History: CUET Mock Test - 3 - CUET MCQ

Buddha was related to Shakya clan.

Key Points

• Siddhartha, also known as Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born about 2500 or ( 6th or 5th century BCE) years ago.
• The Buddha belonged to a small gana or clan known as the Shakya gana or clan, and was a kshatriya.
• When he was a young man, he left the comforts of his home in search of knowledge.
• He wandered for several years, meeting and holding discussions with other thinkers.
• He finally decided to find his own path to realisation, and meditated for days on end under a peepal tree at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, where he attained enlightenment.
• After that, he was known as the Buddha or the Wise One.
• He then went to Sarnath, near Varanasi, where he taught for the first time.

• He spent the rest of his life travelling on foot, going from place to place, teaching people, till he passed away at Kusinara.

Hence, we can conclude that Buddha was related to Shakya clan.

The correct answer is Hastinapur.

Key Points

• Hastinapur was the capital of the Kuru kingdom.
  • It is located in the present-day Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh.
• Hastinapur is located on the right bank of the river Ganga.
• Kuru kingdom arose in the Middle Vedic era as a Vedic Indo-Aryan tribal union in northern Iron Age India, comprising the modern-day states of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and some areas of western Uttar Pradesh.
• Pandavas and Kauravas both were a part of the Kuru kingdom.

Additional Information

• Patliputra was the capital of many empires such as the ShishinagaEmpire, the Nanda Empire, and the Mauryan Empire.
• Madurai was the capital of the Pandyan Empire.
• Raigarh was a princely state in British India and is located in present-day Chattisgarh.

The correct answer is option 1 i.e Bairat.

• Bairat or ancient Viratnagar, the capital of Matsyadesa, is said to have been founded by king Virat, in whose kingdom the five Pandavas spent the thirteenth year of exile in disguise.
  • Bairat is home to many historically important structures, which belong to Maurya, Mughal and Rajput periods. Of all the excavations done so far, the remains of circular Buddhist temple are the most important ones. This temple is believed to be the earliest structural temple of India.
  • Bairat has connections with Hindu epics as well and is believed to have served as a capital for Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna.
• The place is well-known for two Asokan inscriptions and important ancient Buddhist relics found here.
• Excavations carried out on the different terraces of this hill known as Bijak-ki-Pahari have yielded remains of a Mauryan circular stupa-shrine made of lime-plastered panels of brickwork alternating with twenty-six octagonal pillars of wood, preceded by monastic remains with a double row of cells arranged around an open square courtyard.

• The Sutta Pitakas: This is the correct answer because the Sutta Pitakas, one of the three main sections of the Pali Canon in Buddhism, contains the discourses of the Buddha.
• These texts are central to Buddhist teachings, covering a wide range of topics and teachings imparted by the Buddha to his followers.
• The Sutta Pitakas are considered the primary source of the Buddha's teachings and philosophy.
• Sutta Pitakas are the primary source of the Buddha's teachings, containing discourses that cover the core principles and practices of Buddhism. The other options, while important to Buddhist literature and history, do not directly contain the Buddha's teachings in the same way as the Sutta Pitakas.

Additional Information

• The Vinay Pitakas: While this is an important Buddhist text, it primarily deals with the monastic rules for monks and nuns. It is not the main source of the Buddha's teachings but rather the code of conduct for the Buddhist monastic community.
• Mahavamsa: This is a historical text written in the Pali language that chronicles the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Although it contains valuable information about the spread of Buddhism and the lives of significant figures in Buddhist history, it is not a primary source of the Buddha's teachings. -
• Jataka: The Jataka tales are a collection of stories about the previous lives of the Buddha, in which he is depicted as being reborn as different animals and humans.
• These tales are meant to teach moral lessons and the principles of karma and rebirth.
• While they are valuable for understanding Buddhist moral teachings, they are not direct teachings of the Buddha like those found in the Sutta Pitakas.

First discovery by a local Raja:

• The sequence of events related to the discovery of Amaravati begins with a local Raja stumbling upon the ruins.
• This accidental discovery was crucial for bringing Amaravati to the attention of historians and archaeologists.

Colin Mackenzie's visit:

• Following the initial discovery, Colin Mackenzie, a British officer and surveyor, visited the site of Amaravati.
• His visit marked the first official recording and documentation of the Amaravati stupa, making it an important milestone in the site's archaeological history.

