TYPE BREAK UP OF QUESTIONS

No. of
UNIT Topic
Questions
Indus Valley Civilization: Features, Sites, Society, Cultural History, Art and
5
Religion
Vedic Age 6
Mahajanapadas 2
Religions-Jainism and Buddhism. 7
The Maghadas and the Mauryan 4
Foreign invasions on India and their impact, the Kushans and Miscellaneous 4
The Sathavahanas 1
The Sungas 2
The Gupta Empire -their Administration- Social, Religious and Economic
7
conditions-Art, Architecture, Literature, Science and Technology.
South Indian Dynasties - The Badami Chalukyas, the Eastarn Chalukyas, the
Rastrakutas, the Kalyani Chalukyas, the Cholas, the Hoyasalas, the Yedavas, the 18
Kakatiyas and the Reddis.
The Delhi Sultanate-Administration, Economy, Society, Religion, Literature,
5
Arts and Architecture.
The Vijaynagar Empire 3
Mughal Empire 5
the Bhakti Movement and Sufism 5
The European Trading companies in India- their struggle for supremacy-with
special reference to Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Mysore, Andhra and Nizam, 15
GovernorGenerals and Viceroys.
Indian War of Independence of 1857 - Origin, Nature, causes, consequences
1
and significance with special reference to Concerned State
Religious and Social Reform Movements in 19th century in India and
4
Concerned State
India's Freedom Movement 9
Revolutionaries in India and Abroad. 1
Mahatma Gandhi, his thoughts, Principles and Philosophy. Important
6
Satyagrahas,
the Role of Sardar Patel, Subash Chandrabose in Freedom Movement 2
Post - independence consolidation. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, his life and contribution
3
to making of Indian Constitution
India after Independence - Reorganization of the States in India. 3
GRAND TOTAL 120

AMIGOS IAS 1
 APPSC – GROUP-I, Prelims – TEST 15 (14-02-2024)
1. With respect to Indus valley civilisation,  Dharmasutras are religious texts written in
Dilmun and Makan are: Sanskrit by Brahmins. They are guidebooks
1) Coins 2) Trading stations that contain guidelines for social and
3) Seals 4) Traditional clothes individual behavior, ethical norms, and
Answer: 2 personal, civil, and criminal law. They also
Explanation: discuss the rights and duties of people at
different stages of life.
 The Mesopotamian texts speak of two
intermediate trading stations called Dilmun  Sulvasutras are a collection of geometrical
and Makan, which lay between constructs that are thought to have been
Mesopotamia and Meluha. created around the end of the Vedic period.
Hence all the statements are correct.
 Dilmun is probably identifiable with Bahrain
3. The term Syama-ayas during the later Vedic
on the Persian Gulf. Hence Option (2) is
period means:
correct.
1) Bronze 2) Iron
2. Consider the following statements regarding
Sutra literature: 3) Gold 4) Carpenters
I. Srautra Sutra: Deals with large public Answer: 2
sacrifices. Explanation:
II. Griha Sutra: Deals with rituals connected  Iron was an important metal used for
with birth, marriage, naming, funerals, implements in the later Vedic period.
etc.  It was called syama-ayas or krishna-ayas, or
III. Dharma Sutra: Explains social and local dark metal. Hence, option (2) is correct.
customs.  Iron is believed to have played an important
IV. Sulva sutra: Prescribe various kinds of role in the conversion of the forests of the
measurements for the construction of Ganga Valley into agricultural lands.
sacrificial altars. 4. Siksha, Kalpa, Vyakarna, Nirukta, Chhanda,
Which of the above given statements is/are and Jyotisha are classified under which one of
correct? the following?
1) I and II 2) I, II and III 1) Vedangas 2) Brahmanas
3) I, II and IV 4) I, II, III and IV 3) Aranyakas 4) Upanishads
Answer: 4 Answer: 1
Explanation: Explanation:
 The Srauta Sutras are part of the Sanskrit  Six vedangas (limbs of the Vedas) were
sutra literature corpus. Their contents, evolved for the proper understanding of the
which are similar to those found in Vedas.
the Brahmana levels of the Vedas but given  These are Siksha (phonetics), Kalpa (rituals),
in a more systematic and precise manner, Vyakarna (grammar), Nirukta (etymology),
include instructions pertaining to the Chhanda (metrics), and Jyotisha
employment of the Sruti corpus in significant (astronomy).
rites and the right conduct of these big Vedic  Each vedanga has developed credible
ceremonies. literature around it, which is in sutra form,
 The Grihya Sutra contains rites for i.e., precepts. Hence, option (1) is correct.
exceptional events, seasonal ceremonies,  This is a very precise and exact form of
and five daily sacrifices, notably from the expression in prose that was developed by
beginning of life to the end, i.e. death. the ancient Indians.

AMIGOS IAS 2
  Panini's Ashtadhyayi, a book on grammar in
eight chapters, is the final culmination of this
excellent art of writing in sutras (precepts),
in which every chapter is precisely
interwoven.
 Besides the Vedas, the Brahmanas, the
Aranyakas, and the Upanishads are also
included in the Vedic literature and are
known as the later Vedic literature.
5. Which of the following Jain texts describes 16
Mahajanapadas?
1) Bhagwati Sutra 2) Kalpasutra
3) Parishishtaparvan 4) Anguttara Nikaya
Answer: 1
Explanation:
The Bhagwati Sutra contains information
about Jain cosmology, philosophy, and
ethics. It also describes the 16
Mahajanapadas, which were the 16 most
powerful and prosperous kingdoms in ancient
India. Hence, option (1) is correct.
6. Consider the following statements with
respect to the state of the agricultural system
in the Mauryan period:
I. Mauryan State provided irrigation
facilities and regulated water supply.
II. The Mauryan state employed slaves in
agriculture.
III. To bring the virgin soils under cultivation,
the new peasants were allowed remission
in tax and supplied with cattle, seeds, and
money.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) I and II only
3) II and III only 4) I, II and III
Answer: 4
Explanation:
 The Mauryan state also provided irrigation
facilities and regulated water supply for the
benefit of agriculturists. Megasthenes
informs us that in the Maurya Empire, the
officer measured the land as in Egypt and
inspected the channels through which water
was distributed into smaller channels. Hence
statement I is correct.
 The striking social development of the
Maurya period was the employment of
slaves in agricultural operations.
AMIGOS IAS
Megasthenes states that he did not notice
any slaves in India. But there is no doubt that
domestic slaves were found in India from
Vedic times onwards.
 For the first time in the Maurya period,
slaves were engaged in agricultural work on
a large scale. The state-maintained farms, on
which numerous slaves and hired labourers
were employed. Hence statement II is
correct.
 Kautilya advised that new settlements
should be founded with the help of
cultivators, who were apparently Vaisyas,
and with that of Sudra labourers, who should
be drafted from overpopulated areas.
 In order to bring the virgin soil under
cultivation, the new peasants were allowed
remission in tax and supplied with cattle,
seeds, and money. The state followed this
policy in the hope that it would get back
what it had given. Hence statement III is
correct.
7. In the context of the ancient history of India,
Panyadhyaksha is related to:
1) Navy 2) Tolls
3) Commerce
4) Weights and measurements
Answer: 3
Explanation:
Panyadhyaksha was an official in the Mauryan
Empire who was responsible for trade, price
fixation, and the sale of goods produced by
state-run manufacturing units. Hence, Option
(3) is correct.
8. Consider the following statements with
respect to the economic conditions of the
Guptas:
I. Brigukachchaha, Kalyana, and Sind were
the main trade centres with the Romans.
II. Ujjain was a major commercial Center.
Which of the statements given above are
correct?
1) I only 2) II only
3) Both I and II 4) Neither I nor II
Answer: 3
 Explanation:
Agriculture was the main occupation in the
Gupta Empire, and there was no
governmental interference. The land was
2
 fertile, and the means of irrigation were
simple.
 The trade contacts developed during the
Kushana Period continued, and
Chandragupta II’s conquest of western India
further added to this trade. The people were
prosperous, and they were free to grow and
flourish. The important port towns
were Brigukachchaha, Kalyana, and Sind,
which were bulk trade centres with the
Romans. Ujjain had become a major
commercial center, and it was linked to
southern and northern India. Nasik, Paithan,
Pataliputra, and Benares were other major
trade centers. Hence statements I and II are
correct.
 The Gupta period had many cloth centers,
and the silk industry witnessed a significant
development during this period. The
Mandsor Inscriptions give account of the fact
that the Gupta people were helped to a great
extent by the growth of the silk industry.
Gold, silver, and copper were used in making
ornaments and issuing coins. The gold coins
show the pomp, power, and prosperity of
the empire.
9. Which of the following statements is/is
correct about post-Mauyran coinage?
I. The Kushans were the first kings to issue
the largest cache of gold coins in India.
II. The Gupta coins contained the portrait or
bust of the king on the front side, and in
the back, a deity was depicted.
III. Satavahanas’ copper coins with the
symbol bearing a ship were abundant in
Avanti.
Select the correct answer using code below:
1) I and II only 2) II and III only
3) I and III only 4) I, II and III
Answer:4
Explanation:
 Kushanas issued mostly gold coins and
numerous copper coins, which have been
found in most parts of North India up to
Bihar. The Kushanas were the first Indian
kingdom to mint gold coins in large
quantities between the 1st and 4th centuries
CE. Hence statement I is correct.
AMIGOS IAS
 Many Indian gods and goddesses are
depicted on Kushana coins, along with many
Persian and Greek deities.
 The Gupta gold coins, known as Dinars, are
among the finest examples of numismatics
and aesthetic excellence.
 The governing king and legends were shown
on the front of the coins, while a goddess
was depicted on the reverse. Hence
statement II is correct.
 Pre Guptan and Guptan Coins
 The Gupta monarchs were known for their
gold coins, and some academics refer to the
Gupta dynasty's rule as the "rain of gold"
because of the abundance of gold coins.
 The Satavahanas issued coins of lead and
potin (base silver).
 Satavahanas’ copper coins with the symbol
bearing a ship were abundant in
Avanti. Hence statement III is correct.
10. Consider the following statements regarding
Harappan trade:
I. The Harappans used metal money in
trade.
II. They set up a trading colony in northern
Turkmenistan.
III. Harappans have enough of the necessary
raw materials for the commodities they
produce.
IV. They had commercial links with the
people of the Tigris and Euphrates basins.
Which of the statements given above is/are
incorrect?
1) I and II 2) I and III
3) I, II and III 4) I, II and IV
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• The Harappan cities did not possess the
necessary raw materials for the
commodities they produced. They did not
use metallic money. We have no idea
about their currency. Most probably, they
carried on all exchanges through barter in
return for finished goods and possibly
foodgrains. Hence statement I and III are
not correct.
• Their cities carried on commerce with
those in the land of the Tigris and
Euphrates. Many Harappan seals have
3
 been discovered in Mesopotamia, and it  Trephination implies the surgical process of
seems that the Harappans imitated some drilling holes in a damaged skull to remove
cosmetics used by the urban people of any bits of bone from a fractured skull and
Mesopotamia. Hence statement IV is then cleaning out the blood pooling under
correct. the skull after an injury to the head.
• They set up a trading colony in northern  The fact that Trephination was known to the
Afghanistan, not in northern people of the Indus Valley civilization has
Turkmenistan. Hence statement II is been attested to by evidence from three
incorrect. sites, namely, Lothal, Burzahom, and
11. Consider the following statements: Kalibangan. Hence, Statements I and IV are
I. Asthadhyayi was written by Patanjali. correct.
II. Sarvavarman, a scholar of great repute,  At Lothal, a skull of a child aged around 9–10
composed the grammar of the Katantra. years, which had a squarish hole on the right
III. Hala wrote a great poetical work, temporal side, was found.
Gathasaptasati, in Sanskrit.  Archaeologist Roy Chowdhury stated that
Which of the statements given above is/are one skull obtained from Kalibangan in
correct? western India was to be trephined as well.
1) I only 2) II only 13. With reference to ancient history,
3) II and III only 4) I and III only “Kutagarashala” literally means:
Answer: 2 1) A place where animals were kept.
Explanation: 2) a place where intellectual debates among
Buddhist mendicants took place.
 The most outstanding work in the field of
grammar, Mahabhasya, written by Patanjali 3) A place where weapons were stored.
in the second century B.C., is a commentary 4) A place to sleep.
on Panini's Asthadhyayi.Hence statement I is Answer: 2
not correct. Explanation:
 Sarvavarman, a scholar of great repute in the  Kutagarashala – literally, a hut with a pointed
court of the Satavahana King Hala, roof – or in groves where travelling
composed the grammar of the Katantra. This mendicants halted.
work was short and handy, which helped me  Debates between philosophers took place
learn Sanskrit in about six months. Hence here.
statement II is correct.  If a philosopher succeeded in convincing one
 Hala wrote a great poetical work, of his rivals, the followers of the latter also
Gathasaptasati, in Prakrit. Hence statement became his disciples.
III is not correct. 14. Which of the following factors was mainly
12. Evidence of trephination as a remedy for responsible for the rise of the Magadha
certain diseases comes from some of the empire?
following: I. Availability of iron mines
I. Lothal II. Use of elephants in military
II. Harappa III. Orthodox character of Magadhan society
III. Daimabad Select the correct answer using the code given
IV. Kaibangan below.
Choose the correct answer from the following 1) I and II only 2) II only
options: 3) II and III only 4) I and III only
1) II and IV 2) I, II and IV Answer:1
3) III and IV 4) I and IV Explanation:
Answer: 4  Magadha enjoyed an advantageous
Explanation: geographical position in the age of iron
because the richest iron deposits were

AMIGOS IAS 4
 situated not far away from Rajgir, the earliest
capital of Magadha. Hence, Statement I is
correct.
 Magadha enjoyed a special advantage in
military organization. Although the Indian
states were well acquainted with the use of
horses and chariots, it was Magadha that
first used elephants on a large scale in its
wars against its neighbours. The eastern part
of the country could supply elephants to the
princes of Magadha, and we learn from
Greek sources that the Nandas maintained
6,000 elephants. Hence, Statement II is
correct.
 The unorthodox character of Magadhan
society. It was inhabited by the Kiratas and
Magadhas, who were held in low esteem by
the orthodox Brahmanas. Hence statement
III is incorrect.
15. 'It is a Sanskrit play written during the Gupta
period. It contains romantic narratives about
a Vatsa king and the daughter of a ruler of
Avanti. The main theme of the drama is the
sorrow of the king for his queen, believed by
him to have perished in a fire.'
Which of the following texts is being described
in the above-given passage?
1) Mrichchhakatika
2) Meghadutam
3) Swapnavasavadattam
4) Ratnavali
Answer: 3
Explanation:
 Swapnavasavadattam is a Sanskrit play in six
acts written by the ancient Indian poet
Bhasa. Hence, option (3) is the correct
answer.
