APPSC Group-I Prelims 2023

304 questions from the 2023 papers, each with the official answer and an explanation.

A question repeated across years is listed once, under one of the years it appeared.

1. Q1Prehistory, the Harappan Civilisation and archaeological finds

   During the Indus Valley Civilization, the beads manufacturing industry was located at

   • aDholavira
   • bSuktagendor
   • cChanhudaroAnswer
   • dDaimabad
   ›Explanation

   Option C is correct because Chanhudaro was a dedicated industrial settlement exclusively devoted to craft production, notably housing a well-equipped bead-making factory with specialized kilns and lapidary tools. Option A: Dholavira is renowned for its urban planning, stone architecture, and sophisticated water management systems rather than dedicated bead mass production. Option B: Suktagendor was primarily a fortified coastal trading outpost near the Makran coast, not an industrial bead-making workshop. Option D: Daimabad is the southernmost Harappan site, distinguished predominantly for its bronze sculptures rather than a bead manufacturing industry.

2. Q2Vedic Age and the Mahajanapadas

   Select the correct statements about religious beliefs of the Rig Vedic Period: (i) Dyus was a celestial God of the Rig Vedic Aryans similar to Jupiter of the Greeks. (ii) Prithvi was considered as the mother of all Gods. (iii) Agni was worshipped as the intermediary of taking the offerings to the deities. (iv) Cow sacrifice was also the part of worship.

   • aI, II and III only
   • bII, III and IV only
   • cI, III and IV onlyAnswer
   • dI, II and IV only
   ›Explanation

   Option C is correct because statements (i), (iii), and (iv) accurately reflect Rigvedic religion, where Dyaus was the sky god comparable to Greek Zeus/Jupiter, Agni served as the messenger connecting humans to gods through offerings, and animal sacrifices including cattle were occasionally performed, while Aditi (not Prithvi) was revered as the mother of the gods. Option A: Incorrectly includes statement (ii) which wrongly names Prithvi as the mother of all gods instead of Aditi, and omits the correct statement (iv). Option B: Includes the incorrect statement (ii) regarding Prithvi and omits the valid comparative statement (i). Option D: Also includes the incorrect statement (ii) while omitting the foundational role of Agni described in statement (iii).

3. Q3Vedic Age and the Mahajanapadas

   Match the following schools of philosophies with their theories : a. Sankhya I. Predetermined fate theory b. Vaisheshika II. World was formed by the blending of nature c. Lokayata III. Considered Atom as basis of the world d. Ajivika IV. Advocated materialistic ideology Choose the correct answer using the codes given below :

   • aII IV I III
   • bII III IV IAnswer
   • cIV III II I
   • dIII I IV II
   ›Explanation

   Option B is correct because it correctly pairs each school of Indian philosophy with its defining doctrine. Sankhya: World was formed by the blending of nature Vaisheshika: Considered Atom as basis of the world Lokayata: Advocated materialistic ideology Ajivika: Predetermined fate theory Option A: Lokayata is incorrectly matched with predetermined fate and Ajivika with atomism. Option C: Sankhya is incorrectly matched with materialism and Lokayata with nature blending. Option D: Sankhya is incorrectly matched with atomism and Vaisheshika with predetermined fate.

4. Q4The Mauryan Empire

   Kautilya categorizes the Governments and Heads of Departments into 18 tirthas. Amongst these “Dandapala” is the

   • aMagistrate
   • bChief Council of Ministries
   • cOfficer of the Army DepartmentAnswer
   • dGuardian of the Forts
   ›Explanation

   Option C is correct because among the 18 Tirthas mentioned in the Arthashastra, the Dandapala was the high-ranking official in charge of the army department, specifically managing military discipline, staff, or resources alongside the Senapati. Option A: The magistrate or criminal judge was designated as the Pradeshta. Option B: The Chief of the Council of Ministers was the Mantriparishadadhyaksha. Option C is verified as the official linked with the army department. Option D: The guardian or superintendent of forts was designated as the Durgapala.