Walter Elliot's collection:

• Walter Elliot's visit in 1854 and his subsequent collection of several sculpture panels from Amaravati played a significant role in spreading awareness of the site's archaeological and artistic significance.
• His efforts contributed to the preservation and study of Amaravati's artifacts.

Dispersion of the slabs: The slabs and artifacts collected from

• Amaravati were eventually distributed to various locations, including the India Office in Madras.
• This dispersal helped in the further study of the site's historical and cultural context but also scattered the physical evidence of Amaravati's past.

Key PointsStatement (A): Bodhisattas are compassionate beings who help others.

• This statement is correct.
• In Mahayana Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is someone on the path to Buddhahood who postpones their own enlightenment to help all sentient beings achieve liberation (nirvana).
• Their compassion is a central virtue, making this statement true.

Statement (B): Hinayana meant 'great vehicle' and Mahayana meant 'Lesser vehicle'.

• This statement is incorrect.
• In fact, the terms are reversed; 'Mahayana' refers to the 'Great Vehicle' and is one of the main branches of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of a Bodhisattva.
• 'Hinayana' is a pejorative term used by Mahayana practitioners for early Buddhist schools, but it is often associated with what is now called Theravada Buddhism, which could be considered the 'Lesser Vehicle' in this context.
• However, the term 'Hinayana' is not favored due to its derogatory implications.

Statement (C): The Avatars were recognized within the tradition of Vaishnavism.

• This statement is correct.
• In Hinduism, an avatar is a deity who descends to the earthly realm.
• The concept is most notably associated with Vaishnavism, a tradition that worships Vishnu and his avatars, including Rama, Krishna, and others.
• Thus, this statement accurately represents the religious belief within Vaishnavism.

Statement (D): Shiva was symbolized by the ‘Linga’.

• This statement is correct.
• In Hinduism, the Linga is a symbol of Lord Shiva and represents his generative power.
• It is a central object of veneration in temples dedicated to Shiva and is emblematic of creation and cosmic energy.

Statement (E): The tall structure in a temple is known as 'Garbhgriha' and a small square room called 'Shikhara'.

• This statement is incorrect.
• In Hindu temple architecture, the 'Garbhgriha' or 'sanctum sanctorum' is the innermost chamber of a temple where the deity (murti) is housed.
• It is not a tall structure but rather the core part of the temple.
• The 'Shikhara' is the towering structure above the Garbhgriha and is often elaborately decorated, serving as a marker for the divine presence.

Hence, the correct statements are (A), (C), and (D)

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

Key Points

• Rajendra Lal Mitra (1878) is associated with Buddha Gaya: The Heritage of Sakya Muni.
  • Rajendra Lal Mitra was an Indian scholar who made significant contributions to Indology.
  • His work on Buddha Gaya played a pivotal role in documenting the heritage of one of Buddhism's holiest sites.
• A. Cunningham (1854) is known for his work on Bhilsa Topes.
  • Alexander Cunningham was a British archaeologist and army engineer known as the father of the Archaeological Survey of India.
  • His exploration and documentation of the Bhilsa Topes contributed greatly to the understanding of early Buddhist architecture and monastic traditions.
• J. Marshal & A.Foucher (1914) are recognized for their contributions to The monuments of Sanchi.
  • John Marshall was the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, and Alfred Foucher was a French scholar.
  • Together, they worked on documenting and studying the monuments of Sanchi, one of the most significant Buddhist complexes.
• J. Marshal (1923) is associated with the Conservation Manual.
  • As the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, John Marshall was instrumental in establishing conservation principles in India.
  • The Conservation Manual laid down the guidelines for the preservation of historical monuments and archaeological sites in India.

Therefore, the correct pairing is:
A - IV: Rajendra Lal Mitra (1878) - Buddha Gaya: The Heritage of Sakya Muni
B - I: A. Cunningham (1854) - Bhilsa Topes
C - II: J. Marshal & A.Foucher (1914) - The monuments of Sanchi
D - III: J. Marshal (1923) - Conservation Manual

• Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan explorer, is the correct answer because he is known for his extensive travels across the Afro-Eurasian landmass, including the territory of the Delhi Sultanate during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
• He was a Moroccan Berber scholar and explorer who traveled more than 120,000 kilometers (75,000 miles) in the medieval period, which makes him one of the most traveled individuals of his time.
• His journey to India occurred in the 14th century, where he served as a Qadi or Islamic judge at the court of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
• His purchasing of "horses, camels, and slaves" as gifts for the Sultan aligns with the practices of the time to gain favor and show allegiance.

