INSIGHTS REVISION TEST for Preliminary Exam 2018: Test – 52 (History)

Solution: b

Justification:

The term which Indo-Persian sources of the Mughal period most frequently used to denote a peasant was raiyat (plural, riaya) or muzarian. In addition, we also encounter the terms kisan or asami. Sources of the seventeenth century refer to two kinds of peasants – khud-kashta and pahi-kashta. The former were residents of the village in which they held their lands. The latter were non-resident cultivators who belonged to some other village, but cultivated lands elsewhere on a contractual basis. People became pahi-kashta either out of choice – for example, when terms of revenue in a distant village were more favourable – or out of compulsion – for example,forced by economic distress after a famine.

Hence, Option b is correct.

Source: Themes in Indian History Part 2

Solution: a

Justification:

The village panchayat was an assembly of elders, usually important people of the village with hereditary rights over their property. In mixed-caste villages, the panchayat was usually a heterogeneous body.  An oligarchy,the panchayat represented various castes and communities in the village, though the village menial-cum-agricultural worker was unlikely to be represented there. The decisions made by these panchayats were binding on the members. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect).

The panchayat was headed by a headman known as muqaddam or mandal. (Hence statement 1 is correct).

One important function of the panchayat was to ensure that caste boundaries among the various communities inhabiting the village were upheld. (Hence statement 3 is correct).

Hence, option a is correct.

Source: Themes in Indian History Part 2

Solution: a

The zamindars who were landed proprietors who also enjoyed certain social and economic privileges by virtue of their superior status in rural society. Caste was one factor that accounted for the elevated status of zamindars; another factor was that they performed certain services (khidmat) for the state.

The zamindars held extensive personal lands termed milkiyat, meaning property. Milkiyat lands were cultivated for the private use of zamindars, often with the help of hired or servile labour. The zamindars could sell, bequeath or mortgage these lands at will. (Hence statement 1 is correct).

Although there can be little doubt that zamindars were an exploitative class, their relationship with the peasantry had an element of reciprocity, paternalism and patronage. Two aspects reinforce this view.  (Hence statement 2 is correct).

First, the bhakti saints, who eloquently condemned caste-based and other forms of oppression (see also Chapter 6), did not portray the zamindars (or, interestingly, the moneylender) as exploiters or oppressors of the peasantry. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect).

Usually it was the revenue official of the state who was the object of their ire. Second, in a large number of agrarian uprisings which erupted in north India in the seventeenth century, zamindars often received the support of the peasantry in their struggle against the state.

Hence, Option a is correct.

Source: Themes in Indian History Part 2

Solution: d

Justification:

The Mughal state tried to first acquire specific information about the extent of the agricultural lands in the empire and what these lands produced before fixing the burden of taxes on people. The land revenue arrangements consisted of two stages – first, assessment and then actual collection.

The jama was the amount assessed, as opposed to hasil, the amount collected. In his list of duties of the amil-guzar or revenue collector, Akbar decreed that while he should strive to make cultivators pay in cash, the option of payment in kind was also to be kept open. While fixing revenue, the attempt of the state was to maximize its claims. The scope of actually realizing these claims was, however, sometimes thwarted by local conditions.

(Hence statement 1 is correct).

Amin was an official responsible for ensuring that imperial regulations were carried out in the provinces. (Hence statement 2 is correct).

Classification of lands under Akbar

Hence, Option d is correct.

Source: Themes in Indian History Part 2

Solution: d

Justification:

An interesting book giving us a glimpse into the domestic world of the Mughals is the Humayun Nama written by Gulbadan Begum.  (Hence statement 1 is incorrect). Gulbadan was the daughter of Babur, Humayun’s sister and Akbar’s aunt. Gulbadan could write fluently in Turkish and Persian. When Akbar commissioned Abu’l Fazl to write a history of his reign, he requested his aunt to record her memoirs of earlier times under Babur and Humayun, for Abu’l Fazl to draw upon.

