UGC NET Paper 2 History Mock Test - 9 - UGC NET MCQ

The correct answer is option 1.

Key-Points

• The Wavell Plan offered the following provisions:
  • Except for Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief, the rest were all Indians in the executive council. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • Reconstructed the council to act as Interim Government within the framework of the GoI Act of 1935. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • Governor-general had a veto over the advice of ministers. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • Hindus and Muslims to have equal representation. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
  • Representatives of separate parties to submit nominations to the executive council.
  • Possibilities to be kept open for own constitution once the war was over.

Additional Information
C R(C. Rajagopalachari) Formula

• Muslim League to endorse Congress's demand for independence.
• League to cooperate with Congress in forming a provisional government at the center.
• After the end of the war, the entire population of Muslim majority areas in the North-West and North-East India to decide by a plebiscite, whether or not to form a separate sovereign state.
• In case of acceptance of partition, agreement to be made jointly for safeguarding defense, commerce, communications, etc.

Wavell Plan 1945

• Conservative party led by Churchill was keen to reach a solution soon, as the elections were due in England
• There was pressure from the Allies to seek India's cooperation.
• The government wanted to divert Indian's energies to channels more profitable to Britain.
• The Plan:
  • All Indian executive council, except Governor-General & Commander in chief
  • Equal: Hindus and Muslims to have equal representation
  • Reconstructed Council to act as an interim government within the framework of GOI 1935
  • Governor-general had a veto over the advice of ministers
  • Representatives of separate parties to submit nominations to the executive council
  • Possibilities to be kept open for own constitution once the war was won
• Muslim League wanted sole authority to nominate Muslims.
• Congress did not want to be reduced to a Hindu party.
• Wavell's blunder:
  • Announced a breakdown of talks. This strengthened Leagues' position Boosted Jinnah's position. As was seen in the 1945-46 elections.

The correct answer is option

• Jahandar Shah (1712-1713 AD):
  • He gave the title of 'Mirza Raja' to Jai Singh of Malwa and 'Maharaja' to Ajit Singh of Marwar.
  • Encouraged Ijara System(the revenue farming/contract farming and abolished Jazia).
  • First Mughal ruler who killed by Sayyid Brothers in captivity.
  • Sayyid Brothers: Abdullah Khan and Hussain Ali.
• Muhammad Shah(1719-1748 AD):
  • His name was Roshan Akhtar.
  • Also called Rangila.
  • Maratha under Baji Rao for the first in Mughal history raided in Delhi.
  • Nadir Shah of Persia invaded with the help of Sadat Khan who defeated Mughal army at the Battle of Karnal.

The correct answer is Sabha.Key Points

• Sabha:-
  • It​ was the assembly in the villages which were inhabited predominantly by the Brahmanas in the Chola administration.
  • It was a local self-government institution that functioned as a council of elders who were responsible for the administration and maintenance of the village.
  • Sabha was also responsible for the collection of taxes, maintenance of law and order, and resolving disputes within the village.
  • The members of the Sabha were usually Brahmanas who were elected by the villagers.
  • Sabha was an important institution in the Chola administration as it helped in the smooth functioning of the village administration.

Additional Information

• Ur:-
  • It was the smallest unit of administration in the Chola empire.
  • It was a village or a group of villages that were governed by a council of elders.
• Khilya:-
  • It​ was a military unit in the Chola army that consisted of 100 soldiers.
• Nagaram:-
  • It was a term used for a city or a town in the Chola empire.

All of the above is the influence of 'Positivism' on Historiography.

Key Points

• By tracing the connection between facts, between events, Comtean positivism proved itself to be a valuable corrective to the Rankean approach to history.
• The Rankeans were so concerned with unique events and exact detail, that at times their work seemed completely shapeless. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
• To the Rankean and the Comtean positivists, each fact of history is a separate entity capable of being ascertained by a separate act of cognition.
• Thus there was to be an infinity of minute facts, each such fact was thought to be independent not only of the rest but of the knower himself so all subjective elements in the historian’s point of view had to be eliminated.
• The historian must pass no judgement on the facts; he must only say what they were. So, Statement 2 is correct.
• The Comtean positivist assertion that human society is amenable to scientific study is of outstanding importance.
• From positivism sprang modern sociology which seeks general laws in at least specific spheres of human activity.
• After Comte and Buckle, the effort to seek general laws in historical development was continued by Marx, Spengler and Toynbee.

