Practice Test: Ancient History and Medieval- 1 - UPSC MCQ

• Silambam is a popular variant of martial arts which is performed with the aid of some specific weapons, primarily bamboo sticks. It is widely performed in the regions of Tamil Nadu (India) which is also the birthplace of the game. The Tamil Sangam literature has the early records of Silambam. Hence pair 1 is correctly matched.
  • The primary focus of the fighters is to use the bamboo stick as a weapon to defeat the opponents. The length of the weapon stick depends on the height of the fighters. In the battle, the fighter holds the weapon by stretching the arms around 3-quarters full.
  • In the era of 1760-1799, during Pulidevan's and Veera Pandiya Kattabomman's time, the art was reformed to fight against the Britishers. Post that, Silambam went popular throughout the country and its native state. But being a furious act, the Britishers banned the sport. The ban was lifted in India after independence.
• Gatka is a traditional form of martial arts, which is historically associated with Sikh Gurus and is popular among the masses as a Sikh martial art.
  • It is a style of stick fighting between two or more practitioners, with wooden sticks intended to simulate swords. Hence pair 2 is correctly matched.
  • It was one of the basic techniques of self-defense for Sikh warriors during the martial period of the great Sikh Gurus.
  • Creating an amalgamation between acrobatics and swords fight, Gatka was introduced as a means of warfare when the Sikhs were fighting the Mughal Empire during the late 17th century.
• Thoda is a martial art form of Himachal Pradesh that relies on one's archery prowess. This martial art has its origin in Kullu. Hence pair 3 is not correctly matched.
• Thoda, the name is derived, from the round piece of wood fixed to the head of the arrow, which is used to blunt its wounding potential.
• The equipment required for Thoda are bows and arrows. Wooden bows measuring 1.5m to 2m, to suit the height of the archer and wooden arrows in proportion to the length of the bow, are prepared by skilled and traditional artisans.

• Akbar used different kinds of land revenue and land measurement systems to improvise the older systems and enhance the revenue without hurting the peasants.
• In 1580, Akbar instituted a new land revenue system called dahsala. Under this system, the average produce of different crops as well as average prices prevailing over the last ten (dah) years were calculated. One- third of the average share was state's share.
• Akbar also followed the old batai or ghalla-bakshi system. In this system, the produce was divided between peasants and the state in a fixed proportion. The crop was divided after it has been thrashed, or when it has been cut and tied in stacks, or while it was standing in the field.
• A third system used under Akbar's reign was nasaq. It meant a rough calculation of the amount payable by the peasant on the basis of what he has been paying in the past.
• Hence option (b) is the correct answer.

• In the south, Dantidurga was the founder of the dynasty called, the Rashtrakuta dynasty (8th AD).
• The capital of the Rastrakutas was Manyakheta or Malkhed near Sholapur.
• It was under the king Dhruva that the Rashtrakutas turned towards north India in a bid to control Kannauj, then the imperial city and it led to the beginning of the ‘Tripartite struggle’.
• One of the important kings of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was Krishna I. He built the famous Kailasha temple at Ellora (near Aurangabad, Maharastra). It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is monolithic i.e. made of one single piece of rock. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The Arab accounts inform us that the Rashtrakutas were quite friendly with the Arab traders who visited their empire. These traders were allowed to build mosques and follow their religion without any hindrance. It testifies to the liberal attitude of the Rashtrakuta kings and also to their desire to draw economic benefit from the growing sea trade conducted by the Arabs at that time. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
  • The Rashtrakuta kings presented an excellent example of religious tolerance and gave patronage to all the faiths such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Islam. They did not kill anyone for his or her religious beliefs. Toleration was also shown between the members of the different sects. The hope that religious charity will earn divine favour became a funding source to religious and socio-religious activities.

• Philosophy in Medieval India
  • The major religious movements were brought about by the mystics. They contributed to the religious ideas and beliefs. Bhakti saints like Vallabhacharya, Ramanuja, Nimbaraka brought about new philosophical thinking which had its origin in Shankaracharya’s advaita (non-dualism) philosophy.
  • Vishistadvaita of Ramanujacharya: Vïshistadvaita means modified monism. The ultimate reality according to this philosophy is Brahman (God) and matter and soul are his qualities.
  • Sivadvaita of Srikanthacharya: According to this philosophy, the ultimate Brahman is Shiva, endowed with Shakti. Shiva exists in this world as well as beyond it.
  • Dvaita of Madhavacharya: The literal meaning of dvaita is the dualism that stands in opposition to the non-dualism and monism of Shankaracharya. He believed that the world is not an illusion (maya) but a reality full of differences. Hence pair 3 is correctly matched.
  • Dvaitadvaita of Nimbaraka: Dvaitadvaita means dualistic monism. According to this philosophy, God transformed himself into the world and soul. This world and soul are different from God (Brahman). They could survive with the support of God only. They are separate but dependent. Hence pair 1 is correctly matched
  • Suddhadvaita of Vallabhacharya: Vallabhacharya wrote commentaries on Vedanta Sutra and Bhagavad Gita. For him. Brahman (God) was Sri Krishna who manifested himself as souls and matter. God and soul are not distinct, but one. The stress was on pure non-dualism. His philosophy came to be known as Pushtimarga (the path of grace) and the school was called Rudrasampradaya. Hence pair 2 is not correctly matched

