APSET Paper 2 Mock Test - 6 (History) - AP TET MCQ

Indian Antiquities/Essays on Indian Antiquities is not a book by Alexander Cunningham.

Important Points

• James Prinsep:
  • Indian Antiquities/Essays on Indian Antiquities is a book by James Prinsep.
  • James Prinsep was an officer of the mint of the East India Company.

  • He was responsible for the decipherment of Brahmi and Kharosthi (1838), the scripts that were used in the earliest inscritpions and coins.

Therefore, Indian Antiquities/Essays on Indian Antiquities is the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Alexander Cunnigham:
  • ​He was the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (established in 1861).
  • He is also known as the'Father of Indian Archaeology'.
  • He also authored several important works such as the Ancient Geography of India (1871), Stupa of Bharut (1879) and Coins of India/Coins of Ancient India (1891).

Option 3 is NOT correct.

• Gandhika has been mentioned as the traders of perfume and they were prosperous. Hence, Option 3 is NOT correct.
• Satavahana followed the Mauryas in Deccan of India.
• Simuka (230-207 BC) was the founder and the first king of Satvahana dynasty. Hence, Option 1 is correct.
• King Hala assumed the title of Kavivatsal. Hence, Option 2 is correct.
• Satavahana dynasty ruled from Pune in Maharastra to Coastal Andhra Pradesh in the second century BC onwards.
• Satavahanas started the practice of granting taxfree villages to Brahmanas and Buddhist monks. Hence, Option 4 is correct.
• This dynasty was built upon the ruins of the Maurya Empire and around 1st century AD, they were the most prominent in the Modern Andhra Pradesh Region.
• King was called Rajan or Raja and he had the right to mint the coins.
• A Senapati was appointed as the provincial governor.

The pillars of Ashoka are a series of columns dispersed throughout the Indian subcontinent, erected or at least inscribed with edicts by the Mauryan king Ashoka during his reign in the 3rd century BC. Originally, there must have been many pillars but only nineteen survive with inscriptions, and only six with animal capitals. Mauryan Pillars have outside influence, either Persian, Iranian. But the Mauryan pillars ARE DIFFERENT from the Achamenian pillars. The Mauryan pillars are rock-cut pillars thus displaying the carver’s skills, whereas the Achamenian pillars are constructed in pieces by a mason. Stone pillars were erected all over the Mauryan Empire with inscriptions engraved on them. The Mauryan pillar capital found at Sarnath popularly known as the Lion Capital is the finest example of Mauryan sculptural tradition. It is also our national emblem.

• The Pala Empire (8th to 12th centuries) in Bengal and the Bhaumakara dynasty (8th to 10th centuries) in Odisha, although distinct in their geographical regions and historical timelines, shared a significant cultural contribution to the Indian subcontinent through their patronage of Buddhism.
• Palas of Bengal: The Pala dynasty was a major Buddhist royal house that ruled over the Bengal region, which is today's Bangladesh and West Bengal in India.
• The Palas were known for their profound devotion to Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.
• They established several significant Buddhist monasteries and centers of learning, the most famous among them being the Vikramashila and the revived Nalanda University.
• These institutions attracted students and scholars from different parts of Asia, serving as important hubs for the spread of Buddhist thought and practices. The Palas also sponsored the creation of numerous Buddhist texts and art, which had a lasting impact on the development of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.
• Bhaumakaras of Odisha: The Bhaumakara dynasty, ruling a portion of what is now Odisha, similarly showed a strong inclination towards Buddhism, especially during its early phase.
• Even though the religious landscape of Odisha is diverse, including significant influences of Shaivism, Shaktism, and Vaishnavism, early Bhaumakara rulers contributed to the flourish of Buddhism.
• They are known to have built Buddhist temples and supported the monastic communities. The influence reflecting their patronage can be seen in the Buddhist art and architecture remnants found in the region, illustrating the spread and sustenance of Buddhism in that part of India during their reign.
• Thus, both the Palas and the Bhaumakaras contributed significantly to the patronage of Buddhism, playing a crucial role in its proliferation and the cultural enrichment of the regions under their control.
• Their support fostered a vibrant environment for Buddhist education, art, and architecture, leaving a lasting legacy that continued to influence subsequent generations.

