-term in a reaction against Nehru’s statement and
gave a call for ‘direct action’ from 16th August, 1946 to
achieve Pakistan.
Interim Government (2nd September, 1946)
• Lord Wavell invited Jawaharlal Nehru, the leader of the
largest party in India to form an Interim Government
which was sworn-in on 2nd September, 1946.
• It was composed of 12 members (including 3 Muslims)
nominated by the Congress, Jawaharlal Nehru was its
Vice-President. It was for the first time since the coming
of the British that the Government of India was in
Indian hands.
• The Muslim League at first refused to join the Interim
Government. But later, it changed its stand. Muslim
League joined the Interim Government not to work
sincerely.
CDS Pathfinder
Jinnah’s Direct Action Resolution
• The set back in the election to the Constituent
Assembly forced the league to reject the Cabinet
Mission Plan. Jinnah gave the call for ‘Direct Action’
which postulated a campaign for the creation of
Pakistan. Muslim League withdrew its acceptance of the
Cabinet Plan on 29th July, 1946.
• From 16th August, 1946 the country witnessed
communal riots on an unprecedented scale. The League
passed a Direct Action Resolution which condemned
both British Government and Congress (16th August,
1946). 27th March, 1947 was celebrated as Pakistan Day
by Jinnah.
Constituent Assembly
The Constituent Assembly met in New Delhi on
9th December, 1946, without the participation of the
league. Rajendra Prasad was elected as its President.
Mountbatten Plan (3rd June, 1947)
• The freedom with partition formula was coming to be
widely accepted well before Mountbatten came.
The important points of the plan were as follow
– Punjab and Bengal Legislative Assemblies would meet
in two groups: 1. Hindus and 2. Muslims to vote for
partition.
– In case of partition, two dominions and two
Constituent Assemblies would be created.
– Sindh would take its own decision.
– The provision of referendum was provided in case of
NWFP and Sylhet.
– Referendum in NWFP and Sylhet, district of Bengal
would decide the fate of these areas.
– Freedom would come on 15th August, 1947.
The Partition of India
• A Boundary Commission would be set-up if partition
was to be effected. On July 1947 the British Parliament
ratified the Mountbatten Plan as the ‘Independence of
India’ Act, 1947. The act was implemented on 15th
August, 1947.
• Pakistan became independent on 14th August, 1947. MA
Jinnah became the first Governor-General of Pakistan.
At midnight of 15th August, 1947 as the clock struck
12, India became free. Nehru proclaimed it to be the
nation with his famous ‘tryst with destiny’ speech.
• On the morning of 15th August, 1947, Lord
Mountbatten was sworn-in as Governor-General and
Jawaharlal Nehru as the first Prime Minister of free India.
• At the time of freedom, there were 562 small and big
princely states. Sardar Patel, the first Home Minister
used iron hand in this regard.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 817

Tribal Movements during the British Rule Movement Location Leaders Causes
Awadh Kisan Oudh JL Nehru, Baba To organise peasants
Revolt Years Area Sabha (1920) Rama Chandra
Kol Uprising 1824-1828, 1839, Gujarat Andhra Ryots Andhra NG Ranga Abolition of Zamindari
1899 Association Pradesh
(1928)
Bhils Uprising 1818-1831 Western Ghat
All India Kisan Lucknow Swami Sahajananda Protection of peasants
Khasi Rising 1846-48, 1855, 1914 Orissa Sabha (1936) from economic
exploitation
Kuki Rising under Rani 1917-1819 Manipur
Gaidinliu Bijolia Rajasthan Sitaram Das, Vijay The movement arose due
Movement Pathhik Singh to imposition of 86
Singpo Rising 1830-1839 Assam (1905, 1913, different types of cesses
Kol Rising under Buddha 1831-1832 Chhotanagpur 1916, 1927) of peasants
Bhagat Tibhaga Bengal Communists Against Zamindars and
Movement moneylenders
Khond Rising under 1846-48, 1855, 1941 Khandmal area in
(1946)
Chakrabisai Orissa
Telangana Hyderabad — Against moneylenders
Tharo Kuti Rising under 1917-1919 Manipur Movement and officials of Nizam of
Jadonand and Rani (1945-1951) Hyderabad
Gaidinliu
All India Bombay Lala Lajpat Rai, To establish a social
Ramsoi Revolt under 1822-1829 Western Ghats Trade Union, Joseph Baptista, state in India and to
Vasudeo Balwant Fadke 1920 NM Joshi watch, promote,
(Robin-hood of
safeguard and further
Maharashtra)
the interests, rights and
Munda Revolt under Birsa 1899-1900 Chhotanagpur area privileges of the workers
Munda in all matters relating to
their employment

FAMOUS PEASANT IMPORTANT NATIONAL

MOVEMENTS LEADERS
Movement Location Leaders Causes
Pagal Panthi Bengal Karam Shah, Tipu Against hike in rents in Annie Besant (1847-1933)
Movement Shah (Hajong and Bengal
(1825-1835) Garo tribes) • She founded the Theosophical Society in India and
Moplah Malabar Sayyid Ali, Sayyid Against the oppression
started the Home Rule League. She established Central
Rebellion region, Fazl and exploitation of Muslim Hindu School and College at Banaras (later BHU). She
(1921) Kerala Moplah peasants by was elected the President of the Calcutta Session of
Hindu Zamindars and INC, 1917.
British Government
• She did not attend the 1920 Session at Nagpur due to
Indigo Revolt Nadia, Digambar Biswas, Peasants were forced to
(1860) district of Bishnu Bishwas, grow indigo in their fields growing difference with Gandhiji as she felt that
Bengal Harish Chandra by the European factory Government of India Act, 1919 were means to free
Mukherjee (editor of owners Dinbandhu Mitra India.
newspaper Hindu had written about this
Patriot) revolt in his play Neel • She edited famous Newspapers — New India and
Darpan (translated into Commonwealth. She prepared — The Lotus Song, a
English by Madhusudan
translation of Gita into English.
Datta)
Poona Pune By MG Ranade To popularise the
Sarvajanik peasant’s ‘legal rights’ Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1857-1920)
Sabha (1870) • He was given the title of Lokmanya. He established new
Eka Movement Awadh Madari Pasi Higher extraction of rent English school at Poona. He joined INC in 1891 and
(1921)
moved an Arms Act Resolution. He started the Ganapati
Champaran Bihar Gandhiji Dr Rajendra Against the Tin Kathia
Satyagraha
pooja and the Shivaji festival, in 1893 and 1896
Prasad System imposed by the
(1917) European Indigo planters respectively.
Kheda Gujarat Gandhiji Against ignored appeal • He was called Bal, Lala Lajpat Rai was called Lal and
Satyagraha for remission of band Bipin Chandra Pal was called Pal. He constituted the
(1918) revenue in case of crop
failure trio of Lal, Bal, Pal, an extremist group.
UP Kisan Uttar Indira Narain — • He founded the Home Rule League in 1916 and helped
Sabha (1918) Pradesh Dwivedi, Madan in ushering the Lucknow Pact and the Reforms Act at
Mohan Malviya
the Amritsar Congress in 1919.
818
• He used swaraj word first time in political sense and
accepted Hindi as the national language of India. He
gave the slogan ‘Swaraj is my birth right and I shall
have it.’
• Valentine Chirol Shirol described him as the Father of
Indian unrest. He wrote the books, ‘The Arctic Home in
the Vedas’ and ‘Gita Rahasya’.
Bhagat Singh (1907-1931)
• He started Punjab Naujawan Bharat Sabha in 1926. The
sabha was to carry out political work among the youth,
peasants and workers on the basis of Marxism
ideologies.
• Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev organised the Lahore students
union for open legal work among the students.
• In 1928, he came in contact with revolutionaries like
Chandrashekhar Azad, Bejoy Kumar Sinha, Shiv Verma,
Jaidev Kapur and Bhagwati Charan Vohra to consolidate
Kriti Kisan Party and Hindustan Republican Association
into one revolutionary organisation i.e. Hindustan
Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
• He killed British official Saunders in 1928 and was
involved in Lahore conspiracy and bombed the Central
Legislative Assembly. He was executed on 23rd March,
1931.
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
(1833-1894)
• He was a great scholar best known for the composition
of the hymn Bande Mataram.
• His novel was Durgesnandini, published in 1864 and
he also published the journal Bangadarsan.
Bipin Chandra Pal (1858-1932)
• He was awarded with the title Mightiest Prophet of
Nationalism by Aurobindo Ghosh. He supported Age of
Consent Bill, 1891, Swadeshi Movement and fought for
the cause of the Assam tea-gardeners.
• He started newspapers- Paridaashak (weekly); Public
Opinion and Tribune (editor); Swaraj (English weekly in
London); Hindu Review (English monthly); Independent
(daily); Democrate (weekly) and wrote book New India.
Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari (1879-1972)
• He was a politician and lawyer from Tamil Nadu. He
gave up his practice during NCM. He started the CDM
in Tamil Nadu and was arrested for leading a Salt March
from Trichinopoly to Vedaranniyam on the Tanjore coast.
• He served as the Governor of Bengal
(August-November, 1947) and was the first and last
Indian Governor-General of India (1948-50).
• He became the Minister of Home Affairs in the
country’s first cabinet. He founded the Swatantra Party
in 1959. His rational ideas are reflected in the collection
Satyameva Jayate. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna
in 1954.
CDS Pathfinder
Dadabhai Naoroji (1825-1917)
• He was the first Indian to demand Swaraj in the
Calcutta Session of INC, 1906. He was also known as
the Indian Gladstone, Grand Old Man of India.
• He was first Indian to be selected to the House of
Commons on Liberal Party ticket. He highlighted the
draining of wealth from India by the British and its
effect in his book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India
(1901).
Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar (1891-1956)
Dr Ambedkar was the great leader of the depressed class
and an eminent jurist. He set-up a network of colleges in
the name of Peoples Education Society. He founded the
Depressed Classes Institute (1924) and Samaj Samata Sangh
(1927). He participated in all the Three Round Table
Conferences and signed the Poona Pact with Gandhiji in
1932. Towards the end of his life, he embraced Buddhism.
Dr Rajendra Prasad (1884-1963)
He founded the National College at Patna. He was the
minister incharge of Food and Agriculture in the Interim
Government (1946). He was the President of the
Constituent Assembly. He became the first President of
the Indian Republic. He was honoured with Bharat Ratna
in 1962. He edited the newspaper — Desh (Hindi weekly).
Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1886-1915)
Gandhiji regarded him as his political guru. He was the
President of the Banaras Session of INC, 1905, supported
the Swadeshi Movement. He was the founder of the
servants of Indian Society in 1905, to train people, who
would work as national missionaries. He gave the
statement on the establishment of INC i.e., “No Indian has
started the INC; he edited newspaper sudharak.”
Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964)
• He became the General-Secretary of INC in 1928 and its
President in 1929. The Independence resolution was
passed under his Presidentship at the Lahore Session.
• He was the first Prime Minister of Republic India (from
1947 to 1964), also known as architect of Modern India.
He authored the Doctrine of Panchseel and believed in the
policy of non-alignment.
• Books — The Discovery of India, Glimpses of World
History, A Bunch of Old Letters, The Unity of India,
Independence and After, India and the World etc.
Lala Lajpat Rai (1865-1928)
• He was called The Lion of Punjab (Sher-a-Punjab). He
was inspired by Mahatma Hans Raj. Being an Arya
Samajist, he helped in establishment of the DAV College
at Lahore.
• He was the President of the special session of the
Congress at Calcutta, 1920. He opposed the withdrawal
of NCM in 1922.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 819

• He founded Swaraj Party with Motilal Nehru and CR • He founded the Forward Bloc (1939). He escaped to
Das. He was injured during a demonstration against Berlin in 1941 and met Hitler. He took the charge of
Simon Commission in 1928. He was the editor of the Indian Army (Azad Hind Fauz) in 1943 in Singapore
‘Bande Matram’, ‘the Punjab’ and ‘the People’. and set-up Indian Provisional Government there.
• He addressed Mahatma Gandhi as the Father of the
Mahatma Gandhi Nation, in a broadcast on Radio. He supposedly died in
• Gandhi came to India in 1915. He already had started a plane crash in 1945. He gave the famous slogans —
Satyagraha in South Africa. In 1907, he started Dilli Chalo and Jai Hind. The India Struggle was his
Satyagraha against compulsory registration and passes autobiography.
for Indians. In 1910, Satyagraha against immigration
restrictions, derecognition of Non-Christian Indian Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949)
marriages was also initiated. • Popularly known as the Nightangle of India. She became
• He led Champaran Satyagraha in 1917 against the the first woman to participate in the India’s struggle for
tinakathia system. In 1918, he led Ahmedabad mill strike independence. She participated in the Dandi March with
on the demand of plague bonus by the mill workers. Gandhiji and presided over the Kanpur Session of
Kheda Satyagraha was led by him in 1918 for the Congress in 1925. She was the first woman to become
demand of non-payment of tax due to famine. the Governor of Uttar Pradesh State.
• The Ahmedabad Satyagraha, where there was dispute • Her famous books include — The Golden Threshold
between the mill owner and workers over the ‘plague (1905), The Feather of the Dawn; The Bird of Time
bonus’ was also a success. Gandhi then advised the (1912) and The Broken Wing (1917).
workers to go on strike and he undertook hunger strike,
after which the mill owners were pressurised to accept Newspapers, Journals and Books Related to the
the tribunal award of 35% increase in wages. National Movement
• Kheda Satyagraha The peasants of Kheda district were
Newspapers, Journals and Books Writer/Editor
in extreme distress due to the failure of crops and the Abhyudaya, Leader, Hindustan Madan Mohan Malviya
government ignored their appeals for the remission of
Indian Mirror Keshub Chandra Sen
land revenue. Gandhiji advised them to withhold the
Comrade, Hamdard Muhammad Ali Jauhar
revenue and fight to death.
Kesari (Marathi), The Maratha (English), Gita Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Rahasya
Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941)
Young India, Harijan, Nawjiwan, Mahatma Gandhi
• He was a poet, philosopher, educationist, internationalist Hindu Swaraj, My Experiment With Truth
and a patriot. His elder brother was Satyendranath Commonweal, New India Annie Besant
Tagore, the first Indian to become an ICS. He founded Sanwad Kaunudi (Bengali), Mirat-ul-Akhbar Raja Ram Mohun Ray
Shantiniketan near Bolpore on 22nd December, 1901. He (Persian)
wrote Gitanjali, which fetched him the Nobel Prize in Anand Math, Devi Chaudhrani Bankimchandra
1913. Chattopadhyay
• On nationalism he said, “Nationalism is a great menance. Neel Darpan Deenbandhu Mitra
It is the particular thing which for years has been at the Poverty and Un-British Rule in India, Rast Dada Bhai Naoroji
Guftur
bottom of India’s troubles. And in as such as we have
been ruled and dominated by a nation that is strictly Amrit Bazaar Patrika Shishir Kumar Ghosh
political in its attitude, we have tried to develop within India Wins Freedom, Gubar-e-Khatir, Al-Hilal Abul Kalam Azad
ourselves despite our inheritance from the past, a belief Soj-e-Watan, Karmbhoomi, Prem Chandra
Shatranj ke Khiladi
in our eventual political destiny”.
Indian Struggle Subhash Chandra Bose
• His compositions were chosen as National Anthem by
India for Indians Chitranjan Das
two nations
Krmyogi, Yugantar, Vande Mataram, Arvind Ghosh
i. India — Jana Gana Mana Life Divine, Savitri
ii. Bangladesh — Amar Sonar Bangla Gandhi vs. Lenin, The Socialist, Literature Shripad Amrit Dange
and People
Subhash Chandra Bose (1897-1945) Amar Jiban-o-Bharater Communist Party Muzaffar Ahmad
(Bengali), Navyug, Langal
• He passed the Indian Civil Services Examination in 1920
Inquilab (Revolution) Ghulam Hussain
in England, but left it on Gandhiji’s call of NCM. He
founded the independence for India League with The Labour Kisan Gazette, Thozhilalar Singaravelu Chettiar
(Tamil)
Jawaharlal Nehru. He was elected as the President of
The Revolutionary Shachindranath Sanyal
INC at its Haripura Session (1938) and Tripuri Session
(1939), but resigned from Tripuri due to differences with Independent Moti Lal Nehru
Gandhiji.
820 CDS Pathfinder