 It was written during the Gupta period.
 The plot of the drama is drawn from the
romantic narratives about the Vatsa king
Udayana and Vasavadatta, the daughter of
Pradyota, the ruler of Avanti, which were
contemporary to the poet's time.
 The main theme of the drama is the sorrow
of Udayana for his queen Vasavadatta,
believed by him to have perished in a fire,
which was actually a rumour spread by
Yaugandharayana, a minister of Udayana, to
compel his king to marry Padmavati, the
daughter of the king of Magadha.
AMIGOS IAS
 It forms, in context, a continuation of his
other drama, Pratijnayaugandharayana.
16. With reference to the religious history of
India, consider the following statements:
I. Sautranika and Sammitiya were the sects
of Jainism.
II. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of
phenomena were not wholly momentary
but existed forever in a latent form.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) II only
3) Both I and II 4) Neither I nor II
Answer: 2
Explanation:
 Sautranika and Sammitiya are Buddhist
sects. Hence, statement I is incorrect.
 The Sarvāstivāda school believes that all
things exist continuously, in the past,
present, and future. Hence, statement II is
correct.
17. Consider the following statements with
respect to the Dancing Girl sculpture:
I. It is the world's oldest bronze sculpture
found in Harappa.
II. It is a four-inch figure that depicts a naked
girl wearing only ornaments.
III. She stands in a tribhanga posture with her
left hand on her hip.
Which of the above given statements is/are
correct?
1) I and II 2) II and III
3) II only 4) III only
Answer: 3
Explanation:
 The dancing girl is the world’s oldest bronze
sculpture found in Mohenjodaro.Hence
statement I is incorrect.
 This four-inch figure depicts a naked girl
wearing only ornaments, which include
bangles on the left arm and an amulet and
bracelet on the right arm.Hence statement II
is correct.
 She stands in tribhanga dancing posture with
the right hand on her hip. Hence statement
III is incorrect.
18. Consider the following statements with
reference to Vedanga Kalpa:
5
 I. The second Vedanga is Kalpa, also known
as the Veda Purusha's arms.
II. The oldest Kalpa Sutras are those that
have direct links to the Brahmanas and
Aranyakas in their contents.
Which of the above given statements is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) II only
3) Both I and II 4) Neither I nor II
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• The second Vedanga is Kalpa (ritual), also
known as the Veda Purusha's arms. It is
designed specifically for the right use of
Vedic scriptures.
• The oldest Kalpa Sutras are those that
have direct links to the Brahmanas and
Aranyakas in their contents.
• The ritual (Kalpa), the main topic of the
Brahmanas, was the first subject to get
systematic treatment in the Kalpa Sutras.
19. Consider the following statements regarding
Satavahanas:
I. The Satavahanas started the practise of
granting tax-free villages to Brahmanas.
II. The official language of the Satavahanas
was Prakrit.
III. They issued mostly gold coins.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) I and II only
3) II and III only 4) I, II and III
Answer: 2
Explanation:
 The Satavahanas started the practise of
granting tax-free villages to Brahmanas and
Buddhist monks. The cultivated fields and
villages granted to them were declared free
from molestation by royal policemen,
soldiers, and all kinds of royal officers. These
areas therefore became small, independent
islands within the Satavahana
kingdom.Hence statement 1 is correct.
 The official language of the Satavahanas was
Prakrit. All inscriptions were composed in
this language and written in the Brahmi
script, as was the case in Asokan times. Some
Satavahana kings may have composed
Prakrit books. One Prakrit text called
AMIGOS IAS
Gathasaptasati is attributed to a Satavahana
king called Hala. Hence statement 2 is
correct.
 The Satavahanas may have used gold as
bullion, for they did not issue gold coins as
the Kushans did. They issued mostly coins of
lead, which are found in the Deccan. They
also issued pot, copper, and bronze
money.Hence statement 3 is not correct.
20. Consider the following statements with
respect to the Rig Vedic period:
I. Women slaves were prevalent during the
Rig Vedic period.
II. Land was a well-established property
during the Rig Vedic age.
III. Child marriage was widely prevalent
during the Rig Vedic age.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) II and III only
3) I and II only 4) I, II and III
Answer: 1
Explanation:
• The Rig Vedic people may have
occasionally occupied pieces of land, but
land did not form a well-established type
of private property. Hence statement II is
not correct.
• In Rig Vedic times, we also notice the
practise of levirate and widow remarriage.
There are no examples of child marriage,
and the marriageable age in the Rig Veda
seems to have been 16–17. Hence
statement III is not correct.
• Women slaves were prevalent during the
Rig Vedic age. For example, when we hear
of gifts made for priests, they are stated in
terms of cows and women slaves and
never in terms of the measurement of
land. Hence statement I is correct.
21. In the context of the Gupta period, the terms
Bhuktis, Vishayas, and Vithis refer to
1) coins
2) administrative divisions
3) administrative officials
4) books
Answer: 2
Explanation:
6
 • The Guptas organised a system of
provincial and local administration. The
empire was divided into divisions
(bhuktis), and each bhukti was placed
under the charge of an uparika. The
bhuktis were divided into districts
(vishayas), which were placed under the
charge of vishayapati. In eastern India, the
vishayas were divided into vithis, which
again were divided into villages.
22. With reference to the later Vedic period,
which of the following statements is not
correct?
1) The grant of land as a sacrificial fee was
not well established in the later Vedic
period.
2) The society came to be divided into four
varnas.
3) The concept of upanayana was prevalent
among all sections of society.
4) Sacrifices and performing rituals became
the dominant mode of worshipping the
gods.
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• The concept of Upanayana (sacred thread
ceremony) was limited to the upper
sections of society. Hence statement III is
incorrect.
• The later Vedic society came to be divided
into four varnas called the brahmanas,
rajanyas or kshatriyas, vaisyas, and sudras.
The growing cult of sacrifices enormously
added to the power of the brahmanas.
Hence statement II is correct.
• In the later Vedic period, in addition to
cows, which were usually given as
sacrificial gifts, gold, cloth, and horses
were also givan. Sometimes the priests
claimed portions of territory as dakshina,
but the grant of land as a sacrificial fee was
not well established in the later Vedic
period. Hence statement I is correct.
• Sacrifices and rituals became more
prevalent during the later Vedic period.
Hence statement IV is correct.
23. Consider the following statements about
Asoka’s inscriptions:
I. The Kandahar inscription was written in
Greek and Aramaic.
AMIGOS IAS
II. Asoka is addressed as “Devanampiya” in
the Aramaic language in the Lampaka
inscription in Afghanistan.
III. James Princep deciphered both Brahmi
and Kharosthi scripts used in the Asokan
Inscription.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) II and III only
3) I and III only 4) I, II and III
Answer:4
Explanation:
• Asokan inscriptions are found in two
places in Afghanistan: Kandahar and
Lampaka.
• The Kandahar inscription is bilingual,
written in Greek and Aramaic. Hence
statement I is correct.
• In Lampaka, written in Aramaic, Asoka is
addressed as ‘Devanampiya’. Hence
statement II is correct.
• James Prinsep, an officer in the mint of the
East India Company, deciphered Brahmi
and Kharosthi, two scripts used in the
earliest inscriptions and coins. Hence
statement III is correct.
24. Match the following pairs with reference to
the officials of the Gupta administration:
I. Kumaramatyas: Through which the king
kept close contact with the provincial
administration.
II. Vishyapatis: Governor of the district
III. NagaraSreshtis: Provincial governors
IV. Uparikas: The officers looking after the
city administration.
How many of the following pairs are correct?
1) Only one 2) Only two
3) Only Three 4) All Four
Answer: 2
Explanation:
• Kumaramatyas and Ayuktas – The king
maintained a close contact with the
provincial administration through this
class of officials. Hence, Piar I is correct.
• Vishyapatis – Bhuktis were subdivided
into Vishyas or districts. They were
governed by Vishyapatis. Hence, Piar II is
correct.
7
 • NagaraSreshtis – the officers looking after
the city administration. Hence, Piar III is
not correct.
• Uparikas – Provinces in the Gupta Empire
were known as Bhuktis which are
provincial governed by Uparikas. Hence,
Piar III is not correct.
25. Consider the following statements with
respect to the Kushan dynasty:
I. Kushans were considered to be one of the
five branches of the Yuezhi tribe.
II. Kanishka convened the fourth Buddhist
Council at Vaishali.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) II only
3) Both I and II 4) Neither I nor II
Answer: 1
Explanation:
• The Kushan dynasty was administered
from two capitals: Purushapura
(Peshawar) and Mathura in northern
India.
• In the 1st century CE, Kujula Kadphises
founded the Kushan dynasty.
• The Kushans are considered to be one of
the five branches of the Yuezhi tribe that
lived on the Chinese frontier of Central
Asia. Hence statement I is correct.
• Kanishka (127–151 AD) is considered the
greatest ruler of the Kushan dynasty. He
captured Patliputra and took the Buddhist
monk Asvaghosha with him to Peshawar.
• Kanishka convened the fourth Buddhist
Council in Kashmir. Hence statement II is
incorrect.
26. Syadvada is a core theory and philosophy of
which one of the following?
1) Buddhism 2) Jainism
3) Sikhism 4) Vaishnavisim
Answer: 2
Explanation:
 Syadvada is a Jaina metaphysical doctrine
that states that all judgments are conditional
and only hold true in certain
circumstances. The term "syadvada" comes
from the Sanskrit word "syat," which means
"perhaps" or "in some respects.”
AMIGOS IAS
 Syadvada is also known as the doctrine of
conditional predication. It is a method of
expressing the many-sidedness of reality
through the use of conditional statements.
27. Consider the following statements regarding
the legal system during the Gupta period:
I. Civil and criminal laws were clearly
defined and demarcated during this
period.
II. Laws were based on differences in varnas.
III. Guilds of artisans and merchants were
governed by their own laws.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
1) II and III only 2) I, II and III
3) I and II only 4) III only
Answer: 2
Explanation:
 The judicial system was better developed
under the Guptas than in earlier times.
Several lawbooks were compiled during this
period.
 For the first time, civil and criminal laws were
clearly defined and demarcated. Theft and
adultery fall under criminal law. Disputes
regarding various types of property came
under civil law. Elaborate laws were laid
down about inheritance. Hence statement I
is correct.
 During this period, many laws continued to
be based on differences in varnas. It was the
duty of the king to uphold the law. The king
tried cases with the help of Brahmana
priests. Hence statement II is correct.
 The guilds of artisans, merchants, and others
were governed by their own laws. Seals from
Vaisali and from Bhita near Allahabad
indicate that these guilds flourished
exceedingly well in Gupta times. Hence
statement III is correct.
28. Consider the following pairs of writers with
their literature:
I. Ashvagosha: Sariputra prakaran
II. Buddhagosa: Visuddhimagga
III. Vasumitra: Mahavibasha sastra
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly
matched?
1) I only 2) I and II only
8
 3) II and III only 4) I, II and III  It did not condemn the varna system, as
Answer: 4 Buddhism did. Hence statement II is not
Explanation: correct.
 Ashvaghosha wrote the Sanskrit drama  According to Mahavira, a person is born in a
Sariputraprakarana, which is about high or lower varna as a consequence of the
Sariputta, or Sariputra, a disciple of sins or virtues acquired by him in the
Buddha. Sariputraprakarana is considered previous birth. Mahavira looks for human
one of the earliest Sanskrit plays. Hence, Pair values even in a chandala. In his opinion,
I is correct. through pure and meritorious life, members
 Visuddhimagga is a 5th-century treatise by of the lower castes can attain liberation.
Buddhaghosa on Buddhist practise and  Jainism mainly aims at the attainment of
Theravāda Abhidhamma. Hence, Pair II is freedom from worldly bonds. It is not
correct. necessary to use any ritual to acquire such
 Vasumitra, a renowned philosopher of the liberation. It can be obtained through full
Kushan era, is considered to have written the knowledge and action. Full knowledge,
Mahavibhasa. Hence, Pair III is correct. action, and liberation are considered to be
the three gems or ratnas of Jaimsm. Hence
29. Which of the following philosophies in India
statement III is correct.
propounded the atom theory?
31. With reference to the Pandya dynasty during
1) Yoga 2) Nyaya
the Sangam age, consider the following
3) Sankhya 4) Vaisheshika
statements:
Answer: 4
I. The Pandyas are mentioned by
Explanation: Megasthenes in his texts and highlighted
 Vaisheshika is a form of atomism and an the matriarchal influence on the Pandya
orthodox school of Indian philosophy. It was society.
proposed by Maharishi Kanaad and explores II. The Pandya territory occupied the
causality, time, space, and the nature of southernmost part of the Indian
reality. peninsula, with its capital at
 Vaisheshika posits that the universe is made Kaveripattanam.
up of five substances: earth, water, air, fire, Which of the statements given above is/are
and space. Each of these five substances is of correct?
two types: paramāṇu and composite. 1) I only 2) II only
30. Consider the following statements with 3) Both I and II 4) Neither I nor II
respect to Jainism:
Answer: 1
I. It denied the existence of gods.
Explanation:
II. Unlike Buddhism, it condemned the Varna
 The Pandyas are first mentioned by
system.
Megasthenes, who says that their kingdom
III. It mainly aims at the attainment of was celebrated for pearls. He also speaks of
freedom from worldly bonds. it being ruled by a woman, which suggests
Which of the statements given above is/are some matriarchal influence in Pandya
correct? society. Hence statement I is correct.
1) I only 2) I and II only  The Pandya territory occupied the
3) III only 4) II and III only southernmost and south-eastern portion of
Answer: 3 the Indian peninsula, and it roughly included
Explanation: the modern districts of Tirunelveli, Ramnad,
 Jainism recognised the existence of the gods and Madurai in Tamil Nadu, with its capital
but placed them lower than the Jina. Hence at Madurai. Hence statement II is not
statement I is not correct. correct.
32. Kalakacharya-Katha, a very popular text,
belongs to which of the following sects?

AMIGOS IAS 9
 1) Buddhism 2) Jainism
3) Ajivika 4) Vaishnavism
Answer: 2
Explanation:
Kalakacharya Katha tells the storey of a great
Jain muni of the Shwetambar school called
Kalak. His sister and he joined the Jain
monastic order at an early age. He was
extremely knowledgeable, and she was
extremely beautiful. Even though she was a
nun, she was abducted by the king of Ujjaini.
Hence, option (2) is correct.
33. Consider the following statements regarding
the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art:
I. The Mathura School of Art produced
sculptures of themes related to Buddhism
only.
II. The Kushan Empire played a major role in
the development of the Gandhara school
of art.
III. Kushana King, Kanishka's headless statue,
was produced in Mathura.
Which of the statements given above are
correct?
