UGC NET Paper 2: History 10 Oct 2022 Shift 1 (Previous Year Paper)

The correct answer is Sthalapurana.

Key PointsSthalpurana

• "Sthalpurana" is a Sanskrit word that can be translated as "local history" or "legend of a place."
• Hinduism refers to the mythology and stories associated with a particular place, such as a temple or sacred site.
• These stories often involve gods, goddesses, and other divine beings, and they serve to explain the significance of the place and why it is considered holy.
• Sthala Puranas are often found in South India, where the dominant Hindu traditions are Vaishnavism and Shaivism.

​Hence the correct answer is Sthalapuran.

Additional InformationUpanishad

• The Upanishads are a collection of late Vedic Sanskrit texts that form the basis of later Hindu philosophy
• They deal with meditation, philosophy, consciousness, and ontological knowledge, and are the most recent part of the Vedas
• 108 Upanishads are known, with the first dozen or so considered the oldest and most important
• The Upanishads were written over a time period ranging from 700 to 400 B.C.E
• Upanishads focused on Spiritual enlightenment.
• Upanishad is derived from the words upa (near) and shad (to sit). It is derived from the concept of sitting near the feet of the teacher.

Kavya

• Kāvya refers to Sanskrit literature written by Indian court poets between c.200 BCE and 1200 CE
• Characterized by the rich use of figures of speech such as metaphors, similes, and hyperbole
• Creates emotional effects through language
• Can be either poetry or prose.

The correct answer is Tattavacintamani.

Key PointsNavya Nyaya

• The New Nyaya (Navya Nyaya) is a school of Indian logic and epistemology that emerged in the 11th-12th century CE.
• It is a revival of the ancient Nyaya school of thought, which focuses on the correct understanding and justification of knowledge.
• The main philosophical treatise that introduces and explains the principles of the New Nyaya system is "Tattvachintamani" written by the Indian logician Gangesa Upādhyāya.
• This work is considered the foundational text of the Navya Nyaya system and provides a comprehensive and systematic explanation of the logical and epistemological concepts and arguments used in this tradition.
• The treatise focuses on the analysis of knowledge and perception, the nature of inference, the classification of reasons and fallacies, and the methodology of debate and argumentation.

Therefore the correct answer is Tattavacintamani.

Additional InformationKhandanakhandakhadya

• "Khandanakhandakhadya" by Shri Harsha (written before the 8th century)
• Considered a famous and important treatise of the Vedanta philosophy
• Known for its destructive criticism of the main categories and cognitional activities put forth by the Logicians
• Thesis: nothing can be explained, all is inexplicable

​Prabandha-Chintamani

• ​Prabandha-Chintamani is an Indian Sanskrit-language collection of prabandhas (semi-historical biographical narratives).
• It was compiled in c. 1304 CE, in the Vaghela kingdom of present-day Gujarat, by Jain scholar Merutunga.

The correct answer is Ramayana.

Key Points

• Paumacariyam is a Jaina text, written in the Prakrit language, by Vimalasūri.
• which retells the story of the Hindu epic Ramayana from the perspective of Sita, the wife of Prince Rama.
• It is believed to have been composed in the 1st or 2nd century AD and is considered one of the oldest Jaina works.
• The text emphasizes the principles of non-violence, forgiveness, and ethical behavior, which are central to Jaina's philosophy.
• Paumacariyam is highly regarded by Jaina communities and is still studied and recited in Jaina ceremonies and festivals.
• It was written differently from the other versions of the Rāmāyaṇa and had similar thematic concerns.
• It could be argued that the Paumacariyam was written to legitimize the Vidyādhara lineage and act as a charter for the kingdoms that arose in the Vindhyan region and its fringes in the first millennium AD.
• Many of these dynasties claimed Cedi ancestry but did not publicize any substantial patronage to Jainism, which was becoming more popular in the region at the time.
• The Paumacariyam may have been intended to question the Bhārgava version of the Rāmāyaṇa and make it acceptable to dynasties claiming Cedi connections linked in origin with the rākṣasas of the Paumacariyam.
• The fact that Rāvaṇa is killed in the Paumacariyam supports the possibility that they might have been the Cedi ancestors of the new dynasties.​

​Therefore the correct answer is Ramayana.

The correct answer is None of the above.

Key Points Bana

• Bana was a 7th-century Sanskrit prose writer and poet in India
• He served as the Asthana Kavi in the court of Emperor Harsha, who reigned c. 606–647 CE in north India
• He is known for his two notable works:
• Harshacharita (Deeds of Harsha), a biography of Harsha
• Kadambari, one of the world's earliest novels, was completed by his son Bhushanabhatta
• He also wrote the Candikashataka and a drama, the Parvatiparinaya
• He is praised as "banochhistam jagatsarvam" meaning Bana has described everything in this world and nothing is left.

Bilhana

• Kavi Bilhana was an 11th-century Kashmiri poet.
• Known for his love poem "Caurapancasika".
• Had a secret love affair with Princess Yaminipurnatilaka, resulting in the arrest and uncertain fate.
• Wrote "Caurapancasika" while in prison.
• The poem was transmitted orally and has been translated into several languages.
• Bilhana left his homeland for fame but failed and was appointed as Vidyapathi by King Vikramaditya VI.

Kalhana​

• Kalhana was a 12th-century Kashmiri poet and historian.
• He is best known for his historical chronicle "Rajatarangini".
• Provides a comprehensive history of Kashmir from the earliest times to the 12th century.
• Contains valuable information on the region's political, social, and cultural life.
• Writing is characterized by impartiality, poetic style, and a keen sense of history.

The correct answer is Atula.

Key PointsMushika-Vamsha

• It is a dynastic chronicle composed in Sanskrit in the 11th century by the poet Atula.
• It narrates the history of the Mushika dynasty which ruled the northern part of present-day Kerala
• Other kings mentioned in the composition are Validhara Vikrama Rama, Jayamani and Kantan Karivarman, and Chera king Kota Ravi Vijayaraga.

Athula 

• Athula was a Sanskrit-language poet from the Mushika Kingdom in present-day Kerala, India.
• He composed the Mushika-vamsa, a mahakavya on the ruling dynasty of the kingdom.

​

Additional InformationSandhyakara Nandi

• Sandhyakara Nandi was a medieval Indian music composer and poet
• He was a member of the Nandi community, which was a group of musicians and performers associated with Hindu temples in ancient India
• He is best known for his devotional compositions in Sanskrit, written in praise of Lord Shiva
• His most famous work is the "Shiva Stuti," a hymn of 108 verses considered one of the greatest compositions in Indian classical music
• Lived in the 13th or 14th century and is revered as one of the great composers of devotional music in the Indian tradition.

Bilhana

• Kavi Bilhana was an 11th-century Kashmiri poet.
• Known for his love poem "Caurapancasika".
• Had a secret love affair with Princess Yaminipurnatilaka, resulting in the arrest and uncertain fate.
• Wrote "Caurapancasika" while in prison.
• The poem was transmitted orally and has been translated into several languages.
• Bilhana left his homeland for fame but failed and was appointed as Vidyapathi by King Vikramaditya VI.

Kalhana​

• Kalhana was a 12th-century Kashmiri poet and historian.
• He is best known for his historical chronicle "Rajatarangini".
• Provides a comprehensive history of Kashmir from the earliest times to the 12th century.
• Contains valuable information on the region's political, social, and cultural life.
• Writing is characterized by impartiality, poetic style, and a keen sense of history.

The correct answer is Tenant.

Key Points

• The term "Upavasa" in the Arthashastra of Kautilya refers to a tax or tribute imposed on tenants or cultivators.
• This tax was collected by the state as a form of revenue and was used to support the administration and military.
• The Arthashastra provides guidelines for collecting and managing this tax, as well as the rights and responsibilities of tenants and cultivators.

Therefore the correct answer is Tenant.

Additional InformationKautilya's Arthashastra

• Kautilya's Arthashastra is considered the main source of study of Mauryan period, though its compilation took place from 4th century BC to 2nd and 3rd century AD.
• The significance of Arthashastra lies in its emphasis on Artha as the means of all other pursuits, above Dharma and Kama.
• The emphasis of the text is on conquering the earth as a means of obtaining wealth, making it more of a political science than economics.
• Arthashastra has 15 tribunals, with 5 related to internal administration, 8 to foreign relations, and 2 receiving mixed information.
• Economics sheds light on the political, economic and social system, with the king at the center and the Council of Ministers informed.
• The text also covers provincial administration, local administration, judicial administration, city administration, military system, intelligence system, and more.

The correct answer is Dinnaga.

Key Points 

• The above option is correct as Dignāga was an Indian Buddhist scholar and one of the Buddhist founders of Indian logic.
• Dignaga's work laid the groundwork for the further progress of deductive logic in India and created the first system of Buddhist logic and epistemology.
• Hence, he was the founder of Buddhist logic and has been called the Father of Medieval Nyaya.

Additional Information Manimegalai

• The "Manimegalai" is a Buddhist epic poem and one of the Five Great Epic Poems of Tamil Literature, written in the 2nd-3rd century CE.
• It provides an overview of the life of the Buddhist nun Manimekalai, who was the daughter of the famous character in the Tamil epic "Silappadikaram". Some key points about the "Manimegalai" include:

Narrative:

• The "Manimegalai" is a story that follows the life of the Buddhist nun Manimekalai and her journey to attain enlightenment.
• The narrative also touches upon the social and political landscape of the time and provides a glimpse into ancient Indian culture.

Philosophy:

• The "Manimegalai" is written in a style that incorporates elements of logic and reasoning, and reflects the influence of the syllogistic system of Aristotle.
• The author uses syllogistic arguments to make philosophical points and provide a foundation for Buddhist teachings.

Buddhism:

• The "Manimegalai" is a Buddhist text that provides an overview of Buddhist philosophy and religious practices.
• It discusses the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and other core Buddhist teachings.

Literature:

• The "Manimegalai" is considered a masterpiece of Tamil literature and is known for its intricate poetry, rich imagery, and beautiful language.

The correct answer is Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir.

Key PointsThe Fourth Buddhist Council

• The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in 72 AD in Kundalavana (near Srinagar, Kashmir)
• It was patronized by the Kushan king Kanishka and presided over by Vasumitra with Asvaghosa as his deputy
• The purpose of the council was to resolve a critical dispute between the Gandhara and Sarvastivada teachers of Kashmir
• The council divided Buddhism into two sects: Mahayana and Hinayana. Hence, option (2) is correct.
• The council consisted of two separate Buddhist councils; one in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka (traditionally ascribed to 1st century BCE) and the other in Kundalavana, Kashmir
• The council aimed to resolve differences peacefully and democratically among Buddhist followers
• The council resulted in the creation of the Mahavibhasa, a compilation of Sarvastivadin beliefs with three large commentaries on the Pitakas
• The four Buddhist councils are considered milestones in the history of Buddhism.​

Key Points

The correct answer is Suttanipata.

Key PointsSuttanipata 

• Cow Protection was started in a certain social need in an emerging cultivating society, not as a ritual practice.
• A cow was a very useful animal in the pre-modern agricultural society, where the modern technology of plough does not exist.
• After getting involved in cultivation due to royal land grants, Brahmins disapproved of cattle killing.
• The Sutta Nipāta ('Section of the Suttas') is a Buddhist scripture, a sutta collection in the Khuddaka Nikaya, part of the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism.

The correct answer is Avanti.

Key PointsHaihayas 

• The Haihayas were a confederacy of five clans that ruled over the Heheya Kingdom, also known as the Haihaya Kingdom.
• The Haihayas claimed common ancestry from Yadu, a legendary king of the Chandravamsha lineage.
• The Haihaya Kingdom was involved in conflicts with neighboring kingdoms and was eventually defeated by the Bhargava leader Parashurama.
• The capital of the kingdom was Mahishmati, located on the banks of the Narmada River in present-day Madhya Pradesh.
• The five Haihaya clans were Vitihotra, Sharyata, Bhoja, Avanti, and Tundikera and they were native to the present-day Malwa region of Western Madhya Pradesh.
• The Puranas style the Haihayas as the first ruling dynasty of Mahishmati.

Additional InformationMagadha:

• Magadha was one of the 16 Mahajanapadas (Great Kingdoms) in ancient India.
• It was located in the modern-day Indian states of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
• Magadha was ruled by the Haryanka, Shishunaga, Nanda, and Maurya dynasties, among others.
• The city of Pataliputra, modern-day Patna, served as the capital of Magadha for much of its history.

Kosala:

• Kosala was one of the 16 Mahajanapadas in ancient India.
• It was located in the modern-day Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
• The capital of Kosala was Shravasti, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
• The Buddha is said to have lived in Kosala for a significant portion of his life and delivered many sermons there.

Matsya:

• Matsya was one of the 16 Mahajanapadas in ancient India.
• It was located in the modern-day Indian state of Rajasthan.
• The capital of Matsya was Viratanagari, located in present-day Rajasthan.
• Matsya was ruled by King Virata, who is mentioned in the Hindu epic the Mahabharata.

The correct answer is mentions the names of the Hellenic Kings.

Key Points 

• Ashoka's Rock Edicts were a series of inscriptions on rocks and pillars throughout the Indian subcontinent made by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka during the third century BCE.
• The rock edicts served as public proclamations and communicated Ashoka's policies and beliefs, particularly with regard to dharma (righteous behavior) and non-violence.
• Here is a list of some of the most notable Rock Edicts:

The correct answer is Perching birds that live on grain.

Key PointsBhimbetka rock paintings

• Archaeological site: Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site located in central India, in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh.
• Historical significance: The site spans the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and historic periods, and is considered to be one of the oldest examples of human life in India.
• Evidence of Stone Age: The site provides evidence of the Stone Age, starting from the Acheulian period.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Bhimbetka was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
• Large complex: The site consists of seven hills and over 750 rock shelters spread over 10 km, and is one of the largest prehistoric complexes.
• Inhabited for over 100,000 years: At least some of the shelters were inhabited more than 100,000 years ago.
• Cave paintings: Some of the rock shelters feature prehistoric cave paintings, with the earliest estimated to be about 10,000 years old (c. 8,000 BCE).
• Depiction of prehistoric life: The cave paintings depict themes such as animals, dance, hunting of birds and animals, and warriors on horseback, providing a rare glimpse into human settlement and cultural evolution from hunter-gatherers to agriculture and prehistoric spirituality.
• Oldest-known rock art in India: Bhimbetka is also home to the oldest-known rock art in India.

Hence the correct answer is Perching birds that live on grain.

The correct answer is Stapathi.

Key PointsStapathi

• Stapathi is the title given to the Chief Sculptor or Master Craftsman responsible for the creation of sculptures and images in the temple architecture of the Chola period.
• The Cholas were known for their architectural achievements, including the construction of grand and ornate temple complexes that showcased their wealth and power.
• The Stapathi was a crucial figure in the creation of these temples and was responsible for the design and creation of the images of the temple deity, as well as the other sculptures and carvings found within the temple complex.

Therefore the correct answer is Stapathi.

Additional InformationVishvakarma

• Vishvakarma is a Hindu deity considered to be the divine architect and the patron of all craftsmen, including architects, engineers, carpenters, sculptors, and others.
• He is associated with the world's creation and is revered for his knowledge of the sciences and the arts.
• In Hindu mythology, Vishvakarma is often depicted as the creator of the universe and is credited with designing and building some of the most magnificent structures in the world, including palaces, cities, and temples.
• He is considered to be the source of all knowledge and skill in the arts and crafts.

