UPSC Prelims Mock Test – AMAC 3

The UPSC Prelims Mock Test for Ancient, Medieval History, and Art & Culture is an essential resource for candidates preparing for the Civil Services Examination. Designed to evaluate both knowledge and analytical abilities, this mock test simulates the actual exam conditions. It encompasses Ancient and Medieval History, challenging candidates with questions about dynasties, socio-cultural changes, and historical intricacies. Furthermore, it evaluates their comprehension of Art & Culture, requiring insights into various art forms and their historical contexts. Serving as a diagnostic tool, this mock test allows aspirants to assess their readiness, fine-tune their strategies, and improve their performance in the UPSC Preliminary Examination.

Q1. Consider the following statements with reference to the Telugu literature:

Telugu Literature is a part of the Sangam texts.

It reached its peak during the Pandya Empire.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer-D

statement 1 is not correct: Telugu literature does not form part of the Sangam literature. Sangam Literature is the earliest writings in the Tamil language. Sangam’s writings are possibly unique in early Indian literature, which is almost entirely religious. The poems are concerned with two main topics: those of the first five collections are on love (aka), and those of the next two are on heroism (Puram), including the praise of kings and their deeds.

Statement 2 is not correct: Telugu literature reached its zenith during the Vijayanagara Empire. The rule of Krishna Deva Raya is known as the golden age of Telugu literature. Krishna Deva Raya patronized eight Telugu poets who were
regarded as Ashtadiggajas

Q2. With reference to the medieval history of India, consider the following pairs:

Famous Books Language written in

1. Tuzek-e-Babari : Turkish
2. Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri : Persian
3. Prithviraj Raso: Sanskrit
4. Sur Sagar : Urdu

How many pairs given above is/are correct?
(a) only 1 Pair
(b) only 2 Pairs
(c) only 3 Pairs
(d) All 4 pairs

Answer-B
Pair 1 is correctly matched: There was a tremendous development in the field of literature during the Mughal times. Babar and Humayun were lovers of literature. Babar was himself a great scholar of Persian. He wrote a book known as Tuzek-e-Babari, which is highly esteemed by Turkish Literature.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Jahangir’s autobiography (Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri) is in Persian and is a unique piece of literature. It is said that Noorjahan was an accomplished Persian poetess.

Pair 3 is not correctly matched: Prithviraj Raso is supposed to be the first book in the Hindi language. It is an account of the exploits of Prithviraj Chauhan. It is attributed to Chand Bardai, who, according to the text, was a court
poet of the King.

Pair 4 is not correctly matched: Surdas wrote his Sur Sagar in which he talks of Krishna as an infant, a young lad indulging in pranks, and a young man engaged in dalliance with the Gopis. Sur Sagar is a work of the Khadi dialect of Hindi.

Q3. An important piece of Chola sculpture was:

(a) Bahubali Gommateshwara Statue
(b) Mayo Ashoka Statue
(c) Nataraja statue in the Tandava dance posture
(d) Ravana shaking Mount Kailash sculpture

Answer-C
Option (c) is correct: An important piece of Chola sculpture was the sculpture of Nataraja in the Tandava dance posture. Though the earliest known Nataraja sculpture, which has been excavated at Ravana Phadi Cave at Aihole, was made during the early Chalukya rule, the sculpture reached its peak under the Cholas. Some of the features of the Nataraja sculpture are:

• The upper right hand holds the drum, which signifies the sound of creation. All creations spring from the great sound of the damru.
• The upper left hand holds the eternal fire, which represents destruction. Destruction is the precursor and an inevitable counterpart of creation.
• The lower right hand is raised in the gesture of Abhaya mudra, signifying benediction and reassuring the devotee not to be afraid.
• The lower left-hand points towards the upraised foot and indicates the path of salvation.
• Shiva is dancing on the figure of a small dwarf. The dwarf symbolizes ignorance and the ego of an individual.
• The matted and flowing locks of Shiva represent the flow of the river Ganges.
• In ornamentation, one ear of Shiva has a male earring while the other has a female. This represents the fusion of male and female and is often referred to as Ardhanarishwar.
• A snake is twisted around the arm of Shiva. The snake symbolizes the kundalini power, which resides in the human spine in a dormant stage. If aroused, one can attain true consciousness.
• The Nataraja is surrounded by a nimbus of glowing lights, which symbolize the vast unending cycles of time