1) I and II only 2) II and III only
3) I and III only 4) I, II and III
Answer: 2
Explanation:
 Early Jain Tirthankar images and portraits of
kings are found at Mathura. Images of
Vaishnava (mainly Vishnu and his various
forms) and Shaiva (mainly the lingas and
mukhalingas) faiths are also found at
Mathura, but Buddhist images are found in
large numbers. It may be noted that the
images of Vishnu and Shiva are represented
by their ayudhas (weapons). Hence,
Statement I is not correct.
 The Kushans brought together masons and
other artisans trained in different schools
and countries. Indian craftsmen came into
contact with the Greeks and the Romans,
especially in the northwest frontier of
Gandhara, giving rise to the Gandhara school
of art, which had a strong Greco-Roman
influence. Hence, Statement II is correct.
 The Gandhara art spread to many regions,
thereby influencing various local schools like
Mathura and Sarnath. Mathura School
produced many Buddha images but was also
AMIGOS IAS
famous for the headless, erect statue of
Kanishka, whose name is inscribed on its
lower part. Hence, Statement III is correct.
34. Consider the following pairs of Sangam texts
along with their themes:
I. Tolkkappiyam: Philosophy and wise
maxims
II. Tirukkural: Grammar and poetics
III. Manimekalai: Adventures of Kovalan and
Madhavi's daughter.
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly
matched?
1) I and II only 2) II and III only
3) III only 4) I, II and III
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• Tolkappiyam is a Tamil text from the 1st–
4th century CE that is a treatise on
grammar and poetics. Hence statement I
is not correct.
• The Thirukkural, also known as Kural, is a
Tamil-language text that is considered one
of the greatest works on ethics and
morality. Hence statement II is not
correct.
• Manimekalai is a Tamil-Buddhist epic
written in the 6th century CE by
Kalavanikal Seethalai Sathanar. The epic is
about Manimekalai, the daughter of
Kovalan and Madhavi, who later became a
Buddhist nun. It gives glimpses of the
development of the fine arts in the
Sangam Age. Hence statement III is
correct.
35. With reference to the "Yogachara" tradition
of Buddhist philosophy, consider the
following statements:
I. The world is built by consciousness and
has no more reality than a dream.
II. Yogachara philosophy was an essential
part of Hinayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) II only
3) Both I and II 4) Neither I nor II
Answer: 1
Explanation:
• The Great Vehicle (the Mahayana) school
of Buddhism chiefly has two philosophical
10
 schools, the Madhyamika and the
Yogachara.Hence statement II is not
correct.
• The Yogachara (The Way of Union) or
Vijnanavadin school completely rejects
realism and maintains a thoroughgoing
idealism, not allowing even the qualified
realism of the Madhyamikas. According to
this school, the world is built by
consciousness and has no more reality
than a dream. The only reality is "Tathata"
(suchness). Hence, statement I is correct.
36. Consider the following statements related to
Harappan civilization:
I. Harappans worshipped Earth as a fertility
goddess.
II. The Harappan script is largely
alphabetical.
III. The Harappan rulers were more
concerned with conquest than with
commerce.
Which of the above-given statements is/are
incorrect?
1) I and II 2) I and III
3) II and III 4) I, II and III
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• In Harappa, numerous terracotta figurines
of women have been found. In one
figurine, a plant is shown growing out of
the embryo of a woman. The image
probably represents the goddess of earth,
and therefore the Harappans worshipped
earth as a fertility goddess. Hence
statement I is correct.
• The Harappan script is not alphabetical
but largely pictographic. Hence statement
II is incorrect.
• The Harappan rulers were more
concerned with commerce than with
conquest, and Harappa was possibly ruled
by a class of merchants. Hence statement
III is incorrect.
37. With reference to the Sangam period,
consider the following statements:
I. Karikala introduced the Pattini cult, or the
worship of Kannagi.
II. The pugalur inscription of the 1st century
A.D. has reference to three generations of
Chola rulers.
AMIGOS IAS
Which of the above given statements is/are
incorrect?
1) I only 2) II only
3) Both I and II 4) Neither I nor II
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• Cheran Senguttuvan, a ruler from the 2nd
century AD, introduced the Pattini cult to
Tamil Nadu. The Pattini cult involves the
worship of Kannagi as the ideal wife.
Kannagi is the wife of Kovalan, and their
story is the subject of the Tamil epic
Silappadigalam. Hence statement I is
incorrect.
• The Pattini cult was prevalent during the
Sangam age. In medieval times, both
Hindus and Buddhists assimilated the
Pattini cult.
• The Pugalur inscription is a 1st century AD
inscription that mentions three
generations of Chera rulers. The
inscription is located near Karur and
describes the Irumporai clan of Chera
rulers. The inscription also records the
construction of a rock shelter for Jains.
Hence statement II is incorrect.
38. This Gupta ruler conquered places and
unified a greater part of India under him. His
prestige and influence were so great that the
ruler of Sri Lanka, Meghavarman, sent a
missionary seeking his permission to build a
Buddhist monastery at Gaya. His military
greats are mentioned in the accounts of his
court poet, Harisena.
Which of the ruler is being described in the
passage given above?
1) Skandagupta 2) Chandragupta II
3) Samudragupta 4) Chandragupta 1
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• The Gupta period in ancient India is
referred to as the “Golden Age” because
of the numerous achievements in the
fields of arts, literature, science, and
technology. It also brought about the
political unification of the subcontinent.
• Samudragupta (335–375 AD) of the Gupta
dynasty is known as the Napoleon of India.
Historian A. V. Smith called him so
because of his great military conquests,
11
 known from the 'Prayag Prashati'
(Allahabad Inscription) written by his
courtier and poet Harisena, who also
describes him as the hero of a hundred
battles. He has been hailed for the
unification of the greater part of the
Indian subcontinent. He was a devotee of
Vishnu and a follower of the Brahmanical
religion. He granted permission to the
Buddhist king Meghavarman (King of
Ceylon) to build monasteries in Bodh
Gaya.
• It is also mentioned that Samudragupta
liked playing the lute and loved listening to
poems. He was titled ‘Kaviraj’ for his love
for poems. Hence option (3) is the correct
answer.
39. With reference to the Vakatakas, consider
the following statements:
I. The Vakatakas were contemporary to the
Mauryas in the north.
II. They ruled over the regions of northern
Maharashtra and Vidarbha.
III. The Vakataka king, Harisena, contributed
to the rich heritage of the world heritage
site, Ajanta Caves.
Which of the statements given above are
correct?
1) I and III only 2) I and II only
3) II and III only 4) I, II and III
Answer:3
Explanation:
• The Vakataka dynasty was a Brahmin
dynasty of ancient India that emerged in
the Deccan region in the middle of the 3rd
century CE. Vindhyashakti I was the
founder of the Vakataka dynasty.
• The Vakatakas were contemporary of the
Guptas in northern India. Their history can
be reconstructed on the basis of a large
number of copper-plate land grant
charters issued to the Brahmanas. Even
though they promoted Brahminism, they
were liberal in outlook and patronised
Buddhism as well. Hence statement I is
not correct.
• In peninsular India, the Vakatakas were a
local power that ruled over northern
Maharashtra and Vidarbha. Hence
statement II is correct.
AMIGOS IAS
• The Vakatakas are noted for having been
patrons of the arts, architecture, and
literature. Under the patronage of the
Vakataka king Harisena, the rock-cut
Buddhist viharas and chaityas of the
Ajanta Caves, which are now UNESCO
World Heritage Sites, were constructed.
Hence statement III is correct.
• Pravarasena (c. 270–330 CE) is credited
with establishing the true power and
greatness of the Vakataka dynasty. He
expanded the empire into Vidarbha and
neighbouring regions of the Deccan, with
Kanchanaka serving as his capital. Among
the Vakataka kings, Pravarasena was the
only one to adopt the title of Samrat,
while the others preferred the more
humble title of Maharaja.
40. Consider the following statement with
reference to the Mauryan administration:
I. Dhammamahatras were appointed for the
administration of justice.
II. Rajukas were appointed to maintain
economic ties with neighboring countries.
III. Shulkadhyakshas were officers in charge
of royal income.
Which of the statements given above are not
correct?
1) I and II only 2) II and III only
3) I and III only 4) I, II and III
Answer:1
Explanation:
• Dhammamahatras: Dhammamahatras
were a group of officials appointed by
Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire
to propagate his teachings on dharma and
to ensure their implementation
throughout the empire. Hence statement
I is not correct.
• Rajukas: Rajukas was a group of officials in
the Mauryan Empire who were
responsible for ensuring the proper
administration of justice and maintaining
law and order in the empire. Hence
statement II is not correct.
• Shulkadhyakshas: Shulkadhyakshas were
officers in charge of Royal income. The
Shulkadhyakshas were appointed by the
emperor and were responsible for
supervising the collection of various taxes,
12
 such as land tax, customs duty, tolls, and
other levies. Hence statement III is
correct.
41. Hiuen Tsang visited Chalukya dynasty during
the reign of which ruler?
1) Pulakesin I 2) Pulakesin II
3) Vikramaditya 4) Kirthivarman II
Answer: 2
Explanation:
• The most important ruler of this dynasty
was Pulakesin II. The Aihole inscription
issued by him gives the details of his reign.
He fought with the Kadambas of Banavasi
and the Gangas of Mysore and established
his suzerainty.
• Durvinita, the Ganga ruler accepted his
overlordship and even gave his daughter
in marriage to Pulakesin II. Another
notable achievement of Pulakesin II was
the defeat of Harshavardhana on the
banks of the river Narmada.
• He put a check to the ambition of Harsha
to conquer the south. In his first
expedition against the Pallavas, Pulakesin
II emerged victorious. But he suffered a
humiliating defeat at the hands of
Narasimhavarman I near Kanchi.
• Subsequently, the Chalukya capital Vatapi
was captured and destroyed by the
Pallavas. The most important event in the
reign of Pulakesin II was the visit of Hiuen
Tsang to his kingdom.
42. Who among the following defeated the
Cholas at Takkolam?
1) Pulakesin II 2) Amoghavarsha I
3) Krishna III 4) Vikramaditya I
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• Among the successors of Amoghavarsha I,
Krishna III (936 968 A.D.) was famous for
his expeditions.
• He marched against the Cholas and
defeated them at Takkolam. He marched
further south and captured Tanjore.
• He went as far as Rameswaram and
occupied it for some time.
• He built several temples in the conquered
territories including the Krishneswara
temple at Rameswaram.
AMIGOS IAS
• Throughout his reign he possessed the
Tondaimandalam region including the
capital, Kanchi. After his death, the power
of the Rashtrakutas declined.
43. Which of the following pair is incorrect
regarding the type of land gifts in Chola
empire?
1) Vellanvagai – land for non-Brahmana
peasant proprietors
2) Brahmadeya – land gifted to Brahmanas.
3) Shalaboga – land for the maintenance of a
school
4) Devadana – land gifted to Jaina
institutions.
Answer: 4
Explanation:
44. Consider the following statements regarding
the administration of the Vijayanagara
empire.
I. The king was advised by a council of
ministers known as Mahapratinidhi.
II. Each province was under a governor
known as ‘Mandaleshvara.’
III. The Gauda was village headman.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1) I only 2) II only
3) III only 4) I, II and III
Answer: 4
Explanation:
• The king was advised by a council of
ministers (Mahapratinidhi) in the
Vijayanagara Empire, which consisted of
the great nobles of the kingdom.
However, the ultimate decisions were
taken by the king himself. Hence,
statement I is correct.
• The kingdom was divided into Rajyas or
Mandalam (provinces) below, which were
13
 Nadu (district), Sthala (sub-district) and
Grama (village).
• Each province was under a governor
known as ‘Mandaleshvara.’ Hence,
statement II is correct.
• The Gauda was village headman and basic
unit of administration. However, the
village self-government concepts were
considerably weakened under
Vijayanagara rule. Hence, statement III is
correct.
45. Consider the following statements regarding
the importance of Bhakti movement
I. It provided an impetus for the
development of regional languages.
II. The caste system was condemned by this
movement.
III. It gave equal importance to both men and
women.
Which of the above given statements is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) I and II only
3) II and III only 4) All the above
Answer: 4
Explanation:
• The importance of the Bhakti movement
was very great. Various preachers spoke
and wrote in the regional languages. So,
the Bhakti movement provided an
impetus for the development of regional
languages such as Hindi, Marathi, Bengali,
Kannada, etc. Through these languages
they made direct appeal to the masses.
Hence, statement I is correct.
• As the caste system was condemned by
the Bhakti saints, the lower classes were
raised to a position of great importance.
Hence, statement II is correct.
• The importance of women in society was
also increased because the Bhakti
movement gave equal importance to
them. Hence, statement III is correct.
• Moreover, the Bhakti movement gave to
the people a simple religion, without
complicated rituals.
• They were required to show sincere
devotion to God. The new idea of a life of
charity and service to fellow people
developed.
AMIGOS IAS
46. Arrange the following dynasties of Delhi
Sultanate in chronological order.
I. Tughlaq Dynasty
II. Mamluk Dynasty
III. Khilji Dynasty
IV. Sayyid Dynasty
Choose the correct option.
1) I-II-III-IV 2) II-I-III-IV
3) III-II-I-IV 4) II-III-I-IV
Answer: 4
Explanation:
• The Turks extended their conquest from
the Punjab and Multan into the Ganga
valley after the Battle of Tarain and even
captured Bihar and parts of Bengal.
• After that, for almost one hundred years
these Turkish invaders ruled over the vast
part of India and formed the Delhi
Sultanate.
• The Turkish rulers were successful in
extending their rule over Malwa and
Gujarat and penetrate into the Deccan
and South India. The effects of the
establishment of the Turkish rule resulted
in far-reaching changes in society,
administration, and cultural life of India.
• Dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate are:
• Mamluk Dynasty (1206-1290 AD)
• Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320 AD)
• Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414 AD)
• Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451 AD)
• Lodi Dynasty (1451-1526 AD)
47. Consider the following statements
I. Sufism stressed the elements of love and
devotion as effective means of the
realisation of God.
II. In Sufism, self-discipline was considered
an essential condition to gain knowledge
of God by sense of perception.
Which of the above given statements is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) II only
3) Both I and II 4) Neither I nor II
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• Sufism stressed the elements of love and
devotion as effective means of the
14
 realisation of God. Hence, statement I is
correct.
• Love of God meant love of humanity and
so the Sufis believed service to humanity
was tantamount to service to God.
• In Sufism, self-discipline was considered
an essential condition to gain knowledge
of God by sense of perception. Hence,
statement II is correct.
• While orthodox Muslims emphasise
external conduct, the Sufis lay stress on
inner purity.
• While the orthodox believe in blind
observance of rituals, the Sufis consider
love and devotion as the only means of
attaining salvation.
