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The correct answer is Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Points

• According to the 2011 Census, Arunachal Pradesh recorded the lowest population density in India.
• The population density of Arunachal Pradesh is just 17 persons per square kilometer. This is due to its rugged mountainous terrain and vast forest cover.
• Population density is a measurement of population per unit area; for the Census, it is calculated as the number of persons per square kilometer.
• The total population of Arunachal Pradesh was approximately 13,83,727 as per the 2011 data, spread across a geographical area of 83,743 square kilometers.
• The low density in this Northeastern state is a result of geographical constraints, limited habitable land, and the presence of dense Himalayan forests. Hence, the statement regarding Arunachal Pradesh being the least densely populated is correct.

Additional Information

• Mizoram:
• It is the second least densely populated state in India.
• As per the 2011 Census, Mizoram has a population density of 52 persons per square kilometer.
• The state is known for its high literacy rate, which was recorded at 91.33% in 2011.
• Rajasthan:
• It is the largest state in India by area, covering about 10.4% of the country's total land.
• Despite its size, its population density is 200 persons per square kilometer, which is lower than the national average due to the Thar Desert.
• The total population of Rajasthan in 2011 was 6.85 crores.
• Assam:
• Located in the Northeast, it has a significantly higher population density compared to its neighbors.
• The density of Assam is 398 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the national average.
• It is a major producer of tea and petroleum in India.
• Sikkim:
• It is the third least densely populated state with 86 persons per square kilometer.
• It holds the record for being the least populous state in India with a total population of 6,10,577 in 2011.

Important Points

• National Density: The overall population density of India increased from 324 in 2001 to 382 persons per square kilometer in the 2011 Census.
• Most Densely Populated State: Bihar is the most densely populated state in India, with 1106 persons per square kilometer. It overtook West Bengal (1028) in the 2011 survey.
• Union Territories: Delhi has the highest population density among all states and Union Territories, with a staggering 11,320 persons per square kilometer.
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands: This UT has the lowest density among Union Territories, with only 46 persons per square kilometer.
• Historical Context: The Census of 2011 was the 15^th census of India and the 7^th since Independence. The slogan was "Our Census, Our Future."

The correct answer is The State Governor.

Key Points

• Under Article 217 of the Indian Constitution, the President is required to consult the Chief Justice of India, the Chief Justice of the respective High Court, and the Governor of the concerned State before appointing judges to the High Courts.
• The role of the State Governor in this process is advisory, and the final decision is made by the President.
• The consultation process ensures the appointment of qualified and unbiased individuals to the judiciary, maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.
• The Chief Justice of India plays a critical role in providing recommendations to the President based on merit and judicial expertise.
• This constitutional provision is designed to promote a collaborative process involving key stakeholders in the judiciary and executive.

Additional Information

• Article 217 of the Constitution of India:
• It deals with the appointment and conditions of service of High Court judges.
• The President appoints judges after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the concerned state, and sometimes other judges as deemed necessary.
• Role of the Chief Justice of India:
• The Chief Justice of India provides recommendations to the President, ensuring judicial appointments are based on merit and integrity.
• This role is crucial for maintaining the independence of the judiciary.
• High Court Judges:
• They are responsible for adjudicating cases and upholding the Constitution within their respective jurisdictions.
• High Court judges hold office until the age of 62.
• Governor's Advisory Role:
• The Governor of the state provides input during the consultation process, representing the state’s interests.
• While the Governor’s role is advisory, the President has the final say in judicial appointments.

The correct answer is Fifth Five Year Plan.

Key Points

• The Fifth Five Year Plan was launched for the period 1974 to 1978 (though originally intended until 1979). The main objective of this plan was the eradication of poverty (Garibi Hatao) and the attainment of self-reliance.
• The slogan "Garibi Hatao" was coined by Indira Gandhi during the 1971 election campaign and was subsequently integrated as the core goal of the Fifth Five Year Plan.
• The plan was drafted and launched by D.P. Dhar. It focused on increasing the employment level, reducing social inequality, and achieving economic stability by controlling inflation.
• This plan was terminated one year early, in 1978, by the newly elected Janata Party Government led by Morarji Desai. They replaced it with the Rolling Plan for the period 1978-1980.
• The target growth rate for this plan was 4.4%, while the actual growth rate achieved was 4.8%, making it a successful plan in terms of economic output despite political instability.