So far Seven Prime Ministers of India have been awarded the Bharat Ratna. Atal Bihari Vajapayee is the seventh Prime Minister to receive the award, after (1) Jawaharlal Nehru, (2) Indira Gandhi, (3) Rajiv Gandhi, (4) Morarji Desai, (5) Lal Bahadur Shastri and (6) Gulzarilal Nanda.

The correct answer is Matsya, Chedi, Magadha, Anga.

Key Points

• Mahajanapadas:
  • Kingdoms that rose to fame from the 6th Century BC onward were called Mahajanapdas.
  • The Mahajanapadas signify the tribes that came together to form different groups and later gave rise to a permanent area of settlements called ‘states’ or ‘Janapadas.’

The correct answer is Shrimal.

Key Points

• The Gurjara Pratihara King Nagabhata 1 won Kannauj and established rule over most of Rajasthan.
• The capital of their Kingdom was Shreemal, which is the old name of Bhinmal in Jalore.
• Mihirabhoja was the most powerful Pratihara king.
• Rajyapala was the last Pratihara king.
• The Pratihara power began to decline after Mahmud of Ghazni attacked the kingdom in 1018 A.D.

Additional Information

• Pratihar Dynasty had supremacy in Rajasthan from the 8th to 10th centuries.
• The Pratiharas were also called as Gurjara.
• The Pratiharas stood as a fortification of India’s defense against the hostility of the Muslims from the days of Junaid of Sind (725.A.D.) to Mahmud of Ghazni.
• From 552 to 1018 AD the Gurjars played a great part in the history of Northern India nearly for 500 years.

The correct answer is Akhbar-ul Akhyar.Key Points

• Akhbar ul Akhyar appeared in the 16th century.
• Shaikh Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlawi (1551–1663) was one of the most illustrious scholar-sufis (alim-sufi) of Mughal India.
• He compiled Akhbar ul Akhiyar in Persian, which is recognised as a leading source of South Asian Sufism.
• He was born in 1551 (958 AH) in Delhi, hence the suffix Dehlavi to his name.
• He became a writer in Arabic and Persian, who won favour from both Mughal Emperors, Jahangir (r.1605-28) and Shah Jahan (r.1628-58), and in time became a scholar of Islam.
• Akhbar ul Akhyar was compiled in order to explore elements of the implicit and at times explicit, challenges posed to the hegemonic orthodoxy, which was often identified with the Arabisation process.

Additional Information

Maasir-ul-Umara:

• It is a biographical dictionary of the officers in the Mughal empire until 1780 AD.
• It was the work of Shah Nawaz Khan (entitled Samsamuddaula) and his son Abdul Hai.
• Shah Nawaz Khan devoted himself to the compilation of the work from August 1741 to 1747.
• The Maasir-ul-Umara is a storehouse of knowledge about the history of the Mughals in India.

• There is no dearth of the contemporary history of the Mughal empire; these include the namahs, such as Baburnamah, Humayun namah, Padshahnamah, Alamgirnamah etc.

Akhbar-ul Akhyar:

• It is a Persian-language biography of notables in the Mughal Empire (1556–1780).
• It was written by Samsam ud Daula Shah Nawaz Khan and his son Abdul Hai Khan.
• Its variants of the title include Ma'athir al-Umara, Maasir al-Umara, and Maathir ul-Umara.

• Shah Nawaz Khan relies upon a variety of Persian histories for his information, which he lists in his introduction.

Zakhirat-ul Khwanin:

• It is a biographical dictionary of Mughal Nobles.
• Composed in 1651, Zakhiratul Khwanin of Shaikh Farid Bhakkari is an important source to understand social trends and tensions of the Mughal times.
• The author of this work was the pioneer in the field of writing biographies of even the lesser mansabdars associated with the Mughal court.
• Zakhiratul Khwanin would be studied as a source of information regarding the Mughal society.