• Remnants of rock paintings have been found on the walls of the caves situated in several districts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Bihar.
• Some paintings have been reported from the Kumaon hills in Uttarakhand also. The rock shelters on banks of the River Suyal at Lakhudiyar, about twenty kilometres on the Almora– Barechina road, bear these prehistoric paintings.
  • Lakhudiyar literally means one lakh caves.
  • The paintings here can be divided into three categories: man, animal and geometric patterns in white, black and red ochre.
  • Humans are represented in stick-like forms.
  • A long-snouted animal, a fox and a multiple legged lizard are the main animal motifs.
  • Wavy lines, rectangle-filled geometric designs, and groups of dots can also be seen here.
  • One of the interesting scenes depicted here is of hand-linked dancing human figures.
  • There is some superimposition of paintings. The earliest are in black; over these are red ochre paintings and the last group comprises white paintings.
• Hence option (b) is the correct answer.

• Malik Ambar was brought as an enslaved person from Ethiopia to India; Malik Ambar changed several hands before landing at the hands of the Prime Minister of Ahmad nagar named, Chengiz Khan. Malik Ambar learned about statecraft, military and administrative affairs from Chengiz Khan. After the death of Chengiz Khan, his wife set Malik Ambar free. In the Deccan, Muslims and Marathas had united to resist Mughal hegemony to preserve their distinct regional and political identity. In 1608 Ahmad Nagar in the Deccan had declared independence under Malik Ambar. So, Statement 1 is correct.
• Jahangir's reign witnessed the visit of two Englishmen – William Hawkins and Sir Thomas Roe. While the former could not get the consent of the Emperor to establish an English factory in India, the latter, sent as ambassador by King James I, succeeded in securing permission to establish a British factory in  Surat. The British East India Company came to India for trade in spices, an important commodity in Europe back then and as it was used to preserve meat. By this concession, the English established factories at Surat, Agra, Ahmedabad and Broach within the next four years. So, Statement 2 is correct.
• In January 1687, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb led his large Mughal army and defeated Abul Hasan Qutb Shah, the eighth and final king of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. He won due to the betrayal of Sarandaz Khan, a military official in the Qutb Shahi dynasty's army. Thus, the Mughals defeated Abul Hasan Qutb Shah during the reign of Aurangzeb, not in Jahangir's reign. So, Statement 3 is not correct.

Mughal architecture reached its zenith during the reign of Shahjahan. He was the most magnificent builder among the Mughals. Architecture seems to have reached into his blood. Hence he could build wonderful buildings. He made extensive use of white marble in his buildings. He had made use of the skills of the jeweler and the painter in making his buildings, and hence they come out to be the best specimens of architecture. Aurangzeb’s reign witnessed the construction of Badshahi mosque in Lahore and the marble tomb of Rabia ud daurani, known as Bibi-ka-maqbara (Tomb of the Lady) at Aurangabad. This tomb, built in 1678, is the most well-known building in the city. It was built by Prince Azam Shah in memory of Rabia Durani, wife of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (reign. 1658-1707). It was designed by the architect Ata Aula as an imitation on a reduced scale of the Taj Mahal at Agra. So, Option (d) is correct.

• Mughal Empire’s territorial divisions are well expressed in Ain-i Akbari also reflect how the Mughal empire was divided into subas/sarkars/parganas. The Parganas had a varying number of villages. In the Mughal administration, the basic unit was the village headed by muqaddam or chaudhri (privileged village headman). Panch (Muqaddam) formed a collective body known as panchayat. The Panch was responsible for collecting and maintaining accounts at the village level. The Panch allotted the unoccupied lands of the village to artisans, menials and servants for their service to the village. So, Pair 1 is correct.
• Madad-i-Mash (or) Suyurghal is a type of land grant given to many classes of people- including officials, artists, scholars, theologians, etc. Especially the scholars and religious divines etc., from the Mughal emperor, local rulers and zamindars during the Mughal period. A separate department under the charge of the sadr-us-sudur looked after these grants. If the aid was given in cash, it was known as wazifa. There were certain categories of people who were qualified to receive madad-i-maash. These grants did not invest the grantee with any right over land but were entitled to the prescribed revenue from its produce. Akbar put the ceiling of such land grants to 100 bighas per person. So, Pair 2 is not correct.
• Under the Surs and the Mughals, the village was the smallest unit of administration. A group of villages constituted a pargana and a few Parganas a shiqq which was equivalent to a Mughal Sarkar. The village-head was known as Muqaddam who was the sole link between the government and the village. Though he was not a government servant, he was responsible for maintaining law and order in his village. Patwari is a village record-keeper and he maintains and updates it. The Patwari usually has ways of measuring agricultural fields. The Patwari was also responsible for organizing the collection of land revenue from the farmers and providing information to the government about the crops grown in his area. So, Pair 3 is not correct.

