1. History & Culture in UPSC Prelims-2021 Compared to previous papers
    1. Strategy: History & Culture: Prelim-cum-Mains-2022
    2. Strategy: Art and Culture for Prelims
    3. Ignoring Nitin Singhania’s book on Art and Culture?
    4. Strategy: Freedom Struggle Strategy for Prelims
    5. Strategy and Topic Wise Papers for Mains History (GSM1)
    6. ✋Ignore Krishna Reddy and Sumit Sarkar etc
  2. Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture asked in UPSC 2021
  3. Answerkey: Modern Indian History & National Movement asked in UPSC 2021
  4. History Answerkey Preparation by Pratik Nayak

History & Culture in UPSC Prelims-2021 Compared to previous papers

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

History MCQs in 2020 and before History MCQs in 2021’s Prelim GS Paper
– There is an ‘alternate zig zag swing’ in number of questions asked from History-Culture. Every alternate year they’ll ask 14-15 question and on other alternate years they’ll ask 17-21 Qs. 2018: 21 Qs → 2019: 15 Qs

– 2020’s paper fits this alternating pattern. 20 MCQs asked

2021 paper ideally 14-15 MCQs should be asked if the zig-zag trend were to remain valid but 21 MCQ asked!
Regularly asking about questions on Buddhism and Jainism Asked about Stupa/cave vs river
2017: Sects of Buddhism asked NOTHING
In some years questions on literature and painting Of ancient and mediaeval India Asked about BhawBhuti and other playwriters
Medieval dictionary terms asked:

– before 2018: Mahattar, Pattakila, Araghatta, Eripatti, Taniyurs, Ghatikas

– 2018: nothing

– 2019: two MCQs 1) Vishti 2) Iqta

– 2020: Gone Crazier than usual with 4 MCQs from this ‘Medieval dictionary ‘ genre.

NOTHING
Places

– 2017: Kakatiya Port.

– 2020: 2 MCQs from Ancient mediaeval places

1) Cave/Stupa vs river asked. 2) Burzahom and other places asked 3) Madanapalle 4) Chicacole factory etc
Chronology MCQ from ancient mediaeval = usually not seen but 2020 asked from it NOTHING
There was a trend of asking about foreign Travellers who visited India, And what they describe in their travel journals? Thankfully this lunacy was discontinued in 2019. NOTHING
2018: asked about Santhal Uprising

2020: asked about Munda uprising

NOTHING.
2018: Fort William College asked in context of “WHO” had set it up?

2020: Fort William College asked in context of “WHY” was it set up?

This time freedom struggle was focused more towards the later part of the independence struggle – INA etc.
2018: Economic impact of British rule

2020: impact of industrialisation

NOTHING
– Trend of asking about some relatively lesser known persons From freedom struggle such as

– 2018: Ashok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta

– 2020: 3 questions from Lesser known persons from freedom struggle 1) Rakhmabai 2) Vital-Vidhvansak’s author 3) Desher Katha’s author.

Relatively lesser known book asked “Songs from Prison”
– 2017 and 2018: State specific obscure dance / festival / craft with special focus on North East.

– 2019: did not ask

– 2020: did not asked.

Asked about Halbi, Ho and Kui langauges.
2018: two questions from under Post-Independent India: 1) Hind Mazdoor Sabha (1948) and 2) Chronology of Air India to Goa’s independence.

2019 and 2020- Thankfully nothing from post independent Indian history

nothing from post independent Indian history but 1 Atrangi (Crazy) question about  Bangla language.
 some of the questions not easily available from routine books and required lot of elimination techniques / debatable answers. Less problematic on that front.

To conclude: History section in Prelim-2021 nothing greatly divergent from the past except a few random MCQs here and there. So, the preparation strategy for 2022 should remain more or less the same as usual, which is given as following:

Strategy: History & Culture: Prelim-cum-Mains-2022

  • First cultivate the taste for History. The best source is Tamilnadu board’s Class11 History Textbook (covering Ancient Medieval) and Class12 History Textbook (covering Freedom struggle & World History.)
  • 🤩Available for 💾Free Download
  • Tamil Nadu board also has two editions A) old edition which is only black and white and B) new edition which has colourful.
  • I recommend the colorful new edition for following reasons:
    • ✅They have a balanced mixture of factualGK and analytical history. Useful for both UPSC and State services alike.
    • ✅They move in a proper sequence and comprehensively cover the entire ancient-medieval-modern Indian history, unlike new NCERTs which completely ignore certain bloody/dark eras of India history, and directly jump from Harappa to Sufi/Bhakti to British-Indian-cities to attainment of freedom, as if nothing happened in between those events!
    • ✅Good number of questions should be solved from them
    • ✅World history is also covered in a decent manner for Mains Exam.
    • 😰DRAWBACK? Perhaps not available in the Hindi medium
  • You may also join renowned 👨‍🏫 History Faculty Pratik Nayak’s comprehensive courses covering History art and culture for prelims and mains at Unacademy Plus.
    • In this latest Prelims-2021, 16 out of the 21 MCQs could be solved from his lectures and Powerpoints.
    • Use Coupon Code 🤩”Mrunal.org” for extra discount!

Strategy: Art and Culture for Prelims

  • ✅(New Colorful edition) Tamil Nadu class 11 history book. 💾Free Download
  • ✅NEW NCERT Class 11 and 12. Then depending on time also do class7 to 9. Because sometimes the questions are asked from there as well. 💾Free Download.
  • ✋The NEW NCERT Class10 is World history- so only selective study of chapters on industrialization / economy for Mains.
  • ✋IGNORE A.L.Bhasham and other higher level book, even though a few randomGK MCQs can be solved from it.

Ignoring Nitin Singhania’s book on Art and Culture?

  • Earlier, I used to recommend Nitin Singhania’s Art and Culture Book | हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध by Mcgraw Hill Publication
  • But upon the deeper analysis and comparison of the recent prelims papers- my thoughts are as following:
  • Every year it is giving diminishing utility. The nature of Art-Culture questions have become such that
    • A) Either it is solvable from (New) NCERT or (New) Tamilnadu Stateboard History Class11 Textbook Which is is available for free, apart from Nitin, OR
    • B) Totally random things which is not available in routine books
    • C) So, the unique questions which could be solved “only from” Nitin Singhania and no other routine books = ⏬Declining day by day.
    • In this latest exam there is only two such MCQ which can be solved from Nitin’s book, but can you really memorize that many number of factoids/details from a 585 pages book? जितना बारीक बारीक पूछा जा रहा है असल में किताब खरीद के पढ़ के भी जाओ क्या वास्तव में वो इतना सब कुछ बारीक बारीक याद रहेगा? मुश्किल है.
  • Nitin’s book has around 600 pages, costing around ₹600. It’s YouTube video summaries range from 2 hours to 15 hours to 25 hours. But if you count all this money and more importantly the time invested in memorizing so many factoids= It is giving a very poor cost-benefit than previous years.

Strategy: Freedom Struggle Strategy for Prelims

Strategy and Topic Wise Papers for Mains History (GSM1)

Given separately in this article.

✋Ignore Krishna Reddy and Sumit Sarkar etc

  • To solve some of the questions asked in Prelims-2021, I have used advanced books such as Krishna Reddy, etc
  • But they are more suitable for the preparation of optional subject of history
  • For general studies not recommended to go through them.
  • I am saying this categorically because Some of the fresh aspirants over enthusiastic about the preparation so they tend to think I will prepare the most different book then the crowd, so It will give me some unique perspective for the Mains examination… but those are not practicable things given the Vast amount of syllabus. पहले उन किताबों को खत्म करो जो सब लोग पढ़ रहे हैं क्योंकि स्पर्धा में आपके पास कम से कम उनके जितना तो ज्ञान होना चाहिए

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture asked in UPSC 2021


CSP21-SET-C] Q.64)  From the declines of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India? [गुप्ता साम्राज्य के पतन और हर्षवर्धन के उदय के दौरान उत्तर भारत में किसका शासन था]

  1. The Guptas of Magadha
  2. The Paramaras of Malwa
  3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
  4. The Maukharis of Kanauj
  5. The Yadavas of Devagiri
  6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

  1. a) 1, 2 and 5
  2. b) 1, 3, 4 and 6
  3. c) 2, 3 and 4
  4. d) 5 and 6

Difficulty : Medium🧐

Type: Theory 📚

Explanation: can be solved via elimination , also given in TN Board- Std. 11

  • b) 1, 3, 4 and 6
  • After the Guptas and before the rise of Harshavardhana different dynasties came to power in different parts of the country
  • Yadavas of Deogiri came in the Medieval India
  • Parmara of Malwas came to power in the 10th Century onwards

📚 Source(s):

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


CSP21-SET-C] Q.70)  In reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following Statements is/are correct?