• Formulations of such a general nature might be made regarding imperialist conquests, movements of populations, the rise of dictatorships and so on. Thus Statement 3 is also correct.

Therefore, we can conclude that all of the above is the influence of 'Positivism' on Historiography.

The correct answer is Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II.

• Ram Niwas Garden was built by the Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II of Rajasthan.

Key Points

• Ram Niwas Garden is a garden situated in Jaipur city in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
• It was built by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh of Jaipur in 1868.
• Built basically as a famine relief project, the landscaped garden was designed by Colonel Sir Swinton Jacob.
• Spread across an area of over 30 acres, the garden was initially built on 76 acres of land.
• The addition of modern and increased facilities for visitors resulted in reducing down the garden area to a little over 30 acres.

Important Points

• Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II
  • This is the description Prinsep gave when he visited the Maharaja of ‘Jeypore’.
  • Sawai Ram Singh II, who ruled Jaipur from 1835 to 1880, was born in 1833.
  • He was hardly two years old when he was made the Maharaja of Jaipur.
  • He is popularly known as India’s first ‘Photographer Prince’, who had both a passion and skill in the art of photography.
  • He was born at a time when immense changes were taking place in the country, with regard to not only the freedom movement but also socially and culturally.
  • Indian society was going through massive changes in its social, political, and cultural milieu.

Additional Information

The correct chronological order is ii, iv, i and iii.Key Points

• Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas:
  • These are two early Buddhist schools that emerged within the Buddhist community shortly after Buddha's parinirvana.
  • The Sthaviravadins, also known as the Elders or Theravadins, held a conservative stance and emphasized the original teachings of the Buddha.
  • The Mahasanghikas, on the other hand, took a more liberal approach and introduced new doctrines and practices.
  • The Mahasanghikas emerged first, followed by the Sthaviravadins, so the correct order is ii, iv.
• Sarvastivadins:
  • The Sarvastivadins were another important Buddhist school that emerged during the third Buddhist council held in the 3rd century BCE.
  • They were known for their belief in the existence of dharmas (phenomenal entities) and held the doctrine of "sarvastivada," which means "all is real."
  • The Sarvastivadins developed after the Sthaviravadins, so they come after them in chronological order.
• Hinayanists and Mahayanists:
  • This division occurred after the Buddha's death and represents a difference in interpretation and practice within Buddhism.
  • The Hinayana (also known as Theravada) tradition emphasizes personal liberation and individual enlightenment, while the Mahayana tradition focuses on the Bodhisattva ideal and the aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
  • The Mahayana tradition emerged later than the Hinayana tradition, so it comes after it in chronological order.
• Vajrayanists:
  • Vajrayana, also known as Tantric or Esoteric Buddhism, is a later development within the Mahayana tradition.
  • It emerged around the 5th to 7th centuries CE and is characterized by its emphasis on esoteric practices, rituals, and the use of mantras and visualizations to attain enlightenment swiftly.

  • Vajrayana Buddhism came after the Hinayana and Mahayana traditions, so it is the last in chronological order.

Hence we conclude that the correct chronological order is ii, iv, i and iii.

In 1806, there was a mutiny at Vellore by the sepoys due to the replacement of the turban they wore, by a leather cockade.

Key Points

• The sepoys realised that their service conditions, at times impinged upon their religious beliefs.
• At Vellore in 1806, there was a mutiny by the sepoys due to the replacement of the turban they wore, by a leather cockade.
• The Vellore Mutiny predated the Indian Revolt of 1857 by about 50 years.
• It erupted on 10th July 1806 in Vellore, present-day Tamil Nadu, and lasted only for a day, but it was brutal and shook the British East India Company.

• It was the first major mutiny by the Indian sepoys in the East India Company.

Hence, we can conclude that in 1806, there was a mutiny at Vellore by the sepoys due to the replacement of the turban they wore, by a leather cockade.

The correct answer is Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay.

• Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was a freedom fighter, social reformer, and was the driving force behind the renaissance of Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and theatre in post-independence India.
• Kamaladevi was part of Gandhi’s salt satyagraha and was arrested for trying to sell contraband salt in the Bombay Stock Exchange.
  • She was imprisoned for almost one year.
• She was a feminist of her age and even spoke against Gandhi’s stance of not including women in the Dandi March.

