History: CUET Mock Test - 5 - CUET MCQ

Alexander Cunningham wrote a report on a Harappan seal, which he published in the form of a drawing, in 1875.

Tarikh (singular) / Tawarikh (plural), written in Persian, the language of administration under the Delhi Sultans. It tells a lot about the Delhi Sultanate.

• The authors of Tawarikh were learned men: secretaries, administrators, poets and courtiers, who both recounted events and advised rulers on governance, emphasising the importance of fair rule.
• The authors of Tawarikh lived in cities (mainly Delhi) and hardly ever in villages.
• They often wrote their histories for Sultans in the hope of rich rewards.
• These authors advised rulers on the need to preserve an “ideal” social order based on birthright and gender distinctions.
• Their ideas were not shared by everybody.

Thus, statement B is correct.

Key Points

Raziyya:

• In 1236 Sultan Iltutmish’s daughter, Raziyya became Sultan.
• The chronicler of the age, Minhaj-i Siraj, recognized that she was more able and qualified than all her brothers.
• But Minhaj-i Siraj, the chronicler, was not comfortable with a queen as ruler.
• Nor were the nobles happy at her attempts to rule independently.
• She was removed from the throne in 1240.

Hence, we can conclude statement A is wrong.

The correct option is 'A - II, B - I, C - IV, D - III'.

Key Points

• Akbar's reign started in 1556.
  • Akbar, one of the most famous emperors of the Mughal Empire, ascended to the throne in 1556 after the death of his father, Humayun.
  • His reign is noted for its military conquests, administrative innovations, and the promotion of cultural and religious tolerance.
• Humayun reigned from 1530.
  • Humayun succeeded his father, Babur, and his reign was marked by initial instability due to several rebellions and the loss of his kingdom to Sher Shah Suri.
  • However, he managed to regain his throne with Persian aid in 1555, a year before his death and the accession of his son, Akbar.
• Jahan is incorrectly listed and likely refers to Shah Jahan, who reigned from 1628.
  • Shah Jahan, known for commissioning the Taj Mahal, was a patron of architecture and art, and his reign marked the peak of Mughal architectural achievements.
  • He ascended to the throne in 1628, succeeding his father, Jahangir.
• Jahangir's reign began in 1605.
  • Jahangir, son of Akbar, continued the policies of his father, including the promotion of art and culture.
  • His reign is marked by the further consolidation of Mughal rule in India and significant developments in art and architecture.

Therefore the correct pairing is:
A - II: Akbar - 1556
B - I: Humayun - 1530
C - IV: Jahan (Shah Jahan) - 1628
D - III: Jahangir - 1605

The Kalinga War’s immense bloodshed led Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and adopt a policy of peace and non-violence.

Ashoka’s Dhamma emphasized moral values, non-violence, and social welfare, promoting harmony across religious and social groups.

Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and other regions, facilitating the global spread of Buddhism.

Ashoka’s support for Buddhism led to the construction of stupas (reliquary structures) and viharas (monasteries), serving as religious and educational centers.

Ashokan inscriptions, carved on rocks and pillars, highlight his policies on governance, ethics, and religious tolerance, making them crucial historical records.

Ibn Battuta visited India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 CE), who appointed him as a qazi in his court.

Ibn Battuta wrote his experiences in a book called Rihla, which means "journey" in Arabic, documenting his travels across the Islamic world.

Ibn Battuta described Indian cities as vibrant centers of trade and culture, particularly highlighting Delhi’s markets and diverse population.

Muhammad bin Tughlaq appointed Ibn Battuta as a qazi (judge) due to his Islamic knowledge, making him a part of the administration.

Ibn Battuta praised India’s highly efficient postal system and well-maintained roads, which facilitated communication and trade.

Hindustan:

• Traveler: Al-Biruni (973–1048 CE).
• Context: In his "Kitab fi Tahqiq ma li'l-Hind", Al-Biruni used "Hindustan" to describe India, focusing on its geography, culture, and sciences during the Ghaznavid period.

Zinda Pir:

• Traveler: Ibn Battuta (1304–1369 CE).
• Context: Ibn Battuta, in his "Rihla", describes Sufi saints he encountered in India under the Delhi Sultanate. "Zinda Pir" (Living Saint) is a Sufi term, often linked to revered figures (e.g., later associated with Aurangzeb’s shrine), and aligns with Ibn Battuta’s accounts of mysticism.

Samudra:

• Context: "Samudra" means "ocean" in Sanskrit. So 3 matches A

Rajput:

• Traveler: Xuanzang.
• Context: Xuanzang describes warrior groups (Kshatriyas) in India, which aligns with the Rajputs’ later military caste identity. His accounts predate the term "Rajput," but the description fits.

Ramanuja - Tamil Nadu (A): A Tamil philosopher who spread Vishishtadvaita.
Guru Nanak - Punjab (B): Founder of Sikhism, active in Punjab.
Kabir - Uttar Pradesh (C): Lived in Varanasi, a key Bhakti saint.
Sant Tukaram - Maharashtra (D): A Marathi saint of the Varkari tradition.

Nirguna - God without attributes (B): Focus on an abstract, formless divine (e.g., Kabir).
Saguna - God with attributes (A): Worship of God with form (e.g., Vishnu, Krishna).
Bhakti - Devotion and love (C): Core of the Bhakti movement.
Mantra - Sacred utterance (D): Chanted phrases in worship.

Zikr - Remembrance through chanting (B): Sufi practice of repeating God’s names.
Fana - Self-annihilation (D): Dissolving the self into God’s presence.
Qawwali - Devotional music (C): Sung at Sufi shrines (e.g., by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan).
Khanaqah - Spiritual retreat (A): A Sufi hospice or monastery.