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. Under the forceful thrust of 4. Which of the following was the 8. After the death of Raja Rammohan
British rule, a rapid immediate cause which Roy, the Brahmo Samaj split into
transformation of the Indian precipitated the Sepoy Mutiny of two sections; the Brahmo Samaj.
economy took place. In this 1857? Who were the leaders of the two
context, which of the following (a) Wide disparity between the salaries sections respectively?
statement is/are correct? of native sepoys and the British (a) Keshabh Chandra Sen and
1. Indian economy was soldiers Debendranath Tagore
transformed into a colonial (b) Bid to convert the Indians to (b) Radhakanta Deb and Debendranath,
economy in the 19th century Christianity Tagore
whose structure was (c) Introduction of catridges greased (c) Keshab Chandra Sen and Radhakanta
determined by Britain’s fast with cow’s and swin fat Deb
developing industrial economy. (d) Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse (d) Debendranath Tagore and Radhakanta
2. The influx of cheap Indian Deb
5. What was the main objective of
products into England gave a 9. Which of the following is significance
Lord Wellesley in concluding a
great blow to English textile of Chauri Chaura in the history of
industries.
subsidiary treaty (1798) with the
Nizam? the Indian National Movement?
3. The 19th century saw the (a) The crowd burnt the police station and
collapse of the traditional (a) Create a buffer state between the
killed 22 policemen so due to violence
Indian village economy and British possessions and the
Gandhi withdrew his Non-Cooperation
dominions of Tipu Sultan
fresh economic alignment along Movement
commercial lines. (b) Exterminate French influence and
(b) Gandhiji stated his Satyagraha from
intrigues in India
Select the correct answer using here
(c) Improve his relations with the
the codes given below. (c) Gandhiji started his Non-Cooperation
Nizam with a view of creating a
(a) 1 and 3 (b) Only 1 Movement from here
permanent rivalry against Tipu
(c) Only 2 (d) 1 and 2 Sultan (d) Gandhiji started his Dandi March from
here
2. Which of the following pairs is (d) Eliminate the possibility of an
incorrectly matched? alliance between the Nizam and 10. Which one among the following
the Marathas statements about the Swadeshi and
(a) Charter Act : To regulate
of 1853 company’s affairs 6. Match the following Revolutionary Movements in Bengal
is not correct?
List I List II (a) It gave a great push forward to the
(b) Charter Act : Company’s debt
of 1833 taken over by the A. Government of 1. Provincial Indian Nationalist Movement
Government of Indian Act, 1919 Autonomy (b) It gave a great stimulus to indigenous
India B. Government of 2. Dyarchy business and industry Swadeshi
Indian Act, 1935 enterprise
(c) Charter Act : Company’s
of 1813 monopoly of trade C. Act of 1858 3. Assumption of (c) The Government of East Bengal and
with India ended power by the
British Crown Assam became sympathetic to the
(d) The Pitt’s : Board of control to revolutionaries
India Act of guide and control Codes (d) It gave a great stimulus to the
1784 company’s affairs A B C A B C development of vernacular literature
(a) 2 1 3 (b) 1 2 3 and revolutionary literature in particular
3. Match the following (c) 3 2 1 (d) 1 3 2
11. 13th April, 1919 marked the brutal
List I List II 7. Which among the following was massacre at Jallianwala Bagh. What
A. Permanent 1. Parts of Madras the reason for the resignation of was the occasion for the gathering at
Settlement and Bombay the Indian Ministers from all the the Jallianwala Bagh ground before
Presidencies
provinces in the year 1939? the massacre took place?
B. Ryotwari 2. Gangetic valley, (a) To condole the death of a local leader
Settlement North-West (a) The Governors refused to act as
Provinces, Punjab constitutional heads in police custody
C. Mahalwari 3. Bengal and Bihar (b) The Centre did not provide the (b) To protest against the passing of the
Settlement required financial help to provinces Rowlatt Act
(c) The Governor-General converted (c) To organise a Satyagraha against the
Codes generally rude behaviour of General
Indian help to provinces
A B C A B C Dyer
(a) 1 2 3 (b) 3 1 2 (d) India was declared a party to the
(d) To demonstrate protest against the
World War II without the consent of
(c) 3 2 1 (d) 2 1 3 arrest of their popular leaders, Dr
the provincial government
Saiffudin Kitchlew and Dr Satyapal
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
12. In Delhi Congress Session on
14th June, 1947, the resolution for
India’s partition was passed. The
session was presided over by
(a) Rajendra Prasad
(b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(c) Acharya JB Kripalani
(d) Jawaharlal Nehru
13. Initially, the Mughals tried to
develop friendly relations with the
English. Why?
1. They could use the English to
counter the Portuguese on the
sea.
2. They could use English to keep
them in opening trading points
in spice islands.
3. Indian, merchants could
certainly benefit by competition
among their foreign buyers.
Select the correct answer using
the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3
(c) Only 3 (d) All of these
14. Several socio-political
organisations were formed in the
19th and 20th centuries in India.
Anjuman-e-Khawatin-e-Islam
founded in the year 1914 was
(a) All India Muslim Ladies Conference
(b) A radical wing of the All India
Muslim League
(c) All India Muslim Student’s
Conference
(d) All India Islamic Conference
15. Consider the following statement(s)
1. At the time of independence,
the Government of India
followed the calender based on
Saka era.
2. The National Calender
commenced on Chaitra 1 Saka,
1879 corresponding to 22nd
March, AD 1957.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
16. Which of the following was the
object of the Rowlatt Act passed
by the Government in 1919?
(a) Dispense with ordinary procedure
for the trial of accused persons
and to secure arbitrary confinement
(b) Provide for different sets of rules
and procedures for dealing with
ordinary and political criminals
(c) To terrorise the people
(d) To break the strength of the
nationalist movement
821
17. For which of the following reasons (b) To oppose the Indian Government for
was the Simon Commission not taking action against the
appointed by the British Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)
Government? (c) All of the above
(a) To suggest reforms in the system of (c) None of the above
government established under the 23. British colonialism in India saw the
Act of 1919 emergence of new cities. Calcutta,
(b) To Indianise the defence force now Kolkata, was one of the first
(c) To inquire into the causes of cities. Which of the following
growing violence in India villages were amalgamated to form
(d) All of the above
the city of Calcutta?
18. Arrange the following events in (a) Midnapur, Chittagong, Burdwan
correct chronological order. (b) 24-Parganas, Kalikata, Thakurgaon
1. Partition of Bengal (c) Sutanuti, Kalikata, Gobindapur
(d) Midnapur, Thakurgaon, Gobindapur
2. Permanent Settlement
3. Subsidiary Alliance 24. Arrange the following in correct
4. Doctrine fo Lapse chronological order.
Codes 1. Partition of Bengal
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) 4, 3, 2, 1 2. Chauri-Chaura Incident
(c) 2, 3, 4, 1 (d) 3, 4, 1, 2 3. First Round Table Conference
Codes
19. Match the following
(a) 1, 2, 3 (b) 3, 2, 1
List I List II (c) 1, 3, 2 (d) 2, 1, 3
A. Lord Wellesley 1. Permanent 25. Which one among the following
Settlement
statements about Civil
B. Lord Dalhousie 2. Subsidiary
Alliance Disobedience Movement is correct?
C. Lord Cornwallis 3. Abolition of Sati (a) It started with Gandhiji’s march to
D. Lord William 4. Doctrine of Lapse Champaran
Bentinck (b) Under Gandhi-Irwin agreement
Congress agreed to give up Civil
Codes
Disobedience Movement
A B C D A B C D (c) The British Government was quite soft
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 4 3 2 1 towards the movement from the
(c) 2 3 1 4 (d) 2 4 1 3 beginning
20. Which one among the following (d) There was no violence during the
was the primary reason behind movement
the failure of the Young Bengal 26. Which of the following pairs is
Movement in Bengal? incorrectly matched?
(a) It did not appeal to educated (a) Kunwar Singh : Gorakhpur
people
(b) Lakshman Rao : Jhansi
(b) Its economic programme was not
(c) Birjis Qadir : Lucknow
popular
(c) It was too radical (d) Khan Bahadur : Barielly
(d) It did not have good leaders
27. Which of the following launched the
21. Which of the following was the Home Rule Movement during
agenda for the Round Table 1915-16?
Conference (1930-32)? (a) The Congress when Mrs Annie
(a) Discuss the Simon Commission Besant was President
Report (b) Annie Besant and Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Discuss the British Government’s together
white paper on constitutional
(c) Annie Besant and BG Tilak separately
reforms
(c) Decide upon a Constitution for (d) Annie Besant and BG Tilak together
India acceptable to all parties 28. Why was the Swadeshi Movement
(d) Find a solution to the communal started?
problem
(a) Lord Curzon divided Bengal
22. Why was the Non-Cooperation (b) Of de–Industrialisation in India
Movement launched in 1920? (c) The British Government did not grant
(a) To oppose the Indian Government’s responsible government to India
failure to restore the authority of the (d) The British massacred people at
Khilafat Jallianwala Bagh
822
29. Which of the following was the
reason behind Gandhiji’s
Champaran Movement.
(a) Solving the problem of the indigo
workers
(b) Maintaining the Unity of Hindu
Society
(c) Civil Disobedience Movement
(d) The Security of Rights of Harijans
30. Who among the following were
involved in throwing bomb at
Lord Hardinge in 1912?
1. Awadh Bihari 2. Amir Chand
3. Pulin Bihari 4. Balmukand
Select the correct answer using
the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2, 3 (b) 2, 3, 4
(c) 1, 2, 4 (d) 3, 4, 1
31. Consider the following
statement(s)
1. Hindu Widow Remarriage Act
was passed during Lord
Dalhousie’s Governorship.
2. Foundation of the universities
at Calcutta, Bombay and
Madras was laid during Lord
Canning’s tenure.
3. During the times of Lord
Ripon the First Factory Act
for the welfare of child was
passed.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) Only 3 (d) All of these
32. Consider the following statement(s)
1. Wellesley converted East India
Company into British Empire
by encouraging subsidiary
alliance system.
2. Wellesley continued permanent
settlement in Bengal.
3. Fort William College was
opened for private training to
both aspirants and serving
civil servants about India.
Which of the statements(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 2 (b) Only 3
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
33. Consider the following statement(s)
about the First Session of the
Indian National Congress.
1. It was held in Bombay in
1885.
2. Surendranath Banerji could
not attend the session due to
the simulations session of the
Indian National Conference.
CDS Pathfinder
Which of the statement(s) given (c) of the introduction of the idea of a
above is/are correct? Planning Commission
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (d) of the acceptance of the Government
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 of Indian Act, 1935 by the Congress
34. The first individual Satyagrahi, 39. Which of the following Acts were
Acharya Vinoba Bhave offered passed by the British Government in
1856?
Satyagraha in which among the
1. Hindu widow Remarriage Act.
following way?
2. Abolition of Sati (Regulation
(a) By not paying taxes
(b) By burning British flag XVII).
(c) By making a speech against the 3. General Service Enlistment Act.
viceroy of India 4. Religious Disabilities Act.
(d) By making antiwar speech Select the correct answer using the
35. Which one of the following is the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 3 and 4
correct chronological order of the
(c) 4, 1 and 3 (d) 2, 3 and 4
freedom movements of India?
(a) Quit India Movement, 40. Consider the following statements
Non-cooperation Movement, Civil 1. Dayanand Saraswati founded the
Disobedience Movement Arya Samaj in 1875.
(b) Non-cooperation Movement, Civil 2. The Arya Samaj repudiated the
Disobedience Movement, Quit India authority of the caste system.
Movement
3. Dayanand Saraswati was born in
(c) Quit India Movement, Civil the Brahman family.
Disobedience Movement,
Non-cooperation Movement Which of the statements given above
(d) Non-cooperation Movement, Quit are correct?
India Movement, Civil Disobedience (a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 2
Movement (c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
36. Which of the following was not 41. Match the following
one of the major political causes List I List II
of the Revolt of 1857?
A. Raj Kumar 1. Kheda Satyagraha
(a) the withdrawal of the pension of Shukla
Nana Sahib B. Ambalal 2. Ahmedabad Mill Strike
(b) Lord Dalhousie’s policy of Sarabhai
discriminate annexation and C. Indulal Yagnik 3. Bardoli Satyagraha
Doctrine of Lapse D. Vallabhbhai 4. Champaran
(c) The absence of sovereignship of Patel Satyagraha
British rule in India
Codes
(d) After the defeat of the Sikhs and
A B C D A B C D
annexation of the Punjab, the
(a) 3 1 2 4 (b) 4 1 2 3
properties of the Lahore, Durbar
were auctioned and the Kohinoor (c) 4 2 1 3 (d) 3 2 1 4
was sent to England 42. Which of the following statements on
37. The Lucknow Congress Session of Gandhian movements is not correct?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi was in favour of
1916 is noted for
(a) the concession given by the mass movement
(b) Gandhian movements were non-violent
Congress to the Muslim League in
in nature
the former’s acceptance of
separate electorates (c) In Gandhian movements, leadership
(b) the electron of a Muslim President had no role
of the Congress (d) Mahatma Gandhi was in favour of
(c) the merger of the Muslim League passive resistance
with the Congress temporality 43. Which one among the following works
(d) None of the above of Mahatma Gandhi provides a
38. The Haripura Congress (1938) critique of modern machine-oriented
remains a milestone in Indian civilisation?
Freedom Struggle, because (a) The Story of My Experiments with Truth
(a) it declared war on the British (b) Hind Swaraj
Empire (c) Constructive Programme
(b) it appointed Jawaharlal Nehru as (d) Anasakti Yoga (Commentary on ‘Gita’)
the future Prime Minister of India
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 823