• According to them one must have the
guidance of a pir or guru, without which
spiritual development is impossible.
• Sufism also inculcated a spirit of tolerance
among its followers. Other ideas
emphasised by Sufism are meditation,
good actions, repentance for sins,
performance of prayers and pilgrimages,
fasting, charity and suppression of
passions by ascetic practices.
48. Which of the following was not built by
Akbar?
1) Agra fort
2) Panch Mahal
3) Jama Masjid at Delhi
4) Buland Darwaja
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• Large scale construction of buildings
started with the advent of Akbar. He built
many forts, and the most famous one was
the Agra Fort. It was built in red
sandstone. His other forts are at Lahore
and Allahabad.
• The climax of fort-building reached its
climax during the reign of Shah Jahan.
• The famous Red Fort at Delhi with its Rang
Mahal, Diwan-i-Am and Diwan-i-Khas was
his creation.
• Akbar also built a palace cum-fort complex
at Fatepur Sikri (City of Victory), 36
kilometres from Agra.
AMIGOS IAS
• Many buildings in Gujarathi and Bengali
styles are found in this complex.
• Gujarathi style buildings were probably
built for his Rajput wives. The most
magnificent building in it is the Jama
Masjid and the gateway to it called Buland
Darwaza or the Lofty Gate. The height of
the gateway is 176 feet. It was built to
commemorate Akbar’s victory over
Gujarat.
• Other important buildings at Fatepur Sikri
are Jodh Bai’s palace and Panch Mahal
with five storeys.
• During Akbar’s reign, the Humayun’s tomb
was built at Delhi, and it had a massive
dome of marble. It may be considered the
precursor of the Taj Mahal.
• Akbar’s tomb at Sikandara near Agra was
completed by Jahangir.
• Nur Jahan built the tomb of Itimaddaulah
at Agra. It was constructed wholly of white
marble with floral designs made of semi-
precious stones on the walls. This type of
decoration was called pietra dura. This
method became more popular during the
reign of Shah Jahan.
49. Which of the following pair is incorrect
regarding the administration of Marathas?
1) Sir-i-Naubat – Military commander
2) Amatya – Accountant general
3) Waqenavis – Correspondence
4) Sumanta – Master of ceremonies
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• Shivaji was also a great administrator. He
laid the foundations of a sound system of
administration. The king was the pivot of
the government. He was assisted by a
council of ministers called Ashtapradhan.
However, each minister was directly
responsible to Shivaji.
* Peshwa – Finance and general
administration. Later he became the
prime minister.
* Sar-i-Naubat or Senapati – Military
commander, an honorary post.
* Amatya – Accountant General.
* Waqenavis – Intelligence, posts and
household affairs.
15
 * Sachiv – Correspondence.
* Sumanta – Master of ceremonies.
* Nyayadish – Justice.
* Panditarao – Charities and religious
administration.
• Most of the administrative reforms of
Shivaji were based on the practices of the
Deccan sultanates. For example, Peshwa
was the Persian title.
50. Many events happened in Europe caused
repercussion in India. The War of Austrian
Succession took place from 1740 to 1748 AD.
The two main parties to this war were
1) British and Dutch
2) French and British
3) Dutch and Portuguese
4) French and Dutch
Answer: 2
Explanation:
• The two main parties that were involved
in War of Austrian Succession were French
and British.
• The war came to an end with the Treaty of
Aix-la-Chapelle. According to the treaty
the English possessions in India were
returned, while the French got back their
North American possessions.
51. British General, who defeated Hyder Ali in
war of Porto Novo was
1) Captain Popham 2) Sir Hector Munro
3) Sir Eyre Coot 4) General Goddard
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• In July 1781 AD, the British army under Sir
Eyre Coot defeated Hyder Ali at Porto
Novo.
• The English war with Hyder Ali had started
in 1780 AD. Repeating his earlier exploits,
Hyder Ali inflicted one defeat after
another on the British armies and forced
them to surrender in large numbers. But
he was defeated in the battle at Porto
Novo.
52. The staple commodities of export by the
English East India Company from Bengal in
the middle of the 18th century were.
1) Raw cotton, oilseeds, and opium.
2) Sugar, salt, zinc, and lead
3) Copper, silver, gold, spices, and tea.
AMIGOS IAS
4) Cotton, silk, salt Petre and opium.
Answer: 4
Explanation:
• The staple commodities of export by the
English East India Company from Bengal in
the middle of the 18th century were
cotton, silk, salt Petre and opium.
• After the Victory in Battle of Plassey and
Buxar, the Company consolidated its rule
in Bengal.
• Gradually, it became biggest exporter of
agricultural raw material which were used
in production of finished goods in England.
These goods were also sold by the
Company in European and Chinese
markets.
53. Which of the following were the impacts of
the Revolt of 1857?
I. Transfer of power from the East India
Company to the British Crown.
II. A member of the British Cabinet was
appointed Secretary of State for India.
III. The Governor-General of India was given
the title of Viceroy.
Choose the correct option.
1) I only 2) I and II only
3) II and III only 4) All the above
Answer: 4
Explanation:
Impact of Revolt of 1857
• Revolt of 1857 was unprecedented and
made Britishers feel seriously threatened
which led to changes in administration
and policies. The British Parliament passed
a new Act in 1858 and transferred East
India Company to the British Crown in
order to ensure a more responsible
management of Indian affairs. Hence,
statement I is correct.
• A member of the British Cabinet was
appointed Secretary of State for India and
made responsible for all matters related
to the governance of India. He was given a
council to advise him, called the India
Council. Hence, statement II is correct.
• The Governor-General of India was given
the title of Viceroy, i.e., a personal
representative of the Crown. Through
these measures, the British government
16
 accepted direct responsibility for ruling
India. Hence, statement III is correct.
• The change of responsibility to British
crown was announced at darbar at
Allahabad by Lord Canning in ‘Queen’s
Proclamation’ on 1st November 1858. So,
rule of East India Company came to an
end.
• As Britishers came to realise they had
antagonised and made enemy of native
rulers, they tried to win over them by
promising them autonomy and respect to
their rights.
• Indian annexed states and provinces were
brought under a single British
paramountcy. The British officials found
army to be main cause of such revolt and
to prevent such reoccurrence,
reorganised it.
• The domination of the army by European
branch was fixed. The share of Europeans
in army was increased and fixed at 1 to 2
in Bengal and 2 to 5 in Madras and
Bombay armies.
• The old policy of excluding Indian sepoys
from officer ranks was still maintained.
54. The slogan “No taxation without
representation” was associated with which
of the following Act?
1) Indian Councils Act, 1861
2) Indian Councils Act, 1892
3) Indian Councils Act, 1909
4) Government of India Act, 1919
56.
Answer: 2
Explanation:
• The reforms introduced through the
Indian Councils Act,1892 were severely
criticised at Congress sessions, where the
nationalists made no secret of their
dissatisfaction with them.
• Now, they demanded a majority of
elected Indians, and control over the
budget, i.e, the power to vote upon and
amend the budget. They gave the slogan
“No taxation without representation”.
55. Consider the following statements regarding
the administration of the Chalukyas:
I. The Chalukya administration was highly
decentralized.
AMIGOS IAS
II. Aihole inscription was composed by
Pulakesin II.
Which of the above given statements is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) II only
3) Both I and II 4) Neither I nor II
Answer: 4
Explanation:
Administration and Social Life under the
Chalukyas
• The Chalukya administration was highly
centralized unlike that of the Pallavas and
the Cholas. Hence, statement I is
incorrect.
• Village autonomy was absent under the
Chalukyas.
• The Chalukyas had a great maritime
power. Pulakesin II had 100 ships in his
navy. They also had a small standing army.
• The Badami Chalukyas were Brahmanical
Hindus, but they gave respect to other
religions.
• Importance was given to Vedic rites and
rituals. The founder of the dynasty
Pulakesin I performed the asvamedha
sacrifice.
• A number of temples in honour of Vishnu,
Siva and other gods were also built during
this period.
• Ravikirti, who composed the Aihole
inscription was the court poet of Pulakesin
II. Hence, statement II is not correct.
Consider the following statements regarding
Amoghavarsha
I. His reign was famous for the cultural
development.
II. He was a follower of Buddhism.
III. Kavirajamarga was written by him.
Which of the above given statements is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) I and III only
3) II and III only 4) All the above
Answer: 2
Explanation:
• Govinda III’s successor Amoghavarsha I
(815- 880 A.D.) ruled for a long period of
64 years.
• He had lost control over Malwa and
Gangavadi. Yet, his reign was popular for
17
 the cultural development. Hence,
statement I is correct.
• He was a follower of Jainism. Jinasena was
his chief preceptor. Hence, statement II is
incorrect.
• He was also a patron of letters and he
himself wrote the famous Kannada work,
Kavirajamarga. Hence, statement III is
correct.
• He had also built the Rashtrakuta capital,
the city of Malkhed or Manyakheda.
57. Which of the following events with respect to
the British East India Company was first to
occur?
1) The Company established its first factory
in the south in Masulipatnam.
2) Establishment of Fort William at Calcutta
3) William Hawkin’s arrival to India
4) The Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar issued
a farman, called Magna Carta of the
Company.
Answer: 3
Explanation:
AMIGOS IAS
58. The controversy between Anglicists and
Orientalists is associated with the
1) Civil services
2) Reorganisation of army
3) Education
4) Judicial reforms
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• The controversy between Anglicists and
Orientalists is associated with the
education. Anglicists were supporting
English language based modern education
whereas Orientalists favoured traditional
way of learning.
59. The meaning of term Diku in the context of
the tribal movement is
1) Religious head of the tribals
2) Outsider in the tribal areas
3) Leaders of the tribal movement
4) Kind of guerrilla warfare
Answer: 2
Explanation:
• The meaning of term Diku in the context
of the tribal movement is outsider. These
outsiders were composed of traders and
moneylenders who would come into the
forests to sell their goods not produced
within the forest.
• They were supported by the corrupt
British officials and were responsible for
exploitation of tribals.
60. With reference to the Chola period, the terms
‘Valangai and Idangai’ were
1) Two major sects of Shaivism
2) Two temples
3) Two taxes
4) Two major divisions of caste
Answer: 4
Explanation:
• Caste system was widely prevalent during
the Chola period. Brahmins and Kshatriyas
enjoyed special privileges.
• The inscriptions of the later period of the
Chola rule mention about two major
divisions among the castes – Valangai and
Idangai castes. However, there was
cooperation among various castes and
sub-castes in social and religious life.
18
 • The position of women did not improve.
The practice of ‘sati’ was prevalent among
the royal families.
• The devadasi system or dancing girls
attached to temples emerged during this
period.
61. Consider the following statements with
respect to the Fazal Ali Commission (1953) on
the reorganization of States:
I. It accepted ‘One Language-One State” as
the basis of the reorganization of the
States.
II. It provided for the partition of Bombay
between Gujarati and Marathi-speaking
people.
III. It rejected the demand to carve out tribal
states from Assam and Bihar.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) II only
3) III only 4) I, II and III
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• In India, the most vigorous movement for
linguistic autonomy was started by the
Telugu speakers. They demanded a
separate state for the Telugu-speaking
population as Andhra Pradesh. In 1952,
Potti Sriramulu started fast-unto-death to
support his demand for a separate state
and died after a 56-day hunger strike for
the cause. The government of India
acceded to the demand and appointed a
3-member commission in 1953, called as
Fazl Ali Commission to recommend
reorganization of the States.
• The Commission accepted ‘linguistic
homogeneity’ as the basis for
reorganization. It accepted language as an
important factor conducive to
administrative convenience and
efficiency. However, it rejected the theory
of ‘one language one state’. According to
the Commission, unity, and integrity of
India should be the primary consideration
in the re-drawing of the borders. It
accepted language as not an exclusive or
binding principle, overriding all other
considerations. Hence, Statement I is
incorrect.
AMIGOS IAS
• The Commission was not in favour of
creating a separate state of Maharashtra
for Marathi-speaking people and Gujarat
for the Gujarati-speaking people. It
recommended Bombay to remain as it
was, that is, a bilingual province of
Gujarati and Marathi speakers. However,
due to ongoing unrest, the State of
Bombay was finally divided into two
separate states (Maharashtra and
Gujarat) in 1960. Hence, Statement II is
incorrect.
• The Commission had rejected the creation
of separate tribal states from the states of
Bihar and Assam. The Commission
observed that the separation of Bihar will
affect the economy of the entire state.
The tribal region of the Chottanagpur
Plateau provided an important industrial
base. For Assam, the Commission had held
that the demand by tribals for a separate
Hill State reflects the separatist pull of the
extremist elements. Hence, Statement III
is correct.
62. Consider the following events
I. First Round table conference
II. Gandhi Irwin pact signed.
III. Ramsay Mac Donald announces the
Communal Awards
IV. Adoption of Poorna Swaraj as goal
Arrange the above events in chronological
order.
1) IV-I-II-III 2) I-IV-II-III
3) I-IV-III-II 4) IV-I-III-II
Answer : 1
Explanation:
1929
• All Parties Muslim Conference formulates
the “fourteen points” under the
leadership of Jinnah.
• Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt
dropped bomb in the central legislative
Assembly to protest against the Public
Safety Bill.
• Jatin Das dies in Jain after 64 days of
fasting.
• Lord Irwin’s announcement that the goal
of British policy in India was the grant of
domination status.
19
 • Lahore session of the Congress under
Jawaharlal Nehru adopts the goal of
complete independence (Poorna Swaraj)
for India.
1930
• Jawaharlal Nehru hoists the tricolour of
India on the banks of Ravi in Lahore.
• First Independence Day observed.
• The working committee of INC meets at
Sabarmati and passed the Civil
Disobediences Movement with his epic
Dandi march.
• Mahatma Gandhi launches the Civil
Disobedience Movement with his epic
Dandi march.
• First Round table conference begins in
London to consider the report of Simon
Commission for the future constitutional
set-up in India.
1931
• Gandhi Irwin pact signed. Civil
Disobedience movement suspended.
• Bhagat Singh, Sukh Dev and Raj Guru were
executed (in Lahore Case).
• Second Round Table conference begins
Mahatma Gandhi arrives in London to
attend it.
1932
• British Prime Minister Ramsay Mac
Donald announces the Communal Awards
giving separate electorate to Harijans get
reserved seats in place of separate
electorate.
• Gandhi’s fast unto death.
• The Poona pact signed by which the
Harijans get reserved seats in place of
separate electorate.
• Third Round table Conference begins in
London.
63. In which year ‘Treaty of Friendship’ was
signed between British and Maharaja Ranjit
Singh?
1) 1805 2) 1845
3) 1809 4) 1849
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• The British Government signed the ‘Treaty
of Friendship’ also called as Minto-
AMIGOS IAS
Metcalfe Treaty with Maharaja Ranjit
Singh on 30th May 1809 AD.