Although there may have been several different systems of medicine in ancient India, the texts and traditions of only the Ayurveda system have survived for posterity. Ayurveda literally means ‘knowledge for longevity.’ The notable creations on medicine include Charaka Samhitaa and Sushruta Samhitaa. The Hastyayurveda by Maharshi Palakapya is the first systematic and meticulous exposition of veterinary science, consisting of 160 chapters written in Sanskrit language. It extensively deals with the diagnosis and treatment of the major diseases of elephants through medication and surgery. So, Option (a) is correct.

The city of Mandu is located sixty miles from Indore, at an elevation of over 2000 feet and overlooks the Malwa Plateau to the north and the Narmada valley to the south. The city Mandu's natural defence encouraged consistent habitations by Parmara Rajputs, Afghans and Mughals. Mandu is the capital city of the Ghauri Dynasty (1401–1561), founded by Hoshang Shah. Mandu is a typical representation of the medieval provincial style of art and architecture. It was a complex mix of official and residential-cum-pleasure palaces, pavilions, mosques, artificial reservoirs, baolis, and embattlements. The size or monumentality and the structure of the mandu were very close to nature, designed in the style of arched pavilions, light and airy so that these buildings did not retain heat, and it is a fine example of architectural adaptation to the environment. Hindola Mahal means a swing palace due to its sloping side walls. The Jama Masjid, Hindola Mahal and Jahaz Mahal in the city of Mandu were built. The Hindola Mahal looks like a railway viaduct bridge with its disproportionately large buttresses supporting the walls. This was Sultan's audience hall and the place where he showed himself to his subjects. The batter was used effectively to give an impression of swinging (Hindola) walls. So, Option (a) is correct.

• Though agriculture was the mainstay of the economy during the Gupta period, there were other occupations as well such as commerce and the production of crafts. Different social groups were engaged in these occupations.
• Certain changes were witnessed in the agrarian society at this time. The land system became more complex. Grants of land were being made to religious and ritual specialists or to officers. In those cases when the land granted to Brahmanas was a wetland or forest, the donees took on the role of a pioneer in introducing agriculture. The Brahmanas became proficient in supervising agrarian activities, helped by manuals on agriculture, such as Krishiparashara, which may be dated to this or the subsequent period. In the Gupta period, land taxes increased in number, and those on trade and commerce decreased. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• Probably the king collected taxes varying from one-fourth to one-sixth of the produce. In addition, whenever the royal army passed through the countryside, the local people had to feed it. The peasants had also to supply animals, food grains, furniture, etc., for the maintenance of royal officers on duty in rural areas. In central and western India, the villagers were also subjected to forced labour called vishti by the royal army and officials. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• For the smooth function of transactions in the economy, various types of coins were issued by different rulers. In ancient India, the Guptas were known for issuing a good number of gold coins, which were called dinars in their inscriptions. However, in gold content, the Gupta coins are not as pure as the Kushana ones and most probably not used by ordinary peoples in their daily transactions. Daily transactions mostly were done in copper coins or other modes of currency. But in contrast to those of the Kushanas, the Gupta copper coins are very few. Thus, it seems that commercial activities in this period were not as flourishing as they were in the Kushana period. Hence statement 3 is not correct.

• Mahayana Buddhism:
  • It means the greater vehicle.
  • The school is more liberal and believes in the heavenliness of Buddha and Bodhisattvas embodying Buddha Nature. Hence statement 2 is correct.
  • The ultimate goal under Mahayana is “spiritual upliftment”. The Mahayana followers believe in idol or image worship of Buddha. Hence statement 1 is correct.
  • The concept of Bodhisattva is the result of Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana is also called “Bodhisattvayana”, or the “Bodhisattva Vehicle. That is to say, the followers believe in Bodhisattva concept of the salvation of all conscious individual. In other words, they believe in universal liberation from the suffering of all beings.
  • A bodhisattva seeks complete enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. A bodhisattva who has accomplished this goal is called a Samyaksaṃbuddha.
  • Prominent Mahayana texts include Lotus Sutra, Mahavamsa, etc.
  • As per Lotus Sutra, the Mahayana school believes in six perfections (or paramitas) to be followed by an individual:
    • Dana (generosity)
    • Sila (virtue, morality, discipline and proper conduct)
    • Kṣanti (patience, tolerance, acceptance)
    • Virya (energy, diligence, vigor, effort)
    • Dhyana (one-pointed concentration)
    • Prajna (wisdom and insight)
  • As per scholars, one of the sub-sects of Mahayana being developed in the later periods was Vajrayana.
  • The Mahayana scholars predominantly used Sanskrit as a language. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
  • Emperor Kaniska convened the fourth great Buddhist council in Kashmir, which marked the beginnings of Mahayana Buddhism (as Hinayana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism diverged after this council). He patronized the new Mahayana sect of Buddhism which led to its popularity. Hence statement 4 is correct.
  • Presently, the majority of the Buddhist followers in the world belong to Mahayana sect. (around 53.2% as per 2010 report) o Other countries following it includes Nepal, Bangladesh, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Mongolia, China, Bhutan, Tibet, etc.

