MISSION YODHAN

(MY PRELIMS TEST SERIES)

Dr Bhavani Shankar Sir
MISSION YODHAN – Day 1
1. Consider the following statements. ii. The stone age people had the first domestic.
1. Neolithic period age is not characterised (a) Asses
by Agriculture, Use of coper, (b) Dogs
Domestication of animals, Fishing. (c) Horses
2. The stone age people had the first (d) Sheep
domestic dogs, sheep, and asses. ANSWER: D
3. Man passed from the food gathering
stage to the food producing stage in the iii. Man passed from the food gathering stage to
Mesolithic age. the food producing stage in the (1988)
How many statements above are false? (a) Neolithic age
a) Only one statement is false. (b) Mesolithic age
b) Only two statements are false. (c) Chalcolithic age
c) All three statements are false. (d) Palaeolithic age
d) All the three statements are true. ANSWER: A
Answer: C Source: NCERT OUR PASTS-I.
Below is additional information but has potential to
Why this question is asked: be asked in original exam.
The question theme is reflected in UPSC prelims
PYQs. The examiners focus was on way of life went
during pre-historic period.
Observe below PYQs once to get an idea.
UPSC:
i. Neolithic period age is not characterised by
(1980)
(a) Agriculture
(b) Use of coper
(c) Domestication of animals
(d) Fishing
ANSWER: B

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2. Which of the following pairs is correctly
matched?
a. Koldhwa- early village
b. Brahmagiri- megalithic site
c. Paiyampalli- modern village
d. Hunsgi- Neolithic site
3. Consider the following statements.
Answer: b
1. Bhimbetka (in present day Madhya
Why this question?: UPSC has specific interest in such
Pradesh) is a paleolithic site and contains
sites. Burzahom was asked in 2021 prelims in match
earliest man-made rock shelters
the following type. Building mnemonics of these sites
2. The rock shelters in Bhimbetka are close
is quintessential.
to Narmada valley and many of the caves
UPSC PYQ: Consider the following pairs: (2021)
in which these early people lived have
(Historical place) (Well-known for)
1. Burzahom : Rock-cut shrines paintings on the walls.
Which of the above statements are incorrect?
2. Chandra-ketugarh : Terracotta art
a. 1 only
3. Ganeshwar : Copper artefacts
b. 2 only
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly
c. Both
matched?
d. None
(a) 1 only
Answer: a.
(b) 1 and 2
Bhimbetka contains natural cave and shelters. So 1 is
(c) 3 only
incorrect.
(d) 2 and 3
ANSWER: D

4. Match List 1 (Ancient site) with List 2

(Archaeological finding) and select the correct
answer using the codes given below the lists:
List 1 : List 2
(Ancient site) : (Archaeological finding)
A. Lothal 1. Plough filed
B. Kalibangan 2. Dockyard
C. Dholavira 3. Terracota replica of plough
D. Banawali
4. An inscription comprising ten
large sized signs of the Harappan script
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 Codes:
A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 2 1 4 3
(c) 1 2 4 3
(d) 2 1 3 4

ANSWER: B 6. The city of Indus valley site was located on

Why is this question asked: Khadir Beyt (also spelled as Bet) in the Rann of
It is directly picked from 2002 prelims question. Kutch, where there was fresh water and fertile
Because each of the options are directly taken from soil. Unlike some of the other Harappan cities,
6th NCERT& RS Sharma source. Look at the source which were divided into two parts, this was
pictures given below. divided into three parts, and each part was
surrounded with massive stone walls, with
entrances through gateways. There was also a
large open area in the settlement, where
public ceremonies could be held.
The statement is describing which of the
following cities?
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar
ANSWER:A
Why is this question asked?
UPSC PYQ:
Which one of the following ancient towns is well-
known for its elaborate system of water harvesting
5. An old inscription that dates to about 2250
and management by building a series of dams and
years ago, and was found in Kandahar,
channelising water into connected reservoirs? (2021)
present-day Afghanistan. It was inscribed on
(a) Dholavira
the orders of the ruler named Ashoka. This
(b) Kalibangan
inscription was in two different scripts and
(c) Rakhigarhi
languages. What were those languages?
(d) Ropar
a. Kharosthi and Aramic
ANSWER: A
b. Greek and Kharoshti
c. Aramic and Greek
d. Prakrit and Aramic
Answer: C