    1. Mitakshara was the civil law for upper castes and Dayabhaga was the civil law for lower castes. [मिताक्षरा ऊँची जातियों के लिए दीवानी क़ानून था और दया भागा नीची जातियों के लिए दीवानी क़ानून था]

 

    1. In the Mitakshara system, the sons can claim right to the property during the lifetime of the father, whereas in the Dayabhaga system, it is only after the death of the father that the sons can claim right to the property. [दया भागा व्यवस्था में पिता की मृत्यु के बाद ही बेटा संपत्ति पर दावा ठोक सकता है]

 

    1.  The Mitakshara system deals with the matters related to the property held by male members only of a family, whereas the Dayabhaga system deals with the matters related to the property held by both male and female members of a family. [दया भागा व्यवस्था में महिला और पुरुष दोनों की संपत्तियों का ज़िक्र है]

 

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

  1. a) 1 and 2
  2. b) 2 Only
  3. c) 1 and 3
  4. d) 3 Only

Difficulty : Tough🥵

Type: Theory 📚

👨🏫Explanation: b) 2 Only

  • Not given in standard reference books but in IndianExpress explained series 2020.
  • Mitakasara- compiled by Vijneswara, it was a commentary on Yajvalkya Smriti
  • Belonged to the court of Vikramadtiya VI of Kalyani Chalukyas
  • This book had detailes about the sucession laws of Hindu families
  • Mentioned in the lecture on Plus Class- Pratik Nayak
  • Discussed live in the class about the Hindu succession laws

📚 Source(s):

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


[CSP21-SET-C] Q.62)  Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?

  1. a)  Dholavira
  2. b) Kalibangan
  3. c) Rakhigarhi
  4. d) Ropar

Difficulty : Easy🤩

Type: Theory 📚

👨🏫Explanation:

  1. a)  Dholavira
  • Dholavira was known for the Water Management
  • Surrounded by 2 channels, the natives had built dam, reservoir, step well and canal for effective water management

📚 Source(s):

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


[CSP21-SET-C] Q.65)  According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the following areas?

  1. Wrestling
  2. Astrology
  3. Accounting
  4. Soothsaying

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

  1. a) 1, 2 and 3 Only
  2. b) 1, 3 and 4 Only
  3. c) 2 and 4 Only
  4. d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Difficulty : Tough🥵

Type: Theory 📚

Explanation: d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Mentioned in Krishna Reddy’s book
  • Fernao Nuniz (1534-37) was a Portuguese traveller to the court of Vijaynagar King- Achyut Raya
  • He mentions the following professions where women were employed in different roles – covered in the plus class – Pratik Nayak

📚 Source(s):

  • Mentioned in Krishna Reddy’s book
  • Pratik Nayak Lecture on Vijaynagar Empire

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


[CSP21-SET-C] Q.68)  Consider the following statements:

  1. It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khawarezm prince.
  2. It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus.
  3. It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. a)  1 Only
  2. b) 1 and 2
  3. c) 3 Only
  4. d) 2 and 3

Difficulty : Medium🧐

Type: Theory 📚

Explanation:

  • 👨‍🏫Explanation: a)  1 Only
  • Changez Khan attacked the Khwarizm Prince Jalaluddin Magbrani, who sought refuge to the court of Iltutmish. But Iltutmish decided not the give refuge to Jalauddin, and hence he avoided the invasion of Changez Khan to India → #1 is right.
  • Taimur invaded India in 1398- During this period, Nasiruddin Mohammed Tughlaq was the ruler and not Mohammed bin Tughlaq (1325-1350) → #2 is wrong.
  • Vasco de Gama came to India in 1498- was welcomed by the ruler of Calicut- Manna Vikrama- also called as Zamorin. Krishnadeva Raya, the Vijaynagar ruler came to power in 1509 onwards. → #3 also wrong.

📚 Source(s):

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


(CSP21-SET-C] Q.55)  With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct sequence in ascending order in terms of size?