• This friendship was based upon the British
fear of attack from Napoleon or Russia
from the Northern Frontiers of the British
Empire in India.
64. Which of the following pair is incorrect
regarding the structures of Delhi Sultanate?
1) Adhai Din-ka Jhonpra – Qutub-ud-Din
Aibak
2) Alai Darwaja – Allauddin Khilji
3) Tomb of Sikandar Lodi at Delhi – Ibrahim
Lodi
4) Nizamuddin Dargah – Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: 4
Explanation:
65. Which is the correct sequence of
administrative units of Rashtrakuta’s in the
descending order?
1) Rashtras – Bhuktis – Vishayas – Villages
2) Bhuktis – Rashtras – Vishayas – Villages
3) Vishayas-Rashtras – Vishayas – Bhuktis –
Villages
4) Rashtras – Vishayas -Bhuktis – Villages
Answer: 4
Explanation:
• The Rashtrakuta Empire was divided into
several provinces called rashtras under
the control of rashtrapatis.
• They were further divided into vishayas or
districts governed by vishayapatis.
• The next subdivision was bhukti consisting
of 50 to 70 villages under the control of
bhogapatis.
• These officers were directly appointed by
the central government. The village
administration was carried on by the
village headmen.
• However, the village assemblies played a
significant role in the village
administration.
20
66. Consider the following statements about
Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
I. He wrote Gift to Monotheists and
Precepts of Jesus.
II. He was instrumental in the abolition of
Sati in 1839.
III. He was given the title ‘Raja’ by the Mughal
Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.
IV. His journals include Samvad Kaumudi and
Mirat-ul-Akbar.
Which of the above given statements is/are
correct?
1) I and II only 2) II and III only
3) I and IV only 4) II and IV only
Answer: 3
Explanation:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy
• He is greatly regarded as Father of Indian
Renaissance and the Father of Bengal
Renaissance.
• During his early education, Ram Mohan
Roy studied Persian and Arabic at Patna.
• Here he read the Quran, the works of Sufi
mystic poets and the Arabic translation of
the works of Plato and Aristotle.
• In Banaras, he studied Sanskrit and read
Vedas and Upanishads.
• At the age of sixteen, he wrote a rational
critique of Hindu idol worship.
• He possessed a great love for his country
and people and worked for their social,
religious, political and intellectual
upliftment.
• He wrote Gift to Monotheists (1809) and
translated into Bengali the Vedas and the
five Upanishads to prove his conviction
that ancient Hindu texts support
monotheism. Hence, statement I is
correct.
• In 1814, he set up the Atmiya Sabha (or
society of friends) in Calcutta to propagate
the monotheistic ideals of the Vedanta
and to campaign against idolatry, caste
rigidities, meaningless rituals, and other
social ills.
• Although he had great love for his Indian
culture and traditions, he believed that
Western education alone could help to
regenerate the society.
AMIGOS IAS
• Ram Mohan Roy was given the title of Raja
by the titular Mughal Emperor of Delhi,
Akbar II whose grievances the former was
to present before the British king. Hence,
statement III is incorrect.
Contributions of Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Towards Social Reforms
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy organised a crusade
against practice of Sati.
• He visited the cremation grounds,
organised vigilance groups and filed
counter petitions to the government
during his struggle against Sati.
• His efforts were rewarded by the
Government Regulation in 1829, which
declared the practice of Sati a crime under
Lord William Bentinck. Hence, statement
II is incorrect.
• He condemned polygamy and demanded
the right of inheritance and property for
women.
• He assisted David Hare in forming Hindu
College and in 1825, he established
Vedanta college.
• He was also a pioneer in Indian Journalism
and brought out various journals,
newspapers in Bengali, Persian, Hindi and
English.
• When press censorship was relaxed by
Lord Hastings in 1819, Ram Mohan found
three journals- The Brahmanical Magazine
(1821); The Bengali weekly, Samvad
Kaumudi (1821); and the Persian weekly,
Mirat-ul-Akbar. Hence, statement IV is
correct.
67. Consider the following statements regarding
to the Government of India Act 1935.
I. It provided for establishment of All India
Federation.
II. The Act come into force in year 1936.
III. The Act provided the ‘dyarchy’ system at
the central level and introduced the
provincial autonomy.
Which of the above given statements is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) I and III only
3) II and III only 4) All the above
Answer: 2
Explanation:
21
 • Government of India Act, 1935 as this Act
was passed by the British Parliament in
1935 and came into effect in 1937. Hence,
Statement II is incorrect.
• Some of the key features of the Act were:
• the creation of a ‘Federation of India’ that
consisted of two levels: a Central
Executive and Parliament, and below it,
provinces, and princely states. Hence,
statement I is correct.
• It discarded the ‘dyarchy’ system at the
provincial level and allowed for the
emergence of popularly elected provincial
legislatures. Hence, Statement III is
correct.
• Dyarchy was introduced at the central
level, key subjects like defence and foreign
affairs were under the direct control of the
Governor-General.
• There was a provision for joint sitting in
cases of deadlock between the houses.
Three subject lists were introduced –
Federal list, Provincial list and Concurrent
list.
68. The governors of the provinces in Delhi
Sultanate were called the
1) Shikdars 2) Patwaris
3) Muqtis 4) Chaudris
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• The provinces under the Delhi Sultanate
were called Iqtas. They were initially
under the control of the nobles. But the
governors of the provinces were called the
Muqtis or Walis.
• They were to maintain law and order and
collect the land revenue. The provinces
were divided into Shiqs and the next
division was pargana.
• The Shiq was under the control of shiqdar.
• The pargana comprising a number of
villages was headed by amil.
• The village remained the basic unit of the
administration. The village headman was
known as Muqaddam or Chaudhri.
• The village accountant was called Patwari.
69. Which one of the following indicates the
correct chronological order of Bhakti saints?
AMIGOS IAS
1) Shankaracharya, Ramanuja, Jnaneshwara,
Chaitanya
2) Ramanuja, Jnaneshwara, Chaitanya,
Shankaracharya
3) Jnaneshwara, Chaitanya, Ramanuja,
Shankaracharya
4) Shankaracharya, Ramanuja, Chaitanya,
Jnaneshwara
Answer: 1
Explanation:
• Shankaracharya (788-820 AD) was a
Bhakti Saint and the proponent of Advaita
Philosophy. He played an important role in
reviving Hinduism when Buddhism was
gaining popularity.
• Ramanuja (1017-1137 AD) was one of the
earliest Bhakti Saint. He was Alvar Saint,
and he advocated Vaishnavism as the best
means of attaining Salvation.
• Jnaneshwara was a Bhakti saint from
Maharashtra. His time was from 1275 to
1296 AD. He wrote a commentary on the
Bhagavad Gita called Jnaneswari. His
other important works include Changdev
Prasasti and Amrit Anubhava. He was
associated with the Krishnamargi sect.
• Chaitanya (1486-1534 AD) was a Bhakti
Saint from Bengal. He popularized the
Krishna cult in Bengal and is the combined
avatar of Radha and Krishna.
70. The Ladh Khan temple, Durga temple and the
Huchimalligudi temple constructed by the
Chalukyas are located at
1) Aihole 2) Pattadakal
3) Badami 4) Ajantha
Answer: 1
Explanation:
The Chalukya temples may be divided into two
stages. The first stage is represented by
the temples at Aihole and Badami. Among
the seventy temples found at Aihole, four
are important.
* Ladh Khan temple is a low, flat-roofed
structure consisting of a pillared hall.
* Durga temple resembles a Buddha
Chaitya.
* Huchimalligudi temple.
* The Jain temple at Meguti.
22
71. Consider the following events regarding the
integration of Princely States into the Indian
Union:
I. Instrument of Accession – Junagarh
II. Police action – Hyderabad
III. Referendum – Jodhpur
Which of the above given pairs is/are correct?
1) I only 2) I and II only
3) II only 4) II and III only
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• The integration of Princely States was one
of the biggest challenges faced by the
nationalist leaders. With the combined
efforts of Sardar Patel and V.P. Menon,
most of the States had given their consent
for accession to India. However, the states
of Travancore, Bhopal, Jodhpur, Kashmir,
Junagarh, and Hyderabad had a
troublesome history regarding their
integration into the Indian Union.
• Accession of Jodhpur: At the time of
independence, Jodhpur had a Hindu king
as well as a largely Hindu population.
Jinnah offered very lucrative terms to
Jodhpur, and it was suspected the state to
join Pakistan. From the Indian side, Patel
intervened and additionally offered free
import of arms and adequate grains.
Maharaja Hanwant Singh, thereafter,
signed the Instrument of Accession on
11th August 1947.
• Accession of Kashmir in October 1947, the
Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir signed the
Instrument of Accession. It was against
the backdrop of an invasion by Pashtun
tribesmen from Pakistan’s Northwest
Frontier Province (NWFP). After the
signing of the Instrument, the Indian Army
airlifted its troops to Kashmir and stopped
the invaders within two weeks.
• Accession of Junagarh had announced
that it would accede to Pakistan. Junagarh
had a Muslim Nawab ruling over chiefly
Hindu population (approximately 82%).
However, geographically, its accession to
Pakistan made little sense. To resolve the
matter, it was decided to conduct a
plebiscite. A referendum was held on 20th
AMIGOS IAS
February 1948 resulting in 91% of the
electorates voting for accession to India.
• Accession of Hyderabad was also a state
ruled by Muslim Nawab having a majority
Hindu population. The Nawab was not
keen on the issue of accession to India.
Operation Polo was conducted in
September 1948 and a contingent of
Indian troops was sent to Hyderabad. On
17th September 1948, the troops had full
control over the State and Nizam
announced on the radio to ‘live in peace
and harmony with rest of the people of
India.’
72. Which of the following is not correct
regarding the qualification to become a ward
member of village council as per the
Uttarmerur inscription?
1) Ownership of at least one fourth veli of
land.
2) Own residence.
3) Between 40 to 60 years of age
4) Knowledge of Vedas
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• The system of village autonomy with
sabhas and their committees developed
through the ages and reached its
culmination during the Chola rule.
• Two inscriptions belonging to the period
of Parantaka I found at Uttiramerur
provide details of the formation and
functions of village councils. That village
was divided into thirty wards, and each
was to nominate its members to the
village council.
• The qualifications to become a ward
member were:
* Ownership of at least one fourth veli of
land.
* Own residence.
* Above thirty years and below seventy
years of age.
* Knowledge of Vedas.
• However, certain norms of disqualification
were also mentioned in the inscriptions.
They were:
* Those who had been members of the
committees for the past three years.
23
 * Those who had failed to submit accounts means though the common man
as committee members. contented himself with one wife.
* Those who had committed sins. • Polygamy in shocking proportions
* Those who had stolen the property of prevailed among the kulin families in Uttar
others. Pradesh and Bengal.
73. The founding President of All India Kisan • Remarriage of widows was generally
Sabha was looked down upon though it prevailed in
1) Acharya Narendra Dev some places.
2) Swami Sahajanand Saraswati • Surprisingly the Peshwas imposed a tax
3) Bankim Mukerji called patdam on remarriage of widows.
4) Jayaprakash Narayan 76. Who was the author of the book
‘Moovarula’?
Answer: 2
1) Kalladanar 2) Pugalendi
Explanation:
3) Ottakuthar 4) Buddhamitra
• The founding President of All India Kisan
Sabha was Swami Sahajanand Saraswati. Answer: 3
It was formed in 1936. Explanation:
• NG Ranga, Ram Manohar Lohia, • The development of Tamil literature
Jayaprakash Narayan, Acharya Narendra reached its peak during the Chola period.
Dev, Bankim Mukerji were its other • Sivakasintamani written by
prominent members. Thiruthakkadevar and Kundalakesi
• It worked towards bringing the issues belonged to 10th century.
faced by the farmers by organising • The Ramayana composed by Kamban and
protest. the Periyapuranam or
• This organisation was associated with the Tiruttondarpuranam by Sekkilar are the
Communist Party of India. two masterpieces of this age.
74. When and where was All India Trade Union • Jayankondar’s Kalingattupparani
Congress established? describes the Kalinga war fought by
1) 1920 & Bombay 2) 1920 & Calcutta Kulotunga I.
3) 1925 & Bombay 4) 1925 & Calcutta • The Moovarula written by Ottakuthar
depicts the life of three Chola kings.
Answer: 1
• The Nalavenba was written by Pugalendi.
Explanation:
• The works on Tamil grammar like
• All India Trade Union Congress was
Kalladam by Kalladanar, Yapperungalam
formed in 1920 in Bombay. It was formed
by Amirthasagarar, a Jain, Nannul by
by NM Joshi with Lala Lajpat Rai as its
Pavanandhi and Virasoliyam by
President. It worked towards bringing all
Buddhamitra were the products of the
the labour movements happening in the
Chola age.
country under a single command.
77. Which of the following pair is incorrect?
75. In the context of Indian cultural history,
Patdam refers to a Organization Led By
1) Tax imposed on widow remarriage. 1) Arya Mahila Samaj
2) Tax imposed on religious ceremonies. : Pandita Rama Bai
3) Tax imposed on child marriages. 2) Ladies Society in Calcutta
4) Fine imposed to forgo heinous crimes. : Pandita Rama Bhai
Answer: 1 3) National Council of Women in India
Explanation: : Mehribai Tata
• Polygamy was common among ruling 4) Bharat Stree Mahamandali
princes, big zamindars and men of better : Sarla Devi Chaudhurani
Answer: 2

AMIGOS IAS 24
 Explanation:
Women organizations led by women:
• Arya Mahila Samaj – It was started by
Ramabai Saraswati(also known as Pandita
Ramabhai) in Pune. Its main aim was to
provide education to women and to fight
the age-old practices and discourage the
practice of child marriage. Later, she
opened Sharada Sadan in Mumbai in 1889
for educating the child widows.
• Bharat Mahila Parishad – It is the women’s
wing of the National Social Conference
(Part of Indian National Congress) in 1905
to improve the social conditions of
women. This parishad worked for the
cause of dowry, child marriage and other
evil customs.
• The Ladies Society in Calcutta – It was
started in 1882 by Swarnakumari Devi, the
sister of Rabindranath Tagore. It worked
for imparting and educating livelihood
skills to the widows. Swarnakumari Devi
was the first Indian Woman editor (the
editor of the women’s journal Bharati).
• Bharat Shree Mahila Mandal was
established by Sarala DevinChadhurani in
1910 at Allahabad. It was first major Indian
women’s organization set up by a woman.
It worked for promotion of education for
women, abolition of Purdhah system, and
improving socio-economic-political
conditions of women.
