Important Questions: Towns, Traders & Craftspersons - UPSC MCQ

The discovery of the sea route to India is the description sometimes used in Europe and among the Portuguese for the first recorded trip made directly from Europe to India via the Atlantic Ocean. It was undertaken under the command of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama during the reign of King Manuel I in 1497 -1499.

Explanation:
Given Information:
- People in a small town come from far-off places to sell their distant products.
- Four options are given: Salt, Polybags, Beetle Nuts, and Horse.
- We need to identify the option that is not brought from a distant place to sell in the small town.

To find the option that is not brought from a distant place, we need to analyze each option individually.
a. Salt:
- Salt is a common commodity that can be found in various places.
- It is unlikely that people would travel from far-off places to sell salt in a small town.
- Therefore, salt is a product that is not brought from a distant place to sell.
b. Polybags:
- Polybags are commonly used for packaging and are not typically considered a product that is brought from a distant place to sell.
- However, without any further context or information, it is difficult to determine if polybags are produced locally or brought from a distant place.
- Hence, we cannot categorically state that polybags are not brought from a distant place.
c. Beetle Nuts:
- Beetle nuts, also known as betel nuts, are commonly grown in tropical regions, including parts of Asia.
- If the small town mentioned is not in a tropical region where beetle nuts are grown locally, it is likely that they are brought from a distant place to sell.
- Therefore, beetle nuts are a product that is brought from a distant place to sell.
d. Horse:
- Horses are living beings and cannot be transported over long distances for trading purposes.
- Therefore, it is highly unlikely that people would bring horses from a distant place to sell in a small town.
- Hence, horses are not brought from a distant place to sell.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, the option that is not brought from a distant place to sell in the small town is Polybags (option B). However, it should be noted that without further context or information, it is difficult to make a definitive conclusion.

Taxes were levied by the Samanta.
- In ancient India, the Samantas were powerful and influential feudal lords who held significant political and economic control in their regions.
- The Samantas collected taxes from the local population to maintain their armies and provide support to the ruling kings or empires.
- The taxes levied by the Samantas were a means of generating revenue for their own personal wealth and for the overall governance of their territories.
- The Samantas had the authority to impose and collect various types of taxes, including land taxes, agricultural taxes, and trade taxes.
- Land taxes were imposed on the farmers and landowners based on the size and productivity of their land.
- Agricultural taxes were collected from the farmers based on the crops they cultivated and the yield they produced.
- Trade taxes were imposed on the traders and merchants for conducting business activities within the Samanta's territory.
- The Samantas used the revenue generated from these taxes to maintain law and order, fund military expeditions, and support the overall administration of their regions.
- The imposition and collection of taxes by the Samantas played a crucial role in maintaining their power and authority in ancient India.

The largest Indian trading groups were the Chettiyars and Marwari Oswal, and Gujarati traders such as Hindu Baniyas and Muslim Bohras. There was extensive trade with the ports of the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, East Africa, Southeast Asia, and China.

Africa and India are separated by the Indian Ocean They brought gold and ivory from Africa.

Saliyar or Kaikkolars were Weavers
- The Saliyar or Kaikkolars were a social group in India.
- They were primarily involved in the occupation of weaving.
- Weaving is the process of creating fabric by interlacing two sets of yarn or thread at right angles to each other.
- The Saliyar or Kaikkolars were skilled in traditional weaving techniques and were known for their expertise in creating intricate and beautiful patterns.
- They used various types of looms and tools to weave different types of fabrics, including silk, cotton, and wool.
- Weaving was not just a means of livelihood for the Saliyar or Kaikkolars, but it was also an important part of their cultural heritage.
- They passed down their weaving skills from generation to generation, ensuring the continuation of their craft.
- The Saliyar or Kaikkolars were highly respected in their communities for their craftsmanship and the quality of their woven products.
- Their woven fabrics were used for clothing, household items, and ceremonial purposes.
- Today, while the occupation of weaving has evolved with modern technology, the legacy of the Saliyar or Kaikkolars as skilled weavers continues to be celebrated.

The correct answer is B as Hampi is located in the Krishna-Tungabhadra basin, which formed the nucleus of the Vijayanagara Empire, founded in 1336. The magnificent ruins at Hampi reveal a well-fortified city. No mortar or cementing agent was used in the construction of these walls and the technique followed was to wedge them together by interlocking.

Devadasi system is a religious practice whereby parents marry a daughter to a deity or a temple.

The most important festivals celebrated at Hampi are:

1. Navaratri: Navaratri is one of the most important festivals celebrated at Hampi. It is a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. The festival involves elaborate rituals, fasting, and the performance of traditional dance forms such as Garba and Dandiya.


