RC: History - 1 | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) - CAT PDF Download

Passage

Direction: The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
In the annals of history, the Mongol Empire's expansion stands as a testament to both the potential and the peril of unbridled conquest. Founded by Genghis Khan in the early 13th century, the empire grew to be the largest contiguous land empire in history. The Mongol conquests were marked by rapid expansion, innovative military strategies, and a paradoxical blend of ruthless tactics with religious tolerance and cultural exchange.
Genghis Khan's leadership was instrumental in uniting the Mongol tribes and forming a disciplined, mobile army. His military campaigns were marked by the use of skilled horse archers, efficient communication systems, and a merit-based promotion structure. This military machine was pivotal in the rapid Mongol conquests across Central Asia, which eventually reached as far as Europe and the Middle East.
However, the Mongol expansion was not without its dark side. Cities that resisted faced destruction, and civilian populations often bore the brunt of the empire's wrath. The Mongol invasions are estimated to have resulted in the deaths of millions, leading to significant demographic shifts and a widespread atmosphere of fear.
In stark contrast to their military ferocity, the Mongols were known for their religious tolerance and promotion of cultural exchange. Under the Pax Mongolica, trade routes such as the Silk Road flourished, allowing for unprecedented levels of interaction between East and West. Knowledge, goods, and ideas were exchanged, leaving a lasting impact on the cultures involved.
Upon Genghis Khan's death, the empire was divided among his heirs, leading to the formation of several successor states. These states, while retaining elements of Mongol identity, often assimilated into local cultures, leading to a complex legacy that blended Mongol influences with indigenous traditions.
The Mongol Empire's rise and fall offer a glimpse into the complexities of empire-building, highlighting both the transformative potential of conquest and the human costs associated with it. Its legacy is a tapestry woven with threads of innovation, destruction, and cultural exchange, offering rich insights for historians and scholars.
Q1: Based on the passage, which of the following statements is true?
(a) Genghis Khan’s military strategies were marked by brutality alone.
(b) The Mongol Empire is considered the largest empire in history by landmass.
(c) The Mongol expansion was limited to Central Asia.
(d) The Mongols discouraged trade and cultural exchanges between the East and West.

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Q2: Which one of the following statements, if true, could be seen as contradicting the facts/arguments in the passage?
(a) The Mongol conquests were facilitated by a highly organized and disciplined army.
(b) Genghis Khan favored a rigid caste-based system for military promotions.
(c) The Pax Mongolica led to a period of economic prosperity and cultural exchange.
(d) The Mongol Empire's expansion led to widespread fear and significant demographic changes.

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Q3: "The Mongol Empire's rise and fall offer a glimpse into the complexities of empire-building, highlighting both the transformative potential of conquest and the human costs associated with it."
In the context of the passage, which one of the following is not a possible implication of the quoted statement?
(a) Empire-building can lead to significant cultural and economic advancements.
(b) The formation of empires always results in peaceful assimilation of cultures.
(c) Conquest can have transformative effects on both the conquerors and the conquered.
(d) The expansion of empires often involves significant human suffering.

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Q4: Which one of the following statements would be an accurate inference from the example of the Mongol Empire's expansion?
(a) Genghis Khan was a pacifist who avoided warfare.
(b) The Mongol Empire’s expansion was purely destructive with no cultural or economic benefits.
(c) The Mongol Empire fostered a period of economic prosperity and cultural exchange known as the Pax Mongolica.
(d) The Mongols were intolerant of other religions and suppressed cultural exchanges.

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