What Gulbadan wrote was no eulogy of the Mughal emperors.Rather she described in great detail the conflicts and tensions among the princes and kings and the important mediating role elderly women of the family played in resolving some of these conflicts. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect).

Hence, Option d is correct.

Source: Themes in Indian History Part 2

Solution: b

Justification:

Construction of stupas and viharas as part of monastic establishments became part of the Buddhist tradition. However, in this period, apart from stupas and viharas, stone pillars, rock-cut caves and monumental figure sculptures were carved at several places. The tradition of constructing pillars is very old and it may be observed that erection of pillars was prevalent in the Achamenian Empire as well. But the Mauryan pillars are different from the Achamenian pillars.

Maurya columns and Achaemenian pillars, both used polished stones. Both have certain common sculpture motifs such as the lotus. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect).

The Mauryan pillars are rock-cut pillars thus displaying the carver’s skills, whereas the Achamenian pillars are constructed in pieces by a mason. (Hence statement 2 is correct).

The Achaemenid pillars were generally part of some larger architectural scheme, composed of much too many component parts looking complex and complicated. While the Ashokan columns were intended to produce the effect of an independent freestanding monument with simpler specimen, more harmonious in conception and execution and gives the feeling of greater stability, dignity and strength. (Hence statement 3 is correct).

Stone pillars were erected all over the Mauryan Empire with inscriptions engraved on them. The top portion of the pillar was carved with capital figures like the bull, the lion, the elephant, etc.

Hence, Option b is correct

Source: An introduction to Indian Art part 1 Class 11.

Solution: c

Justification:

During the early phase of Buddhism, Buddha is depicted symbolically through footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra, etc. This indicates either simple worship, or paying respect, or at times depicts historisisation of life events. (Hence statement 2 is correct).

Gradually narrative became a part of the Buddhist tradition. Thus events from the life of the Buddha, the Jataka stories, were depicted on the railings and torans of the stupas. Mainly synoptic narrative, continuous narrative and episodic narrative are used in the pictorial tradition. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect).

While events from the life of the Buddha became an important theme in all the Buddhist monuments, the Jataka stories also became equally important for sculptural decorations. The main events associated with the Buddha’s life which were frequently depicted were events related to the birth, renunciation, enlightenment, dhammachakrapravartana, and mahaparinibbana (death). Among the Jataka stories that are frequently depicted are Chhadanta Jataka, Vidurpundita Jataka, Ruru Jataka, Sibi Jataka, Vessantara Jataka and Shama Jataka.

Hence option b is correct.

Source: An introduction to Indian Art part 1 Class 11

Solution: d

Justification:

While construction of stupas continued, Brahmanical temples and images of gods also started getting constructed. Often temples were decorated with the images of gods. Myths mentioned in the Puranas became part of narrative representation of the Brahmanical religion. Each temple had a principal image of a god. The shrines of the temples were of three kinds—(i) sandhara type (without pradikshinapatha), (ii) nirandhara type (with pradakshinapatha), and (iii) sarvatobhadra (which can be accessed from all sides).

Hence,Option d is correct.

Source:  An introduction to Indian Art part 1, Class 11

Solution: c

Justification:

Assam: An old sixth-century sculpted door frame from DaParvatia near Tezpur and another few stray sculptures from Rangagora Tea Estate near Tinsukia in Assam bear witness to the import of the Gupta idiom in that region. This post-Gupta style continued in the region well into the tenth century. However, by the twelfth to fourteenth centuries, a distinct regional style developed in Assam. The style that came with the migration of the Tais from Upper Burma mixed with the dominant Pala style of Bengal and led to the creation of what was later known as the Ahom style in and around Guwahati. Kamakhya temple, a Shakti Peeth, is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya and was built in the seventeenth century. Shaktism adopted magic rituals from tantricism

Hence all statements are correct.