  1. a) Paragana- Sarkar- Suba
  2. b) Sarkar-Paragana-Suba
  3. c) Suba-Sarkar-Paragana

d)Paragana-Suba-Sarkar

Difficulty : Easy🤩

Type: Theory 📚

👨🏫Explanation: a) Paragana- Sarkar- Suba

  • Ascending order means- from smallest to largest
  • Pargana- group of villages
  • Sarkar- district unit during the Mughals
  • Subah- Province of Mughal Empire- where Subahdars were appointed
  • Covered under the Plus Course- Pratik Nayak

📚 Source(s):

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


(CSP21-SET-C] Q.69)  Consider the following statements:

  1. St. Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order.
  2. St. Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to him there.
  3. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. a) 1 and 2 Only
  2. b) 2 and 3 Only
  3. c) 1 and 3 Only
  4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Difficulty : Tough🥵 because until you know the validity of second statement you cannot arrive at the final answer.

Type: Theory 📚

👨‍🏫Explanation:

  • c) 1 and 3 Only
  • Francis Xavier- was the one of the Christian missionaries who founded the Jesuit order in India.
  • He was responsible for the Goan Inquisition – 1540s
  • His death took place in Sancian (Hongkong Region) later on his body was brought to Goa and a Church was made → #2 is wrong.
  • Feast of St. Francis is celebrated every year- 3rd December to mark his Birthday.

📚 Source(s):

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


(CSP21-SET-C] Q.5) With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to

  1. a) dance forms of Northwest India
  2. b) musical instruments
  3. c) pre-historic cave paintings
  4. d) tribal languages

Difficulty : Tough🥵

Type: Theory 📚

Explanation:

  • Answerà d) tribal languages
  • Ho revolt took place – it was a tribal revolt- it can be inferred by that Ho is tribal language
  • Can be inferred from the tribal reactions against the British Rule

📚 Source(s):

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


CSP21-SET-C] Q.60)  Consider the following statements:

  1. 21st February is declared to be the International Mother Language Day by UNICEF.
  2. The demand that Bangla has to be one of the national languages was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. a) 1 Only
  2. b) 2 Only 
  3. c)  Both 1 and 2
  4. d) Neither 1 nor 2

Difficulty : Tough🥵 Difficult to remember such dates.

Type: Current/Contemporary 🗞

👨‍🏫Explanation:

    • B- 2 Only is Correct
    • 21st February is declared to be the International Mother Language Day by UNESCO in 1999. UNESCO works in the cultural part and not UNICEF.
  • On, February 25, 1948, Dhirendranath Dutta had urged the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan (CAP) to recognise Bengali as one of the official languages but it was turned by Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

📚 Source(s):

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


[CSP21-SET-C] Q.51)  With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous

  1. a) Jain monks
  2. b) playwrights
  3. c) temple architects
  4. d) Philosophers

Difficulty : Tough🥵

Type: Theory 📚

👨‍🏫Explanation: b) playwrights

  • Krishna Reddy’s Bookà
  • Kalidasa, Bana, Bhavabhuti, and other authors are mentioned
  • Who commented on the condition of women in the Gupta-Post Gupta period.
  • It can be inferred that Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were playwriters/ authors.
  • Bhavabhuti who lived at Kanyakubja in the early 8th century has three surviving plays — “Malati and Madhava”, “The Deeds of the Great Hero’’ (Mahaviracarita), and “The Later Deeds of Rama” (Uttarardmacarita)
  • Romila Thapar- also mentions about the authors- Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshmeshvara

📚 Source(s):

  • Krishna Reddy’s Book

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


(CSP21-SET-C] Q.59)  Which one of the following statements is correct?

  1. a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.
  2. b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.
  3. c) Pandavlena Cave shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river.
  4. d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.

Difficulty : Tough🥵 difficult to recall so much.

Type: Theory 📚

👨‍🏫Explanation:

  • Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.
  • Mentioned in the Nitin Singhania’s Book- Indian Art & Culture
  • Explicitly explained in the Art & Culture- Plus Course by Pratik Nayak

📚 Source(s):

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


[CSP21-SET-C] Q.61)  With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:

  1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
  2. It is the only circular temple built in India.
  3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
  4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. a) 1 and 2
  2. b) 2 and 3 Only
  3. c) 1 and 4
  4. d) 2, 3 and 4

Difficulty : Tough🥵 difficult to recall so much.

