All questions of Topic-wise Tests for UPSC CSE Exam

Kalighat painting or Kalighat Pat originated in the 19th century Bengal, in the vicinity of Kalighat Kali Temple, Kalighat, Kolkata, India, and from being items of souvenir taken by the visitors to the Kali temple, the paintings over a period of time developed as a distinct school of Indian painting.

Discarding rituals and sacrifices
The Bhakti Movement was a medieval Hindu movement that emphasized the importance of devotion and personal connection with the divine. One of the key features of this movement was the rejection of elaborate rituals and sacrificial ceremonies. Bhakti proponents believed that true devotion could be expressed through simple acts of worship and prayer, rather than through complex rituals.

Preaching in local languages
Another significant aspect of the Bhakti Movement was the use of local languages for preaching and spreading their teachings. Bhakti saints like Kabir, Mirabai, and Tulsidas composed their devotional poetry in vernacular languages such as Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil, making their message accessible to the common people. This helped in breaking down the barriers of caste and class, as people from all walks of life could understand and connect with the teachings of the saints.

Not giving importance to worship
Contrary to the other features mentioned above, the Bhakti Movement actually gave great importance to worship. Devotees were encouraged to engage in various forms of worship, such as singing hymns, chanting the names of the divine, and performing rituals like puja. Worship was seen as a way to express one's love and devotion towards the divine, and was considered essential for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
In conclusion, the Bhakti Movement was characterized by the rejection of rituals and sacrifices, the use of local languages for preaching, and the emphasis on worship as a means of expressing devotion.

Humayun's tomb (Hindustani: Maqbara-i Humayun, Persian:  is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife and chief consort, Empress Bega Begum (also known  in 1558, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and his son, Sayyid Muhammad, Persian architects chosen by her. It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, and is located in Nizamuddin East, Delhi, India, close to the Dina-panah Citadel, also known as Purana Qila (Old Fort), that Humayun found in 1533. It was also the first structure to use red sandstone at such a scale. The tomb was completed in 1562.The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and since then has undergone extensive restoration work, which is complete. Besides the main tomb enclosure of Humayun, several smaller monuments dot the pathway leading up to it, from the main entrance in the West, including one that even pre-dates the main tomb itself, by twenty years; it is the tomb complex of Isa Khan Niyazi, an Afghan noble in Sher Shah Suri's court of the Suri dynasty, who fought against the Mughals, constructed in 1547 CE.

Explanation:

Background:
Aurangzeb was the sixth Mughal emperor who ruled over most of the Indian subcontinent for nearly 50 years from 1658 to 1707. He is known for his strict religious policies and the imposition of the Jizya tax on non-Muslims. However, there are certain misconceptions and inaccuracies regarding his religious policies.

Correct Statement: b) He promoted the festivals like Diwali and Navroz (NOT correct)

Explanation:
Aurangzeb is often portrayed as an intolerant ruler who suppressed other religions and promoted a strict interpretation of Islam. However, it is important to note that Aurangzeb's religious policies were complex and cannot be generalized as entirely negative or oppressive.

Religious Tolerance:
Contrary to popular belief, Aurangzeb did not completely ban the celebration of Hindu festivals like Diwali. While it is true that he was a devout Muslim, he did not actively promote the celebration of Diwali or Navroz, a festival celebrated by Zoroastrians. However, there is evidence to suggest that he did not actively suppress or prohibit these festivals either. Aurangzeb's policies towards non-Muslims were more focused on the imposition of the Jizya tax and the demolition of certain temples.

Jizya Tax:
Aurangzeb did reimpose the Jizya tax on non-Muslims, which had been abolished by his predecessor Akbar. This tax was a form of tribute paid by non-Muslims in exchange for protection and exemption from military service. While the imposition of the Jizya tax was indeed a discriminatory policy, it is important to note that Aurangzeb's administration also imposed various other taxes on Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Demolition of Temples:
Another controversial aspect of Aurangzeb's reign is his involvement in the destruction of Hindu temples. However, it is crucial to understand that the demolition of temples was not a systematic policy of Aurangzeb, but rather sporadic instances motivated by political or strategic considerations. It is estimated that a small fraction of the thousands of temples in the vast Mughal Empire were demolished during his reign.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, while Aurangzeb did reimpose the Jizya tax and was involved in the demolition of certain temples, the statement that he promoted festivals like Diwali and Navroz is not correct. His religious policies were complex and cannot be reduced to simplistic generalizations. It is important to approach historical analysis with nuance and avoid perpetuating misconceptions.

The song was written in 1905 in Bangla. Rabindranath Tagore was the only person to write National Anthem of two countries, i.e. India and Bangladesh.

C

Akbar followed secular policy and he treated All people as his subjects.
he abolished pilgrimage tax and abolished jiziya tax which was imposed on non-muslims.
moreover, he was passionate about all religions so that he created Ibadat khana where scholars from all religions would discuss but,later the ibadat khana started to decline because scholars from different religions over emphasis their religion better than others....