Hence, Option c is correct

Source: An introduction to Indian Art part 1 Class 11

Solution: a

Justification:

Bengal: The style of the sculptures during the period between the ninth and eleventh centuries in Bengal (including Bangladesh) and Bihar is known as the Pala style, named after the ruling dynasty at the time, while the style of those of the mid-eleventh to mid-thirteenth centuries is named after the Sena kings. While the Palas are celebrated as patrons of many Buddhist monastic sites, the temples from that region are known to express the local Vanga style. The ninth century Siddheshvara Mahadeva temple in Barakar in Burdwan District, for example, shows a tall curving shikhara crowned by a large amalaka and is an example of the early Pala style. It is similar to contemporaneous temples of Odisha. This basic form grows loftier with the passing of centuries. Many of the temples from the ninth to the twelfth century were located at Telkupi in Purulia District. They were submerged when dams were built in the region. These were amongst the important examples of architectural styles prevalent in the region which showed an awareness of all the known nagara sub-types that were prevalent in the rest of North India. However, several temples still survive in Purulia

District which can be dated to this period. The black to grey basalt and chlorite stone pillars and arched niches of these temples heavily influenced the earliest Bengal sultanate buildings at Gaur and Pandua. Many local vernacular building traditions of Bengal also influenced the style of temples in that region. Most prominent of these was the shape of the curving or sloping side of the bamboo roof of a Bengali hut. This feature was eventually even adopted in Mughal buildings, and is known across North India as the Bangla roof.

Hence, option a is correct.

Source: An introduction to Indian Art part 1 Class 11

Solution: c

Justification:

Limited territorial spread was one factor; there was no all-India veneer about the revolt. The eastern, southern and western parts of India remained more or less unaffected. Certain classes and groups did not join and, in fact, worked against the revolt. Big zamindars acted as “breakwaters to storm”; even Awadh tahasildars backed off once promises The Indian soldiers were poorly equipped materially, fighting generally with swords and spears and very few guns and muskets. On the other hand, the European soldiers were equipped with the latest weapons of war like the Enfield rifle. The electric telegraph kept the commander-in-chief informed about the movements and strategy of the rebels. The mutineers lacked a clear understanding of colonial rule; nor did they have a forward looking programme, a coherent ideology, a political perspective or a societal alternative. The rebels represented diverse elements with differing grievances and concepts of current politics. During the entire revolt, there was complete cooperation between Hindus and Muslims at all levels—people, soldiers, slaughter was ordered once the revolt was successful in a particular area Both Hindus and Muslims were well represented in leadership, for instance Nana Saheb had Azimullah, a Muslim and an expert in politicalpropaganda, as an aide, while Laxmibai had the solid support of Afghan soldiers.

Hence, option c is correct

Source: Spectrum Modern India

Solution: b

Justification:

A real breakthrough was made by Bhagat Singh and his comrades in terms of the revolutionary ideology, forms of revolutionary struggle and the goals of revolution. The rethinking had begun in the mid-1920s. The Founding Council of HRA had decided to preach revolutionary and communist principles, and the HRA Manifesto (1925) declared that the “HRA stood for abolition of all systems which made exploitation of man by man possible”. HRA’s main organ Revolutionary had proposed nationalization of railways and other means of transport and of heavy industries such as ship building and steel. HRA had also decided to start labor and peasant organizations and work for an organized and armed revolution”. During their last days (late 1920s). These revolutionaries had started moving away from individual heroic action and terrorism towards mass politics.

Even before his arrest, Bhagat Singh had moved away from belief in terrorism and individual heroic action to Marxism and the belief that a popular broad-based movement alone could lead to a successful revolution. In other words, revolution could only be “by the masses, for the masses”. And leads to abolition of capitalism and class domination. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect and statement 1 is correct).

Bhagat was fully and consciously secular—two of the six rules drafted by Bhagat for the Punjab Naujawan Bharat Sabha were that its members would have nothing to do with communal bodies and that they would propagate a general feeling of tolerance among people, considering religion to be a matter of personal belief. (Hence statement 2 is correct).