• Babur introduced a new warfare method known as the Tulguma system, in the first battle of Panipat. Tulughma meant dividing the whole army into various units, viz. the Left, the Right, and the Centre.
  • The Left and Right divisions were further subdivided into forwarding and Rear divisions. The Centre Forward division was then provided with carts (araba) which were placed in rows facing the enemy and tied to each other with animal hide ropes.
  • Behind them were placed cannons protected and supported by mantelets which could be used to easily maneuver the canons.
• This introduction of a new mode of warfare led to the popularization of gunpowder, cavalry, and artillery in India. However, gunpowder was known earlier in India, but its use for artillery became common in north India with the advent of Babur. Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
• Facts about the other three battles:
  • Battle of Samugarh (1658): The battle of Samugarh was fought between Shahjahan's sons Dara Shikoh (the eldest son and heir apparent) and his two younger brothers Aurangzeb and Murad Baksh (third and fourth sons of Shah Jahan) to decide who will be the heir of the throne after their father.
  • Battle of Haldighati (1576): The Battle of Haldighati was a battle fought on 18 June 1576 between the Mewar forces led by Maharana Pratap and the Mughal forces led by Man Singh I of Amber. Akbar was the Mughal Emperor at the time.
  • Sultana Chand Bibi: Sultana Chand Bibi (1550–1599 CE) was an Indian ruler and warrior. She acted as the Regent of Bijapur Sultanate during the minority of Ibrahim Adil Shah II in 1580-1590, and regent of Ahmednagar Sultanate during the minority of her great nephew Bahadur Shah in 1595-1600. Chand Bibi is best known for defending Ahmednagar against the Mughal forces of Emperor Akbar in 1595.

• The Marathas played a major role in the decline of Mughal power under the dynamic leadership of Shivaji, and they posed a strong challenge to Mughal power during the 1670s. In Maratha administration, Shivaji was a great warrior and a good administrator, and he had an advisory council to assist him in his day-to-day administration. The Maratha administration was divided into eight departments headed by ministers, sometimes called Ashta Pradhan and functions were advisory. The Walkia-Nawis or Mantri maintained the records of the king's activities and the proceedings in the court. So, Statement 1 is correct.
• Summant (or) Dabir (or) Foreign secretary, was to advise the king on all matters of war and peace and to receive ambassadors and envoys from other countries. Nyayadhish, or chief justice, was responsible for civil and military justice. Therefore, Summant was not responsible for civil and military justice. So, Statement 2 is not correct.
• Pandit Rao, Danadhyaksha, Sadar, and Muhtasib or ecclesiastical head, was in charge of religion, ceremonies, and charities. He was the judge of canon law and censor of public morals. Sari Naubat, commander-in-chief, was in charge of the Army's recruitment, organization and discipline. Therefore, Sari Naubatwas not in charge of religion, ceremonies and charities. So, Statement 3 is not correct.

Farrukhsiyar (1713-1719)

• After killing Jahandar Shah with the help of Sayyid brothers—Abdulla Khan and Hussain Ali (known as 'King Makers'), Farrukhsiyar became the new emperor. He followed a policy of religious tolerance by abolishing Jaziya and the pilgrimage tax. In 1717, he gave farmans to the British. In 1719, the Sayyid brothers, with the help of Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath, dethroned Farrukhsiyar. Later, he was blinded and killed. It was the first time in Mughal history that an emperor was killed by his nobles.

Ahmad Shah (1748-1754)

• Ahmad Shah was an incompetent ruler who left state affairs in the hands of Udham Bai, the 'Queen Mother.' Udham Bai, given the title of Qibla-i-Alam, was a lady of poor intellect who ruled with the help of her paramour, Javid Khan.

Alamgir II (1754-1758)

• Alamgir II was a grandson of Jahandar Shah. Ahmed Shah Abdali, the Iranian invader, reached Delhi in January 1757. During his reign, the Battle of Plassey was fought in June 1757.

Shah Alam II (1759-1806)

• His reign saw two decisive battles—the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) and the Battle of Buxar (1764). In 1765, according to the terms of the Treaty of Allahabad (August 1765), he was taken under the East India Company's protection and resided at Allahabad. He also issued a farman granting to the Company in perpetuity the Diwani (the right to collect revenue) of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. In 1772, the Marathas took him to Delhi, where he lived till 1803. In 1803, he again accepted the protection of the English after the defeat of Daulat Rao Scindia by the English. Afterward, the Mughal emperors became the pensioners of the English. So, Option (b) is correct.

