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All questions of Class 12 (Themes in Indian History II) for UPSC CSE Exam

'Amara' is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word
  • a)
    Suratrana.
  • b)
    Samara.
  • c)
    Sultan.
  • d)
    Amir.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Prashanth Das answered
The word 'Samara' means battle or war. Historians argue that the word 'Amara' also resembles the Persian term 'Amir', meaning a high noble.

The term used by Indo-Persian sources to reffer to peasants was
  • a)
    Raiyat
  • b)
    Mandal.
  • c)
    Muqaddam.
  • d)
    Majur.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The Indo-Persian sources of the Mughal period used terms like Raiyat or Muzarian to denote peasants. In addition, the terms Kisan or asami were also used.

The scenes from Ramayana were sculpted on the inner walls of:
  • a)
    Lotus Mahal
  • b)
    Hazara Rama Temple
  • c)
    Virupaksha Temple
  • d)
    Vitthala Temple
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Saumya Pillai answered
Hazara Rama Temple is one of the well-known temples in Hampi city. Some of the sculpted panels on the walls of the temple have survived.

Hampi was recognised as a site of national importance in
  • a)
    1976.
  • b)
    1969.
  • c)
    1972.
  • d)
    1966.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Sparsh Malik answered
Hampi and Pattadakal are the two most famous heritage towns of Karnataka. Hampi was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. Famous for its temple ruins, it was the capital of the renowned kingdom of Vijayanagara Empire, from the 14th to 16th centuries.

Krishnadeva Raya ascended the throne in the year
  • a)
    1507 AD.
  • b)
    1509 AD.
  • c)
    1503 AD.
  • d)
    1512 AD.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Krishnadeva Raya ruled the Vijayanagara Empire between 1509-29 AD. He was the most famous ruler of Vijayanagara and composed a work on statecraft in Telugu, known as the Amuktamalyada.

The third book of the Ain-i Akbari, mulk-abadi, deals with the
  • a)
    administration of the empire.
  • b)
    civil administration of the empire.
  • c)
    cultural traditions of the empire.
  • d)
    fiscal side of the empire.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Anand Das answered
The book of mulk-abadi provides rich quantitative information on revenue rates and included the “Account of the Twelve Provinces”. This section has a detailed statistical information on the geographic, topographic and economic profile of all subas and their administrative and fiscal divisions (sarkars, parganas and mahals), total measured area and assessed revenue (jama).

Vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes and chillies reached India from the
  • a)
    Continental World.
  • b)
    Middle World.
  • c)
    New World.
  • d)
    Old World.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Akshita Saha answered
The New World is a term used for the non-Afro-Eurasian parts of the Earth, specifically the Americas. During the seventeenth century, fruits like pineapple and papaya also reached India.

The power of the Mughal dynasty diminished after the death of
  • a)
    Jahangir
  • b)
    Shah Jahan
  • c)
    Aurangzeb
  • d)
    Bahadur Shah Zafar II
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Ujwal Kulkarni answered
After 1707, after the death of Aurangzeb, the power of the Mughal dynasty got diminished. Now, different regional powers acquired greater autonomy. Finally in 1857, the last Mughal ruler, Bahadur Shah Zafar II, was overthrown by the British.

According to Shihabuddin Suhrawardi’s philosophy, God was represented by the symbol of
  • a)
    Emperor
  • b)
    Sun
  • c)
    Moon
  • d)
    lotus.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Arjun Ghoshal answered
Shihabuddin Suhrawardi was a famous Iranian Sufi. Abu’l Fazl was inspired by his philosophy. Suhrawardi composed most of his treatises over a very short span of time, most probably during the course of about ten years .

In 1565 AD, the Vijayanagara army fought the battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi under
  • a)
    Krishnadeva Raya
  • b)
    Rama Raya
  • c)
    Harihara
  • d)
    Bukka
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Anagha Pillai answered
The Vijayanagara army fought the battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi in 1565 AD, under the leadership of the chief minister of Vijayanagara, Rama Raya.

