Old NCERT RS Sharma Test: India and the World - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I is correct as the Abbasids did rise to power as Caliphs in Baghdad in the 8th century, claiming lineage from Prophet Muhammad. Statement-II is also correct as Arab conquests did reach Sind and Multan by 712 A.D. However, Statement-II does not explain the rise of the Abbasids in Baghdad, making option (b) the correct choice. Arab conquests reaching Sind and Multan by 712 A.D. is a separate historical event from the rise of the Abbasid Empire in Baghdad.

1. Western Roman Empire - Capital at Rome: Correctly matched. The Western Roman Empire, which eventually collapsed under pressure from various tribes, did indeed have its capital at Rome.

2. Byzantine Empire - Predominantly Catholic: Incorrectly matched. The Byzantine Empire was predominantly influenced by the Greek Orthodox Church, not Catholicism. The distinction between the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Greek Orthodox Church in the East was a significant aspect of the religious landscape of this time.

3. Constantinople - Fell to the Ottoman Turks: Correctly matched. Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, marking the end of Byzantine rule and the rise of Ottoman influence in the region.

4. Byzantine Influence - Trade and cultural exchange between East and West: Correctly matched. The Byzantine Empire played a crucial role in facilitating trade and cultural exchange between the Eastern and Western worlds due to its strategic location and connections.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Western Roman Empire indeed faced invasions and pressure from various Germanic and Slavic tribes, leading to its collapse by the 6th century. This period marked significant turmoil and fragmentation in Western Europe, often associated with the decline of centralized Roman authority and the onset of the so-called "Dark Ages."

2. Statement 2 is correct. The Byzantine Empire, with its capital at Constantinople, played a crucial role in serving as a cultural and religious bridge between the Greco-Roman world and emerging Arab civilizations. It preserved and transmitted classical knowledge and Christian traditions while facilitating trade and cultural exchange between the East and West.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the Ottoman Turks indeed marked the end of the Byzantine Empire. This event was a significant turning point in history, leading to the rise of the Ottoman Empire as a dominant power in the region and significantly impacting European and Middle Eastern history.

All three statements are accurate reflections of historical events and their impact on the regions involved. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: 1, 2 and 3.

The High Middle Ages, spanning from the 12th to the 14th century, marked a time of significant progress and prosperity in Europe. This era was characterized by advancements in various fields such as agriculture, technology, and commerce, which fueled economic growth and social development. It laid the groundwork for significant cultural and intellectual transformations in Europe.

The correct answer is: B: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

1. Statement-I:
   The High Middle Ages (12th to 14th century) was indeed a period of rapid progress and prosperity in Europe. This period saw advancements in agriculture (e.g., three-field system, heavy plow), technology (e.g., water mills, windmills), and commerce (e.g., growth of trade fairs, urban centers, and merchant guilds). Hence, this statement is correct.

2. Statement-II:
   The Renaissance (14th to 17th century) was characterized by a revival of classical learning, art, and literature, influencing European society significantly. It marked a transition toward the modern age, emphasizing humanism, scientific inquiry, and artistic expression. This statement is also correct.

While both statements are correct, the Renaissance (Statement-II) does not directly explain the progress and prosperity of the High Middle Ages (Statement-I). The Renaissance followed the High Middle Ages chronologically and represented a distinct cultural and intellectual movement, not a continuation or explanation of the earlier advancements.

1. Byzantine Empire - Thrived through the 10th century: Correct. The Byzantine Empire was indeed a thriving center of civilization during the 10th century, continuing to preserve and build upon Roman and Greek traditions.

2. University of Paris - Established during the High Middle Ages: Correct. The University of Paris was established in the 12th century, which falls within the High Middle Ages, a period known for the establishment of many universities across Europe.

3. Renaissance - Began in the 14th century: Correct. The Renaissance is widely considered to have begun in the 14th century, particularly in Italy, marking a period of renewed interest in classical learning and the arts.

4. Islamic World - Declined before the 10th century: Incorrect. The Islamic World did not decline before the 10th century; in fact, it was experiencing a golden age during this time, characterized by significant advancements in science, medicine, and culture.

Pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched, while pair 4 is incorrectly matched.

The "Dark Ages" in Europe, following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, were marked by a decline in urban centers, faltering trade networks, and a general disruption in governance and social order. This period saw a significant regression in various aspects of society, leading to challenges in maintaining the structures that had characterized the Roman Empire. Despite these difficulties, pockets of civilization continued to thrive in other parts of the world, such as in the Byzantine and Islamic worlds, which eventually contributed to the revival and rebuilding of Europe in subsequent centuries.

Statement 1 is correct. The Abbasid Empire was crucial in the transmission of various Chinese inventions such as the compass, paper, printing, and gunpowder to Europe, which significantly contributed to European advancements during the later medieval period.

Statement 2 is also correct. The House of Wisdom (Bait-ul-Hikmat) in Baghdad was a major intellectual center during the Abbasid Caliphate, where scholars translated numerous works from Greek, Persian, Indian, and other civilizations into Arabic. This facilitated a rich exchange of knowledge and helped preserve and enhance scientific and philosophical learning.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Muhammad bin Qasim's conquest of Sind was initiated by the Governor of Iraq, not directly by the Caliph. He was dispatched by the Governor with the permission of the Caliph, indicating an intermediary authority involved in the decision.

Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the accurate choice.

In medieval Europe, a key characteristic of the feudal system was the significant influence held by the landed aristocracy. Power was often inherited within noble families, and these aristocrats controlled vast amounts of land and resources. This system of hierarchy and control formed the backbone of medieval European society, with the aristocracy playing crucial roles in governance, military organization, and economic structures.

Statement-I correctly describes the dominance of chiefs and kings in the feudal system of medieval Europe, where powerful chiefs controlled extensive lands through military prowess. This is a key feature of feudalism in Europe.

However, Statement-II is incorrect. Feudal lords in Europe did collect taxes from the peasantry, maintain armies, and remit tributes to the king, but they typically did not use all the remaining resources for personal consumption. Instead, these resources were often reinvested into their estates, military endeavors, or other feudal obligations. The statement oversimplifies the complex economic and social dynamics of feudalism by focusing solely on personal consumption, which was not the sole purpose of resource utilization in the feudal system.