History: CUET Mock Test - 4 - CUET MCQ

Medieval Seafarers attempts to explore the dimensions of Indian seafaring from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, a period of striking change and innovation.

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3 only.
The Mahajanpadas:

• It symbolises the fusion of a large number of rural and urban settlements.
• The Buddhist text "Anguttara Nikaya" mentioned the names of 16 Mahajanpadas at the time of the Buddha. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The Jaina text "Bhagvati Sutra" & "Mahavastu" also mentioned the Mahajanpadas.
• Geographical extent:
  • From northwestern Pakistan to eastern Bihar.
  • From the mountainous Himalayas to the river Godavari in the south.
• The growth of iron technology & the making of iron tools led to the widespread use of iron & weapons.
• The period from 6th to 4th century BC witnessed the struggle for supremacy primarily amongst the four huge Mahajanpadas- Magadha, Vatsa, Avanti, Kosala.
  • Ultimately, Magadha evolved as the most powerful and prosperous kingdom in North India.
  • The founders of Magadha were Jarasandh & Brihadratha.

The Magadhas: They were firstly mentioned in the Atharvaveda. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Causes for the rise of Magadha:

• ​The alluvial soil of the Gangetic valley & sufficient rainfall.
  • They were very helpful in agriculture leading to better agricultural yield in this region.
• Use of elephants on large scale in the wars.
• The contribution made by great rulers in the uprising of the Magadha empire.
• The liberal character of the Magadha society due to tolerant rulers. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The abundance of natural resources, such as iron, enabled the Magadhan rulers to equip themselves with effective weapons.
• An advantageous geographical location.
  • This great location helped Magadha to effectively command the Uttarapatha lying to the North of the river Ganges.
  • The river also facilitated a means of cheap and convenient communication.
• The Mahajanpadas of Kamboja, Kuru, Koliya, Kuru, Malla etc were of republican type or non-monarchial.
• The Mahajanpadas of Anga, Kosala, Chedi, Vatsa, Matsya, Sursena, Asmaka, Avanti, Gandhara & Magadha were ruled by kings.

The decline of the Nandas at the hands of Kautilya and Chandragupta Maurya has been vividly portrayed in the Sanskrit play Mudrarakshas.

• The Sanskrit play Mudrarakshas (The Signet Ring of Rakshasa) by Vishakhadatta vividly portrays the decline of the Nanda dynasty and the rise of Chandragupta Maurya, with the guidance of the political strategist Chanakya (also known as Kautilya).
• The play is set in the 4th century BCE, during the reign of the last Nanda king, Dhana Nanda.
• Dhana Nanda is a corrupt and tyrannical ruler, and his reign is marked by lawlessness and oppression.
• The play opens with Chanakya, a former minister to the Nandas, plotting to overthrow Dhana Nanda and install Chandragupta, a young prince, as the new king.
• Chanakya recruits a group of mercenaries, including the play's namesake, Mudrarakshas, to help him in his plan.
• Mudrarakshas is a skilled assassin and spy, and he is instrumental in carrying out Chanakya's schemes.
• With the help of Chanakya and his allies, Chandragupta is able to defeat Dhana Nanda and establish the Mauryan Empire.
• The play ends with Chandragupta being crowned king, and Chanakya being appointed his chief advisor.
• Mudrarakshas is a complex and fascinating play that provides a glimpse into the political intrigue and power struggles of ancient India.
• It is also a story of revenge and redemption, as Chanakya and Chandragupta seek to avenge the death of Chanakya's mentor and Chandragupta's father.
• The play is considered to be one of the greatest Sanskrit plays ever written, and it has been translated into many languages.
• It is still performed today, and it continues to be a popular source of inspiration for writers and filmmakers.

The concept of Nirvana in Buddhism is the extinction of the flame of desire.