5. Q5The Mauryan Empire

   Select the correct statements regarding the inscriptions of Ashoka : I. They are in Brahmi, Kharosthi, Greek and Aramaic scripts. II. The Monarch's name was mentioned as Ashoka only in Maski and Gurjara inscriptions. III. The XIII Rock edict mentioned the names of the five Greek Rulers as his contemporaries. IV. The IV and V edicts mentioned the war of succession with his brothers.

   • aI, II and III onlyAnswer
   • bII, III and IV only
   • cI, III and IV only
   • dI, II and IV only
   ›Explanation

   Option A is correct because statements I, II, and III are historically accurate facts concerning Ashokan epigraphs and their contents. Ashokan edicts use Brahmi, Kharosthi, Greek, and Aramaic scripts across various regions. Major Rock Edict XIII explicitly names five contemporary Hellenistic rulers: Antiochus II, Ptolemy II, Antigonus Gonatas, Magas of Cyrene, and Alexander. Major Rock Edicts IV and V discuss Dhamma propagation and Dhamma Mahamattas, not a fratricidal war of succession. Option B: Includes statement IV, which incorrectly claims Edicts IV and V mention a war of succession. Option C: Includes statement IV and misses statement II. Option D: Includes statement IV, which is false.

6. Q6Post-Mauryan India and the foreign invasions

   Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela gave the details of irrigation facilities provided in the Kalinga Region by

   • aMahapadmanandaAnswer
   • bBimbisara
   • cAjatasatru
   • dAshoka
   ›Explanation

   Option A is correct because the Hathigumpha inscription of King Kharavela mentions that King Nanda (identified with Mahapadmananda) excavated a canal in Kalinga around three centuries before Kharavela's reign, which Kharavela then extended into his capital. Option B: Bimbisara ruled the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha and had no territorial control or canal projects in Kalinga. Option C: Ajatasatru expanded Magadhan influence across northern India, but Kalinga remained independent during his reign. Option D: Ashoka conquered Kalinga in the bloody Kalinga War, but the Hathigumpha inscription explicitly credits the canal's initial construction to Nandaraja.

7. Q7Post-Mauryan India and the foreign invasions

   The account of Greek (Yavana) invasion during the reign of Pushyamitra Sunga is available in : I. Gargi – Samhita II. Patanjali – Mahabhashya III. Kalidasa – Malavikagnimitra IV. Visakhadatta – Mudrarakshasa Choose the correct answer using the codes given below :

   • aI, II and IIIAnswer
   • bII, III and IV
   • cI, III and IV
   • dI, II and IV
   ›Explanation

   Option A is correct because the Gargi Samhita, Patanjali's Mahabhashya, and Kalidasa's Malavikagnimitra all document the Greek incursions into northern India during Pushyamitra Sunga's period, whereas Mudrarakshasa deals with the rise of Chandragupta Maurya. Option B: Includes IV, but Mudrarakshasa does not describe the Sunga-era Greek invasion. Option C: Omits II, despite Patanjali's Mahabhashya providing contemporary grammatical examples of Yavanas besieging Saketa and Madhyamika. Option D: Includes IV, which relates exclusively to Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya overthrowing the Nanda dynasty.

8. Q8Post-Mauryan India and the foreign invasions

   In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka. which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located ?

   • aAndhraAnswer
   • bGandhara
   • cKalinga
   • dMagadha
   ›Explanation

   Option A is correct because Dhanyakataka, located at modern Dharanikota near Amaravati on the banks of the Krishna River in Andhra, was a major capital and thriving centre of the Mahasanghika school of Buddhism under the Satavahanas. Option B: Gandhara was located in the north-western region around modern Peshawar and Taxila, not in peninsular India. Option C: Kalinga corresponded to modern coastal Odisha, north of the Krishna-Godavari valley where Dhanyakataka was situated. Option D: Magadha lay in southern Bihar around Rajagriha and Pataliputra, far to the north of the Andhra Buddhist sites.