Sutradhara

• Sutradhara is a Sanskrit word that means "holder of the strings or threads".
• In the context of Hindu temple architecture, Sutradhara refers to the Master Builder or Architect who was responsible for the planning, design, and construction of temples.
• The Sutradhara was an essential figure in the temple building process, as they were responsible for overseeing the work of the craftsmen and ensuring that the construction was carried out according to the designs and specifications.

Shilpi

• Shilpi is a Sanskrit word that means "sculptor" or "artist".
• In Hindu temple architecture, Shilpi refers to a skilled sculptor or craftsman, responsible for creating the sculptures and images that adorned the temple.

The correct answer is  the measurement and arrangement of coins by weight.

Key Points 

• Metrology is the study of measurement, including the development of measurement standards and methods.
• It covers a wide range of topics, including dimensional metrology (the measurement of length, width, height, and other dimensions), mass metrology (the measurement of mass), temperature metrology (the measurement of temperature), and time and frequency metrology (the measurement of time and frequency).
• While coin metrology (the study of coins and their properties, including weight and size) is a subfield of metrology.
• Coin metrology is a small part of the larger field of metrology and focuses specifically on coins as a type of measurement standard.

Hence the correct answer is option (3).

Additional Information Chronology of coins

• The study of the chronology of coins is called Numismatics.
• Numismatics is a branch of archaeology and history that focuses specifically on the study of coins, tokens, medals, and other forms of currency.

The study of weather

• The study of weather is called Meteorology.
• Meteorology is a branch of atmospheric science that deals with the study of the atmosphere and its processes, including the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of the atmosphere and how it affects our weather and climate.

The study of metals

• The study of metals is called Metallurgy.
• Metallurgy is a branch of materials science and engineering that deals with the extraction, processing, and fabrication of metals and alloys.
• It involves the study of the physical and chemical properties of metals and alloys, as well as the development of methods for refining, purifying, and forming metals into useful products.

The correct answer is One who does not perform sacrifices.

The Rigveda is an ancient Indian sacred collection of Hindu hymns, prayers, and liturgical verses. It is considered one of the oldest religious texts in the world and is estimated to have been composed between 1700 and 1100 BCE.

• Brahmin is a Hindu caste traditionally associated with priests, scholars, and teachers. Brahmins have played a significant role in the preservation and cultural traditions in Hindu society, including the study and recitation of the Vedas, of which the Rigveda is one.
• The Ashvamedha, a ritual in which a horse was allowed to roam freely for a year, then finally sacrificed, is mentioned in Vedic texts such as the Yajurveda.
• The main way of worshiping the gods was to recite praises and offer yagya sacrifices. There was more emphasis on praise lessons.
• Indra and Agni were invoked to receive the sacrifices offered by the whole people.
• Vegetables, barley, etc. were given in the sacrifice.
• The people of the Rigvedic period used to worship their deities with the desire to get progeny, animals, food grains, health, etc. from them.
• On the other hand, In Vedic times we also find mention of 'Mridhara-Vacha', which means 'the one who does not sacrifice'.

​Hence the correct answer will be option (2).

The correct answer is Nyyatattva.

Key PointsNathamuni

• Nathamuni was a Vaishnava theologian who lived in the 9th century CE.
• He is considered the first of the Sri Vaishnava acharyas.
• Nathamuni is best known for collecting and compiling the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• He is also the author of the Yogarahasya and the Nyayatattva.

Hence the correct answer is Nyayatattva.

Additional InformationTattvaratnakara

• "Tattvaratnakara" is a Sanskrit text written by the philosopher and logician Sri Vallabhacharya, who was a proponent of the Bhakti tradition of Hinduism.
• The text is considered one of the key works of the Pushtimarg, a sub-tradition within Vaishnavism that focuses on devotion to Lord Krishna.
• The "Tattvaratnakara" is a compendium of philosophy and theology, and covers a wide range of topics including the nature of ultimate reality, the means to attain liberation, and the nature of devotion to God.

Sri Bhasya

• ​The Sri Bhasya is a philosophical text written by the Hindu philosopher Ramanuja, which serves as his commentary on the Brahma Sutras by Badarayana.
• In the text, Ramanuja presents his interpretation of the fundamental principles of Vishishtadvaita philosophy, based on his understanding of the Upanishads, Smriti texts, and the Vedanta sutra.
• He refutes the Advaita Vedanta philosophy of Shankara and his theory of Maya, and instead, introduces the concepts of the three categories of reality (tattvas) and the relationship between the body and soul.

The correct answer is 12 months.

 Key Points

• The militia of Ahoms drew its strength from the organization of 'paikas' by gots' where each member was jointly responsible for military service for at least 12 months each year.

Hence, the correct answer will be option (2)

Additional Information

The Paik system 

• The Paik system was a type of corvee labour system used by the Ahom kingdom in medieval Assam.
• Adult and able males called paiks were obligated to render service to the state and form its militia in exchange for a piece of land for cultivation owned by the kingdom.
• The Paik system was believed to have been brought from Southeast Asia in 1228.
• Similar systems were used by the Kingdom of Manipur, the Jaintia Kingdom, and the Kachari Kingdom.
• The mature structure of the Paik system was designed by Momai Tamuli Borbarua in 1608 and implemented extensively during the reign of Sutamla Jayadhwaj Singha in 1658.
• The Paik system continued to evolve over time but eventually collapsed by the end of the Moamoria rebellion in 1769-1805.
• The Paik system had a profound impact on Assam's social life and many collective practices still originate from medieval times.
• Many people in Assam today still carry Paik office titles in their last names (Bora, Saikia, Hazarika).

The correct answer is Barni.

Key PointsZiauddin Barani 

• Ziauddin Barani wrote the following lines describing his fall from prestige: "God honored me at the beginning and disgraced me at the end of my life'.
• Ziauddin Barani was a 14th-century Muslim political thinker and historian in India.
• He was born in 1285 in Delhi and lived during the rule of the Sultanate of Delhi.
• Barani is best known for his work "Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi" (The History of Firuz Shah), which is considered a valuable source of information on the political and social conditions of the Delhi Sultanate during the reign of Firuz Shah Tughlaq.
• He died in 1357 in Delhi.

Additional Information 

Mulla Ahmad Thattawi

• Mulla Ahmad Thattawi was a 16th-century Indian Islamic scholar and theologian.
• He was born in 1565 in the city of Thatta in modern-day Pakistan.
• Thattawi is best known for his work "Tafsir Mulla Ahmad," a commentary on the Quran written in Persian.
• He was a disciple of the famous Islamic scholar Mulla Abdul Qadir Badauni and studied under him in Delhi.
• He died in 1644 in the city of Thatta.

​Isami

• ​Isami was a 16th-century Indian poet and writer in the Persian language.
• He was born in the city of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat in western India.
• Isami is best known for his work "Futuh al-Salatin" (Conquests of the Sultans), which is a historical account of the reigns of the Bahmani Sultans in the Deccan region of India.
• He wrote the work at the request of the Bahmani Sultan Muhammad III and dedicated it to him.
• The work is considered a valuable source of information on the political and social conditions of the Bahmani Sultanate during the 15th century.

Amir Khusrau

• ​Amir Khusrau was a 13th-14th century Indian poet, musician, and scholar.
• He was born in 1253 in the city of Patiyali in modern-day Uttar Pradesh, India.
• Khusrau is considered one of the greatest poets in the Persian language and is known as the "parrot of India" for his exceptional poetry.
• He was a court poet of several rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, including Sultan Alauddin Khilji and Sultan Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah.

The correct answer is A Woman.

Key PointsSamaya Matrika:

• ​Samaya Matrika, or The Courtesan's Keeper, was written by the Kashmiri poet Kshemendra.
• The poet was born in Kashmir in the 11th century, and much of his work was set in the Kashmir region.
• He studied both Vaishnavism and Buddhism and was versed in several Vedic texts.
• The work is a satire that follows the exploits of Kankali, a courtesan, and her ward Kalavati as they travel throughout Kashmir, exposing the silliness and contradictions of the various segments of society, including the upper class, the clergy, the poor, the seasonal harvest, and the government.
• These lessons and observations in turn show Kalavati the general silliness of people. Kankali is also keen to point out the contradictions seen in people's behavior.
• The document provides an insight into people's day-to-day lives in the Medieval-era Kashmir valley and is considered a valuable source for historians.

Therefore the correct answer will be kalavati i.e. A Woman.

The correct answer is police tax.

Key Points

• The Padikaval Kuli system in Tamil Nadu was a system of police administration in which the villagers were responsible for maintaining security in their respective areas.
• The watchmen, known as Padikappar, were appointed by the villagers and were remunerated with assignments of land and the proceeds from a special cess called the Padikaval Kali.
• According to the inscription from 1221, the Padikappar were provided with four velis of land for their houses as the allowances they received were not sufficient to support them.
• The land was considered inalienable except in cases of treason.
• This information highlights the importance of the Padikaval system in maintaining law and order in the early periods of Tamil Nadu.
• In the Vijayanagara empire, the Padikaval rights were so much coveted that they were granted to people as a reward for some service they rendered.

​Therefore the correct answer will be police tax.

Additional Information

Some other taxes during Chola Dynasty.

The Wardha Scheme for Education envisages Seven years of primary education for rural children including vocational training in village handicrafts.

 Key Points

• The Wardha Scheme of Basic Education was a response to Mahatma Gandhi's concerns about the inadequate education system in India.
• In 1937, Gandhi wrote an article in his magazine "Harijan" outlining his views on the declining education system and suggesting ways to improve it.
• The Indian National Congress, after winning the 1937 elections with a manifesto that included free and compulsory education, decided to adopt Gandhi's education scheme with some modifications.
• In October 1937, an All India National Educational Conference was held in Wardha, with Gandhi in attendance.
• Along with other educationists, Congress leaders, and ministers, Gandhi piloted the resolution passed during the conference.
• Three basic resolutions were passed at the Wardha Education Conference:
• Nationwide free and compulsory education for 7 years,
• The uses of the mother tongue as the medium of instruction
• An education centred around manual or productive work that integrates the physical, social, and craft environments.
• A committee led by Dr Zakir Hussain was established based on the Wardha conference and submitted its report on the first comprehensive National Basic Education Scheme in March 1938.
• This is known as the Wardha Scheme of Basic Education and is also referred to as Nai Talim, Basic Education, Buniyadi Talim (Shiksha), or Buniyadi Shiksha.

​Hence the correct answer will be option (1).

The correct answer is Dada Bhai Naoroji.

Key Points

• Dadabhai Naoroji was focused on civil service reform while speaking about the drain of wealth and promoting a solution through public works
• He challenged British claims that Indians were not mentally fit, capable, or trustworthy enough for high administrative positions
• Naoroji had plans for steady Indianization of the services, which became more ambitious over time
• In 1868, he hoped for the British majority in services to be reduced to two-thirds or three-fourths, but certain high executive powers would remain in British hands
• Naoroji rejected the transfer of all administrative posts to Indians
• “In my belief,” he asserted, “a greater calamity could not befall India than for England to go away and leave her to herself.”
• But his evolving demands for the Indianization of the civil service betrayed a different sentiment. In 1871, while addressing a select parliamentary committee in London, he discarded his earlier stance that “high executive power” should be the sole province of the British.
• Instead, Naoroji now called for the appointment of Indians to legislative councils, the India Office, and “all grades” of the government.

​Therefore the given sentence is said by Dada Bhai Naoroji.​

"An Indian Pilgrim", an unfinished biography written by Subhas Chandra Bose.

Key Points 

• Subhas Chandra Bose wrote "An Indian Pilgrim" towards the end of 1937 during a trip to Europe, after being nominated the President of the Indian National Congress
• The book was meant to be an autobiographical account of his life
• It traces Bose's life story from birth to his resignation from the Indian Civil Service
• It reflects Bose's ideological development and the influence of Swami Vivekananda on his life and thoughts: "I was barely fifteen when Vivekananda entered my life. Then there followed a revolution within and everything was turned upside down."
• The book provides a glimpse into Bose's personal and political beliefs and his singular focus on India's reconstruction
• Despite being unfinished, "An Indian Pilgrim" is a valuable historical document and provides insights into one of India's most important freedom fighters and leaders.

Therefore the correct answer will be Subhas Chandra Bose.

Additional InformationCaptain Mohan Singh

• Captain Mohan Singh was an Indian independence activist and revolutionary
• He was born in Rawalpindi, Punjab, in 1904 and was a Captain in the British Indian Army
• He played a key role in organizing the Indian National Army and was the first commander-in-chief of the INA. He was arrested and imprisoned by the British and is remembered as a dedicated freedom fighter.

Aurobindo Ghose 

• Aurobindo Ghose, also known as Sri Aurobindo, was an Indian philosopher, yogi, poet, and nationalist. He was born in Calcutta in 1872 and was a prominent figure in India's struggle for independence from British rule.
• His main literary works are "The Life Divine", which deals with the philosophical aspect of Integral Yoga; "Synthesis of Yoga", which deals with the principles and methods of Integral Yoga; and "Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol", an epic poem.

Satyamurti 

• Sundara Sastri Satyamurti was an Indian independence activist, lawyer, and politician
• He was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and was known for his powerful speeches and advocacy for social justice
• He was a skilled lawyer, a prolific writer, and an inspiration to generations of Indians who have followed in his footsteps.

The correct answer is Madras.

Key Points

• India was introduced to the rail transport industry in the early 18th century by the British Government.

1832-1852: The Period of Industrial Railways

• India's first railway was proposed in 1832 at Madras by the British Government.
• The country's first train, Red Hill Railways, began in Madras in 1837.
• Lord Dalhousie, the Governor General of India from 1848 to 1856, is known as the "father of railways" for initiating the introduction of railways in India.
• The Great India Peningar Railway was incorporated in 1849, and the Solani Aqueduct Railway was built in Roorkee in 1851.

Therefore the correct answer will be Madras.

Additional Information 

• The history of the Railways in India can be classified into different periods, including:
• 1832-1852: The Period of Industrial Railways
• 1853-1924: The Expansion and Introduction of Passenger Railways
• 1925-1924 Electrification and further Expansion of Railways
• 1947-1950: The Aftermath of Partition
• 1951-1983: Zonal re-organization and Development of Railways
• 1984-Present: Rapid transit and Later Development of Railways

1853-1924: The Expansion and Introduction of Passenger Railways

• The first railway line in India, spanning 34 km between Boribandar (Bombay) to Thane, was opened to passenger trains in 1853.
• The first train in Eastern India started in 1854 between Howrah to Hooghly.
• The first railway in South India started in 1856 between Royapuram-Vyasarpadi (Madras) to Wallajah Road (Arcot).
• The first railway workshop was built in Jamalpur, Bihar, in 1862.
• Delhi Junction became the first station in the north in 1864.
• Bhor Track was constructed in 1854 to connect Bombay to Poona (now Pune).

The correct answer is Annie Besant.

Key Points Champaran Satyagraha of 1917:

Background:

• ​Champaran was a district in the Indian state of Bihar where indigo cultivation was widespread.
• The farmers were forced to grow indigo on the 3/20th portion of their lands and were exploited by European indigo planters.

Gandhi's Arrival:

• In 1917, Mahatma Gandhi arrived in Champaran to investigate the grievances of the farmers and to launch a nonviolent resistance movement, also known as a Satyagraha.

Resistance movement:

• Gandhi encouraged the farmers to resist the exploitative system of the indigo planters through nonviolent means such as refusal to pay taxes, boycott of British goods, and peaceful protests.

Government Response:

• The British government responded to the resistance movement by launching a crackdown on the protesters and arresting several of Gandhi's supporters.

Negotiations and Settlement:

• After negotiations between Gandhi and the British authorities, a settlement was reached that granted relief to the farmers and put an end to the exploitation by the indigo planters.

