- Observations about 17 History-culture Qs in CAPF-2015
- Toughness of the History Questions
- Culture related (3 Qs)
- Freedom struggle: Socio-Reforms(3 Qs)
- Freedom Struggle: Gandhi (2 Qs)
- Freedom Struggle: organizations (3 Qs)
- Freedom Struggle: Extremists/Communists (2 Qs)
- Freedom Struggle: Movements / Campaigns (4Qs)
Observations about 17 History-culture Qs in CAPF-2015

I wonder what would General Dong say about this, but then again He’d be neck deep busy in CSAT 2015 preparation
- Only 3 questions in culture, out of them 2 quite easy – directly available in Lucent GK (English) | (Also available in Hindi) / Tamilnadu Class11 textbook.
- Otherwise 14 MCQs from Freedom struggle only. (~1/10th of the paper)
- 1-1 verbatim questions each from Sumit Sarkar and From Plassey to Partition (English) | also available in Hindi. Perhaps a hint of “things to come” in CSAT-2015? only 23rd August can tell.
- 4-5 Questions from Bipan Chandra, but required good recalling power of GK-factoids.
- Overall, looks easy but rather challenging paper in history portion. UPSC examiner did not go for random academic (google) books, but used conventional reference books to come up with tough questions, by focusing on *not so famous* movements and freedom fighters.
- Strategy for next year? Lucent GK (English) | (Also available in Hindi) + maximum practice of MCQs given in general studies manuals. If simultaneously preparing for UPSC civil services (And have plenty of free time), then go through Sumit Sarkar and From Plassey to Partition (English) | also available in Hindi as well.
- Page number may vary in Spectrum, depending on Edition. I’ve used booklet “C” for Question Numbers. Answerkey Credit:Mr. Brijesh Patel
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Easy because available in Lucent GK (English) or Tamilnadu Textbook Class11/12 or Spectrum History Book (English) |
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Easy to medium depending on your GK power |
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medium to tough depending on your GK power |
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medium to tough depending on your GK power |
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Tough |
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Tough and trap question, lifted from From Plassey to Partition (English) |
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Tough, because lifted verbatim from Sumit Sarkar book. Sumit Sarkar was a hot book for UPSC prelims back in pre-CSAT era but CAPF level exams, usage of this book is unexpected! |
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Tough, because not so famous persons asked |
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Tough, depending on your GK power of recalling chronological order |
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Tough, GK type question from not-so-famous leaders, asked from Bipan Chandra |
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Tough, hardly any book talks about this topic |
Culture related (3 Qs)
Q9. Which one of the following is believed to be a compilation of the psalms sung by the women?
- Sumangalavilasini
- Therigatha
- Stridharmapaddhati
- Ritusamhara
From the Fragmented information in various google books, following is derived
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Buddhaghosa’s Commentary on Digha-nikaya |
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plasm of the sisters / songs of the nuns (Buddhist nuns) |
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manual for “perfect wife”- how to worship husband as god etc. |
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an account of seasons by Kalidasa |
So, among the given – most appropriate is option “B” Therigatha.
Q14. Amarasimha is the name of a:
- famous lexicographer of ancient India
- Rajput king of Chalukya lineage
- poet mentioned by Kautilya in his Arthashastra
- dance form of Odisha
During Gupta period, The Buddhist author Amarasimha compiled a lexicon called Amarakosa. Says Tamilnadu Class11 page 108. Another source: Lucent GK (English) page 43. Either way, Answer is “A”.
Q15. The Tolkappiyam is the name of:
- a step-well of Western India
- the book on Tamil grammar
- a collection of Tamil bhakti poems
- a collection of Kannada poems
Answer- B Tamilnadu Class 11 History textbook and Lucent GK (English) page 40.
Freedom struggle: Socio-Reforms(3 Qs)
115. Balgangadhar Tilak was associated with :
- Poona Sarvajanik Sabha
- The Age of Consent Bill
- Gaurakshini Sabha
- Atmiya Sabha
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 4
- 3 and 4
- 2 and 4 only
Atmiya sabha timing 1815 so Tilak association not possible, he was born in 1856. By Eliminating option A remains.
60. In 1893, there occurred a split in the Arya Samaj on the issue(s) of :
- Meat-eating vs vegetarianism
- Caste system and widow remarriage
- Shuddhi of converts
- Anglicised vs Sanskrit-based education
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1, 3 and 4
- 2 and 4
- 1 and 4 only
- 1 only
Answer- D: In 1893 Arya Samaj split over linked issues of Vegetarianism and cow protection. Page 152 A Concise History of Modern India by Metcalf & Metcalf.