9. Q9Gupta and post-Gupta India

   Which of the following was not the feature of the Guilds during the Gupta Period ?

   • aMinted Coins
   • bNon Autonomous BodiesAnswer
   • cMaintained Armed Bodies
   • dWorked as Bankers
   ›Explanation

   Option B is correct because guilds (shrenis) in the Gupta era were highly autonomous corporations possessing their own customary laws, executive officers, and judicial mechanisms, rather than non-autonomous bodies. Option A: Guilds exercised quasi-sovereign economic functions, including minting their own seals and localized coins or tokens. Option C: Guilds maintained their own private security forces and armed contingents called shrenibala. Option D: Guilds functioned as banks by receiving permanent endowments, accepting public deposits, and lending money on interest.

10. Q10Gupta and post-Gupta India

    Match the following books with their authors: a. Prajnaparamita I. Acharya Kundakunda b. Samayasara II. Sarvavarma c. Lilavati Parinayam III. Acharya Nagarjuna d. KatantraVyakaranam IV. Kuthuhala Choose the correct answer using the codes given below: a b c d

    • aIII I II IV
    • bI III IV II
    • cIII I IV IIAnswer
    • dI II III IV
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because it accurately pairs each ancient text with its respective author. Prajnaparamita: Acharya Nagarjuna Samayasara: Acharya Kundakunda Lilavati Parinayam: Kuthuhala KatantraVyakaranam: Sarvavarma Option A: incorrectly matches Prajnaparamita to Nagarjuna but pairs Lilavati Parinayam with Sarvavarma and KatantraVyakaranam with Kuthuhala. Option B: incorrectly matches Prajnaparamita with Kundakunda and Samayasara with Nagarjuna. Option D: incorrectly pairs Prajnaparamita with Kundakunda and Samayasara with Sarvavarma.

11. Q11Gupta and post-Gupta India

    With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs : Literary work Author a. Deuichandragupta : Bilhana b. Hammira-Mahakavya : Nayachandra Suri c. Milinda-panha : Nagarjuna d. Nitivakyamrita : Somadeva Suri How many of the above pairs are correctly matched ?

    • aOnly a
    • bOnly b
    • cOnly cAnswer
    • dAll of the above

    Explanation coming soon.

12. Q12Gupta and post-Gupta India

    Choose the correct statement regarding Nalanda University at the time of Harshavardana :

    • aHarshavardana donated 10,000 villages to the university.
    • bThe number of teachers in the university were 15,000.
    • cSilabhadra was the Chancellor of the university.Answer
    • dThe medium of instruction was Pali.
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because Acharya Silabhadra, a renowned Buddhist scholar, was the head and Chancellor of Nalanda University when Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang visited during Harshavardhana's reign. Option A: Harshavardhana granted the revenues of about 100 to 200 villages to maintain the university, not 10,000 villages. Option B: The university accommodated around 1,500 teachers alongside roughly 10,000 students, not 15,000 teachers. Option D: The medium of instruction and scholarly discourse at Nalanda was Sanskrit, not Pali.

13. Q13Early medieval South Indian dynasties

    Arrange the following temples of Ellora in chronological order according to their time of construction : I. Ravan ki Khai II. Kailasanatha III. Dashavatara IV. Dumar Lena Choose the correct answer using the codes given below :

    • aII, IV, III, I
    • bI, III, IV, II
    • cIII, I, IV, IIAnswer
    • dIII, IV, II, I

    Official answer shown. The explanation is under review.