• In 1925, Mehribai Tata established the
National Council of Women in India, which
served as the national branch of the
International Council of Women. This
organization was dedicated to addressing
pressing issues faced by Indian women,
including the removal of the purdah
system, the eradication of caste
differences, and the promotion of
education among women. Through its
efforts, the council aimed to empower
women, challenge social norms, and
foster gender equality in India during a
time when these issues were of
paramount concern.
• The All-India Women's Conference (AIWC)
was founded in 1927 and featured
prominent leaders such as Margaret
Cousins, Maharani Chimnabai Gaekwad,
AMIGOS IAS
Rani Sahiba of Sangli, Sarojini Naidu,
Kamla Devi Chattopadhyaya, and Lady
Dorab Tata among its members. This
organization was groundbreaking as it
became the first women's organization in
India with an egalitarian approach. AIWC
operated both before and after India's
independence, advocating for
fundamental principles of social justice,
integrity, equal rights, and opportunities.
Their mission aimed to ensure that every
individual, regardless of their birth or
gender, had access to life's essentials
through planned social distribution. AIWC
played a pivotal role in advancing gender
equality and social reform in India during
a critical period of its history.
78. Consider the following statements with
reference to Non-Cooperation Movement
I. The movement for the first time in history,
acquired a real mass base with the
participation of different sections of
Indian society.
II. It transformed the Indian National
Congress from a deliberative assembly
into an organization for action.
III. It marked the height of Hindu-Muslim
unity.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) I and II only
3) II and III only 4) All the above
Answer: 4
Explanation:
Non-Cooperation Movement (1921–1922)
Significance
• The Indian Nationalist movement, for the
first time in history, acquired a real mass
base with the participation of different
sections of Indian society such as
peasants, workers, students and teachers,
women, merchants and so on. However,
the big industrialists, capitalists, and
zamindars still remained hostile. Hence,
statement I is correct.
• Secondly, the movement witnessed the
spread of nationalism to the remotest
corners of the country.
• Thirdly, it transformed the Indian National
Congress from a deliberative assembly
25
 into an organisation for action, as evident 80. Which of the following pair is incorrect
from the various programmes of the regarding the literature during the
movement. Hence, statement II is correct. Rashtrakuta period?
• Fourthly, it marked the height of Hindu- 1) Halayudha – Kavirahasya
Muslim unity which could be seen in the 2) Parsvabhudaya – Amoghavarsha
merger of the Khilafat movement with this 3) Adipurana – Gunabhadra
movement. Hence, statement III is 4) Ganitasaram – Viracharya
correct.
Answer: 2
• Finally, the movement demonstrated to a
Explanation:
remarkable degree the willingness and
• The Rashtrakutas widely patronized the
ability of the masses to endure hardships
Sanskrit literature. There were many
and make sacrifices in the cause of
scholars in the Rashtrakuta court.
national independence. Thus, though the
movement failed to achieve any of one of • Trivikrama wrote Nalachampu and the
its three main demands, it was, Kavirahasya was composed by Halayudha
nevertheless, a great step forward in the during the reign of Krishna III.
course of the Indian nationalist • The Jain literature flourished under the
movement. patronage of the Rashtrakutas.
79. When and where the Vaikom Satyagraha was Amogavarsha I, who was a Jain patronized
started? many Jain scholars. His teacher Jinasena
composed Parsvabhudaya, a biography of
1) 1922 & Kerala 2) 1924 & Kerala
Parsva in verses.
3) 1924 & Karnataka
• Another scholar Gunabhadra wrote the
4) 1922 & Karnataka
Adipurana, the life stories of various Jain
Answer: 2 saints.
Explanation: • Sakatayana wrote the grammer work
• Vaikom Satyagraha was a movement in called Amogavritti. The great
Travancore (modern-day Kerala) for mathematician of this period, Viracharya
temple entry of the depressed classes. It was the author of Ganitasaram.
took place near the Shiva Temple at • The Kannada literature saw its beginning
Vaikom, Kottayam district, Kerala during during the period of the Rashtrakutas.
1924- 25.
• Amogavarsha’s Kavirajamarga was the
• Vaikom Satyagraha started as a regional, first poetic work in Kannada language.
localized protest untouchability. It,
• Pampa was the greatest of the Kannada
however, grew in significance, and is
poets. His famous work was
considered a pivotal event in the history of
Vikramasenavijaya. Ponna was another
Kerala by historians, even leading to the
famous Kannada poet and he wrote
Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936. The
Santipurana.
heart of this protest was at the Vaikom
81. Which of the following pair is incorrect
Mahadeva Temple, where the upper caste
regarding the treaties and the respective
was permitted to use a public road around
regions?
it, but the others were not.
Treaty Region
• The movement began on 30th March
1924. At the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, 1) Treaty of Sagauli : Nepal
there was a board which denied the entry 2) Treaty of Yandabo : Burma
of lower caste people (avarnas). The 3) Treaty of Lhasa : Bhutan
Satyagrahis made batches of three and 4) Treaty of Gandamak: Afghanistan
entered the temple. They were resisted Answer: 3
and arrested by the police. Explanation:
• Mahatma Gandhi came to participate in Treaty of Sagauli:
the Vaikom Satyagraha.

AMIGOS IAS 26
 • It was signed between the Gurkha chiefs
of Nepal and the British Indian
government that ended the Anglo-
Nepalese (Gurkha) War (1814–16). By the
treaty, Nepal renounced all claim to the
disputed Tarai, or lowland country, and
ceded its conquests west of the Kali River
and extending to the Sutlej River.
• Nepal remained independent, but it
received a British resident with the status
of an ambassador to an independent
country rather than of the controlling
agent of the supreme government in an
Indian state.
Treaty of Yandabo:
• The first war with Burma was fought when
the Burmese expansion westwards and
occupation of Arakan and Manipur, and
the threat to Assam and the Brahmaputra
Valley led to continuous friction along the
ill-defined border between Bengal and
Burma, in the opening decades of the
nineteenth century.
• It was signed during the tenure of Lord
Amherst. The British expeditionary forces
occupied Rangoon in May 1824 and
reached within 72 km of the capital at Ava.
Peace was established in 1826 with the
Treaty of Yandabo.
Treaty of Sinchula:
• The Bhutan War is also known as the Duar
War, and this ended in the defeat of the
Bhutanese army. Peace was brought by
the Treaty of Sinchula which was signed in
1865. Bhutan ceded territories in the
Assam Duars and Bengal Duars, as well as
around 80,000 kilometers of Dewangiri
(Deothang) to the British in return for an
annual subsidy of 50,000 rupees. It was
signed during the tenure of Sir John
Lawrence.
Treaty of Gandamak:
• It was signed during the tenure of Lord
Lytton. This treaty was signed after the
Second Anglo-Afghan War, 1879 provided
that: Amir conducted his foreign policy
with the advice of the Government of
India; a permanent British resident
stationed at Kabul the Government of
India gave Amir all support against foreign
aggression, and an annual subsidy.
AMIGOS IAS
The Treaty of Lhasa:
• It is officially the Convention Between
Great Britain and Tibet, was a treaty
signed in 1904 between Tibet and the
British Empire, in Lhasa, the capital of
Tibet, then under the administrative rule
of the Qing dynasty. It was signed
following the British expedition to Tibet of
1903-1904, a military expedition led by
Colonel Francis Younghusband, and was
followed by the Anglo-Chinese
Convention of 1906.
82. A new policy of ‘paramountcy’ was initiated
under the reign of, which of the following
Governor-General?
1) Lord Hastings 2) Lord Ripon
3) Lord Curzon 4) Lord Dufferin
Answer: 1
Explanation:
• The policy of ‘Paramountcy’ was initiated
under the reign of Lord Hastings (1813-
1823 AD). Under this policy, the company
claimed that its authority was paramount
and supreme. Thus, he justified the
annexations of any Indian kingdom.
83. Which of the following pair is incorrect
regarding the literature during the
Vijayanagara period?
1) Parijatapaharanam – Nandi Timmana
2) Kavyalankara Sangraham – Pingali
Suranna
3) Panduranga Mahatyamu – Tenali
Ramakrishna
4) Harikathasaransamu – Allasani Peddana
Answer: 2
Explanation:
84. Consider the following pairs with reference
to departments in Delhi Sultanate.
27
 I. Diwan-e-Risalat – It dealt with religious
matters.
II. Diwan-e-Arz – Department of Agriculture
III. Diwan-e-Amir-Kohi – Military department
How many of the above pairs is/are correct?
1) Only one 2) Only two
3) All three 4) None
Answer: 1
Explanation:
Major Departments of Delhi Sultanate
• Diwan-i-Risalat: It dealt with religious
matters, pious foundations, and stipends
to deserving scholars and men of piety. It
was presided over by the chief sadr, who
was generally the chief qazi.
• The chief qazi was the head of the
department of justice. The qazis
dispensed civil law based on the Muslim
law (sharia). The Hindus were governed by
their own personal laws.
• Diwani-i-Arz: The Diwani-i-Arz or the
military department was the most
important department of state, next to
the wazir. The head of this department
was called the Ariz-i-Mumalik.
• The office came into being for the first
time under Balban as a separate
department. The Ariz was not the
Commander-in-Chief of the army, but it
had responsibilities such as to recruit,
equip and pay the army.
• Diwan-i-Insha: It dealt with state
correspondence. There were a number of
other departments in addition to these.
The rulers posted intelligence agents
called barids in different parts of the
empire to keep them informed. Only a
nobleman who enjoyed the fullest
confidence of the ruler was appointed the
chief barid.
• Diwan-i-Amir-Kohi: The department was
related to agriculture, established by
Muhammad bin Tughlaq. It was started to
improve cultivation in the Doab region,
which was facing acute drought and crop
failures.
85. Consider the following statements
I. According to Ramanuja Charya, God is
Nirguna brahman.
AMIGOS IAS
II. He advocated the path of self-surrender
to God.
Which of the above given statements is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) II only
3) Both I and II 4) Neither I nor II
Answer: 2
Explanation:
• In the twelfth century, Ramanuja, who
was born at Sriperumbudur near modern
Chennai, preached Visishtadvaita.
According to him God is Sagunabrahman.
Hence, statement I is incorrect.
• The creative process and all the objects in
creation are real but not illusory as was
held by Sankaracharya. Therefore, God,
soul, matter are real. But God is inner
substance, and the rest are his attributes.
• He also advocated prabattimarga or path
of self-surrender to God. He invited the
downtrodden to Vaishnavism. Hence,
statement II is correct.
86. The Battle of Plassey was fought between
1) Mir Jafar and East India Company
2) Shuja-ud-Daula and East India Company
3) Siraj-ud-Daulah and East India Company
4) Mir Khasim and East India Company
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• In Battle of Plassey, the leading men of
Nawab’s court, such as Mir Jafar, the Mir
Bakshi, Manik Chand, Amichand, Jagat
Seth intrigued with British army and did
not join the battle.
• It contributed in Nawab’s defeat. After the
Battle of Plassey, Robert Clive proclaimed
Mir Jafar as the Nawab of Bengal thus
making him a mere puppet in the hands of
British.
• Battle of Plassey was fought between
Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daulah and the
East India Company.
87. Consider the following statements about the
Tebhaga Movement in 1946-47:
I. It was led by the Bengal Kisan Sabha.
II. It was a clash between Bargadars and
Jotedars.
III. Floud Commission was established to
investigate the demands of the
28
 sharecroppers, and it made
recommendations in favour of them.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) I and II only
3) II and III only 4) All the above
Answer: 2
Explanation:
Tebhaga Struggle
• The Tebhaga movement was significant
peasant agitation, initiated in Bengal by
the Bengal Kisan Sabha in 1946-47. Hence,
statement I is correct.
• In late 1946, the bargadars
(sharecroppers) of Bengal began to assert
that they would no longer pay a half share
of their crop to the jotedars (wealthy
farmers) but only one-third and that
before division the crop would be stored
in their khamars (godowns) and not that
of the jotedars. They were encouraged by
the fact that the Bengal Land Revenue
Commission, popularly known as the
Floud Commission, had already made this
the recommendation in its report to the
government. Hence, statement III is
incorrect.
• The Tebhaga movement, led by the Bengal
Provincial Kisan Sabha, soon developed
into a clash between jotedars and
bargadars (sharecroppers) with the
bargadars insisting on storing the crop
inside their own godowns. Hence,
statement II is correct.
• The movement received a great boost in
late January 1947 when the Muslim
League Ministry led by Suhrawardy
published the Bengal Bargadars
Temporary Regulation Bill in the Calcutta
Gazette on 22 January 1947. Encouraged
by the fact that the demand for tebhaga
could no longer be called illegal, peasants
in hitherto untouched villages and areas
joined the struggle. In many places,
peasants tried to remove the paddy
already stored in the jotedars’ godowns to
their own, and this resulted in
innumerable clashes.
• The jotedars appealed to the
Government, and the police came in to
AMIGOS IAS
suppress the peasants. Major clashes
ensued at a few places, the most
important being the one at Khanpur in
which twenty peasants were killed.
Repression continued and by the end of
February, the movement was virtually
dead.
• The Muslim League Ministry failed to
pursue the bill in the Assembly, and it was
only in 1950 that the Congress Ministry
passed a Bargadars Bill which
incorporated, in substance, the demands
of the movement.
• The main centers of the movement were
Dinajpur, Rangpur, Jalpaiguri,
Mymensingh, Midnapore, and to a lesser
extent 24-Parganas and Khulna.
• Initially, the base was among the Rajbansi
Kshatriya peasants, but it soon spread to
Muslims, Hajongs, Santhals, and Oraons.
• Among the important leaders of this
movement were Krishnobinode Ray,
Abani Lahiri, Sunil Sen, Bhowani Sen, Moni
Singh, Ananta Singh, Bhibuti Guha, Ajit
Ray, Sushil Sen, Samar Ganguli, and
Gurudas Talukdar.
88. Consider the following statements regarding
Kheda Satyagraha
I. It was the first non-cooperation
movement in Indian National movement.
II. It was organized to suspend the revenue
assessment for the year 1919.
III. Gandhi asked the farmers not to pay the
taxes.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) I and II only
3) II and III only 4) All the above
Answer: 4
Explanation:
Kheda Satyagraha (1918) – First Non-
Cooperation
• Because of drought in 1918, the crops
failed in Kheda district of Gujarat.
According to the Revenue Code, if the
yield was less than one-fourth the normal
produce, the farmers were entitled to
remission.
29
 • The Gujarat Sabha, consisting of the
peasants, submitted petitions to the
highest governing authorities of the
province requesting that the revenue
assessment for the year 1919 be
suspended. Hence, statement II is correct.
• The government, however, remained
adamant and said that the property of the
farmers would be seized if the taxes were
not paid.