Key Points

• Andhra Pradesh holds the distinction of being the first state in India to be formed on linguistic lines, marking a significant event in the post-independence history of India.
• The demand for the creation of a separate state for Telugu-speaking people resulted in the formation of Andhra Pradesh from the Telugu-speaking northern districts of Madras State (now Tamil Nadu).
• This historic event took place on October 1, 1953, following the fast unto death by Potti Sriramulu, a freedom fighter and a staunch advocate of the linguistic state. His self-sacrifice highlighted the intensity of the demand for linguistic states and eventually led to the reorganization of states based on linguistic lines across the country.
• Potti Sriramulu's death triggered widespread protests and forced the Indian government to acknowledge the linguistic aspirations of different regions, setting in motion the process for the linguistic reorganization of states in India.
• The creation of Andhra Pradesh was followed by the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, which led to the reorganization of state boundaries primarily on linguistic lines.
• This act was a landmark in the political landscape of post-independence India, ensuring the administrative convenience and the cultural coherence of the states, and has profoundly influenced the structure of the Indian Union.

Additional Information

• Potti Sriramulu was an Indian freedom fighter and activist, renowned for his pivotal role in the formation of Andhra Pradesh, the first Indian state to be created on linguistic lines.
• He undertook a fast unto death in 1952, advocating for the creation of a separate state for Telugu-speaking people.
• His death catalyzed the linguistic reorganization of Indian states.

On March 12, 1612, Jahangir granted a firman permitting the British establishing factories at Surat, Gogha, Ahmedabad and Cambay. Thus, Surat became the first established settlement of British in India and a factory was established there in 1612-13.

• Upanishad talks about the philosophy of the Life cycle. It talks about the process of the soul achieving Moksha.
• There were six schools of thought to propound the Upanishads called Saddarshana namely Samkhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, Nyaya, Mimansa, and Vedanta.

Samkhya:

• It was founded by Kapil Rishi.
• It means ‘Count’. It says divine agency is not necessary to the creation of the world.
• It believes a person can acquire Moksha by acquiring knowledge through Perception, interference, and hearing.

Yoga:

• It was founded by Patanjali.
• It believed that salvation can be acquired through meditation and physical application.
• A physical exercise called Asana and Breathing exercise called Pranayam.

Vaisheshika:

• It was founded by Kanad Rishi.
• It discussed material elements that are Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Sky which form new objects.
• He was the one to provide the first-ever Atom theory.
• But, it diluted the scientific view by believing in God and spirituality. Kanad believed that God is the one who creates the new objects using these 5 elements.

Nyaya:

• It was founded by Gautam Rishi.
• It believed salvation can be achieved by the acquisition of knowledge by applying logic(analogy).

Mimansa:

• It was founded by Badrayana.
• Salvation can be achieved through the art of reasoning and interpretation.

Vedanta:

• In this, discussions about soul and divine were made by Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, etc.

Chuars were the first to revolt against British land revenue policy in 1769 A.D. Khonds revolted in 1846-48 A.D. Lord Hardinge I, the Governor General introduced Forest Laws in 1840 A.D, prohibiting Podu Cultivation (Shifting Cultivation), imposed taxes on forest products and banned the customs of human sacrifice practiced by Khonds of Orissa and Gonds of Adilabad District of Andhra Pradesh.

The correct answer is 1, 2, and 5 only.

Key Points

• Chola inscriptions mention several categories of land:
  • Vellanvagai- land of non-Brahmana peasant proprietors
  • Brahmadeya- land gifted to Brahmanas
  • Shalabhoga- land for the maintenance of a school
  • Devadana, Tirunamattukkani- land gifted to temples
  • Pallichchhandam- land donated to Jaina institutions
• Thus, we can say that Pallichchhandam, Shalabhoga, and Vellanvagai are the categories of land that are mentioned in the Chola inscriptions.
• The inscriptions of the Cholas who ruled in Tamil Nadu refer to more than 400 terms for different kinds of taxes.
• The most frequently mentioned tax is Vetti, taken not in cash but in the form of forced labor, and Kadamai, or land revenue.
• There were also taxes on thatching the house, the use of a ladder to climb palm trees, a cess on succession to family property, etc.