44. Consider the following statements Codes 55. The Cripps Proposals which were
about Swami Vivekananda A B C D E given in 1942, put forward
1. He said that Vedanta was the (a) 1 2 3 4 5 (a) creation of central and provincial
religion of all. (b) 5 4 3 2 1 government
(c) 2 3 4 1 5 (b) establishment of a Constitution making
2. He believed in reviving all the
(d) 5 4 2 3 1 body
best traditions of Hinduism.
3. He was impressed by the 50. Several nationalist leaders in (c) giving proper representation to princely
status of women in the West. India wrote commentaries on states
the Bhagvad Geeta to argue the (d) None of the above
Which of the statements given
case for an ethical foundation to 56. Consider the following campaigns
above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 2
Indian nationalism, who among
1. Imposition of import duty on cotton
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
the following is an exception to
in 1875.
it?
45. What was the motto of Home (a) Sri Aurobindo 2. Against Arms Act of 1878.
Rule Movement? (b) Mahatma Gandhi 3. Against Inland Emigration Act.
(a) Self-government for India (c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak 4. In support of llbert Bill.
(b) Complete Independence to India (d) Ram Manohar Lohia Which of the above campaigns were
(c) Introduction of Universal Adult 51. Arrange the following events of organised by pre-congress association
Franchise AD 1919 in correct chronological were before the struggle begins?
(d) None of the above order. (a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 1, 2 and 3
1. Rowlatt Act. (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) All of these
46. Which of the following statements
about Annie Besant are correct? 2. Hunter Report. 57. Which of the following was the earliest
1. She founded the Central 3. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. public association to be formed in
Hindu College at Banaras. 4. Return to Knightwood by Modern India?
2. She organised the Home Rule Rabindranath Tagore. (a) The Madras Native Association
League. Codes (b) The British Indian Association
3. She introduced the Theosophical (a) 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) 1, 3, 4, 2 (c) The Bengal British Indian Society
Movement in India. (c) 2, 1, 3, 4 (d) 3, 1, 2, 4 (d) The Landholder’s Society
Select the correct answer using 52. The Cabinet Mission proposed 58. Which of the following is correct
the codes given below. (a) setting up of an Interim regarding the lease of Madras to the
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 Government English by the local Raja in 1639?
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these (b) a federal union consisting of (a) The Raja authorised them to fortify
British India Provinces and Indian Madras
47. Arrange the following events in States
correct chronological order. (b) The Raja did not authorised them to
(c) a Constitution making body administer Madras
1. Rowlatt Act elected by the Provincial
(c) The Raja did not authorised them to
2. Gandhi-Irwin Pact Assemblies
coin money
3. Morley-Minto Reforms (d) All of the above
(d) The English built a small fort around
4. Illbert Bill 53. The first tribal leader who was their factory
Codes
inspired by Mahatma Gandhi 59. Match the following
(a) 1, 2, 4, 3 (b) 3, 4, 1, 2
and his ideology was
(c) 4, 1, 3, 2 (d) 4, 3, 1, 2 (a) Jadonang List I List II
48. Who among the following had (b) Rani Gaidinliu (Maratha Powers) (Places)
moved the objectives resolution (c) Alluri Sitaram Raju A. Bhonsle 1. Baroda
which formed the basis of the (d) Thakkar Bapa B. Holkar 2. Nagpur
Preamble of the Constitution of 54. Consider the following C. Peshwa 3. Poona
India in the Constituent statement(s) D. Gaekwad 4. Indore
Assembly on 13th December, 1. The All India Trade Union Codes
1946? Congress was formed in A B C D A B C D
(a) Dr BR Ambedkar 1920. (a) 2 4 3 1 (b) 3 4 1 2
(b) Dr Rajendra Prasad 2. Lokamanya Tilak played an (c) 2 3 4 1 (d) 4 2 3 1
(c) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel important role in the
(d) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru formation of the AITUC.
60. The Dastaks issued by the Nizam to
the company involved conflict. Why it
49. Match the following 3. Lala Lajpat Rai was
appointed as its first
is so?
List I List II President and Dewan Chaman (a) The company was granted permits
A. Independent 1. MK Gandhi dastaks for the duty-free import-export
Lal as its General Secretary.
trade, but the company was mis-using it
B. Hindu 2. Motilal Nehru Which of the statement(s) given for internal trades also
C. Maratha 3. G Subramanya Iyer above is/are correct? (b) The dastaks were granted to the
D. New Delhi 4. BG Tilak (a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3 company, but they were being mis-used
E. Young India 5. Annie Besant (c) 1 and 2 (d) All of these by the company servants
824
(c) The company and its servants
were selling the dastaks even to
private merchants
(d) All of the above
61. Which one of the following was
the historical significance of the
Battle of Buxar (1764)?
(a) It demonstrated the superiority of
English arms over the combined
army of two of the major Indian
Powers
(b) It firmly established the British as
Master of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa
(c) It placed Awadh at the mercy of
the English
(d) It formally abolished the Mughal
empire
62. ‘In this instance, we could not
play off Mohammedans against
the Hindus’. To which one of the
following events did this remark
of Atkinson relate?
(a) Revolt of 1857
(b) Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
(c) Khilafat and Non-Cooperation
Movement
(d) August Movement of 1942
63. Which is not true about the
French East India Company?
(a) It was not dependent on the
French Government
(b) It received treasury grants,
subsidies and loans from the
French Government
(c) It was controlled by the French
State
(d) None of the above
64. Arrange the correct chronology of
the establishment of the French
factories.
1. Chander Nagar
2. Surat
3. Masulipatnam
4. Pondicherry
Codes
(a) 2, 1, 3, 4 (b) 2, 3, 4, 1
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4 (d) 3, 2, 1, 4
65. Which of the following was the
object of the Rowlatt Act passed
by the Government in 1919?
(a) Dispense with ordinary procedure
for the trial of accused persons
and to secure arbitrary confinement
(b) Provide for different sets of rules
and procedures for dealing with
ordinary and political criminals
(c) To terrorise the people
(d) To break the strength of the
nationalist movement
66. Consider the following statement(s)
relating to the famous
Muzaffarpur murders (1908).
1. The bomb, which was hurled
at their carriage of Mrs
Pringle and her daughter was
actually intended for
Mr Kingsford, the District
Judge of Muzaffarpur.
2. The revolutionaries wanted to
kill Mr Kingsford, because he
had inflicted severe
punishments of Swadeshi
activists.
3. Khudiram and Prafulla chaki
had to pay the penalty for
their action by death.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
67. In the context of the Indian
Freedom Struggle 16th October,
1905 is well known for which one
of the following reasons?
(a) The formal proclamation of
Swadeshi Movement was made in
Calcutta town hall
(b) Partition of Bengal took effect
(c) Dadabhai Naoroji declared that the
goal of Indian National Congress
was Swaraj
(d) Lokmanya Tilak started Swadeshi
Movement in Poona
68. Consider the following statement(s)
1. The Portugese were the first
to follow mercantilist
philosophy in India.
2. Blue ocean Policy meant vast
control over sea routes but
only where environment was
sustainable.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Both 1 and 2
(c) Only 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
69. Who was Sir George Oxenden?
(a) First President of Council of Surat
(b) First Governor of Bombay and
responsible for its rise into
prominence
(c) First President of council of
Madras
(d) None of the above
70. Why did the trade and industries
of Bengal suffer heavily after the
Battle of Plassey?
(a) Indian merchants faced stiff
competition from the English
CDS Pathfinder
(b) Indian merchants were at the
disadvantageous situation on account
of payment of duties by them while
the English trade was duty free
(c) Producers were forced through the use
of violent methods to sell their
commodities at lower prices
(d) All of the above
71. Consider the following statement(s)
1. The Battle of Plassey was fought
on 22nd October, 1757.
2. The Battle of Buxar was fought at
the time when Peshwa Madhav
Rao was ruling the Marathas.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Both 1 and 2
(c) Only 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
72. Consider the following statements
1. The Anglo-French Wars were
fought in Carnatic region.
2. Madras was captured by the
French during First Anglo-French
War and was given back to the
English in 1748.
3. Battle of St Thome was fought
between Nawab of Carnatic and
the French.
Which of the statements given above
are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
73. The advantage(s) secured by the
English from the Treaty of Calcutta
(1757) with Nawab Sirajud Daula
was
(a) the English were granted permission to
fortify Calcutta
(b) the English were given permission to
mint their own coins
(c) All of the above
(d) None of the above
74. The Treaty of Alinagar signed
between the English and the Nawab
on February, 1757 did not provide for
(a) compensation for damages to the East
India Company
(b) permission to fortify Fort William
(c) property that had been seized by the
Nawab to be restored
(d) acknowledgment of the East India
Company as the paramount power by
the Nawab
75. After Bengal, the English seemed the
right of duty- free trade in the
dominion of
(a) Raja of Banaras
(b) Nawab of Awadh
(c) The Nizam of Hyderabad
(d) The Jats of Bharatpur
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
76. How did the Mughal Emperor
Jahandar Shah’s reign come to an
early end?
(a) He was deposed by his wazir
(b) He died due to a slip while climbing
down steps
(c) He was defeated by his nephew in
a battle
(d) The died of sickness due to too
much consumption of wine
77. Cornwallis’ code of 1793 separated
(a) revenue collection for administration
of civil justice
(b) Civil administration from judicial
administration
(c) The Bengal administration for
central administration
(d) The civil administration from military
administration
78. Consider the following statement(s)
1. Subhash Chandra Bose formed
the forward bloc.
2. Bhagat Singh was one of the
founders of Hindustan
Republican Socialist Association
[HRSA]
Select the correct answer from the
codes given below.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
79. Which of the following held the
chief spirit behind the Shimla
Conference in early 1945?
(a) C Rajagopalachari
(b) Amery, Secretary of State for India
(c) Lord Wavell, the Viceroy
(d) None of the above
80. In the battle of Buxar, nawab
Shuja-ud Daula of Awadh joined
Mir Qasim under the terms that
(a) Mir Qasim would meet the
expenses of Shuja’s army
(b) Mir Qasim would lead to the
province of Bihar to Awadh after
his restwatia.
(c) Both ‘a’ and ‘b’
(d) Mir Qasim would get Shuja
appointed as wazir of Shah
Alam II
81. Consider the following statement(s)
1. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
was the first graduate of
Calcutta University.
2. Satyendranath Tagore was the
first Indian to qualify for the
Indian Civil Service
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
82. Who among the following were
official Congress negotiators with
Cripps Mission?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel
(b) Acharya JB Kripalani and C
Rajagopalachari
(c) Pandit Nehru and Maulana Azad
(d) Dr Rajendra Prasad and Rafi
Ahmed
83. Consider the following statement(s)
1. Lord Irwin was popularly
known as Christian Viceroy.
2. A separate state of Bihar and
Orissa was created during the
governorship of Lord Hardinge.
3. During Lord Wellington’s
tenure communal award was
propagated in August, 1932.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 (b) Only 1
(c) 1 and 2 (d) All of these
84. Mahatma Gandhi undertook fast
unto death mainly because
(a) Round Table Conference failed to
satisfy India political aspirations
(b) Congress and Muslim League had
differences of opinion
(c) Ramsay MacDonald announced the
communal award
(d) None of the above
85. The French East India Company
was founded in 1664. It made
rapid progress and was finally
established at
(a) Calicut and Pondicherry
(b) Madras and Chandernagar
(c) Chandernagar and Pondicherry
(d) Chandernagar and Bassein
86. Consider the following
personalities
1. JP Narayane
2. JL Nehru
3. Narandra Dev
4. Minu Masani
Which was/were two founder of
congress Samajvadi Party?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4
87. Consider the following
statement(s)
1. The book ‘The Indian War of
Independence, 1857’ was
written by VD Savarkar.
2. Mirza Ghalib, the famous Urdu
poet, witnessed the massacre
of male civilians of Delhi by
the British soldiers after it
was recaptured.
825
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
88. Consider the following statement(s)
1. The Hindustan socialist
Republican Association was
founded in 1928 in Delhi,
2. The most successful revolutionary
operation in the entire history of
the freedom struggle was led by
Surya Sen.
3. Sohan Singh Bakha was the
founder President of the Ghadar
Party in USA.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
89. Which of the following may be
considered drawbacks of the early
phase of the congress activities?
1. It was confined to the educated
middle class.
2. Misplaced faith in the
benevolence and fair mindedness
of the British policies.
3. No proper understanding of the
exploitative nature of British
economic policies.
4. Preservation of caste and
communal considerations
preventing mass involvement.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 3
90. The Europeans in India launched a
vigorous campaign for the repeal of
the llbert Bill for
1. monopolisation of higher judicial
posts for Europeans.
2. exclusion of Indians from
Viceroy’s Council.
3. their exemption from the
jurisdiction Indian judges and
magistrates.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) Only 3 (d) All of these
91. The Doctrines of ‘Non-Violence’ and
‘Civil Disobedience’ associated with
Mahatma Gandhi were influenced
by the works of
(a) Churchill-Irwin-Tolstoy
(b) Ruskin-Tolstoy-Thoreau
(c) Thoreau-Humen-Shaw
(d) Cripps-Tolstoy-Howes
826
92. Consider the following statement(s)
1. Wellesley converted East India
Company into British empire
by encouraging subsidiary
alliance system.
2. Wellesley continued permanent
settlement in Bengal.
3. Fort William college was opened
for private training to both the
aspirants and serving civil
servants in India.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is /are correct?
(a) Only 2 (b) Only 3
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
93. Consider the following statement(s)
about Gandhiji’s Movements
1. The movement was based on
truth and non-violence.
2. Only the brave and strong
could practice stayagraha and
be the part of movements.
3. Non-cooperation movement
withdrew because the followers
were not practising satyagraha.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 3
(c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these
94. Consider the following statement(s)
and mark the correct answer
1. Lord Ripon usually said
‘‘Judge me by my works and
not by my words.’’
2. Lord Lansdowne passed the
age of Consent Act which
forbade marriage of girl below
12 years.
3. Lord Irwin was responsible for
creation of a new province
called the North-West Frontier
Province.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 3
(c) All of these (d) None of these
95. Consider the following statement(s)
in respect of the Chittagong
Armoury Raid Case.
1. Barindra Kumar Ghosh led the
revolutionaries of the
Chittagong Armoury Raid
Case.
2. The raid was undertaken in the
name of the Indian Republican
Army.
3. Pritilata Weddedar was one of
the female revolutionaries of
the Chittagong Armoury Raid
Case.
CDS Pathfinder
Which of the statements(s) given (c) Develop the felling of national unity
above is/are correct? among the people
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (d) Create and nurture and Indian
(c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 3 nationhood
100. Match the following
96. Consider the following events
during the British rule List II
List I
1. Pundering of begums of (Areas under
(Leaders)
Awadh. their Operation)
2. The permanent settlement A. Maulavi Ahmed Shah 1. Barrackpore
system in Bengal. B. Mangal Pandey 2. Faizabad
3. Beginning of the dual C. Bakht Khan 3. Kanpur
Government in Bengal.
D. Nana Saheb 4. Delhi
4. Beginning of Drain of Wealth
form India. Codes
Which of the following is the A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 4 1 3 (b) 3 4 1 2
correct chronological order of the
(c) 2 1 4 3 (d) 3 1 4 2
above given events?
(a) 4, 3, 1, 2 (b) 4, 3, 2, 1 101. Consider the following statements
(c) 3, 4, 2, 1 (d) 3, 4, 1, 2 with regard to the Government of
97. An important aspect of the Cripps India Act, 1935.
Mission of 1942 was 1. The act provided for the
(a) that all Indian states should join establishment of an all India
the Indian union as a condition to Federation.
consider any degree of autonomy 2. The all India Federation was to
for India be based on a union of the
(b) the creation of an Indian Union provinces of British India and
with Dominion status very soon the princely states.
after the world war
3. There was to be a bicameral
(c) the active participation and federal legislature.
cooperation of the Indian people,
communities and political parties in 4. Only 10% of total population in
British India was given right to
the British war effort as a condition
vote.
for granting independence with full
sovereign status to India after the Which of the statements given above
war
are correct?
(d) the framing of a Constitution for (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 3 and 4
the entire Indian Union, with no
(c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) All of these
separate Constitution for any
province and a Union Constitution 102. Consider the following statements
to be accepted by all provinces about Socio-economic condition of
the 18th century of India.
98. Which one of the factors given
below did not help the 1. The socio-economic condition of
money-lenders to exploit the the 18th century of India was
cultivators under the British rule infected by political conclusion
in India? and instability.
(a) The new legal system and new 2. The institution of the castes was
land revenue policy introduced by the striking feature.
the British
3. Dowry system was prevalent
(b) The introduction of transferability of
land among the upper castes.
(c) The growing commercialisation of 4. Polygamy was in common and
agriculture was mainly practiced by the
(d) Support to money lending aristocrats.
traditions, prevalent for a very long 5. The Peshwas discouraged Sati in
time their dominion with limited
99. Which of the following is not success.
considered as the objective of the Which of the statements given above
Indian National Congress? are correct?
(a) Found a regional movements (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(b) Develop and propagate (c) 1, 3 and 5 (d) All of these
anti-colonical nationalist ideology
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
103. Consider the following event(s)
during India’s freedom struggle.
1. Chauri-chaura outrage
2. Dandi-March
3. Morley Reforms
Which of the above is/are
responsible for the withdrawal of
the non-cooperation movements?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 1
(c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these
104. Which among the following was
not one of the provisions of the
‘Communal Award’?
(a) Members of the depressed
classes were assigned reserved
seats and separate electorates
(b) Separate electorates for the
Muslims
(c) Separate electorates for the
Europeans and the Sikhs
(d) The separate electorates were to
lapse at the end of 10 years
105. Consider the following
statement(s)
1. One significant development in
the second half of the 19th
century was the establishment
of large-scale machine based
industries in India.
2. The first textile mill was
started in Bombay by
Cowasjee Nanabhoy in 1863
and the first jute mill in
Rishra (Bengal) in 1865.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor2
106. Arrange the following events in
correct chronological order.
1. Ilbert Bill controversy.
2. The First Delhi Darbar.
3. The Queen’s Proclamation.
4. First Factory Act.
Codes
(a) 1, 2, 3 , 4 (b) 2, 1, 3, 4
(c) 3, 4, 1, 2 (d) 3, 2, 4, 1
107. Consider the following
statement(s)
1. Impact of British rule in India
was started with the very first
Christian missionaries arriving
to India, with the intention to
turn a majority of population
into Christians.
2. The Christians missionaries
tried to cast Christianity in the
light of a better religion and
with economic inducements
convinced the poor Indians into
Christianity.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
108. Consider the following statement(s)
1. Namdhari movement also
known as Kuka movement
because of the followers
resorting to shricks while in
ecstasy.
2. Mahar Satyagraha was led by
Dr Ambedkar claiming the
rights of Mahar’s to use tanks
and temples.
3. Sati was abolished in 1829 by
the efforts of Raja Rammohan
Roy.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 1
(c) All of these (d) None of these
109. Match the followings
List I List II
A. Asiatic Society of 1. John Eillot
Bengal Drinkwale
B. Anglo-Hindu 2. Willim Jones
College
C. Bethune School 3. Raja Rammohan
Roy
D. Cental Hindu 4. Madan Mohan
College at Banaras Malaviya
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 3 2 4 (b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 2 3 1 4 (d) 1 2 3 4
110. Which one among the following
statements appropriately defines
the term ‘Drain Theory’ as
propounded by Dadabhai Naoroji
in his work ‘Poverty and
Un-British Rule in India’?
(a) That a part of India’s national
wealth or total annual product was
being exported to Britain for which
India got no material returns
(b) That the resources of India were
being utilised in the interest of
Britain
(c) That the British industrialists were
being given a opportunity to invest
in India under the protection of the
imperial power
827
(d) That the British goods were being
imported to India making the
country poorer day-by-day
111. Which among the following was the
most immediate factor for the
spread of Swadeshi and boycott of
foreign goods during the first
decade of the last century?
(a) Curzon’s design to curtail the
sphere of local self-governance
(b) Curzon’s attempt to control the
universities
(c) Curzon’s partition of Bengal
(d) Curzon’s plan to curb the growing
popularity of the Indian National
Congress
112. Which of the following statement(s)
regarding permanent settlement
is/are correct?
1. The permanent settlement was
introduced in parts of the
Madras and Bombay
Presidencies.
2. The permanent settlement
created a new class of landlords
with hereditary rights on land.
3. The landlords created by the
permanent settlement could
never be removed under any
circumstance.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) All of the above
113. Gandhiji led the Indian Nationalist
Movement from the front and his
leadership was motivated by a
wider philosophy, he nurtured
throughout the course of the
movement. Which one among the
following was a continuous
movement based on this
philosophy and not a specific
movement?
(a) Non-Cooperation Movement
(b) Swadeshi Movement
(c) Quit India Movement
(d) Civil Disobedience Movement
114. In 1856, Awadh would not have
been annexed with the British
empire, if the Nawab of Awadh had
(a) allied with the British
(b) not refused to introduce reforms as
suggested by the British
(c) fought against the British
(d) a natural heir
828
115. Which of the following
statements about Fourth
Anglo-Mysore War are correct?
1. The Madras Council
suggested a policy of rigorous
and intense attack on Mysore.
2. Lord Wellesley tried to revive
the triple alliance.
3. Tipu sent emissaries to
Arabia, Versailles, Mauritius
and Kabul enlisting support
against the English.
4. The war was of a very short
duration though decisive
Select the correct answer using
the codes given below.
(a) 2, 3 and 4 (b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 1 and 3
116. In addition to Macaulay’s
Minutes on Education, another
landmark draft is also attributed
to him. Identify the draft from the
following.
(a) Draft of Indian Penal Code
(b) Draft of Indian Forest Policy
(c) Draft of the Abolition Act
(d) Draft of the Trade Policy
117. Consider the following
statements and identify with the
help of the codes given below,
the person who made the
statement
‘It would be quite impossible for
a few hundred British to
administer against the active
opposition of the whole of the
politically minded of the
population’.
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru in April, 1947 in
an address to Congressmen at
Lucknow
(b) Clement Attlee January, 1947 in a
private letter addressed to Ernest
Bevin
(c) Lord Mountbatten in December,
1946 in a note given to British
Parliament
(d) Viceroy Wavell in January 1946 in
a letter to Secretary of State
118. Which one among the following
was part of Gandhi-Irwin
Agreement of 1931?
(a) Sterm action against policemen
guilty of brutal assault on
Satyagrahis
(b) Nehru to represent Congress at
the Round Table Conference of
1931
(c) Deletion of communal question
from the agenda of the
conference
(d) Release of political prisoners
excepting those guilty of arson
and violence
119. Which one among the following
statements regarding the social
and religious reform ideas of
Raja Rammohan Roy is not
correct?
(a) His efforts led to the formation of
Brahmo Samaj in 1828
(b) He considered different religions
as embodiments of universal
theism
(c) His Vedantic monism was
strengthened after 1815 since an
exposure to Christian Unitarianism
(d) He paid attention exclusively to
the problems/Issues of the
emerging middle class of India
120. Which of the following
statement(s) regarding Mahatma
Gandhi’s philosophy of
Satyagraha is/are correct?
1. Truth and non-violence are
its two vital ingredients.
2. The follower of Satyagraha
would resist evil but not hate
the evil doer.
3. The Satyagrahi would, if
necessary, inflict suffering on
himself and also on the evil
doer.
Select the correct answer using
the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) Only 1 (d) All of these
121. Consider the following
statement(s) about the
Non-Cooperation Movement.
1. The movement was a mixture
of nationalism, middle class
politics, religion, feudalism,
agrarian discontent and
working class agitation.
2. The movement was much
greater in intensity than any
other political agitation which
came before it.
3. The movement helped to
foster Hindu-Muslim unity.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) Only 3 (d) 1 and 3
CDS Pathfinder
122. Consider the following events in the
history of British India.
1. Santhal Rebellion
2. Indigo Revolt
3. Sanyasi and Fakir Rebellion
4. Birsa Munda Rebellion
Which one of the following is a correct
chronological sequence of the above
events starting with the earliest?
(a) 3, 2, 1, 4 (b) 1, 4, 2, 3
(c) 3, 1, 2, 4 (d) 2, 1, 4, 3
123. Which of the following statement(s)
about Ryotwari settlement is/are
correct?
1. It recognised the cultivators as
the owner of land.
2. It was a temporary settlement.
3. It was introduced later than the
permanent settlement
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) Only 1 (d) All of these
124. Consider the following statement(s)
about Dr Ram Manohar Lohia
1. He believed the Satyagraha
without constructive work is like
a sentence without a verb.
2. He wrote his PhD thesis paper
on the topic of Salt Satyagraha,
focusing on Mahatma Gandhi’s
socio-economic theory.
3. He recognised that caste, more
than class was the huge
stumbling block to India's
progress.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these
125. Which of the following statement(s)
about Warren Hasting is/are
correct?
1. He was the last Governor of
Bengal.
2. He wrote introduction to the first
English translation of “Gita” by
Charles Wilkins.
3. He started Diwani and Faujadari
Adalats at the district level and
Sadar Diwani and Nizamat
Adalats (appellate courts) at
Calcutta.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 829