• Gandhi asked the farmers not to pay the
taxes. Gandhi, however, was mainly the
spiritual head of the struggle. It was Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel and a group of other
devoted Gandhians, namely, Narahari
Parikh, Mohanlal Pandya and Ravi Shankar
Vyas, who went around the villages,
organized the villagers and told them
what to do and gave the necessary
political leadership. Patel along with his
colleagues organized the tax revolt which
the different ethnic and caste
communities of Kheda supported. Hence,
statement III is correct.
89. The journals ‘Mooknayak’ and ‘Janta’ were
associated with which of the following
person?
1) Swamy Vivekananda
2) Jawaharlal Nehru
3) Dadabhai Nauroji
4) Dr B R Ambedkar
Answer: 4
Explanation:
Dr B R Ambedkar
• Popularly known as Baba Saheb. He was
the Chairman of the Drafting Committee
of the Constituent Assembly and is called
the ‘Father of the Indian Constitution’.
• He was a jurist and an economist. Born
into a caste that was considered
untouchable, he faced many injustices and
discrimination in society. He was born in
Mhow in the Central Provinces (modern-
day Madhya Pradesh) to a Marathi family
with roots in Ambadawe town of
Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
• He was a brilliant student and had
doctoral degrees in economics from the
Columbia University and the London
School of Economics.
AMIGOS IAS
• Ambedkar was against the caste-based
discriminations in society and advocated
the Dalits to organise and demand their
rights.
• He promoted the education of Dalits and
made representations to the government
in various capacities in this regard. He was
part of the Bombay Presidency Committee
that worked with the Simon Commission
in 1925.
• He established the Bahishkrit Hitakarini
Sabha to promote education and socio-
economic improvements among the
Dalits. He started magazines like
Mooknayak, Equality Janta and Bahishkrit
Bharat.
90. The term Parados was widely used in the
administration of Vijayanagara Empire. It
refers to.
1) Officer in-charge of royal household
2) Currency
3) Type of tax
4) Fertile land
Answer: 2
Explanation:
• The term Parados was widely used in the
administration of Vijayanagara Empire
which refers to Currency.
• It had been estimated that while the
income of the kingdom was 12,000,000
paradoses, the Central Government got
only half of the amount, during the
Vijayanagara Empire.
91. Consider the following pairs.
I. Sharab: Irrigation tax.
II. Khums: Land tax paid mainly by Hindus.
III. Kharaj: It was 1/6th of the booty captured
during war.
IV. Ashraf: 1/10th of the gross produce on
land held by Muslims.
How many of the above pairs is/are correct?
1) Only one 2) Only two
3) Only three 4) All Four
Answer: 2
Explanation:
Economy in the Sultanate Period
The new system of taxation was based on the
Quran. Four kinds of taxes sanctioned by the
30
 Quran were imposed namely kharaj, zakat, 93. Abul Hasan, Bishan Das and Ustad Mansur
jeziah and khums. were the painters during which of the
Types of Taxes following Mughal emperor?
• Zakat: To be paid by well to do Muslims for 1) Akbar 2) Humayun
helping the needy religious tax. 3) Shahjahan 4) Jahangir
• Jeziah: Tax levied on non-Muslims in Answer: 4
return of which they received protection Explanation:
of life and property and exemption from • Mughal paintings reached its climax
military services. during the reign of Jahangir. He employed
• Kharaj: Land tax paid mainly by Hindus a number of painters like Abul Hasan,
which was equal to 1/10th of the produce Bishan Das, Madhu, Anant, Manohar,
of land. Govardhan and Ustad Mansur.
• Khums: It was 1/6th of the booty captured • Apart from painting the scenes of hunting,
during war. battles and royal courts, progress was
• Abwabs: Excess taxes like house tax, made in portrait painting and paintings of
grazing tax etc. animals.
• Sharab: Irrigation tax. • Many albums containing paintings and
• Ashraf: 1/10th of the gross produce on calligraphy were produced during the
land held by Muslims. Mughal period. Later, the influence of
92. Consider the following European painting could be seen.
I. Kabir II. Guru Nanak 94. Bombay was taken over by the English East
III. Chaitanya IV. Ravidasa India Company from the
Who among the above was/were the disciples 1) Dutch 2) Danish
of Ramananda? 3) French 4) Portuguese
1) I and II 2) II and III Answer: 4
3) III and IV 4) I and IV Explanation:
Answer: 4 • Bombay was taken over by the English
Explanation: East India Company from the Portuguese.
In 1662 AD, the Portuguese gave the
• Ramananda was born at Allahabad. He
island of Bombay to king Charles II of
was originally a follower of Ramanuja.
England as dowry for marrying a
Later he founded his own sect and
Portuguese princess.
preached his principles in Hindi at Banaras
and Agra. • The king, then granted the control of
Bombay to the East India Company.
• He was a worshipper of Rama. He was the
Earlier, the naval battle between these
first to employ the vernacular medium to
countries begun in 1620 AD and the
propagate his ideas.
hostilities between these countries ended
• Simplification of worship and
in 1630 AD. Eventually, the Portuguese
emancipation of people from the
lost all their possessions in India except
traditional caste rules were his two
Goa, Diu and Daman.
important contributions to the Bhakti
95. Which of the following pair is correctly
movement.
matched?
• He opposed the caste system and chose
1) First Anglo-Mysore War - Hyder Ali was
his disciples from all sections of society
defeated.
disregarding caste.
2) Second Anglo-Mysore War - Hyder Ali
• His disciples were: a) Kabir, a Muslim
defeated the British.
weaver b) Raidasa, a cobbler c) Sena, a
barber d) Sadhana, a butcher e) Dhanna, a 3) Third Anglo-Mysore War - Tipu Sultan won
Jat farmer f) Naraharai, a goldsmith and g) the battle and did not cede his territory to
Pipa, a Rajput prince. the British.

AMIGOS IAS 31
 4) Fourth Anglo Mysore War - Tipu was
defeated and was killed in the Battle.
Answer: 4
Explanation:
• First Anglo-Mysore War was held in 1767-
69, which ended with the treaty of
Madras. In this battle, Hyder Ali defeated
the British forces.
• Second Anglo-Mysore War was fought in
1780-84 AD in which Hyder Ali was
defeated and this war ended with treaty
of Manglore.
• Third Anglo-Mysore War was held in 1790-
92 AD and ended with the treaty of
Srirangapatanam in, which Tipu Sultan
ceded his territory to the British.
• Fourth Anglo-Mysore War was fought in
1799 AD between the Britishers led by
Lord Wellesley and Tipu Sultan. In this
battle, Tipu Sultan was killed and British
annexed his Srirangapatam Fort.
96. Consider the following statements.
I. Pitt’s India Act established a system of
double government.
II. The British Government was given
supreme control over the Company’s
affairs and its administration in India.
III. Pitt’s India Act was also known as the Act
of Settlement.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1) I only 2) I and II only
3) II and III only 4) All the above
Answer: 2
Explanation:
• In a bid to rectify the defects of the
Regulating Act of 1773, the British
Parliament passed the Amending Act of
1781, also known as the Act of Settlement.
Hence, Statement III is incorrect.
• The next important act was the Pitt’s India
Act of 1784.
Features of the Act:
• It distinguished between the commercial
and political functions of the Company.
• This act resulted in dual control of British
possession in India by the British
government and company with final
authority resting with the government.
Hence Statement I&II are correct.
AMIGOS IAS
• The Company became a subordinate
department of the State.
• It introduced the Board of Control in
charge of civil, military, and revenue
affairs, and the Court of Directors to
trading activity.
• The Governor General was given a veto,
and Madras and Bombay presidencies
became subordinates.
97. Who is known for making this statement “a
single shelf of a good European library was
worth the whole native literature of India
and Arabia”?
1) Thomas Babington Macaulay
2) William Jones
3) James Mill
4) Henry Thomas Colebrooke
Answer: 1
Explanation:
• Thomas Babington Macaulay is known for
making the statement “a single shelf of a
good European library was worth the
whole native literature of India and
Arabia”. This statement was his part of
speech to attack the orientalists.
• He was famous British historian and
politician of 19th century.
• He saw India as an uncivilised country that
need to be civilised. No branch of Eastern
knowledge, according to him, could be
compared to what England had produced.
98. Who translated the Bhagavat Gita and
Upanishads into the Persian language?
1) Abul Fazl 2) Dara Shikoh
3) Inayat Khan 4) Naimatullah
Answer: 2
Explanation:
• Jahangir’s autobiography, Tuzuk-i-
Jahangiri was famous for its style. He also
patronized many scholars like Ghiyas Beg,
Naqib Khan and Niamatullah.
• Shah Jahan also patronized many writers
and historians like Abdul Hamid Lahori,
author of Padshah Nama and Inayat Khan
who wrote Shah Jahan Nama.
• His son Dara Shikoh translated the
Bhagavat Gita and Upanishads into the
Persian language.
32
 • Many historical works were written during
the reign of Aurangazeb. Famous
dictionaries of the Persian language were
also compiled during the Mughal period.
99. Consider the following statements regarding
the Police system created by Lord Cornwallis
I. The cities were placed in the charge of
Kotwals.
II. The districts were divided into thanas,
each of which was put under the charge of
Daroga.
III. The hereditary village policemen became
chowkidar.
Which of the above given statement(s) is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) I and II only
3) II and III only 4) All the above
Answer: 4
Explanation:
• To ensure good administration, Cornwallis
created a permanent police force in India.
• Each district was divided into several
Thanas, each of which was headed by a
Daroga. Hence, statement II is correct.
• The hereditary village policemen became
chowkidar. Hence, statement III is correct.
• The cities were placed under the Kotwals.
Hence, statement I is correct.
100. Economically, one of the results of the British
rule in India in the 19th century was the
1) increase in the exports of Indian
handicrafts.
2) growth in the number of Indian owned
factories.
3) commercialisation of Indian agriculture.
4) rapid increase in urban population.
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• One of the results of British rule in India in
the 19th century was the growth of
cultivation commercial crops and the raw
materials for the industries in Britain.
• Different kinds of commercial crops such
as tea, coffee, indigo, opium, cotton, jute,
sugarcane and oilseeds were introduced
with different intentions.
101. Nildarpan was a popular play, it depicts
about
1) Sanyasi revolt 2) Santhal rebellion
AMIGOS IAS
3) Indigo revolt 4) Kuki movement
Answer: 3
Explanation:
The Bengali intellectual, Dinabandhu Mitra
wrote the popular play, Nildarpan, depicting
the plight of Indigo cultivators.
102. Who had declared that ‘‘the extinction of all
native states of India is just a question of
time’’?
1) Lord Dalhousie 2) Lord Hardinge
3) Lord Lytton 4) Lord Irwin
Answer: 1
Explanation:
• Lord Dalhousie had declared that “the
extinction of all native states of India is
just a question of time”.
• When Lord Dalhousie came out to India as
the Governor General, he was from the
beginning determined to extend direct
British rule over as large area as possible.
• The above statements were uttered by
him in this context only. The policy such as
‘Doctrine of Lapse’ was adopted by him in
pursuance of expansion of British rule in
India.
103. Who devised the ‘Mahalwari Settlement’,
which came into effect in 1822?
1) Captain Reed
2) John Shore
3) Sir Thomas Munro
4) Holt Mackenzie
Answer: 4
Explanation:
• The Mahalwari settlement was devised by
Holt Mackenzie in 1822 and it was
reviewed under Lord William Bentick in
1833.
• In this system, the land revenue was
collected by the village headmen, and it
was not fixed.
• The peasants were the owner of the land
and every peasant had to give his share of
the revenue.
104. The term ‘Mufti’ during the British period
refers to
1) A jurist of the Muslim community
responsible for expounding the law.
2) A land revenue officer appointed by the
British Government.
33
 3) An officer responsible for controlling
pilgrimage sites of Muslims under British
Government.
4) A judicial officer appointed by the British
Government.
Answer: 1
Explanation:
• The meaning of the term Mufti is a jurist
belonging to the Muslim community
whose duty was to expound the laws
which were to be administered by the
Qazi. They were initially appointed in
criminal courts (Fauzdari adalats).
105. Consider the following pairs with respect to
Yadava Dynasty:
I. Lakshmipati - the royal preceptor.
II. Mahapradhana - minister in charge of the
treasury.
III. Mudraprabhu- officer in charge of seals.
Choose the correct code:
1) I and III 2) III only
3) II and III 4) I and II
Answer: 2
Explanation:
• The administration of the Yadava Dynasty
was similar to that of the other Deccan
kingdoms.
• The form of government was a hereditary
monarchy.
• Yadavas had a strong bureaucracy in place
to support the administration.
• King used to consult his ministers prior to
issuing any land charter.
• In ministry, Mahapradhana was a
powerful minister who was usually in
charge of a province or even a district.
Hence II pair is incorrect.
• Rajaguru was most likely the royal
preceptor, counselling the monarch on
religious matters.
• Lakshmipati was the minister in charge of
the treasury. Hence, I pair is incorrect.
• Mudraprabhu, the officer in charge of
seals, Kusumarachanadhyaksha, the
superintendent of floral arrangements,
the commander of hill forts, and the royal
hunter, are among the other royal officers
of the court. Hence III pair is correct.
AMIGOS IAS
• Under the Yadava dynasty, effective
military commanders, known as nayakas,
were selected to head the provinces.
106. Consider the following statements regarding
the Home Rule League
I. Annie Besant set up her league in
September 1916.
II. Tilak’s league covered Madras and rest of
India including Bombay.
III. Tilak’s League was loosely organised as
compared to Annie Besant’s League.
Which of the above given statements is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) I and II only
3) II and III only 4) All the above
Answer: 1
Explanation:
Branches of Home Rule League
• Tilak and Besant set up separate leagues
to avoid friction.
• Tilak’s league was set up in April 1916 and
it’s activities covered Maharashtra (except
Bombay), Karnataka, Central Provinces
and Berar.
• It has six branches. Hence, statement II is
incorrect.
• Its demands were Swarajya, formation of
linguistic states and education in
vernacular languages.
• Annie Besant set up her league in
September 1916 in Madras and covered
the rest of India (this included Bombay
also). Hence, statement I is correct.
• It had 200 branches, was loosely
organised as compared to Tilak’s League
and George Arundale was its organising
secretary. Hence, statement III is
incorrect.
• B P Wadia and C P Ramaswamy Aiyar also
worked closely with these leagues. Major
Leaders in Leagues Leaders like Motilal
Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhulabhai
Desai, Jinnah, Tej Bahadur Sapru, Lala
Lajpat Rai, CR Das, Madan Mohan Malviya
joined leagues.
• Servants of India Society also joined the
movement. It was formed by Gopal
Krishna Gokhale.
34
 • Muslims and Non-Brahmins from South
India did not join as they were under the
impression that leagues were a Hindu
majority and dominated by high castes.
• Response of British Government to Home
Rule Leagues
• The British Government dealt with high
hands with leagues. Annie Besant and her
companions, BP Wadia and George
Arundale were arrested in June 1917.