• Nirvana is a Sanskrit word that means "extinction" or "blowing out."
• In Buddhism, it refers to the state of perfect peace and freedom from suffering that is achieved through the complete elimination of desire.
• Desire is seen as the root of all suffering in Buddhism.
• When we desire something, we are attached to it and we become unhappy when we don't get it.
• This attachment leads to greed, anger, and other negative emotions.
• Nirvana is the state of being free from all attachment and desire.
• It is a state of perfect peace and happiness.
• To achieve Nirvana, one must follow the Buddhist path, which includes practising meditation, mindfulness, and compassion.
• It is important to note that Nirvana is not a physical place.
• It is a state of mind that can be achieved while still living in the world.
• When one achieves Nirvana, they are no longer subject to the cycle of birth and death.
• The concept of Nirvana is central to Buddhism, and it is one of the things that makes Buddhism unique.
• It is a state of perfect peace and happiness that is attainable for anyone who is willing to follow the Buddhist path.

The Vaishyas class was a prominent supporter of Jainism.

• In post-Vedic period, society was divided into four varnas such as Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Sudras which were based on the birth.
• Each division of the four varnas was assigned well-defined functions and the two higher varnas were given some privileges.
• Vaishyas were ranked third in the Brahmanical society of Vedic period and consisted of mainly traders and farmers.
• They looked for some religion which would improve their position.
• They found religions propagated by Mahavira and Gautama Buddha most suitable for them and this is why they extended their generous support to them.
• However, the farmers, who had to kill insects to protect their crops, found it more difficult to follow the rules of Jainism.
• The Vaishyas class was a prominent supporter of Jainism because:
  • ​Jainism did not attach any importance to the existing Varna system.

  • They preached the gospel of non-violence, which would put an end to wars between different kingdoms and consequently promote trade and commerce.

Thus, we can conclude that the Vaishyas class was a prominent supporter of Jainism.

The correct answer is both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Key Points

• Both Mahavira and Buddha emphasized the abandonment of homes in order to attain spiritual attainment.
• This assertion (A) is correct as both Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, and Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, emphasized the importance of renunciation and leaving behind worldly attachments as part of their teachings.
• Reason (R) provides an explanation for Assertion (A), stating that they believed only those who left their homes to stay at the Sangha could gain true knowledge.
• The Sangha refers to the monastic community where individuals dedicated themselves to a life of spiritual practice and discipline.

• Both Mahavira and Buddha taught that by renouncing worldly life and joining the Sangha, individuals could detach themselves from desires, distractions, and attachments, thus creating the necessary conditions for spiritual growth and the attainment of true knowledge.

​Therefore, both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion.

Francois Bernier:

• Francois Bernier was a French physician, traveler, and writer who lived during the 17th century.
• He is best known for his extensive travels in the Mughal Empire in India and his detailed accounts of his observations.
• Bernier was indeed a historian, doctor, and a political philosopher, making significant contributions to European knowledge of Indian society, politics, and culture at the time.
• His works provide valuable insights into the reign of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and the conditions in India during that period.

Additional Information

Ibn Battuta:

• He was a Moroccan explorer who traveled extensively across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
• While Ibn Battuta provided valuable accounts of his travels, he was primarily known as a traveler and explorer rather than a historian, doctor, or political philosopher.

Jean-Baptist Tavernier:

• Tavernier was a French gem merchant and traveler who is best known for his travels to Persia and India.
• He wrote about his journeys and the precious stones he encountered but was not a historian, doctor, or political philosopher by profession.

Al-Biruni:

• A polymath who made contributions to various fields such as mathematics, astronomy, and history.
• Although Al-Biruni was a historian and made significant contributions to the understanding of Indian culture and history, he was not specifically known as a doctor or political philosopher in the context of the given options.

Puri, Orissa:

• Puri is recognized for the famous Jagannath Temple, which by the 12th century had established Lord Jagannath as its principal deity.
• The temple is a significant pilgrimage destination in Hinduism and is part of the Char Dham pilgrimages.
• The annual Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, which attracts millions of devotees, is a hallmark event dedicated to Lord Jagannath.

Patna, Bihar:

• While Patna is an ancient city with historical and religious significance, it is not known for the worship of Lord Jagannath as a principal deity by the 12th century.
• Patna has been more historically associated with Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

Calcutta, West Bengal:

• Calcutta (now Kolkata) is a major cultural and religious hub in India but did not identify Lord Jagannath as its principal deity by the 12th century.
• Kolkata is known for the Kalighat Kali Temple and the Durga Puja festival, among other religious traditions.

