20 November 2023

Q1. Which of the following are correctly matched:

City in Mauryan Empire        Characteristic

1. Taxila                                Gateway to Northwest
2. Patliputra                          Capital
3. Ujjain                                North-South Connect

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:

There were several cities in the empire. These included the capital Pataliputra, Taxila, and Ujjain. Taxila was a gateway to the northwest, including  Central Asia, while Ujjain lay on the route from north to south India. Merchants, officials and crafts persons probably lived in these cities.

Q2. With reference to Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma, consider the following statements:

1. It propagated religious toleration.
2. It aimed to strengthen the institution of family.
3. It called for a ban on animal sacrifice.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:

• All the statements are correct.
• Ashokan edicts illustrate the basic attributes of Dhamma- compassion (daya), charity (dana), truthfulness, purity and gentleness. Ashoka’s Dhamma emphasized to promote a harmonious life both in the family and community. He considered the family as the ideal nucleus for development of Dhamma. Pillar Edict III asks subjects to control violence, cruelty, anger and envy. Rock edict I calls for a ban on animal sacrifice. Another important aspect of Dhamma was the generation of mutual respect among people belonging to different sects and religious communities. Dhamma did not propagate one belief, and this aspect demonstrates religious toleration.

Q3. Which of the following are the contributions of ancient Indians in the field ofmathematics and astronomy?

1. Adoption of Indian numeral system by the Arabs.
2. First use of decimal system by Indians.
3. Discovery of cause of solar and lunar eclipse.

Select the correct answer from the code given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:

• In the field of mathematics, Indians made distinct contributions –
• The notational/numeral system – The Indian notational system was adopted by the Arabs who spread it in the western world. The Indian numerals were called Arabic in English, but the Arabs themselves called their numerals as hindsa. We cannot establish that Indians were the first ones to use humeral system.
• The decimal system – The Indians were the first to use the decimal system. The earliest epigraphic evidence of the use of decimal system could be traced to the beginning of 5th C A.D. Aryabhatta was acquainted with it.
• The great mathematician and astronomer of the Gupta period, Aryabhatta, is credited with: discovery of earth‘s rotation on its axis; discovery of the cause of eclipses; approximation for the value of pie .

Q4. With reference to the Chinese travellers Hsuan Tsang and Fa-hsien during ancient India, consider the following statements:

1. While Hsuan Tsang visited during the Gupta period, Fa-hsien visited during Harshavardhana’s reign.
2. While Hsuan Tsang came to study Buddhism, Fa-hsien studied Jainism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

Statement 1 is not correct: Hsuan Tsang visited India during Harshavardhana (606-647 AD) and Fa- hsien visited India during Gupta period (Chandragupta II Vikramaditya 405-411 AD). He was the first Chinese pilgrim to visit India.

Statement 2 is not correct: Both Hsuan Tsang and Fa-hsien came to India to visit Buddhist shrines, study Buddhism and collect books on Buddhism and relics.

 Q5. Consider the following about the views of certain travellers about the social and political aspects of the Indian sub-continent.

1. Megasthenes wrote that the military organization in India was extremely poor and often left to the control of civilians.

2. Chinese pilgrim Xuan Zang observed that executioners and scavengers were forced to live outside the city.

3. Fa Xian wrote that “untouchables” had to sound a clapper in the streets so that people could avoid seeing them.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only 
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:

Statement 1: Megasthenes visited the Mauryan Empire and noted that a committee existed with six subcommittees for coordinating military activity. Of these, one subcommittee looked after the navy, the second managed transport and provisions, the third was responsible for foot-soldiers, the fourth for horses, the fifth for chariots and the sixth for elephants. Therefore, statement 1 does not hold ground.

Statement 2 and 3: The condition of the lower classes was very poor in ancient India. Most such prescriptions were given by Hindu law texts like Manusmriti. There was least social opposition to such texts in India then.

   Q6. With reference to the First Battle of Tarain, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Conflict started over the contested regions of Sindh.
2. Artillery was used for the first time in this battle.
3. The army of Mohammed Ghori was defeated by the Rajput army of Chauhan.

1. 1 and 3
2. 2 only
3. 3 only
4. All

Explanation:

• The battle of Tarain was fought over the contested regions of Tabarhinda. Several kings backed Prithviraj except that of Kannauj. Artillery was not used in these wars. In the first battle Prithviraj Chauhan had won the battle. After the second battle in 1192 in which Prithviraj lost, he was allowed to rule Ajmer for some time. He was executed later on the charges of conspiracy.

Q7. With reference to Balban, consider the following statements.

1. He gave important posts to people who did not belong to the noble family.
2. He established a strong centralised government and army.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

• Balban considered that power and prestige should belong to those who were born in noble houses. Balban supervised the appointment of all officers and was particular that only people of noble birth were appointed to higher posts. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The accession of Balban to the throne began an era of strong, centralised government. He also organised a strong centralised army, both to deal with internal disturbance and to repel the Mongols who had entrenched themselves in Punjab and posed a serious danger to the Delhi sultanat. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

  Q8.  With reference to the Turkish rule on Delhi Sultanate, the word ‘Chahalgani’ means:

1. Forty Turkish chiefs that had a say in power.
2. The specially trained cavalry of the army.
3. It was a sport resembling polo.
4. A rule restricting unauthorised movements of citizens in night.

  Q9. Under the reign of Alauddin Khalji

1. Landlords were exempted from paying land tax in order to promote food security.
2. The supply of grain was ensured by holding stocks in government store houses.
3. Regulations were issued to fix the price of all commodities
4. Markets were freed from the control of state officers.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only 
3. 2, 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 3 and 4 only

Explanation:

• The Market reforms introduced were:
• Alauddin Khalji established four separate markets in Delhi, one for grain; another for cloth, sugar, dried fruits, butter and oil; a third for horses, slaves and cattle; and a fourth for miscellaneous commodities.
• Each market was under the control of a high officer called Shahna-i- Mandi. So, 4 is incorrect. The supply of grain was ensured by holding stocks in government store- houses. Regulations were issued to fix the price of all commodities. So, 2 and 3 are correct.
• The land reforms introduced were:
•  Apart from market reforms, Alauddin Khalji took important steps in the land revenue administration.
• He was the first Sultan of Delhi who ordered for the measurement of land. Even the big
• landlords could not escape from paying land tax. So, 1 is incorrect.
• Land revenue was collected in cash in order to enable the Sultan to pay the soldiers in cash. His land revenue reforms provided a basis for the future reforms of Sher Shah and Akbar.

  Q10. Consider the following statements regarding the development of system of coinage during the Delhi Sultanate:

1. Iltutmish was known for issuing silver tankas.
2. AlauddinKhalji banned Gold currency in view of its impending shortages.
3. Muhammad bin Tughlaq started the practice of issuing token currency and ended the system of metal currency.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

• One silver tanka was divided into 48 jitals during the Khalji rule and 50 jitals during the Tughlaq rule. Iltutmish issued many such tankas. So, 1 is correct.
• Gold coins or dinars became popular during the reign of AlauddinKhalji after his South Indian conquests. So, 2 is incorrect. Copper coins were less in number and dateless.
• Muhammad bin Tughlaq not only experimented token currency but also issued several types of gold and silver coins. So, 3 is incorrect. At least twenty five varieties of gold coins were issued by him.