Significance:

• The Champaran Satyagraha was an important event in India's independence movement and marked Gandhi's emergence as a leader of the national liberation struggle. The nonviolent resistance methods used in Champaran later became the hallmark of Gandhi's political philosophy and were used in subsequent independence movements in India and other parts of the world.

Accompanied by:

• Mahatma Gandhi was accompanied by Rajendra Prasad, Brij Kishor, Mahadev Desai, J.B. Kripalani, Narhari Parikh, Mazhar-ul-Haq, and N.G. Ranga during the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917.

Therefore, Annie Besant did not accompany Mahatma Gandhi when he went to Champaran in 1917.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh's new army did not include Gujaratis.

Key Points

• Ranjit Singh rose to prominence as the chief of the Sukerchakia Misls at the end of the 18th century.
• He was a strong, courageous soldier and efficient administrator and diplomat
• He captured Lahore in 1799 and Amritsar in 1802 and established his own kingdom in Punjab
• He brought all Sikh chiefs west of the Sutlej under his control and later conquered Kashmir, Peshawar, and Multan
• The old Sikh chiefs were transformed into big zamindars and jagirdars and the land revenue system was not changed
• Ranjit Singh built up a powerful and well-equipped army with the help of European instructors and recruited members of various communities such as Gurkhas, Biharis, Oriyas, Pathans, Dogras, and Punjabi Muslims, 'not Gujraties' as asked in the question.
• He set up modern foundries for cannon production and employed Muslim gunners
• He had a court full of outstanding men and was tolerant and liberal in religious matters, patronizing both Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu holy men
• Many of his important ministers and commanders were Muslim and Hindu
• His ministers included Fakir Azizuddin, his most prominent and trusted minister, and Dewan Dina Nath, his finance minister
• The kingdom was based on equal opportunities for all and political power was not used for exclusive Sikh benefits.

Hence the correct answer will be Gujratis.

Baji Rao I has been described as "The greatest exponent of Guerrilla tactics after Shivaji.

Key Points

• Peshwa Bajirao I (1720–40)
• Peshwa Bajirao I, the eldest son of Balaji Vishwanath, was a famous and powerful Peshwa, known as "Thorale" Baji Rao.
• He was an expert in guerrilla tactics and "The greatest exponent of Guerrilla tactics after Shivaji."
• Under his rule, the Maratha Empire reached its peak.
• Baji Rao I, popularized the idea of Hindu Pad Padshahi and was responsible for the defeat of the Nizam in the battles of Palkhed and Bhopal.
• He also captured Salsette and Bassein from the Portuguese in 1722 and shifted the administrative capital from Satara to Pune in 1728.
• Baji Rao I initiated the system of the confederacy among the Maratha chiefs, including the Gaekwads of Baroda, the Bhonsles of Nagpur, the Holkars of Indore, the Scindias of Gwalior, and the Peshwas of Poona.

Hence the correct answer will be Peshwa Bajirao I (1720–40).

Additional Information

• Balaji Vishwanath (1713–19)
• Balaji Vishwanath made the position of the Peshwa hereditary and helped Shahu become the ruler of the Maratha Empire.
• Shahu conferred the title of Sena-karte (organizer of forces) to him.
• In 1719, he got certain rights from the Farrukh Siyar, including recognition of Shahu as the Maratha empire king.
• He got permission to collect Chauth and sardeshmukhi from the six provinces of the Deccan.
• Nana Sahib belonged to this family.
• Balaji Baji Rao I (1740–61)
• He was appointed by Shahuji and was responsible for the transfer of supreme power of the Maratha Empire into the hands of the Peshwa through the Sangola Agreement in 1750.
• Balaji Baji Rao defeated Bengal Nawab Alivardi Khan and one-third of the Indian sub-continent was under Maratha rule.
• He entered into an agreement with the Mughal Emperor in 1752, granting protection to the emperor in return for Chauth and the revenue of the northwest provinces.
• In honor of this agreement, the Marathas fought the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, but the defeat fragmented the Maratha Empire.

The correct answer is Morris Davis Morris.

Key Points 

• Three distinct perspectives have arisen regarding the process of de-industrialization in India, as suggested by nationalist economists, contemporary researchers, and foreign scholars.
• The first perspective, represented by Daniel Thorner, suggests that while de-industrialization may have been present in the early 19th century, there was clear evidence of industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• On the other hand, US scholar Morris D. Morris argues that it is challenging to find evidence of de-industrialization in India.
• Nationalist economists, however, firmly believe in the existence of de-industrialization in India.
• The Western viewpoint, represented by Morris D. Morris, tends to downplay the evidence of de-industrialization in India, while the nationalist perspective, represented by nationalist economists, highlights it as a significant historical event.

Additional InformationThe Western view:

• The Western view of British colonial rule in India is that it brought benefits to India's economy, society, and polity.
• The British brought political unity and stability, improved transportation systems, and developed public works that facilitated economic growth.
• According to this view, India was underdeveloped before the British conquest, and the benevolent policies of the British helped lay the foundations for India's economic development.

The nationalist view:

• On the other hand, the nationalist view is that British rule led to the de-industrialization of India and a decline in the population dependent on indigenous industries.
• The industrialization of England was accompanied by the destruction of Indian cotton manufacturers, and India became increasingly dependent on agriculture.
• According to this view, the British discouraged Indian manufacturers in order to encourage the rising industries of England and make India subservient to the industries of Britain.

The correct answer is (B) and (C) only 

Important Points

• The Gupta Empire had a very elaborate administrative system at the village level, which is found in the inscriptions of that time.
• The 'village' was the smallest unit of governance, which was administered by the gram sabha.
• Gram Sabha was called 'Panchmandali' in Central India and Gram Janapada in Bihar.
• The Gram Sabha was used to perform all the functions of the government.
• Panchamandali is mentioned in the Sanchi inscription (412-13 AD) of Devraj (Chandragupta II).
• In the third copper plate received from Damodarpur, the names of some of the office bearers of the Gram Sabha are found as follows-
• Ashtakula-Adhikaran (Eight Kuladhikari) - was the officer of land-related purchase and sale and it was also used to establish relations through rural administration and Vithi's administration.
• Mahattar - The oldest member of Gram Panchayat.  Gramik - The head of the village.
• Kutumbin - Member of the families.

Therefore the correct answer will be (B) and (C) only.

The correct answer is, (B) and (D) only

Key Points

• Rajendra-I
• ​Rajendra-I was the most important king of the Chola Empire, it is also called 'Napoleon of the South'.
• Rajendra-I ascended the throne of the Chola kingdom in AD 1014-15 after the death of Rajaraja I.
• He was an ambitious and imperialist ruler like his father.
• In the north, after defeating the Pala ruler of Bengal, Rajendra-I assumed the title of 'Gangaikonda' and on this occasion, he established a new capital named 'Gangaikondacholapuram'.
• The Tiruvalangadu and Karandai (Tanjore) inscriptions of Rajendra-I provide the most reliable information about his achievements.
• Nathamuni
• Nathamuni was a great teacher of the Vaishnava tradition, he taught Sri Ganesha of 'Naliar Divya Prabandham' in the Sriranganatha temple.
• In his work 'Nyayatattva', he propounded the concept of 'Praatti' (complete surrender to God).
• He composed 'Yogarahasya'.

​Therefore options (B) and (D) are correct.

Additional Information

• Rajatarangini
• Rajatarangini was composed in 1148‑50 in Kashmir, India.
• The poet, Kalhana, was a member of the ancient Indian learned class of brahmans.
• The Rajatarangini is an account of the many royal dynasties that ruled the ancient kingdom of Kashmir from its mythical origins down till the poet’s own time
• The Alvars
• The Alvars were the Tamil poet-saints of South India who espoused bhakti to the Hindu preserver deity Vishnu, in their songs of longing, ecstasy, and service.
• They are venerated in Vaishnavism, which regards Vishnu as the Ultimate Reality.
• Krishna Dvaipayana, better known as Vyasa or Vedavyasa, is a revered sage portrayed in most Hindu traditions. He is traditionally regarded as the author of the epic Mahabharata. Vyasa first composed the Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita was not included.

The correct answer is: (A), (B), and (E) only 

Key Points

• Ahimsa, which refers to non-violence and the avoidance of harm to all living beings, and Bhakti, which refers to devotion and love for a deity, are considered two important features of the Bhagavata tradition. The Bhagavata tradition is a devotional sect within Hinduism that centers around the worship of Lord Vishnu. Therefore option (A) is correct.
• In Hinduism, Lord Krishna is considered an avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. The Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, establishes the divinity of Krishna and establishes his identity as one with Vishnu. The text describes Krishna as the source of all divine power and as the preserver of the universe, qualities that are associated with Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. Therefore option (B) is correct.
• Theravada Buddhism is a non-theistic tradition and does not worship the Buddha as a god. Instead, the Buddha is revered as an enlightened teacher and his teachings (the Dharma) are considered the path to liberation and enlightenment. In Theravada Buddhism, the goal is to attain Nibbana (the ultimate state of peace and liberation) through the practice of the Eightfold Path and following the teachings of the Buddha. Therefore option (C) is incorrect.
• The Dhammapada is a Buddhist scripture that contains a collection of sayings attributed to the Buddha, and it provides guidance on how to lead a virtuous life, but it does not describe how a monk should lead his life in a Buddhist vihara. Therefore option (D) is Incorrect.
• Dharmachakrapravartana was one of the main objectives of the Buddha. It refers to the Buddha's first sermon after he attained enlightenment, in which he taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to a group of five ascetics. This sermon is considered to be the cornerstone of Buddhist teaching, and the foundation of Buddhist practice. Therefore option (E) is correct.

The correct answer is: (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) only

Key Points

• The credit for organizing the base of the Indian National Army (INA) goes to Rash Bihari Bose. This statement is correct.
• Rash Bihari Bose was an Indian independence activist and leader who played a key role in establishing the initial base of the INA.
• Capt. Mohan Singh was an officer in the British Indian Army. This statement is correct.
• Captain Mohan Singh was a British Indian Army officer who was a key figure in the formation of the INA. He was the first to propose the idea of forming a military force to fight against British rule in India.
• Subhas Chandra Bose reorganized the Indian National Army. This statement is correct.
• Subhas Chandra Bose, also known as Netaji, was a key leader of the Indian independence movement and he reorganized the INA, transforming it into a powerful military force.
• Subhas Chandra Bose set up the Azad Hind Government (The Provisional Government of Free India). This statement is correct.
• The Azad Hind Government was set up by Subhas Chandra Bose as the provisional government of a free India. This government was based in Singapore and aimed to rally the Indian community in Southeast Asia to support the independence movement.
• The British Government of India charged the captured Indian National Army soldiers with "waging war against the king." This statement is correct.
• The British Government of India charged the captured INA soldiers with treason and of "waging war against the king." These trials, known as the Red Fort Trials, were held in 1945 and resulted in the imprisonment and execution of several INA soldiers.

Hence all the given statements are correct.

The correct answer is: (A), (B), (C) only 

Key Points

• On 8 August 1942 at the All-India Congress Committee session in Bombay, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi launched the 'Quit India' movement.
• The next day, Gandhi, Nehru, and many other leaders of the Indian National Congress were arrested by the British Government.
• After that, in 1943, a year after the Quit India movement started, Gandhi undertook a 21-day fast.
• This was in response to the Viceroy’s insistence that the Indian National Congress was responsible for the disturbances of 1942 and that Gandhi admitted to it; in response, Gandhi fasted.
• As a protest against the Government's policy, many Indians renounced their titles.
• A little later (17th February 1943) three members of the Viceroy's Executive Council, H.P. Modi,  N.R. Sarkar, and M.S. Aney resigned from the Viceroy's Executive Council on "a fundamental issue" namely Gandhiji's fast.

Hence the correct answer will be (A), (B), (C) only.

The correct answer is: (A), (C), (D), (E) only 

Key Points

• Arya Samaj
• In 1875, Dayanand Saraswati established the Arya Samaj in Bombay. Mool Shankar Tripathi was the original name of Dayanand Saraswati.
• In 1877, the headquarters of Arya Samaj was established in Lahore.
• The main objective of the establishment of Arya Samaj was to remove the faults prevalent in Hinduism by exposing it, to re-establish Vedic religion in its pure form, and to bind India in one form socially, religiously, and politically.
• Dayanand Saraswati gave the slogan 'return to the Vedas', describing the Vedas as the base pillar of India. He believed that the Hindu religion and the Vedas, on which India's ancient society rests, are eternal, unchanging, transcendent, and divine.
• Dayanand rejected the authenticity of Hindu religious texts like Puranas. Instead of the Varna system, he supported the basis of Karma.

Hence the correct statements are (A), (C), (D), (E) only.

Additional Information

• The Arya Samaj opposed untouchability, caste discrimination, and child marriage and supported inter-caste marriage, and allowed widow remarriage with certain conditions.
• Advocated equal rights of men and women in social matters.
• The 'Shuddhi movement' run by Arya Samaj was very controversial.  Under this, Hindus who adopted other religions for some reason were encouraged to return to Hinduism.
• This was the first organization to support 'Swadeshi and Hindi'.  It believed that “India is for Indians.
• Dayanand Saraswati started the 'cow protection movement'.  Established 'Go Raksha Samiti' to protect cows.
• Dayanand Saraswati was the first social reformer, who started a movement in favor of Shudras and women to read Vedas, get higher education, and wear Yajnopavit.
• The thoughts of Dayanand Saraswati are described in his famous book 'Satyarth Prakash'.
• Dayanand Saraswati first used the word 'Swaraj' and accepted Hindi as the national language.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale who led our national movement were influenced by Arya Samaj.
• In the field of politics, he was of the opinion that "the worst native state is better than the best foreign state".
• Valentine Chirol (Chirol) called this organization (Arya Samaj) 'the father of Indian unrest'.
• Dayanand Saraswati's associate Lala Hansraj established Dayanand Anglo-Vedic School (Lahore) in 1886 and Swami Shraddhanand established Gurukul Kangri University in 1902 at Kangri near Haridwar.

The correct answer is: (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) only 

Key Points

• Government of India Act, 1935
• Through this act, for the first time, an attempt was made to establish a federal government.
• The plan was to establish a union for India, which was to include the provinces of British India and those princely states who would like to join it voluntarily.
• Provincial autonomy was facilitated by the 1935 Act.
• Dyarchy at the provincial level was abolished and a dyarchy system was established at the central level.
• The representatives of the provinces were to be nominated by the election process and the representatives of the princely states, the kings.
• Burma (present Myanmar) was separated from India.
• Separate representation of communal and other groups
• Subjects under this act were divided into three categories. Were- Union List (59 subjects), State List (54 subjects), and Concurrent List (36 subjects).
• Residuary powers were given to the Governor General in the union established by this act.
• A Federal Court was established under this Act.
• Jawaharlal Nehru called this act a car with brakes but no engine' and 'authority of slavery'.
• Ambedkar said in reference to the Act of 1935 that "I have no apology to make in respect of the allegation that a large part of the Government of India Act, 1935 has been reproduced in the Draft Constitution."
• Jinnah completely rejected this act saying it was completely rotten, basically bad.

Therefore all given statements are true.

The correct answer is Madava Panikkar.

Key Points

• Malayalam literature has been greatly influenced and transformed by translations and innumerable authors.
• Great books have all found a space for themselves in Malayalam through translation.
• The first conscious literary endeavor in Malayalam and probably its first epic poem, 'Ramacharitam' believed to have been penned in the twelfth century A.D. can be called a translation and is a retelling of the Yuddha Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana.
• Probably the first translation of the Bhagavad Gita into a modern Indian language was into Malayalam by Madhava Panikkar.
• He is one of the Niranam poets of the fifteenth century.