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7. With reference to the difference between the (c) Vedic texts
culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley (d) Silver punch-marked coins
people, which of the following statements ANSWER: A
Ware correct? UPSC PYQ:
1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail With reference to the difference between the
and helmet in warfare whereas the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people,
people of Indus Valley Civilization did not which of the following statements Ware correct?
leave any evidence of using them. (2017)
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and 1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail
copper whereas Indus Valley people and helmet in warfare whereas the
knew only copper and iron. people of Indus Valley Civilization did not
3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the leave any evidence of using them.
horse whereas there is no evidence of 2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and
Indus Valley people having been aware copper whereas Indus Valley people
of this animal. knew only copper and iron.
Select the correct answer using the code given 3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the
below: horse whereas there is no evidence of
(a) 1 only Indus Valley people having been aware
(b) 2 and 3 only of this animal.
(c) 1 and 3 only Select the correct answer using the code given
(d) 1,2and3 below:
Ans. (c) (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
Why is this question asked? (c) 1 and 3 only
Don’t underestimate the power of the old PYQ. This (d) 1,2and3
question was asked in 1985, 1987 and 2017. Ans. (c)
UPSC PYQ: Source: our pasts-1.
Which of the following was not known to Indus Below pictures contain additional information which
(1985) has potential content for original exam.
(a) Silver
(b) Copper
(c) Iron
(d) Bronze

ANSWER: C
UPSC PYQ:
Metals known to Indus Valley Civilisation were
(1987)
(a) Gold, copper, silver but not iron
(b) Silver, iron, bronze but not gold
(c) Iron, copper, gold but not silver
(d) Zinc, silver, iron but not gold
ANSWER: A
UPSC PYQ:
The earliest evidence of silver in India is found in the
(1994)
(a) Harappan culture
(b) Chalcolithic cultures of Western India
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 The crops that were grown during Harappan
times?
a. 1,3,4,5,6,7
b. 1,3,5,6,7
c. 5,6,7
d. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
ANSWER: D
 Why this question: one of the prominent themes
in UPSC.

UPSC PYQ: 9. Describe the following statements regarding

terracotta figurines of Harappa
 The Indus Valley people had contacts with
1. They represent birds, dogs, sheep, cattle,
(1980)
(a) Egyptians and monkey.
(b) Sumerians 2. Men and women also find a place in the
(c) Chinese terracotta objects, and the second
(d) Mesopotamians outnumber the first.
3. The seals and images were
ANSWER: D
manufactured with great skill, and the
UPSC PYQ:
terracotta pieces represent sophisticated
 Indus Valley civilisation was spread over (1985)
artistic works.
(a) Baluchistan, Sind, Punjab and Rajasthan
4. There was no distinction between the
(b) Sind, Punjab and Kashmir
classes in the harappan society in the
(c) Afghanistan, Sind, Punjab, Rajasthan,
usage of these figurines.
Gujarat and Kashmir
Which of the above statements is/are true?
(d) None of these
a. 1,2 and 4 only
ANSWER: A
b. 2,3 and 4 only
c. 2 and 3 only
d. 1 and 2 only
Answer: d
 Why is this question: There is an interesting
UPSC PYQ from this area.
UPSC PYQ:
 Which one of the following animals was not
represented on the seals and terracotta art of
8. Which of the following crops the Harappan culture? (2001)
1. sesamum (a) Cow
2. rai (b) Elephant
3. Mustard (c) Rhinoceros
4. Peas (d) Tiger
5. Wheat ANSWER: A
6. Barley
7. Rice

