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CUET 2023 History Question Paper May 24

Shift 2 (Memory-based)

Question 1. Jotedars are known as?

Answers. Rich Peasants

Solution. Jotedars, also spelled as Jotdars or Zotedars, were historically
known as landowners or influential landlords in certain regions of South
Asia, particularly in Bengal (now divided between Bangladesh and West
Bengal, India). The term "Jotedar" is derived from the Bengali word "Jot,"
which means land or estate, and "dar," which means holder or owner.

Jotedars were typically wealthy individuals who owned large agricultural

estates or lands, often worked by tenant farmers or sharecroppers. They
held considerable economic and social power in their respective areas,
exerting influence over local politics and administration. Jotedars were
responsible for managing and overseeing the agricultural production on
their lands, collecting rents or sharecropping fees, and sometimes
employing a significant number of laborers.

During the colonial period, the jotedari system became a subject of debate
and reforms due to issues of exploitation and oppressive practices against
tenant farmers. After the partition of Bengal in 1947, the jotedari system
underwent significant changes, with land reforms and redistributions taking
place in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. Today, while the term
"jotedar" may not hold the same significance as it once did, it still carries
historical and cultural connotations in certain contexts.
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Question 2. Who was the Burdwan’s King during the auction?

Answer. Mahtab Chand

Question 3. Who painted a picture titled “The Relief of Lucknow”?

Answer. Thomas Jones Barker

Solution. The painting titled "The Relief of Lucknow" was painted by British
artist Thomas Jones Barker. Thomas Jones Barker was a 19th-century
English historical and portrait painter. The painting depicts the heroic event
known as the Relief of Lucknow during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. It
portrays General Henry Havelock leading his troops to the relief of the
British residency in Lucknow, India, where a group of British residents and
Indian sepoys were besieged by rebel forces.

Question 4. Who were the devotees of ‘Alwars’ and ‘Nayanars’?

Answer. Alwars: Vishnu

Nayanars: Shiva
Solution. The Alwars and Nayanars were two prominent groups of
devotees in South Indian Bhakti (devotional) movements within the Hindu
tradition. They lived between the 6th and 9th centuries CE and played
significant roles in the development of the Bhakti movement in South India.

The Alwars were a group of twelve Tamil poet-saints who composed

devotional hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu. They are revered as the most
important Vaishnava (devotees of Lord Vishnu) saints in the Tamil tradition.
The Alwars' compositions, known as the "Nalayira Divya Prabandham," are
considered sacred and are recited in Vaishnava temples even today.

On the other hand, the Nayanars were a group of sixty-three Shaiva

(devotees of Lord Shiva) saints who also composed devotional hymns.
Their hymns, known as "Thevaram," express deep devotion to Lord Shiva
and celebrate his attributes and manifestations. The Nayanars played a
crucial role in popularizing Shaivism in Tamil Nadu.
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Both the Alwars and Nayanars had a significant impact on religious and
social life in South India. Their devotional poetry and religious fervor
inspired and influenced generations of devotees, and their hymns continue
to be sung and revered in temples and religious gatherings.

Question 5. Who wrote Panchatantra?

Answer. Pandit Vishnu Sharma

Solution. The Panchatantra is a collection of ancient Indian fables and
tales, and it is believed to have been written by Vishnu Sharma. Vishnu
Sharma was a scholar and storyteller who lived in ancient India, likely
during the 3rd century BCE. The Panchatantra consists of animal stories
and moral lessons and has been widely translated and adapted into various
languages and literary traditions around the world. Its tales continue to be
cherished and enjoyed for their wisdom and entertainment value.

Question 6. Who wrote the book “Jhansi Ki Rani”?

Answer. Vrindavan Lal Verma

Question 7. What is Sunset Law?

Answer. The sunset law was introduced in Bengal by which it was decided
that the zamindars who would fail to pay the revenue by sunset on the last
day of the Bengali year would lose their zamindari.

Question 8. What were the duties of "Chandalas"?