Kalayanmandapas, also known as marriage halls, were an integral part of the Vijayanagar Art and Culture. These halls were constructed within the temple complex and served as venues for various religious and cultural events, including weddings.

Significance of Kalayanmandapas in Vijayanagar Art and Culture:

1. Religious Significance:
- Kalayanmandapas were primarily used for conducting Hindu wedding ceremonies.
- The halls were often built near the main temple, symbolizing the importance of marriage as a sacred union.
- The rituals performed in these halls were believed to be auspicious and were accompanied by prayers and religious ceremonies.

2. Architectural Features:
- Kalayanmandapas were built with intricate architectural designs and carvings, reflecting the artistic skills of the Vijayanagar empire.
- The halls were adorned with beautiful sculptures, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, deities, and celestial beings.
- Elaborate pillars, ornate ceilings, and exquisite details were incorporated into the design of these marriage halls.

3. Social and Cultural Significance:
- Kalayanmandapas were not only used for weddings but also served as platforms for various cultural and social events.
- They provided a space for the community to come together and celebrate important occasions.
- These halls played a vital role in fostering social cohesion and strengthening cultural traditions.

4. Symbolism:
- The construction of Kalayanmandapas within the temple complex emphasized the close relationship between religion, marriage, and society in the Vijayanagar empire.
- It represented the integration of religious and social aspects of life, highlighting the significance of tradition and customs.

In conclusion, Kalayanmandapas held great importance in the Vijayanagar Art and Culture. These marriage halls not only served as venues for weddings but also played a crucial role in promoting religious practices, preserving cultural traditions, and fostering social cohesion within the community. Their architectural grandeur and intricate designs showcased the artistic brilliance of the Vijayanagar empire.

 Mahatma Gandhi first started his Satyagraha in India at Champaran in Bihar in 1917. He was requested by Rajkumar Shukla to look into the problems of poor peasants caused by the indigo planters of Chamaparan.

Baburnama is written by Babur.

B

Muhammad Bin Tughlaq was a ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty who ruled over the Delhi Sultanate in the 14th century. His reign was marked by several significant events and policies, some of which are mentioned below:

Transfer of capital to Daulatabad
- Muhammad Bin Tughlaq is known for his decision to transfer the capital of the Delhi Sultanate from Delhi to Daulatabad, a city near Pune in present-day Maharashtra.
- The reason behind this move was to ensure better governance and defense against Mongol invasions. However, it proved to be a costly and difficult undertaking, as the people of Delhi were unwilling to move and the logistics of transporting the entire administration were complicated.

Diwan-i-Kohi and Famine code
- Muhammad Bin Tughlaq was also known for his efforts to tackle the problem of famine in his kingdom.
- He created the Diwan-i-Kohi, which was a department dedicated to agriculture and the welfare of farmers.
- He also introduced a Famine code, which laid down guidelines for the provision of relief and assistance to the affected population during times of scarcity.

Introduction of token currency
- Another notable policy of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq was the introduction of token currency in the form of copper and brass coins.
- These coins were meant to be used as a substitute for silver coins, which were in short supply at the time. However, they were not widely accepted by the people and caused confusion and economic instability.

In conclusion, Muhammad Bin Tughlaq's reign was marked by several significant policies and events, some of which were successful and others were not. His decision to transfer the capital to Daulatabad and his efforts to address the problem of famine are examples of his attempts to improve governance and welfare. However, his introduction of token currency was a controversial and ultimately unsuccessful policy.

The nagaram was the assembly of merchants, traders and artisans. The Uttarmerur temple inscription gives a detailed description of the functioning of these assemblies. There were provisions of land survey, Classification of various types of lands and assessment of land revenue. Chola rulers built a network of roads for the purpose of trade and communication.

Hey Jyoti tum iss edu app par kb se ho?

's Despatch of 1854 laid the foundation of British Education Policy in India.

2. The British Education Policy aimed at producing a class of Indians who would be educated enough to serve as intermediaries between the British and the Indian people.

3. The British Education Policy initially focused on the education of the elite class and the promotion of English language and culture.

4. The Indian Education Act of 1901 made elementary education compulsory and provided for the establishment of universities.

5. The British Education Policy in India was criticized for promoting a system of education that was alien to Indian culture and for neglecting the education of the masses.

Explanation:

Statement 1: Why Socialism is a book written by Jayaprakash Narayan.
This statement is incorrect. Jayaprakash Narayan was an Indian independence activist and political leader, but he did not write a book titled "Why Socialism." The correct author of the book "Why Socialism" is Albert Einstein, a renowned physicist.