• Tikuli is a type of hand painting, and its history is over 800 years. With its modern evolution and varied manifestations, the painting finds its origin in Patna, Bihar.
• Tikuli is the term that is locally used for bindis, which are essentially colorful dots that women wear as accessories between their eyebrows.
• The basic raw materials used in Tikuli craft are the Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) board and colors. This is a unique product handcrafted by artisans. These crafts provide livelihood support to about 300-500 artisans' families regularly in Digha, Danapur and Gai Ghat mahallas of Patna town of Bihar. So, Pair (1) is correct.

• Thang Ta--"The Art of the Sword and Spear"- is the traditional martial art of Manipur in Northeast India. It integrates various external weapons - the sword, spear, dagger, etc. - with the internal practice of physical control through soft movements coordinated with the rhythms of breathing. It is part of the great heroic tradition of Manipur. So, Statement 1 is not correct.
• Bhoota Aradhana, or spirit worship, is a religion-cultural ritual practiced in Udupi and South Canara districts on the west coast of Karnataka. The ritual is prevalent mainly among the Tulu-speaking people of this state. The bhootas are considered to be benevolent Gods or guardian spirits by the people. A small pedestal is set up for these spirit gods inside houses. In public spaces, shrines are dedicated to these gods, known as bhoota staanas. The bhoota may be represented by a stone, a mask, metal objects or finely sculpted wooden or metal idols. The bhootas can also be manifestations of animals like the five-faced Nandigona, the bull spirit or the mother goddess-like Ullalthi. So, Statement 2 is correct.
• Singhi Chham Folk Dance is also known as Kanchendzonga Dance. It is a folk dance native to Sikkim Region. The word 'Singhi Dance' means the 'Lion Dance'. This masked dance is performed during the worship of the snowy range of Kanchenjunga. And People use this majestic dance as a way to display their cultural symbol. Singhi Chham is performed exclusively by men. The dancers wear esoteric masks, flashing silks, opulent brocades and embroidered boots. Performed exclusively by the citizens of the state, it is held in the month of September. So, Statement 3 is not correct.

• Abdur Razzaq was a Persian, Timurid chronicler and scholar who visited the Vijayanagara Kingdom during the period of Deva Raya II (1422–1446 CE). He gave an account of the reign of Deva Raya II. He came to the court of King Zamorin of Calicut as an ambassador of King Shahrukh (the Timurid Dynasty Ruler of Persia) in 1442. He wrote a 45-page narrative of this mission to India. It appears as a chapter in his book Matla- us-Sadain-wa-Majma-ul-Bahrain. So, Pair (1) is not correct.
• Domingo Paes was a Portuguese merchant, writer and explorer who visited India between 1520– 1522AD and gave the most detailed account among all other historical descriptions of the ancient city of Hampi under the reign of King Krishnadeva Raya of Tuluva Dynasty under the Vijayanagara Empire. He recorded his journey in his book named "Chronica dos reis de Bisnaga", where he provided in- depth information about Vijayanagara Empire. So, Pair (2) is correct.
• Fernao Nuniz, a Portuguese horse trader, composed his account around 1536-37. He was in the capital during the reign of Achyutaraya and may have been present at earlier battles fought by Krishnadevaraya. This visitor was particularly interested in the history of Vijayanagara, especially the city's foundation, the subsequent careers of three dynasties of rulers, and the battles they fought with the Deccan sultans and Odishan Rayas. Nunez also gives details of the Mahanavami festival, noting admiringly the extravagant jewels worn by the courtly women and the thousands of women in the king's service. So, Pair (3) is correct.

The Indo-Greek coins circulated to the south of the Hindu Kush were made of silver and copper and were often square. They had bilingual inscriptions in Greek and Kharoshthi (more rarely, Brahmi) and followed an Indian weight standard. Royal portraits occur on the obverse, but the motifs on the reverse include religious symbols that were Indian rather than Greek in inspiration. An interesting coin series was that of king Agathocles, which depicted the god Samkarshana Balarama on the obverse and Vasudeva Krishna on the reverse. So, Statements 1, 2, & 3 are correct.

• Under the reign of Kanishka, the Kushana empire reached its maximum territorial limits. The empire extended from Central Asia to northern India, including Varanasi, Kaushambi and Sravasti in the Uttar Pradesh region. It expanded further east into the Ganga valley and southwards into the Malwa region. Kushana influence was felt in western and central India as well, where the Shaka kshatrapas acknowledged the overlordship of their Kushana overlords. Buddhist sources record that he conquered Magadha, Kashmir, and Khotan in Sinkiang. So, Statement 1 is correct.
• Kanishka was an ardent follower of Buddhism and hosted the fourth Buddhist maha sangha or council at Kundalvana, Kashmir (72 AD) (the third council had been held in Pataliputra during Ashoka's reign). By now, Mahayana Buddhism had become the dominant sect, and Kanishka supported the missions sent to China to preach Buddhism. So, Statement 2 is not correct.
• Kanishka is said to have patronized Buddhist scholars such as Ashvaghosha and Vasumitra. Ashvaghosha wrote the Buddhacharitra, which is the biography of the Buddha. He also wrote Saundarananda, which is a fine example of Sanskrit poetry. The philosopher rose to the position of spiritual counselor in Kanishka's court at Peshawar. A brilliant orator, Ashvaghosha spoke at length on Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) Buddhist doctrine at the fourth Buddhist council, which he helped organize. So, Statement 3 is correct.