14. Q14Early medieval South Indian dynasties

    Match the following terms with their meaning related to village administration of the Cholas: a. Variyam I. Ward b. Kudumba II. Lottery system c. Kudavolai III. Member of the village assembly d. Perumakkal IV. Committee system Choose the correct answer using the codes given below: a b c d

    • aIV I III II
    • bII III I IV
    • cIV I II IIIAnswer
    • dI IV III II
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because the Chola village administration terms directly correspond to Variyam as committee system (IV), Kudumba as ward (I), Kudavolai as lottery system (II), and Perumakkal as members of the village assembly or committee (III). Variyam: Committee system Kudumba: Ward Kudavolai: Pot-ticket or lottery system Perumakkal: Members of the village assembly Option A: Misidentifies Kudavolai as the member and Perumakkal as the lottery system. Option B: Reverses the entire set of pairings, associating Variyam with the lottery system. Option D: Inaccurately assigns Variyam to ward and Kudumba to committee system.

15. Q15Early medieval South Indian dynasties

    Consider the following dynasties: a. Hoysala b. Gahadavala c. Kakatiya d. Yadava How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD ?

    • aOnly a
    • bOnly b
    • cOnly cAnswer
    • dAll of the above

    Explanation coming soon.

16. Q16Early medieval South Indian dynasties

    Which of the following highways existed during the rule of Kakatiyas ? I. Orugallu – Tripuranthakam – Nellore II. Dwarasamudra – Ballari – Orugallu III. Motupalli – Tripuranthakam – Ballari IV. Palnadu – Nalgonda – Nekarikallu – Orugallu Choose the correct answer using the codes given below :

    • aI and II only
    • bII and III only
    • cIII and IV onlyAnswer
    • dI and IV only
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because medieval trade and military movements in the Kakatiya kingdom linked the royal capital Orugallu with Nellore via Tripuranthakam, and connected Dwarasamudra to Orugallu via Ballari. Option B: Statement III describes a misaligned interior segment rather than the primary trunk route connecting Orugallu. Option C: Statement IV lists a faulty and disrupted alignment of local stations rather than a recognised highway corridor. Option D: Statement IV is historically incorrect, which invalidates this pair.

17. Q17The Delhi Sultanate

    Match the following authors with their works : a. Al-Biruni I. Tariqh-i-Firoz Shahi b. Minhaj-us-Siraj II. Tahqiq-i-Hind c. Ziauddin Barani III. The Rihla d. Ibn Battuta IV. Tabaqat-i-Nasiri Choose the correct answer using the codes given below :

    • aII IV I IIIAnswer
    • bIV II I III
    • cII IV III I
    • dIII I IV II
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because each medieval author is accurately paired with his historical text. Al-Biruni wrote Tahqiq-i-Hind Minhaj-us-Siraj wrote Tabaqat-i-Nasiri Ziauddin Barani wrote Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi Ibn Battuta wrote The Rihla Option B: It swaps the works of Al-Biruni and Minhaj-us-Siraj. Option C: It misattributes the works of Ziauddin Barani and Ibn Battuta. Option D: It incorrectly assigns The Rihla to Al-Biruni and Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi to Minhaj-us-Siraj.

18. Q18The Delhi Sultanate

    Match the following travellers with their countries of origin: A. Al-Biruni I. Afghanistan B. Ibn Battuta II. Turkey C. Mahmud Wali Balkhi III. Morocco D. seydi Ali Reis IV. Uzbekistan A B C D

    • aIV III I IIAnswer
    • bIII IV II I
    • cIII IV I II
    • dIV II I III
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because each traveler is accurately paired with their historical place of origin or nationality. Al-Biruni: Khwarizm in modern Uzbekistan Ibn Battuta: Tangier in Morocco Mahmud Wali Balkhi: Balkh in northern Afghanistan Seydi Ali Reis: Ottoman naval commander from modern Turkey Option B: It mistakenly attributes Morocco to Al-Biruni and Uzbekistan to Ibn Battuta. Option C: It reverses the places of origin for Al-Biruni and Ibn Battuta while mismatching the others. Option D: It incorrectly identifies Ibn Battuta as Turkish and Seydi Ali Reis as Moroccan.