Akbar shifted his capital from Fatehpur Sikri in 1585 AD to
  • a)
    Agra
  • b)
    Lahore
  • c)
    Shahjahanabad
  • d)
    Devagiri
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Abhay Sharma answered
Some historians believe that Akbar had to attend to the north-west area of his empire and simply moved his capital for political reasons . In 1585 AD, the capital was relocated to Lahore and, in 1599 AD, to Agra.

In Bihar, the low caste group which was comapared to slaves was
  • a)
    Muqaddam.
  • b)
    Patwaris.
  • c)
    Halalkhorans.
  • d)
    Mallahzadas.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Low-caste groups comprised a large section of the village population. They had the least resources and were constrained by their position in the caste hierarchy, much like the Dalits of modern India. The Mallahzadas (literally, sons of boatmen) in Bihar were comparable to slaves.

The jeweller who travelled to India many times was
  • a)
    Duarte Barbosa
  • b)
    Roberto Nobili
  • c)
    Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
  • d)
    François Bernier
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Shruti Joshi answered
One of the most famous travellers to India was Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a French jeweller who travelled to India at least six times. He was fascinated with trading conditions in India, which he compared to Iran and the Ottoman Empire.

The ‘Nalayira Divyaprabandham’ of the Alvars was compared with the
  • a)
    Four Vedas.
  • b)
    Manusmiriti.
  • c)
    Mahabharata.
  • d)
    Ramayana.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Jaideep Mehta answered
Nalayira Divyaprabandham was composed in the tenth century AD. Its acceptance as Tamil Veda shows the influence of Alvars and Nayanars in South Indian society. This anthology is said to be composed by 12 Alvars.

Which of the following accurately describes Ibn Battuta's travels in the 14th century?
i. Ibn Battuta traveled from North Africa to China, covering large parts of Asia.
ii. He served as a judge (qazi) in the court of Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq in Delhi.
iii. Ibn Battuta wrote about the harsh conditions of the postal system in India.
iv. He was imprisoned in India and never held a position in the government.
  • a)
    i and ii
  • b)
    iii and iv
  • c)
    i, ii and iii
  • d)
    all of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Anisha Chopra answered
Overview of Ibn Battuta's Travels
Ibn Battuta, a 14th-century Moroccan explorer, is renowned for his extensive travels across Africa, Asia, and even parts of Europe. His journeys provided invaluable insights into the cultures and societies of his time.
Correct Statements
  • i. Traveling from North Africa to China: Ibn Battuta embarked on an epic journey that took him from his homeland in North Africa to various regions, including the Middle East, India, and as far as China. His travels covered large parts of Asia, highlighting his adventurous spirit and the vastness of his explorations.
  • ii. Serving as a judge in Delhi: During his time in India, Ibn Battuta was appointed as a qazi (judge) in the court of Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq in Delhi. This position allowed him to experience the intricacies of Indian governance and law, further enriching his accounts of the region.

Incorrect Statements
  • iii. Harsh postal conditions in India: While Ibn Battuta did comment on various aspects of life in India, he did not specifically focus on the harsh conditions of the postal system as a major theme in his writings.
  • iv. Imprisonment in India: There is no substantial evidence that Ibn Battuta was imprisoned in India. Instead, he held a significant position and was actively involved in the administration during his stay.

Conclusion
The accurate description of Ibn Battuta's travels is encapsulated in options i and ii. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A'. His travels remain a significant part of historical exploration, showcasing the interconnectedness of cultures in the 14th century.

Assertion (A): Sufism emerged as a response to the perceived materialism and institutionalization of the Caliphate in early Islamic history.
Reason (R): Sufis sought to emphasize intense devotion and love for God, which contradicted the practices of mainstream theologians.
  • a)
    If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion
  • b)
    If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion
  • c)
    If Assertion is true but Reason is false
  • d)
    If both Assertion and Reason are false
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

 
  • The Assertion is true as Sufism did indeed arise as a reaction against the materialistic tendencies of the Caliphate.
  • The Reason is also true because Sufis emphasized devotion and love for God, which was often at odds with the more formalized practices of mainstream Islam.
  • The Reason correctly explains the Assertion, as the spiritual focus of Sufism was a direct critique of the institutionalized practices of the time.
 