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 ANSWER: B

10. Consider the following statements regarding

Rigvedic society.
1. The Rig Vedic people can be called a
predominantly pastoral people. Thus, 11. Which of the following were common to both
most of their wars were fought over Buddhism and Jainism?
grazing land 1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and
2. Whenever we hear of gifts made to enjoyment
priests, they usually consist of land and 2. Indifference to the authority of the
women slaves. Vedas
3. There were some women divinities such 3. Denial of efficacy of rituals
as Aditi, and Usha who represented the 4. Non-injury to animal life
appearance of the dawn, but they were Select the correct answer using the codes given
not prominent at the time of the Rig below:
Veda. (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
4. Priest enjoyed both social and political (b) 2, 3 and 4
status and influenced administration. (c) 1, 3 and 4
5. The form of government in the Rig Vedic (d) 1 and 2
period was monarchy. ANSWER: B
How many of the above statements are true?  Why is it asked: the most favorite areas of UPSC
a. Only one statement is true asked several times on same theme.
b. Only two statements are true
c. Only three statements are true 12. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a
d. Only four statements are true ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. It
Answer: C was the
UPSC PYQ: (a) Occasion to elect the Sanghaparinayaka
 Assertion (A): The form of government in Rig and two speakers one on Dhamma and
Vedic period was monarchy. the other on Vinaya
Reason (R): Priest enjoyed both social and (b) Confession by monks of their offences
political status and influenced administration. committed during their stay in the
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the monasteries during the rainy season
correct explanation of A (c) Ceremony of initiation of new person
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the into the Buddhist Sangha in which the
correct explanation of A head is shaved and when yellow robes
(c) A is true but R is false are offered
(d) A is false but R is true

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 (d) Gathering of Buddhist monks on the next and Panchala was emerged as the first
day to the full moon day of Ashadha tribal kingdoms.
when they take up affixed abode for the 2. The vidhatha completely disappeared.
next four months or rainy However, the sabha and samiti
Ans. (b) continued to hold their ground without
changing their character.
2002 UPSC PYQ. 3. Traces of election of kings appeared in
 These are hidden areas which you need to later Vedic texts.
focus. Buddhist philosophy (Theravada, 4. King received voluntary presents called
Mahayana etc.), its practice and concept of vis from his ordinary kinsmen or the
bodhisattva must be understood in detail. common people called bali.
Thus, I am giving source of information for each Which of the above statements are true?
of the options to make your reverse a. 1 and 2 only
engineering easier. b. 2,3 and 4 only
c. 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 4 only
Answer: C

Source: Upendar singh

13. The term vrihi in later Vedic period refers to:

a. Metal
b. Specific stone used to make ornaments.
c. A crop
d. Village head
Answer: C
 It is a direct question and quite difficult to
answer if you have not practiced and revised
standard sources multiple times. Wild guess
15. Consider the following statements
may not work.
1. Religious policy of Ashoka was the main
reason of downfall of the Mauryan
empire.
2. Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Mauryan
Empire to control the land and sea
routes to South India.
3. Nanda dynasty was ruling over North
Source: RS sharma
India at the time of Alexander’s invasion.
Which of the above statements are true?
14. Consider the following statements regarding a. 1 and 2 only
political organization in later Vedic times, b. 2 and 3 only
1. In later Vedic times, the Rig Vedic tribal c. 1 and 3 only
assemblies continued their prominence
d. None of the above.