Hence, option b is correct.

Source: Spectrum Modern India

Solution: a

Justification:

The Reforms:

The number of elected members in the Imperial Legislative Council and the Provincial Legislative Councils was increased. In the Provincial Councils, non-official majority was introduced, but since some of these non-officials were nominated and not elected, the overall non-elected majority remained. In the Imperial Legislative Council, of the total 68 members, 36 were to be the officials and of the 32 non-officials, 5 were to be nominated. Of the 27 elected non-officials, 8 seats were reserved for the Muslims under separate electorates (only Muslims could vote here for the Muslim candidates), while 6 seats were, reserved for the British capitalists, 2 for the landlords and 13 seats came under general electorate. The elected members were to be indirectly elected. The local bodies were to elect an electoral college, which in turn would elect members of provincial legislatures, who in turn would elect members of the central legislature.

Besides separate electorates for the Muslims, representation in excess of the strength of their population was accorded to the Muslims. Also, the income qualification for Muslim voters was kept lower than that for Hindus. Powers of legislatures both at the centre and in provinces were enlarged and the legislatures could now pass resolutions (which may not be accepted), ask questions and supplementary, vote separate items in the budget but the budget as a whole could not be voted upon.

One Indian was to be appointed to the viceroy’s executive council. (Hence statement 1 is correct).

Satyendra Sinha was the first to be appointed in 1909. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect).

Hence, option a is correct.

Source: Spectrum Modern India

Solution: c

Justification:

Champaran Satyagraha (1917)—First Civil Disobedience

Gandhi was requested by Rajkumar Shukla to look into the problems of the indigo planters, of Champaran in Bihar. The European planters had been forcing peasants to grow indigo on 3/20 of the total land (called tinkathia system). (Hence statement 1 is correct).

When towards the end of the nineteenth century German synthetic dyes replaced indigo, the European planters demanded high rents and illegal dues from the peasants in order to maximise their profits before the peasants could shift to other crops. Besides, the peasants were forced to sell the produce at prices fixed by the Europeans.

(Hence statement 2 and statement 3 are correct).

Hence, option c is correct.

Source: Spectrum Modern India

Solution: c

Justification:

After Gandhi’s arrest (March 1922), there was disintegration, disorganisation and demoralisation among nationalist ranks. A debate started among Congressmen on what to do during the transition period, i.e., the passive phase of the movement. One section led by C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru and Ajmal Those advocating entry into legislative councils came to be known as the Swarajists, while the other school of thought led by Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad, C. Rajagopalachari and M.A. Ansari came to be known as the ‘No-changers’. The ‘No-changers’ opposed council entry, advocated, concentration on constructive work, and continuation of boycott and noncooperation, and quiet preparation for resumption of the suspended civil disobedience programme.

Hence, option c is correct

Source: Spectrum Modern India

Solution: a

Justification:

All India Women’s conference was established in 1927 under the leadership of Margaret Cousins

(Hence statement 1 is NOT correct).

Annie Beasant was the first woman president of INC.

(Hence statement 2 is NOT correct)

Tarabai Shinde wrote the book Stripurushtulna.

(Hence statement 3 is NOT correct)

Hence option a is correct.

Source: Spectrum Modern India

Solution: a

Justification:

Alauddin Khalji maintained a large permanent standing army and paid them in cash from the royal treasury. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect).

He introduced the system of dagh (branding of horses) and prepared huliya (descriptive list of soldiers). In order to ensure maximum efficiency, a strict review of army from time to time was carried out. (Hence statement 2 is correct).

The introduction of paying salaries in cash to the soldiers led to price regulations popularly called as Market Reforms.

Hence, Option a is correct.

Source: Tamilnadu Class 11 text book.