The correct answer is All threeKey PointsAshoka:

• Asoka Maurya, succeeded to the Mauryan throne around 269 B.C.
• His policy of Dhamma has been a topic of lively discussion among scholars. The word Dhamma is the Prakrit form of the Sanskrit word Dharma.
• Dhamma has been variously translated as piety, moral life, righteousness and so on, but the best way to understand what Ashoka means by Dhamma is to read his edicts.

Contents of Dhamma:

• The principles of Dhamma were so formulated as to be acceptable to people belonging to different communities and following any religious sect.
• Dhamma was not given any formal definition or structure. It emphasised on toleration and general behaviour. The theme of ahimsa is an important aspect of Ashoka's dhamma and is frequently mentioned. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Dhamma stressed on dual toleration- it emphasised on toleration of people themselves and also an toleration of their various beliefs and ideas.
• There is a stress on the notion of showing consideration towards slaves and servants; there is stress also on obedience to elders; generosity towards the needy, Brahmanas and Sramanas, etc. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Asoka also pleaded for tolerance of different religious sects in an attempt to create a sense of harmony.
• The policy of Dhamma also laid stress on non-violence.
• Non-violence was to be practised by giving up war and conquests and also as a restraint on the killing of animals.
• However, Asoka realized that a certain display of his political might may be necessary to keep the primitive forest tribes in check.
• The policy of Dhamma also included certain welfare measures, like planting of trees, digging of wells, etc.
• Asoka attacked ceremonies and sacrifices practised regularly on various occasions as meaningless.

Additional Information Rock Edicts:

• Major Rock Edict I:
  • It declares prohibition of animal sacrifice and holiday of festive gatherings. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Major Rock Edict II:
  • It relates to certain measures of social welfare which are included in the working of Dhamma. It mentions medical treatment for men and animals, construction of roads, wells, tree planting, etc.
• Major Rock Edict III:
  • It declares that liberality towards Brahmanas and Sramanas is a virtue, respect to mother and father, etc are all good qualities.
• Major Rock Edict IV:
  • It is a very important statement of the policy of Dhamma.
  • The edict comments that due to the policy of Dhamma the lack of morality and disrespect towards Brahmanas and Sramanas, violence, unseemly behaviour to friends, relatives and others and evils of this kind have been checked.
• Major Rock Edict V:
  • It refers to the appointment of Dhamma-mahamattas for the first time in the twelfth year of his reign.
  • These special officers were appointed by the king to look after the interests of all sects and religions and spread the message of Dhamma in each nook and corner of the society.
• Major Rock Edict VI:
  • It is an instruction to Dhamma-mahamattas. They are told that they could bring their reports to the king at any time.
• Major Rock Edict VII:
  • It is a plea for toleration amongst all the sects.
  • It appears from the edict that tensions among the sects were expressed intensely, perhaps in open antagonism. The plea is part of the overall strategy to maintain unity.
• Major Rock Edict VIII:
  • It states that Dhammayatras (tours) would be undertaken by the emperor, the earlier practice, of the emperor, of going out on hunting expeditions was given up.
• Major Rock Edict IX:
  • It attacks ceremonies performed after birth, illness, marriage and before setting out for a journey.
  • A censure is passed against ceremonies observed by wives and mothers. Asoka instead lays stress on the practice of Dhamma and uselessness of ceremonies.
• Major Rock Edict X:
  • It denounces fame and glory and reasserts the merits of following the policy of Dhamma.
• Major Rock Edict XI:
  • It is a further explanation of the policy of Dhamma.
  • Emphasis is on respect to elders, abstaining from killing animals, and liberality towards friends.
• Major Rock Edict XII:
  • It is again an appeal towards toleration among sects.
  • This edict reflects the anxiety the king felt due to the conflict between sects and carries his plea for harmony.
• Major Rock Edict XIII:
  • It is of paramount importance in understanding the Asokan policy of Dhamma. The Rock Edict pleads for conquest by Dhamma instead of War.

All the given statements about the Pashupati Seal of Harappan civilization are correct.