Additional Information

• Fourth Five Year Plan (1969–1974):
• This plan was based on the Gadgil Strategy. It aimed at growth with stability and the progressive achievement of self-reliance.
• Significant events during this period included the nationalization of 14 major Indian banks in 1969 and the Green Revolution which boosted agricultural production.
• The Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 and the subsequent Bangladesh Liberation War took place during this plan, putting a strain on financial resources.
• Sixth Five Year Plan (1980–1985):
• This plan marked the beginning of economic liberalization in the Indian economy. Its focus was on poverty alleviation and technological self-reliance.
• Programs like the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) were given massive importance to tackle rural poverty.
• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was established on July 12, 1982, upon the recommendation of the Sivaraman Committee.
• Seventh Five Year Plan (1985–1990):
• The plan was implemented under the leadership of Rajiv Gandhi. Its objective was to improve productivity and create employment opportunities.
• The slogan for this plan was "Food, Work, and Productivity". It emphasized the growth of food grain production and social justice.
• For the first time, the private sector was given priority over the public sector in terms of investment allocation.

Important Points

• The concept of Five Year Plans in India was borrowed from the USSR (Soviet Union). India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was highly influenced by the centralized planning model of Joseph Stalin.
• The Planning Commission was the non-constitutional body responsible for formulating these plans. It was established on March 15, 1950.
• In 2015, the Narendra Modi government replaced the Planning Commission with a new think-tank called NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India).
• The National Development Council (NDC) was the final authority that approved the Five Year Plans before they were implemented. It was established on August 6, 1952.
• The Twenty Point Programme (TPP) was also launched during the Fifth Five Year Plan in 1975 with the objective of improving the quality of life of the poor and under-privileged.

The correct answer is Lothal.

Key Points

• Lothal, situated in the Bhal region of modern-day Gujarat, was a vital maritime hub of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC).
• The site is world-renowned for its artificial dockyard, which is considered the earliest known dockyard in the world, dating back to roughly 2400 BCE.
• This dockyard was a trapezoidal structure built with kiln-burnt bricks and measured approximately 218 meters in length and 37 meters in width.
• It was connected to an ancient course of the Bhogava River, a tributary of the Sabarmati, which allowed ships to enter from the Gulf of Khambhat during high tides.
• The presence of this dockyard signifies that Lothal was a major center for maritime trade, facilitating the exchange of goods like beads, gems, and ivory with civilizations in Mesopotamia and Sumer.

 Additional Information

• Mohenjo-daro:
• Located in the Larkana district of Sindh (Pakistan) on the banks of the Indus River.
• It is famous for the Great Bath, the Great Granary, and the discovery of the Bronze Dancing Girl statue.
• Harappa:
• The first site of the civilization to be excavated in 1921 by Daya Ram Sahni, located near the Ravi River in Punjab (Pakistan).
• Key features include granaries located outside the citadel and stone symbols of Lingam and Yoni.
• Kalibangan:
• Situated in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan on the banks of the dried-up Ghaggar River.
• It is significant for the discovery of the world’s earliest ploughed field and several fire altars used for rituals.

The correct answer is option 1.

Key PointsBandipur Tiger Reserve:

• It was established in 1973 under Project Tiger.
• In 1985, by including adjacent areas from Venugopala Wildlife Park, it was enlarged and named Bandipur National Park.
• It is situated in the tri-junction area of the States of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• It forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
• The park is located between the Kabini river in the north and the Moyar river in the south.
• The Nugu river runs through the park. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• The Kabini Reservoir separates the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves on the North-west.
• It is endowed with rich floral and faunal diversity and is recognized as one of the Mega Biodiversity Areas in the country.

Orang National Park:

• It is located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River in the Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam, India. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
• It was established as a sanctuary in 1985 and declared a National Park on 13 April 1999.
• It is also known as the mini Kaziranga National Park (IUCN site) since the two parks have a similar landscape made up of marshes, streams and grasslands and are inhabited by the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros.
• Flora and fauna include great Indian rhinoceros, pygmy hog, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo and Bengal tiger.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:

• It lies in the eastern part of Rajasthan state in Karauli and Sawai Madhopur districts, at the junction of the Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges.
• It is located near the confluence of the Banas and Chambal rivers, but none of the rivers does not flow through the tiger reserve. Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.
• The vegetation includes grasslands on plateaus and dense forests along the seasonal streams.
• The forest type is mainly tropical dry deciduous with ‘dhak’ (Butea monsoperma), a tree capable of withstanding long periods of drought, being the commonest.
• This tree is also called as 'Flame of forest' and is one of the many flowering plants that add colour to the dry summers here.

Jaldapara National Park:

• It is located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in the Alipurduar District of northern West Bengal and on the banks of the Torsa River. Hence, pair 4 is not correctly matched.
• It is home to the Indian leopard, Indian elephants, sambar, barking deer, spotted deer, hog deer, wild boars, gaur, etc.
• Jaldapara is a paradise for bird watchers.
• It is one of the very few places in India, where the Bengal florican is sighted.

The correct answer is Sama Veda.