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Answer: b (a) 1 and 2
 Why is this question asked? (b) 2 only
The question is reflected in UPSC PYQs: (c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
PYQs: ANSWER: D
 Which of the following was the main reason of  It is a direct hit from UPSC PYQs on political
the downfall of Mauryan empire? history of Mauryan age.
(a) Weak successors of Ashoka who could
not control the empire properly 17. Consider the following statements on jainism
(b) Religious policy of Ashoka 1. Jainism adopted prakrit language and
(c) Ashoka maintained friendly relations their literary texts were compiled in 6th
with his neighbours century A.D in Gujarat at a place called
(d) None of the above vallabhi.
ANSWER: A 2. The Jains composed earliest important
works in Apabhramsha and compiled its
PYQs: first grammar.
Assertion (A): Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Which of the statements are incorrect?
Mauryan Empire a. 1 only
Reason (R): Kalinga controlled the land and sea b. 2 only
routes to South India. c. Both are incorrect.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the d. Both are correct.
correct explanation of A ANSWER: D
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not a
correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
ANSWER: A
PYQ:
 Which one of the following dynasties was
ruling over North India at the time of
Alexander’s invasion?
(a) Nanda
(b) Maurya 18. Consider the following statements regarding
(c) Sunga the rise of the Magadha in 6th century B.C?
(d) Kanva 1. Magadha lay at the centre of the mid-
ANSWER: A Gangetic plains, the Ganges providing a
means of both transport and agricultural
16) Consider the following statements: facilities.
1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was 2. Koutilya spoke of th wooden walls and
assassinated by his commander-in-chief, houses in pataliputra. Thus, boats could
Pushyamitra Sunga. be easily manufactured, and they played
2. The last Sunga king, Devabhuti was an important part in promoting the
assassinated by his Brahmana minister advance of Magadha towards the east
Vausdeva Kanva who usurped the and the west.
throne. 3. Heavy rainfall and ferile alluvium acted
3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was as conducive factors for the rise of
deposed by the Andhras. Magadha.
Which of these statements is/are correct? Which of the above statements are true?
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 a. 1 and 2 only
b. 1 and 3 only
c. 2 and 3 only
d. All of the above.
ANSWER: B

19. The reference to the religious practice in India,

the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Vaishnavism
(d) Shaivism
ANSWER: B
 Why is it important: It is asked in 2018 and
several practices associated with Jainism was
emphasized in UPSC.
20. Match the columns:
A. Upanishads: World’s oldest scriptures
B. Samaveda : Magical chants
C. Rigveda : Mysterious doctrine
D. Atharvaveda : Ritual
Select the correct answer from the codes given
below: 21) 9*U7G%4#5E^&8K6@1>LF
A B C D How many alphabets are there which are
(a) 4 3 2 1 preceded by a number and immediately
(b) 3 4 1 2 followed by a symbol?
(c) 1 2 3 4 (a) 1
(d) 4 2 1 3 (b) 2
ANSWER: B (c) 3
 Direct hit from UPSC PYQ taken from standard (d) 4
sources. ANSWER: B
The below story Pictures and tabular information in EXPLANATION:
NCERT will help you internalize the subject and 9*U7G%4#5E^&8K6@1>LF
develop some intuition to answer questions with There are 2 such alphabets, which are
clarity and confidence. preceded by the number and immediately
followed by the symbol.

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22) 9*UG%4#E^&8K6@1>LF 25) Which of the following is the seventh to the
If we drop all prime numbers from the above right of the twentieth from the right in the
arrangement, then which is the 8th element above arrangement?
from the right end? (a) 2
(a) E (b) I
(b) & (c) G
(c) K (d) 6
(d) 8 ANSWER: D
ANSWER: D EXPLANATION:
EXPLANATION: N is the 20th character from the right in the
9*UG%4#E^&8K6@1>LF above arrangement. ‘6’ is the 7th character
8 is the 8th element from the right end. Hence, located towards its right-hand direction.
option d.

Directions 23-25: Study the following

arrangement of numbers, symbols and letters
carefully and answer the questions:
T5$%2W9RS@O48*+Z3AB6^MF#
23) In the given arrangement, how many such
letters are there which are immediately
followed by an odd number and immediately
preceded by an even number?
(a) Four
(b) Two
(c) One
(d) Three
ANSWER: C
T5$%2W9RS@O48*+Z3AB6^MF#
There is one such letter in the given
arrangement which are immediately followed
by an odd number and immediately preceded
by an even number
Hence, option C
24) How many such vowels are there in the above
arrangement each of which is immediately
preceded by a consonant and immediately
followed by a number?
(a) None
(b) One
(c) Two
(d) Three
ANSWER: D
EXPLANATION:
P%R15H*MTE3B$VN4KA8WI62G#
UH7/JQ9LY

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