Answer.
(a) live outside the village
(b) use discarded utensils
(c) wear clothes of the dead and ornaments of iron.
Solution. In ancient India, the term "Chandala" referred to a social group or
occupational caste associated with performing certain duties that were
considered impure or lowly according to the traditional caste system. The
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duties assigned to Chandalas varied over time and region, but they
generally involved tasks such as handling and disposing of dead bodies,
working with animal hides, and carrying out other tasks deemed polluting or
outside the boundaries of the social hierarchy.

Chandalas were often marginalized and faced discrimination in society due

to their assigned duties. They were considered to be at the bottom of the
social hierarchy and were subjected to various forms of social and
economic exclusion.

It's important to note that the caste system and its associated duties have
evolved over time, and modern society in India has made significant
progress in reducing caste-based discrimination and promoting social
equality.

Question 9. What were the grants of lands and royal income donated
to Brahmins called?

Answer. Brahmadeya

Question 10. Who was the author of the book "Periplus of the
Erythraean Sea"?

Answer. William H Schoff

Question 11. Which two scripts did James Prinsep decipher?

Answer. Kharosthi and Brahmi

Solution. James Prinsep, a British scholar and antiquary, made significant
contributions to the decipherment of ancient scripts. He is known for
deciphering two important scripts:

1. Brahmi Script: James Prinsep played a crucial role in deciphering the

Brahmi script, which was used in ancient India. In the early 19th century,
Prinsep was able to decipher the script by comparing inscriptions found on
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ancient pillars and coins. His breakthrough in deciphering Brahmi led to a

better understanding of ancient Indian history, including the identification of
the script's phonetic values and the recognition of important historical
figures and dynasties.

2. Kharosthi Script: Prinsep also made notable progress in deciphering

the Kharosthi script, which was used in ancient Gandhara (present-day
Afghanistan and Pakistan). By studying coins and inscriptions, Prinsep was
able to identify the phonetic values and linguistic characteristics of the
Kharosthi script. His work in deciphering Kharosthi contributed to the
understanding of ancient Gandharan culture, language, and history.

Prinsep's decipherment of these scripts opened up new avenues for the

study of ancient Indian and Central Asian civilizations, and his contributions
continue to be influential in the field of epigraphy and historical linguistics.

Question 12. Which ruler worked on the preservation of the Sanchi

Stupa?

Answer. A Shahejahan Begum and her successor Sultan Jahan Begum of

Bhopal

Question 13. Where is Sanchi Stupa located?

Answer. Madhya Pradesh

Solution. The Sanchi Stupa is located in the town of Sanchi, which is
situated in the Raisen district of the state of Madhya Pradesh in central
India. Sanchi is approximately 46 kilometers (29 miles) northeast of Bhopal,
the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. The Sanchi Stupa is an ancient
Buddhist monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its
historical and architectural significance. It is one of the most important
Buddhist sites in India and attracts visitors from around the world.
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Question 14. Who wrote the book "The Story of Indian Archaeology
1784-1947"?

Answer. Sourindranath Roy

Question 15. Who was the first Sultan to introduce the system of
branding horses?

Answer. Alauddin Khilji

Solution. The first Sultan to introduce the system of branding horses was
Alauddin Khilji. Alauddin Khilji was the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty in
the Delhi Sultanate of India. During his reign from 1296 to 1316, Alauddin
Khilji implemented various administrative and military reforms. One of his
significant reforms was the introduction of the branding system for horses.

The purpose of branding horses was to maintain an organized and efficient

cavalry. It allowed for the identification and registration of horses, ensuring
that they were properly trained and utilized in the military. The branding
system helped streamline the management and distribution of horses within
the army, contributing to the effectiveness of the military forces under
Alauddin Khilji's rule.

Question 16. Which Indian city transported cotton before Bombay?