Important Points

The correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

Key Points

• Barabar Caves:-
  • Barabar Caves are located in Barabar Hills in the Jehanabad district of Bihar.
  • They were carved mostly during the rule of the Mauryan Empire (322 BCE -185 BCE).
  • Barabar caves comprise four caves. These four caves are Lomas Rishi Caves, Sudama caves, Vishwakarma Caves, and Karan Chaupar caves.
  • Barabar caves are carved out from monolithic granite rock. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • These caves were constructed by emperor Ashoka for the use of Ajivaka ascetics.
• Lomasa Rishi Cave:-
  • It was carved out of gigantic rounded granite rock.
  • It comprises two rooms i.e: a large hall and an assembly hall in a rectangular shape.
    • The assembly hall is an oval-shaped room with a roof in the form of a dome.
  • The interior surfaces of the chambers have a remarkable glass-like polish.
    • Polishing the caves from inside & constructing the artistic gateway were the features added by the Mauryas.
  • On the wall of the cave, there are inscriptions of the elephant and other motifs. No inscriptions related to Ashoka have been found on the Lomas Rishi Cave. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Sudama Cave:
  • As per the inscriptions found on the entrance, it is the first cave in the Barabar cave group to have been dug.
  • Ashoka's nickname 'Priyadarsin' written in Brahmi script, is found on the inscription at the entrance.
    • It also mentions that the cave was dedicated by Emperor Ashoka to Ajivaks. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
  • The entrance to the Sudama cave has a shallow entrance porch, leading to a rectangular passageway.
  • The Cave's inner walls create a mirror effect due to the perfectly flat and polished granite surface.

The correct answer is 4

Key Points

• Shahjahan Nama- was originally written in Persian. It is a historical work and account of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, consisting of numerous stories about his life and achievements. It was written by the historian Inayat Khan in the 17th century. It was translated in English by A. R. Fuller in the 19th century.
• Nuskha i Dilkusha- It was written during the Aurangzeb reign by Bhimsen Burhanpuri, a Bundela officer in the Mughal service. He depicts a picture of peace and prosperity and flourishing trade conditions at the beginning of Aurangzeb reign.
• Alamgir Nama- was written by Muhammad Kazim. Aurangzeb ordered his court historian Muhammad Kazim to record and compile the history of his reign. Mirza Kazim wrote the history up to the tenth year of the reign of Aurangzeb (1668), but the emperor forbade him to continue the work after this period.
• Bahar i Ajam- is written by Abdul Qadir Nazir and not by Muhammad Waris. Hence, the last option is not correctly matched.

The correct match is: (A) - (3), (B) - (1), (C) - (4), (D) - (2)

Key Points

• "The First Indian War of Independence 1857-59"
  • This book is a collection of articles by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels for the New York Daily Tribune, on the 1857-59 national liberation revolt in India.
  • They analyzed the causes and consequences of the revolt, as well as its significance to world history.
  • They also criticized the British colonial rule and expressed their solidarity with the Indian people
• "The Causes of the Indian Revolt"
  • This book is a booklet written by Sayed Ahmed Khan in Urdu in 1859 and later translated into English.
  • It examines the causes of the 1857 revolt, focusing on aggressive British expansion and British ignorance of local customs as the main causes.
  • It also argues that Muslims and Hindus held equal responsibility for the British government’s policies, which were the primary cause of the uprising.
  • Khan wrote this book to correct the misconception that the revolt was merely a religious war or a conspiracy by Muslims
• "The Sepoy Mutiny and Rebellion of 1857"
  • This book is a historical study of the 1857 revolt by R.C. Majumdar, a historian and former vice-chancellor of Dacca University.
  • It analyzes the causes, events and consequences of the revolt, which was a widespread but unsuccessful rebellion against British rule in India.
  • Majumdar argues that the revolt was mainly a sepoy mutiny, not a war of independence and that it did not have any national character or significance. He also criticizes some of the Indian leaders of the revolt for their lack of vision and strategy
• "Civil Rebellion in Indian Mutinies"
  • This book is a book written by Sashi Bhusan Chaudhuri, a historian, and scholar of Indian history.
  • It explores the civil rebellion that accompanied the sepoy mutiny of 1857-1859, which was a widespread rebellion against British rule in India.
  • It examines the causes, nature, and extent of the civil rebellion in different regions of India, and its impact on the course and outcome of the revolt.