Key Points

Al-Biruni:

• He was a Persian scholar who arrived in the Indian subcontinent much earlier than Ibn Battuta, approximately in the 11th century.
• He is best known for his comprehensive work on Indian culture and sciences but there are no records of him purchasing gifts for Muhammad bin Tughlaq, as his time was much earlier than Tughlaq's reign.

Abd al-Razzaq:

• He was a Persian traveler and historian who visited India in the 15th century, after the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
• His travels were mainly focused on the Vijayanagara Empire, not on the Delhi Sultanate during Tughlaq's time.

Seydi Ali Reis:

• He was an Ottoman admiral and navigator who lived in the 16th century, well after the time of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
• His travels were primarily in the Mediterranean, Persia, and the Indian Ocean, and he did not have any direct connection with Muhammad bin Tughlaq or the Delhi Sultanate of that period.

Mohenjodaro and Harappa are the most prominent cities of the Harappan civilization, known for their advanced urban planning, including streets, drainage, and granaries.

The Harappans are renowned for their meticulous urban planning, with streets arranged in a grid pattern and an efficient drainage system, reflecting their engineering skills.

Archaeological findings such as Mesopotamian seals and Harappan goods in Mesopotamia indicate active long-distance trade between the two civilizations. 

The Harappans created intricate seals, beads, and finely crafted pottery, showcasing their advanced skills in art and craftsmanship.

Historians and archaeologists have suggested that factors such as climatic shifts, foreign invasions, or natural calamities like floods might have led to the decline of the Harappan civilization.

On the pretext of misrule, the British had annexed Awadh in 1856. During the 1857 Revolt, after heavy fighting and use of military power on a gigantic scale, the British brought Awadh region under its control by March 1858.

In June 1858, the Rani of Jhansi, Lakshmi Bai, died while fighting the British.

Awadh was one of the friendly states of the British that played a great role in the expansion of East India Company in India. It was one of the subsidiary states of the company. However, the British wanted to annex it, Lord Dalhousie once described it as, 'A cherry that will fall in our mouth one day'. The annexation of Awadh, on the false plea of misrule, was regarded as a betrayal by the people of Awadh.

Situated 37 kms from the district headquarters Agra, Fatehpur Sikri itself was founded as the capital of Mughal Empire in 1571 by Emperor Akbar, serving this role from 1571 to 1585, when Akbar abandoned it due to a campaign in Punjab and was later completely abandoned in 1610.

The most important jins-i-kamil were cotton, oilseeds and sugarcane. Cotton was cultivated in Central. India and the highlands of Deccan. Bengal was famous for sugarcane. Pulses and oil seeds like mustard also were considered cash crops. It shows there was a mixture of food crops and cash crops in the country.

• The British felt that forests had to be cleared in order to make way for agricultural land.


• They believed that clearing forests would lead to economic development and increase agricultural productivity.


• Forests were seen as obstacles to progress and colonization, so they were cleared to make room for settlements and infrastructure.

• Clearing forests had a detrimental impact on the environment, leading to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.


• It also disrupted the ecosystem and affected the livelihoods of indigenous communities who depended on the forests for their survival.


• Deforestation contributed to soil erosion, loss of habitat for wildlife, and changes in climate patterns.

• Clearing forests without sustainable practices has led to long-term environmental degradation and challenges such as desertification and climate change.


• It is important to consider the consequences of deforestation and implement conservation efforts to protect and restore forests for future generations.

• Collector: Augustus Cleveland

• Role of Collector: In the British colonial administration, the Collector was a senior official in charge of the district administration.


• Augustus Cleveland: He was a British colonial administrator who served as the Collector of Bhagalpur during the British rule in India.


• Responsibilities: The Collector was responsible for the collection of revenue, maintenance of law and order, and overall administration of the district.


• Significance: The role of the Collector was crucial in the British administrative system as they were the link between the British government and the local population.