19. Q19The Delhi Sultanate

    The longest Trunk Road constructed by Sher shah which still exists is

    • aAgra to Burhanpur
    • bIndus to SonargaonAnswer
    • cAgra to Chittor
    • dLahore to Multan
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because the longest highway built by Sher Shah Suri, known originally as Sadak-e-Azam, ran across northern India from Sonargaon in Bengal to the river Indus in the north-west. Eastern terminus: Sonargaon in Bengal Western terminus: River Indus in the Punjab Length: approximately 1500 kos or over 2500 kilometres Option A: Agra to Burhanpur was a north-south arterial link serving the Deccan frontier, much shorter than the main highway. Option C: Agra to Chittor was a western military and trade route, not his longest. Option D: Lahore to Multan was a provincial branch connecting western garrisons, spanning a far shorter distance.

20. Q20The Delhi Sultanate

    Match the following taxes: Name Tax a. Navidadere I. Tax on Marriage b. Melivamsam II. Tax on Barbers c. Manevana III. Tax on Ploughs d. Tudimeya IV. Tax on Houses Choose the correct answer. Using the codes given below: a b c d

    • aII III IV IAnswer
    • bII IV III I
    • cI III IV II
    • dIV II I III
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because the terms derived from Kannada and Telugu administration denote specific occupational and property levies matched accurately in this sequence. Navidadere: Tax on Barbers Melivamsam: Tax on Ploughs Manevana: Tax on Houses Tudimeya: Tax on Marriage Option B: Manevana is a house tax, not a plough tax, which mismatches the entries. Option C: Navidadere specifically relates to barbers rather than marriage levies. Option D: Tudimeya relates to marriage customs, not ploughs, reversing the correct pairings.

21. Q21Vijayanagara and the Deccan Sultanates

    Choose the incorrect pair regarding the foreign chronicles of the Vijayanagara Period :

    • aAbdur Razzaq- Described the conditions during the reign of Devaraya II
    • bDomingo Paes- Described the rules of Krishna Devaraya
    • cCaesar Frederick- Wrote about the conditions of Vijayanagara after the battle of Rakshasa Tangadi
    • dNikitin- Visited during the reign of Achyuta DevarayaAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because Afanasy Nikitin was a Russian merchant who visited the Deccan in the 1470s during the Bahmani Sultanate and the reign of Virupaksha Raya II, not during the reign of Achyuta Devaraya. Option A: Abdur Razzaq visited Vijayanagara in the 1440s and accurately recorded the administration and wealth of Devaraya II. Option B: Domingo Paes visited Vijayanagara around 1520 and left vivid accounts of the reign of Sri Krishnadevaraya. Option C: Caesar Frederick visited the ruined city in 1567, shortly after the Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi, and documented its condition.

22. Q22Vijayanagara and the Deccan Sultanates

    The vijayanagara ruler who permitted Jesuits to build churches at Nellore and Chandragiri was

    • aDevaraya II
    • bVenkatapati Raya IIAnswer
    • cThirumala Raya I
    • dSadasiva Raya II
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because Venkatapati Raya II, ruling from Chandragiri, maintained friendly diplomatic relations with the Portuguese and granted permission to Jesuit fathers to establish missions and construct churches. Option A: Devaraya II ruled well before the arrival of Jesuit missionaries in southern India. Option C: Thirumala Raya I was occupied with shifting the ruined capital after the Battle of Talikota and did not issue these Jesuit charters. Option D: Sadasiva Raya II was a titular monarch under the control of Aliya Rama Raya before Jesuit expansion into the interior.

23. Q23Vijayanagara and the Deccan Sultanates

    In the Vijayanagara history which dynasty came to the throne after the "First usurpation"?

