All questions of Class 11(Theme in World History) for UPSC CSE Exam

Leonardo da Vinci! frm 1503 to 1517

Princeps

Cyrus won the battle against the Babylonians at opis in 539 bce

Introduction
The Umayyad Empire was one of the most significant Islamic dynasties that ruled from 661 to 750 CE. During their reign, they made numerous contributions to the Islamic world, including the introduction of Arabic as the language of administration. This decision was made by the Umayyad Emperor, Abd al-Malik.

Abd al-Malik and his reign
Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan was the fifth Umayyad caliph, who ruled from 685 to 705 CE. He was known for his political and administrative reforms, as well as his efforts to centralize the empire. Abd al-Malik aimed to unify the diverse regions under Umayyad rule by establishing Arabic as the language of administration.

Reasons for introducing Arabic as the language of administration
There were several reasons why Abd al-Malik introduced Arabic as the language of administration:

1. Linguistic unity: The Umayyad Empire encompassed a vast territory with diverse cultures and languages. By adopting Arabic as the language of administration, Abd al-Malik aimed to promote linguistic unity and facilitate communication between different regions.

2. Islamic identity: Arabic was the language of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad. By making Arabic the language of administration, Abd al-Malik sought to strengthen the Islamic identity of the empire and promote the importance of the Arabic language in religious and cultural contexts.

3. Efficient administration: Arabic was a well-developed language with a rich literary tradition. By adopting Arabic as the language of administration, Abd al-Malik aimed to streamline bureaucratic processes and ensure efficient governance across the empire.

4. Arab supremacy: The Umayyads were of Arab descent, and promoting Arabic as the language of administration also reinforced the dominance of Arab culture and heritage within the empire.

Impact of introducing Arabic as the language of administration
The decision to adopt Arabic as the language of administration had far-reaching consequences:

1. Spread of Arabic: The adoption of Arabic as the language of administration contributed to the spread of the Arabic language beyond the Arabian Peninsula. This laid the foundation for the Arabic language becoming one of the world's major languages.

2. Development of Arabic literature: The promotion of Arabic as the language of administration led to a flourishing of Arabic literature and intellectual pursuits. Scholars and poets thrived, and Arabic became the language of learning and knowledge.

3. Standardization of Arabic: The use of Arabic as the language of administration led to the standardization of Arabic grammar, vocabulary, and script. This facilitated the development of Arabic as a written language and enhanced its status as a vehicle for communication and expression.

4. Legacy: The Umayyad Empire's decision to introduce Arabic as the language of administration had a lasting impact on the Islamic world. Arabic remains the liturgical language of Islam, and its influence can be seen in fields such as literature, science, and governance.

In conclusion, Abd al-Malik, the Umayyad Emperor, introduced Arabic as the language of administration to promote unity, strengthen the Islamic identity, improve governance, and reinforce Arab supremacy. This decision had significant cultural, linguistic, and intellectual implications that continue

The correct answer is option 'A', Hominids.

Explanation:

Genus is a taxonomic rank used in the classification of organisms. It is a category that groups together closely related species. In the context of the question, the genus referred to is related to human evolution and the classification of human ancestors.

- Hominids:
The branch of Genus that is relevant to the question is Hominids. Hominids are a group of primates that includes modern humans (Homo sapiens) and their closest relatives, both living and extinct. This group also includes some extinct species such as Neanderthals and Denisovans. Hominids are characterized by their bipedalism, large brain size, and complex social behaviors.

- Hominoids:
Hominoids are a larger taxonomic group that includes both living and extinct apes and humans. This group includes the family Hominidae, which consists of orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and humans. Hominoids are characterized by their larger body size, lack of a tail, and more complex behavior compared to other primates.

- Neanderthalensis:
Neanderthalensis refers to the species Neanderthals, which is an extinct member of the genus Homo. Neanderthals are closely related to modern humans and share a common ancestor. They lived in Europe and parts of Asia from about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. While they are part of the broader hominid group, they do not represent the entire branch of Genus.

- Australopithecus:
Australopithecus is another genus within the hominid branch. It includes several extinct species that lived in Africa between 4.2 and 1.2 million years ago. Australopithecus species are considered to be early human ancestors and are known for their bipedal locomotion. They are believed to have been more closely related to the genus Homo than to other living hominoids.

In conclusion, the branch of Genus referred to in the question is Hominids, which includes modern humans and their closest relatives. Hominids are characterized by their bipedalism, large brain size, and complex social behaviors. The other options mentioned (Hominoids, Neanderthalensis, and Australopithecus) are also relevant to human evolution but do not encompass the entire branch of Genus.

Realism

The Prince: Author and Explanation

The correct answer is option 'C', Niccolò Machiavelli. He is the author of the book "The Prince." Now let's delve into the details and understand the background and significance of this work.

About Niccolò Machiavelli
Niccolò Machiavelli was an Italian Renaissance political philosopher, historian, diplomat, and writer who lived from 1469 to 1527. He is considered one of the most influential political thinkers of his time. Machiavelli served as a diplomat in the Florentine Republic and witnessed the political upheavals and power struggles of the era.