126. Which one among the following
prompted Rabindranath Tagore
to surrender his title of ‘Sir’?
(a) The Passing of the Rowlatt Act
(b) The Passing of the Act of 1919
(c) To support Mahatma Gandhi’s
Satyagraha Movement
(d) To protest against the massacre
at Jalianwala Bagh and the
imposition of martial law in
Punjab
127. Which one of the following was
not a result of British colonial
rule in India?
130. To which among the following
(a) Ruin of Indian agriculture
(b) Ruin of Indian industries
(c) Ruin of India trade
(d) Ruin of Indian feudalism
128. Prior to 1813, which among the
following measures, was not
adopted by the British to exploit
Indians economically?
131. Consider the following paragraph
(a) Monopolising the trade of raw
goods wherever possible and
selling them at high rates
(b) Forcing Indian craftsment to
produce quality products in fixed
quantity and at fixed price
(c) Free Trade Policy
(d) Elimination of Indian traders from
competition by every means
129. Consider the following
statement(s) relating to Raja
Rammohan Roy?
1. He knew that the spread of
Western education was
necessary to develop a
national and scientific
attitude in the Indian society.
2. He played a pioneering role
in the religious and social
reform movements of 19th
century Bengal.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
the residuary powers were
conferred by the federation
established by the Act of 1935
(a) Federal legislature
(b) Provincial legislatures
(c) Governor-General
(d) Provincial Governors
He was seriously injured in police
lathi charge in Lahore during the
demonstration against Simon
Commission, for which he
subsequently died in November
1928. Later on, the British officer,
who was responsible for the lathi
charge on him, was shot dead by
Bhagat Singh and Rajguru.
The revolutionary referred to in
the above paragraph is
(a) Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant
(b) Lala Lajpat Rai
(c) Mangal Singh
(d) Motilal Nehru
132. Which of the following was/were the
main features (s) of the Government
of India Act, 1919?
1. Introduction of separate
electorates for Muslims.
2. Devolution of legislative authority
by the centre to the provinces.
3. Expansion and reconstitution of
central and provincial
legislatures.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) Only 2 (b) 1 and 3
(c) Only 3 (d) 2 and 3
133. 26th October, 1947 is an important
date in the Indian history, because of
(a) Maharaja Hari Singh’s signing on
instrument of accession
(b) cease-fire with Pakistan
(c) merger of Sind
(d) declaration of war over India by
Pakistan
134. Which one of the following
commissions, committees was
appointed by the British Government
to investigate into the massacre in
Jallianwala Bagh?
(a) Welby Commission
(b) Hunter Committee
(c) Simon Commission
(d) Butler Committee

QUESTIONS FROM
CDS EXAM (2012-2016)
2012 (I)
1. Which one among the following
statements regarding Bal
Gangadhar Tilak is not correct?
(a) He propounded the theory of the
Arctic Home of the Aryans
(b) He founded the Anti-Cow Killing
Society
(c) He set-up the Home Rule League at
Poona
(d) He supported the Age of Consent
Bill
2. Which one among the following
principles was not propagated by
the Theosophical Society?
(a) Belief in Karma and Rebirth
(b) Belief in Universal Brotherhood and
Humanity
(c) Belief in Vedantic Philosophy (a) Warren Hastings
(d) Belief in the Eradication of (b) Lord Cornwallis
Untouchability (c) Lord Wellesley
3. Which one among the following (d) Lord William Bentinck
statements is correct? 5. The Cabinet Mission Plan for India
(a) The Revolt of 1857 was not envisaged a
supported by the Nizam of (a) Federation
Hyderabad (b) Confederation
(b) Dinabandhu Mitra was the author of (c) Unitary form of Government
the book, Unhappy India (d) Union of States
(c) The Sindhias of Gwalior gave shelter 6. Which one among the following
to the Rani of Jhansi states was first annexed by Lord
(d) Mangal Pandey led the Sepoys Dalhousie under the Doctrine of
March to Delhi Lapse?
4. Who among the following Governor (a) Nagpur
(b) Jhansi
Generals formed the Triple
(c) Sambalpur
Alliance against Tipu Sultan?
(d) Satara
830 CDS Pathfinder

7. Identify the correct sequence of 12. Match the following (c) Siraj-ud-Daulah wanted to drive out the
the following events of Indian English from Bengal
List I List II
history (starting with the (d) Refusal of the English to demolish the
(Battles) (Treaties)
earliest) fortification of Calcutta
A. The Third Carnatic War 1. Treaty of Salbai
1. The Doctrine of Lapse 17. The suppression of Indian language
B. The Third Mysore War 2. Treaty of Lahore
2. The Subsidiary Alliance newspapers under the Vernacular
C. The First Maratha War 3. Treaty of Paris Press Act of 1878 was caused by the
3. The Treaty of Lahore
D. The First Anglo-Sikh 4. Treaty of criticism of
4. The Pitt’s India Act War Srirangapatam
(a) lavish lifestyle of the English officials
Select the correct answer using
Codes (b) ill-treatment given to Indigo workers by
the codes given below.
(a) 4, 2, 3, 1 (b) 1, 2, 3, 4 A B C D A B C D their English masters
(c) 2, 1, 4, 3 (d) 3, 2, 1, 4 (a) 2 1 4 3 (b) 2 4 1 3 (c) inhuman approach of English officials
towards the victims of the famine of
(c) 3 4 1 2 (d) 3 1 4 2
8. Match the following 1876-77
(d) misuse of religious places of India by
List I List II 2012 (II) English officials
A. lyothere Thass 1. Satyashodhak
Samaj 13. Several nationalist leaders in India 18. Dalhousie has been regarded as the
wrote commentaries on the maker of modern India because he
B. Jyotiba Phule 2. Dravida
Kazhagam Bhagvad Geeta to argue the case for brought about reforms and made a
an ethical foundation to Indian beginning in many fields. Which one
C. John Rathinam 3. Self-Respect
Movement nationalism, who among the among the following was not one of
following is an exception to it? his schemes of reforms?
D. EV Ramaswami 4. Dravida Mahajana
Naickar Sabha (a) Sri Aurobindo (a) Educational reforms
(b) Mahatma Gandhi (b) Construction of railways and
Codes (c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak introduction of telegraph and postal
A B C D A B C D (d) Ram Manohar Lohia services
(a) 4 2 1 3 (b) 3 1 2 4 (c) Establishment of a public works
14. Which one among the following department
(c) 4 1 2 3 (d) 3 2 1 4 statements is not true of the
(d) Factories Act to improve the condition
9. Which of the following Jajmani system? of Indian labour
statement(s) about Permanent (a) It was a non-market exchange system
Settlement is/are correct? (b) It was practised in many villages and
1. It conferred proprietary regions during the pre-colonial period 2013 (I)
rights to peasants. (c) It was introduced under pressure 19. The fortification of Calcutta by the
2. The Zamindars were from the colonial regime
British in 1756 was regarded by the
recognised as the proprietors (d) It was incorporated into wider
Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah,
of land. networks of exchange through which
as
3. The government permanently agricultural products and other goods
(a) growth of large-scale British trade
fixed the land revenue circulated
(b) an attack upon his sovereignty
demand. 15. Which one among the following (c) insecurity of the British in India
4. The Zamindars acted as the correctly describes Gandhiji’s (d) British control over Bengal
middlemen between the
attitude towards the Swarajist
peasants and the 20. Several socio-political organisations
government. leaders?
were formed in the 19th and 20th
(a) He was not opposed to their entry
Select the correct answer using into council
centuries in India,
the codes given below. Anjuman-e-Khawatin-e-Islam
(b) He had full trust in their bonafides
(a) 2, 3 and 4 (b) 3 and 4
and considered them most valued
founded in the year 1914 was
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 1 and 3 (a) All India Muslim Ladies Conference
and respected leaders
(b) A radical wing of the All India Muslim
10. The Name of Ram Prasad (c) He was not in favour of maintaining
warm personal relations with them League
Bismil is associated with
(d) He was neutral to government’s (c) All India Muslim Student’s Conference
(a) Kanpur Conspiracy Case
(b) Alipore Conspiracy Case offensive against the Swarajists and (d) All India Islamic Conference
(c) Kakori Conspiracy Case did not defend them 21. British colonialism in India saw the
(d) Meerut Conspiracy Case 16. Which one among the following was emergence of new cities. Calcutta,
11. Which one among the following the immediate cause of attack by (now Kolkata), was one of the first
Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah on Calcutta cities. Which of the following villages
was not a demand of the
in 1756? were amalgamated to form the city of
Prarthana Samaj?
(a) Women education (a) Refusal of the English Company to
Calcutta?
pay the overdue trade tax (a) Midnapur, Chittagong, Burdwan
(b) Widow remarriage
(b) The English conspired against the (b) 24-Parganas, Kalikata, Thakurgaon
(c) Raising the age of marriage for
Nawab with a view to depose him (c) Sutanuti, Kalikata, Gobindapur
boys and girls
(d) Abolition of untouchability from the Throne (d) Midnapur, Thakurgaon, Gobindapur
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
22. Statement I The Permanent
Zamindari Settlement of land
created a new class of landlords.
Statement II The new class of
landlords became strong political
allies of the British and were
interested in the continuance of
British dominion.
Codes
(a) Both the statements are true and
Statement II is the correct
explanation of Statement I
(b) Both the statements are true, but
Statement II is not the correct
explanation of Statement I
(c) Statement I is true, but Statement II
is false
(d) Statement I is false, but Statement
II is true
23. Which chemical was an important
symbol in our struggle for freedom?
(a) Glucose (b) Fertilizer
(c) Medicine (d) Sodium chloride
24. Who among the following was not
associated with the foundation of
the All India Trade Union
Congress?
(a) NM Joshi (b) Lajpat Rai
(c) V V Giri (d) Joseph Baptista
25. In his lectures on nationalism,
Ravindranath Tagore argued that
1. nationalism frees men and
women from narrow loyalties
and bonds and connects them
to wider and better community
of fellowship.
2. nationalism will foster a feeling
of rootedness and cultural
belongingness and put an end
to warmongering.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2013 (II)
26. Which one among the following
statements about Civil
Disobedience Movement is correct?
(a) It started with Gandhiji's march to
Champaran
(b) Under Gandhi-Irwin agreement
Congress agreed to give up Civil
Disobedience Movement
(c) The British Government was quite
soft towards the movement from the
beginning
(d) There was no violence during the
movement
27. Consider the following
statement(s) about Satyagraha
1. It was first experimented by
Gandhiji in South Africa.
2. It was first experimented in
India at Champaran.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/ are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
28. Who among the following first
used the word ‘Swarajya’ in its
political sense and accepted Hindi
as the national language of India?
(a) Ram Mohan Roy
(b) Swami Vivekananda
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
29. Which one among the following
was the primary reason behind
the failure of the Young Bengal
Movement in Bengal?
(a) It did not appeal to educated
people
(b) Its economic programme was not
popular
(c) It was too radical
(d) It did not have good leaders
30. Which one among the following
statements about the Swadeshi
and Revolutionary Movements in
Bengal is not correct?
(a) It gave a great push forward to the
Indian Nationalist Movement
(b) It gave a great stimulus to
indigenous business and industry
or Swadeshi enterprise
(c) The Government of East Bengal
and Assam became sympathetic to
the revolutionaries
(d) It gave a great stimulus to the
development of vernacular literature
and revolutionary literature in
particular
31. Consider the following
‘India would be far more reliable
as a base for operations.
Moreover, the prospect of a
settlement will be greatly
enhanced by the disappearance of
Gandhi, who had for years
torpedoed every attempt at a
settlement.’
The above statement was made by
the British in the context of
(a) Kheda Satyagraha
(b) Civil Disobedience Movement
(c) Quit India Movement
(d) Non-Cooperation Movement
831
Directions (Q. Nos. 32-34) The
following questions consists of two
statements, Statement I and Statement
II. You are to examine these two
statements carefully and select the
answers to these items using the codes
given below.
Codes
(a) Both the statements are true and
Statement II is the correct explanation
of Statement I
(b) Both the statements are true, but
Statement II is not the correct of
Statement I
(c) Statement I is true, but Statement II is
false
(d) Statement I is false, but Statement II is
true
32. Statement I The economy of India
in the 19th century came to a state
of ruin under English East India
Company.
Statement II English East India
Company’s acquisition of Diwani
right led to the miseries of the
peasants and those associated with
the traditional handicrafts industry
of India.
33. Statement I In India tribal
movements of 19th century resulted
out of the process of land
displacements and the introduction
of forest laws.
Statement II The Indian national
movement resolved the problems
faced by the tribals.
34. Statement I The social
institutions of caste in India
underwent major changes in the
colonial period.
Statement II Caste, in
contemporary society is more a
product of ancient Indian tradition
than of colonialism.
2014 (I)
35. Which among the following was the
reason of the resignation of the
Indian Ministers in all the
provinces in the year 1939?
(a) The Governors refused to act as
constitutional heads
(b) The Centre did not provide the
required financial help to provinces
(c) The Governor-General converted
Indian administration from federal to
unitary one because of the beginning
of the World War II
(d) India was declared a party to the
World War II without the consent of
the provincial government
832
36. Who among the following was
not associated with the activities
of the Theosophical Society?
(a) Madame HP Blavatsky
(b) Mr AO Hume
(c) Col HS Olcott
(d) Mrs Annie Besant
37. Consider the following
statement(s) about the First
Session of the Indian National
Congress
1. It was held in Bombay in
1885.
2. Surendranath Bannerji could
not attend the session due to
the simultaneous session of
the Indian National
Conference.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
38. Consider the following
statement(s)
1. BG Tilak founded the Home
Rule League in April 1916, in
Maharashtra.
2. NC Kelkar was not associated
with Home Rule Movement.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
39. The social ideals of Mahatma
Gandhi were first put forth in
(a) Hind Swaraj
(b) An Autobiography–The Story of My
Experiments with Truth
(c) History of the Satyagraha in South
Africa
(d) The Bhagavad Geeta–According to
Gandhi
40. Consider the following
statement(s) about Syed Ahmed
Khan, the founder of
Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental
College, Aligarh
1. He was a staunch supporter
of Indian National Congress.
2. Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental
College was set-up with the
objective of promoting learning
of Islamic education among
the Muslims.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
41. Consider the following
statement(s)
1. Battle of Buxar provided the
key to the English to establish
their rule in India.
2. The Treaty of Allahabad,
concluded in 1765, enabled the
British to establish their rule
in Bengal.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2014 (II)
42. The Ghadar party, formed in the
USA, was determined to start a
revolt in India. Which among the
following provinces did the party
choose to begin its armed revolt?
(a) Punjab (b) Bengal
(c) United Provinces (d) Bihar
43. Consider the following
statement(s) about colonial
economy of Vietnam (Indo-China).
1. The colonial economy in
Vietnam was primarily based
on rice cultivation and rubber
plantations.
2. All the rubber plantations in
Vietnam were owned and
controlled by a small
Vietnamese elite.
3. Indentured Vietnamese labour
was widely used in the rubber
plantations.
4. Indentured labourers worked
on the basis of contracts that
did not specify any rights of
labourers but gave immense
power to the employers.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 1 and 4
(c) 2 and 3 (d) Only 1
44. Which of the four linguistic regions
in South India remained
unaffected by the Non-Cooperation
Movement (1921-22)?
(a) Kerala (b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Andhra Pradesh (d) Karnataka
45. Which of the following
statement(s) about the
penetration of English into
Bengal is/are correct?
1. Job Charnock arrived in
Sutanati in August, 1690 and
laid the foundation of Calcutta
which later became the heart
of the British Indian empire.
CDS Pathfinder
2. The French East India Company
built a fort near the Fort William
in Calcutta.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Directions (Q. Nos. 46-48) The
following questions consist of two
statements, Statement I and Statement
II. You are to examine these two
statements carefully and select the
answers to these items using the codes
given below.
Codes
(a) Both the statements are individually true
and Statement II is the correct of
Statement I
(b) Both the statements are individually true,
but Statement II is not the correct of
Statement I
(c) Statement I is true, but Statement II is
false
(d) Statement I is false, but Statement II is
true
46. Statement I Ram Mohan Roy in his
famous work Gift to Monotheism put
forward weighty arguments against
belief in many Gods and for the
worship of a single God.
Statement II Ram Mohan Roy in
his Precepts of Jesus tried to separate
the moral and philosophic message of
the New Testament.
47. Statement I The Bethune School,
founded in Calcutta in 1849 was the
first fruit of the powerful movement
for women’s education that arose in
the 1840s and 1850s.
Statement II The first step in
giving modern education to girls was
undertaken by Vidyasagar in 1800.
48. Statement I The annexation of
Awadh by Lord Dalhousie in 1856
adversely affected the financial
conditions of the sepoys.
Statement II The sepoys had to pay
higher taxes on the land where their
family members stayed in Awadh.
2015 (I)
49. Which of the following statement(s)
about Mahatma Gandhi’s South
African experiences (1893-1914)
is/are true?
1. Muslim merchants were actively
involved in Gandhian political
movements in South Africa.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 833