Bombay, Maharashtra:

• Bombay (now Mumbai) is another major city with diverse religious practices, but it does not have a historical association with Lord Jagannath as its principal deity by the 12th century.
• Mumbai is more closely associated with the worship of Lord Ganesha, as seen in the popular Ganesh Chaturthi festival, and the Haji Ali Dargah.

Shiva:

• The Gangakondacholapuram temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism known as the destroyer or transformer within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu.
• This temple is a great example of the architectural genius during the Chola dynasty in Tamil Nadu, India, showcasing the grandeur and spiritual significance of Lord Shiva in Hinduism.

Additional Information

Vishnu:

• This option is incorrect because Vishnu is the preserver and protector within the Hindu Trimurti.
• Temples dedicated to Vishnu, such as the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, have different architectural and spiritual focuses. -

Indra:

• Indra, though a significant deity in Hindu mythology known as the king of gods and ruler of heavens, is not the primary deity worshipped in the Gangakondacholapuram temple.
• Indra is more commonly associated with weather and war, and temples dedicated specifically to him are less common in the context of large-scale monumental architecture in India.

Agni:

• Agni, the god of fire, is not the central deity of worship in the Gangakondacholapuram temple.
• While Agni holds an important place in Vedic rituals and Hindu ceremonies as the mediator between the gods and humans, the temple's focus is not on this deity

Malayalam language:

• The adoption of the Malayalam language by Arab Muslim traders indicates their integration into the local culture and society
• Malayalam is the predominant language spoken in Kerala, and learning it would have facilitated trade, communication, and social integration.

Matriliny:

• Matriliny, where descent and inheritance are traced through the mother's line, is a notable social system practiced among certain communities in Kerala.
• The adoption of matriliny by Arab Muslim traders suggests a significant cultural accommodation and integration with local customs.

Matrilocal residence:

• In a matrilocal residential system, couples reside with or near the wife's parents after marriage.
• The adoption of matrilocal residence by Arab Muslim traders further underscores their integration into the matrilineal social structure prevalent in parts of the Malabar coast.

Additional Information

Arab Muslim traders and the Malabar Coast:

• The Arab Muslim traders who settled along the Malabar coast adopted the Malayalam language, matriliny, and matrilocal residence.
• This choice reflects the integration and cultural adaptation of these traders into the local societies of the Malabar Coast.

Tamil language:

• While Tamil is a prominent language in the southern part of India, in the context of the Arab Muslim traders on the Malabar Coast, the primary language adopted was Malayalam, not Tamil.
• Malayalam is the local language of the Kerala state, where the Malabar coast is located.

Patriliny:

• Patriliny (patrilineal descent) refers to a system where lineage, inheritance, and social identity are traced through the father's line.
• The correct adaptation by the Arab Muslim traders was matriliny, not patriliny.
• Matriliny is significant in certain communities in Kerala, including among some Muslim communities, where lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother's line.

• Shroff was the correct answer
• In medieval India, Shroffs were crucial financial agents who dealt with money-changing and also played a role in assessing and verifying the value of coins.
• Their expertise in distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit coins made them an integral part of the financial and trading system of that time.
• Shroffs operated in both rural and urban areas, facilitating trade by providing necessary currency exchange services.
• Shroffs were specialized in financial transactions, specifically in money-changing during medieval India, which distinguishes them from Patwari, Amin, and Muqaddam, who were more involved in administrative, land-related, and leadership roles within the societal structure of that period.

Additional Information

• Patwari: A Patwari was responsible for maintaining land records and collecting land taxes in villages.
• Their primary role was administrative and did not involve financial exchanges or money-changing activities.
• Amin: An Amin dealt with measuring land and assessing land taxes.
• Similar to Patwari but more involved in the technical aspects of land measurement, Amins were part of the revenue system rather than the financial exchange system.
• Muqaddam: Muqaddam was a village headman who played a leadership role within a village.
• Their responsibilities included overseeing village affairs, representing the village in dealings with higher authorities, and sometimes managing village resources.
• However, they were not involved in money-changing or financial transactions in the capacity that Shroffs were.