Akbar’s “auspicious sayings” were included in
  • a)
    First book of Ain.
  • b)
    Second book of Ain.
  • c)
    Third book of Ain.
  • d)
    Fifth book of Ain.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Prerna Nair answered
Akbar’s “auspicious sayings” were included in the fourth and fifth books of Ain. Along with the sayings of Akbar, they give an account of the ancestry and biography of the author.

Gulbadan Begum was the aunt of
  • a)
    Babur.
  • b)
    Humayun.
  • c)
    Akbar
  • d)
    Sher Shah.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kajal Singh answered
Akbar was fond of his aunt Gulbadan Begum and knew of her storytelling skills. He commissioned her aunt to chronicle the story of his father Humayun. Akbar asked his aunt to write whatever she remembered about her brother’s life - Humayun’s glory days of victories and agonies of his defeats, his joys and trepidations.

Most regions, under the Mughals, produced a minimum of
  • a)
    one crop.
  • b)
    two crops.
  • c)
    three crops.
  • d)
    four crops.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Simran Rane answered
Agriculture was organised around two major seasonal cycles, the kharif (autumn) and the rabi (spring). Most regions, except those terrains that were the most arid or inhospitable, produced a minimum of two crops a year (do-fasla).

Shaikh Nizamuddin’s hospice comprised several small rooms and a big hall known as
  • a)
    jama’at khana.
  • b)
    langar.
  • c)
    qalandars.
  • d)
    ziyarat.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The khanqah was the centre of social life for the Sufis. Shaikh Nizamuddin’s hospice, during the fourteenth century, was located on the banks of the river Yamuna in Ghiyaspur, on the outskirts of what was then the city of Delhi.

The mother tongue of Mughal Dynasty was
  • a)
    Persian.
  • b)
    Turkish.
  • c)
    Arabic.
  • d)
    Greek.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Sounak Mehra answered
The Mughals were Chaghtai Turks and thus, their mother tongue was Turkish. Babur wrote poetry and his memoirs in this language.

The basic unit of agricultural society during the Mughal period was the
  • a)
    Village.
  • b)
    Block.
  • c)
    Suba.
  • d)
    Pargana.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Akshita Saha answered
The basic unit of agricultural society was the village. The village was inhabited by peasants who performed the manifold seasonal tasks that made up agricultural production throughout the year – tilling the soil, sowing seeds, harvesting the crop when it was ripe. They also produced agro-based goods like sugar and oil.

Krishnadeva Raya composed a work on statecraft known as the Amuktamalyada in
  • a)
    Kannada.
  • b)
    Malayalam.
  • c)
    Tamil.
  • d)
    Telugu.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Krish Sharma answered
Krishnadeva Raya ruled the Vijayanagara Empire. His rule was characterised by expansion and consolidation. He died in 1529 CE.

The Portuguese traveller who jointly called the 'Audience Hall and Mahanavami Dibba' as the “House of Victory" was
  • a)
    Duarte Barbosa.
  • b)
    Afanasii Nikitin.
  • c)
    Fernao Nuniz.
  • d)
    Domingo Paes.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Bhupesh answered
Domingo Paes was a Portuguese traveller who visited the Vijayanagara Empire around the year 1520. His account of Hampi, the capital of Vijayanagara Empire, is the most detailed and important of all historic narrations on the city and the Vijayanagara Empire. He visited the city during the rule of Krishnadeva Raya.

Assertion (A): Ibn Battuta's extensive travels across multiple continents significantly influenced European understanding of non-European cultures.
Reason (R): His travel accounts were recorded and translated by local rulers upon his return to Morocco, showcasing their importance.
  • a)
    If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion
  • b)
    If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion
  • c)
    If Assertion is true but Reason is false
  • d)
    If both Assertion and Reason are false
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

 
  • Assertion: The assertion is true; Ibn Battuta's travels did indeed broaden European perspectives on various cultures, particularly in Africa, Asia, and beyond.
  • Reason: The reason is also true; the local ruler did instruct the recording of Battuta’s stories, which indicates their significance.
  • Explanation: The reason correctly explains the assertion as it highlights the impact of his recorded accounts in enhancing European knowledge of different cultures.
 