2. In 1906, Gandhi led a 54. The interest of the British 2. One reason for the uprising was
campaign in Cape Town Government of India in the ban on free movement of the
against the ordinance on Afghanistan in the 19th century Sannyasis along pilgrimage routes.
compulsory registration and came about in order to 3. In the course of the uprisings in
passes for Indians. 1773, Warren Hastings issued a
(a) make use of the natural resources
3. Gandhi began his political of Afghanistan proclamation banishing all
career with struggles against (b) ensure that the Russian empire Sannyasis from Bengal and Bihar.
the imposition of excessive did not have an influence over 4. Are contemporaneous with the
taxes on Indians in Cape Town. Afghanistan Non-Cooperation Movement.
Select the correct answer using (c) increase the reach of the British Select the correct answer using the
the codes given below. Empire codes given below.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 3 (d) establish a monopoly over the (a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 3
(c) 1 and 2 (d) All of these markets of Afghanistan (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 4
50. Which of the following sets of 55. Which of the following features of 58. Which of the following
newspapers reflected the concerns the State of Arcot in 18th century characteristic(s) about the state of
of educated Indian Muslims South India are correct? Travancore in 18th century Kerala
during the Khilafat Movement? 1. The founders of the dynasty is/are correct?
(a) Comrade and Hamdard that ruled Arcot were Daud 1. Travancore was ruled by Martanda
(b) Comrade and Hindustan Times Khan Panni and Saadatullah Varma from 1729 to 1758.
(c) Zamindar and Muslim Voice Khan. 2. Travancore built a strong army
(d) Comrade, Hamdard, Zamindar and 2. Arcot became the site of a and defeated the Dutch in 1741.
Al Hilal 3. Travancore was an important
protracted struggle between
51. Which would be the most the English and Dutch East centre of learning.
appropriate description India Companies from the Select the correct answer using the
concerning the Punjab Naujawan 1740s. codes given below.
Bharat Sabha? 3. Decentralisation was a key (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
feature of the State of Arcot (c) 1 and 2 (d) All of these
It aspired to
(a) do political work among youth, in the 18th century.
peasants and workers 4. The other major State to 2015 (II)
(b) spread the philosophy of revolution emerge in South India at this
among students time was Mysore.
59. Which of the following statement(s)
(c) initiate discussions regarding about the Hastings Plan of 1772
Select the correct answer using is/are correct?
anti-imperialism among workers
the codes given below.
(d) help the formation of a Trade Union 1. Each district was to have a civil
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 2 and 4
Movement in Punjab and a criminal court.
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4
52. Match the following 2. The judges were helped by native
56. Which of the following assessors who were skilled in
List II statements about the social Hindu and Islamic laws.
List I
(Journals/ reformer, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, 3. The Sadar Diwani Adalat was
(Editors)
Newspapers) is false? mainly meant to settle mercantile
A. SA Dange 1. Labour-Kisan Gazette (a) Ram Mohan Roy belonged to the cases exceeding ` 10000 in value.
B. Muzaffar Ahmed 2. Inquilab gentry class whose power has 4. These courts did not put into
been diminished because of the place any procedural
C. Ghulam Hussain 3. Navayug
imposition of the Permanent improvements.
D. M Singaravelu 4. The Socialist Settlement
Select the correct answer using the
Codes (b) He studied both Vedantic Monism
codes given below.
and Christian Unitarianism
A B C D A B C D (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4
(c) He translated the Upanishads into (c) 2 and 4 (d) Only 2
(a) 4 3 2 1 (b) 4 2 3 1
Bengali
(c) 1 2 3 4 (d) 1 3 2 4 60. Which of the following statement(s)
(d) His first organisation was the
53. Which of the following was/were Atmiya Sabha, founded in Calcutta about Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah, who
connected primarily to the in 1815 played an important part in the
communist ideology? 57. Which of the following is/are the Revolt of 1857 is/are correct?
1. Kirti Kisan Party characteristic(s) of the Sannyasi 1. He was popularly known as
2. Labour Swaraj Party and Fakir uprisings? Danka Shah or the Maulvi with a
drum.
Select the correct answer using 1. These uprisings refer to a
series of skirmishes between 2. He fought in the famous Battle of
the codes given below.
the English East India Chinhat.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Company and a group of 3. He was killed by British troops
Sannyasis and Fakirs. under the command of Henry
Lawrence.
834 CDS Pathfinder

Select the correct answer 62. Which of the following
using the codes given below. statement(s) about the formation
(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 3 of the Indian National Congress
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 2 is/are true?
1. The Indian National Congress
61. Which of the following
was formed at a national
statement(s) about Jyotirao
convention held in Calcutta in
Phule’s Satyashodhak Samaj
December 1885 under the
Movement in Maharashtra presidency of Motilal Nehru.
is/are true?
2. The Safety Valve Theory
1. The Satyashodhak Samaj regarding the formation of the
was set-up in 1873. Indian National Congress
2. Phule argued that emerged from a biography of
Brahmins were the AO Hume written by William
progeny of ‘alien’ Aryans. Wedderburn.
3. Phule’s focus on the Kunbi 3. An early decision was that the
President would be from the
peasantry in the 1880s
same region where the session
and 1890s led to a
was to be held.
privileging of Maratha
4. WC Bannerjee was the first
identity.
Select the correct answer President of the Indian
using the codes given below. National Congress.
(a) 1 and 2 Select the correct answer using
(b) Only 2 the codes given below.
(c) 1 and 3 (a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 2 and 3
(d) All of the above (c) 2 and 4 (d) 1 and 3
2016 (I)
63. Consider the following statement(s)
1. In Hind Swaraj, Mahatma Gandhi
formulates a conception of good life
for the individual as well as the
society.
2. Hind Swaraj was the outcome of the
experience of Gandhi’s prolonged
struggle against Colonial Raj in India.
Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
64. Consider the following statement(s)
1. The province of Assam was created in
the year 1911.
2. Eleven districts comprising Assam
were separated from the Lieutenant
Governorship of Bengal and
established as an independent
administration under a Chief
Commissioner in the year 1874.
Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWERS
Practice Exercise
1 a 2 a 3 b 4 c 5 b 6 d 7 d 8 a 9 a 10 c
11 d 12 a 13 c 14 a 15 b 16 a 17 a 18 c 19 d 20 c
21 a 22 c 23 c 24 a 25 b 26 a 27 c 28 a 29 a 30 c
31 d 32 a 33 c 34 d 35 b 36 b 37 a 38 c 39 b 40 d
41 c 42 c 43 b 44 d 45 a 46 d 47 d 48 d 49 c 50 c
51 b 52 a 53 a 54 d 55 d 56 d 57 d 58 d 59 a 60 d
61 d 62 d 63 a 64 b 65 a 66 d 67 b 68 a 69 b 70 d
71 d 72 d 73 c 74 a 75 b 76 c 77 b 78 c 79 b 80 c
81 c 82 c 83 d 84 c 85 c 86 d 87 c 88 d 89 a 90 d
91 b 92 a 93 c 94 a 95 d 96 a 97 c 98 d 99 a 100 c
101 d 102 d 103 b 104 d 105 a 106 d 107 b 108 c 109 c 110 a
111 c 112 c 113 b 114 d 115 a 116 a 117 b 118 d 119 d 120 a
121 b 122 a 123 d 124 d 125 b 126 d 127 d 128 d 129 c 130 c
131 b 132 d 133 a 134 b

Questions from CDS Exam (2012-16)