The oldest known inscription in the Kannada language, referred to as the Halmidi inscription for the tiny village of Halmidi near where it was found, consists of sixteen lines carved on a sandstone pillar and dates to 450 CE.

Indian Mutiny, also called Sepoy Mutiny or First War of Independence, widespread but unsuccessful rebellion against British rule in India in 1857–59. Begun in Meerut by Indian troops (sepoys) in the service of the British East India Company, it spread to Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, and Lucknow.

• The 'Two-Nation' theory was articulated by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leader of the All-India Muslim League.
• This theory proposed that Muslims and Hindus were distinct nations, with their own customs, religion, and traditions.
• It became the ideological foundation for the demand for Pakistan, arguing that Muslims should have their own separate homeland.
• The theory played a crucial role in the partition of India in 1947.

Jizyah, also spelled jizya, historically, a tax (the term is often incorrectly translated as a “head tax” or “poll tax”) paid by non-Muslim populations to their Muslim rulers.

Bodh Gaya is a village in the northeast Indian state of Bihar. Considered one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, it's dominated by the ancient brick Mahabodhi Temple Complex, built to mark the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment beneath a sacred Bodhi Tree. A direct descendant of the tree sits within the complex today, along with six other sacred sites, including a lotus pond.

The Buddha belonged to a small gana known as the Sakya gana, and was a kshatriya.

Ravidas, or Raidas, was an Indian mystic poet-saint of the bhakti movement during the 15th to 16th century CE. Venerated as a guru in the modern regions of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, he was a poet, social reformer and spiritual figure.

The Alwar saints, also known as the Alvars, were Tamil poet-saints from South India who worshipped Vishnu, the Hindu preserver deity. The Alvars are revered in Vaishnavism, which considers Vishnu to be the Ultimate Reality. 

Dr Sachidanand Sinha was the first president of the Constituent Assembly. Later, Dr Rajendra Prasad was elected its president.

5 major political centres were Pataliputra, Ujjain, Taxila, Suvarnagiri, Tosali.
Megasthenes wrote Indica during time of Chandragupta Maurya.
Chandragupta founded the Mauryan Empire but not Ashoka.
Ashoka used his army, children, popularity and many possible resources to propagate Buddhism across the Subcontinent.

The correct answer is Steatite. Harappan seals are made of Stealite (Soft Stone).

Ashoka was the third ruler of the Maurya Dynasty and ruled almost the entire Indian subcontinent from c. 268 to 232 BCE. He made Buddhism the state religion around 260 B.C. He also instituted a body of officials known as the dhamma-mahamattas, who served the dual function of propagating the dhamma and keeping the emperor in touch with public opinion. 

He was a Persian scholar and traveller. He visited the Vijaynagar Kingdom during the rule of Deva Raya II as an ambassador of Shah Rukh, the Timurid dynasty ruler of Persia.

Mahayana Buddhism is the largest Buddhist sect in the world, and its beliefs and practices are what most non-adherents recognize as "Buddhism" in the modern era. It developed as a school of thought sometime after 383 BCE, possibly from the earlier school known as Mahasanghika, though that claim has been challenged.

The Amarāvati Stupa, popularly known as the great stūpa at Amarāvathi, is a ruined Buddhist monument, probably built in phases between the third century BCE and about 250 CE, at Amaravathi village, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The site is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Sanchi stupa is in Raisen District near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. It was preserved by the Begums of Bhopal in medieval period as a heritage and was built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka for propagating Buddhism.

Jainism did not have Sanghas like Buddhism. It was stated by Adinath also called Rishabdeva. Mahavira was 24th Tirthankar of Jainism and their teachings are provided in Angar canon.

The Padshahnama ('Book of Emperors') is a chronicle commissioned by the fifth Mughal emperor Shah-Jahan (r. 1628–58). The text is a propagandist celebration of his reign and his dynasty.