1. Prologue
2. CSAT 2013: GS History Internal Breakup History
3. History: Modern India (5Qs)
   1. Simon
   2. QIM
   3. Tebhaga
   4. Annie Besant
   5. Ilbert
4. History: Ancient, Medieval (2Qs)
   1. Culture
   2. Dance: Tribhaga
   3. Religion: Bhakti saints
   4. Religion: Buddhism Chaitya and Vihara
   5. Religion: Buddhism: Nirvana
   6. Jain doctrine
   7. Sankhya School
   8. Mural paintings

Prologue

• 15 out of total 100 MCQs were from History.
• Questions from Modern History very straight forward –almost 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 “Chronology/timeline” 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 “culture” 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

1. Indians never wanted the review of the working of the Act of 1919
2. Simon Commission recommended the abolition of  Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the Provinces
3. there was no Indian member in the Simon Commission
4. the Simon Commission suggested the partition of the country

India’s 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

1. Cabinet Mission Plan
2. Cripps Proposals
3. Simon Commission Report
4. 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.  This was the Quit India campaign, which began in August 1942

Another Source: India’s 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 settlement….

Answer B.

Tebhaga

3. The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for

1. the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third
2. the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land
3. the uprooting of Zamindari system and the end of serfdom
4. writing off all peasant debts

India’s 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 1/3^rd 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

1. responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement
2. the founder of the Theosophical Society
3. Once the President of the Indian National Congress

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

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

Given statement	True/false	Why?
responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement	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 “ahead” 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 wasn’t the founder of Theo society.)
the founder of the Theosophical Society	False	Theosophical Society was founded by Madam Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott 1875.Annie Besant joined the team much later, in 1889.
Once the President of the Indian National Congress	true	India’s Struggle for Independence, Bipin Chandra Ch. 13 Page 168 In keeping with the conciliatory stance of the Montagu declaration, Annie Besant was released in September 1917. Annie Besant was at the height of popularity and Tilak’s Suggestion, was elected president at the annual session of Congress in December 1917.=> Statement #3 correct.

Answer (C) 1 and 3.

Ilbert

5.The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the

1. imposition restrictions the Indians of certain to carry arms by Indians
2. imposition of restrictions on newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages
3. removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans
4. removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth

India’s 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?

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.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. None of the statements given above is correct

As per IGNOU’s B.Ed course (ES-343), Chapter-5 Ancient Civilization – Indus Valley Civilization

Given statement	True/False	As per the given IGNOU PDF
They possessed great palaces and temples.	False	No temples or religious places have been discovered from Harappan cities. another source: Britannica:  No building has been discovered at any Harappan site that can be positively identified as a temple, but the Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro may have been used for ritual purposes
They worshipped both male and female deities.	True	Figurines resembling a female deity have been found. They suggest worship of Mother Goddess. A seal with male figure sitting in a logic 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. another source: TMH General Studies Manual, Ch. History of India, Page 7 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 symbols of the phallus and female sex organs made of stone, which may have been objects of worship.
They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.	False	On the basis of the Indus seals, it can be said that a large number of animals including goats, buffaloes, oxen, elephants, dogs and camels were domesticated. But the Harappans seem not to have been familiar with the horse another source: TMH General Studies Manual, Ch. History of India, Page 7 Stock Breeding: The camel was rare and the horse was probably not known to the Harappans. Hence Statement #3: They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare =wrong.

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?

1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.
2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

full text of Yuan Chwang’s journal is available here archive.org

Accordingly

Given Statement	True/False	As per the journal
The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.	False	Yuan Chwang himself was robbed and the thugs had decided to sacrifice him, but he was saved by a hurricane.
As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.	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.
The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.	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?

1. One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
2. Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters
3. Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story
4. 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. 1 and 3
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3
4. 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 wasn’t born (#1 is wrong)
• Guru Nanak in his late 50s (#2 is right)
• Tyagaraj wasn’t born (#3 is wrong)

Eliminate the choices accordingly

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

1. Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
2. Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
3. Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
4. 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.

A stupa	is a place, usually dome shaped, where the mortal remains of Buddha and other important monks are placed.
A chaitya-griha	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.
Viharas	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?

1. The extinction of the flame of desire
2. The complete annihilation of self
3. A state of bliss and rest
4. A mental stage beyond all comprehension

Debatable answer-choices.

IGNOU’s MA Philosophy -> MPYE-005 World Religions, chapter 3 and 4.

The extinction of the flame of desire	Ch3.Page 30, Nirvana is the total ‘extinction of thirst’. Hence (A) is correct.
The complete annihilation of self	^same pdf, same paragraph continues to say Extinction of the ‘thirst’ does not mean self-annihilation, because there is no self in  Buddhism. Hence option (B) is definitely incorrect.
A state of bliss and rest	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!)
A mental stage beyond all comprehension	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: let’s 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?

1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

I’m again using same IGNOU’s MA Philosophy -> MPYE-005 World Religions, chapter 1 and 2.

Statement	True/False	Why?
The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.	True	As per Ch2. page22: The annihilation (nirjara) of karma comes about through penance.
Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.	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.
Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.	True	As per Ch1. Page 9,The Jaina holds that every living and non-living being is gifted with souls….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:

1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul.
2. 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?

1. 1only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. 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.  (IGNOU MA Philosophy, http://www.egyankosh.ac.in/jspui/handle/123456789/46822)
• ^but the question comes in mind, if ‘almost all’ believe, then which school doesn’t believe? I think that’d 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:

1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Statement	True/false?	Why?
The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.	F	Barabar are oldest rock cut caves and they were built by Asoka. Hence both 1st and 2nd statement false.Ref: IndiaTV Channel’s webpage (curiously they posted it in March 2013, who knew even IndiaTV could help in UPSC prep!) Another source: Page 145, A Global History of Architecture by Mark M. Jarzombek, Vikramaditya Prakash.
The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.	F
At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.	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. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. None

let’s 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.  (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 haven’t 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.