1 d 2 d 3 a 4 b 5 d 6 d 7 a 8 c 9 a 10 c
11 d 12 c 13 d 14 c 15 a 16 d 17 b 18 d 19 b 20 b
21 c 22 a 23 d 24 c 25 d 26 b 27 c 28 c 29 c 30 c
31 c 32 a 33 c 34 d 35 d 36 b 37 c 38 a 39 a 40 d
41 c 42 a 43 a 44 d 45 a 46 b 47 c 48 a 49 a 50 d
51 a 52 a 53 c 54 b 55 b 56 a 57 c 58 d 59 a 60 d
61 d 62 c 63 a 64 c
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
PART IV WORLD HISTORY
CIVILISATION OF THE WORLD
Civilisation are organised in densely populated settlements divided
into hierarchical social classes with a ruling elite and subordinate
urban and rural population, which engage in intensive agriculture,
mining small-scale manufacturing and trade. Civilisation
concentrates power, extending human control over the rest of
nature. Civilistions have their own specialisation and their own
traditions.
Following are the ancient civilisations of the world
Egyptian Civilisation
• It was a civilisation of ancient North-eastern Africa,
concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River.
• Egyptian civilisation followed Pre-historic Egypt and
coalesced around 3150 BC with political unification of
upper and lower Egypt under the first Pharaoh Narmer.
• This civilisation reached the Pinnacle of its power in the
New Kingdom, during the Ramessids period, where it
rivalled the Hittite Empire, Assyrian Empire and Mitanni
Empire.
• The success of Eyptian Civilisation came partly from its
ability to adopt to the conditions of the Nile River Valley
for agriculture.
• The achievement of this civilisation includes the quarrying,
surveying and construction techniques that supported the
building of monumental pyramids, temples and obelisks.
Mesopotamian Civilisation
• This civilisation was developed between the area of
Tigris-Eupharates river system. In Greek word, the meaning
of Mesopotamia is land between rivers.
• The people living here hunted and gathered the plants and
animals. Ancient Mesopotamia and the surrounding area is
often called the fertile crescent or the credle of civilisation.
• Mesopotamian invented new technology, they were the first
to use the wheel. They also created architectural structures
such as the dome, the column and the arch.
• They developed a number system based on 60, this explains
why we have 60 seconds in minute and 60 minutes in an
hour.
• Division of a year into 12 months, month into 4 weeks is
given by the Mesopotamian civilisation.
Sumerian Civilisation
• The Sumerians were the first humans to form civilisation
and they invented writing and government.
• They were organised in city-states where each city has its
own independent government ruled by a king that
controlled the city and surrounding farmland.
835
• Each city also had its own primary God. Sumerian
writing, government and culture would pave the way
for future civilisations.
• The Sumerian language was orginally that of the
hunter and fisher people, who lived in the marshland
and the Eastern Arabian littoral region and were part
of the Arabian bifacial cultural.
Babylonian Civilisation
• The founder of this civilisaton was the Amorites. The
appearance of Hammurabi, the great king of the
Amorites made this civilisation progressive.
• Hammurabi was the first law given in the history of
the world. He codified all these laws in a simple
form which become famous as the code of
Hammurabi. There were four parts in the code of
Hammurabi, viz Civil Code, Penal Code, Code of
Procedure and Commercial Code.
• The Babylonian wrote 200 books. They composed
books on religion, Science, Mathematics and
astrology. In the domain of Babylonian literature,
‘Gilgamesh’ carved a special position.
Assyrian Civilisation
• Assyrian was an integral part of the ancient
Mesopotamian world, and had come increasingly
under the influence of Sumerian civilisation from the
millennium onwards.
• Assyria was a monarchy, the king was the divinety
appointed, all powerful ruler and claimed the
universal sovereignty.
• The King of Assyria was the national God's
appointed representative on Earth. He was the chief
lawmaker, the chief administrator and
commander-in-chief of the army.
• The original capital, Ashur, was also the centre of the
worship of the chief God of the same name, and long
after it had ceased to be the centre of government
was revered as a holy city.
Chinese Civilisation
• The earliest civilisation was by the Shang (chou)
dynasty, followed by the chin and han dynasties.
• In 3rd century BC, the ruler of China dynasty built
the Great wall. Chinese script was pictographic and
their calender was combination of both solar and
lunar calender.
• Silk became the chief item of export during Han rule.
• The two major religion were taoism and
confucianism. They invented water clock, paper
printing press and umbrella.
836
Greek Civilisation
• The civilisation developed around 8 BC, when the small
villages clustered to form city-states.
• They worshiped Zens (Sky God), Poseidon (Sea God),
Apollo (Sun God), Athena (Goddess of victory) etc.
• In the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC Greeks defeated
king Darius I. Alexander was the Greek ruler.
• The olympic games originated in Greece. Iliad and
Odyssey are among the best epic of the world written
by Homen of Greece.
Roman Civilisation
• Italy was the centre of civilisation. The city of Rome
was founded by Romulus in 1000 BC on the bank of
Tiber River. The war between Carthage and Rome is
known as Punic War (264 BC to 146 BC).
• Julius Caesar, one of the generals, murdered Pompey,
another general and occupied the throne. He was
attached to the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. Caesar was
succeeded by Octavian and Diocletion.
• Romans worshiped the planets and developed latin
language.
• Concrete was invented by Roman which is even today
used for construction of buildings.
MAJOR REVOLUTIONS
• Revolutions have occurred through human history and
vary widely in terms of methods, duration and
motivating ideology. Their results includes major
changes in culture, economy and socio-political
institutions.
• Several generations of scholarly thoughts on revolutions
have generated many competing theories and
contribution much to the current understanding of this
complex phenomenon.
The Renaissance
• The renaissance is a period in European history from
14th to 17th centuries regarded as the cultural bridge
between the Middle Ages and Modern History.
• The intellectual basis of the Renaissance was its own
invented version of humanism, derived from the
rediscovery of the classical Greek Philosophy. Such as
that of Protagoras, who said that, “Man is the measure
of all things”.
• In politics, the Renaissance contributed to the
development of the customs and conventions of
diplomacy, and in science to an increased reliance on
observation and inductive reasoning.
• During the Renaissance, money and art went hand in
hand. Artists depended entirely on Patron while the
Patrons needed money to foster artistic talent.
CDS Pathfinder
Reformation
• It was a Schism from the Roman catholic church
initiated by Martin Luther and continued by John
Calvin, and other early protestant reformers in early
16th century in Europe.
• Luther began it by criticising the selling of indulgences,
insisting that pope had no authority over Purgatory and
that the catholic doctrine of the merits of saints had no
foundation in the Gospel.
• The new movement influenced the Church of England
decisively after 1547 under Edward VI and Elizabeth I.
• The Church of England had been made independent
under Henry VIII in the early 1530s for political rather
than religious reasons.
Industrial Revolution
• Industrial revolution was started around the second half
of the 18th century. This period witnessed changes in
the manufacturing processes from slow to faster and
expensive hand production to cheaper machine
production.
• Industrial revolution started in England to fulfil the
growing demands for goods, both at domestic and
international level.
• A number of factors contributed to industrial revolution
in England. They are as follows
– England had great deposits of coal and iron ores.
– England was a politically stable society as well as the
world’s leading colonial power, which meant its
colonies could serve as a source for raw materials, as
well as a market place for manufactured goods.
– As demand for goods increased, merchants needed
more cost-effective methods of production, which led
to rise of mechanisation and the factory system.
– The agricultural sector of the British economy had
been steadily growing during the 18th century.
Agricultural stability allowed the British population to
increase.
• The industrial revolution started chiefly from the Textile
Industry. In 1733, a weaver called John Kay invented a
Flying Shuttle, by which the work of weaving could be
done quickly.
• In 1785, Edmund Cartwright invented ‘Powerloom’ Elly
Whitley invented a cotton ginning machine called cotton
gin. James Watt invented the steam engine, the first
railway line was built between Manchester and Liverpool
in 1830.
• The growth of production increased the wealth of the
Great Britain and by 1815, England emerged as the
greatest banker and the largest carrier of goods in the
world.
• Due to the industrial revolution, by the close of the 19th
century, science and technology became an integral part
of Western society.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
The American Revolution
• American revolution is also called as American
Revolutionary War (1775-83). The conflict arose from
growing tensions between residents of Great Britain’s
13 North American colonies and the colonial
government, which represented the British crown.
• In 1765, members of American colonial society rejected
the authority of the British Parliament to tax them and
to create other laws affecting them without colonial
representatives in the government.
• The Battles of the American revolution started in
Lexington on 19th April, 1775. These were over 20
major battles during the revolution spanning over a
period of 6 years.
• General George Washington, with the help of France
and his continental army defeated British General
Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown on 19th October,
1781.
• Finally, the Treaty of Paris ended the revolution
officially on 3rd September, 1783.
BOSTON TEA PARTY
●
During the following decade, protests continued to
escalate by colonists (known as Patriots) in the
Boston Tea Party in 1773, during which patriots
destroyed a consignment of taxed tea from the
Parliament controlled and favoured East India
Company.
●
The British responded by imposing punitive laws
on Massachusetts in 1774 known as the Coercive
Acts.
●
In late 1774, the Patriots set-up their own
alternative government to better coordinate their
resistance efforts against Great Britain, while other
colonists, known as Loyalists remained align to the
British Crown.
Causes of Success
• French Involvement After the American victory at
Saratoga, the French in 1778 (later Spain in 1779 and
Holland in 1780) realised the Britain could be defeated,
and they joined the fight against the British. Without
France’s military power, the Americans would never
have had the capacity of defeating the superior British
army.
• Distance Since, the British Government was
geographically separated from the places of battle, it
was difficult for it to effectively manage and
communicate with troops.
• Fighting on Home Soil British armies were not
familiar with the climate and rugged terrain of America.
Therefore, the colonists had the geographical advantage
because they knew how to survive the land.
837
• Guerilla Warfare British armies were not acclimated to
guerilla warfare, which the colonists had used during
their wars with the Indians. Therefore, the British could
not defend themselves well against a fighting strategy
they had never seen before. Washington’s use of these
and other defensive strategies allowed for considerable
American advantage.
• Popular Support Many colonists, even if they weren’t
fighting, were supportive of the cause. Popular support
boosted morale among soldiers and encouraged them to
push through the tough times.
The French Revolution
• The French revolution took place between 1789 and 1799.
It ended in 1799 with the overthrow of the government
(Council of 500 in Paris) by Napoleon Bonaparte.
• The French revolution paved the way for the secular
system of governance, which is prevalent in most of the
countries of the modern world.
Causes of French Revolution
• Social and economic unrest triggered the revolution. The
country was facing a deteriorating economic condition
coupled with a lag between the intellectual development
and social political condition that was stagnant.
• The middle class, also known as the Bourgeoisie was in
worst condition. This educated class was heavily taxed
whereas the ruling nobles and the clergy were exempted
from taxation.
• During the summer of 1789, France faced a financial
crisis, caused primarily by military expenditures and a
parasitic aristocracy.
• The revolution was further consolidated by the oath of
the ‘Tennis Court’. From there onwards, began the civil
disobediences that would eventually pave the way for the
revolutionary regime.
• In the events that were to follow the National Assembly
did frame a Constitution, which could restore the social
unrest, but the differences led to further mishaps.
• The period is known as the reign of terror as many
executions were held and all efforts were taken to curb
any counter revolutionary activities.
• The Thermidorian Reaction, which was eventually
overthrown by means of a military coup under the
leadership of Napoleon Bonaparte, who put an end to
the revolution by declaring himself the ‘First Council of
France’.
• After the defeat of Napoleon, the old ruling dynasty of
France was restored to power. However, within a few
years in 1830, there was another outbreak of revolution.
• In 1848, the Monarchy was again overthrown though it
soon reappeared. Finally, in 1871, the Republic was again
proclaimed.
838
Significance of the French
Revolution
• The French revolution led to the preservation and
popularisation of the important theories and ideals
of liberty, equality and fraternity and the theories
of nationalism, democracy etc.
• The ‘Napoleonic Code’, which consisted of a civil
code, codes of civil procedure and criminal
procedure, a penal code and a commercial code
proved beneficial not only to the France, but also
to the whole world.
Imperialism and Colonialism
Imperialism is a policy of a nation to extend its control
outside its own boundaries, by acquisition of colonies or
dependencies or by jurisdiction over other races.
• During the 17th and 18th centuries the policy of
mercantilism became popular, which accentuated
the importance of competition, for overseas trade
and colonies.
• The process of colonisation of Asia began towards
the close of 15th century, when Vasco da Gama
discovered the sea route to India.
• The weakness of Chinese Empire became apparent
during the first Opium war of 1840-42. At that
time England occupied Hong Kong. In 1857-58,
England and France forced China to subscribe to
the Treaty of Tientsin according to which China
had to give special facilities to Britain, France,
Russia and America.
• Taking advantages of the Chinese weakness France
took Cochin China under its protection, occupied
Annam and Tokin in 1882 and formed the
protectorate of Indo-China.
• In Central Asia, Russia and Britain tried to increase
their influence. While the Northern part of Persia
was to be controlled by Russia, the Southern part
was opened for the British.
• The motives of imperialism and empire building
were selfish and the people in the colonies were
frequently exploited for the benefit of the mother
country.
The Russian Revolution
• The Russian revolution was a time of economic and
social reconstruction in the Soviet Union.
• The March revolution (First revolution) overthrew
the Tsar and set-up a moderate provisional
government.
• When, this government coped no better than Tsar,
it was itself overthrown by the Bolshevik
revolution in November.
CDS Pathfinder
The February Revolution
• The February revolution, which removed Tsar Nicholas II
from power, developed spontaneously out of a series of
increasingly violent demonstrations and riots on the streets of
Petrograd.
• Though, the February revolution was a popular uprising, it
did not necessarily express the wishes of the majority of
Russian population.
The October Revolution
• The October revolution is also called as Bolshevik
Revolution, overturned the interim provisional government
and established the Soviet Union.
• The Bolsheviks, who led this coup, prepared their coup in
only six months.
• By October 1917, the Bolsheviks popular base was much
larger, they built up a majority of support within petrograd
and other urban centres.
• After October revolution, the Bolsheviks faced major
opposition from Russia and for many different reasons.
• The result was the Russian Civil War, which would be
horrifically painful for the country and that, in the end,
would cost even more lives than World War I.
World War I
• The four basic causes that led to the horrifying conflict of
World War I were as follow
i. The system of alliances
ii. The militarism and arms race
iii. The force of nationalism
iv. Imperialism and economic rivalry
• Often nationalism led to rivalries and conflicts between
nations. Additionally various ethnic groups resented
domination by others and wanted independence.
• By 1890, Germany built a strong army and developed a navy
to rival England’s fleet. By 1907, there were two major
alliances
i. Allies or Triple Entente : Consisting of France, Britain
and Russia.
ii. Central powers or Triple Alliance : Consisting
Germany Austria, Hungary, Italy and Rumania.
• The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the
Austrian throne in June, 1914 sparked the initiation of World
War I.
• The Great War of 1914 was probably outcome of the Balkan
Wars. In these wars Germany exercised restraint over Austria
and France over Russia. War started as soon as the restrains
were not exercised in 1914.
• The World War I caused great economic loss, wastage and
vast destruction. Nearly 10 billion rupees were directly spent
over the war.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
The Treaty of Versailles
• Germany had to sign the Treaty of Versailles that led to
many harsh restrictions on Germany.
• The provinces of Alsace and Lorraine were taken away
from Germany and they were given back to France.
• Germany had to give Eupen and Malmedy to Belgium.
The polish territories were taken back from the
possession of Germany, Austria and Russia.
• Germany lost her rights in China, Turkey, Egypt,
Morocco and Bulgaria.
World War II
• Between 1939 to 1945 World War II remains the most
geographically widespread military conflict the world has
ever seen.
• The Treaty of Versailles been drafted with a foresight
and Germany meted with a lenient treatment, the World
War II might have been averted. Hence, the short
sighted and selfishness of the victor powers was the root
cause of World War II.
• The German people were angered that their government
accepted the lopsided Treaty of Versailles. These
sentiments allowed Adolf Hitler to seize power in
Germany.
• Firstly in order to avoid war, Europe gave in to Hitler’s
demands. But, when Hitler invaded Poland in 1939,
England and France promptly declared war of Germany.
• Nazi secret police brutally enforced German policies,
Millions of Hitler’s enemies were sent to the
concentration camps.
• Hitler denounced the clauses of the Treaty of Versailles
on 16th March, 1935. On 1st April, 1935, the League of
Nations formally condemned Germany’s repudiation of
the treaty.
• Hitler re-occupied the Rhineland in March, 1936 by
sending German troops into the Western German zone.
• Hitler was a success in concluding several pacts and
ultimately he alienated the sympathies of France from
Italy.
• Japan entered World War II with an aim to dominate
for East. Encouraged by Hitler’s success she bombed the
American naval base at Pearl Harbour.
• About 50 million people are estimated to die in the
World War II, with 17 million of these deaths having
occurred in Asia and the Pacific.
Causes of the World War II
There are nine main causes of World War II, which are as
follows
i. Aggressive nationalism of Germany.
ii. Rise of Fascism in Italy.
iii. Japanese Imperialism.
839
iv. Dissatisfaction of National Minorities of Europe.
v. Economic Depression in Western countries.
vi. Failure of the League of Nations.
vii. Failure of Disarmament.
viii. Ideological conflict between fascism and democracy.
ix. Attitude of Western powers towards Russia.
x. Imposed Treaty of Versailles.
Capitalism
• Capitalism is a social system based on the principle of
individual rights. Politically, it is the system of
laissez-faire (freedom).
• Following the demise of feudalism, the capitalism became
the dominant economic system in the Western world.
• A remarkable confluence of advances in agriculture,
cotton spinning and weaving iron manufacture and
machine tool design and the harnessing of mechanical
power began to alter the character of capitalism
profoundly in the last years of the 18th century and the
first decades of the 19th century.
• The form of capitalism differs between nations, because
the practice of it is embedded within cultures. Markets
cater to national culture as much as national culture
mutates to conform to the discipline of profit and loss.
• The Great Depression of the 1930 brought the policy of
laissez-faire (non-interference by the state in economic
matters) to an end in most countries and for a time cast
doubt on the capitalist system as a whole.
• The performance of capitalism since World War II in the
United States the United Kingdom, West Germany and
Japan, however, has given evidence of its continued
vitality.
Communism
• Communism is the political and economic doctrine that
aims to replace private property and a profit-based
economy with public ownership atleast the major means
of production. (e.g. mines, mills, factories) and the
natural resources of a society.
• Marx and Engels maintained that the poverty, disease
and early death that afflicted the proletariat were
endemic to capitalism. These problems could be resolved
only by replacing capitalism with communism.
• Under communism the major means of industrial
production such as mines, mills, factories and railroads
would be publicly owned and operated for the benefit of
all.
• Today, Mao’s version of Marxism-Leninism remains are
active, but ambiguous force else where in Asia, most
notably in Nepal.
• After a decade of armed struggle, Maoist insurgents in
Nepal agreed in 2006 to lay down their arms and
participated in national elections to choose an assembly
to rewrite the Nepalese Constitution.
840
Socialism
• Socialism as a political philosophy is the social and
economic doctrine that calls for public rather than
private ownership or control of property and
natural resources.
• The origins of socialism as a political movement lie
in the Industrial revolution.
• According to the socialist view, individuals do not
live or work in isolation, but live in cooperation
with one another.
• Everything that people produce is in some sense a
social product and everyone, who contributes to
the production of a good is entitled to a share in
it.
• The World War II forged an uneasy alliance
between communists and socialists and between
liberals and conservatives in their common struggle
against fascism.
• The terms such as African socialism and Arab
socialism were frequently invoked in the 1950s and
60s, partly because the old colonial powers were
identified with capitalist imperialism.
CDS Pathfinder
Nazism and Fascism
• Adolf Hitler made his first appearance in German political
scene in 1923. Hitler’s Nazi Party conducted its activities with
military fanfares. By November 1923, Hitler was in total
control of Nazi Party.
• Hitler followed a three fold plan to consolidate the Nazis in
power. It comprised capturing the legal authority to rule,
crashing the country’s political opposition and eliminating
rivals within his party.
• Hitler infused the German people with the ideas of racism,
which convinced them that they were superior people with the
right to rule over inferior people.
• Fascism was political ideology antithetical to democracy,
parliamentarism, individual liberty, freedom of expression and
state control over businesses.
• Mussolini organised the fasci di combattimento (Band of
Combatants) in Milan in 1919, providing the basis for the rise
of fascism.
• Mussolini won popularity among the ordinary masses of
Italians by starting huge public projects.
• Fascism contributed significantly to the unstable security
environment of Europe, which took the world towards the
World War II.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. Which among the following
regarding the Carnatic wars fought
between French and EIC is/are not
true?
1. The First Carnatic War was
provoked by the outbreak of
hostilities in Europe in 1742
between France and England.
2. Dupleix, the French
Governor-General in India
played a significant role in the
Third Carnatic War.
3. The Second Carnatic War was
fought purely on domestic issue.
4. The Battle of Wandiwash in
1760 marked the elimination of
French influence in India and
the resultant Treaty of Paris in
1763 reduced the French
Company to a pure trading body
without any political privileges.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 1 and 2
(c) Only 2 (d) 3 and 4
2. The modernisation of Japan during
the Meiji Restoration resulted in
(a) a return to a feudal system of
government
(b) the rise of Japan as an
imperialistic nation
(c) an alliance between China, Korea,
Russia and Japan
(d) a strengthening of Japan’s
isolationist policies
3. Who among the following was the
author of ‘Common Sense’ the
revolutionary pamphlet of the
American Revolution?
(a) Thomas Paine
(b) Thomas Jefferson
(c) George Washington
(d) Samuel Adams
4. What was the one reason that made
Nazi programmes and policies of
the early 1930s appealed to many
people in Germany?
(a) The people were frustrated with
their current economic and political
situation
(b) Germany had been denied
membership in the United Nations
(c) A coup d’etat had forced
communism on the German people
(d) The German people feared that the
French of the British would soon
gain control of the polish corridor
5. Simon Bolivar and Miguel Hidalgo,
leaders of Latin American
Independence Movements, were
inspired by successful revolutions
in
(a) the United States and France
(b) the Soviet Union and China
(c) Cuba and Costa Rica
(d) Egypt and Kenya
6. The Great Leap Forward in China
and the Five-Year Plans in the
Soviet Union were attempts to
increase
(a) private capital investment
(b) religious tolerance
(c) individual ownership of land
(d) industrial productivity
7. Peace-keeping missions are
operating in more than a dozen of
the world’s many trouble spots. The
authority to intervene and use
force, if necessary, is found in
several articles in the Charter.
Which organisation is referred to in
these statements?
(a) United Nations
(b) Organisation of American States
(OAS)
(c) European Union (European
Community)
(d) International Court of Justice
8. Consider the following statements
1. Switzerland became the member
of UNO in 2002.
2. Year 2003 was announced
‘International Fresh Water Year’
by UNO.
3. The headquarters of
International Civil Aviation
Organisation is in Montreal.
Which of the statements given
above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
9. During the Scientific Revolution
and the Enlightenment, one
similarity in the work of many
scientists and philosophers was
that they
(a) relied heavily on the ideas of
medieval thinkers
(b) favoured an absolute monarchy as
a way of improving economic
conditions
(c) received support from the Catholic
Church
(d) examined natural laws governing
the universe
841
10. The main reason the Chinese
Communists gained control of
mainland China in 1949 was that
(a) they were supported by many warlords
and upper class Chinese
(b) the United States has supported the
Chinese Communist Party during World
War II
(c) the dynamic leadership of Mao Zedong
had the support of the peasant class
(d) they had superior financial resources
and were supported by Japan
11. The Tiananmen Square massacre in
China was a reaction to
(a) Deng Xiaoping’s plan to revive the
Cultural Revolution
(b) student demands for greater individual
rights and freedom of expression
(c) China’s decision to seek Western
investors
(d) Great Britain’s decision to return Hong
Kong to China
12. An immediate result of the Cultural
Revolution in China was that it
(a) helped to establish democracy in
urban centers in China
(b) led to economic cooperation with
Japan and South Korea
(c) disrupted China’s economic and
educational systems
(d) strengthened political ties with the
United States
13. During the mid-1930s, which
characteristic was common to Fascist
ltaly, Nazi Germany and Communist
Russia?
(a) Government ownership of the means
of production and distribution
(b) One-party system that denied basic
human rights
(c) Encouragement of individual freedom
of expression in the arts
(d) Emphasis on consumer goods rather
than on weapons
14. Which was the major reason behind the
Holocaust being considered as unique
event in modern European history?
(a) Jews of Europe have seldom been
victims of persecution
(b) Civilians rarely were killed during air
raids on Great Britain
(c) Adolf Hitler concealed his anti-Jewish
feelings until he came to power
(d) The genocide was planned in great
detail and required the cooperation of
many people
842
15. Which one of the following
statements related to the Boston
Tea Party of 16th December, 1773
during the American War of
Independence is correct?
(a) The revolutionaries stealthily
entered into the ships and threw
all the chests of tea into the water
(b) The revolutionaries hosted a Tea
Party in the honour of Charles
Townshend, the British Chancellor
of the Exchequer in order to place
their grievances before him
(c) It marked a celebration when Lord
North, the successor of
Townshend, repealed some of the
duties imposed by Townshend
(d) It was a protest against the
Quebec Act
16. Which one among the following was
a reason for which the French could
not succeed in India in the 18th
century?
(a) They sided with the weak Indian
sides such as Chanda Sahib and
Muzaffar Jang
(b) Dupleix was called back at a
crucial time
(c) They conspired against the Indian
powers
(d) Their trading company was heavily
dependent on the French
Government
17. Match the following
List I List II
A. Hargreaves 1. Invented a machine
which speed up
spinning
B. Crompton 2. Combined the
advantage of the
earlier invented
machines
C. Arkwright 3. Adopted the speed up
spinning machine for
running with water
Codes
A B C A B C
(a) 1 2 3 (b) 2 1 3
(c) 2 3 1 (d) 3 2 1
18. Which of the following statement(s)
regarding the American Revolution
is/are correct?
1. The American Revolution was a
conflict between British settlers
and native Americans.
2. The Americans refused to pay
taxes imposed by the British
Parliament, in which the
Americans had no representation.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
CDS Pathfinder
19. The Russian revolutionaries 24. During the 1980’s in the Soviet Union,
derived their ideology from the a major element of the economic policy
doctrines of of Perestroika was
(a) Lenin and Stalin (a) increased collectivisation of farms
(b) Marx and Lenin (b) more reliance on local and regional
(c) Marx and Engels decision-making
(d) Lenin and Engels (c) the expanded use of national Five-Year
plans
20. Which of the following statement(s) (d) an emphasis on the redistribution of
relating to the Non-Alignment wealth.
Movement is/are not correct?
1. Non-alignment came to symbolise 25. The withdrawal of France from
the struggle of India and other Indo-China, the involvement of the
newly independent nations to Soviet Union in Cuba, and the United
retain and strengthen their States support of the Contras in
independence from colonialism Nicaragua illustrate that nations
and imperialism. (a) consistently discard traditional foreign
2. Non-alignment advanced the policy goals after changes in
process of democratisation of administration
international relations. (b) tend to base foreign policy decisions
3. Military alliances formed a on what they believe to be their
major part of non-alignment. self-interests
(c) no longer use warfare as a means to
Select the correct answer using the
resolve international conflict
codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (d) tend to refer foreign policy conflicts to
(c) Only 3 (d) Only 1 the United Nations
26. What was one reason the Nazi
21. Which one among the following programmes and policies of the early
sums up Marx’s view about history? 1930s appealed to many people in
(a) History is a record of the wars Germany?
between various people (a) The people were frustrated with their
(b) History is a succession of struggle current economic and political situation
between the oppressor and the (b) Germany had been denied
oppressed classes membership in the United Nations.
(c) History is a faithful record of the (c) A coup d’etat had forced communism
past events on the German people
(d) None of the above (d) The German people feared that the
French of the British would soon gain
22. Industrial Revolution in Europe control of the Polish corridor.
mainly emerged due to
1. locating the production process 27. Communist government(s) were
established in most nations of Eastern
in the countryside.
2. declining of the guilds because Europe shortly after World War II
of non-farming production because
coming under a single roof (the 1. The region had a long tradition of
factory). strong communist parties.
3. growing role of merchant 2. The Soviet Union used military and
diplomatic pressures to install their
capitalists in the production
governments.
process.
3. Members of the Communist party
Which of the statement(s) given won free elections in these nations.
above is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the
(a) Only 2 (b) 2 and 3 codes given below.
(c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 3
23. Match the following (c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 3
List I 28. Which is generally a characteristic of a
List II communist economy?
(Renaissance
(Works) 1. Government agencies are involved in
Writers)
production planning.
A. Dante 1. Pantagruel
2. The role of government in the
B. Machiavelli 2. Don Quixote
economy is restricted by law.
C. Rabelais 3. The Prince
3. Investment is encouraged by the
D. Cervantes 4. Divine Comedy promise of large profits.
Codes Select the correct answer using the
A B C D A B C D codes given below.
(a) 2 3 1 4 (b) 3 4 2 1 (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) 4 1 2 3 (d) 4 3 1 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) None of these
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 843

29. In Eastern Europe during the 1950’s 3. The immediate cause of the
and 1960’s, the Soviet Union revolution was the extravagant
expenditure and inefficiency by
responded to challenges to its control
Louis XV and Louis XVI.
by Select the correct answer using the
1. Allowing free elections, when
codes given below.
necessary (a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 2
2. Imposing prompt and Severe (c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these
repression
31. Which of the following statement is
3. Obtaining United Nations
regarding unification of Germany?
assistence
1. This was the result of the Blood
Select the correct answer using the and Iron policy of Bismarck, the
codes given below. PM of King William I.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 2. Bismark defeated Austria and
(c) Only 3 (d) All of these dissolved the German
confederation.
30. Consider the following statement(s) 3. William I, the king of Prussia
regarding French Revolution. was declared as the Emperor of
1. The revolution initiated on 5th May, Germany at Versailles in France.
1989 during the kingship of Louis Select the correct answer using the
XVI.
codes given below.
2. Liberty, Equality and Fraternity (a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3
were the watch of the revolution.
(c) Only 3 (d) All of these
32. Industrial Revolution in Britain
began in AD 1750 with the invention
of
1. Spinning Jenny by Hargreaves.
2. Water Frame by Richard
Arkwright.
3. Mule by Samuel cromption.
4. Steam engine by James Watt.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4 (d) All of these
33. Consider the following question(s)
regarding American Revolution.
1. George Washington, the first
President of America was the
pioneer of the revolution.
2. On 4th June, 1776, the
declaration of Independence was
issued by Thomas Jafferson.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