Key Points

• The Pashupati seal is one of the most beautiful, artistic and important seals among the excavated seals of the Harappan civilization.
• It was found at Mohen-Jo-Daro.
• This seal shows a yogi with curved homed crown resembling the trishula and seated in clear Padmasana, the lotus posture.
• He is surrounded by animals like rhinos, elephant, tiger, dear and others.
• A pictographic inscription of six symbols is inscribed on the top of the seal.
• This is a highly sophisticated seal of this phase, and interpreted as the Lord of animals.
• Sir John Marshall called this seal as Proto Shiva.
• All these examples give us a feeling that in the Indus period the humans respected the animals and nature.
• The carvings on the seals display this intimate relationship.
• The figures on the seals were engraved with precision and clarity.

• They are fine specimens for studying the importance of seals in trade and transactions which has relevance for present times as well.

Based on the above discussion, we can conclude that all the given statements about the Pashupati Seal of Harappan civilization are correct.

• Phallic worship: Circular stone objects were a representation of male genital organs and lingam-shaped objects.
• There were 3 types of burial systems observed:

1. Extended burial system: The body was placed in North-South directions.
2. Symbolic burial system: Body couldn’t found eg. Kaalibangan
3. Twin burial system: Two bodies in one grave. eg. Man and Dog.

• After gaining independence in 1947, India made substantial strides in addressing the challenges of famines and public health crises, including epidemics. The mechanisms listed below reflect the country's efforts to enhance food security, agricultural productivity, and public health.
• Establishment of the Planning Commission: Founded in 1950, the Planning Commission was an institutional mechanism tasked with formulating India's Five-Year Plans. Through comprehensive economic planning, this commission aimed to allocate resources efficiently, promote balanced regional development, and ensure the growth of essential sectors, including agriculture and industry. Such planning was vital for ensuring food security and laying the groundwork for sustainable economic development, especially in the wake deadly famines that had occurred during the colonial period. By fostering development, the Planning Commission played a crucial role in addressing the root causes of famines.
• Adoption of the Green Revolution: Initiated in the late 1960s, the Green Revolution dramatically transformed Indian agriculture. By introducing high-yielding varieties of seeds, expanding the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and modernizing farming techniques, the Green Revolution significantly increased the productivity of Indian agriculture, especially in staple crops such as wheat and rice. This movement helped India transition from a country heavily reliant on food imports to feed its population, to one that achieved self-sufficiency in food grains. The increased agricultural output effectively mitigated the risk of famines, ensuring a more stable food supply.
• Eradication of smallpox: Smallpox was a deadly disease that caused severe epidemics in India, contributing to high mortality rates. Through extensive vaccination campaigns and surveillance, part of a global effort led by the World Health Organization (WHO), India successfully eradicated smallpox in 1977. This achievement marked a significant victory in public health, preventing future epidemics of the disease and exemplifying India's commitment to combating infectious diseases that had plagued the population for centuries.
• The launch of the Universal Immunization Program (UIP): Launched in 1985, the UIP targeted the prevention of six vaccine-preventable diseases: tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and measles. By providing free vaccines to children across the country, the program has played a crucial role in reducing mortality and morbidity among the most vulnerable segments of the population. Immunization is a key public health strategy in the fight against epidemics, and the UIP has been instrumental in improving child health and survival rates in India.

Therefore the correct answer is 1, 2, 3, and 4

The correct answer is 2 and 3 only

Key Points

• The response and policies of the British colonial administration regarding famines and epidemics in India have been the subject of much historical analysis and debate. The consensus among historians points towards systemic issues and inadequacies in how the British dealt with these crises.

Systemic neglect and underinvestment in public health infrastructure:

• Throughout the colonial period, the British administration did not invest adequately in the public health infrastructure of India.
• This lack of investment contributed significantly to the inability to effectively manage and control epidemics, leading to high mortality rates during disease outbreaks.
• Similarly, the colonial regime's efforts to improve agricultural productivity and food distribution were insufficient to prevent famines.
• The economic policies favored the interests of the British economy over the well-being of the Indian populace, often leading to increased vulnerability to famines and epidemics.