75. Who among the following were well known as champions of women’s education in colonial India ?
- Sister Subbalaksmi
- Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain
- Keshub Chandra Sen
- Ananda Coomaraswamy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 3 and 4 only
- 1 and 2 only
As per google books- Sister Subbalakshmi setup a school for young high caste widows in Madras. So 1 is right. I’m unable to find any specific reference which says Ananda Coomaraswamy did xyz magnificent thing for women education. He was mainly focused on teaching the western world good things about Indian culture. So, 1 is right and 4 is not right – there is only one such option B: 1,2 and 3 correct.
Freedom Struggle: Gandhi (2 Qs)
Q8. Which one of the following statements about the Gandhi-Irwin Pact is NOT correct?
- Gandhi wrote a letter seeking an interview with the Viceroy
- Civil Disobedience movement was to be discontinued
- The imprisoned freedom fighters were to be released
- All the lands that had been confiscated were to be returned to the original owners
Ans. Spectrum History Book (English)– Page 174 mentions B to D, so only “A” is left and that’s the answer.
64. Where and when did Mahatma Gandhi first use his method of hunger-strike to achieve a desired goal ?
- At Natal in South Africa in the year 1906
- At Champaran in the year 1917
- At Ahmedabad in the year 1918
- At Cape Town in South Africa in the year 1906
Gandhi’s first hunger strike was in 1913 to atone for immoral behavior of his friends. Then in 1918, he fasted to protest for low wages of mill workers in A’bad. says this google book.
Another source Spectrum History Book (English) page 124.although it doesn’t mention the word “first”. Bipan Chandra page 180 implies it was the first.
Anyways, Among the given options, “C” would be most appropriate.
Freedom Struggle: organizations (3 Qs)
1.Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
List-I (Person) | List-II (Political Party) |
A. B.R. Ambedkar | 1.Pakistan Muslim League |
B.Sikander Hayat Khan | 2.Krishak Praja Party |
C.Fazlul Huq | 3.Unionist Party |
D.Khaliquzzaman | 4.Independent Labour Party |
Answer choices:
Code | A | B | C | D |
(a) | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
(b) | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
(c) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
(d) | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
B.R.Ambedakar – Indipendent labour Party. Fazlul HAq- Krishak Praja Party. There is only one option where A4C2 observed. so By eliminating correct answer is B.
52. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :
List-I (Movement) | List-II (Mass base/Following) |
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A. Bardoli Satyagraha | 1. Bargadars |
B. Tebhaga | 2. Kaliparaj |
C. Satyasodhak | 3. Mundas Samaj |
D. Ulgulan | 4. Kunbi peasantry |
Answer choices:
Code | A | B | C | D |
(a) | 2 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
(b) | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
(c) | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
(d) | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
Lucent GK (English), ready reference data given in last part of the book:
- Spectrum History Book (English)– ready reference data: Bardoli = Kanbi Patidar peasants: A4. but there is no such option matching.
- But, as per Mrunal’s land reform article series:: Bardoli Satyagraha also aimed for social upliftment of Kaliparaj caste- who worked as landless laborers. That means, A2
- Tebhaga was Rich farmers (Jotedars) vs. Sharecroppers (Bargadar) So B1. And Birsa Munda’s Ulgulan (1899) involved Munda tribals. so,
- A2B1D3=only seen in option (b) so, by elimination the Answer is B.
56. Which one of the following was NOT the feature of the Home Rule movement in India?
- Boycott and Picketing
- Two separate Home-Rule Leagues rather than one All-India Home-Rule Organisation
- Setting up of discussion groups and reading rooms
- Sale and circulation of pamphlets
Ans.A Spectrum History Book (English)– Page 104 and 105- statements from b to D are right. that means “A” was not the feature.
Freedom Struggle: Extremists/Communists (2 Qs)
69. Which of the following were the main influences on Vasudeo Balvant Phadke ?
- Experience of the Deccan famine of 1876-77
- Hindu revivalism
- Theory of Drain of Wealth
- Reformist idea of Phule
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2, 3 and 4
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 4 only
Sumit Sarkar Page 41: he was a clerk who seems to have been influenced by
Ranade’s lectures on drain of wealth (#3), experience of Deccan Famine (#1) and growing Hindu revivalist mood (#2). accordingly, the answer is #A.