2. Diwali: Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is another significant festival celebrated at Hampi. It marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During Diwali, the entire town of Hampi is adorned with oil lamps, and people celebrate by lighting fireworks, exchanging gifts, and feasting on delicious sweets.


3. Holi: Holi, the festival of colors, is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in Hampi. It is a vibrant and joyous festival where people throw colored powder and water at each other. The streets of Hampi come alive with music, dance, and laughter during this festive occasion.


4. Christmas: While Hampi is predominantly a Hindu pilgrimage site, Christmas is also celebrated by the Christian community in the town. The churches are beautifully decorated, and people attend midnight mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Overall, Hampi celebrates a diverse range of festivals, reflecting the cultural and religious harmony of the region. The celebrations are marked by a sense of joy, devotion, and unity among the people, making Hampi a vibrant and culturally rich destination.

Definition of Emporium
An emporium refers to a place where goods from diverse production centers are bought and sold. It can be a physical location, such as a marketplace or a large retail store, or it can also refer to an online platform where various sellers offer their products to potential buyers.
Explanation
The given options for the definition of an emporium are as follows:
A. A place where goods are stored:
This definition does not accurately describe an emporium. While goods may be stored in an emporium temporarily, its primary function is not storage but buying and selling.
B. A place where goods from diverse production centers are bought and sold:
This definition accurately describes an emporium. It emphasizes the diversity of the goods and the exchange of these goods between different production centers.
C. A place of worship:
This definition is incorrect. An emporium is not a place of worship but a commercial establishment.
D. A place where goods are produced:
This definition is incorrect. An emporium is not involved in the production of goods but in their buying and selling.
Conclusion
Based on the given options, the correct definition of an emporium is option B, which states that it is a place where goods from diverse production centers are bought and sold.

The Deccani sultanates were a group of five independent Muslim kingdoms that ruled over the Deccan region of India from the 14th to the 17th century. They were known for their distinctive architecture, culture, and political systems.
The question asks which of the following is not a Deccani sultan. Let's analyze the options one by one:
A: Kabul
- Kabul is the capital city of Afghanistan and is not a part of the Deccan region in India. Therefore, it is not a Deccani sultan.
B: Bijapur
- Bijapur was one of the prominent Deccani sultanates and ruled over a major part of the Deccan region. It was known for its architectural marvels, such as the Gol Gumbaz.
C: Golconda
- Golconda was another significant Deccani sultanate that was known for its diamond mines and the famous Golconda Fort. It played a crucial role in the trade of diamonds and other precious stones.
D: Berar
- Berar was also one of the Deccani sultanates and had its capital at Ellichpur. It was located in the eastern part of the Deccan region.
From the above analysis, we can conclude that option A, Kabul, is not a Deccani sultan. Kabul is the capital city of Afghanistan and is not a part of the Deccan region in India.

Given:
Zari is one of the following options:
A: Silver lace border
B: Golden Ivory
C: Gold lace border
D: Golden colour Shawl
To find:
The correct option for Zari

We will analyze each option and determine which one is the correct answer for Zari.
Option A: Silver lace border
- This option refers to a silver lace border, which does not match the name Zari.
Option B: Golden Ivory
- This option refers to a combination of golden and ivory, which does not match the name Zari.
Option C: Gold lace border
- This option refers to a gold lace border, which matches the name Zari.
Option D: Golden colour Shawl
- This option refers to a golden-colored shawl, which does not match the name Zari.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, the correct option for Zari is C: Gold lace border.

Answer:
Background:
- Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer.
- He was sent by King Manuel I of Portugal to find a sea route to India, avoiding the Ottoman Empire-controlled land route.

- Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498.
- This was his first voyage to India.
- He departed from Lisbon, Portugal on July 8, 1497.
- He sailed around the Cape of Good Hope, reaching the coast of India on May 20, 1498.
- He landed in the city of Calicut, which is present-day Kozhikode in Kerala, India.
Explanation:
- Vasco da Gama's voyage to Calicut was significant because it established a direct sea route between Europe and Asia.
- This opened up new trade opportunities for Portugal and other European powers.
- Vasco da Gama's successful voyage also paved the way for future Portuguese exploration and colonization in the Indian Ocean region.
- His arrival in Calicut marked the beginning of European dominance in the spice trade and the colonization of India.
Summary:
- Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498 during his first voyage to India.
- This marked the establishment of a direct sea route between Europe and Asia and opened up new trade opportunities for Portugal.