QUESTIONS FROM
CDS EXAM (2012-2016)
2013 (II)
1. Which one among the following
events was associated with
American War of Independence?
(a) Tennis Court Oath (b) Boston Tea Party
(c) Fall of Bastille (d) Reign of Terror
2. Which one among the following
events was not associated with
French Revolution?
(a) Calling of the Estates General
(b) Guillotine
4. Consider the following statement(s)
(c) Battle of Concord
(d) Tennis Court Oath
3. Statement I The Russian
Revolution of 1917 inspired the
Indian Working Class Movement.
Statement II The Non-Cooperation
Movement (1921-22) saw the
involvement of the Indian Working
Class.
Codes Which of the statement(s) given above
(a) Both the statements are true and is/are correct?
Statement II is the correct (a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 2
explanation of Statement I (c) Only 2 (d) 1 and 3
(b) Both the statements are true, but
Statement II is not the correct 2014 (I)
explanation of Statement I
(c) Statement I is true, but Statement 5. Consider the following statement(s)
II is false concerning the initial phase of the
(d) Statement I is false, but Statement Industrial Revolution in England.
II is true 1. England was fortunate in that coal
and iron ore were plentifully
available to be used in industry.
about the causes of success of the 2. Until the 18th century, there was a
American Revolution scarcity of usable iron.
1. the remoteness of the American Which of the statement(s) given above
continent and British ignorance is/are correct?
of the American continent led (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
to the success of the Americans.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. the fierce spirit of liberty drove
the Americans to success. 6. The Society of Jesus, whose followers
3. the American military forces were called Jesuits, was set-up by
were superior to the British. (a) Martin Luther (b) Ulrich Zwingli
(c) Erasmus (d) Ignatius Loyola

ANSWERS
Practice Exercise
1 d 2 b 3 a 4 a 5 a 6 d 7 a 8 a 9 d 10 c
11 b 12 c 13 b 14 d 15 a 16 a 17 a 18 c 19 c 20 d
21 d 22 a 23 d 24 b 25 b 26 a 27 b 28 a 29 a 30 c
31 c 32 d 33 c

Questions from CDS Exam (2012-16)

1 b 2 c 3 b 4 b 5 c 6 d
844
PART V ART AND CULTURE
Indian Culture
• The culture of India is one of the oldest and unique. In
India, there is amazing cultural diversity throughout the
country. The South-North and North-East have their own
distinct cultures and almost every state has carved out its
own cultural niche.
• There is hardly any culture in the world that is as varied
and unique as India. India is a home to some of the most
ancient civilisation including four major world religions i.e.
Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.
Indian Philosophy
• Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental
problems, such as those connected with reason, values,
knowledge, reality and existence.
• According to a traditional principal of classification, most
likely adopted by orthodox Hindu thinkers, the schools or
systems of Indian philosophy are divided into two broad
classes, namely, orthodox (astika) and heterodox (nastika).
• In the 1st group, there are 6 chief philosophical systems
(popularly known as sad darsana), namely Mimamsa,
Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya and Vaisesika. These are
regarded as orthodox (astika), not because they believe in
God, but because they accept the authority of the Vedas.
• Under the other class of heterodox systems, the chief 3 are
schools of materialists like the Charvaka, the Buddhas and
the Jainas. They are called heterodox (nastika) because they
do not believe in the authority of Vedas.
Indian Architecture
Harappan Architecture
• Architecture of Indus Valley Civilisation is contained in the
structures of Mohenjodaro, which were found by the
archaeologists and in the existence of Harappan city.
Harappans were known for their excellent town planning
skills. Their civic planning was based on a rectangular grid
oriented to cardinal points and standardised brick was the
main building material.
• In Mohenjodaro, the streets run in straight lines and are
crossed by others at right angles. This shows planning and
existence of some authority to control the development of
the city existed.
Pallava Architecture
The temple architecture of the Pallavas is divided into
rock-cut and structural architecture. The greatest
accomplishment of Pallava architecture are the rock-cut
temples at Mahabalipuram. Kailasanathar temple located in
Kanchipuram is one of the most beautiful temple in India
built during the reign of king Narsimha mvaraman.
CDS Pathfinder
Chola Architecture
• The Imperial Chola rulers of Tanjore developed the
Dravidian sytle of temple architecture almost to
perfection. Their works taken up on a stupendous
scale include irrigation schemes, embankment of
artificial lakes, dams across the cauvery and well
planned cities. A special feature of the Chola
architecture is the purity of artistic tradition.
• The two magnificent temples at Tanjore and
Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tiruchinrapalli district
built in early AD 11th century show the best of
Chola art. The Brihadeswara or Rajarajeswara Temple
of Shiva in Tanjore built by Rajaraja Chola in AD
1010 is the largest and highest of Chola temples and
stands as a symbol of greatness of Chola.
Vijayanagara Architecture
• By the 16th century almost all of Southern India was
part of the Vijayanagara empire. The Vijayanagara
rulers were great patrons of art and architecture. The
Vijayanagara tradition shows a distinct scheme of
decoration in terms of architectural space.
• Decorative friezes are utilised horizontally on the
plinth moulding, caves and pillars of the temple
interiors. They appear vertically on the composite
pillars, plasters of the walls and doorways of the
gopuras as well as the inner part of temples.
Rajput Architecture
• The Rajput rulers had a keen sense of beauty in art
and architecture which is seen in the artistic excellence
of their temples, forts and palaces. The Indo-Aryan
style of architecture developed in North India and
upper Deecan and the Dravidian style in South India
during the Rajput period.
• Both sculpture and architecture attained a high degree
of excellence. The palaces of Jaisalmer, Bikaner,
Jodhpur, Udaipur and Kota represent the maturity of
the Rajput style. The foundation of Jaipur, the fabled
pink city, represents the final phase of Rajput
architecture.
Indian Temple Architecture
• Almost all Indian art has been religious and almost all
forms of artistic tradition have been deeply
conservative. The Hindu temple developed over two
thousands years and its architectural evolution took
place within the boundaries of strict models derived
solely from religious considerations.
• Therefore the architect was obliged to keep to the
ancient basic proportions and rigid forms which
remained unaltered over many centuries.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
North Indian Temples
• The Nagara style which developed in the 5th century is
characterised by a beehive shaped tower (called a shikhara,
in Northern terminology) made up of layer upon layer of
architectural elements such as kapotas and gavaksas, all
topped by a large round cushion-like element called an
amalaka.
• The plan is based on a square, but the walls are sometimes
so broken up that the tower often gives the impression of
being circular. Moreover, in later developments such as in
the Chandela temples, the central shaft was surrounded by
many smaller reproductions of itself, creating a spectacular
visual effect resembling a fountain.
South Indian Temples
• From the 7th century the Dravida or Southern style had a
pyramid shaped tower consisting of progressively smaller
storeys of small pavilions, a narrow throat and a dome on
the top called a shikhara (in Southern terminology).
• The repeated storeys give a horizontal visual thrust to the
Southern style.
Temples of the Deccan
• In the border areas between the two major styles,
particularly in the modern states of Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh, there was a good deal of stylistic overlap as well as
several distinctive architectural features. A typical example is
the Hoysala temple with its multiple shrines and remarkable
ornate carving. In fact such features are sometimes so
significant as to justify classifying distinct sub-regional
group.
• The type of raw materials available from region-to-region
naturally had a significant impact on construction
techniques, carving possibilities and consequently the overall
appearance of the temple. The soft soap-stone type material
used by the Hoysala architects of the 12th and 13th
centuries allowed sculptors working in the tradition of ivory
and sandalwood carving to produce the most intricate and
ornate of all Indian styles.
Monuments of Ancient Period
Udaygiri Caves During Chandragupta’s reign at Vidisha,
Madhya Pradesh
Angkor Wat Temples Suryavarman
Vikramashila University Pala King Dharampala
Kailash Temple (Ellora) Rashtrakuta king Krishna I
Dilwara Temple Tejapala
Rathas of Mamallapurram Mahendravarman I (Pallava King)
Khajuraho Temples Chandelas
Martanda Temple (Kashmir) Lalitaditya Muktapida
Gommateswara (Son of Chamundraya, Minister of the Ganga King,
Rishabnath) Rajamalla (Sravanbelagola, Karnataka)
Hoysaleswara Temple Ketamalla, Minister of King
(at Halebid) Vishnukvardhana (Karnataka)
845
PAINTINGS
The history of Indian Paintings is just about as old as
the history of the people of India. The most primitive
instances of paintings in India can be traced back to
cave paintings.
Cave Paintings
• These are the earliest evidences of Indian paintings
made on cave walls and palaces, whereas miniature
paintings are small-sized vibrant, sophisticated
handmade artworks.
• Paintings on caves and temples walls mostly describe
numerous characteristics of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Ajanta Paintings
• The paintings here were done between 200 BC and
7th century AD during the period of Sunga, Kushan
and Gupta rulers, the main characteristics of these
paintings are-these are fresco wall paintings and uses
limited colours.
• Variety of life has been expressed, emotions are
expressed using hand postures, stories of Jatakas are
depicted.
Ellora Paintings
• So far as the style is concerned, Ellora painting is a
departure from the classical form of Ajanta paintings.
• Most important characteristic features of ellora
painting are the sharp twist of the head, painted
angular bents of the arms, sharp projected nose and
long drawn open eyes.
Bagh Paintings
• These are located on the banks of river Bagh in
Madhya Pradesh. The paintings here are quite similar
to those of Ajanta in terms of subject matter and
characteristics.
• The period of these paintings is still not accurately
known. The best paintings were in the cave number
4 though many have now been removed and kept in
a museum for preservation.
Other Styles of Paintings
Mughal School
• This school has a specific style of South Asian
painting. Usually, it was confined to miniatures
either as book depictions or as individual works to
be kept in albums. This practice materialised from
Persian miniature painting, with India influence of
Hindu, Buddhist and Jain.
846 CDS Pathfinder

• It wonderfully blossomed during the Mughal empire. Ragas

Later, this school of painting reached other Indian courts
• The gamut of several note woven into a composition
of Muslims and Hindus and afterwards Sikhs. Akbar and
may be called a raga. The ragas can be sung without any
Jahangir were exceptionally great patrons of this painting.
instrumental accompaniment, but generally take tabla
Rajput School (drum) for the purpose besides any stringed instrument.
They are sung at particular seasons and time of the day
• This school progressed and thrived during the 18th
or night.
century in the majestic Rajputana courts. This school of
• Indian classical music consists of 6 principle ragas and
painting flooded from the approach of Mughal painting.
30 raginis. Music is adapted to the season of the year,
• A typical style of painting with particular common
hours of the day and mood of the performer. The
characteristics came up in every Rajput realm. Indian year is divided into 6 seasons and each season
has its own raga. The principle ragas are Bhairavi,
Pahari School of Painting Hindol, Megha, Sriraga, Deepak and Malkaus.
• This school is an umbrella expression which is used for a
type of Indian painting starting off from Hill kingdoms of Hindustani Classical Music
North Indian Himalayan region, during 17th to 19th • It is the Hindustani or North Indian style of Indian
century. classical music found throughout the Northern Indian
• Remarkably Mankot, Basohli, Chamba, Nurpur, Kangra, subcontinent.
Garhwal, Mandi and Guler were the places of creating • The style is sometimes called North Indian Classcial
these exotic paintings. They were frequently created in Music or Shastriya Sangeet. It is a tradition that originated
miniature forms. in Vedic ritual chants and has been evolving since, the
Rangoli in Different States 12th century CE.
Name of Rangoli State Carnatic Music
Kolam Tamil Nadu
• It is a system of music commonly associated with the
Alpana West Bengal Southern part of the Indian sub-continent, with its area
Mandana Rajasthan roughly confined to 4 modern States of India: Andhra
Pookalam Kerala Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Rangoli Karnataka • The main emphasis in Carnatic music is on vocal
Sathiya Gujarat music; most compositions are written to be sung and
Chaitrangan Maharashtra
even when played on instruments, they are meant to be
performed in Gayaki (singing) style.
Chowkpurana Uttar Pradesh
• Carnatic music was mainly patronised by the local
Muggulu Andhra Pradesh
kings of the kingdom of Mysore and Kingdom of
Alikhthap Kumaon Travancore in the 18th through 20th centuries.

Indian Music Indian Dance Forms

• Indian music has developed through very complex
interaction between different people of different races and
cultures over thousand of years. India’s classical music
tradition including Carnatic and Hindustani music, has a
hisotry spanning millennia and developed over several
eras.
• The Indian music is of 2 types namely Marga-Sangeet
(mystical) and Desi Sangeet (secular). Indian music is
divided into ragas or melody types.
• Dancing is one of the most ancient arts in Indian
culture. From as early as the Vedic times, it established
its root in the Indian soil, being deeply associated with
religious rites, representing the supposed performances
of the Gods and Goddesses themselves and maintaining
the divine and spiritual concepts of the race.
• The religious purpose being diverse, the styles of dance
were equally varied. Classical dances in India, folk
dances in India, tribal dances in India.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 847

Folk Dances and Tribal Dances in India Types of Theatre in India

States Dances
The theatre in India has encompassed all the other forms
Maharashtra Kathakeertan, Lezim, Dandaniya, Tamasha, Gafa, of literature and fine arts into its physical presentation
Dahikala, Lavani, Mauni, Dasavtar
literature, mime, music, dance, movement, painting,
Karnataka Huttari, Suggi Kunitha, Yakashagana sculpture and architecture all mixed into one and being
Kerala Kaikottikali, Kaliyattam, Tappatikkali called ‘Natya’ or ‘Theatre’ in English. Roughly, the
Indian theatre can be divided into three distinctive kinds
Tamil Nadu Kolattam, Pinnal Kolattam, Kummi, Kavadi,
Karagam i.e. the Classical or the Sanskrit theatre, the Traditional
or the Folk theatre and Modern theatre.
Andhra Pradesh Ghanta Mardala, Veedhi Natakam, Burrakatha
Odisha Ghumara Sanchar, Chadya Dandanata, Chhau Famous Sanskrit Plays
Paschim Banga Kathi, Chhau, Baul, Kirtan, Jatra, Lama Author Name of Play
Shudraka Mrichha Katika
Assam Bihu, Khel, Gopal, Rash Lila, Tabal Chongli, Canoe
Bhasa Svapna Vasavadattam, Pancharatra, Pratijna
Punjab Giddha (women), Bhangra (men) Yaugandharayaanam Charudatta, Kamabhara
Jammu and Rauf, Hikat Kalidasa Vikramorvasiyam, Malavikagnimitram,
Kashmir Abhijnanasakuntalam
Himachal Pradesh Jhora, Jhali, Dangli, Mahasu, Jadda, Jhainta, Bhavabhuti Mahaveeracharita, Uttararamacharita,
Chharhi Malati-Madhava
Harsha Ratnavali, Priyadarshika, Nagananda
Haryana Jhumar, Ras Leela, Phag dance, Daph, Dhamal,
Loor, Gugga, Khoria, Gagor
Gujarat Garba, Dandiya Rass, Tippani, Gomph Modern Indian Theatre
Rajasthan Ginad, Chakri, Gangore, Teratali, Khayal, Jhulan • Modern Indian theatre started after the advent of the
Leela, Jhuma, Suisini British in India. The British developed Calcutta in the
Bihar Jata Jatin, Jadur, Chhau, Kathaputli, Bakho, East, Bombay and Surat in the West and Chennai in
Jhijhiya, Samochakwa, Karma, Jatra, Natna the South as important centres of trade and
Uttar Pradesh Nautanki, Thora, Chappeli, Raslila, Kajri
administration. They also set-up theatres in these cities
for their entertainment.
Madhya Pradesh Karma
• The first Bengali theatre was established as early as
Meghalaya Laho 1795, Russian Indologist Gerasim Lebedev is credited
Goa Mando to have founded it. Prasanna Coomar Tagore
Mizoram Khantumm established the first Indian owned Bengali theatre in
1831 named as Hindu theatre.
Uttarakhand Garhwali