Dhokra casting

• Dhokra is an alloy of brass, nickel and zinc which gives an antique look. The oldest specimen using such a technique was during the Harappan Period (famous Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-Daro).
• Among the popular sculptural traditions, Dhokra or metal sculptures are made from lost wax or cire perdue technique. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• It is one of the most prominent metal crafts of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, parts of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Midnapore in West Bengal. It involves casting bronze through the lost wax method. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The metal craftsmen of Bastar are called ghadwa. In popular etymology, the term ‘ghadwa’ means the act of shaping and creating. It is probably this that gives the casters their name. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Its motifs are mostly drawn from a folk culture which includes animal figures like elephants, horses, gods and goddesses, containers with lids, lamps and lamp stands, and intricate designs in the shape of trees and branches. o NOTE: Lost-wax process or the cire-perdue is a method of metal casting in which molten metal is poured into a mould that has been created by means of a wax model. Once the mould is made, the wax model is melted and drained away. A hollow core is then filled with molten metal which takes the shape of the mould.

• Among the travellers whose writings on Vijayanagar have survived are Niccolo de Conti, a Venetian merchant (1420); Abdur Razzaq Samarqandi, a Persian scholar-envoy (1443); Duarte Barbosa, a Portuguese officer (c. 1515); and Domingo Paes (c. 1520) and Fernao Nuniz (1535–37), Portuguese merchant- adventurers.
  • The institution of nayaka was studied in detail by two Portuguese-Fernao Nuniz and Domingo Paes, who visited India during the reigns of Krishnadeva Raya and Achyut Raya of the Tuluva dynasty during the sixteenth century.
  • We get information about foreign trade from the Amuktamalyada of Krishnadeva Raya, Domingo Paes and Nuniz. They have given vivid descriptions of the horse trade.
  • Nicolò de’ Conti did not write about his extensive travels. Our knowledge of him has been filtered through the works of two men to whom he recounted his adventures.
• Niccolo Manucci (1639-1717) was a Venetian traveller who toured different parts of India including Bengal and left behind a reliable description of the land and people. He wrote accounts of the Mughal Empire.
• Other travellers who visited the Vijaynagar empire are:
  • Abdur Razzaq: He was a Persian, Timurid chronicler and scholar who visited the Vijaynagar Kingdom at the time of Dev Raya II as an ambassador of Shah Rukh, the Timurid dynasty ruler of Persia.
  • Athanasius Nikitin: He was the first noteworthy traveller from Russia. 
  • Duarte Barbosa: He was a Portuguese Writer, scrivener and explorer who had given a vivid account of Vijaynagara governance under Krishna Deva Raya.

Hence option (a) is the correct answer.

• Delhi first become the capital of a kingdom under Tomar Rajput, who was defeated in the middle of the 12th Century by the Chauhan of Ajmer. It was found under Tomaras and Chauhans that Delhi become an important commercial center. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• The Mongols under Genghis Khan invaded Transoxiana and North-East Iran in 1219 and the Delhi Sultanate faced their onslaught again soon after the reign of Alauddin Khaliji (reign: 1296-1316). Their onslaught became more intense and ferocious during the Khilji rule. But Alauddin succeeded in crushing the Mongols. Shams ud-Din Iltutmish or Iltutmish was the third of the Mamluk kings who ruled the former Ghurid territories in northern India. His rule (1211-1236) preceded that of the Khiljis. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
• Tughluq Dynasty (1320-1414) was also known as the Quaraunah Turks. Ghiyassuddin Tughlaq was the founder/first ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty. Hence statement 3 is not correct.

• The Akbar Nama was written to provide a detailed description of Akbar’s reign in the traditional diachronic sense of recording politically significant events across time, as well as in the more novel sense of giving a synchronic picture of all aspects of Akbar’s empire – geographic, social, administrative and cultural – without reference to chronology. • Abu’l Fazl wrote in a language that was ornate and which attached importance to diction and rhythm, as texts were often read aloud. This Indo- Persian style was patronized at court, and there were a large number of writers who wanted to write like Abu’l Fazl. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The Akbar Nama is divided into three books of which the first two are chronicles. The third book is Ain-i Akbari. The first volume contains the history of mankind from Adam to one celestial cycle of Akbar’s life (30 years). The second volume closes in the forty-sixth regnal year (1601) of Akbar. The very next year Abu’l Fazl fell victim to a conspiracy hatched by Prince Salim and was murdered by his accomplice, Bir Singh Bundela.
• In the Ain-i Akbari, the Mughal Empire is presented as having a diverse population consisting of Hindus, Jainas, Buddhists, and Muslims and a composite culture.Ain-i-Akbari embodies Ains or rules and regulations framed and put into effect for proper administration by Akbar. It is regarded as an administrative manual and is like a modern gazetteer. The regulations embodied in the Ain-i-Akbari provide information about Akbar's government, several departments, its different ranks, etc.
• Abul Fazl also discusses in this book the social condition, literary activities, and study of law and philosophy not only of Muslims but also of local Hindus, Jains, and other communities. There are, in addition, chapters on distinguished travelers, Muslim saints, and sufis. Hence statement 2 is correct.