Scathing criticism from historians:

• Scholars and historians have castigated the British colonial administration for its handling of famines and epidemics in India.
• Much of the criticism centers on the administration's profit-driven approach, prioritization of resource extraction, and economic policies that disadvantaged the local population.
• Historians like Mike Davis in his book "Late Victorian Holocausts" have highlighted how colonial policies exacerbated the effects of droughts and other natural calamities, leading to catastrophic famines
• Amartya Sen, a Nobel laureate in economics, argued that many of the famines under British rule were not due to a lack of food but to poor distribution mechanisms and the inability of people to purchase food.
• The consensus among critics is that the colonial government failed to provide adequate relief measures during crises and was often more concerned with maintaining economic stability for the empire than addressing the immediate needs of the Indian people.

Additional Information

• Statemnets 1 and 4 are incorrect because the general historical assessment does not support the notion that the British colonial administration engaged in proactive, timely, or significant efforts to address food security or public health crises effectively.
• Although there were instances of relief measures, these were often too little and too late, and marred by a lack of empathy and understanding of local conditions.
• The overarching impact of colonial policies contributed to making the Indian population more susceptible to the devastating effects of famines and epidemics.

The correct answer is 2 and 3 only

Key Points

• Satish Chandra Ray's work delves into an analysis of the economic factors contributing to famine occurrences in India.

• Typically, such an essay would explore various dimensions including colonial economic policies, agricultural practices, price fluctuations, market accessibility, and broader socioeconomic conditions that either precipitate or exacerbate famine conditions.

• Understanding the economic causes of famines is crucial for several reasons.

• It helps to identify systemic flaws and vulnerabilities in food security, sheds light on the impact of economic policies on agricultural productivity and market stability, and informs the development of more effective strategies for famine prevention and relief.

Additional Information

• Nand Brahma authored the book "Famines in Colonial India"
• M Raghavan is the author of the work 'State Failure and Human Miseries: A Study with Special Focus on Famines In British Malabar'
• Hungry Bengal: War, Famine and the End of Empire is a work by Janam Mukherjee

The correct answer is Charity and Religious affairs.

Key Points

• Ashta Pradhan:
  • Maratha Empire had a system of ministerial order.
  • This council is known as Ashta Pradhan.
  • They consist of eight members.
  • They are responsible for implementing good governance.
  • Pandit Rao was known as the high priest.
    • He manages religious matters.
  • Panditrao and Nyayadisha were two exceptions who are exempt from holding full-time military commands.

Additional Information

• Ashta Pradhan members:

The correct answer is 2, 3, 1, 4.Key Points

• The correct hierarchy of rule in the Pala dynasty is as follows:
  • Gopala (around c.750 CE)
  • Dharmapala (c.770−810 CE)
  • Devapala (c. 810−850 CE)
  • Ramapala (c. 1072−1126 CE)

Additional Information

• Gopala (around c.750 CE)
  • Gopala was an ardent Buddhist and according to Buddhist scholar Taranatha, Gopala built the famous monastery at Odantapuri.
• Dharmapala (c.770−810 CE)
  • Though he initially suffered defeats at the hands of the Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas (he was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva, who had earlier defeated the Pratihara ruler too), later he conquered large parts of northern India and raised the Pala empire to great heights.
• Devapala (c. 810−850 CE)
  • Extended the empire to include Pragyoytishpur/Kamarupa (Assam), parts of Orissa(Utkala), and modern Nepal.
  • He claimed to have extracted tribute from the whole of northern India, from the Himalayas to the Vindhyas, and from the eastern to the western oceans.
• Ramapala (c. 1072−1126 CE)
  • The last strong Pala ruler, who gained control of Kamarupa and Kalinga and again revived Pala fortunes in the 11th century.
  • He was mentioned in Sandhyakar Nandi’s Ramcharita, which describes the Kaivarta peasant rebellion.

In 1773, the company became almost insolvent and forced to apply to the British Government for a loan of One Million Pound Sterling. This led to the British government of Lord North to undertake a legislation to meet the situation and provide some form of legal government for the Indian possessions of the East India Company, which resulted in Regulating Act of 1773.