​Hence the correct answer will be Madhava Panikkar.

Additional Information

• In the same century, Niranathu Rama Panikkar translated the Ramayanam and Kannassa Bharatam.
• During this time, Sankara Pannikkar made a remarkable condensation of Mahabharatam and called it 'Bharatamala.'

Kakatiyas dynasty was the first to install the Kohinoor diamond in a temple.

Key Points

Kakatiyas Dynasty

• The Koh-i-Noor diamond was probably found in India in the 13th century and was initially owned by the Kakatiya dynasty.
• The Kakatiya dynasty used to rule over the region in Warangal. They considered Goddess Bhadrakali, as their Kul devatha, and the diamond was fitted on the left eye of the deity.
• In the 14th century, the diamond was acquired by the Khilji dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate after a successful raid on Warangal.
• The diamond remained within the Khilji family line and was later passed to succeeding dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate until it came into the possession of Babur.
• The diamond was placed into the Peacock Throne by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, and later cut by Hortense Borgia, reducing its weight from 793 carats to 186 carats.
• In 1739, Nader Shah, the Shah of Persia, invaded Delhi and plundered the Mughal Empire's treasury, including the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
• After Nader Shah's assassination and the collapse of his empire, the diamond came into the hands of one of his generals, Ahmad Shah Durrani.
• In 1813, the diamond was brought back to India by Shah Shuja Durrani and given to Ranjit Singh in exchange for help reclaiming the throne of Afghanistan.
• In 1849, following the Second Anglo-Sikh War, the Koh-i-Noor diamond was ceded to the British Empire as part of the Last Treaty of Lahore.

The correct answer is Firoz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi.

Key PointsHindustan Socialist Republican Association - HSRA (1928):

• After the Kakori conspiracy case, most of the leaders of the Hindustan Republican Association were arrested.
• The revolutionaries formed a new party under the leadership of Chandrashekhar Azad, the only remaining member.
• Chandrashekhar Azad founded the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) at Ferozeshah Kotla in Delhi.
• Its objective was to establish a socialist republican state in India.
• Its prominent leaders were Vijay Kumar Sinha, Shiv Verma, Jaidev Kapoor, Bhagat Singh, Bhagwati Charan Bohra, and Sukhdev.

Hence the correct answer will be Firoz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi.

Additional InformationHindustan Republican Association (1924):

• In October 1924, a conference of all revolutionary parties was called in Kanpur.
• Old revolutionary leaders like Shachindranath Sanyal, Yogesh Chatterjee, and Ram Prasad Bismil and young revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Shiv Verma, Sukhdev, Bhagwati Charan Bohra, Chandrashekhar Azad participated.
• In 1924, the Hindustan Republican Association (or Sena) was formed in Kanpur and its branches were established in Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Madras.
• The following were the three main ideals of this institution-
• Creating a sense of futility towards Gandhiji's non-violent policies in the Indian public and overthrowing the colonial power through armed revolution.
• Demonstrating the need for direct action and revolution to achieve complete independence.
• Establishment of a federal republic 'The United States of India'. They were inspired by socialist ideology in place of British imperialism.
• On August 9, 1925, the revolutionaries of the Hindustan Republic Association successfully looted the 8-down train (goods train) going to Kakori on the Saharanpur-Lucknow line.  In this regard, the revolutionaries were arrested and prosecuted under the Kakori Conspiracy Case.  Chandrashekhar Azad absconded.

Bhagat Singh wrote for the Hindi journal 'Pratap' under the Pen- name Balwant Singh.

Key Points

• Bhagat Singh left for Kanpur in 1923 (aged 16), where he was introduced to Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, editor of "Pratap", Kanpur, and Congress leader of the United Provinces.
• Bhagat also wrote articles for Pratap under the pen name "Balwant Singh."
• In 1924 and 1925, he wrote: “Vishv Prem” (“In love with the world”) and “Yuvak”, which were published in Matwala, **both under the assumed name of Balwant Singh.**​

Additional Information Bhagat Singh

• Born on September 27, 1907, in the village of Banga in Punjab, British India.
• Considered to be one of the most influential revolutionaries of the Indian independence movement.
• Became involved in revolutionary activities at a young age by joining the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA).
• Participated in acts of sabotage against British institutions, including the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi.
• Convicted and executed for the assassination of John Saunders, a British police officer, on March 23, 1931, at the age of 23.
• Left a lasting legacy in the struggle for Indian independence and is revered as a martyr and symbol of resistance to British colonialism.
• His example continues to inspire new generations of activists worldwide.

The correct answer is T. Rangachariar.

Key Points

• T. Rangachariar was an Indian filmmaker and film historian in the early days of Indian cinema.
• In 1927, he was appointed as the Chairperson of the Indian Cinematograph Committee.
• The Indian Cinematograph Committee was established by the British government to oversee the regulation and censorship of Indian films.
• T. Rangachariar's appointment as the Chairperson of the Indian Cinematograph Committee was significant, as it marked a shift towards greater Indian control over the film industry.
• T. Rangachariar played a key role in shaping the future of Indian cinema and helping to establish it as a major cultural force in the country.

Additional Information 

D.Y. Patil 

• Dnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil (born 22 October 1935) is an Indian politician who was Governor of Bihar, from 29 May 2012 to 26 November 2014.
• He is an educator and was a leader of the Indian National Congress from Maharashtra state.

Rajanikanta Sen 

• Rajanikanta Sen (26 July 1865 – 13 September 1910) was a Bengali poet and composer, known for his devotional (bhakti) compositions, as well as his patriotic songs.

V. Shantaram 

• He was an Indian filmmaker, film producer, and actor.
• Worked in both Hindi and Marathi films.
• Known for films such as "Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani," "Amar Bhoopali," "Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje".
• He is considered a pioneer of Indian cinema and one of the most influential filmmakers of his time.
• Prolific actor, and appeared in many of his own films.
• Won several awards for his work, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1985.

The correct answer is:(B) and (C) only

Key Points

• Khandagiri Hills
• Kharavela was a follower of the Jain religion. He built a cave for Jain monks on Kumari hill (Udayagiri-Khandagiri) located in eastern India. Beautiful paintings are found in Udayagiri's Ranigumpha and Khandagiri's Anantagumpha. The oldest 35 Jain caves have been found in the Khandagiri hill and Udayagiri hill located in the Puri district of Orissa state, which dates back to 2000 BC.
• Udayagiri Hills
• The Tiger Cave of Udayagiri is situated in the Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh.  An article from the time of Kumaragupta I has been found here, according to which a person named Shankar got the idol of Jain Tirthankar built.

Additional Information

• Barabar Guha
• Barabar Guha is in Gaya district of Bihar. This cave was built to donate to the Ajivak sect. In the inscriptions of Ashoka, Barabar hill has been called Khalvitak Parvat.
• The earliest examples of rock-cut architecture are the caves of Barabar. Four caves were built here-
• Sudama's Cave
• Karna Chaupad
• Lomash Rishi Cave
• Vishwa Jhopri Cave
• The most famous cave on the hill of Barabar is the cave of Lomash Rishi. Its entrance is the best, in this elephants are shown worshiping the stupa.
• Ramshila Hill
• Ramshila Hill situated on the southeast side of Gaya is considered to be the most sacred place as it is believed that Lord Rama had offered ‘pinda’ on the hill.
• The name of the hill is associated with Lord Rama.
• The Temple situated on the top of the hill called as Ramesvara or Patalesvara temple was originally built in 1014 A.D. but has gone through many restorations and repairs in succeeding periods. In front of the temple “pindas” are offered by the Hindu devotees during Pitrapaksh for their ancestors.

The correct answer is Dadu Dayal. 

Key PointsDadu Dayal:

• Dadu Dayal was born in 1544 AD in Ahmedabad.
• Dadu was one of the best disciples of Kabir.
• Dadu's initial name was Mahabali.
• Dadu was a Kabirpanthi and was a contemporary of Akbar.
• Angav Dhu, Khadi Boli Muktak 'Padya' etc. are prominent in Dadu's compositions. His poems and hymns, written in the Khari Boli dialect, are considered some of the greatest works of devotional literature in Indian history.
• Dadu's compositions were collected by his two disciples Santadas and Jagandas under the name 'Har Devani'.
• Dadu's teachings are stored in 'Daduvani'. In which there are about 5000 verses.
• Dadu opposed idol worship, the caste system, and rituals.

Hence the correct answer will be Dadu Dayal.

Additional Information

• Kabir's creations are Sakhi, Sabad, Ramani, Basant, Rekhtal, etc.
• Rahim's works include Ratnavali, Kavitavali, Rahim Vilas Rahiman Chandrika, etc.
• Dhanna's compositions include 'Gopal Tera Aarta, Hari Gun Gyire' etc.

The Indian Sandhurst Committee was also known as The Skeen Committee.

 Key PointsSandhurst Committee

• Sandhurst Committee was formed in 1925 at the time of the viceroy Lord Reading(1921-1926), to suggest the Indianisation of the Indian Army.
• It was set up to consider the induction of Indian aspirants for the King's Commission and establish a Military Academy in India.
• The committee recommended that the UTC (University Training Corps) be regarded as suitable, for the training of the Officer Cadre, of the Indian Army.
• Andrews Skeen was the chairman of the committee. Hence it is also called "The Skeen Committee".

Additional Information

Peel Commission

• The “Peel Commission” constituted after 1857 to study and analyze the future composition of the Indian Army recommended that the native army should be composed of different nationalities and castes and as a general rule mixed promiscuously through each regiment.
• Such a system had existed in the Madras and Bombay armies but these were much smaller as compared to the Bengal Army.

MacDonnell Commission

• The MacDonnell Commission was the famine commission appointed by Lord Curzon, after a long period of 20 years, when Lord Lytton had tried to formulate the general principles of dealing with such famines.
• During the period of Lord Lytton, a Strachey Commission of 1880 was created to develop a general strategy and principles to deal with the famines.
• The Strachey Commission came out with the recommendation on whose basis a Famine Code was developed.

The Hunter Committee ​

• Lord Ripon was appointed on February 3, 1882, to the Indian Education Commission under the chairmanship of William Hunter, a member of the executive council of viceroy.
• Subsequently, the Indian Universities Act of 1904 and Lord Curzon‟s Educational Policy also came into existence to improve upon the educational system of India.

The correct answer is (C) and (D) only 

Key Points

• In the texts of the Hindu literary tradition, the Brahmasutras, the Upanishads, and the Srimad Bhagavad Gita form the set of the Prasthanatrayi.
• The Brahmasutras are texts composed by Badrayana, the originator of Uttara Mimamsa, a subdivision of the Mimamsa philosophy included in the Indian Conspiracy.
• The philosophical and spiritual ideas of the Upanishads have been integrated with essence into the Brahmasutra.
• In the context of Prasthanatrayi, Upanishads are called Shruti Prasthan and Gita are called Smriti Prasthan and Brahmasutras are called Nyaya Prasthan.
• Ramayana was composed by Maharishi Valmiki.  It has 24000 verses.
• Kalpasutra (Jainism) was composed by Bhadrabahu in the Sanskrit language.
• The Brahmin texts were composed in prose for the simple explanation of the Vedas.

​Therefore the correct statements are (C) and (D) only.

The correct answer is Ibn Battuta.

Key Points

• These lines are taken from "K.A. Nilakanta Sastri's" book "A History of South India", discussing the state of education in the region in ancient times.
• The author notes that information on higher studies in Sanskrit is readily available from inscriptions, but information on popular education is harder to come by.
• Teaching technical or vocational skills was a private affair, with fathers teaching their children the trade or calling.
• The presence of village schools and the use of rote learning and fine sand for writing.
• The Italian traveler Pietro Della Valle and the Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta both wrote about the education system in South India, with Ibn Battuta mentioning "I saw in Hanaur thirteen Schools for the instruction of girls. and twenty-three for boys. a thing I have not seen anywhere else"
• The author mentions the role of temples, mathas, Jain pallis, and Buddhist viharas in providing adult education.
• The author concludes by noting the existence of libraries in all branches of learning maintained by these institutions.

Therefore the correct answer is Ibn Battuta.

Additional Information 

Ibn Battuta

• Ibn Battuta was a 14th-century Moroccan explorer and scholar.
• He is known for his extensive travels, covering over 75,000 miles across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• Wrote about his experiences in his book "Rihla."

Abdur Razzak

• Abdur Razzak was born on 7 November 1413 in Herat(presently in Afghanistan).
• Visited the Vijaynagar Kingdom at the time of Dev Raya II ruler of the Sangama dynasty.
• Abdur Razzak wrote his travels in the Matla-us-Sadain wa Majma-ul-Bahrain, or The Rise of Two Auspicious Constellations and the Confluence of Two Oceans.

Duarte Barbosa

• Duarte Barbosa was a Portuguese traveler who visited India in the early 16th century.
• His writings include the Vijayanagar empire’s people and government.
• One of his most notable works is the "Livro de Duarte Barbosa", a comprehensive account of the Portuguese experiences in India, including their interactions with the local people and the Vijayanagara empire

The correct answer is: (A), (B) only 

Key Points

• Bahlol Lodi (1451-1489 AD) established the Lodi dynasty in Delhi.
• He belonged to Shahukhel, an important branch of the Afghans.
• Bahlol Lodi adopted the policy of appeasing the Afghan Sardars and gave them huge jagirs.
• Syed Affan blessed Bahlol Lodi with the Delhi throne in Samana. Hence, option (A) is correct.
• Bahlol Lodi had invited the Afghan leaders from Roh-i-Qud to Delhi.
• Bahlol Lodi's power was mainly engaged in the struggle against the Sharqi Sultans. Finding himself in a vulnerable position, Bahlol invited the Afghans of Roh to come to India so that "They would be freed from the burden of their poverty and I would have dominion". Hence, option (B) is correct.
• "Balban"(not Bahlol Lodi) introduced the Iranian practice of sijda and paibos (approaching the sultan's throne and kissing his feet) to assert his supremacy. Hence, option (C) is Incorrect.
• Bahlol Lodi conquered the Sharqi state (Jaunpur) but was incorporated into the Delhi Sultanate by Sikandar Shah Lodi. Hence, option (D) is Incorrect.
• Bahlol Lodi had adopted a policy of reconciliation towards the "Afghan Sardars" to strengthen his rule. Hence, option (E) is Incorrect.

UGC has considered the answer to this question as option (3) in its final answer key.

Key Points

• After the death of Bindusara, Ashoka sat on the throne of the Maurya Empire.
• At that time, the Mauryan Empire extended from the ranges of Hindukush in the north to the Krishna river valley, Mysore and Karnataka in the south, and from West Bengal in the east to Afghanistan in the west. Because of this wide empire, Ashoka is given the title of Chakravarti. Hence, option (B) is correct.
• Ashoka's title 'Mahasammat' is received in the context of directing the Mahamatras in the Buddhist text Long Nikaya. In this book, its two other titles 'Murdhabhishikta' and 'Janapadasthamaviryaprapt' are found, which are often used titles for Ashoka. Hence, option (D) is correct.
• Everywhere in the inscriptions of Ashoka, he has been addressed with titles like Devanampiya or Devanampiyadas (Beloved of Gods or Beautiful to see) and 'King' etc. Hence, option (A) is correct.

UGC has considered the answer to this question as option (3) in its final answer key.