• Statement 1 is correct: During the reign of Akbar, painting was organized in one of the imperial establishments. Large number of painters from all the castes were invited to join. Daswant and Basawan were the famous painters. Apart from illustrating Persian fables, painters were soon assigned the task of illustrating Persian text of Mahabharata, etc. Thus, Indian scenes and themes came into vogue. An illustrated manuscript of the Tuti-nama in the Cleveland Museum of Art (USA) appears to be the first work of the Mughal School. The style of painting in this manuscript shows the Mughal style in its formative stage.
• Statement 2 is correct: Indian colors like peacock blue, the Indian red, etc. began to be used. Above all the flat effect of the Persian Style began to be replaced by the roundness of Indian brush, giving pictures a three-dimensional effect.
• Statement 3 is not correct: Under Akbar, European painting was introduced at the court by the Portuguese priests. Under their influence, the principles of foreshortening, whereby near and distant people and things could be placed in perspective was quietly adopted.
• Statement 4 is not correct: Mughal painting reached climax under the reign of Jahangir who had very discriminating eye. It was a fashion in the Mughal school for the faces, bodies and feet of the people in a single picture to be painted by different artists. Jahangir claims that he could distinguish the work of each artist in the picture. Apart from painting hunting, battle, and court scenes, under Jahangir special progress was made in portrait paintings and painting animals. It is of an high aesthetic merit. It is primarily aristocratic and secular. Following the example of the Mughal Emperor the courtiers and the provincial officers also patronised painting. They engaged artists trained in the Mughal technique of painting. But the artists available to them were of inferior merit, those who could not seek employment in the Imperial Atelier which required only first-rate artists.

• Mrichchhakatika is a ten-act Sanskrit drama attributed to Sudraka and is generally thought to have lived sometime between the 2^nd century BC and the 5^th century AD. The play is set in the ancient city of Ujjain during the reign of king Pataka. The main story is that of a noble that a young Brahmin Charudatta falls in love with a wealthy courtesan, vasantasena. So, Pair (1) is not correct.
• Mahakavi Kalidasa is a great Indian poet of the 5^th century AD. He was one of the greatest Sanskrit poets in the world. He belonged to the Gupta period. He had written three plays, i.e., Malavikagnimitra, Abhigyanashakuntalam and Vikramorvasiyam. These three plays became so famous that they made Kalidasa one of the legends. He has also written some epic poems, i.e., Raghuvamsa and Kumarasambhava. Some of the other poems of Kalidasa are Ritusamhara and Meghaduta. So, Pair (2) is correct.
• Vishakhadatta, the author of a rare semi-historical play called Mudrarakshasa, apparently was a courtier at the Gupta court. Mudrarakshasa is a political drama that narrates the ascent of king Chandragupta Maurya to power in India. His play dramatizes the political principles expounded in the book Arthasastra by Kauᒷilya, who appears as the play's hero. So, Pair (3) is not correct.

• Statement 1 is not correct: Balban stood forth as the champion of Turkish nobility. He refused to entertain for important government posts anyone who did not belong to a noble family. He excluded Indian Muslims from all positions of power and authority.
  • To emphasise that the nobles were not his equals, he insisted on the ceremony of sijada and paibos. These ceremonies were Iranian in origin and were considered un-Islamic.
• Statement 2 is correct: To keep himself well informed, Balban appointed spies in every department. He also organized a strong centralized army, both to deal with internal disturbances, and to repel the Mongols who had entrenched themselves in Punjab and posed a serious danger to the Delhi Sultanat.
• Statement 3 is not correct: Muhammad bin Tughlaq launched a scheme to extend and improve cultivation in the doab. He set up a separate department called diwan-i-amir-i-kohi. The area was divided into development blocs headed by an official whose job was to extend cultivation by giving loans to the cultivators and to induce them to cultivate superior crops—wheat in place of barley, sugarcane in place of wheat, grapes and dates in place of sugarcane,etc.
  • Balban organised a strong centralized army, both to deal with internal disturbances and to repel the Mongols. For this purpose, he reorganized the military department (diwan-i-arz) and pensioned off those soldiers who were no longer fit for service.