74. Who among the following was NOT a Communist leader in colonial India ?
- P. C. Roy
- S. A. Dange
- Muzaffar Ahmad
- Singaravelu
As per Bipan Chandra Ch.24. The rise of left wing- page 197
Leader | Region | communist pamphlet |
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S.A.Dange | Bombay | Gandhi and Lenin |
Muzaffar Ahmad | Bengal | Navayug, Langal |
M.Singaravelu | Madras | Labour-Kisan Gazette |
That means only “A” is left, so he can’t be a ‘leftist’ leader! Google reveals P.C. Roy was not communisis leader. He was the founder ofBengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, India’s firstpharmaceuticalcompany, so answer is “A”
Freedom Struggle: Movements / Campaigns (4Qs)
109. Which of the following represents the main phases of the Quit India Movement ?
- Strikes, boycotts, and picketing in urban centres
- Widespread attacks in rural areas on the many symbols and means of colonial rule and authority, e.g. railways, telegraph lines, and Government buildings
- Formation of Home Rule leagues
- The ‘Karnataka method’
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- 1 and 2 only
- 2, 3 and 4
- 1, 2 and 4
- 1 and 4 only
From From Plassey to Partition (English) page 416– as per Sumit Sarkar, Quit India movement had 3 phases, and accordingly statement 1, 2 and 4 are right. Hence option “C”
112. Which of the following was / were NOT part/parts of the RIN Mutiny ?
- Indian National Army
- HMIS Talwar
- Hunger strike by naval ratings
- Lord Irwin
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 4
- 4 only
Answer is “D” because RIN happened in 1946, so Lord Irwin not associated with it.
121. Which one of the following statements concerning the Freedom and Partition of India is NOT correct?
- In February 1947, British Prime Minister Attlee announced that the British were not going to transfer power to Indians, come what may
- Lord Wavell advocated total withdrawal of the British from India by 31 March, 1948
- It was Lord Mountbatten who speeded up the process of transfer of power
- The Plan Balkan was abandoned on account of Nehru’s opposition to it
Answer A, because Attlee – agreed in transfer of power with deadline 30 june 1948 (Spectrum History Book (English) page 234) so Option “A”.
124.Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
List-I (Peasant Movement) | List-II (Leader/Follower) |
---|---|
A.Bakasht Land Movement | 1.Baba Ramchandra |
B.Eka Movement | 2.Kunhammed Haji |
C.Mappila Rebellion | 3.Madari Pasi |
D.Avadh Kisan Sabha Movement | 4.Karyanand Sharma |
Code:
Code | A | B | C | D |
(a) | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
(b) | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
(c) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
(d) | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
- Mrunal’s land reform article series. Eka Movement – Madari Pasi –so B3
- Bipan Chandra page 202: Kunhammad Haji was associated with Mappila rebellion and ensured Hindus were not looted or molested. So C2.
- Bipan Chandra page 349: Karyanand Sharma led Bakasht Land movement in Monghyr district. So, A4
- A4B3C2: Accordingly, the answer is “A”.
Any one knows what is this karnataka method during quiet india movement?
I m also giving mppsc mains….there is a book from arunodya publications that extensively covers the all information about the administration … As there is no optional this year… This book will be quite useful to u
I m also giving mppsc mains….there is a book from arunodya publications that extensively covers the all information about the administration … As there is no optional this year… This book will be quite useful to u
What is the answer of question regarding ‘ construction of railways in colonial India by British companies’?
Can we consider the parallel government formed in Gorakhpur,Satara, Midanapore during quit India movement as Home rule leagues?
Que. 75 There are two options in which (1) is included and (4) is not included. Reason taken in the answer doesnt suffice in eliminating options. Can someone revisit the question no. 75 ? Thanks
SC Bose wali INA was not part of it ……british indian army likha hota to shayd confusion hota
i am not getting new posts…..even if i subscribed also
Answer to the Arya Samaj is option C and not D.
Anglicised vs Sanskrit-based education was also a factor.
Source – Sumit Sarkar page 75.
Q8 .. Irwin Pact.. Not all lands .. Only those that are not yet sold to 3rd parties… When Congress came to rule for few months, then those sold lands are returned… Ans should be D.. As per Bipan
It will be 1 n 4 u r r8
Exactly bro….INA was not a part of RIN mutiny…
Abou RIN mutiny, there is a marathi book Bhartacha Itihaas Author Jaysingrao Pawar , this book mentioned role of INA in RIN mutiny. INA not fired a bullet on people supporting mutiny. People provided food to all members of INS Talwar.
sir,
could u please give the same analysed solution to CDSE I 2015 also so that we can predict future expected trends in the paper..
reply as early as possible
Q.75 – in that ans shoud be 1 & 2 as Seshab Chandra Sen in not a woman .
What is ‘Karnataka method’? How it is related to quit India movement?
Sir pl muje bhi koi book suggest kijiye… CAPF ka exam crack line ke liye
Sir!Great work. Pls do the analysis for 2016 capf question paper.. and pls do update your strategy for capf 2018.
Karnataka method =part time peasant squads engaged in farming by day and sabotage activities in night