Additional Information

• Coronation of Ashoka in 269 B.C. Happened in Its works have been counted from this date in its records.
• Names and titles of Ashoka - Various names of Ashoka are found in different sources:
• Ashokavardhana in the Vishnu Purana
• Buddha Shakya in the Maski inscription
• Magadhadhiraja (King of Magadha) in Bhrabu article
• Ashoka - In 4 short inscriptions - Maski, Gurjara, Nettur, and Udegolan, get this name. Ashoka's name was first read in the Maski article.
• Piyadassi Raja - in Barabar Guha article
• Devanampiya Priyadarshi in Rummindei, Nigliva and Girnar articles.
• Priyadarshi-Vairat (Bhrabu) article, in Kandahar inscription and Deepavansh.
• Devanampiya - in the 12th and 13th inscriptions.
• Its most popular title Ashoka was 'Priyadarshi'.  Ashoka has also been called Ujjainikarmoli.

The correct answer is,(B) and (C) only 

Key Point

• Hathi Gumpha Inscription
• It is on the Udayagiri-Khandagiri hills located in the Khordha district of Odisha. The language of this inscription is Prakrit and the script is Brahmi. This is an undated inscription.
• It contains a systematic description of the 13-year rule of Kharavela after he became king. This inscription was discovered by Bishop Stalling in 1825.
• The Hathi Gumpha inscription reveals the following achievements of Kharavela-
• It is mentioned that Kharavela's army reached the Karnavena river in the south.
• It mentions a Jain named Vidyadhar. Kharavela who was a follower of Jainism used to reside here. The first mention of village donation to Jain monks is found in this.
• Mahapadmananda, the ruler of Magadha has been mentioned in this. Mahapadmanand had taken away the idol of Adi Jinn from here.
• Mahapadmananda built canals in Tansuli of Kalinga. It is important that this is the oldest inscription to mention canals, Nand (Mahapadmananda), and idol worship in Jainism.
• He penetrated the Tamil Sangha (Chola, Chera, Pandya) in the south.
• It attacked the Pandya kingdom through water and land routes. This is the oldest record from which it is known that ships were used in war.
• In this, the ruler of Magadha, Bahshatimitra (Vrihaspatimitra) is mentioned.  After defeating this, the idol of Kharvel Adi Jinn was brought back to Kalinga.

Therefore the correct option will be (B) and (C) only.

Additional Information

• Chedi dynasty of Kalinga
• The founder of this dynasty was Mahameghavahana, hence the Chedi dynasty of Kalinga is also called the Mahameghavahana dynasty.
• The grandson of Mahameghavahana was Kharavela, who was the most glorious ruler of this dynasty.
• The main source of information about Kharavela is the Hathi Gumpha inscription. Kharavela was the first Indian ruler to assume the title of Maharaja.
• He was the third ruler of the Mahameghavahana dynasty.

The correct answer is, (A) and (D) only.

Key Points

• Mahavir Swami established the Jain Sangh in Pava, which had 11 main followers who were called Ganadhar (Gandharva).
• These Gandhars were 11 brahmins from the Magadha region who were initiated in Pava - Indrabhoomi (they were the first Gandhars), Gandhars are the first followers of Mahavir Swami.
• In the assembly of Mahabharata itself, such things have been told from the mouth of Shishupala, in which the impression of Krishna's Gokulvasi story is found.
• Syadvad is not the central philosophy of Buddhism.  Like Gautam Buddha, Mahavir Swami also refused to accept the infallibility of the Vedas and opposed religious and social customs and hypocrisies.
• Leaving aside the exclusive views of soulists and atheists, he adopted the middle path, which is called Anekantavad or Syadvad or Saptabhangi Nyay, this principle is called the foundation stone and soul of Jain philosophy.
• Syadvada is the doctrine of the relativity of knowledge.
• Kautilya was a scholar of political science and he composed a famous treatise on governance called Arthashastra.  This is the oldest available text on Hindu monarchy.
• Ramanujacharya (1017 AD-1137 AD) was the first pioneer of the Bhakti movement in early medieval India. He was born in Sri Perumbadur (Kochipuram).
• He made "Yadav Prakash" his guru in Kanchipuram and learned Vedanta from him.  But he had a difference of opinion with his teacher regarding the interpretation of Chhandogya Upanishad, after which he came in contact with Acharya Kanchipoorna, the abbot of Kanchipuram.
• Who got his initiation rites done in Kodanda Ram Temple (Vekantachal Tirupati).  From here Ramanuja got the title of Yatiraja.  After that he finally made Yamunacharya of Srirangam Math his guru.

​Here we can conclude that statements (A) and (D) only are correct.

The correct answer is Samgramraja

Key PointsSamgramraja 

• Ruler of Kashmir from 1003 to 1028 AD
• Founder of the Lohara dynasty
• Adopted by his aunt Didda and appointed as her heir
• Queen was Srilekhā, who was very talented and advised Sangramaraja in his rule
• Responded to Trilochanapala's request for assistance against Mahmud of Ghazni by sending a large army under his commander-in-chief, Tunga
• Defeated Mahmud of Ghazni's two invasion attempts of Kashmir
• Checked Mahmud's advanced along the Tohi river valley and prevented him from entering Kashmir through the Tosamaidan pass
• Siege of Loharkot fort was abandoned after a month, causing significant losses to Mahmud's army
• After two failed invasion attempts, Mahmud did not attempt to invade Kashmir again.

Jyotiba Phule dedicate his book “Ghulamgiri" to the good people of the United States of America.

 Key Points

• In 1873, Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule wrote a book named "Ghulamgiri" which means "Slavery".
• Before 10 years of writing this book, the American Civil War has been fought, leading to the end of slavery in America.
• Mahatma Jyotirao Phule dedicated his book to all those Americans who had fought to free the Slaves.

Therefore the correct answer is 'To the people of America'.

Additional InformationMahatma Jyotiba Phule

• Jyotiba Phule was an Indian social activist and writer from Maharashtra.
• He was known for his efforts in eradicating untouchability and the caste system, and for promoting education for women and oppressed castes.
• Phule started the first school for girls in India in 1848 in Pune.
• He formed the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) to attain equal rights for people from lower castes and worked to uplift the oppressed classes.
• He was a pioneer in women's education in India.
• Phule is considered an essential figure in the social reform movement in Maharashtra.
• He was honoured with the title "Mahatma" by Maharashtrian social activist Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar in 1888.

The correct answer is Charter Act 1833.

Key PointsCharter Act, 1833

• The trading rights of the company were completely abolished and it had to do only political work in the future.
• The Governor General of Bengal was made the Governor General of India and the Governor General in Council was entrusted with the control, supervision, and direction of the military and civil work of the Company.
• Bombay, Madras, Bengal, and other territories came under the control of the Governor General. Thus, the administration was centralized.
• The power to make laws was also centralized. Now only the Governor General in Council was given the right to make laws and the law-making power of the Constituent Assemblies of Bombay and Madras was abolished.
• An additional legal member (Macaulay) was included as the fourth member in the three-member executive of the Governor General to make legislation by this act.
• A Law Commission was established with the intention of accumulating, codifying, and improving Indian laws.
• Caste and racial discrimination in government services were banned.
• This act also allowed the ending of slavery. It was banned by Ellenborough in 1843.

Therefore the correct answer will be Charter Act, 1833.

The correct answer is Conditional rank.

Key PointsMashrut

• The "mashrut" was a type of conditional appointment given to the mansabdars in the Mughal empire.
• The mansabdars were high-ranking military officials who held positions of power and authority.
• The "mashrut" was allotted to the mansabdars as a way to secure their loyalty and maintain their rank within the empire.
• The conditions of the "mashrut" were tied to their rank within the military hierarchy and their performance in serving the empire.
• The mansabdars were required to maintain a certain number of soldiers and horses, and the size of their land grant was proportional to their rank.
• The "mashrut" provided the mansabdars with the resources and support necessary to carry out their duties and maintain their position, and it helped to ensure the stability and efficiency of the Mughal military system.

Therefore the correct answer will be conditional rank.

Additional InformationMansabdari System: Terms which you should understand

Mashrut

• Conditional rank = which means an increase of sawar rank for a short period.

Tajwiz

• Tajwiz was a petition presented by a nobleman to the emperor, recommending that an applicant be recruited as mansabdar.

Du-aspah and Sih-aspah:

• These were features added later to the Mansabdari system by Jahangir. This is a system whereby the selected nobles could be allowed to maintain a larger quota of troopers, without raising their Zat rank.
• The system was popular as ‘du-aspah’ (a trooper with two horses) or ‘sih-aspah’ (a trooper with three horses) system. As you can understand, this was related to the sawar rank.

The correct answer is: (A), (B), (C), (D) only 

Key Points

• The Bombay Plan took up the question of rapid economic growth, proposing to double the output of the agricultural sector and to grow the industrial sector five-fold within the framework of a 100 billion Rupee investment. Hence statement (A) is correct.
• The Bombay Plan took up the question of equitable distribution, proposing an active role by the government in deficit financing and planning for equitable growth. Hence statement (B) is correct.
• The Bombay Plan argued for the necessity of partial nationalization, proposing that critical industries be established as public-sector enterprises if the private sector could not immediately do so. Hence statement (C) is correct.
• The Bombay Plan did not directly argue for a series of worker's welfare schemes, but its proposals for state intervention in the economy and its focus on equitable growth could be seen as contributing to such schemes. Hence statement (D) is correct.
• The Bombay Plan did not oppose the necessity of the public sector. On the contrary, it proposed that government intervention and regulation were necessary for the economy to grow, and suggested that critical industries be established as public-sector enterprises if the private sector could not immediately do so. Hence statement (E) is Incorrect.

​Therefore the correct answer will be (A), (B), (C), (D) only 

Additional Information

• The Bombay Plan, also known as "A Brief Memorandum Outlining a Plan of Economic Development for India", was a set of proposals for the development of the post-independence Indian economy.
• The plan was published in 1944/1945 by eight leading Indian industrialists and proposed state intervention in the economic development of the country.

The correct answer is: (A), (B), (C), (D) only

Key Points

• Rabindranath Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, becoming the first Asian to receive the prize.
• He was awarded the prize for his collection of poems Gitanjali (Song Offerings). Hence statement (A) is correct.
• Soz-i-Watan (The Sorrows of the Homeland) is a novel written by Munshi Prem Chand.
• It is considered one of his best works and is known for its powerful portrayal of the lives and struggles of common people in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hence statement (B) is correct.
• The novel Jalvai-i-Isar modelled its hero on Vivekananda. Hence statement (C) is correct.
• The authorities, not able to end the protests, assented to reversing the partition.
• King George V announced at Delhi Durbar on 12 December 1911 that eastern Bengal would be assimilated into the Bengal Presidency.
• Districts, where Bengali was spoken, were once again unified, and Assam, Bihar and Orissa were separated. Hence statement (D) is correct.
• The Ghadar Movement was indeed an international political movement that aimed to overthrow British rule in India.
• Its headquarters were based in San Francisco, California and the official founding date of the movement was on July 15, 1913, in Astoria, Oregon. Hence statement (E) is Incorrect.

The correct answer is: (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) only 

Key Points

• V. D. Savarkar was a graduate of Fergusson College: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was a student at Fergusson College in Pune, where he obtained his degree. Hence statement (A) is correct.
• V. D. Savarkar availed of Krishna Verma's fellowship offer and left for London in June 1906: Savarkar received a fellowship offer from Krishna Verma, which allowed him to travel to England to study law. He left for London in June 1906. Hence statement (B) is correct.
• V. D. Savarkar established Free India Society at India House in London: While in England, Savarkar established the Free India Society at India House in London. The society was established to organize students to fight for India's independence through a revolution. Hence statement (C) is correct.
• V. D. Savarkar wrote "The Indian War of Independence, 1857" while in England. In this book, he described the Indian Revolt of 1857 and referred to British rule as unjust and oppressive. He became one of the first persons to allude to this revolt as India’s ‘first war of independence’. Hence statement (D) is correct.
• V. D. Savarkar became a member of the India House: India House was a place teeming with nationalists and political activists, and Savarkar became a member of this community. He lived at India House during his stay in England. Hence statement (E) is correct.

The correct answer is: (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) only 

Key Points

• Banda Bahadur 
• Banda Singh Bahadur was a Sikh warrior and military commander who lived in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
• He was born in 1670 in the Punjab region of India, which is now part of Pakistan. Banda Bahadur's childhood name was Laxman Dev.
• Banda Singh Bahadur became a Sikh after converting from Hinduism.
• He was a follower of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru.
• In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh appointed Banda Singh Bahadur as the commander-in-chief of the Sikh army.
• After the death of Gobind Singh, Banda Bahadur took over the leadership of the Sikhs.
• Banda Bahadur formed an army with the help of Sikhs and peasants and in 1909 raided Samana.
• Banda Bahadur’s most important victory was that of Sarhind in December 1710. In this battle, Banda Bahadur killed the Mughal governor Wazir Khan, captured some parganahs of Hisar, and collected revenue from Hisar.
• Banda Bahadur was crushed to death under the feet of an elephant in Delhi by Farrukhshiar (Mughal ruler) in 1716 AD.

​Hence the correct answer will be (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) only

The correct answer is (A), (C), (D), (E) only 

Important Points

• Sikh Reform Movement In the 19th century, the Sikh community could not remain untouched by the various religious and social reform movements going on in India and various societies and religions started in this too.
• Singh Sabha movement 
• Reform Movement In 1873 the Singh Sabha movement started in Amritsar.
• Its main two objectives were-
• To ensure the availability of modern western education for Sikhs
• To fight against Christian missionaries and Hindu orthodoxy who were harming the interests of Sikhism.
• To fulfill its first objective, the Sabha established 'Khalsa schools' all over Punjab. But the dynamism in the efforts of the Singh Sabha came when the Akali movement started.
• Secondly, everything contrary to the Guru's teachings was rejected and practices deemed compatible with Sikh principles were established.

Additional Information

• The Akali Movement
• The Akali Movement (also known as the Gurudwara Reform Movement) was an offshoot of the Singh Sabha movement.
• The main aim of the Akalis was to improve the management of the Gurdwaras.
• They wanted to free the Gurdwaras from the corrupt Udasi Mahonts, who were involved in various kinds of corrupt activities under the garb of government patronage.
• In 1921, the Akalis started a new non-cooperation and non-violent movement. But the major success for the Akalis came when the much-awaited and popular 'Sikh Gurdwara Act' was passed in 1922 (amended in 1925).
• By this act, the management of the Gurdwaras was handed over to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body of the Sikhs.
• The Akali movement was a regional movement but it was not communal.  Later, in the Indian independence movement, from time to time, the Akali leaders raised their voices against British rule and played a commendable role in the national freedom struggle.

The correct answer is: (A), (B). (C), (D) only

Key Points

• The Saka administrative system was well organized.
• In the Saka system of governance, the position of the king was supreme and the king had all the administrative rights.
• Under him were Samant and Mahasamant, the king had a cabinet whose head was called Amatya (prime minister).
• The Saka empire was divided into several provinces and each province was under a military governor. which was called 'Mahakshatrapa'.
• An officer called 'meridrak' had the right to be in charge of the area.
• Saka ruler Rudradaman first issued coins with Sanskrit and date inscriptions in India.
• At the time of the Saka rulers, such coins were minted, on which the names of two rulers were minted. This meant that the king associated himself with a ruler of lower status.
• The administration of the Shakas continued to run largely according to the Achaemenid and Seleucid systems in Iran.