Classical Dancers of India Cinema in India

Dance Dancer
Bharatnatyam Bala Saraswati, CV Chandrasekhar, Leela Samson,
Mrinalini Sarabhai, Padma Subramanyam, Rukmini
Devi, Sanyukta Panigrahi, Sonal Mansingh, Yamini
Krishnamurti
Kathak Bharti Gupta, Birju Maharaj, Damayanti Joshi, Durga
Das, Gopi Krishna, Kumudini Lakhia, Sambhu
Maharaj, Sitara Devi
Kuchipudi Josyula Seetharamaiah, Vempathi Chinna Sathyam
Manipuri Guru Bipin Sinha, Jhaveri Sisters, Nayana Jhaveri,
Nirmala Mehta, Savita Mehta
Odissi Debaprasad Das, Dhirendra Nath Patnaik, Indrani
Rahman, Kelucharan Mahapatra, Priyambada Mohanty
Kathakali Mrinalini Sarabhai, Guru Shankaran, Namboodripad,
Thottam Shankaran, Kutti Nayyar, Shankar Kurup, KC
Pannikar, TT Ram Kulti Nayyar, etc
Mohiniattam Protima Devi, Sanyukta Panigrahi, Sonal Mansingh,
Pankaj Charan Das, Kelucharan Mahapatra, Madhvi
Mudgal, etc
• India has one of the oldest and largest film industries
in the world. When Lumiere brothers invented cinema
in the last decade of the 19th century, they did not
quite realise the fact that their invension would, in
years to come, entertain millions across the world in
an unprecedented manner.
• India may have lagged behind other countries in many
fields, but has maintained near parity in the field of
cinema, Only 7 months after its inauguration (premier
show) in France, Lumiere brothers’ films were shown
in Bombay for the first time on 7th July, 1896.
• In 1899, Harishchandra Sakharam Bhatwadekar made a
film on a wrestling match in Bombay. In 1901,
Bhatwadekar made the first news reel. The honour of
making the first feature film goes to Dadasaheb
(Dhundiraj Govind) Phalke, who made the first film
Raja Harishchandra in 1913. Indian cinema has thus
completed about a 100 years and feature films have
completed a span of more than 80 years.
848
Facts about Indian Cinema
India’s first Alam Ara (Light of the Universe) was
talking film released by Ardeshir Irani of Imperial
Movietone 14th March, 1931 was a historic
day for Indian cinema. The film was based
on a successful Passi play, which was
written by Joseph Daeeid.
Film with most Indra Sabha with 71 songs is film with
number of songs most number of songs. The film was made
in 1932 by Madan Theatres and the director
of the film was JJ Madan.
Longest Indian Loc Kargil at 4 h 25 min is the longest
movie Indian movie made so far. The story is of
Indian soldiers fighting in Kargil. Mera
Naam Joker at 4h 14 min is a close
second.
First colour film Kisan Kanya is the first colour film in India.
in India It was a 1937 Hindi feature film, which was
directed by Moti B Gidvani and produced
by Ardeshir Irani of imperial pictures.
First Indian to Bhanu Athaiya was the first Indian to get
get an Oscar an Oscar. She won the award for the best
costume designer for Rich and
Attenborogh’s film Gandhi in 1982.
Longest Hindi The song Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan
film song Saathiyon in the film by the same name is
the longest film song. The length of the
song is 20 min and the song is featured in
three installments in the film.
Puppetry
• Almost all types of puppets are found in India.
Puppetry throughout the ages has held an
important place in traditional entertainment. Like
traditional theatre.
• Themes for puppet theatre are mostly based on
epics and legends.
CDS Pathfinder
Types of Traditional Indian Puppets
String Puppets
• String puppets or marionettes having jointed limbs controlled
by strings allow far greater flexibility and are, therefore, the
most articulate of the puppets.
• Rajasthan, Orissa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are some of the
regions where this form of puppetry has flourished.
Rod Puppets
• Rod puppets are an extension of glove-puppets, but often much
larger and supported and manipulated by rods from below.
• This form of puppetry now is found mostly in West Bengal
and Orissa.
Glove Puppets
• Glove puppets, are also known as sleeve, hand or palm puppets.
The head is made of either papier mache cloth or wood, with
two hands emerging from just below the neck. The rest of the
figure consists of along flowing skirt.
• These puppets are like limp dolls, but in the hands of an able
puppeteer, are capable of producing a wide range of
movements. The manipulation technique is simple, their
movements are controlled by the human hand the first finger
inserted in the head and the middle finger and the thumb are
the two arms of the puppet.
Shadow Puppets
• Shadow puppets are flat figures. They are cut out of leather,
which has been treated to make it translucent. Shadow puppets
are pressed against the screen with a strong source of light
behind it.
• The manipulation between the light and the screen kame
silhouettes or colourful shadows, as the case may be, for the
viewers who sit in front of the screen.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y
PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. Consider the following statement(s)
1. Thabal Chongba is a popular
Manipuri folk dance associated
with the festival of Holi.
2. The literal meaning of ‘Thabal’ is
‘moonlight’ and ‘Chongba’ means
‘dance’.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Consider the following statement(s)
1. The Art of Miniature Painting
was introduced to India by the
Mughals.
2. In the 16th century, the Mughal
ruler Humayun brought artists
from Persia, who specialised in
Miniature Paintings.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Consider the following statement(s)
1. Garba is a popular folk dance
from the State of Gujarat.
2. It is a circular dance performed
by women around an
Earthenware pot called a Garbo,
filled with water.
Which of the statements(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
4. Consider the following statement(s)
1. The rock-cut caves of Ajanta was
built between the 2nd century BC
and the AD 6th century.
2. The paintings that adorn the
walls and ceilings of the caves
depict incidents from the life of
Lord Buddha and various
Buddhist divinities.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
5. Consider the following statement(s)
regarding Sanchi Stupas.
1. Sanchi Stupa is located in Sanchi,
Madhya Pradesh, 14 km from
Vidisha.
2. It has three Stupas all the
gateway around them, but the
most famous is the great Stupa
which was originally made of
brick in Ashoka’s time.
Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
6. Consider the following statements
regarding Bharhut Stupa.
1. This Stupa was located 21 km
South of Satan in Madhya
Pradesh.
2. There are as in other Stupa
railing, representation of Buddhist
themes like Jataka stories in
combination with various natural
element.
3. The main Stupa structure no
longer exists.
Which of the statements given above
are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these
7. Consider the following statement(s)
1. ‘Khayal’ came into prominence
due to the efforts of Sultan Mohd
Sharqi (15th century).
2. The Kirana Gharana of Khayal is
considered as the morden school
of Khayal singing.
Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
8. Consider the following regarding
Amaravati Stupa.
1. This Stupa is located 46 km from
Guntur in Karnataka.
2. The Stupa was built with white
marble.
3. The Stupa was primarily built
with the help of city chief and
the donation from the public.
Which of the statements given above
are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) All of the above
9. Consider the following statements
1. Nagara and Dravida temples are
generally identified with the
Northern and Southern temple
styles respectively.
2. The earliest temples of Dravidian
style temple are the rock cut
temples known as Dharmaraja
Ratha at Mamallapuram and
structural temples at Kanchi.
849
Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
10. Consider the following statement(s)
regarding Vesara styles of temple
building.
1. The Vesara style combined the
feature of Nagara and Dravida
style of temple building.
2. Earliest temples are of the North
Indian type e.g. Ladkhan temple
at Aihole.
Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
11. Consider following regarding
Dravidian style of temple building.
1. The Dravid or Southern style has
a polygonal often octagonal
Shikharas and a pyramidal
Vimana, which is rectangular in
plan.
2. A temple of Dravida type is also
notable for the towering
Gopurams or Gate towards the
additional Mandapas.
Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
12. Consider the following statement(s)
1. Kummi is one of the most
important and ancient forms of
village dances of Tamil Nadu.
2. This is performed by men only.
Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
13. Consider the following statement(s)
1. Mohiniattam is the female
semi-classical dance form of
Kerala.
2. Laterally, the dance of the
enchantress, Mohiniattam was
mainly performed in the temple
premises of Kerala.
Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
850 CDS Pathfinder

14. Match the following 19. Arrange the following monuments in Which of the statement(s) given above
a chronological order. is/are correct?
List I List II
1. Brihadeswara temple, Thanjavur (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
A. Babar 1. Jama Masjid (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(Sambhal) 2. Draupadipath, Mamallapuram
B. Humayun 2. Din Panah 3. Kailasa temple, Ellora 24. Consider the following statements
4. Meenakshi temple, Madurai regarding temples of Chandella Art.
C. Akbar 3. Jahangiri Mahal
Codes 1. Kandariya Mahadev temple is the
D. Jahangir 4. Akbar’s Mausoleum (a) 1, 4, 2, 3 (b) 2, 3, 1, 4 largest, best preserved and
Codes (c) 3, 1, 4, 2 (d) 4, 2, 3, 1 architecturally the most evolved
A B C D A B C D and contains the largest number
20. Consider the following statements of scluptures.
(a) 1 2 4 3 (b) 2 1 3 4 regarding Rajasthan paintings
(c) 1 2 3 4 (d) 1 3 4 2 2. Vishwanath temple contains some
1. Rajasthani miniature resulted of the most lyrical images of
15. Consider the following statement(s) from the amalgamation of Jaina women.
1. The Brihadeswara temples are School with Mughal style and
influenced by contemporary
Which of the statement(s) given above
situated at Thanjavur, the is/are correct?
ancient capital of the Chola literature and music.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
kings. 3. The central theme of love is
represented by Radha Krishna (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. King Rajaraja Chola constructed
this temple in 10th century BC, legend. 25. Consider the following statements
designed by the famous architect Which of the statement(s) given above with reference to the Bagh Paintings,
Sama Verma. is/are correct? 1. Bagh Painting is on the same line
Which of the statement(s) given (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 of Ajanta.
above is/are correct? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. There are 9 caves at Bagh, the
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 4th cave Rang Mahal has got the
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
21. Consider the following statements maximum number of paintings.
1. The caves of Kanheri were built
16. Consider the following statements by Buddhists. Which of the statement (s) given above
about Ajanta paintings. 2. The caves of Elephanta were built is/are correct?
by Rashtrakuta rulers. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
1. These are frescoe paintings
painted on the rocks of its caves. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. The caves of Elephanta were built
2. These belong to the-period of 3rd by Gupta rulers. 26. Which one of the following
century BC to AD 7th century. Which of the statement(s) given above inscriptions mentions Pulakesin II’s
3. The theme is concerned with the is/are correct? military success against
Buddha and Bodhisatva. (a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3 Harshavardhana?
Which of the statements given above (c) 1 and 2 (d) All of these (a) Allahabad Pillar inscription
are correct? (b) Aihole inscription
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
22. With reference to Rajasthani (c) Damodarpur copper plate inscription
miniature paintings features, (d) Bilsad inscription
(c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these
consider the following statements.
17. Consider the following statements 1. The miniature artists use paper 27. The first major inscription in classical
about Bagh Paintings. ivory, panels, wooden tabletes, Sanskrit is that of
1. There are 9 caves at Bagh (near leather, marble, cloth and walls (a) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
Gwalior) on the banks of the for their paintings. (b) Kanishka I
river Bagh (a tributary of 2. The colours are made from (c) Rudradman
Narmada). minerals and vegetables, precious (d) Samundragupta
2. The fourth cave Rangmahal has stones, as well as pure silver and
28. Which one of the following pairs
got the maximum number of gold.
is/are correctly matched?
paintings. Which of the statement(s) given above (a) Harappan : Painted Grey Ware
Which of the statement(s) given is/are correct? Civilisation
above is/are correct? (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(b) The Kushans : Gandhara School
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 of Art
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
23. Consider the following statements (c) The Mughals : Ajanta Paintings
18. Consider the following statement(s) regarding Khajuraho temples. (d) The Marathas : Pahari School of
1. The Dilwara Jain temple in 1. Khajuraho temples are dedicated Painting
Mount Abu constructed out of to Shiva, Vishnu and Jain
white marble.
29. Which one of the following statement
Tirhankaras. about Brihadeswara temple at
2. Dilwara Jain temple enshrines 2. The underlying plan of these
various Jain ‘Tirthankars’.
Thanjavur, is not correct?
temples of Nagara style consist of
(a) The temple is a splendid example of
Which of the statement(s) given the Ardhamandaps (an entrance Chola architecture
above is/are correct? porch), the Mandaps (the
(b) It was built by Emperor Rajaraja
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 assembly half), Antarala (the
(c) The temple is constructed of granite
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 vestibule) and the Garbhagriha
(the sanctum). (d) The temple is a monument dedicated
to Lord Vishnu.
GENERAL STUDIES H istor y 851

30. The Sun temple of Konark was built
by Narasimhadeva I. To which
dynasty did he belong to?
(a) Somavamsi dynasty
(b) Imperial Ganga dynasty
(c) Suryavanshi Gajapati dynasty
(d) Bhoi dynasty
31. Whose philosophy is called the
Advaita?
(a) Ramanujacharya (b) Shankaracharya
(c) Nagarjuna (d) Vasumitra
32. Which one of the following was the
original name of Tansen, the famous
musician in the court of Akbar?
(a) Mahananda Pande
(b) Lal Kalwant
(c) Baz Bahadur
(d) Ramtanu Pandey
33. Which one of the following dances
involves solo performance?
(a) Bharatanatyam (b) Kuchipudi
(c) Kathak (d) Odissi
34. Who among the following was a
Jahangiri painter?
(a) Abul Hasan (b) Abdus Samad
(c) Daswant (d) Mir Sayyid Ali
35. Consider the following statement(s)
regarding Sanchi Stupas
1. Sanchi Stupa is located in Sanchi,
Madhya Pradesh, 14 km from
Vidisha.
2. It has three Stupas all the
gateway around them but the
most famous is the great Stupa
which was originally made of
brick in Ashoka’s time.
Which of the statements(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
36. Which one of the following is an
Octagonal Tomb?
(a) Tomb of Sikander Lodi
(b) Tomb of Balban
(c) Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
(d) Tomb of Ferozshah Tughlaq
37. Which of the following tomb is placed
in the centre of a large garden and
resembles as a prototype of the Taj
Mahal?
(a) Akbar’s tomb at Sikandara
(b) Itmad-ud-daulah tomb at Agra
(c) Shershah’s tomb at Sasaram
(d) Humayun’s tomb at Delhi

QUESTIONS FROM
CDS EXAM (2012-2016)
2012 (I)
1. The Viceregal Lodge at Shimla is a
well-known ancient monument.
Which of the following statements
about the monument is/are correct?
1. The Lodge was built by 17th
Viceroy, Earl Dufferin.
2. The present shape of the building
was given by Earl of Marquis of
Lansdowne.
3. It is famous for holding three
meetings before Independence of
India including the Cabinet Mission.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these
2. Which one among the following
statements regarding Jorwe Culture
is not correct?
(a) Pravara-Godavari Valley was the
nuclear zone of Jorwe Culture
(b) The main sites of Jorwe Culture are
Daimabad, Inamgaon, Jorwe and
Nevasa
(c) At Daimabad, one gets archaeological
evidence of symbolic burial
(d) Practically all settlement in the Northern
Deccan were suddenly deserted
2012 (II)
3. The first Indian ruler to be shown in
images as wearing a dress akin to
trousers is
(a) Chandragupta (b) Ashoka
(c) Kanishka (d) Samudragupta
4. Who among the following cultures which suggests that certain
were the first to paint their pottery? iconographic conventions were
(a) Mesolithic (b) Chalcolithic already well-established in the
(c) Neolithic (d) Iron age pre-Kushana period.
7. The highly polished monolithic
2013 (I) Ashokan Pillars were carved out of
Directions (Q. Nos. 5-6) The following single pieces of a buff-coloured
questions consist of two statements, sandstone, usually mined from the
Statement I and Statement II. You are to quarries of
examine these two statements carefully (a) Chunar near Mirzapur
and select the answers to these questions (b) Lauriya in Nandangarh
using the codes given below. (c) Sarnath near Varanasi
Codes (d) Udayagiri near Bhubaneswar
(a) Both the statements are true and
Statement II is the correct explanation of 2014 (I)
Statement I
(b) Both the statements are true, but 8. Which one of the following was a
Statement II is not the correct explanation temple built by the Chola Kings?
of Statement I (a) Brihadiswara Temple, Tanjavur
(c) Statement I is true, but Statement II is (b) Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
false (c) Srirangam Temple, Thiruchirapalli
(d) Statement I is false, but Statement II is (d) Durga Temple, Aihole
true 9. The University of Nalanda was
5. Statement I Lomash Rishi and set-up by which Gupta ruler?
Sudama caves in the Barabar hills, (a) Kumaragupta II (b) Kumaragupta I
modelled on wooden architectural (c) Chandragupta II (d) Samudragupta
prototypes are examples of the earliest
cave architecture in India. 10. Match the following
Statement II Barabar hills caves were List I (Temples) List II (Towns)
dedicated by Chandragupta Maurya to A. Kailasanatha 1. Bhubaneswar
Ajivika monks.
B. Lingaraj 2. Khajuraho
6. Statement I Sculptures of the C. Kandariya Mahadev 3. Mount Abu
Gandhara School stylistically and
typically linked to the Greco-Roman
D. Dilwara 4. Kanchipuram
and the Parthian art of Iran. Codes
Statement II The earliest stone A B C D A B C D
Buddha images in the Swat valley (a) 4 2 1 3 (b) 4 1 2 3
pre-dated the Kushana period, (c) 3 1 2 4 (d) 3 2 1 4
852 CDS Pathfinder

2014 (II)
11. Which of the following statement(s)
is/are correct?
1. Early Buddhist literature is
generally composed of the
canonical text.
2. The Buddhist schools classify
their canonical literature as only
the Pitakas.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2015 (I)
12. Which of the following statement(s)
about the musical culture in 18th
and 19th centuries North India
is/are not correct?
1. The period was marked by the
growing eminence of Sadarang
Neamat Khan who introduced the
khyal form.
2. A large number of musicians
move out of regional centres to
Delhi where they hoped they
would receive more employment
and patronage.
3. The period was marked by the
formation of specific region based
gharanas.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3
(c) Only 2 (d) All of these
13. Which of the following statement(s)
about the musical culture in 18th
and 19th centuries South India
is/are correct?
1. Musical developments were
spearheaded by the Arcot court.
2. Thanjavur replaced Madras as the
cultural capital of classical music
in the second half of the 19th
century.
3. Three great composers, Tyagaraja,
Dikshitar and Syama Sastri
experimented with the kriti form
to set the foundations for modern
Carnatic music.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) 1 and 3 (b) Only 2
(c) Only 3 (d) All of these
14. Which of the following statement(s)
about visual culture in 18th and
early 19th century North India
is/are correct?
1. Painters from Patna and
Murshidabad flocked to Calcutta
and produced water colours in the
English mode.
2. Landscape and portraiture became
extremely important at this time.
3. The artists Zayan-al-Din, Bhawani
Das and Ram Das were adopted
by the English East India
Company to produce albums of
India birds and animals.
4. While Indians were influenced by
European artistic styles,
Europeans artists did not visit
regional courts.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) Only 4
2015 (II)
15. Borobudur is the site of
(a) a huge temple of Vishnu and Shiva
in Java, built in the AD 12th century
(b) an enormous Stupa in Java, built in
the AD 8th century
(c) a magnificent palace of a Chola
King in Tamil Nadu
(d) a Jain monastery in Gujarat
2016 (I)
16. Which kingdom did the temple of
Hazara Rama belong to?
(a) Avadh (b) Travancore
(c) Vijayanagara (d) Ahom
17. Consider the following statements:
1. The inscriptions on the pillar at
Rummindei give vivid details of
Ashoka’s Dhamma.
2. The Nigalisagar inscription
records the fact of Ashoka having
visited the Konagamana stupa.
Which of the statement(s) given
above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
18. Which one of the following books was
not illustrated with paintings in
Akbar’s court?
(a) Hamzanama (b) Razmnama
(c) Baburnama (d) Tarikh-i-Alfi
19. Which one among the following
statements about the coins of the
Gupta rulers is correct?
(a) The obverse and reverse, both, had
only the king’s portrait and date
(b) The obverse and reverse, both, had
only an image of a deity and date
(c) The obverse generally had king’s
portrait and reverse had an image
of a deity or a motif
(d) The obverse generally had king’s
portrait and reverse always had a
date
20. Which of the following is/are not
depicted in the Rajput paintings?
1. The stories of Krishna
2. Ragas and Raginis
3. The deeds of Hamza
4. The deeds of Babur
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 (d) Only 4
21. Which one of the following is the
common element between the
Kailasanatha temple at Ellora and
the Shore temple at Mamallapuram?
(a) Both are examples of Nagara
architecture
(b) Both are carved out from solid
rocks
(c) Both are Gupta period temples
(d) Both were built under the patronage
of Pallava Kings

ANSWERS
Practice Exercise
1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c 6 d 7 c 8 c 9 c 10 c
11 c 12 a 13 c 14 c 15 c 16 b 17 c 18 c 19 b 20 c
21 d 22 c 23 c 24 c 25 c 26 b 27 c 28 a 29 d 30 b
31 b 32 d 33 a 34 a 35 c 36 a 37 d

Questions from CDS Exam (2012-16)

1 d 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 a 6 d 7 a 8 a 9 b 10 b
11 d 12 c 13 c 14 a 15 b 16 c 17 b 18 c 19 c 20 c
21 b