  • It also evaluates the role and contribution of various social groups and classes in the civil rebellion

​Hence, the correct matching is:

The Jain text which describes that Chandragupta embraced Jainism towards the end of his life is Parishisthaparvan.Key Points

• The Jain text which describes that Chandragupta embraced Jainism towards the end of his life is Parishisthaparvan.
• The other Jain texts question mentioned, Ratnamalika, Jayadhavala, and Dravya-sangraha, do not mention this event.
• Parishishtaparvan is a 12th-century Digambara text written by Hemachandra.
• It is the main and earliest Jain source of the complete legend of Chandragupta.
• The text describes how Chandragupta, after conquering the Nanda Empire, became disillusioned with worldly life and eventually renounced his throne to become a Jain monk.
• He is said to have travelled to South India with the Jain monk Bhadrabahu and died there in penance.
• The story of Chandragupta's conversion to Jainism is not mentioned in any other historical sources, but it is a popular legend among Jains.
• It is seen as an example of the power of Jain teachings to transform even the most powerful of rulers.

The correct answer is 1 and 2 only​.

• Correct matched option:

Key Points

• Araghatta
  • The word Araghatta has been used in the ancient texts to describe the Persian Wheel.
  • The ‘ara-ghatta’ comes from the combination of the words ‘ara’ meaning spoke and ‘ghatta’ meaning pot.
  • It is used to lift water from water sources typically open wells.
• Kornish
  • Kornish was a form of ceremonial salutation
  • In Kornish the courtier placed the palm of his right hand against his forehead and bent his head.
  • It suggested that the subject placed his head – the seat of the senses and the mind – into the hand of humility, presenting it to the royal assembly.
• Nauroz
  • Balban introduced the Persian festival of Nauroz.
  • It was celebrated to impress the nobles and people with his wealth and power.

Additional Information

• Balban
  • ​Ghiyasuddin Balban, who was also known as Ulugh Khan, served as Naib or regent to Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud.
  • According to Balban the Sultan was God’s shadow on earth and the recipient of divine grace.
  • Balban introduced rigorous court discipline and new customs such as prostration and kissing the Sultan’s feet to prove his superiority over the nobles.
  • He also introduced the Persian festival of Nauroz to impress the nobles and people with his wealth and power.

• After the 1857 revolt, the British government of India Act 1858 had constituted a Commission on restructuring the Army.
• Recommendations by the Peel commission as follows:

1. Mix Regiment formation based on caste, religion, etc.
2. Indian soldiers at maximum to the Subedar level.
3. Indian soldiers from newspapers and journals.
4. Formulate general service Establishment Act act to make Indians follow the order of serving anywhere.
5. Indians were excluded from artillery and Arsenal.
6. European soldiers to Indian soldier’s ratio increased from 1 : 2 to 5 : 2.

The correct answer is Guru Angad Dev Ji.

• Guru Angad (31 March 1504 – 29 March 1552) was the second of the ten Sikh Gurus.
• He was born in a Hindu family, with the birth name Lehna, in the village of Harike (now Sarae Naga, near Muktsar) in the northwest Indian subcontinent.
• Bhai Lehna grew up in a Khatri family (Kshatriya, traditionally warriors), his father was a small-scale trader, he worked as a pujari (priest) and religious teacher centered around goddess Durga.
• He met Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and became a Sikh. He served and worked with Guru Nanak for many years.
• Guru Nanak gave Bhai Lehna the name Angad, chose Angad as the second Sikh Guru instead of his sons.
• He is remembered in Sikhism for adopting and formalizing the Gurmukhi alphabet from pre-existing Indo-European scripts such as the Tankre of the Himalayan region.
• He began the process of collecting the hymns of Nanak, contributed 62 or 63 hymns of his own. Instead of his son, he chose a Vaishnava Hindu Amar Das as his successor and the third Guru of Sikhism.

The correct answer is 1 only.

Key Points

The social structure of the Early Vedic Period or Rig Vedic Period (1500 BC – 1000 BC) -

• Women enjoyed their respective positions. They were allowed to take part in Sabhas and Samitis. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• There were women poets too (Apala, Lopamudra, Viswavara, and Ghosa).
• Cattle especially cows became very important.
• Monogamy was practiced but polygamy was observed among royalty and noble families.
• There was no child marriage. Hence, statement 2nd is not correct.
• Social distinctions existed but were not rigid and hereditary.
• The warriors, priests, and ordinary people were the three sections of the early vedic tribe. The sudra category came into existence only towards the end of the Rigvedic period. This means that the division of society in the early Vedic period was not sharp. Hence, statement 3rd is not correct.