Hence the correct answer will be (A), (B), (C), (D) only

The correct answer is: (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) only 

Key Points

• After the fall of the Mauryan Empire, the history of India divides into two parts. While on one side there were foreign invasions from Central Asia and these invaders established their authority over the North-West Frontier Province and a large area of ​​Central India.
• On the other hand, Shunga, Kanva, Andhra Satavahana, and Vakataka dynasties were established respectively.
• The use of currencies in trade and exchange is the biggest contribution of the post-Mauryan era.
• In this period, the largest number of copper coins are also seen, as many molds are found in the era from 200 BC to 200 AD, which is not found in any other period, the reason for this was the prosperity of the Roman trade.
• The minting of coins increased during this time.
• The kings of the north-west started minting coins imitating foreign Greek, Roman, and Iranian coins.
• Despite the abundance of coins, the barter system continued to operate in rural areas. The use of coins encouraged various types of trading economies.
• In the post-Mauryan period, gold coins named Nishka and Swarna, and Shatman silver coins were used.
• The Kushans issued the purest gold coins, which were called dinars. The currency of the Satavahanas was lead, silver, and potin (clay).

Therefore, correct statements are (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) only.

The correct answer is: (A), (B), (C), (D) only

Key Points

• "New Lamps for Old" was written by Shri Aurobindo Ghose and published in 1893.
• Shri Aurobindo Ghose was a philosopher, yogi, guru, poet, and nationalist of India.
• He criticized Moderate politics through a series of articles.
• From 1902 to 1910 Aurobindo took part in the struggle to free India from the British Raj (rule)
• New Lamps for Old described the Congress as being out of contact with the Proletariat.
• New Lamps for Old characterized Congress as unnational.
• Aurobindo Ghosh thought that the Congress was dying of consumption.
• As a result of his political activities, he was imprisoned in 1908.
• In Pondichery he founded a community of spiritual seekers, which took shape as the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in 1926.
• The evolutionary philosophy underlying Aurobindo's integral yoga is explored in his main prose work, The Life Divine (1939).
• His major works include Essays on the Gita (1922), Collected Poems and Plays (1942), The Synthesis of Yoga (1948), The Human Cycle (1949), The Ideal of Human Unity (1949), Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol (1950), and On the Veda (1956).
• Edward Arnold wrote Essays in European Economics.

​Therefore the correct statements will be: (A), (B), (C), (D) only.

The correct answer is: (A), (B), (C), (E) only 

Confusion Points

• In the given question, it is asked about the incorrect statements.
• But the question should have been about the correct statements as the statements (A), (B), (C), (E) are correct and statement D is incorrect. (As per Ugc Net Official Answer Key)

Key Points

• Savkari Pash
• Savkari Pash (The Indian Shylock) is Indian cinema's 1925 social melodrama silent film directed by Baburao Painter.
• Painter later remade Savkari Pash in 1936 as a talkie version.
• The film was adapted from Hari Narayan Apte's novel called Savkari Haak (Call of the Moneylender) and is referred to as a "milestone film" in Indian cinema.
• The film has been cited as one of the "earliest examples" of parallel cinema in its depiction of real social issues.
• The story deals with a greedy moneylender who cheats the peasants for their money, forcing them to give up farming and take on jobs as mill workers.
• Sant Tukaram
• "Sant Tukaram" is a 1936 Marathi film produced by Prabhat Film Company and directed by Vishnupant Govind Damle and Sheikh Fattelal.
• It is based on the life of Tukaram, a prominent Varkari saint and spiritual poet.
• The film was the first Indian film to receive international recognition and was screened at the Venice Film Festival, where it was adjudged one of the three best films of the world.
• The film Naya Sansar
• The film Naya Sansar (1943) was written by Abbas, who was a film critic at that time.
• He used his journalistic background to create a story about the rising radicalism in Indian society and journalism.
• The story addressed the conflict between a dynamic young reporter and his cautious, yet idealistic, editor of the fictional progressive newspaper, 'Sansar'.
• Dr. Kotnis ki Amar Kahani
• Dr Kotnis ki Amar Kahani (English: The eternal tale of Dr Kotnis) is a 1946 Indian film in Hindustani as well as English, written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas and directed by V. Shantaram.
• The English version was titled The Journey of Dr Kotnis.
• Both versions starred Shantaram in the title role.
• The film is based on the life of Dwarkanath Kotnis, an Indian doctor who worked in China during the Japanese invasion of World War II. Hence statement (D) is not correct.
• The film was screened in competition at the 1947 Venice Film Festival.
• The song "Dur Hato A Duniyo Walon, Hindustan Hamara Hai" is from the 1943 Hindi film "Kismet."
• The film was directed by Gyan Mukherjee and produced by Bombay Talkies.
• The song was composed by Anil Biswas and written by Pradeep.
• It became a popular patriotic song and is still remembered and sung today.

Based on the above discussion, we can conclude that the statements (A), (B), (C) and E are correct.

The correct answer is: (A), (B), (C) and (D) only 

Key Points

• Pranayama is a Sanskrit term that refers to a set of yogic practices that involve the regulation and control of breath. These practices are considered to be an important part of traditional yoga, and are believed to help promote physical and mental health. Hence, statement (A) is correct.
• Nagarjuna was a Buddhist philosopher who wrote extensively on a range of topics, including the transformation of substances through the use of Osadhi (medicines) and Samadhi (meditative absorption). However, he did not specifically refer to the transformation of prakrti (substance) in his writings.  Hence, statement (B) is correct.
• In the Indian tradition, few scriptural passages regarding the attainment of spiritual power are as explicit in their formulation as the description of the means of attaining occult powers or spiritual "accomplishments" (siddhi) as that which is found in the Yogasutra of Patanjali section 4, verse 1. In this passage, Patanjali states, janmausadhimantratapaḥsamādhijāḥ siddhayaḥ, which can be effectively translated as "spiritual accomplish- ments arise from birth, herbs, incantation, asceticism, and contemplation."  Hence, statement (C) is correct.
• Megasthenes was a Greek historian who wrote about his observations of Indian society during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. In his writings, he describes the practices of ascetic sects in India, including their use of medicines. Hence, statement (D) is correct.
• Sushruta was an ancient Indian physician who lived in the 6th century BCE. He is known for his pioneering work in the field of surgery, and is considered one of the founding fathers of modern surgery. While he did write about the use of astrology in medicine, he was not primarily related to astronomy. Hence, statement (E) is Incorrect.

​Hence the correct statements will be (A), (B), (C) and (D) only.

The correct answer is: (A), (B), (C), and (D) only 

Important Points

• The megalithic sites were centers of distribution and exchange.
• The megalithic culture was a prehistoric culture that existed in South India between around 1200 BCE and 300 BCE.
• Megaliths are large stones used to build tombs and other monuments, and the megalithic sites are scattered across South India.
• These sites were believed to be centers of distribution and exchange for various goods, including metals, beads, and ceramics.
• Many megalithic sites were located along important routes.
• Many megalithic sites were located along important trade routes in ancient South India, such as the one that connected the east and west coasts of India.
• The megalithic culture was believed to have played an important role in facilitating trade and commerce along these routes.
• Ports like Arikamedu near Pondicherry were linked to the hinterland through megalithic activity.
• The ports in ancient South India, such as Arikamedu, were important centers of trade and commerce that were linked to the hinterland through megalithic activity.
• The megalithic sites were believed to be involved in the production and distribution of various goods, which were then traded through these ports.
• Excavations at Arikamedu revealed a range of Roman objects such as glass and tableware.
• Arikamedu was an important port in ancient South India that had trade relations with the Roman Empire.
• Excavations at Arikamedu have revealed a range of Roman objects such as glass and tableware, which suggest that there was a significant trade relationship between the two regions.
• These objects also provide insights into the cultural and economic exchanges that occurred during that period.
• Amphorae were large coins of Roman emperors.
• This statement is incorrect.
• Amphorae were large ceramic or pottery vessels used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to store and transport various liquids, including wine, oil, and water.
• They were an important part of the ancient Mediterranean trade and are often found at archaeological sites throughout the region.

Therefore the correct statements are: (A), (B), (C) and (D) only

The correct answer is: (A), (B), (C) and (D) only 

Key Points

• "Gahapati" is a term used in ancient Indian texts, particularly in the Buddhist Jatakas.
• The term means "lord of the household" or "master of the house".
• Gahpati exercised control over the women, children, slaves, and workers who shared a common residence.
• He was also the owner of the resources – land, animals, and other things, that belonged to the household.
• Sometimes the term was used as a marker of status for men belonging to the urban elite, including wealthy merchants.
• They were responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of their households, which included overseeing the work of their servants and laborers, managing the family's finances, and ensuring the welfare of their family members.
• Gahapatis were respected members of their communities and often had significant economic and political power.
• They were known for their wealth, which was typically acquired through trade, agriculture, or other forms of commerce.
• In case the wealth of Gahapati was earned as a merchant then he was called a setthi-Gahapati.
• The Buddhist Jatakas depict many stories in which gahapatis use their wealth and influence to help others, including donating to charity and providing shelter and food to the needy.
• The Gahpatis were not involved In army.

Therefore the correct statements are: (A), (B), (C) and (D) only

The correct answer is: (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(II)

Key Points

• The Rock Edicts was the first tangible evidence of, how Buddhism spread under the patronage of the most powerful monarchs of Indian history. These edicts were deciphered by the British archaeologist and historian James Prinsep. Here are 14 major rock edict:
• Major Rock Edict I
• In this rock edicts, King prohibited animal slaughter especially during the festive gatherings.
• Major Rock Edict II
• In this rock edict, there are descriptions of Kingdoms of South India like Chola, Pandyas, Satyapura and Keralputra.  It also provides for care for man and animals.
• Major Rock Edict III
• It was made after 12 years of Asoka’s coronation. It says that the Yuktas (subordinate officers) and Pradesikas (district Heads) along with Rajukas (Rural officers) shall go to the all areas of kingdom every five years and spread the Dhamma Policy of Asoka. It also decoded the practical instructions to generosity to Brahmins.
• Major Rock Edict IV
• Dhammaghosa is ideal to the mankind and not the Bherighosa. Impact of Dhamma on society.
• Major Rock Edict V
• It states about the concerns about the policy towards slaves and mentioned the appointment of Dhammamahamatras. And also in this rock edict, Ashoka mentions that”Every Human is my child”.
• Major Rock Edict VI
• It describes King’s desire to get informed about the conditions of the people constantly. In other words, talks about welfare measures and his theory of kingship.
• Major Rock Edict VII
• It decoded the practical instructions of King to tolerance for all religions - “To foster one’s own sect, depreciating the others out of affection for one’s own, to exalt its merit, is to do the worst harm to one’s own sect.”
• Major Rock Edict VIII
• It describes Asoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya & Bodhi Tree.
• Major Rock Edict IX
• It condemns the popular ceremonies like ceremonies after birth, illness, marriage and before setting out of journey. It also stress on the practice of dhamma.
• Major Rock Edict X
• It condemns the fame and glory and reasserts the merits of the dhamma policy.
• Major Rock Edict XI
• It explained the policy of dhamma and also emphasises the act of individual towards elders and also abstaining from killing animals and liberality towards friends
• Rock Edict XII
• It directed and determined request for tolerance among different religious sects.
• Major Rock Edict XIII
• It is the paramount importance in understanding the Ashok’s Policy of dhamma. This rock edict pleads the way of conquest which is dhamma instead of war. This is logical culmination of the thorough processes which began from the 1st rock edict.
• Major Rock Edict XIV
• It describes engraving of inscriptions in different parts of country.

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Hence, the correct matching is:

The correct answer is: (A)-(II), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(III)

Key Points

• Husain Ali Shah Furshi is the author of "Nisbat Namaishahryari" 
• It is a historical work which chronicles the history of the Mughal empire from the time of Babur to the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
• It is primarily a genealogical work that traces the ancestry of various important Mughal nobles and their relationships with one another.
• It is considered an important source of information on the political and social structures of Mughal India.
• Barani is the author of "Sana-i-Muhammad"
• ​It is a biographical work on the Prophet Muhammad.
• The work is written in Persian and consists of seven chapters that provide a detailed account of the life of the Prophet Muhammad, including his birth, early life, prophetic mission, and death.
• The work is considered an important source for studying Islamic history and the life of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Maasir-I-Alamgiri by Saqi Mustaid Khan
• This book chronicles events during the reign of Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal Emperor of India, including his wars and troubles.
• The work reflects Aurangzeb's bias against non-Muslims and his impact on India's administrative and financial system.
• However, it also describes fascinating places in the Indian subcontinent. Overall, it weakened India's plural culture and civilization.
• The Baharistan-i-Ghaibi, written by Mirza Nathan
• It is a 17th-century chronicle on the history of Bengal, Cooch Behar, Assam, and Bihar under the reign of Mughal emperor Jahangir (1605-1627).
• Unlike other history books of the Mughal Empire, written by court historians by order of the emperor and covering the history of the whole empire, the Baharistan-i-Ghaibi deals only with the affairs of Bengal and the adjoining area.

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Hence the correct matching is:

The correct answer is: (A)-(II), (B)-(I), (C)- (III), (D)-(IV)

Key Points

• Bhagwati Sutra - Describes about 16 Mahajanapadas
• The Bhagwati Sutra is a Jain text that describes the life and teachings of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. It contains information about Jain cosmology, philosophy, and ethics. In addition, it describes the 16 Mahajanapadas, which were the 16 most powerful and prosperous kingdoms in ancient India.
• Varuna Sukta - Story of Shunah Shep
• The Varuna Sukta is a hymn in the Rigveda, an ancient Hindu text. It is dedicated to Varuna, the Vedic god of water, who is associated with the oceans, rivers, and rain. The hymn praises Varuna for his power and majesty, and it also tells the story of Shunah Shep, a young man who was saved from death by Varuna.
• Shabha Parva - Describes about Administration
• The Shabha Parva is a section of the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic. It describes the construction of a magnificent assembly hall by the Pandavas, the five heroes of the Mahabharata. The section also provides information about the administration and governance of the kingdom.
• Shanti Parva - Describes about Rajdharma
• The Shanti Parva is another section of the Mahabharata. It contains a long dialogue between Bhishma, one of the main characters of the epic, and Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas. The dialogue covers a wide range of topics, including ethics, politics, and governance. One of the main themes of the Shanti Parva is the concept of Rajdharma, or the duties and responsibilities of a ruler.

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Thus, the correct matching is:

The correct answer is: (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(II), (D)-(IV)

Important Points

• Kitab Futulal Buldan is a geographical work by al-Istakhri that describes the various regions and peoples of the Islamic world. It includes a description of the invasion of Sind by the Arabs in 712 CE.
• Tazjyatu-l-Amsar wa Tajriyatu-l-Asar is a historical work by Ibn Asir that covers the history of the Islamic world from the time of the Prophet Muhammad to the 12th century. It includes a description of the Indian practice of feeding horses with roasted barley, butter, and cow's milk.
• Tabafat-i-Nasiri is a historical work by Minhaj-i-Siraj that covers the history of India from the time of the Ghaznavid dynasty to the end of the reign of Sultan Iltutmish. It includes a description of Razia, the only woman to have ruled the Delhi Sultanate in India, and how her gender hindered the nobility from accepting her as Sultan.
• Muruju-l-Zahab is a historical work by al-Masudi that covers the history of the world from the time of Adam to the author's own time. It includes a description of greatness of Rashtrakuta as Balhara King of India.