• • Jawaharlal Nehru, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, consistently advocated for India’s complete independence from British rule. In 1946, during his leadership in the Interim Government and as a key figure in the Constituent Assembly, Nehru expressed the goal of achieving independence as soon as possible.
  • The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) laid the groundwork for India’s independence, and by late 1946, it was clear that independence was imminent. Nehru’s famous “Tryst with Destiny” speech on August 14, 1947, reflects his vision for independence, which aligned with the timeline set for 1947.
  • The question asks for the year Nehru “wanted” independence, which aligns with the period of active negotiations in 1946, when independence was being finalized for 1947.
  • A: 1942—This year marks the Quit India Movement, where the demand for immediate independence was made, but it was not achieved then.
  • C: 1949—Too late; India became independent in 1947.
  • D: 1943—No significant event ties this year to Nehru’s specific goal for independence.
• Correct Answer: B: 1946 (as it reflects the year when independence was being actively planned, leading to 1947).

• • Jawaharlal Nehru, in his speeches and writings during the Constituent Assembly debates, emphasized the need for the Constitution to reflect the aspirations of the Indian masses. In his Objectives Resolution (December 13, 1946), Nehru outlined the vision for the Constitution, stressing that it should embody the democratic and egalitarian passions of the people who fought for freedom.
  • The phrase “the passions that lie in the hearts of the masses” aligns with Nehru’s rhetorical style, as he often spoke of the Constitution as a tool to address the hopes and dreams of ordinary Indians, particularly the downtrodden.
  • A: Dhulekar—R.V. Dhulekar was a member of the Assembly, known for advocating Hindi as the national language, but he did not make this statement.
  • B: Rajendra Prasad—As the President of the Constituent Assembly, he focused on procedural leadership, not this specific sentiment.
  • D: B. Pocker Bahadur—A Muslim League member, he focused on minority rights, not this broader vision.
• Correct Answer: C: Nehru

• Separate electorates were a system where certain communities (e.g., Muslims, Sikhs) voted separately to elect their own representatives, a practice introduced by the British (e.g., under the Government of India Act, 1909). During the Constituent Assembly debates, this system was contentious, as the Assembly aimed for a unified electorate to promote national integration.
• B. Pocker Bahadur, a member of the Muslim League in the Constituent Assembly, made a strong plea for continuing separate electorates for Muslims, arguing that it was necessary to protect minority interests. This plea was made during debates in 1947–1949, but the Assembly ultimately rejected separate electorates in favor of joint electorates with reserved seats for minorities.
• B: Rajendra Prasad—As President of the Assembly, he remained neutral and did not advocate for separate electorates.
• C: Nehru—Nehru strongly opposed separate electorates, advocating for a secular, unified electoral system.
• D: None—Incorrect, as B. Pocker Bahadur did make this plea.

• Issue delivered into Gandhiji's lap: The colonial rulers delivered an issue into Gandhiji's lap in 1919.


• Background: In 1919, the British colonial rulers passed the Rowlatt Act, which allowed certain political cases to be tried without juries and permitted internment without trial. This act was widely opposed by Indians as it curtailed civil liberties.


• Gandhiji's response: Gandhiji decided to launch a non-cooperation movement against the Rowlatt Act, marking a significant turning point in the Indian freedom struggle.


• Impact: The non-cooperation movement gained widespread support from the Indian population and led to mass protests, boycotts, and civil disobedience against the British government.


• Outcome: Although the movement was eventually called off by Gandhiji due to instances of violence, it played a crucial role in uniting Indians against British colonial rule and paved the way for future independence movements.

It is also known as Prayag Prashasti. It is a pillar inscription of Samudragupta found at Allahabad and written in Sanskrit. It was composed by Harisena. It is one of the important epigraphic sources to know about the political history of the Guptas.

A "Bell of Arms" is a storeroom or armory used to store weapons, particularly small arms, for military use. In some contexts, such as British military tradition, it could refer to conical tents used to house arms for infantry companies, often marked with regimental colors.

Provincial elections were held in British India in the winter of 1936-37 as mandated by the Government of India Act 1935. Elections were held in eleven provinces - Madras, Central Provinces, Bihar, Orissa, United Provinces, Bombay Presidency, Assam, NWFP, Bengal, Punjab and Sindh.

The Lucknow Pact was an agreement reached between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League (AIML) at a joint session of both the parties held in Lucknow in December 1916. Through the pact, the two parties agreed to allow representation to religious minorities in the provincial legislatures.

Dance, Music and singing Qawali all form part of Chisti Sufi worship.