• Opposing the arrest, Sir Subramaniya
Aiyar renounced his Knighthood and Tilak 109.
began passive resistance against this
action of the government.
107. Which of the following was not a
recommendation of the Simon Commission?
1) The abolition of dyarchy.
2) The Governor-General was to have
complete power to appoint the members
of the Cabinet.
3) Separate communal electorates be
stopped.
4) Accepted the idea of federalism.
Answer: 3
Explanation:
Recommendations of Simon Commission
• It proposed the abolition of dyarchy and
the establishment of representative
government in the provinces.
• It rejected parliamentary responsibility at
the centre. The Governor-General was to
have complete power to appoint the
members of the Cabinet.
• It recommended that separate communal
electorates be retained.
• It accepted the idea of federalism but not
in the near future.
• It suggested that a Consultative Council of
Greater India should be established which
should include representatives of both the 110.
British provinces as well as princely states.
• It also suggested that the Indian army
should be Indianised, though British forces
must be retained.
108. Which among the following kingdoms was
not involved in the tripartite struggle from
the eighth to the tenth century AD?
1) Palas 2) Rashtrakutas
3) Pratiharas 4) Paramaras
AMIGOS IAS
Answer: 4
Explanation:
• Paramaras were not involved in the
tripartite struggle from the eighth to the
tenth century AD.
• Tripartite struggle was between Pala
dynasty who dominated the Eastern India,
Pratiharas who were in Western India and
Rashtrakutas who dominated the Deccan
region and areas in North and South as
well.
In the context of Hoyasala’s administration,
Gavundas are:
1) Treasurer 2) Chief Justice
3) Revenue official
4) Commander-in-chief
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• The kingdom was divided into provinces or
regions, each administered by local
governors or chiefs who were appointed
by the king.
• Revenue officials, known as Gavundas,
were responsible for assessing and
collecting taxes from the agricultural
sector. Hence option 3 is correct.
• Senior ministers, called Pancha
Pradhanas, ministers responsible for
foreign affairs, designated Sandhivigrahi,
and the chief treasurer, Mahabhandari or
Hiranyabhandari conducted top-level
government affairs.
• Dandanayakas led the armies while
Dharmadhikari served as the chief justice
of the Hoysala court.
• Local officials, known as Nyayamurtis or
Nyayadhishas, presided over the local
courts and helped in the administration of
justice.
‘Kudavolai system’ during the Cholas refers
to
1) System of nomination of members to the
village council
2) Land grants system.
3) System of allocating financial grants to
villages
4) Taxation system
Answer: 1
Explanation:
35
 • The system of village autonomy with
sabhas and their committees developed
through the ages and reached its
culmination during the Chola rule.
• Two inscriptions belonging to the period
of Parantaka I found at Uttiramerur
provide details of the formation and
functions of village councils. That village
was divided into thirty wards, and each
was to nominate its members to the
village council.
• The qualifications to become a ward
member were:
 Ownership of at least one fourth veli of
land.
 Own residence.
 Above thirty years and below seventy
years of age.
 Knowledge of Vedas.
• However, certain norms of disqualification
were also mentioned in the inscriptions.
They were:
 Those who had been members of the
committees for the past three years.
 Those who had failed to submit accounts
as committee members.
 Those who had committed sins.
 Those who had stolen the property of
others.
• From the persons duly nominated, one
was to be chosen for each ward by
kudavolai system for a year. The names of
eligible persons were written on palm-
leaves and put into a pot.
• A young boy or girl would take out thirty
names each for one ward. They were
divided into six variyams such as
samvatsaravariyam, erivariyam, thotta
variyam, pancha variyam, pon variyam
and puravuvari variyam to take up six
different functions of the village
administration.
• The committee members were called
variyapperumakkal. They usually met in
the temple or under a tree and passed
resolutions. The number of committees
and ward members varied from village to
village.
111. Consider the following statements about
Thousand pillar temple during Kakatiyas.
AMIGOS IAS
I. It was built during the period of
Ganapatideva.
II. It is a Trikutalaya.
III. The three deities in the temple are Rudra,
Vasudev and Surya.
Choose the correct option.
1) I only 2) I and II only
3) II and III only 4) All the above
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• The Anumakonda Thousand pillar temple
was built during the period of Rudradeva
in 1163 A.D. Hence, statement I is
incorrect.
• This is a Trikutalaya, Rudra, Vasudev and
Surya are main deities, declarations of
Kakatiyas Sovereignity is supported by the
inscriptions of 1163 A.D, found in the
temple. Hence, statement II and II are
correct.
112. Which of the following statements is/are
correct
I. Magallu inscription talks about donation
of the village Magallu to a Brahmin by
Kakartya Gundana.
II. Magallu inscription was issued by
Rudradeva
Choose the correct option.
1) I only 2) II only
3) Both I and II 4) Neither I nor II
Answer: 1
Explanation:
• Magallu inscription which was issued by
Eastern Chalukyan king Danarnava talks
donation of the village Magalluto a
Brahmin by Kakartya Gundana. Hence,
statement I is correct, and statement II is
incorrect.
113. Consider the following statements related to
Bhillama of Yadava dynasty:
I. Bhillama was referred to as "Chakravartin
Yadava" in Mutugi inscription.
II. The city of Chandradityapura was founded
by him.
III. He patronised the scholar Bhaskara, who
wrote Siddhanta Siromani.
Which of the above given statements is/are
correct?
1) I and II 2) II and III
36
 3) I and III 4) I, II and III
Answer:3
Explanation:
• Bhillama forced Ballala to retreat around
1187, conquered the former Chalukya
capital Kalyani, and declared himself a
sovereign ruler.
• He then founded the city of Devagiri,
which became the new Yadava capital.
Hence statement II is incorrect.
• Chandradityapura was founded by Dridha
Prahara.
• The Mutugi inscription is a 1189-90 CE
(1111 Shaka) record that refers to
Bhillama as "Chakravartin Yadava". The
inscription also claims that Bhillama
defeated the kings of Anga, Vanga,
Nepala, and Panchala. Hence statement I
is correct.
• The inscription also mentions that
Bhillama patronized the scholar
Bhaskaracharya, who wrote the Siddhanta
Siromani. Hence statement III is correct.
• The Yadavas was the first major dynasty to
adopt Marathi as an official language.
114. Consider the following statements with
respect to Hoyasala architecture:
I. They use soft soapstone (Chorite schist) as
main building material.
II. The temples are generally built on stellate
(star-shaped) platforms.
III. The walls and stairs of the temple
followed uniform pattern.
Which of the above given statements is/are
correct?
1) I and II 2) II only
3) II and III 4) I, II and III
Answer: 1
Explanation:
• The Hoysalas primarily used soapstone
(chloritic schist) as their primary building
material. The malleable stone makes it
easy to carve and has contributed to many
intricate sculptures on the temple walls.
Hence statement I is correct.
• The temples are generally built on stellate
(star-shaped) platforms. Both the interior
and exterior walls, even the pieces of
AMIGOS IAS
jewelry worn by the deities, are intricately
carved. Hence statement II is correct.
• Pierced stone window screens are popular
in Hoysala temples. Most Hoysala temples
have a plain covered entrance porch
supported by lathe turned (circular or bell-
shaped) pillars. Larger Hoysala temples
often include an exterior mantapa
servicing the outer hall, which connects to
an inner tiny enclosed mantapa and
shrines.
• The walls and stairs of the temple
followed Zigzag pattern. Hence statement
III is incorrect.
115. Consider the following statements with
respect to Reddi Dynasty:
I. It was founded by Prolaya Vema Reddi.
II. Addanki was the initial capital of the
kingdom.
III. Kataya Vema was the Reddy king who
levied tax on the delivery of the child
(Purutu Pannu).
Which of the above given statements is/are
correct?
1) I and III 2) II only
3) I and II 4) I, II and III
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• It was during this chaotic period in Andhra
history that Prolaya Vema Reddi
established the Reddi kingdom in 1325. He
was revered by the title of Apratima-
Bhudana-Parasuram. Hence statement I is
correct.
• The initial capital of the kingdom was
Addanki. Later, it was moved to Kondavidu
and a subsidiary branch was established at
Rajahmundry. Hence statement II is
correct.
• The Reddis were known for their
fortifications.
• Racha vema was the Reddy king who
levied tax on the delivery of the child.
Heavy taxes by Racha Vema Reddi made
him highly unpopular. Hence statement III
is incorrect.
116. With reference to Subhash Chandra Bose,
consider the following statements:
I. The newspaper ‘Swaraj’ was started by
Subhash Chandra Bose.
37
 II. Jawaharlal Nehru constituted a National
Planning Committee under the
chairmanship of Subhash Chandra Bose.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
1) I only 2) II only
3) Both I and II 4) Neither I nor II
Answer: 1
Explanation:
• Subhash Chandra Bose was one of the
most celebrated freedom fighters and
charismatic influencers of the youth of
India.
• In 1921, Bose worked under Chittaranjan
Das, a powerful politician in Bengal. He
worked as the editor for Das’s newspaper,
“Forward”, and later started his own
newspaper, “Swaraj”.
• He joined the Indian National Congress in
1927 and supported the idea of complete
independence (Purna Swaraj). With his
support, Jawaharlal Nehru passed the
resolution of Purna Swaraj in 1929.
• He was elected as the Congress President
in 1938, when the annual session was
convened at Haripur in Bengal.
• In 1938, the President of the Indian
National Congress, Subhash Chandra
Bose, constituted a National Planning
Committee under the chairmanship of
Jawaharlal Nehru.
• He set up the Committee to ensure equal
distribution of wealth among the diverse
sections.
• He resigned in 1939 due to differences
with Mahatma Gandhi and set up the All-
India Forward Bloc.
• In 1942, he earned the title ‘Netaji’, in
Germany from the Indian soldiers of the
Azad Hind Fauj.
• He is also accredited to be the first man to
call Mahatma Gandhi “Father of the
Nation”, in his address from Singapore.
117. Under Whose chairmanship, “Fundamental
Rights and Economic Policy” resolution was
passed by the Congress in 1931?
1) Jawaharlal Nehru
2) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
3) Vallabhai Patel
AMIGOS IAS
4) Rajendra Prasad
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel chaired the
Congress in 1931 when it passed the
"Fundamental Rights and Economic
Policy" resolution.
• Patel was an active participant in the
freedom movement and is known as the
"Iron Man of India".
• He worked against caste discrimination,
untouchability, and alcohol consumption,
and for women's emancipation.
118. Which of the following statements are
correct in relation to the instructions given by
Gandhiji to the nation during Quit India
Movement, 1942?
I. Government servants were asked to
resign and openly declare their allegiance
to Congress.
II. Soldiers were asked not to leave their
posts, but to refuse to fire on the people.
III. Gandhiji asked Princely states to accept
the sovereignty of their own people rather
than paying homage to foreign power.
IV. Peasants should refuse to pay the land
revenue and ryots should outrightly refuse
to pay any tax to any zamindar.
Select the correct answer using the code given
below.
1) I, II and IV only 2) I, II, III and IV
3) II and III only 4) I, III and IV only
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• Gandhiji's speech at the All-India Congress
Committee meeting at Gowalia Tank in
Bombay contained specific instructions
for different sections of the people.
• Government servants would not yet be
asked to resign, but they should openly
declare their allegiance to Congress.
Hence, statement I is not correct.
• Soldiers were also not to leave their posts,
but they were to ‘refuse to fire on our own
people. Hence, statement II is correct.
• The princes were asked to ‘accept the
sovereignty of your own people, instead
of paying homage to a foreign power.’ And
the people of the Princely States were
38
 asked to declare that they were part of the
Indian nation and that they would accept
the leadership of the princes, if the latter
cast their lot with the People, but not
otherwise. Hence, statement III is correct.
• Students were to give up studies if they
were sure they could continue to remain
firm independence was achieved.
• Peasants ‘who have the courage and are
prepared to risk their all’ should refuse to
pay the land revenue. Tenants were told
that Congress holds that the land belongs
to those who work on it and to no one
else. Where the zamindari system
prevails, if the zamindar makes common
cause with the riot, his portion of the
revenue, which may be settled by mutual
agreement, should be given to him. But if
a zamindar wants to side with the
Government, no tax should be paid to
him. These instructions were not actually
issued because of the preventive arrests,
but they do make Gandhiji’s intentions
clear. Hence, statement IV is not correct.
119. Which of the following were part of the
Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931?
I. Right to make salt for personal
consumption
II. Release of political prisoners who were
not convicted for violence.
III. Public inquiry into police excesses
IV. Right to peaceful picketing
Which of the above given statements is/are
correct.
1) I and III only 2) III and IV only
3) I, II and IV only 4) I, II, III and IV
Answer: 3
Explanation:
• 5 March 1931, the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was
signed by Gandhiji on behalf of the
Congress and by Lord Irwin on behalf of
the Government.
• The pact placed the Congress on an equal
footing with the Government. The terms
of the agreement included.
* the immediate release of all political
prisoners not convicted for violence,
* the remission of all fines not yet collected,
AMIGOS IAS
* the return of confiscated lands not yet
sold to third parties, and
* lenient treatment for those government
employees who had resigned.
• The Government also conceded the right
to make salt for consumption to villages
along the coast, as also the right to
peaceful and non-aggressive picketing.
• Congress demand for a public inquiry into
police excesses was not accepted, but
Gandhiji’s insistent request for an inquiry
was recorded in the agreement. The
Congress, on its part, agreed to
discontinue the Civil Disobedience
Movement. It was also understood that
Congress would participate in the next
Round Table Conference.
• Hence option (3) is the correct answer.
120. Which of the following leaders founded the
"Harijan Sevak Sangh" in 1932?
1) Mahatma Gandhi 2) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
3) Jawahar Lal Nehru 4) K. Kelappan
Answer: 1
Explanation:
• Harijan Sevak Sangh was founded by
Mahatma Gandhi in 1932 when he left
Sabarmati and decided to settle in
Wardha till Swaraj and eradication of
untouchability was achieved. He
undertook intensive "Harijan Tour"
traveling across the country and
propagating the removal of untouchability
in all its forms and practices. He collected
money under this organization.
• After the Second Round Table Conference,
the British government agreed to give
Communal Award to the depressed
classes on the request of B. R. Ambedkar.
Gandhi opposed the government's
decision which he considered would
divide the Hindu society and subsequently
went on to the indefinite fast in Yerwada
Jail. He ended his fast after signed Poona
Pact with Ambedkar on 24 September
1932. On 30 September, Gandhi founded
All India Anti Untouchability League, to
remove untouchability in the society,
which later renamed as Harijan Sevak
Sangh ("Servants of Untouchables
Society").
39
 • At the time industrialist, Ghanshyam Das
Birla was its founding president with
Amritlal Takkar as its Secretary.

AMIGOS IAS 40