Question 17. Under which rule's tenure, did Niccolò de' Conti visit
India?
Answer. Vijayanagara Empire
Solution. Niccolò de' Conti, an Italian merchant and explorer, visited India
during the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire. More specifically, he traveled to
India during the reign of King Deva Raya II, who ruled the Vijayanagara
Empire from 1422 to 1446. Niccolò de' Conti's travels in India occurred in
the early 15th century, and he spent several years in the region, visiting
various cities and engaging in trade. His accounts provide valuable insights
into the political and cultural landscape of South India during that period.
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Question 18. Who wrote the book "Badshah Nama"?

Answer. Abdul Hamid Lahori

Solution. The book "Badshah Nama" was written by Abdul Hamid Lahori.
Abdul Hamid Lahori was a court historian who served in the court of
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. "Badshah Nama" is a historical chronicle
that provides a detailed account of the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan,
including his accomplishments, policies, and significant events during his
rule. The book offers insights into the administration, culture, and
architecture of the Mughal Empire during the 17th century.

Question 19. When was Hampi declared a "UNESCO World Heritage

Site"?

Answer. 1986
Solution. Hampi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on October
14, 1986. Hampi is a historical and archaeological site located in the state
of Karnataka, India. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the
14th to 16th centuries and is renowned for its exceptional ruins, temples,
palaces, and other structures that showcase the architectural and artistic
achievements of the Vijayanagara period. The UNESCO World Heritage
Site status recognizes the outstanding universal value and significance of
Hampi as a cultural heritage site.

Question 20. What did Krishnadevaraya write about in his book

'Amuktamalyada'?

Answer. Krishnadevaraya, the notable emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire

in South India, wrote the epic poem 'Amuktamalyada.' This poem,
composed in Telugu, primarily revolves around the theme of devotion and
the life of Lord Vishnu's avatar, Sri Krishna.

'Amuktamalyada' translates to "She who offered the garland of freedom"

and is a beautiful literary work that combines elements of devotion, love,
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and social commentary. The poem tells the story of the marriage of Lord
Vishnu's devotee, Andal, and her devotion to Lord Ranganatha of
Srirangam.

While the central narrative focuses on the divine love between Andal and
Lord Ranganatha, Krishnadevaraya also uses 'Amuktamalyada' to touch
upon various other themes. These include the qualities of a righteous ruler,
the importance of virtuous governance, the significance of dharma
(righteousness), the values of a just society, and the beauty of art and
poetry.

'Amuktamalyada' is highly regarded as one of the masterpieces of Telugu

literature and showcases Krishnadevaraya's talent as a poet and his deep
understanding of the cultural and spiritual traditions of his time.

Question 21. In which session Congress demanded 'Purna Swaraj'?

Answer. 19th December 1929

Question 22. What is the meaning of "Jagannath"?

Answer. lord of the universe

Solution. The term "Jagannath" has its roots in Sanskrit and is commonly
used in Hinduism to refer to Lord Jagannath, a deity worshipped primarily
in the state of Odisha, India. The word "Jagannath" is derived from two
Sanskrit words: "Jagat," which means the world or universe, and "Nath,"
which means Lord or Master. Therefore, "Jagannath" can be translated as
"Lord of the Universe" or "Master of the World."

Lord Jagannath is considered a form of Lord Vishnu, one of the principal

deities in Hinduism. He is worshipped along with his siblings, Lord
Balabhadra (Balarama) and Devi Subhadra. The Jagannath Temple in Puri,
Odisha, is one of the most famous and significant pilgrimage sites for
Hindus. The annual Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, held in Puri, is a major
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celebration dedicated to Lord Jagannath, drawing millions of devotees from

around the world.

Question 23. Which country did François Bernier come from?

Answer. France
Solution. François Bernier was a French physician and traveler. He hailed
from France. Bernier is known for his extensive travels in the 17th century,
particularly in India, and his observations on the Mughal Empire and its
society. He wrote extensively about his experiences in his travelogue
"Travels in the Mughal Empire."

Question 24. Who built Sudarshan Lake?

Answer. Pushyagupta