Q4. Consider the following statements about the medieval Indian ruler Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq:

1. He issued a new finely engraved gold coin called Dinar.
2. He wanted to issue a Token currency in gold coins to promote trade.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer-A
Statement 1 is correct: Muhammad-BinTughluq (1325 – 1351) was one of the most learned and educated rulers. He was a trained intellectual, a keen student of Persian poetry and a philosopher, lover of science and mathematics. He is known for the idea of a Central Capital and experiments with a nominal Token Currency. The gold coin which was finely engraved was called Dinar by Ibn Batutta. The silver coin was called Adl.

Statement 2 is not correct: He wanted to issue a Token currency in copper coins (not in gold coins) to promote trade. He introduced the Copper coins, which were to pass at the value of the contemporary silver Tanka. Muhammad-binTughluq’s predecessors depended on gold and silver coins as a medium of exchange. But during the time of Muhammad-bin-Tughluq, a huge quantity of coins was required for various transactions, and there was a dearth of gold and silver coins in
the country.

Q5. With reference to the Pandya Kingdom in South India, consider the following statements:

1. Pandya territory occupied the southernmost and southwestern portions of the Indian Peninsula.
2. Pandya had a flourishing trade with the Roman Empire.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- B
statement 1 is not correct: In ancient India, the Southern end of the Indian Peninsula, situated South of the Krishna River, was divided into three Kingdoms: Chola, Pandya, and Chera (or Kerala. The Pandya territory occupied the Southernmost
and the South-eastern portion (not the southwestern portion) of the Indian Peninsula, and it roughly included the modern districts of Tirunelveli, Ramnad, and Madurai in Tamil Nadu with its capital at Madurai. The literature compiled in the Tamil academies in the early centuries of the Christian era and called the Sangam literature refers to the Pandya rulers. Megasthenes speaks of it being ruled by a woman, which suggests some matriarchal influence in Pandya society.

Statement 2 is correct: The Sangam literature clearly shows that the State was wealthy and prosperous. Pandya had a flourishing trade with the Roman Empire. The Pandya Kings profited from trade with the Roman Empire and sent ambassadors to the Roman Emperor Augustus.

Q6. Which of the following pairs of Dynasties did not construct Vesara-style temples?

(a) Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas
(b) Rashtrakutas and Hoysala
(c) Chalukyas and Hoysala
(d) Chola and Chandelas

Answer- D

Option (d) is not correct: Vesara School is known as the Karnataka School of Architecture; it was conceptualized under the later Chalukya rulers in the mid-7th century AD. It combined features of both the Nagara school and the Dravidian school and resulted in a hybridized style. Three prominent dynasties who made Vesara-style temples were:

• Chalukyas of Badami and Kalyani.
• Rashtrakutas (750-983 AD) – Kailasha temple in Ellora, etc.
• Hoysala Dynasty (1050-1300 AD) – Temples at Halebidu, Belur, etc.
• Chola patronized the Dravida style of temple architecture and the Chandela dynasty
• constructed temples of Khajuraho in Nagara style

Q7. Which of the following places are associated with Gupta art and Architecture?

1. Deogarh
2. Ajanta caves
3. Sarnath
4. Sultanganj
5. Bhitargaon
6. Bagh caves

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Answer-D
Option (d) is correct: Examples of Gupta art can be seen at the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh and the cave temples in Udaigiri hills. However, the most famous examples of Gupta art that still remain are the numerous seated and standing images of Buddha from Sarnath. The school of art that thrived at Sarnath provides us with some of the most pleasing and graceful images of the Buddha. Besides stone, Gupta artists were also skilled in bronze. A two-metre-high bronze image of Buddha has been discovered at Sultanganj (near Bhagalpur in Bihar). Examples of Sculptures in caves created during this period
are traced to the famous Ellora Caves.

Examples of Gupta shrines have been discovered in the jungles of Central India, especially in the Bundelkhand region. These include the one at Bhitargaon in Kanpur district. Painting as an art form reached a high degree of perfection during the Gupta times. The wall frescoes at the Ajanta caves (Aurangabad. and the one at Bagh caves (near Gwalior) bears evidence of this.

Q8. Consider the following statements about the Harshvardhan:

1. Harsha was a follower of Shiva in his early years before patronizing Buddhism.
2. He convened the Kannauj Assembly to publicize Hinayana BuddhismHarsha authored Priyadarshika.
3. Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer-A

Statement 1 is correct: Harsha followed the tolerant religious policy. A Shaivite in his early
years, he gradually became a great pattern of Buddhism.

Statement 2 is not correct: The Kannauj assembly was convened to publicize and popularise the doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism and not Hinayana Buddhism.

Statement 3 is correct: Banabhatt, in his book Harshcharitra, mentions the work of Harsha. He is remembered for the authorship of three dramas, namely Priyadarshika, Ratnavali and Naganand.

Q9. Which of the following statements is/are correct in the context of the ‘Mimamsa System of Philosophy’?

1. It is a philosophy of self-control and self-mortification.
2. It recognizes the two paths of salvation as ritualism and the pursuit of knowledge of
   the Vedas.
3. It recognizes the Vedas as the final authority in determining the duties of man.
   Select the correct answer using the code given below:
   (a) 1 and 3 only
   (b) 2 and 3 only
   (c) 3 only
   (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer-B
Mimamsa System of Philosophy:

• The Mimamsa system is a philosophy of interpretation, application, and use of the texts of the Samhita and Brahmana portions of Vedas.
• It recognizes two paths to salvation. One is concerned with the karmakanda (ritualism) and the other with the jnanukanda (the pursuit of knowledge) of the Vedas i.e. the Samhitas, Brahmanas, and the Upanishads respectively. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The Mimamsa system recognizes the Vedas as the final authority in determining the duties of man and the Vedantists in gaining true knowledge about man and the universe. (Statement 3 is correct)

Yoga school of philosophy:

• This philosophy is probably the best-known Hindu philosophical system in the world(d) I n this system self-control and self-mortification are supreme. (Statement 1 is not correct)
• Anyone who has mastered the various aspects of this doctrine is known as a yogi. According to yoga, the god is not the creator but an exalted soul that has existed all through without ever having merged with the matter.

Q10. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to the Jain doctrine?

1. Jainism didn’t condemn the Varna System.
2. Jainism is aimed at the freedom of individuals from worldly bonds of Universal Truth or Kevalya Gyana.
3. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer-A
statement 1 is correct: Mahavira did not condemn Varna system as Buddhism did as according to Mahavira, a person born in higher or lower varna is the consequence of the sins of past life & through penance & Jain doctrine is established upon undying, universal truths.

Statement 2 is correct: Both Jainism and Buddhism aimed at the freedom of individuals from worldly bonds. Jain doctrine is established upon undying, universal truths. Kevalya Gyana is absolute knowledge and is the highest form of
knowledge that a soul can attain. A person who has attained Kevala Gyana is called a Kevalin. To get the status of a Jina, attaining Kevalagyana is required first.

Statement 3 is not correct: It was only Buddhism that talked about adopting a moderate path whereas Jainism did ask for practicing of extremities (like prohibiting Agriculture, Sallekhana etc. not avoiding it.

Q11. Vijayanagar Empire has its own importance in the history of Medieval India, which of the following is correct about the Empire?

1. Brahmans were more of a political and secular personnel rather than ritual leaders.
2. Temples were not only religious centers but also important centers of economic activity.
3. Nayankara system was the system under which tax-free land was given to the village functionaries, Brahmans, temples and mathas.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Statement 1 is correct: A distinct feature of the Vijaynagar state was the importance of the Brahmans as political and secular personnel rather than ritual leaders. Most of the Durga dannaiks (in charge of forts) were Brahmans. During this period, the majority of educated Brahmans desired to become government servants as administrators and accountants which offered them good career prospects.

Statement 2 is correct: During the Vijayanagar period, temples emerged as important landholders. Temple officers managed the devadana villages (conferred on temples by devadana grants). The Income from devadana villages provided sustenance to the ritual functionaries to provide food offerings or to purchase goods. Temples took up irrigation work also. Large temples holding devadasi lands had under them irrigation departments, for channelizing money grants made to the temples. e.g: Cash endowments made by the state to the Tirupati temple were plowed back in irrigation. Temples in South India were important centers of economic activity. They carried on banking activities and gave loans to individuals and village assemblies for economic purposes. e.g: At Srirangam Temple, cash grants were used to advance commercial loans to business firms in Trichinopoly. The loans were given against lands whose income went to the temples. They employed a number of people. For example, Mahalingam refers to an inscription which mentions a temple which employed 370
servants. Thus, the temples functioned almost as an independent economic system encompassing persons and institutions that were bound together by economic links.

Statement 3 is not correct: The rulers of Vijayanagar give due importance to the provincial administration. The administration that existed in the provinces was called the “Nayankara system “. It was similar to that of feudalism in Europe. Under the Nayankara system, all land was owned by the rulers. He distributed the lands to his generals. They functioned under his control and acted as feudal lords. The system under which tax-free land was provided was “Manya land ” not Nayankar(a) Income from the manya (tax-free) villages was used to maintain the Brahmans, temples, and mathas. The manya rights underwent a transformation during this period. However, there was a great increase in devadasi grants (conferred on temples) made by the state as compared to other grants.

Q12. Which of the following statements with regard to the Bhakti and Sufi movements is/are correct?

1. Islam propagated strict monotheism or submission to one God.
2. The Bhakti movement was also an expression of people’s discontent against the caste system.
3. The Bhakti movement promoted the growth of vernacular language and literature in different parts of the country.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer-D

Statement 1 is correct: Sufis were Muslim mystics. They rejected outward religiosity and emphasized love and devotion to God and compassion towards all fellow human beings. Islam propagated strict monotheism or submission to one God. It rejected idol worship and simplified rituals of worship considerably, into collective prayers. At the same time, Muslim scholars developed a holy law that was called Shariat.

Statement 2 is correct: Many of the Bhakti Saints came from lower castes and were critical to the rigid social norms of the Varna system. As a social movement, the Bhakti movement everywhere in India challenged caste hierarchy and emphasized the individual’s direct connection to god and the possibility of salvation for all through good deeds and simple living. The most important social impact of the Bhakti movement was that the followers of the Bhakti movement rejected the caste distinction. They began to mix together on the basis of equality. They took their meals together from the common
kitchen. The movement tried to loosen the bond of caste.

Statement 3 is correct: A unique feature of most of the Bhakti saints is that their works were composed in regional languages. This led to the development of the local and the vernacular language and regional literature. Regional languages such as Hindi, Bhojpuri, Maithili and Oriya became extremely popular among masses. Bhakti saints used vernacular languages so that it could be understood by the common people. They stressed equality and to live a simple life. They denied superstitious cults and ritualism.

Q13. With reference to the religious history of India, one common feature between the sites of Chanderi and Palitana is:

(a) Both are Brahmanical pilgrimage centres
(b) Both are Theravada Buddhism sites
(c) Both are Jaina pilgrimage sites
(d) Both are Mahayana Buddhism Sites

Answer-C

Option (c) is correct: Jains were prolific temple builders like the Hindus, and their sacred shrines and pilgrimage spots are to be found across the length and breadth of India except in the hills. The oldest Jain pilgrimage sites are to be found in Bihar. Many of these sites are famous for early Buddhist shrines. In the Deccan, some of the most architecturally important Jain sites can be found in Ellora and Aihole. In central India, Deogarh, Khajuraho, Chanderi and Gwalior have some excellent examples of Jain temples. Karnataka has a rich heritage of Jain shrines and at Sravana Belagola, the famous statue of Gomateshwara, the granite statue of Lord Bahubali, which stands eighteen meters or fifty-seven feet high, is the world’s tallest monolithic free-standing structure. It was commissioned by Camundaraya, the General-in-Chief and Prime Minister of the Ganga Kings of Mysore. The Jain temples at Mount Abu were constructed by Vimal Shah. Notable for a simplistic exterior in contrast with the exuberant marble interiors, their rich sculptural decoration with deep undercutting creates a lace-like appearance. The Temple is famous for its unique patterns on every ceiling and the graceful bracket figures along with the domed ceilings. The great Jain pilgrimage site in the Shatrunjay hills near Palitana in Kathiawar, Gujarat is imposing with scores of temples clustered together.

Q14. The defining features of paintings in his period are the use of 3-dimensional figures and the continued use of foreshortening. Famous painters during his rule were Daswanth, Basawan and Kesu. Prominent illustrated manuscripts during his reign are Tutinama, Hamzanama, Anvar-i-Suhaili and Gulistan of Sadi.”

Which of the following Mughal Ruler’s reigns has been described in the paragraph given above?
(a) Babar
(b) Akbar
(c) Jahangir
(d) Shahjahan

Answer-B

Option (b) is correct: Akbar was responsible for the establishment of an entire department devoted to the paintings and scribing of his documents. He established a formal artistic studio called Tasvir Khana, where the artists were hired
on salary, and they developed their own styles. Akbar looked upon paintings as a means of study and amusement. He believed that a painting could show the demeanor of the subject and regularly awarded painters who created lifelike images.
Akbar also recognized the beauty of those Indian artists who had worked for previous rulers and invited them to work in his Tasvir khana. Hence, the ‘Indian influence’ started in the Mughal paintings. The defining features of paintings in Akbar’s period are the use of 3-dimensional figures and the continued use of foreshortening. Furthermore, the artists encouraged the use of
calligraphy in the paintings. One of the distinguishing features of this period was the transformation of popular art to court
art, i.e., the artist was more focused on depicting the scenes of court life than the life of the masses. Famous painters of this period include Daswanth, Basawan and Kesu. Prominent illustrated manuscripts during Akbar’s reign are Tutinama,
Hamzanama, Anvar-i-Suhaili and Gulistan of Sadi.

Q15. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:

Post- Mauryan Present State sculpture sites of India

1. Bharhut: Madhya Pradesh
2. Jaggayyapeta: Maharashtra
3. Khandagiri-Udaigiri : Odisha
4. Pavani : Uttar Pradesh

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 2 and 4 only

Answer-A

Option (a) is correct: The period of the second century BCE marked the rise of the main Brahmanical sects such as the Vaishnavas and the Shaivas. There are numerous sites dating back to the second century BCE in India. Some of the
prominent examples of the finest sculpture are found at Vidisha. Following are the Post- Mauryan sculpture sites:

• Bharhut (Madhya Pradesh)
• Bodhgaya (Bihar)
• Jaggayyapeta (Andhra Pradesh)
• Mathura (Uttar Pradesh)
• Khandagiri-Udaigiri (Odisha)
• Bhaja near Pune and Pavani near Nagpur (Maharashtra)

Q16. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the Gupta Ruler Chandragupta-II?

1. Chandragupta-II exercised indirect control over the Vakataka Kingdom of Central India.
2. Conquest over Shaka Kshatrapas gave him control over the western seacoast of India.
3. He started Vikrama Samvat, and his court was adorned by numerous scholars, including Kalidas and Ashvaghosha.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer-A

Statement 1 is correct: The reign of Chandragupta II saw the high watermark of the Gupta Empire. He extended the limits of the empire by marriage alliance and conquest. Chandragupta married his daughter Prabhavati to a Vakataka prince of the brahmana caste and ruled in Central India. The prince died and was succeeded by his young son. Prabhavati thus became the virtual ruler. As testified to by some of her land charters, which betray the influence of the eastern Gupta writing, she promoted the interests of her father, Chandragupta. Thus, Chandragupta II exercised indirect control over the Vakataka Kingdom in Central India, and this afforded him a great advantage.

Statement 2 is correct: Chandragupta II conquered Mathura from the Kushans. More importantly, he occupied western Malwa and Gujarat, which had for about four centuries been under the rule of the Shaka Kshatrapas. The conquest gave Chandragupta control over the western seacoast, famous for trade and commerce. This contributed to the prosperity of Malwa and its chief city Ujjain. Ujjain seems to have been made the second capital by Chandragupta II.

Statement 3 is not correct: Chandragupta II adopted the title of Vikramaditya, which had been first used by a Ujjain ruler in 58-57 BC as a mark of victory over the Shaka Kshatrapas of Western India. This Ujjain ruler is traditionally called Shakari or the enemy of the Shakas. The Vikrama Samvat, or era, was started in 58-57 BC by Shakari (not Chandragupta II). The court of Chandragupta II at Ujjain was adorned by numerous scholars, including Kalidas and Amarasimha (Ashvaghosha was in the court of Kanishka. It was during Chandragupta’s reign that the Chinese pilgrim Fa-hien (AD 399-414) visited India and wrote an elaborate account of the life of its people.

Q17. Consider the following statements with reference to the Kuchipudi dance in India:

1. It is a classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu?.
2. It is accompanied by music which is in classical Hindustani style.
3. It consists of dancing on the rim of a brass plate and with a pitcher full of water on
   the head.
4. There are two forms of Kuchipudi – the traditional musical dance-drama and the
   solo dance.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 3 and 4 only
(b) 2, 3, and 4 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer-A

Kuchipudi:
Kuchipudi is one of the classical dance styles of India. Around the third and fourth decade of this century, it emerged from a long rich tradition of dance-drama of the same name.
In fact, Kuchipudi is the name of a village in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. (Statement 1 is not correct)
The music that accompanies the dance is according to the classical school of Carnatic music and is delightfully syncopation. (Statement 2 is not correct)
The accompanying musicians, besides the vocalist, is a mridangam player to provide percussion music, a violin or veena player, or both for providing instrumental melodic music, and a cymbal player who usually conducts the
orchestra.
To show the dexterity of the dancers in footwork and their control and balance over their bodies, techniques like dancing on the rim of a brass plate and with a pitcher full of water on the head were introduced. (Statement 3 is correct)
Acrobatic dancing became part of the repertoire.
There are two forms of Kuchipudi; the traditional musical dance-drama and the solo dance. The music that accompanies the dance is according to the classical school of Carnatic music and is delightfully syncopation. (Statement 4 is correct)

Q18 Which among the following statements is/are correct about the financial reforms of the Allaudin Khilji?

1. The prices of the grains were reduced indirectly.
2. The land revenue of the Doab region would be paid directly to the state.
3. Control of the market and trade.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer-D

Financial reforms of the Alauddin Khilji:

Statement 1 is correct: The financial reforms of the Alauddin Khilji were one of the great wonders of the Medieval World. The Mongol invasion of Delhi had pinpointed the need to raise a large army to check them. But such a large army would exhaust his treasury unless he could lower the prices. Alauddin demanded land revenue in cash. This forced the peasants to sell
grain at lower prices to Banjaras who were already under the control of the state through registration. The wheat was sold at 7 ½ jitlas a man, barley at 4 vitals a man and rice sold at 5 jitals a man.

Statement 2 is correct: In order to ensure a regular supply of food grains, he declared that the land revenue in the doab region, that is the area extending from Meerut near the Yamuna to the border of Kara near Allahabad would be paid
directly to the state. i.e The village in the area would not be assigned in Iqta to anyone.
Statement 3 is correct: The market control policy introduced by Alauddin in Medieval India was a great step and a unique one that attracted the attention of not only Indians but also foreign historians. Alauddin was forced with the complex task of maintaining resources for a huge standing army. The basic principles which Alauddin set for his market policy were division of market, price control and setting up market administration for proper regulation. After fixing the price of
commodities Alauddin went for division of market. He divided the market broadly into three
categories.

• The Central grain market or Mandi with subsidiary control shops in every mohallas of the city. Agents were appointed for the collection of grains from the merchants. It was done on a very strict regulation. Hoarding of grain was prohibited.
• The permanence of the price in the grain market was a wonder of that age. Malik Kabul was made the controller of the Mandi popularly known as Shuhana-i-mandi.
• The Ser-i-adl, an exclusive market for clothes and luxury items. The Sher-i-Adl was like a supermarket for manufactured items. This market was also for the items purchased from outside and overseas.
• Market of slaves, horses and cattles. The price of the commodities were fixed according to quality. He also eliminated middle men and subjected the brokers to intense supervision and ensure periodical personal review by the king.

Q19. With reference to the Kushans and Shakas in the ancient history of India, consider the following statements:

1. Kushans and Shakas did not have their own script, written language, or any organized religion, and they adopted these components of culture from India.
2. They popularized the use of reins and saddles.
3. They introduced the Turban, Tunic, and heavy long Coat.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer-D

statement 1 is correct: Shakas and Kushans added new ingredients to Indian culture and enriched it immensely. They settled in India for good and completely identified themselves with its culture. As they did not have their own script, written language, or any organized religion, they adopted these components of culture from India and became an integral part of Indian society to which they contributed considerably.

Statement 2 is correct: Shakas and Kushans popularized the use of reins and saddles, which appear in the Buddhist sculpture of the second and third centuries AD. They were excellent horsemen. Their passion for horsemanship is shown by numerous equestrian terracotta figures of Kushan times discovered from Bagram in Afghanistan. Some of these foreign horsemen
were heavily armored and fought with spears and lances. They also used some form of toe stirrup made of rope which facilitated their movements.

Statement 3 is correct: Shakas and Kushans introduced the Turban, Tunic, Trousers, and heavy long Coat. Even now, Afghans and Punjabis wear Turbans and the Sherwani is a successor of the long coat. The Central Asians also brought in caps, helmets, and boots, which were used by warriors.

Q20. Which of the following statements is/are correct in the context of ‘The Mimamsa System of Philosophy’?

1. It is a philosophy of self-control and self-mortification.
2. It recognizes the two paths of salvation ritualism and the pursuit of knowledge of
   the Vedas.
3. It recognizes the Vedas as final authority in determining the duties of man.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer-B

Mimamsa System of Philosophy:

The Mimamsa system is a philosophy of interpretation, application, and use of the text of the Samhita and Brahmana portions of Vedas. It recognizes two paths of salvation. One is concerned with the karmakanda (ritualism) and other with the jnanukanda (the pursuit of knowledge) of the Vedas i.e. the Samhitas, Brahmanas, and the Upanishads respectively. (Statement 2 is correct)
The Mimamsa system recognizes the Vedas as the final authority in determining the duties of man and the Vedantists in gaining true knowledge about man and the universe. (Statement 3 is correct)

Yoga school of philosophy:

This philosophy is probably the best-known Hindu philosophical system in the world. In this system self-control and self-mortification are supreme. (Statement 1 is not correct) Anyone who has mastered the various aspect of this doctrine is known as yogi. According to yoga, the god is not the creator but an exalted soul that has existed all through without ever having merged with the matter.

Q21. Consider the following pairs:
Key Feature School of Art

1. Striking use of : Gandhara School
   symbolism in the
   images
2. Use of dynamic: Mathura School
   images
3. Plain transparent: Sarnath School
   drapery covering
   both shoulders

How many pairs given above is/are correct?

(a) Only 1 pair

(b) Only 2 pairs

c) All 3 pair

(d) None of the above

Answer- C

Pair 1 is not correctly matched: The Mathura The school showed a striking use of symbolism in the images. The Hindu Gods were represented using their Avayudhas. For example, Shiva is shown through Linga and Mukhalinga.
Pair 2 is not correctly matched: Amaravati The school put more emphasis on the use of dynamic images or narrative art. The sculptures of this school made excessive use of the Tribhanga posture, i.e., the body with three bends.
Pair 3 is correctly matched: Many Buddha images in Sarnath have plain transparent drapery covering both shoulders, and the halo around the head has very little ornamentation.

Q22. With reference to the fall of the Gupta Empire, consider the following statements:

1. Weak successors of Skandagupta were not able to deter the invasion by excellent horsemen Hunas.
2. Yashodharman of Malwa gave a severe blow to the Huna power as well as to Guptas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer-C

Statement 1 is correct: The successors of Chandragupta II had to face an invasion by the Hunas from Central Asia in the second half of AD fifth century. Although initially, the Gupta King Skandagupta took effective measures to stem the march of the Hunas into India, his successors proved to be weak and were unable to cope with the Huna invaders who excelled in
horsemanship and possibly used stirrups made of metal. They could move quickly, and being excellent archers; they seem to have achieved considerable success not only in Iran but also in India.