English East India Company shifted its headquarters in 1668 to

The English East India Company, also known as the East India Company, was a trading company formed in 1600 by a group of English merchants. It played a significant role in the establishment and expansion of British colonialism in India. In 1668, the company decided to shift its headquarters from its previous location to a new one. The new location chosen for the headquarters was Bombay, which is now known as Mumbai. This decision had a major impact on the development and growth of Bombay as a significant trading center and eventually as the capital of the Bombay Presidency.

The options provided for the answer are:

A: Bombay

B: Gujarat

C: Delhi

D: Surat
The correct answer is:

A: Bombay
Explanation:

- The English East India Company shifted its headquarters in 1668 to Bombay.

- This decision played a crucial role in the development and growth of Bombay as a major trading center.

- The shift of the headquarters to Bombay contributed to its transformation into a prominent port city.

- Bombay eventually became the capital of the Bombay Presidency and played a significant role in British colonial rule in India.

- Gujarat, Delhi, and Surat were not the chosen locations for the English East India Company's headquarters in 1668.

Fish Port Town
- The fish port town in question is called Masulipatnam.
- The correct answer is option C:

Masulipatnam

.
- Masulipatnam is a historic port town located in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
- It is known for its fishing industry and is often referred to as "Machilipatnam" or simply "Machili" by the locals.
- The town has a rich history and was a major trading port during the Dutch and British colonial periods.
- Masulipatnam is famous for its delicious seafood, particularly the variety of fish available in the local markets.
- The town is also known for its beautiful beaches and historical landmarks, including the Dutch Cemetery and the Machilipatnam Fort.
- Masulipatnam continues to be an important fishing hub and attracts visitors from all over the country.
- The correct spelling of the town is Masulipatnam and not Masolipatnam, Masulipatnom, or Masulipatnem.

The East India Company relied on a “factory” system, leaving representatives it called “factors” behind to set up trading posts and allowing them to source and negotiate for goods.

Qutb Shahi rulers of Golconda

The Qutb Shahi dynasty was a Sunni Muslim dynasty that ruled over the region of Golconda in present-day Telangana, India. They were known for their architectural achievements, especially the establishment of the iconic Golconda Fort.

Rulers of the Qutb Shahi dynasty:

• Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk: He was the founder of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and ruled from 1518 to 1543. He established the Golconda Sultanate and laid the foundation for its future prosperity.


• Jamshed Quli Qutb Shah: He ruled from 1543 to 1550 and was known for his military campaigns and expansion of the kingdom.


• Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah: He was the third ruler and reigned from 1550 to 1580. He focused on administrative reforms and patronized art and culture.


• Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah: He is considered the most famous and influential ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. He ruled from 1580 to 1611 and is credited with the foundation of the city of Hyderabad.


• Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah: He ruled from 1611 to 1626 and continued the architectural and cultural advancements initiated by his predecessor.


• Abdullah Qutb Shah: He ruled from 1626 to 1672 and faced challenges from the Mughal Empire. His reign marked the decline of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.


• Abul Hasan Qutb Shah: He was the last ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and ruled from 1672 to 1687. The dynasty came to an end with the annexation of Golconda by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

The Qutb Shahi rulers of Golconda left a lasting legacy in the form of exquisite architecture, with the Golconda Fort and the Charminar being prominent examples. They also patronized literature, music, and other art forms, contributing to the cultural richness of the region.

Answer:
The correct answer is B: English, Dutch, and French.
Explanation:
The formation of East India Companies was driven by the desire of European powers to expand their commercial activities in the east, particularly in India and Southeast Asia. Here is a detailed explanation of the formation of East India Companies:
1. English: The English East India Company, also known as the East India Trading Company, was formed in 1600. Its main objective was to establish trade relations with the countries of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The English East India Company played a significant role in the colonization of India and the establishment of British rule.
2. Dutch: The Dutch East India Company, officially known as the United East India Company (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie or VOC), was formed in 1602. It was one of the most powerful and influential trading companies during the Age of Discovery. The Dutch East India Company engaged in trade, colonization, and military activities in the Indian Ocean region, including India and Indonesia.
3. French: The French East India Company, also known as the French East Indies Company, was formed in 1664. Its primary aim was to compete with the Dutch and English in the lucrative spice trade and establish French colonies in India and Southeast Asia. However, the French East India Company faced numerous challenges and was eventually dissolved in 1769.
In conclusion, the English, Dutch, and French formed East India Companies to expand their commercial activities in the east, with a particular focus on India and Southeast Asia.

In the 16th and 17th century, European countries were in search of spices and textiles. These commodities had become very popular both in Europe and West Asia. the English, Dutch and French formed East India Companies to expand their commercial activities in the East. The European countries used their naval power to gain control of the sea trade and forced the Indian traders to work as their agents. Eventually, the English emerged as the most successful commercial and political power in the subcontinent.