Important PointsThe social structure of the Later Vedic Period or Painted Grey Ware Phase (1000 BC – 600 BC)-

• The Varna system of social distinction became more distinct.
• The Varna system became less based on occupation and more hereditary.
• The four divisions of society in decreasing social ranking were: Brahmanas (priests), Kshatriyas (rulers), Vaishyas (agriculturists, traders, and artisans), and Shudras (servers of the upper three classes).
• Women were not permitted to attend public assemblies like Sabhas and Samitis. Their position in society diminished.
• Child marriages became common.
• Sub-castes based on occupation also emerged.
• Gotras were institutionalized.

• Statement 1 is correct. The Butler Committee (1927) was set up to examine the nature of the relationship between the princely states and government.
• Statement 2 is incorrect.
• The committee gave the following recommendations—
  • Paramountcy must remain supreme and must fulfil its obligations, adopting and defining itself according to the shifting necessities of time and progressive development of states.
  • States should not be handed over to an Indian Government in British India, responsible to an Indian legislature, without the consent of states. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

By his Vyavahara-Samata, Asoka wanted to regard all his subjects equal in Law. And, by his Danda-Samata he wanted ‘equality of punishment’ irrespective of caste and creed.

Sungas and the Kanvas succeeded the Mauryans in the north. In Deccan and in the central India, the Satavahanas succeeded the Mauryas however after a gap of almost 100 years.

The policy of the equal federation was started in 1935 and ended in 1947. The cessation process was started gradually after the Outbreak of World War II.

Kailashnath Temple, Ellora :

• Completely in Dravida style
• Main deity is Lord Shiva
• There is also a Nandi shrine
• Vimana rises 30 m
• This temple was carved out of a portion of a hill.
• The temple is grand and imposing
• Built during the Rashtrakuta phase at Ellora

Chitrasutra of the Vishnudharmottara Purana was an oral tradition, which was recorded on paper around the fifth century A.D.

It is the oldest known treatise on painting in the world. According to the ancient Indian tradition in which knowledge is considered sacred, this text is meant to be approached with reverence. The best example of the Pre-Buddha paintings is the Jogimara cave, which is situated at Amarnath near the origin of the Narmada in Sarguja in Chhattisgarh. The paintings were created before the Ajanta and Bagh Caves; they belong to the Pre-Buddha paintings.

A variety of cultural festivals are organized at various places in Madhya Pradesh, in which, Nimad festival is celebrated in Maheshwar of Madhya Pradesh.

The Charter Act of 1833 made Governor-General of Bengal as the Governor-General of India and vested in him all civil and military powers. Lord William Bentick was the first governor-genera of India. The last of the series of Charter Acts passed by the British Parliament was the Charter Act of 1853. It was a significant constitutional landmark. One of such was the introduction of an open competition system of selection and recruitment of civil servants. The recruitment of civil service was thrown open to Indians also. Accordingly, the Macaulay Committee (the Committee of the Indian Civil Service) was appointed in 1833.

The Cripps mission came to India in March 1942. The mission was headed by a Sir Stafford Cripps. The mission was sent to negotiate an agreement with the nationalist Congress leaders. The mission asked India to keep loyalty to the British war effort and promised of elections and full self-government or Dominion status after the cessation of the World War II.

Lord Canning was the Viceroy of India when the Revolt of 1857 occurred.

King Charles II of England handed over Bombay Island to the company in 1661 on an annual payment of 10 pounds.

All of the above statements are correct. Salient Features of the Government of India Act 1935 were as follows:

• Abolition of provincial dyarchy and introduction of dyarchy at centre
• Abolition of Indian Council and introduction of an advisory body in its place
• Provision for an All India Federation with British India territories and princely states
• Elaborate safeguards and protective instruments for minorities
• Supremacy of British Parliament
• Increase in size of legislatures, extension of franchise, division of subjects into three lists and retention of communal electorate
• Separation of Burma from India

Lord Dalhousie was appointed as the governor-general of India in the year 1848 (12 January). His governor generalship lasted till 1856.