RCs: 31 to 40 Questions for CAT with Answers PDF

Direction: The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Aurangzeb Alamgir, the sixth Mughal emperor, is a figure shrouded in controversy and myth. His reign, lasting nearly 50 years from 1658 to 1707, is often characterized by his detractors as a period of religious oppression and cultural decline. However, a closer examination of historical records suggests a more nuanced picture.
Aurangzeb's rule was marked by significant military conquests, expanding the Mughal Empire to its greatest territorial extent. Despite his reputation as a temple destroyer, evidence indicates that he also issued orders protecting Hindu and Jain temples, and the vast majority remained intact by the end of his reign. His administration included a significant proportion of Hindu nobles, and he patronized works of Islamic scholarship.
Yet, Aurangzeb's policies were not without controversy. His imposition of the jizya tax on non-Muslims and the destruction of select Hindu temples in response to political threats have been sources of enduring criticism. His reign was also characterized by a strict adherence to Islamic law, which influenced his governance and judicial decisions.
The legacy of Aurangzeb remains a contentious topic in modern India, often invoked for political purposes. Understanding the complexities of his reign is crucial for a balanced view of this historical figure and the era he shaped.
Q1: According to the passage, which of the following statements is NOT true about Aurangzeb's reign?
(a) He expanded the Mughal Empire to its largest territorial extent. 
(b) He destroyed all Hindu temples in his empire. 
(c) He included a significant number of Hindu nobles in his administration. 
(d) He patronized works of Islamic scholarship. 
Ans: (b) 
Sol: The passage states that while Aurangzeb did destroy select Hindu temples, the vast majority remained intact by the end of his reign. Therefore, the statement that he destroyed all Hindu temples in his empire is not true.

Q2: What was the primary reason for the controversy surrounding Aurangzeb's imposition of the jizya tax?
(a) It was imposed on all citizens regardless of religion.
(b) It was excessively high and led to widespread poverty.
(c) It was levied only on non-Muslims.
(d) It was used to fund military conquests.
Ans: (c) 
Sol: The passage mentions that the jizya tax was imposed on non-Muslims, which was a source of controversy. There is no mention of the tax being excessively high, used to fund military conquests, or imposed on all citizens.

Q3: Which of the following best reflects the author's perspective on Aurangzeb's legacy?
(a) It is unanimously negative due to his oppressive policies.
(b) It is complex and requires a nuanced understanding.
(c) It is overwhelmingly positive due to his military successes.
(d) It is irrelevant in the context of modern India.
Ans: (b)
Sol: The author suggests that Aurangzeb's legacy is complex and requires a nuanced understanding, acknowledging both his military conquests and controversial policies. The passage does not indicate a unanimously negative or overwhelmingly positive view, nor does it suggest that his legacy is irrelevant. 

Q4: What aspect of Aurangzeb's reign is often used for political purposes in modern India?
(a) His military conquests.
(b) His patronage of the arts.
(c) His religious policies.
(d) His economic reforms. 
Ans: (c) 
Sol: The passage indicates that Aurangzeb's religious policies, particularly his treatment of Hindu temples and the imposition of the jizya tax, are often invoked for political purposes in modern India.

Q5: How does the passage suggest we should approach the study of Aurangzeb's reign?
(a) By condemning his actions based on modern standards.
(b) By understanding the historical context and complexities.
(c) By focusing solely on his military achievements.
(d) By disregarding the political use of his legacy.
Ans: (b)
Sol: The passage advocates for understanding Aurangzeb's reign within its historical context and complexities, rather than judging his actions by contemporary standards or focusing solely on one aspect of his rule. 

Q6: What does the passage imply about the destruction of Hindu temples during Aurangzeb's reign?
(a) It was indiscriminate and widespread. 
(b) It was a response to political threats and relatively limited. 
(c) It was mandated by Islamic law. 
(d) It was opposed by the majority of his administration.
Ans: (b)
Sol: The passage implies that the destruction of Hindu temples during Aurangzeb's reign was a response to political threats and was relatively limited, contradicting the notion of widespread and indiscriminate destruction.