Type: Theory 📚

👨‍🏫Explanation:

  1. c) 1 and 4
  • circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty – king Devapala built it in 14th Century
  • Yogini represents the Shakti Worship and not Vaishnavism
  • Other Circular temples were built- eg. Maniar Math in Bihar

📚 Source(s):

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

GuessMaster-GiriTM: Partially possible. Statement#2 contain extreme word “ONLY circular temple”, so should be wrong as per GM Rule#1.


[CSP21-SET-C] Q.67)  Consider the following pairs:

(Historical Place): (Well-konwn for)

  1. Burzahom : Rock-cut shrines
  2. Chandra-Ketugarh  :  Terracotta art
  3. Ganeshwar : Copper artefacts

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

  1. a) 1 only
  2. b) 1 and 2
  3. c) 3 only
  4. d) 2 and 3

Difficulty : Medium🧐

Type: Theory 📚

👨‍🏫Explanation:

  1. d) 2 and 3
  • Burzhaom- is a Neolithic site, known for pit dwellings. It doesn’t have have Rock Cut Shrines.
  • Ganeshwar- Chalcolithic culture site, contemporary to IVC. It is known for copper smelting
  • Chandraketugarh- located in Bengal
  • Post Mauryan period site, known for terracotta sculptures and Image

📚 Source(s):

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A

Answerkey: Modern Indian History & National Movement asked in UPSC 2021


[CSP21-SET-C] Q.58)  With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.
  2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijaynagara Empire.
  3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

  1. a) 1 and 2
  2. b) 2 Only
  3. c) 2 and 3
  4. d) 3 Only

Difficulty : Medium🧐 to tough 🥵

Type: Theory 📚

👨‍🏫Explanation:

  • Carnatic State emerged Independent out of Hyderabad State due to the later Mughal polity- weakness → #1 is right.
  • Mysore Kingdom became independent from the Vijaynagar empire in the year 1612 → #2 is right
  • Rohilkhand’s Afghan rulers existed during Mughal reign and they had offered their services / alliance to Ahmed Shah Durrani in 3rd Battle of Panipat. So, Rohilkhand was not carved from territories of Durrani. → #3 is wrong.

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

📚 Source(s):

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


[CSP21-SET-C] Q.52)  Consider the following statements:

  1. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 recommended granting voting rights to all the women above the age 21.
  2. The Government of India Act of 1935 gave women reserved seats in legislature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. a) 1 only
  2. b) 2 only
  3. c) both 1 and 2
  4. d) Neither 1 nor 2

Difficulty : Easy🤩

Type: Theory 📚

👨‍🏫Explanation:

  1. b) 2 only
  • Mont-Ford Reforms- Also known as Government of India Act, 1919- didn’t gave voting rights to ’’all’’ women. Only limited franchise was given during this time, viz. voters qualification/criteria was the reason behind not giving universal adult suffrage
  • Government of India Act, 1935- reservation of seats – system of weightage to Women Members

📚 Source(s):

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: Partially applicable. Statement#1 contains extreme word all the women above the age 21. 


[CSP21-SET-C] Q.53)  With reference to 8th August, 1942 in Indian history, which one of the following statements is correct? 

  1. a) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC.
  2. b) The Viceroy’s Executive council was expanded to include more Indians.
  3. c) The Congress ministries resigned in seven provinces.
  4. d) Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion Status once the Second world War was over.

Difficulty : Easy🤩

Type: Theory 📚

Explanation:

  • Quit India Movement- launched on 8th August 1942 @ Gowalia Tank Bombay

📚 Source(s):

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


[CSP21-SET-C] Q.54)  Who among the following is associated with ‘Songs from Prison’, a translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics in English?

  1. a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  2. b) Jawaharlal Nehru
  3. c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
  4. d) Sarojini Naidu

Difficulty : Medium🧐

Type: Theory 📚

👨‍🏫Explanation:

  • written during his imprisonment in Yeravada Jail, Poona. translated hymns from the Upanishada and poems by Indian saint poets into English and that collection was published as Songs from the prison
  • Not given in any reference books
  • Can be solved by elimination
  • Tilak in Jail wrote- Gita Rahsya, Arctic home of the Aryans
  • Sarojini Naidu wrote- the Bazars of Hyderabad

📚 Source(s):

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


[CSP21-SET-C] Q.56)  Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School?