The term which Indo-Persian sources of the Mughal period frequently used to denote a peasant was
  • a)
    do-fasla.
  • b)
    khud-kashta.
  • c)
    pahi-kashta.
  • d)
    raiyat.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Anjali Pillai answered
Riaya was plural for the term 'raiyat' or 'muzarian'. During the seventeenth century, there were two kinds of peasants – khud-kashta and pahi-kashta in the Mughal Empire.

In 18th century, women zamindars were known in
  • a)
    Bengal.
  • b)
    Rajasthan.
  • c)
    Punjab.
  • d)
    Gujarat.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Nisha Sengupta answered
Among the landed gentry, women had the right to inherit property. Records show that they freely participated in land dealings that used to take place in the markets. In 18th century, one of the most famous zamindaris was of Rajshahis, and it was headed by a woman.

The first Jesuit mission left the Mughal court at Fatehpur Sikri around
  • a)
    1580 AD.
  • b)
    1581 AD.
  • c)
    1582 AD.
  • d)
    1583 AD.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The first Jesuit mission stayed at Fatehpur Sikri from 1580 AD, for about two years. The Jesuits spoke to Akbar about Christianity and debated its virtues with the ulama.

Assertion (A): The khanqah serves as a community hub for disciples under the guidance of a shaikh.
Reason (R): The khanqah operates independently of any spiritual lineage or established rules of conduct.
  • a)
    If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion
  • b)
    If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion
  • c)
    If Assertion is true but Reason is false
  • d)
    If both Assertion and Reason are false
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

- The Assertion is true as khanqahs are indeed centers for community and spiritual guidance under a shaikh.
- The Reason is false because khanqahs are deeply rooted in spiritual traditions and practices, including established rules of conduct.
- Therefore, while both the Assertion and Reason are true, the Reason does not correctly explain the Assertion. The khanqah's role as a community hub is influenced by its structure and traditions, which are not independent.

The mahajans were collectively represented by the chief of the merchant community known as
  • a)
    maulvis.
  • b)
    mullas.
  • c)
    nagarsheths.
  • d)
    sheshtis.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Shruti Joshi answered
Merchants had strong communal or kin ties and were organised into their own caste-cum-occupational bodies. In western India, these groups were called mahajans and their chief, the nagarsheth.

Assertion (A): Al-Biruni's "Kitab-ul-Hind" is structured to enhance understanding of Indian culture through a comparison of various subjects.
Reason (R): The work contains 80 chapters, each beginning with a question that leads to an analysis of Sanskritic traditions.
  • a)
    If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion
  • b)
    If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion
  • c)
    If Assertion is true but Reason is false
  • d)
    If both Assertion and Reason are false
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Assertion: The assertion is correct. Al-Biruni’s "Kitab-ul-Hind" indeed employs a structured approach that enhances the reader's understanding of Indian culture by exploring various subjects like religion, astronomy, and customs.
Reason: The reason is also correct, as the work is divided into 80 chapters, structured to facilitate understanding through questions and descriptions based on Sanskritic traditions.
Since the reason accurately explains why the assertion is true, the correct answer is Option A. Both the assertion and reason are true, with the reason being a correct explanation of the assertion.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
i. Arab merchants established trade links along the western coast of the Indian subcontinent from the early centuries CE, introducing Islam to the region.
ii. The Delhi Sultanate was established in the 13th century by Turks and Afghans, but it did not respect the religious institutions of non-Muslim subjects.
iii. Muslims in the subcontinent practiced the core tenets of Islam, including zakat and hajj, and incorporated local traditions into their practices.
iv. Mosques in the subcontinent strictly adhered to universal Islamic architectural styles without any regional variations.
  • a)
    A: i and iii
  • b)
    B: ii and iv
  • c)
    C: i, iii, and iv
  • d)
    D: i, ii, and iii
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