Solution: d

Justification:

Diwani Rasalat was the department of religious affairs. It was headed by chief Sadr. Grants were made by this department for the construction and maintenance of mosques, tombs and madrasas. The head of the judicial department was the chief Qazi. Other judges or qazis were appointed in various parts of the Sultanate. Muslim personal law or sharia was followed in civil matters. The Hindus were governed by their own personal law and their cases were dispensed by the village panchayats. The criminal law was based on the rules and regulations made by the Sultans.

The department of correspondence was called Diwani Insha. All the correspondence between the ruler and the officials was dealt with by this department.

Hence,  both the statements are incorrect and answer is Option d.

Source:  Tamil Nadu Class 11

Solution: d

Justification:

New musical instruments such as sarangi and rabab were introduced during this period. Amir Khusrau introduced many new ragas such as ghora and sanam.  (Hence statement 1 is correct).

He evolved a new style of light music known as qwalis by blending the Hindu and Iranian systems. The invention of sitar was also attributed to him.

The Indian classical work Ragadarpan was translated into Persian during the reign of Firoz Tughlaq. Pir Bhodan, a Sufi saint was one of the great musicians of this period. Raja Man Singh of Gwalior was a great lover of music. He encouraged the composition of a great musical work called Man Kautuhal.

Amir Khusrau (1252-1325) was the famous Persian writer ofthis period. He wrote a number of poems. He experimented with several poetical forms and created a new style of Persian poetry called Sabaqi- Hind or the Indian style. (Hence statement 2 is correct).

He also wrote some Hindi verses. Amir Khusrau’s Khazain-ul-Futuh speaks about Alauddin’s conquests. His famous work Tughlaq Nama deals with the rise of Ghyiasuddin Tughlaq. (Hence statement 3 is correct).

Hence, option d is correct.

Source: Tamil Nadu Class 11

Solution: a

Justification:

Sher Shah remained a pious Muslim and generally tolerant towards other religions. He employed Hindus in important offices. He was also a patron of art and architecture. He built a new city on the banks of the river Yamuna near Delhi. Now the old fort called Purana Qila and its mosque is alone surviving. He also built a Mausoleum at Sasaram, which is considered as one of the master pieces of Indian architecture. Sher Shah also patronized the learned men. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect).

Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote the famous Hindi work Padmavat during his reign. (Hence statement 2 is correct).

Source: Tamil Nadu History Class 11

Solution: a

Justification:

The highest 4 digit number can be formed by arranging the numbers in decreasing order. So, the highest number is 5321.

The lowest 4 digit number can be formed by arranging the numbers in increasing order. So, the lowest number is 1235.

Maximum possible difference = 5321 – 1235 = 4086

Solution: c

Justification:

Let the number of correct answers be ‘c’.

Let the number of wrong answers be ‘w’.

Thus, c + w = 30                        ……..Eq1

Also, 3c – 2w = 40                     ……..Eq2

By 2 × Eq1 + Eq2, we get

5c = 100

c = 20

The number of questions solved correctly is 20.

Solution: b

Justification:

We have to divide the number of trees into number of rows. So, we have to find HCF of the given numbers.

Hence, the HCF of 36, 144 and 234 = 18

Therefore, there will be 18 trees in a row.

The number of rows = (36 + 144 + 234)/18 = 23.

Solution: d

Justification:

Old average = 28

Old total = 28 × 6 = 168

New average = 28 – 1 = 27

New total = 27 × 6 = 162

Change in the total = 168 – 162 = 6

We can’t find the age of individual servant.

Hence, the answer can’t be determined.

Solution: b

Justification:

Let the number of 20 paise, 50 paise, and Rs.1 be 7x, 8x and 5x respectively.

Amount yielded by 20paise = 7x × 20 paise = 140x paise.

Amount yielded by Rs.1 = 5x × 100 paise = 500x paise.

Difference between the amounts = 500x – 140x = 360x paise

Also, 360x paise = 1800 paise

x = 5

Hence, number of 50ps coins = 8 × 5 = 40.