Background of "The Prince"
"The Prince" is a political treatise written by Machiavelli in 1513. It is his most famous and influential work. The book was dedicated to Lorenzo di Piero de' Medici, who was the ruler of Florence at the time. Machiavelli wrote this treatise with the intention of gaining favor with the ruling Medici family, hoping to secure a political position.

Key Concepts in "The Prince"
"The Prince" explores Machiavelli's observations and theories on political power. It offers advice to rulers on how to acquire, maintain, and expand their power. Key concepts discussed in the book include:

1. Realpolitik: Machiavelli argues that politics should be based on practical considerations rather than moral or ethical ideals. He emphasizes the importance of effective governance and the preservation of the state, even if it requires the use of ruthless and cunning tactics.

2. Fortune and Virtù: Machiavelli discusses the role of fortune (external circumstances) and virtù (personal qualities) in political success. He suggests that a successful ruler must possess both luck and skill to navigate the complexities of power.

3. Morality and Politics: Machiavelli challenges the traditional notions of moral behavior in politics. He argues that a ruler should prioritize the stability and welfare of the state over personal ethics. This controversial stance sparked much debate and criticism.

Influence and Legacy
"The Prince" had a profound impact on political thought and continues to be studied and debated today. Machiavelli's ideas were considered radical and controversial during his time, as they challenged traditional notions of morality in politics. His work laid the foundation for the modern concept of political realism and had a significant influence on subsequent political thinkers.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Niccolò Machiavelli is the author of the book "The Prince." This treatise presents Machiavelli's ideas on political power, emphasizing the importance of effective governance and practical considerations over moral ideals. It remains a significant work in political philosophy and has shaped our understanding of politics and leadership.

Historical Context of the Conquest
In 1571, the Philippines was officially conquered by Spain, marking a significant turning point in the archipelago's history. This conquest was part of Spain's broader imperial ambitions in Asia during the Age of Exploration.
Key Reasons for Spanish Conquest
- Exploration and Colonization: Spain sought to expand its territory and influence in Asia. The Philippines, located strategically between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, was seen as a valuable prize.
- Ferdinand Magellan's Expedition: In 1521, Magellan, a Spanish explorer, arrived in the Philippines, marking the first European contact. His journey paved the way for later Spanish expeditions.
- The Role of Miguel López de Legazpi: In 1565, Legazpi established the first permanent Spanish settlement in Cebu. By 1571, he moved to Manila, which became the capital of the Spanish East Indies.
Impact of Spanish Rule
- Political and Religious Changes: Spain imposed its political structure and Catholicism, fundamentally altering local governance and cultural practices.
- Economic Exploitation: The Spanish introduced new agricultural methods and exploited local resources, leading to significant changes in the economy.
- Lasting Legacy: Spanish colonization set the foundation for modern Filipino identity, influencing language, culture, and societal norms.
Conclusion
The conquest of the Philippines by Spain in 1571 marked the beginning of over 300 years of colonial rule, significantly impacting the region’s history and development. Understanding this period is essential for comprehending contemporary Filipino society and its historical roots.

Yam was a courier system which conveys
message and it was organised by Genguis Khan and Khan.It also provides the food and basic necessities to army.

C

The correct answer is option 'A' - Ismaili.

Ismailism is a sub-sect of Shiism, and it is from this sub-sect that the Fatimid dynasty descended. The Fatimids were a major Islamic caliphate that ruled over a vast territory in North Africa and the Middle East from the 10th to the 12th centuries.

Here is an explanation of the answer:

1. Introduction to Shiism:
Shiism is one of the two major branches of Islam, the other being Sunni Islam. Shiism originated from a disagreement over the succession of leadership after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. Shiites believe that leadership should have passed to Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, and his descendants. They consider Ali and his descendants, known as Imams, to be the rightful leaders of the Muslim community.

2. Ismailism as a sub-sect of Shiism:
Ismailism is a sub-sect of Shiism that traces its lineage back to Ismail ibn Jafar, the eldest son of the sixth Imam, Jafar al-Sadiq. Ismailis believe that Ismail was the rightful successor to his father and that the line of Imams continued through him. However, Ismail died before his father, leading to a dispute among Shiites about the rightful successor.

3. The Fatimid dynasty:
The Fatimids were a Shiite caliphate that was founded by Abdullah al-Mahdi Billah, who claimed descent from Ismail. The Fatimids established their capital in North Africa, in present-day Tunisia, and later expanded their empire to include Egypt, parts of the Levant, and even parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

4. Importance of the Fatimids:
The Fatimid dynasty was significant for several reasons. They established a centralized and well-organized state, with a strong emphasis on education, culture, and the arts. The Fatimids also played a major role in the spread of Ismailism, as they actively promoted their version of Shiism and sought to convert the Sunni majority in their territories.

In conclusion, the sub-sect of Shiism from which the Fatimids descended is known as Ismaili. Ismailism is a distinct branch of Shiism that traces its lineage through Ismail ibn Jafar, and the Fatimids were the descendants of Ismail who founded a major caliphate in North Africa and the Middle East.

He was an English inventor and engineer.He was born at Devon ,England.He invented the 1st commercially used steam powered device,steam pump which is often called as an engine , although technically it is not an engine .Savery's engine was a revolutionary method of pumping water which solved the problem of mine drainage and widespread public water supply practicable.