Therefore the correct match is:

The correct match is: (A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(II), (D)-(I)

Key Points

• Scutch bow
• A scutch bow is a tool used for processing flax or hemp fibers. It is mentioned in Miftah ul Fuzala by Muhammad Daud Shadiabadi. The book contains useful sketches which help in understanding the development of technology during the Sultanate period. It provides guidance on appropriate behavior for people of various social classes and professions and also includes descriptions of different crafts and tools used in daily life.
• Talika-yantra-chakra
• The Talika-yantra-chakra is an astronomical instrument used in India for calculating the positions of celestial bodies. The Bhavishya Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas in Hinduism, The title Bhavishya means "future" and implies it is a work that contains prophecies regarding the future.
• Well wheel with pot garland
• The well wheel with pot garland is a device used for drawing water from a well. It is mentioned in Sirat-i-Firozshahi. The Sirat-i-Firozshahi is a Persian-language historical chronicle that covers the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, a sultan of Delhi who ruled in the 14th century. It includes information on various aspects of the sultanate, including the administration, military, and culture.
• Hourglass
• The hourglass is a device used for measuring time, consisting of two glass bulbs connected by a narrow neck, with sand or similar material that flows from the top bulb to the bottom. Rauzatu's Safa is a Persian-language historical chronicle that covers the reigns of various Mughal emperors in India. It is believed to have been written in the early 18th century.​

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Therefore the correct matching is:

The correct answer is: (A)-(I), (B)-(III), (C)-(IV), (D)-(II)

Key Points

• Nanadeshi
• ​The Nanadeshi a guild of traders who organized themselves into one of the biggest of trading associations at the time of the Hoysala Empire. They developed significant trade contact with many areas, including foreign countries such as Malaya, Sumatra, Magadha, Kosala, Nepal, and Persia. They were respected in their communities and were generous in their grants to temples and mathas. The term Nanadesi means "traders from other kingdoms"
• Uthiramerur
• Uthiramerur is a panchayat town in the Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
• It is noted for its temple inscriptions that describe a self-governance system existing around the 7th to 9th century CE.
• Uthiramerur originally existed as a Brahmin settlement. The Pallava king Nandivarman II (720–796 CE) formally established it as a brahamdeya village around 750 CE.
• It is believed that he donated the village to Vedic Brahmins from the Srivaishanva community.
• A tenth-century inscription states the name of the village as "Uttaramerur Chaturvedi Mangalam"
• Manigiramam
• Manigiramam, or manigramam, typically refers to a medieval merchant guild, organized by itinerant ethnic Indian traders, primarily active in south India.
• Along with the ainurruvar (the Ayyavole Five Hundred) and the anjuvannam (the anjuman), the manigiramam played a major role in the commercial activities of the region.
• Ghatikasthana
• Ghatikasthana were educational centers for Vedic learning during the Pallava period (3rd – 9th century CE) in South India especially in Karnataka and Tamilnadu.
• Ghatikas had highly qualified Brahmin preceptors, who imparted Vedic learning. They functioned in many places the most important center being in Kanchipuram, the capital city of the Pallavas.

 

Therefore the correct matching is:

The correct chronological order is: (A), (C), (B), (E), (D) only 

Key Points 

• Naynika ​
• Shatkarni I was the first successful ruler of the Satavahana dynasty (30 BCE-250 AD). Information about its achievements comes from the Nanaghat inscription of Queen Naynika between the 2nd and the 1st century BCE**.**
• The Nanaghat inscription mentions the two sons of Shatakarni I, Vedashree, and Shakti Shree.  At the time of Satakarni's death, both of them were minors, so Naynika, the wife of Satakarni I, was governed as a protector.
• Didda
• Didda was the ruler of Kashmir from 980 CE to 1003 CE and acted as regent for her son and grandsons from 958 CE to 980 CE.
• She was the daughter of Simharāja, the King of Lohara, and married the King of Kashmir, Ksemagupta, at age 26.
• Prior to becoming regent, Didda had considerable influence in state affairs, and coins have been found that appear to show both her name and that of Ksemagupta.
• Prabhavatigupta
• Prabhavatigupta was a Gupta princess and Vakataka queen who was the consort of Maharaja Rudrasena II.
• She effectively ruled the Vakataka kingdom as regent from about 390 to 410 CE following the death of her husband.
• Prabhavatigupta had three sons with Rudrasena, but none of them were adults at the time of their father's death.
• Prabhavatigupta ruled for at least 13 years as a regent and retained control of the Vakataka government.
• Gupta's influence over the Vakatakas peaked during Prabhavatigupta's time in power.
• ​Rudrama Devi
• Rudrama Devi was a queen of the Kakatiya dynasty in the Deccan Plateau from 1263 to 1289 (or 1295) until her death.
• She was one of the women who ruled as a monarch in India and promoted a male image to do so.
• Rudrama Devi probably began her rule of the Kakatiya kingdom jointly with her father, Ganapatideva, as his co-regent, from 1261 to 1262 and assumed full sovereignty in 1263.
• Marco Polo visited India around 1289–1293 and **noted Rudrama Devi's rule and nature in flattering terms.**​
• Akkadevi
• Akkadevi was a princess of the Chalukya dynasty of Karnataka and governor of an area known as Kishukādu.
• She was born in 1010 and died in 1064 at 54.
• Akkadevi was the sister of King Jayasimha II of the Western Chalukyas and aunt of Someshvara I.
• She was well known for being an able administrator and capable general.
• Akkadevi was also called Gunadabedangi, meaning "beauty of virtues".

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The correct chronological sequence of the construction of the following monuments is as follows:

The correct answer is: (A)-(II), (B)-(III), (C)-(I), (D)-(IV)

Key Points

• "Mughal Government and Administration"
• Sri Ram Sharma was a historian and a professor of history at the University of Delhi.
• His book "Mughal Government and Administration" provides a detailed study of the administrative system of the Mughal Empire, including its revenue, military, and judiciary systems.
• The book also examines the impact of the Mughal administration on Indian society and economy.
• "The History and Culture of the Indian People"
• This is a multi-volume book series that covers the history and culture of India from ancient times to the present day.
• The series was edited by R.C. Majumdar, along with a team of scholars, including Jawaharlal Nehru.
• The book series is considered one of the most comprehensive and authoritative works in Indian history.
• "We or Our Nationhood Defined"
• ​This is a book written by M.S. Golwalkar, who was the second Sarsanghchalak (Supreme Leader) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization in India.
• The book promotes the idea of Hindu nationalism and calls for the establishment of a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation) in India.
• "Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar"
• This is a biography of Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, who was the founder of the RSS.
• The author of this book is Rakesh Sinha, who is a journalist and a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament.
• The book provides insights into the life and work of Dr Hedgewar and the early years of the RSS.

<br>

Hence the correct matching is:

The correct answer is: (B), (D), (C), (A), (E) only

Key Points

• The foundation of painting was laid by Humayun in the Mughal period and it was fully developed during the time of Akbar and Jahangir.
• First of all, Akbar established a 'painting department' under the leadership of Abdussamad in which the first painted book was 'Hamzanama' which is considered to be the origin book of Mughal art.
• After this, artists like Basawan and Miskin depicted pictures related to hunting and campaign in Akbarnama. It depicts Akbar killing a tiger.
• Jahangir had an artistic inclination and during his reign Mughal painting developed further.
• The brushwork became finer and the colors lighter.
• Jahangir was also deeply influenced by European painting.
• During his reign, he came into direct contact with the English Crown and was sent gifts of oil paintings, which included portraits of the King and Queen.
• Some of the works (paintings) under the Mughals are given below:
• The Birth of the Prince in 1590 AD (depicted in the Akbarnama)
• Muzmahil treating the sorcerers in 1550 (depicted in the Hamzanama)
• Akbar slaying Tiger in 1561 AD (depicted in Akbarnama)
• Anwari and a companion in a tree house in 1560 AD (depicted in the Hamzanama)
• Death of Inayat Khan in 1618 AD (After the death of Inayat Khan in 1618 AD, Jahangir ordered the painters to make paintings.)

Hence, the correct order of paintings in the Mughal rule is:-

(B) Muzmahil treating the sorcerers

(D) Anwari and his companions in the tree house 

(C) Akbar slaying tiger 

(A) Birth of a prince 

(E) Death of Inayat Khan

The correct chronology is: (C), (E), (D), (B), (A) only

Key Points

• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919):
• On April 13, 1919, British Indian Army troops, under the command of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer, fired on a crowd of unarmed Indian civilians who had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar to protest the arrest and deportation of two nationalist leaders.
• The firing lasted for about ten minutes, killing at least 379 people and injuring over a thousand.
• The incident caused widespread outrage and led to a surge in nationalist sentiment in India, further fuelling the demand for self-rule.
• Hunter Committee Report published (1920):
• In response to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, the British government appointed a committee led by Lord William Hunter to investigate the incident.
• The Hunter Committee Report, published in 1920, condemned the actions of the British officials in Amritsar but stopped short of calling for any major policy changes.
• The report was widely criticized by Indian nationalists for being inadequate and failing to address the root causes of the incident.
• Formation of Swaraj Party (1923):
• The Swaraj Party was formed in 1923 by Indian National Congress leaders who were disillusioned with the party's decision to boycott the legislative councils established under the Government of India Act, 1919.
• The party, led by Motilal Nehru and Chittaranjan Das, advocated for self-rule and participated in the councils to push for political reforms and greater autonomy for India.
• The Swaraj Party's participation in the councils marked a shift in Congress's strategy towards achieving self-rule.
• Kakori Train robbery committed (1925):
• In August 1925, a group of revolutionaries led by Ram Prasad Bismil carried out a train robbery near Kakori, Uttar Pradesh, to fund their revolutionary activities against British rule.
• The robbery, which involved the looting of government funds, resulted in the arrest and subsequent trial of several revolutionaries, including Bismil.
• The Kakori Train robbery became a symbol of the revolutionary struggle against British rule and inspired a new generation of nationalists.
• Trade Union Act passed (1926):
• The Trade Union Act, 1926, was passed by the British Indian government to regulate the formation and activities of trade unions in India.
• The act recognized the right of Indian workers to form and join unions and provided legal protection to workers against anti-union activities by employers.
• The act marked a significant milestone in the development of the Indian labor movement and helped to improve working conditions for many Indian workers.

Therefore the correct chronological order is :

The correct chronological order is: (C), (B), (D), (A), (E) only 

Key Points

The correct chronology of the plans of Muhammad bin Tughluq given by Barani in Tarikh-i-Firozshahi is:

• Taxation in Doab:
• Muhammad bin Tughlaq resorted to increasing taxes to finance his various projects. In 1325, he introduced a new tax on the Doab region, the fertile land between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. This tax was called the 'Kharaj-i-ala' and was levied at a higher rate than the existing taxes. This tax burden fell disproportionately on the peasants, who were already struggling due to successive years of drought and famine.
• Transfer of Capital:
• In 1327, Muhammad bin Tughlaq decided to shift the capital of the Delhi Sultanate from Delhi to Devagiri (present-day Daulatabad) in the Deccan region.
• This decision was motivated by various reasons, such as the need for a more secure and strategically located capital, reducing the influence of the nobles, and promoting trade and commerce.
• However, the transfer proved to be a disaster as it caused immense suffering and loss of life due to the arduous journey and the unsuitable living conditions at the new capital.
• Token currency:
• In 1330, Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced a new currency made of brass and copper coins.
• These coins had a nominal value much higher than their actual worth, and their use was made mandatory.
• The idea behind this was to create a shortage of precious metals and prevent hoarding, but it resulted in rampant counterfeiting and inflation, causing economic chaos.
• Proposed Expedition to Khorasan:
• Muhammad bin Tughlaq had planned to launch an expedition to conquer the region of Khorasan in 1338, which the Mongols ruled.
• This plan was never implemented, as the resources of the Delhi Sultanate were already stretched thin due to failed projects and military expeditions.
• Qarachil Expedition (E):
• In 1339, Muhammad bin Tughlaq sent an expedition to conquer the region of Qarachil, located in present-day Afghanistan.
• This campaign was launched with the aim of gaining access to the trade routes to Central Asia and the Persian Gulf.
• However, the expedition ended in a disastrous defeat, and the army suffered heavy casualties.

Hence the correct chronology is:

The correct chronological order is: (C), (A), (E), (B), (D) only 

Key Points

• Portuguese occupation of Goa: 
• Portuguese Governor Alfonso-de- Albuquerque took over Goa in 1510 AD.
• It was under the authority of Sultan Yusuf Adilshah of Bijapur.
• The Portuguese rule lasted for about 450 years, and heavily influenced Goan culture, cuisine, and architecture
• Grant of Royal Charter to the English East India Company: 
• On December 31, 1600, the British Queen Elizabeth allowed the East India Company to trade with the countries of the East for 15 years.
• This is called the Royal Charter Act.
• Establishment of Dutch East India Company:
• Dutch were residents of Holland or Netherlands. Under the resolution passed by the Dutch Parliament, the 'Verenigden Oost Indies' company was established in 1602 AD.
• The first permanent Dutch trading post was established in 1603 in Banten, West Java, Indonesia.
• Today this area is Batavia, Indonesia.
• Death of Mughal Emperor Akbar: 
• Akbar died on 1605 AD due to a disease called dysentery.  His tomb is in Sikandra (Agra).
• A ruler since his teens, Jalal-ud-Din Muhammad Akbar had brought two-thirds of the Indian sub-continent into an empire that included Afghanistan, Kashmir and all of present-day India and Pakistan.
• Establishment of the French East India Company: 
• Due to the efforts of Minister Colbert, the French East India Company was established in 1664 AD.
• The French government had direct and complete control over this company.
• All the trades settlement of the French Company took place at Pondicherry.
• The Battle of Wandiwash between the French and the British made the French East India Company lose its control of India.

Hence the correct chronological order is:

The correct answer is: (A)- (II), (B)-(III), (C)-(I), (D)-(IV)

Important Points

• Shivaji Festival:
• Tilak initiated Ganeshotsav and Shivaji Utsav in 1895 for national awakening.
• Shivaji Utsav was started on Fort Raigad. He used traditional festivals to propagate nationalist ideas through songs and speeches.
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale (9 May 1866 – 19 February 1915) 
• He was a political leader and a social reformer during the Indian freedom struggle.
• He played a leading role in bringing about the Morley-Minto Reforms in India.
• He founded the Servants of India Society on July 12th, 1905.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak was imprisoned from 1908-1914 CE.
• He was sent to prison in Mandalay in Burma or present-day Myanmar.
• After his release, he returned to Bombay and founded one of the Home Rule Leagues in 1916 CE.
• Through these organizations, he campaigned for Indian self-rule and social reforms.
• He was also a mentor to Mahatma Gandhi and guided Bapu on his understanding India and the issues confronting common Indians.
• Banaras Hindu University 
• Banaras Hindu University is a collegiate, central, and research university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, and founded in 1916.
• The university incorporated the Central Hindu College, founded by Indian Home Rule-leaguer and Theosophist, Annie Besant in 1898.
• After Besant and her associates were marginalized, the university was established by Madan Mohan Malaviya with the financial support of the maharaja of Darbhanga Rameshwar Singh, the Maharaja of Benares Prabhu Narayan Singh, and the lawyer Sunder Lal.​

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Hence the correct matching is:

The correct answer is: (A)- (II), (B)-(III), (C)- (IV), (D)-(I)

Key Points

• The Treaty of Bassein
• The Treaty of Bassein was signed on December 31, 1802, between the English East India Company and Baji Rao II, the Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy.
• It followed the Battle of Poona and was signed in present-day Bassein (Vasai).
• The treaty marked a significant step in the disintegration of the Maratha Empire, leading to the East India Company's eventual annexation of its territories in western India in 1818.
• Baji Rao II was restored as the Peshwa under British protection on May 13, 1803, making the leading Maratha state a British client.
• The treaty paved the way for the expansion of British rule over the Indian subcontinent, but it was not acceptable to all Maratha chieftains.
• The treaty eventually resulted in the Second Anglo-Maratha War.
• The Vellore mutiny
• The Vellore mutiny, or Vellore Revolution, occurred on 10 July 1806 and was the first instance of a large-scale and violent mutiny by Indian sepoys against the East India Company, predating the Indian Rebellion of 1857 by half a century.
• The revolt, which took place in the Indian city of Vellore, lasted one full day, during which mutineers seized the Vellore Fort and killed or wounded 200 British.
• Nana Fadnavis
• Nana Fadnavis (1742-1800) was a prominent minister and statesman of the Maratha Empire during the Peshwa administration in Pune, India.
• Born in a Chitpavan Brahmin family in Satara, he rose to power and became the main minister who held key portfolios of Administration and Finance for the Maratha Empire.
• He played a pivotal role in holding the Maratha Confederacy together in the midst of internal dissension and the growing power of the British East India Company.
• He was instrumental in managing the affairs of the state after the assassination of Peshwa Narayanrao and forming the Barabhai council to protect the interests of Madhavrao II, the posthumously-born son of Narayanrao.
• Nana was captured by Daulatrao Scindia's camp in 1798, leading to anarchy in Pune, but was released a few months later.
• Nana died in 1800, and his death led to the Second Anglo-Maratha War, which began the breakup of the Maratha Confederacy.
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh captured Lahore 
• On July 7, 1799, Maharaja Ranjit Singh captured Lahore.
• The Afghan king, Zamān Shah, confirmed  Ranjit Singh as governor of the city, but in 1801 Ranjit Singh proclaimed himself maharaja of Punjab.
• A year later he captured Amritsar (now in Punjab state, India), the most-important commercial entrepôt in northern India and the sacred city of the Sikhs.
• In 1820 Ranjit Singh began to modernize his army, using European officers, many of whom had served in the army of Napoleon I, to train the infantry and the artillery.