1) Badami was the capital of the western Chalukyan dynasty. Paintings depict palace scenes. A painting shows Kirtivarman seated in the palace and watching a dance scene with his wife and feudatories. Paintings are an extension of the mural painting tradition from Ajanta to Badami in south India. They are the example of later mural tradition.

2) After the Chola decline, the Vijayanagara Dynasty brought the region from Hampi to Trichy under its control. Hampi was the capital. Paintings at Tiruparakunram, near Trichy (14th century), represent the early phase of the Vijayanagara style.

3) Traditional forms of mural paintings:

• Pithoro in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat
• Mithila paintings, Mithila region
• Bihar Warli paintings, Maharashtra

Statement 2 is incorrect as Committee was formed to agitate, for Indian political reforms, in the house of commons. Wedderburn empathized with the objectives of INC and was the chief architect of the committee. He

entered Parliament in 1893 as a Liberal member and sought to voice India's grievances in the House. He formed the Indian Parliamentary Committee with which he was associated as Chairman from 1893 to 1900.

Being and ex civil servant Wedderburn was criticised by his colleagues as a disloyal officer, for his continual tirades against the bureaucracy, his incessant pleading for the Indian peasant and for his stand on constitutional reforms for India.

The correct answer is Four.

Important Points

• Nur Jahan formed a group of her family members known as ‘JUNTA’.
• This group included four members, Nur Jahan, her father Mirza Gayas Beigh, her brother Asaf Khan and prince Khurram. Hence, option 3 is the correct answer.
• The Junta managed Jahangir, and all the powers and administration were controlled by this group.
• The junta theory is contested by Nurul Hasan, who argues that Nur Jahan‘s family members had attained exalted administrative posts due to their loyalty and dedication to service at the Mughal court much before Nur Jahan‘s marriage to Jahangir.

Additional Information

• All the powers were vested in the hands of Nurjahan and her Junta, and Nur Jahan could sign Royal Farmans (Orders).
• For many years, she effectively wielded imperial power and was recognized as the real force behind the Mughal throne.
• She even gave audiences at her palace and the ministers consulted with her on most matters.
• Some coins were also issued in her name.
• Nur Jahan was responsible to some extent for the moral degeneration of Jahangir.
• She is known as one of the most powerful women who ruled India with an iron fist.

The correct answer is Ahmad Shah Bahadur.

• Nasir Jung was the second Nizam of Hyderabad and he was the son of Nizam-ul-Mulk and Saeed-un-Nisa Begum.
• The governor of Hyderabad, Asaf Jah I (titled Nizam-ul-Mulk by the Mughal emperor), declared independence in 1724. He was the first Nizam of Hyderabad.
• Seven Nizams ruled Hyderabad, and it prospered in the areas of town-planning, economics, and culture.
• The third Nizam, Sikandar Jah, even started an entire twin city for the British and French garrisons, named after him as Secunderabad.

Kailashnath Temple, Ellora :

• Completely in Dravida style
• Main deity is Lord Shiva
• There is also a Nandi shrine
• Vimana rises 30 m
• This temple was carved out of a portion of a hill.
• The temple is grand and imposing
• Built during the Rashtrakuta phase at Ellora

The correct answer is 2 only.

Key Points

• The Rig Vedic society was Patriarchal.
  • Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• Women were given equal opportunities as men for their spiritual and intellectual development.
  • Hence statement 2 is correct.
• There were no child marriage and the practice of Sati was absent.
  • Hence statement 3 is not correct.

Additional Information

• The social life of the Early Vedic Period​
  • Women enjoyed a respectable position.
    • They were allowed to take part in Sabhas and Samitis.
    • There were women poets too (Apala, Lopamudra, Viswavara, and Ghosa).
  • Cattle especially cows became very important.
  • Monogamy was practised but polygamy was observed among royalty and noble families.
  • There was no child marriage.
  • Social distinctions existed but were not rigid and hereditary.

The correct answer is Hussain Shah​.

Key Points

• Alauddin Hussain Shah, the founder of the Husain Shahi dynasty, occupied the throne of Bengal by assassinating the Habshi Sultan Shamsuddin Muzaffar Shah.
  • He was defeated by Bahlol Lodi.
  • Husain Shah was contemporary of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu