- Prologue
- CSAT 2013: GS History Internal Breakup History
- History: Modern India (5Qs)
- History: Ancient, Medieval (2Qs)
- 15 out of total 100 MCQs were from History.
- Questions from Modern History very straight forward āalmost all can be solved directly from Bipin Chandra (contrary to the difficulty level that one expects from UPSC.)
- Ancient-Medieval continues to get low-priority.
- The trivial āChronology/timelineā type question makes re-entry in UPSC. (Dadu Dayal)
- Culture continues to get high priority (as usual) and continues to be a tough cookie (as usual). Whatever relaxation was given in Modern History Questions, has been countered here. Hell some of these ācultureā questions almost require doing PG/Ph.D on the said topic hahaha.
CSAT 2013: GS History Internal Breakup History
Topic | # of Qs. |
---|---|
Modern Indian/ Freedom struggle | 5 |
Ancient, medieval | 2 |
Culture | 8 |
Total | 15 |
History: Modern India (5Qs)
Total five MCQs from this section:
Simon
1. The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission because
- Indians never wanted the review of the working of the Act of 1919
- Simon Commission recommended the abolition ofĀ Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the Provinces
- there was no Indian member in the Simon Commission
- the Simon Commission suggested the partition of the country
Indiaās Struggle for Independence, Bipin Chandra, Ch 21, Page 261
The response (to formation of Simon Commission) in India was immediate and unanimous, that no Indian should be thought fit to serve on a body which claimed the right to decide the political future of India, was an insult that no Indian of even most moderate political opinion was willing to swallow.
Answer C.
QIM
2. Quit India Movement was launched in response to
- Cabinet Mission Plan
- Cripps Proposals
- Simon Commission Report
- Wavell Plan
NCERT Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part III, Page 363
After the failure of Cripps mission, Gandhi decided to launch his third movement against the British Rule.Ā This was the Quit India campaign, which began in August 1942
Another Source: Indiaās Struggle for Independence, Bipin Chandra, Ch.35, Page 457
Why had it become necessary to launch a (Quit India) movement in these difficult conditions, when the possibility of a brutal repression was a certainty?…..For one, the failure of the Cripps mission in April 1942 made it clear that Britain was unwilling to offer an honorable settlementā¦.
Answer B.
Tebhaga
3. The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for
- the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third
- the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land
- the uprooting of Zamindari system and the end of serfdom
- writing off all peasant debts
Indiaās Struggle for Independence, Bipin Chandra, Ch.27, Page 352 last para
It was the Tebhaga struggle in Bengal that held the limelight. in 1946 the sharecroppers of Bengal began to assert that they would no longer pay a half share of their crops to Jotedars but only 1/3rd and that before division, the crop would be stored in their khamars (Godowns) and not that of the Jotedars.
Answer A.
Annie Besant
4. Annie Besant was
- responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement
- the founder of the Theosophical Society
- Once the President of the Indian National Congress
Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Given statement | True/false | Why? |
|
True | Tilak started Home Rule league in April 1916 while Annie Besant launched her Home Rule league in September 1916. In that sense, Tilak was āaheadā in the race. But on that logic if we take Statement #1=wrong, then there is no answer choice left (because statement #2 is definitely wrong, Anni Besant wasnāt the founder of Theo society.) |
|
False | Theosophical Society was founded by Madam Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott 1875.Annie Besant joined the team much later, in 1889. |
|
true | Indiaās Struggle for Independence, Bipin Chandra Ch. 13 Page 168
|
Answer (C) 1 and 3.
Ilbert
5.The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the
- imposition restrictions the Indians of certain to carry arms by Indians
- imposition of restrictions on newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages
- removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans
- removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth
Indiaās Struggle for Independence, Bipin Chandra, Ch.5, Page 73
A major agitation was organized during 1883 in favor of the Ilbert Bill which would enable Indian magistrates to try Europeans.
Another source: TMH General Studies Manual, Indian National Movement, Page 4
The Illbert Bill (1883) of lord Rippon sought to empower the Indian district Magistrates and sessions judges to try Europeans in criminal cases. Under the existing laws, the Indian members of ICS will not authorized to try Europeans in their courts.
Hence answer C.
History: Ancient, Medieval (2Qs)
1. Which of the following characterizes/ characterize the people of Indus Civilization?
- They possessed great palaces and temples.
- They worshipped both male and female deities.
- They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- None of the statements given above is correct
As per IGNOUās B.Ed course (ES-343), Chapter-5 Ancient Civilization – Indus Valley Civilization
Given statement | True/False | As per the given IGNOU PDF |
|
False |
|
|
True |
|
|
False |
|
Therefore, answer B) Only 2.
2. The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.
- As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
- The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
full text of Yuan Chwangās journal is available here archive.org
Accordingly
Given Statement | True/False | As per the journal |
|
False | Yuan Chwang himself was robbed and the thugs had decided to sacrifice him, but he was saved by a hurricane. |
|
True | The narrative proceeds to describe the four ordeals by which the innocence or guilt of an accused person is determined. These are by water, by fire, by weighing, and by poison. |
|
True | Under Revenue and taxation system, Yuan Chwang notes that Tradesmen go to and fro bartering their merchandize after paying light duties at ferries and barrier stations. |
Hence Answer (B) 2 and 3 only.
Culture
Now comes the tough and boring part, where use of internet and random googling becomes necessary lolz.
Dance: Tribhaga
1. In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favorite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?
- One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
- Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters
- Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story
- A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism
Tribhanga (‘thrice-bent’) pose looks like this photo:
Hence A is the answer
Religion: Bhakti saints
2. Consider the following Bhakti Saints:
1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
- 1 and 3
- 2 only
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 2
Timeline
Name | Birth | Death |
Dadu Dayal | 1544 | 1601 |
Guru Nanak | 1469 | 1539 |
Tyagaraj | 1767 | 1847 |
When Lodi Dynasty fell in 1526 in the Battle of Panipat,
- Dadu Dayal wasnāt born (#1 is wrong)
- Guru Nanak in his late 50s (#2 is right)
- Tyagaraj wasnāt born (#3 is wrong)
Eliminate the choices accordingly
- 1 and 3
- 2 only
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 2
Hence answer is B) Only 2
Religion: Buddhism Chaitya and Vihara
3. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?
- Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
- Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
- Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
- There is no material difference between the two
http://www.india-crafts.com/religion-craft/buddhist-sculpture.html
Three structures were the most important in Buddhism namely Chaitya, Vihara and Stupa.
|
is a place, usually dome shaped, where the mortal remains of Buddha and other important monks are placed. |
|
is a meeting or assembly chamber often used for purposes of prayer. In fact, it is not tough to find a stupa situated inside the interior space of a chaitya. |
|
are the shelter accommodations of the monks during the rainy season. |
Hence answer is B)
Religion: Buddhism: Nirvana
4. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
- The extinction of the flame of desire
- The complete annihilation of self
- A state of bliss and rest
- A mental stage beyond all comprehension
Debatable answer-choices.
IGNOUās MA Philosophy -> MPYE-005 World Religions, chapter 3 and 4.
|
Ch3.Page 30, Nirvana is the total āextinction of thirstā. Hence (A) is correct. |
|
^same pdf, same paragraph continues to say Extinction of the āthirstā does not mean self-annihilation, because there is no self inĀ Buddhism. Hence option (B) is definitely incorrect. |
|
Ch4. page38, Nirvana is the state of being without suffering. It is a state of supreme happiness and bliss. Hence (C) is also correct (or atleast close match!) |
|
Ch3. Page30, the author/professor himself says:How can we understand Nirvana? Nirvana is the absolute, supra-mundane experience; hence language is not sufficient to explain it. (Even this can be debated as a valid answer, among the given 4 choices!) |
Final answer: letās wait for what official answerkey of UPSC has to say.
Update Jun-26-2014: UPSC uploaded official answerkey. Correct answer is: A.
Jain doctrine
5. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?
- The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
- Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
- Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- only 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Iām again using same IGNOUās MA Philosophy -> MPYE-005 World Religions, chapter 1 and 2.
Statement | True/False | Why? |
|
True | As per Ch2. page22: The annihilation (nirjara) of karma comes about through penance. |
|
True | As per Ch2.Page 20, First para Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of entities such as stones, rocks, running water, and many other natural objects not looked upon as living by other sects. |
|
True | As per Ch1. Page 9,The Jaina holds that every living and non-living being is gifted with soulsā¦.They are obstructed by karma, just as the natural light of the sun is hindered by clouds. By removing the karmas, a soul can remove bondage and regain its natural perfections. |
All 3 statements are correct. Hence answer (D) 1, 2 and 3.
Sankhya School
6. With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school:
- Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul.
- Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
- 1only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Statement #1
- All the six schools believe in the ‘Law of Karma’, rebirth, and attainment of Moksha/Liberation as the highest goal of human struggle. (http://www.oocities.org/neovedanta/a80.html)
- Almost all Indian schools of thought accepted the theory of karma and rebirth, and the ideal of moksha is conceived as liberation from the cycle of births and deaths.Ā (IGNOU MA Philosophy, http://www.egyankosh.ac.in/jspui/handle/123456789/46822)
- ^but the question comes in mind, if āalmost allā believe, then which school doesnāt believe? I think thatād be Lokayata school.
anyways unable to locate reliable source that directly validates or rejects first statement. so no very sure.
Update Jun-26-2014: UPSC uploaded official answerkey. Correct answer is: B only 2 correct.
statement #2
IGNOU BA Philosophy Course Code BPY-005, Chapter 4 Yoga Philosophy, Page 46
The Yoga presents a practical path for the realization of the self whereas the Samkhya emphasizes the attainment of knowledge of self by means of concentration and meditation. therefore, statement #2 correct.
Answer: don’t know. B / C.
Caves and paintings
7. With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:
- The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
- The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
- At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Statement | True/false? | Why? |
---|---|---|
|
F | Barabar are oldest rock cut caves and they were built by Asoka. Hence both 1st and 2nd statement false.Ref:
|
|
F | |
|
T | In total, there are nearly 100 caves in the hill range out of which 34 caves are famous and visited by many tourists, out of which Caves 1 to 12 are Buddhist; Caves 13 to 29 are Brahmanical and Caves 30 to 34 are Jaina. => Statement #3 is correct Ref: Archeological survey of India webpage |
answer C: only 3
Mural paintings
8. Consider the following historical places:
1. Ajanta Caves
2. Lepakshi Temple
3. Sanchi Stupa
Which of the above places is / are also known for mural paintings?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- None
letās check
Statement | T/F | Why? |
1. Ajanta Caves | True | The (Ajanta) caves, famous for its murals, are the finest surviving examples of Indian art, particularly painting. (Ref: Archeological Survey of India’s official webpage for Ajanta) |
2. Lepakshi Temple | True | Lepakshi temple also has the finest specimens of mural paintings of the Vijayanagar kings. Ā (Ref: As per TheHindu article published in Jan 2012) |
3. Sanchi Stupa | False | No evidence of presence of mural paintings in Sanchi Stupa. (or atleast I havenāt been able to find It in some book or some realiable website so far hahaha) |
Hence answer (B): 1 and 2 only. (or may be C: all three)
Answerkeys for remaining topics, coming soon + thanks Mr. Palas Nuwal and Mr.Shiva Ram for providing inputs.
Thank you Mrunalji
Thanks a lot Mrunal Sir for such a commendable work. We are very grateful to you for your help.
jataka story mural paintings 12th century on sanchi stupa railings (Source:frontline april 2013)
http://www.frontline.in/navigation/?type=static&page=flonnet&rdurl=fl3007/stories/20130419300706100.htm
SRINIVAS YOUR ANSHWER CORRECT SACHI ALSO PANTING RELATED DNT WORRY UPSC GVE U REWARD
is there anyone that could suggest me some good book for indian forest services for FORESTRY n GEOLOGY ,that ‘ll be indeed a great help??
Mrunal bhaiya plz tell me from where i can get ma history notes of ignou in hindi medium?
Sir if I want to see Previous Post then what would I have to do.
Thanks.
fm,
Sunil
Thanks to Mrunal sir, for detail pre question and answers with reference books.
sir,,i have forgoten my upsc 2013 hallticket no.how can i find if.my registration no..11315513850,date of birth 06/08/1988
plz help me
Dear Mrunal Sir,
As per the question regarding Nirvana is concerned, it is philosophical in nature and hence no true answer is predictable, however factually the third noble truth in buddhism is attributed as Cessationof suffering by blowing out the flame of desire and hence is in simple terms known as nirvana, fourt noble truth is the eight fold path fro attaining nirvana.
Regarding sankhya, indeed carvaka/lokayuta school is the one that denounced all kinds of transcendental experiences.
Thanks for the marvelous work your doing here. We all really appreciate it.
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Very neat article post.Much thanks again. Much obliged. kbcbkbedkade
sir please clear the doubt regarding
the number of attempts and the maximum age limit
THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR FOR YOUR USEFUL EXPLATION OF EACH AND EVERY POINTS.