Hence the correct matching is:

The correct match is: (A)-(II), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(III)

Key Points

• The Simla Conference
• The Simla Conference was held in 1945 in Simla, India between the Viceroy of India Lord Wavell, and the major political leaders of British India.
• The conference was an attempt to reach an agreement on the future of India after the British left the country.
• The failure of the Simla Conference is seen as a significant missed opportunity for a united, independent India.
• Lord Wavell later announced a plan for a new Executive Council in which all members except the Viceroy and the Commander in Chief would be Indians.
• The executive council was meant to be a temporary measure until a new permanent constitution could be agreed upon and come into force.
• The Royal Indian Navy mutiny
• The Royal Indian Navy mutiny or revolt took place in 1946 against the British government in India.
• It involved Indian naval ratings, soldiers, police personnel and civilians.
• The mutiny started as a strike by ratings of the Royal Indian Navy on February 18 in protest against general conditions, especially living conditions and food.
• Indian Naval personnel began calling themselves the "Indian National Navy" and offered left-handed salutes to British officers, and NCOs in the British Indian Army ignored and defied orders from British superiors.
• The Indian National Congress and the Muslim League condemned the mutiny and convinced Indian sailors to surrender, realizing the political and military risks of unrest on the eve of independence.
• The Communist Party of India was the only nationwide political organization that supported the rebellion.
• Cabinet Mission 
• The 1946 Cabinet Mission was initiated by Clement Attlee, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, to transfer power from the British government to the Indian government and achieve India's independence.
• The mission had three members: Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander, and proposed a three-tier administrative structure for British India, with the federal union at the top tier, individual provinces at the bottom, and groups of provinces at the middle (Groups A, B, and C) focused on Northwest India, Eastern India, and central portions of India, respectively.
• The Cabinet Mission failed due to the differences in opinion between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League. Congress wanted a strong center and didn't want the provinces to become too powerful, while the Muslim League wanted strong political powers for all Muslims.
• The interim government was formed with equal representation from the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, but communal riots and violence led to the partition of India into two parts based on Hindus and Muslims.
• Constituent Assembly Election (1946)
• Elections were held in July 1946 under the Cabinet Mission.
• Out of 296 seats, Indian National Congress got 208 seats, Muslim League got 73 seats and other small groups got 15 seats.
• In this way, the Muslim League, which was completely covered, rejected the Cabinet Mission Plan on June 29, 1946, and announced 'Direct Action Day' on August 16.
• Thousands of people were looted in Calcutta on this occasion. As a reaction, the Muslims of the Hindu-majority province of Bihar were persecuted. In response to this, atrocities were committed on Hindus in Noakhali and Tippadah.  Gandhiji went to Noakhali to restore peace. Seeing Gandhiji's prudence and courage, Mountbatten gave him the title of 'One Man Boundary Force'.
• After the election of the Constituent Assembly, the first meeting was held in Delhi on December 9, 1946.  Sachchidanand Sinha was elected as the temporary president but in the second meeting on 11 December, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was made the permanent president.

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Therefore the correct matching is:

The correct answer is: (C), (A), (D), (E), (B) only 

Key Points

• Capture of Tanjore
• As per inscriptions found in and around Thanjavur, the kingdom of Tanjore was ruled by Mutharaiyars / Muthurajas for three centuries.
• Their reign was ended by Vijayalaya chola who captured Thanjavur from Ilango Mutharaiyar between 848 and 851 CE.
• The invasion on Kandalur and Vilinam
• The battle of Kandalur salai (c. 988 CE), also spelled Kanthaloor salai, was a naval engagement of the Cholas under Rajaraja I (985—1014 CE) against the "salai" at Kandalur in Trivandrum Kerala.
• The above (988 CE) event is sometimes assumed to be identical with the "conquest of Vizhinjam by a general of Rajaraja", before the burning of Lanka, given in the Tiruvalangadu Grant/Plates.
• Invasion of Ceylon and destruction of Anuradhapura
• This event took place during the reign of Rajendra Chola I (1012-1044 CE).
• Rajendra Chola I was the son of Rajaraja Chola I and is considered one of the greatest Chola kings.
• He is known to have launched a naval expedition to the island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and captured the city of Anuradhapura in 1017, which was the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom.
• He also built a new capital city named Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
• Naval Invasion of Srivijaya
• This event also took place during the reign of Rajendra Chola I.
• Srivijaya was a powerful maritime empire that controlled much of Southeast Asia. Rajendra Chola I launched a naval expedition to Srivijaya in 1025 and defeated their navy.
• He also established a Chola embassy in China, which helped in strengthening the trade relations between the two countries.
• Destruction of the fort of Kollipakkai (Kulpak) under Western Chalukyas
• Rajendra also led campaigns against the Western Chalukya Satyasraya and his successor Jayasimha-II.
• He overran large parts of the Chalukyan territory including Yedatore, and Banavasi in the northwest of Mysore, before taking a tour of the capital Mannaikadakkam (Manyakheta).
• At the end of the 11th century, he also conquered Kollipakkai, a modern-day Kulpak located to the north of Hyderabad in present-day Andhra Pradesh.

Hence the correct chronological order is:

Confusion Points

In the official answer key of UGC NTA NET, this question was dropped, because none of the above-given answers is correct. 

Key Points

• Entrance to the shrine of Banda Nawaz: 
• Muhammad bin Yusuf al-Husseini is commonly known as Banda Nawaz or Gesuvraj (1321-1422).  After Timur's attack on Delhi in 1398 AD, Chishti saint Gesudraj came to Daulatabad and settled in Gulbarga. There is a Dargah of Banda Nawaz in Gulbarga where people of different religions gather to seek blessings. The entrance to the shrine of Banda Nawaz was built in the 14th century.
• Char Minar: 
• ​Muhammad Quli (1580-1612 AD) was the founder of Hyderabad and he got the Char Minar constructed in Hyderabad in 1591 AD.
• Mehtar Mahal:
• Mehtar Mahal (Bijapur) was built in 1620 AD, whose gate is made in Indo-Saracenic style.
• Tomb of Ibrahim Roza or Ibrahim Adilshah:
• ​Ibrahim Roza (Bijapur) was built in 1627 AD and contains the tombs of Adilshah II and his wife Rani Taj Sultana.  Malik Sandal, the architect of this mausoleum, is also buried here.
• Gol Gumbaz:
• ​Muhammad Adilshah (1627-56 AD) was the seventh ruler of the Adilshahi dynasty of Bijapur.  During his reign, Gol Gumbaz was built in 1656 AD under the supervision of Yakut of Dabul, a Persian architect.

The correct chronological sequence of the construction of the following monuments is as follows:

The correct chronological order is: (C), (D), (A), (E), (B) only

Key Points 

• Delhi Urdu Akhbar published in Delhi, India in 1837 AD was the first Urdu language daily newspaper. Moulvi Muhammad Baqir was its first editor
• In British India, the Vernacular Press Act (1878) was enacted to curtail the freedom of the Indian press and prevent the expression of criticism toward British policies. The Act was proposed by Lytton, then Viceroy of India, and was unanimously passed by the Viceroy's Council on 14 March 1878.
• Hicky's Bengal Gazette was the first English-language newspaper in Asia, published in Kolkata from 1780 to 1782. Its founder, James Augustus Hicky, was an eccentric Irishman who used the paper to criticize Governor General Warren Hastings and fight for free expression in India. The newspaper's types and printing press were seized by the East India Company after two years of publication.
• The Mumbai Samachar, Asia's oldest continuously published newspaper, was first published on the first of July 1822 and comprised three small quarto sheets.

Hence the correct sequence will be:

The correct answer is G.S. Sardesai and Wad.

Key Points

• Extensive use of sources of Maratha history supplemented by selections from Peshwa diaries and Peshwa offices by G.S. Sardesai and Wad.
• G.S.  Sardesai wrote, "Fraged in the bitterness of soul at being publicly humiliated and wretched, Shambhaji rejected Aurangzeb's offer of life by abusing him."
• In the beginning, the Peshwa was a member of Shivaji's Ashtapradhan Samiti.
• But Balaji Vishwanath was the seventh Peshwa and he made the post of Peshwa hereditary by his ability and political insight.
• The biggest feature of Balaji Vajirao's administrative ability was in increasing the means of income of the state by establishing control over the economy and using those means more and more in the interest of the state, in this work the new Peshwa got a remarkable success.

Hence, the correct answer is G.S. Sardesai and Wad  

Additional Information

• G.S. Sardesai was an Indian historian and writer who specialized in the history of Goa.
• He is best known for his multi-volume work, "A History of Goa", which is considered a seminal work on the history of Goa.
• Sardesai's work is highly regarded for its meticulous research and attention to detail.

The correct answer is: Vincent Smith and Percival Spear 

Key Points

• Vincent Smith is an imperialist historian, his work of writing history shows a lack of an unbiased and equitable approach, and the political values ​​he takes from ancient Indian history, he is completely imperialist.
• Vicente Smith and Percival Spear have written that the way the feeling of patriotism and patriotism appears in the citizens of England, the same feeling does not appear in the natives of Marathas in the Indian region.
• The Maratha satraps wanted to usurp the Mughal administration and other regional administrations like marauders through guerilla warfare.

​

Additional Information

• Lee-Warner
• Lee-Warner likely refers to William Lee-Warner, a British colonial administrator and historian who served in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lee-Warner wrote extensively on Indian history, culture, and politics, and his works are still regarded as valuable sources of information.
• Some of Lee-Warner's notable works include "The Protected Princes of India", "The Life of the Marquis of Dalhousie", and "The Native States of India".
• He was also a member of the Royal Asiatic Society and contributed numerous articles to its journal.
• Eric Stokes
• Eric Stokes (1924-1981) was a British historian who specialized in the history of India.
• He is widely regarded as one of the most influential historians of modern India and is known for his groundbreaking research on the economic and social history of the country.
• Stokes notable works include "The English Utilitarians and India", "The Peasant and the Raj: Studies in Agrarian Society and Peasant Rebellion in Colonial India", and "The Indian Economy: A Historical Analysis".
• His work has been widely acclaimed for its originality and insight, and he is considered to have made a significant contribution to the understanding of modern Indian history.

On the changing organization of Maratha armies indigenous sources have been used extensively by Jadunath Sarkar and A.R. Kulkarni.

Key Points

• Yadunath Sarkar in his book "Shivaji and His Times" and AR Kulkarni in his book "Studies in Maratha History" respectively, have described Shivaji's military administration as similar to his civil administration.
• Shivaji made his standing army, and Shivaji fought for the independence of the Maratha kingdom throughout his life. Shivaji's cavalry was divided into two categories. 
• 'Bargirs' were the cavalry soldiers who were given horses and arms by the state.
• 'Siledars' were independent soldiers, who had to make arrangements for horse-arms on their own.
• A small unit of cavalry consisted of 25 soldiers, headed by a 'Hawaldar'. There was a 'jumla' of five havildars, on top of which there was a 'jumladar'. Ten Jumladars used to have 'Hazari'. He came under 'Sar-i-Naubat'.
• For every 25 troops, one sailor and one Bhishti were given by the state.

​Therefore the correct answer is Jadunath Sarkar and A.R. Kulkarni.

The correct answer is 'Bakhars.'

Key Points

• The account of Maratha history is Tarikh-i-Shivaji (1777) written by an anonymous historian based on Marathi vernacular sources/primary sources called 'Bakhar'.
• Bakhars were a type of historical document that was commonly used by Maratha historians to record the history of the Maratha Empire.
• They were written in the Marathi language and were primarily used to document the lives and achievements of Maratha rulers, as well as significant events and battles.
• Bakhars were typically composed by court historians and were often based on first-hand accounts and eyewitness testimony.
• Today, Bakhars are an important source of information for historians studying the history of the Maratha Empire.

Therefore Bakhars are an important source of information for historians studying the history of the Maratha Empire.

Additional Information

• Copper plate:
• Copper plates were an important medium for recording land grants, royal decrees, and other official documents in ancient and medieval India.
• They were used by various dynasties and kingdoms, including the Cholas, Pallavas, and Rashtrakutas.
• The inscriptions on copper plates were typically written in Sanskrit or regional languages and often provided valuable information about the political, social, and economic conditions of the time.
• Pothi:
• Pothi is a term used to describe a type of manuscript or book in India.
• Pothi manuscripts were typically written on paper or palm leaves and were bound together to form a book.
• 'They were often used to record religious texts, songs, and poetry.
• In the context of Maratha history, Pothi manuscripts were not commonly used as primary sources of composition, as Bakhars were the preferred format for recording historical events and biographies.
• Bahi:
• Bahi is a Hindi term for a notebook or ledger.
• It is often used to describe an accounting or record-keeping book.
• While Bahi notebooks were used to record information in many different contexts, they were not a primary source of composition for Maratha history.
• Overall, while copper plates, pothis, and bahis were all used to record important information in various historical contexts in India, they were not the primary source of composition for Maratha history.

The correct answer is: R.C. Majumdar 

Key Points

• The passage is a statement by 'R.C. Majumdar', the author of the book "The Maratha Supremacy," in which he challenges the prevailing historical accounts of Maratha administration provided by Vincent Smith and other writers.
• Majumdar argues that these accounts are biased and unreliable as they are based on the writings of distant British and Dutch merchants and Muslim chronicles that exhibit antipathy towards Hindu rebels, including Shivaji, who fought for the liberation of their homeland.
• Majumdar suggests that it is essential to look at original contemporary material in the Marathi language to obtain a correct perspective on Maratha administration.
• He argues that the Vincent Smith school of thought has given a warped view of Maratha administration as it obtained in the homeland.
• Majumdar believes that it is time to challenge the postulates of the Vincent Smith School and cultivate a correct perspective based on original sources.

 Therefore the correct answer is R.C. Majumdar .