Statement 2: New Lamps for Old is a book written by Rabindranath Tagore.
This statement is also incorrect. "New Lamps for Old" is not a book written by Rabindranath Tagore. Rabindranath Tagore was a famous Indian poet, writer, and philosopher who authored several notable works such as Gitanjali, The Home and the World, and The Gardener.

Therefore, neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct.

Correct answer: Option C) None of them

The First Factory Act, which was aimed at regulating the working conditions of women and children in the factories, was adopted during the time of Lord Ripon.

Explanation:

Lord Ripon was the Governor-General of India from 1880 to 1884. During his tenure, he introduced a number of social and economic reforms. One of the major reforms was the Factory Act of 1881, which was aimed at regulating the working hours of women and children in the factories. The Act was introduced in response to the growing concern over the poor working conditions of women and children, who were forced to work long hours in hazardous conditions.

Features of the Factory Act of 1881:

The Factory Act of 1881 had the following features:

1. The Act restricted the working hours of women and children in the factories to a maximum of 12 hours a day.

2. The Act authorized local governments to make necessary rules for the implementation of the Act.

3. The Act provided for the appointment of factory inspectors to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act.

4. The Act also provided for the establishment of a system of fines and penalties for violations of the provisions of the Act.

Significance of the Factory Act of 1881:

The Factory Act of 1881 was a significant reform in the history of India. It was the first legislation that aimed at regulating the working conditions of women and children in the factories. The Act helped to improve the working conditions of women and children in the factories and ensured that they were not exploited by their employers. The Act also set the stage for future reforms in the field of labor and employment in India.

Option "C".

Feroz Shah Tuglak established diwan-i-khairat to take care of orphans and widows. He also patronised scholars like Barani and Afif.

Why did the people of India agitate against the arrival of Simon Commission?

Introduction
The Simon Commission was formed in 1927 to review the progress of the Government of India Act, 1919. However, the arrival of the Simon Commission in India led to widespread protests and agitation. The following are the reasons why the people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission.

No Indian member in the Simon Commission
The Simon Commission was composed entirely of British members. There was no Indian member in the Commission, which was seen as a great insult to the Indian people. The Indian National Congress demanded that the Commission should have at least one Indian member, but the British government did not agree.

Suggested partition of the country
The Simon Commission suggested that the country should be partitioned into Hindu and Muslim regions. This suggestion was seen as a direct attack on the unity of India and was vehemently opposed by the Indian people. The Indian National Congress passed a resolution condemning the suggestion of the Simon Commission.

Recommendation to abolish Dyarchy
The Simon Commission recommended the abolition of Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the Provinces. The people of India saw this recommendation as an attempt to centralize power in the hands of the British government and to curtail the powers of the elected representatives of the people.

Conclusion
The arrival of the Simon Commission in India led to widespread protests and agitation. The people of India saw the Commission as an insult to their sovereignty and as an attempt by the British government to deny them their rightful place in the governance of their own country. The recommendations of the Commission were seen as attempts to curtail the powers of the elected representatives of the people and to centralize power in the hands of the British government.

A

The options mentioned are wrong.

Statements about Ibn-Batuta:

I) He was a traveler from Morocco:
- This statement is true. Ibn-Batuta was a Moroccan explorer and traveler who is known for his extensive travels throughout the Islamic world.

II) He visited the court of Tughlaq:
- This statement is true. Ibn-Batuta visited the court of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, the Sultan of Delhi, during his travels in India.

III) He wrote Kitab-i-Rehala:
- This statement is true. Kitab-i-Rehala, also known as the "Book of Travels," is a famous account of Ibn-Batuta's journeys and experiences.

Conclusion:
- Therefore, all the statements (I, II, and III) about Ibn-Batuta are true. He was a traveler from Morocco, visited the court of Tughlaq, and wrote Kitab-i-Rehala detailing his travels.

These words were taken from the Mundaka Upanishad...and the whole sentence is: "Satyameva Jayate n Anritam"...

Non-material culture
Non-material culture refers to the intangible aspects of culture that shape a society's way of life. It includes beliefs, values, norms, and ideas that are passed down from generation to generation. Among the options provided, ideas best represent non-material culture.

Explanation:

Ideas
- Ideas are abstract concepts that influence how individuals perceive the world around them.
- They can shape a society's values, beliefs, and norms, guiding behavior and decision-making.
- Ideas can include philosophical beliefs, political ideologies, and social movements that impact the way people interact with one another.
In contrast, the other options listed - dress, architecture, and religion - all have physical manifestations that make them part of material culture. While dress and architecture can reflect cultural values and norms, they are tangible objects that fall under the category of material culture. Religion, though involving beliefs and practices, also often includes physical symbols, rituals, and structures that are part of the material world.
In conclusion, non-material culture is essential for understanding the values and beliefs that shape a society's identity and behavior. Ideas, as a key component of non-material culture, play a crucial role in influencing individuals and shaping the cultural landscape.