- Statement i is correct as it states that Arab merchants established trade links along the western coast of the Indian subcontinent from early centuries CE, which indeed facilitated the introduction of Islam to that region.
- Statement ii is incorrect because while the Delhi Sultanate was established by Turks and Afghans in the 13th century, Islamic rulers generally respected the religious institutions of non-Muslim subjects, as noted in the provided content.
- Statement iii is correct; Muslims in the subcontinent adhered to fundamental Islamic practices while also integrating local customs, creating a unique blend of religious and cultural practices.
- Statement iv is incorrect because mosques in the subcontinent do display regional variations in architectural styles, demonstrating a synthesis of universal Islamic elements with local traditions.
Thus, the correct statements are i and iii, making option A the correct answer.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
i. During the period in North India, deities like Vishnu and Shiva were primarily worshipped in temples that were supported by rulers.
ii. The arrival of the Turks and the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate had no impact on the Rajput states.
iii. Alternative religious leaders such as Naths, Jogis, and Siddhas gained prominence, often questioning Vedic authority and using the languages of ordinary people.
iv. There was significant evidence of movements similar to the Alvars and Nayanars in North India well before the 14th century.
  • a)
    i and iii
  • b)
    ii and iv
  • c)
    i, iii, and iv
  • d)
    i and ii
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

- Statement i is correct because it accurately reflects the worship practices of the time, highlighting the role of rulers in temple patronage for deities like Vishnu and Shiva.
- Statement ii is incorrect; the arrival of the Turks and the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate indeed weakened the Rajput states.
- Statement iii is correct, as it points out the emergence of alternative religious leaders who challenged Vedic norms using accessible language.
- Statement iv is incorrect; there is no evidence of movements similar to the Alvars and Nayanars in this period until the 14th century.
Thus, the correct answer is Option A: i and iii.

  • a)
    A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
  • b)
    A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3 
  • c)
    A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
  • d)
    A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2 
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Answer: Option C
Solution:
Kabir (A) is known for his belief in the Ultimate Reality, which he described using diverse traditions, including Islamic and Vedantic concepts. Baba Guru Nanak (B) advocated Nirguna Bhakti, believing in a formless divine (1). Mirabai (C) is recognized for her devotion to Krishna as her lover (3). Basavanna (D) founded the Virashaiva movement (4).

Gulbadan Begum was the author of
  • a)
    Humayun Nama
  • b)
    Shahjahan Nama
  • c)
    Alamgir Nama
  • d)
    Badshah Nama
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Kunal Ghoshal answered
Gulbadan Begum was a princess who knew both Persian and Turkish. She was the daughter of Emperor Zahir-ud-Din Babur. She is best known as the author of Humayun Nama, the acount of the life of her brother, Humayun.

Assertion (A): Al-Biruni's works on Indian culture and philosophy were largely ignored in India until after 1500.
Reason (R): Al-Biruni's travel accounts were primarily intended for audiences outside of India, which limited their readership within the region.
  • a)
    If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion
  • b)
    If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion
  • c)
    If Assertion is true but Reason is false
  • d)
    If both Assertion and Reason are false
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

  • Assertion: The assertion is correct; Al-Biruni's contributions to the understanding of Indian culture did not gain significant traction within India until well after 1500.
  • Reason: The reason is also true since Al-Biruni's writings were indeed aimed at a broader audience, which contributed to their limited impact in India during his lifetime.
  • Explanation: The reason explains the assertion because the intended audience of Al-Biruni's works influenced their reception in India, supporting the assertion that they were largely overlooked until later.

Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
i. Basavanna founded the Virashaiva movement in the 12th century in Karnataka, advocating for the worship of the linga.
ii. Lingayats are known for conducting cremation rituals for their deceased.
iii. The Virashaiva movement opposed Brahmanical norms such as caste distinctions and promoted marriage practices like widow remarriage.
iv. Vachanas, composed in Kannada, are the primary texts that convey the teachings of the Virashaiva tradition.
  • a)
    i and ii
  • b)
    i, iii, and iv
  • c)
    ii and iv
  • d)
    i and iii
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

- Statement i is correct as Basavanna did indeed found the Virashaiva movement in the 12th century and emphasized the worship of Shiva in the form of the linga.
- Statement ii is incorrect; Lingayats do not perform cremation rituals but instead ceremonially bury their dead.
- Statement iii is correct as the Virashaiva movement did challenge Brahmanical norms, including those related to caste and supported practices like widow remarriage.
- Statement iv is correct; vachanas are indeed the primary texts that articulate the beliefs and teachings of the Virashaiva tradition.
Thus, the correct statements are i, iii, and iv, making Option B the right choice.

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