Key Points

• Sama Veda is considered the origin of Indian music and is often referred to as the "Veda of melodies and chants."
• It primarily contains hymns and chants that are meant to be sung rather than recited, providing the foundation for musical scales and compositions in Indian classical music.
• The chants in Sama Veda were designed to invoke divine blessings and establish a spiritual connection, making it highly significant in religious rituals. Hence, the correct option is Sama Veda.
• The hymns in Sama Veda are derived from the Rig Veda, but they are set to specific melodies or tunes, which are believed to be the precursor to the musical traditions of India.
• Sama Veda is closely associated with Indian classical music, including the development of raga systems, which form the core of both Hindustani and Carnatic music traditions.

Additional Information

• Sama Veda:
• Sama Veda is one of the four Vedas and holds an integral place in the spiritual and musical traditions of ancient India.
• It consists of 1,875 verses, most of which are derived from the Rig Veda. These verses are set to music and are intended for liturgical purposes.
• Sama Veda lays the foundation for Indian musical traditions and emphasizes the importance of melodic chanting to enhance spiritual experience.
• Comparison of the Four Vedas:
• Rig Veda: Focuses on hymns and praises dedicated to the gods. It is the oldest and most foundational text in the Vedic literature.
• Sama Veda: Contains musical chants and melodies derived from the Rig Veda, forming the basis of Indian music.
• Yajur Veda: Deals with the rituals and ceremonies associated with sacrifices and practical aspects of religious worship.
• Atharva Veda: Focuses on practical knowledge, spells, charms, and everyday life aspects, including medicine and healing practices.
• Indian Music and Sama Veda:
• Indian classical music evolved from the melodic structures outlined in Sama Veda, particularly the raga system.
• Both Hindustani and Carnatic music traditions trace their roots to the Sama Veda, highlighting its significance in shaping the musical heritage of India.

Important Points

• Historical Significance:
• Sama Veda played a crucial role in the development of religious rituals and ceremonies in ancient India.
• The musical chants of Sama Veda were used in temple rituals and were believed to have divine powers to connect humans with the spiritual realm.
• Role in Music Evolution:
• Sama Veda is considered the earliest source of Indian classical music, influencing not only music but also dance and drama traditions.
• The raga system, which forms the backbone of Indian classical music, finds its origins in the melodic structures outlined in Sama Veda.

The correct answer is Qutb-ud-din Aibak.

Key Points

• Qutb-ud-din Aibak was the first ruler of the Slave Dynasty, also known as the Mamluk Dynasty, which ruled Delhi in the 13^th century CE.
• He was a former slave of Mohammad Ghori and rose to prominence after Ghori's death in 1206 CE. Following Ghori's death, Qutb-ud-din declared himself the ruler of the territories in India.
• Qutb-ud-din Aibak established his capital at Lahore and laid the foundation of the Slave Dynasty, marking the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate.
• He is known for commissioning the construction of the Qutub Minar in Delhi, which was later completed by his successor, Iltutmish.
• He earned the title of Lakh Baksh (Giver of Lakhs) due to his generous nature and patronage of scholars and poets during his reign.
• Qutb-ud-din Aibak ruled until his death in 1210 CE, which occurred due to a fall from a horse while playing polo.

Additional Information

• Slave Dynasty (1206–1290 CE):
• The Slave Dynasty was the first of the five dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate. It was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1206 CE.
• It was called the Slave Dynasty because its rulers were former slaves who had risen to power.
• The dynasty included notable rulers such as Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish, and Balban.
• Contributions of Qutb-ud-din Aibak:
• He started the construction of the Qutub Minar to commemorate the victory of Mohammad Ghori over the Rajputs.
• He built the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque in Delhi, near the Qutub Minar.
• Iltutmish (1211–1236 CE):
• He was the successor of Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed the construction of the Qutub Minar.
• Iltutmish introduced the Iqta system and consolidated the Delhi Sultanate's territories.
• Balban (1266–1287 CE):
• Balban is remembered for his strict administration and policy of blood and iron.
• He strengthened the central authority and suppressed rebellions during his reign.
• Razia Sultan (1236–1240 CE):
• She was the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Razia faced opposition from nobles and was eventually overthrown, highlighting the patriarchal nature of the era.

Important Points

• Qutub Minar:
• The Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a famous symbol of Indo-Islamic architecture.
• Its construction was started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish.
• Mohammad Ghori:
• Mohammad Ghori was a ruler of the Ghurid Empire and the mentor of Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
• His conquest of northern India laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.

The correct answer is Zabti system.