• Statement 1 is not correct: 'Latina' or the rekha-prasada type buildings have simple shikhara which is square at the base and whose walls curve or slope inward to a point on top. Another major type of architectural form in the nagara order is the phamsana. Phamsana buildings tend to be broader and shorter than latina ones. Their roofs are composed of several slabs that gently rise to a single point over the centre of the building, unlike the latina ones which look like sharply rising tall towers.
• Statement 2 is correct: In many North Indian temples you will notice that the phamsana design is used for the mandapas while the main garbhagriha is housed in a latina building. Later on, the latina buildings grew complex, and instead of appearing like a single tall tower, the temple began to support many smaller towers, which were clustered together like rising mountain-peaks with the tallest one being in the centre, and this was the one which was always above the garbhagriha.
• Statement 3 is correct: These are rectangular buildings with a roof that rises into a vaulted chamber. The edge of this vaulted chamber is rounded, like the bamboo or wooden wagons that would have been drawn by bullocks in ancient times. They are usually called ‘wagon- vaulted buildings’.

• A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place
  • Under Articles 1 (2) and 10 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, geographical indications are covered as an element of IPRs. They are also covered under Articles 22 to 24 of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
• In December 1999, the Parliament passed the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,1999. This Act seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
  • The Act is administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks- who is the Registrar of Geographical Indications. The Geographical Indications Registry is located at Chennai. The Act has come into force with effect from 15th September 2003.
• Aranmula Kannadi (literally meaning Aranmula mirror) is a handmade metal-alloy mirror, unlike the usual glass mirror. Aranmula Kannadi is an extraordinary traditional handmade metal mirror which is famous for bringing prosperity, luck and wealth into life.
  • What’s unique about this front surface reflection mirror is that it eliminates secondary reflections that you typically see in back surface mirrors. Born out of Kerala’s rich culture and its inclination towards metallurgical articles, the mirror is said to have tremendous spiritual value and brings good luck.
  • In 2004, this rare craft belonging to a small town in Kerala was given worldwide recognition when a 45-centimeter tall Aranmula mirror was placed in London’s British Museum and awarded a geographical indication (GI) tag.
  • Owing to the unmatched splendor and religious significance of Aranmula Kannadi, Aranmula was declared a heritage village by Kerala Tourism in order to draw tourists’ attention to this dying craft.
• The making of Mysore Agarbathi became an organized industry in Bangalore during the 1900s. The incense sticks are locally known as oodabathies (blowing fumes). Herbs, flowers, essential oils, barks, roots and charcoal are ground into a smooth paste, then rolled onto bamboo sticks and dried in the sun.
  • The key ingredients Sandalwood and Ailanthus malabaricum (which yields halmadi) are indigenous to the forests of Karnataka, thus earning the product its GI tag status.
• The Hmaram was and is a popular article of clothing for Mizoram women. It is a handmade shawl and is worn like a short skirt by being wrapped around the waist and tucked in on one side. It is worn with a white blouse for ceremonies, festivals, or special events. It is made of cotton and dyed with natural indigo. It enjoys a GI tag status.
• The Lock manufacturing industry in Dindigul is hundreds of years old. Dindigul locks can guarantee aspects like quality, full safety & key facilities, most importantly they are attractive and unique in design.
  • The popular kinds of locks that are manufactured in Dindigul are Mango lock, Door Lock, Trick Lock, Bell Lock, Drawer Lock, Shutter Lock & Book Shutter Lock.
  • Dindigul Locks are specifically purchased for Temples. Government institutions and business places because of its foolproof Safety.
  • Dindigul lock manufacturers claim that the precision lever mechanism in their locks is manually assembled with a unique key code and shackles are meticulous in design that gives greater resistance to anyone who tries to break in.
  • Dindigul locks enjoy GI tag status.

Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

• Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, (or) Jahangir-nama, the memoirs of Jahangir, tells about his great interest in arts and his efforts to achieve scientific correctness in rendering flora and fauna that interested the Emperor the most. It was written in the Persian language. Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri is an Autobiography of Jahangir. So, Option (1) is not correct.
• The Ain-i-Akbari, or the "Administration of Akbar," is a 16th-century detailed document recording the administration of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar, written by his court historian, Abul Fazl, in the Persian language. The main purpose of Ain-i-Akbari was to record information about the people and society during the Mughal regime and to give detailed accounts of the organisation of the court, administration and army. Abul Fazl wrote a three-volume history of Akbar’s reign, titled Akbar Nama.
  • The first volume dealt with Akbar’s ancestors,
  • The second volume recorded the events of Akbar’s reign and
  • The third volume is the Ain-i Akbari. It deals with Akbar’s administration, household, army, revenues and the geography of his empire. It also provides rich details about the traditions and culture of the people living in India. The most interesting aspect of the Ain-i Akbari is its rich statistical details about things as diverse as crops, yields, prices, wages and revenues. In the Ain-i Akbari, the Mughal Empire is presented as having a diverse population consisting of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Muslims and a composite culture. So, Option (2) is correct.
• Qanun –i-Humayuni was composed in 1534 CE by Khvandamir, one of the officials under Humayun's patronage. It is about the Work on the Rules and Ordinances Established by the Emperor Humayun and on Some Buildings Erected by His Order. It is not an Autobiography. So, Option (3) is correct.