  1. a) Annie Besant
  2. b) Debendranath Tagore
  3. c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
  4. d) Sarojini Naidu

Difficulty : Easy🤩

Type: Theory 📚

👨‍🏫Explanation:

  • Bethune School was established by JED Bethune
  • The first secretary of this School was Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
  • IC Vidyasagar is also known for promoting girl child education and also for Widow Remarriage movement

📚 Source(s):

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


[CSP21-SET-C] Q.57)  In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon are remembered as 

  1. a) leaders of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
  2. b) members of the Interim Government in 1946
  3. c) members of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly
  4. d) officers of the Indian National Army

Difficulty : Medium🧐

Type: Theory 📚

Explanation:

👨‍🏫Explanation:

  1. d) officers of the Indian National Army
  • Indian National Army – Azad Hind Fauj, was formed in 1942 by Captain Mohan Singh with the help of the Japanese, but due to differences it was disbanded.
  • Again in July 1943, Netaji Subhash Chandrabose reorganised the Indian National Army along with Ras Behari Bose and Japanese help.
  • The INA campaign was headed towards Kohima under the leadership of Capt. Shahnawaz Khan, which resulted into defeat.
  • After the end of WW-2, the INA was had to surrender to the British Army and later on 3 officials were court-martialled by Lord Wavell at Red Fort
  • Red Fort Trials- were defended by a series of lawerys, including KN Katju, Tejbahadur Sapru, JL Nehru- resulting into INA agitation across the country

📚 Source(s):

 

    • Spectrum: 🤩 Solvable

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


[CSP21-SET-C] Q.63)  In the first quarter of seventeenth century, in which of the following was/were the factory/factories of the English East India Company located?

  1. Broach
  2. Chicacole
  3. Trichinopoly

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

  1. a) 1 Only
  2. b) 1 and 2
  3. c) 3 Only
  4. d) 2 and 3

Difficulty : Medium🧐

Type: Theory 📚

👨‍🏫Explanation: a) 1 Only

  • 1st Quarter of 17th Century- refers to the period between 1601 to 1625. During this the East India Company had base in Surat, Bharuch (Broach), Ahmedabad etc. → #1 is right.
  • Trichonopolly – Trichy came under the British Influence in the later part of 17th Century. It was under the control of the Carnatic State , came to prominence in the second Carnatic war – 1749 to 1754- can be easily eliminated. → #2: wrong.
  • Chicacole- part of Northern Circars – known for textile centre. It was taken by British from the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1766, during the first Anglo Mysore war. → #3 is wrong.

Sources:

Answerkey: History: Ancient / Medieval / Culture and Freedom Struggle Questions asked in UPSC 2021

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A


[CSP21-SET-C] Q.66)  With reference to Madanapalle of Andhra Pradesh,  which one of the following statements is correct?

  1. Pingali Venkayya designed the tricolour Indian National Flag here.
  2. Pattabhi Sitaramaiah led the Quit India Movement of Andhra region from here.
  3. Rabindranath Tagore translated the National Anthem from Bengali to English here.
  4. Madame Blavastsky and Colonel Olcott set up headquarters of Theosophical Society first here.

Difficulty : Tough 🥵

Type: Theory

👨‍🏫Explanation:

  • Class 6 Social Science Book 3 (Civics) – Social and Political Life – I: Page2 – caption below the image: “Jana Gana Mana” was translated by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore from Bengali to English in February 1919 at Madanapalle in the District of Chittoor.”

Alternatively:

  • Can be solved via Elimination- Pratik Nayak’s Plus Course
  • Pingali Venkaya- hoisted the national presented and design the national flag in 1921 at Vijaywada to Gandhi, during the Non Cooperation Movement.
  • Pattabhi Sitarramaya was arrested with the entire committee and incarcerated for three years without outside contact in the fort in Ahmednagar,  Can be eliminated, through the classes/ books
  • Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott established the Theosophical Society of India at Adyar, near Madras- 1882.

📚 Source(s):

🎲 GuessMaster-GiriTM: N/A

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