Key Points

• The Zabti system, also known as the Dahshala system, was a land revenue administrative framework introduced by Raja Todar Mal, the finance minister (Mushrif-i-Diwan) of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, around 1580-1582.
• This system was based on a meticulous survey of crop yields, prices, and areas cultivated over a ten-year period (1570−1580) to establish a stable revenue demand.
• The state revenue demand was fixed at one-third of the average produce, and unlike earlier systems, the valuation was converted into cash based on local price schedules (Dasturs).
• For accurate land measurement, Akbar replaced the traditional hemp rope with the Jarib, which utilized bamboo sticks joined by iron rings to prevent fluctuations caused by moisture.
• The land was categorized into four types based on the continuity of cultivation: Polaj (cultivated annually), Parauti (left fallow for 1−2 years), Chachar (left fallow for 3−4 years), and Banjar (uncultivated for 5 years or more).

 Additional Information

• Mansabdari system:
• A unique administrative and military ranking system introduced by Akbar to organize the nobility.
• Ranks were divided into Zat (personal status and salary) and Sawar (number of cavalrymen the officer was required to maintain).
• Jagirdari system:
• A mechanism of resource allocation where Mansabdars were assigned Jagirs (land grants) instead of cash salaries.
• The Jagirdar had the right to collect revenue from the assigned territory to meet his official expenses.
• Ryotwari system:
• A land revenue system introduced much later by the British (specifically Thomas Munro and Alexander Read) in South India.
• It established a direct contract between the government and the Ryots (individual peasants) for tax payment.

The correct answer is Odisha.

Key Points

• The Paika Rebellion, also known as the Paika Bidroha, was a fierce armed uprising against the British East India Company that broke out in Odisha in 1817.
• The Paikas were the traditional landed militia of Odisha, who rendered military and policing services to the Gajapati rulers of Khurda in exchange for rent-free agricultural lands known as Nish-kar Jagirs.
• The rebellion was primarily triggered by the British conquest of Odisha in 1803, which led to the deposition of the Raja of Khurda and the subsequent resumption of the Paikas hereditary lands by the colonial administration.
• The movement was led by Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar, the former military commander of the Khurda forces, who galvanized the Paikas and the tribal Kandhas to revolt against the oppressive land revenue system.
• Economic grievances including the skyrocketing price of salt due to the British monopoly and the abolition of the traditional Cowrie currency system intensified the local resentment.
• The uprising spread across regions like Puri, Pipli, and Cuttack, and although the British officially suppressed it by 1818, guerrilla resistance continued until 1825.

 Additional Information

• Bengal:
• It was the central administrative hub of the British East India Company and witnessed the Sanyasi Rebellion (1763−1800) and the Chuar Uprising, but it was not the location of the Paika revolt.
• Maharashtra:
• This region saw significant anti-colonial resistance such as the Bhil Uprising (1818) and the Ramosi Rebellion (1822) led by Chittur Singh against the British revenue policies.
• Assam:
• Resistance in this region included the Ahom Revolt of 1828 led by Gomdhar Konwar and the Phulaguri Dhawa (1861), which was the first peasant uprising in Assam.

The correct answer is 'Participation of Indians in British Indian Government'

Key Points

• Gandhi-Irwin Pact, 1931:
• The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a political agreement signed on March 5, 1931, between Mahatma Gandhi and the then Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin.
• It marked a significant step in the Indian freedom struggle, aiming to create a mutual understanding between the Indian National Congress and the British government.
• The pact led to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement and facilitated the participation of the Congress in the Second Round Table Conference.
• Promises made in the Gandhi-Irwin Pact:
• Suspension of Civil Disobedience Movement: Gandhi agreed to suspend the ongoing Civil Disobedience Movement, which included acts such as the non-payment of taxes and the breaking of salt laws.
• Not to press for enquiry into police excesses: As a conciliatory gesture, Gandhi agreed not to insist on an inquiry into police actions and violence during the movement.
• Participation of Congress in the Round Table Conference: The Congress agreed to participate in the Second Round Table Conference to discuss constitutional reforms in India.
• Why 'Participation of Indians in British Indian Government' is incorrect:
• The Gandhi-Irwin Pact did not include any provision or promise about Indian participation in the British Indian Government.
• The pact primarily dealt with addressing civil disobedience issues and ensuring Congress’s participation in constitutional discussions, rather than political representation in governance.

Additional Information

• Other outcomes of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact:
• The pact ensured the release of political prisoners who were not charged with violence.
• Confiscated properties of satyagrahis (protesters) were to be returned, and fines that had not been collected were to be remitted.
• The right to make salt for personal use was granted to coastal villages, marking a partial concession on the salt tax issue.
• Significance of the pact:
• It demonstrated Gandhi’s willingness to negotiate and his pragmatic approach to achieving freedom within a constitutional framework.
• The agreement highlighted the influence of mass movements like the Civil Disobedience Movement in pressuring the colonial government.
• While the pact did not lead to immediate constitutional reforms, it paved the way for future negotiations and international recognition of India’s struggle for independence.