Statement 2 is correct: By AD 485, the Hunas occupied Eastern Malwa and a substantial portion of Central India where their inscriptions had been found. The intermediate regions, such as Punjab and Rajasthan also passed into their hands. This
must have drastically reduced the extent of the Gupta Empire at the beginning of the sixth century. Although the Huna power was soon overthrown by Yashodharman of Malwa, who belonged to the Aulikara feudatory family, the Malwa Prince successfully challenged the authority of the Guptas and set up in AD 532 a pillar of victory commemorating his conquest of almost the whole of Northern India.

Q23. Which of the following are the reasons for the rise of Magadha as the most powerful Mahajanapada between the sixth century and fourth century BCE?

1. It had very productive agriculture.
2. Elephants used in wars and battles were found in the forests near Magadha.
3. It had strong trade relations and used to import iron for making weapons.
4. River Ganga provided a cheap and convenient mode of transportation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only

Answer-A

Between the sixth and the fourth centuries BCE,Magadha (in present-day Bihar) became the most powerful mahajanapada. Modern historians explain this development in a variety of ways:

• Magadha was a region where agriculture was especially productive. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Elephants, an important component of the army, were found in forests in the region. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Besides, iron mines (in present-day Jharkhand) were accessible and provided resources for tools and weapons. (Statement 3 is not correct)

The Ganga and its tributaries provided a means of cheap and convenient communication. (Statement 4 is correct)
However, early Buddhist and Jaina writers who wrote about Magadha attributed its power to the policies of individuals: ruthlessly ambitious kings of whom Bimbisara, Ajatasattu and Mahapadma Nanda are the best known, and their ministers,
who helped implement their policies

Q24. Consider the following statements regarding the medieval Indian ruler Sikandar Lodi:

1. He wrote using the pen name ‘Gulrukhi’.
2. He abolished the duty on grains.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer-C

Sikandar Lodi established a new city Agra and made it as its Capital. He is considered as a generous and unbiased ruler. Sikandar Lodi has been accepted as the greatest Lodi Sultan. He established law and order. He was a brave and dauntless general. He encouraged agriculture and trade, which resulted in economic prosperity. He enhanced the glory and power of the king. He was known for impartial justice.

Statement 1 is correct: Sikandar Lodi was fond of literature and poetry. He himself was a great scholar and patronized man of learning. He wrote in the Persian language. He wrote using the pen name Gulrukhi.

Statement 2 is correct: Some of Sikandar Lodi’s achievements are:

• He conquered the states of Bihar and Gwalior. He entered into a friendship treaty with the ruler of Bengal. Sikandar’s Empire extended from Punjab to the borders of Bengal and included the territories between Sutlej and Bundelkhand.
• Very often, the Sultan toured in disguise to have first-hand information about the condition of the people and the activities of the Amirs and the Ulemas.
• He brought about several reforms in the Judicial System. He himself was the highest appeal of justice. He dispensed impartial justice to his subjects.
• He kept with him the rate list of all articles of everyday use so that he could assess the economic condition of the people. An informal system of price control prevailed in the market, which enabled people to get necessities of life at affordable prices.
• He abolished the duty on grain and encouraged farmers to improve agriculture.
• The Sultan abolished all internal trade duties.

Q25. Which of the following characterizes/characterizes the people of Indus Civilization?

1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer-B

Option (b) is correct: Figurines resembling a female deity have been found. They suggest worship of the Mother Goddess.
A seal with a male figure sitting in a logical posture with a trident-like headgear, surrounded by animals, has been found. This has a lot of similarities with Shiva. From this, it is figured that the Harappans might be worshipping Shiva. Religion: Clay figures of the mother Goddess, worshipped by the people as a symbol of fertility, have been found. A seated figure of a male god, carved on a small stone seal, have also been found. The scene immediately brings to mind the traditional image of Pasupati Mahadeva. In addition to these, we come across numerous.

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