(A) Correct: The Great Bath is believed to have been used for ritualistic purposes due to its sophisticated design and water management. (B) Incorrect: Harappan seals were mostly made of steatite, not iron or copper. (C) Incorrect: The Harappan script remains undeciphered, posing challenges to understanding their language. (D) Correct: The Harappan civilization is dated to around 2500 BCE, as confirmed by archaeological evidence. (E) Correct: Harappan cities had an efficient drainage system with well-planned streets, reflecting advanced urban planning.

(A) Correct: Archaeological evidence like Mesopotamian seals indicates trade relations between Harappans and Mesopotamians.
(B) Incorrect: While barter was used, Harappan trade was well-organized and included weight-based exchange systems.
(C) Correct: Lothal had a well-structured dockyard, indicating its role as a key maritime trade center.
(D) Incorrect: Harappans did not use gold coins; trade was conducted using weights and measures.
(E) Correct: Items like cotton, beads, and semi-precious stones were prominent trade goods found at Harappan sites.

(A) Incorrect: Harappan houses varied in size, indicating social hierarchy.
(B) Correct: Larger houses with multiple rooms belonged to the elite, showing social stratification.
(C) Correct: Archaeological findings suggest the Harappans worshipped a male deity similar to Shiva, often depicted on seals.
(D) Incorrect: Many Harappan cities had fortifications, possibly for defense or flood protection.
(E) Correct: Harappans practiced agriculture, growing wheat and barley, and domesticated animals like cattle and sheep

(A) Incorrect: Harappan pottery was often decorated with geometric and floral designs.
(B) Correct: Seals, often made of steatite, were used for trade and administrative purposes.
(C) Incorrect: Bronze tools were used, but weapons were rare, indicating a peaceful society.
(D) Correct: Terracotta figurines were crafted, many believed to have religious significance.
(E) Correct: Cotton cultivation was practiced, and Harappans were among the first to produce cotton textiles.

What did Jotedars control?

Answer: Moneylending

• Definition of Jotedars: Jotedars were landlords in Bengal, India, who held significant power and influence over the rural population.



• Control over Moneylending: Jotedars were known to control moneylending activities in the region.



• Exploitative Practices: Jotedars often engaged in exploitative moneylending practices, charging high interest rates and keeping the rural population in debt bondage.



• Impact on Peasants: The control of moneylending by Jotedars had a detrimental impact on peasants and agricultural workers, leading to economic exploitation and social inequality.



• Resistance: Peasants often organized movements and protests against the oppressive practices of Jotedars, demanding fair treatment and better economic conditions.

R.V. Dhulekar expressed that the British used deceptive tactics to manipulate the situation in India. He highlighted several key points:

• The British introduced measures that seemed protective but were actually designed to maintain control.
• These tactics created a false sense of security among minorities, leading to a prolonged period of inaction.
• Dhulekar urged the people to recognise this manipulation and to reject the misleading promises of the British.

He emphasised the importance of unity among Indians to confront the real challenges posed by British rule.

Jaipal Singh was a prominent representative of the tribal communities in the Constituent Assembly. He was known for his eloquence and strong advocacy for the rights of his people. In his speech welcoming the Objectives Resolution, he expressed the following points:

• As an Adivasi, he acknowledged his lack of legal expertise but emphasised the importance of common sense in understanding the need for freedom.
• He highlighted the historical neglect and exploitation of tribal communities, stating they had been treated poorly for over 6,000 years.
• Singh called for unity among all Indians to fight for equality and opportunity, expressing hope for a new chapter in independent India.

B. N. Rau played a crucial role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution. As the Constitutional Advisor to the Government of India, he prepared a series of background papers. These papers were based on a thorough study of the political systems in various countries, which helped inform the Constitution's development.

Key contributions include:

• Conducted extensive research on international political systems.
• Provided valuable insights that shaped the Constitution's framework.
• Assisted in ensuring the Constitution was relevant to India's unique context.

His work was instrumental in guiding the Constituent Assembly towards creating a robust and effective legal foundation for the newly independent nation.

• Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi: He returned to his homeland in January 1915.


• Reason for Return: Gandhi returned to India from South Africa, where he had been leading the Indian community in their struggle against discrimination and injustice.


• Impact of Return: Gandhi's return marked a significant turning point in the Indian independence movement, as he became a prominent leader in the fight against British colonial rule.


• Nonviolent Resistance: Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance, known as Satyagraha, played a crucial role in shaping the Indian independence movement and inspiring millions of people to join the struggle for freedom.


• Role in Independence Movement: Gandhi's leadership and advocacy for civil disobedience led to various campaigns and movements that ultimately contributed to India gaining independence in 1947.

• Answer: Lawyer

• Reason for going to South Africa: Gandhi went to South Africa in 1893 to work as a lawyer for an Indian merchant in Natal.


• Legal work in South Africa: While in South Africa, Gandhi faced discrimination and injustice which led him to start fighting for the rights of Indian immigrants in the country.


• Development of Satyagraha: Gandhi's experiences in South Africa played a significant role in shaping his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, known as Satyagraha.


• Impact on Gandhi's life: His time in South Africa as a lawyer marked a turning point in his life, leading him to become a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement.

• Origins: Satyagraha was a term coined by Mahatma Gandhi to describe his principle of nonviolent resistance.


• Meaning: Satyagraha loosely translates to "truth force" or "soul force."


• First Forged: Gandhi first implemented Satyagraha in South Africa in the early 1900s to fight against discriminatory laws against Indians.


• Key Principles: Satyagraha emphasizes the power of truth and nonviolence in bringing about social and political change.


• Goal: The goal of Satyagraha is to resist oppression without resorting to violence, ultimately seeking to transform the oppressor through moral persuasion.


• Impact: Satyagraha became a powerful tool in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule, inspiring mass movements and civil disobedience campaigns.