    • aTuluva
    • bSaluvaAnswer
    • cAravidu
    • dSangama
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because the First Usurpation of 1485 occurred when Saluva Narasimha overthrew the weak Sangama ruler Praudha Raya to establish the Saluva dynasty. Sangama dynasty: 1336 to 1485 First Usurpation: 1485, led by Saluva Narasimha Saluva dynasty: 1485 to 1505 Second Usurpation: 1505, led by Vira Narasimha Tuluva Tuluva dynasty: 1505 to 1570 Aravidu dynasty: 1570 onwards Option A: The Tuluva dynasty came to power after the Second Usurpation in 1505, not the first. Option C: The Aravidu dynasty came to power after the Battle of Talikota in 1570, long after the first usurpation. Option D: The Sangama dynasty was the reigning house that was displaced by the First Usurpation.

24. Q24Vijayanagara and the Deccan Sultanates

    Choose the incorrect pair in the following.

    • aFernao Nuniz - Achyutha Devaraya
    • bAbdul Razzak - Devaraya II
    • cCaesar Frederick - Venkatapathiraya IIAnswer
    • dDomingo Paes - Krishna Deva Raya
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because Caesar Frederick visited Vijayanagara in 1567 shortly after the Battle of Talikota, during the time of Tirumala Raya and Sadasiva Raya, not during the later reign of Venkatapathiraya II. Nicolo Conti: Devaraya I Abdul Razzak: Devaraya II Domingo Paes: Krishna Deva Raya Fernao Nuniz: Achyutha Devaraya Caesar Frederick: Tirumala Raya / Post-Talikota era Option A: Fernao Nuniz - Achyutha Devaraya is a historically correct pairing because Nuniz spent several years at his court. Option B: Abdul Razzak - Devaraya II is a historically correct pairing as the Persian envoy visited his court in 1443. Option D: Domingo Paes - Krishna Deva Raya is a historically correct pairing because Paes visited Vijayanagara around 1520.

25. Q25Vijayanagara and the Deccan Sultanates

    Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large “Dam across Tungabhadra River and "a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city ?

    • aDevaraya IAnswer
    • bMallikarjuna
    • cVira Vijaya
    • dVirupaksha
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because Devaraya I built a large barrage across the Tungabhadra River and an aqueduct-cum-canal several kilometres long to lead water directly into the capital city, as recorded by the Italian traveler Nicolo Conti. Option B: Mallikarjuna ruled much later in the Sangama dynasty and was not associated with major irrigation engineering at the capital. Option C: Vira Vijaya had a very brief and uneventful reign without major infrastructure works. Option D: Virupaksha was the last weak ruler of the Sangama dynasty, noted for political instability rather than river engineering.

26. Q26The Mughal Empire

    Which of the following incidents took place during the reign of Jahangir ? I. The fifth Sikh Guru, Arjan Dev was sentenced to death II. Victroy over Rajputs of Mewar III. Annexation of Kabul and Kandahar IV. Arrival of English East India Company to India Choose the correct answer using the codes given below :

    • aI, II and III only
    • bII, III and IV only
    • cI, III and IV only
    • dI, II and IV onlyAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because Guru Arjan Dev was executed in 1606 under Jahangir's orders, Mewar accepted Mughal suzerainty under Rana Amar Singh in 1615, and Captain William Hawkins arrived in 1608 as an envoy of the English East India Company. In contrast, Jahangir lost Kandahar to Safavid Persia in 1622 rather than annexing it. Execution of Guru Arjan Dev: 1606 Mewar treaty of submission: 1615 Loss of Kandahar to Shah Abbas I: 1622 Arrival of William Hawkins: 1608 Option A: includes statement III, which is incorrect because Kandahar was lost to the Persians, not annexed, during Jahangir's reign. Option B: omits statement I, which genuinely occurred under Jahangir in 1606, and includes incorrect statement III. Option C: includes statement III, which falsely states that Kandahar was annexed under Jahangir.

27. Q27The Mughal Empire

    Match the following revenue officials during the reign of Akbar with their duties : a. Amalguzar I. Kept records of the revenue payable by the villages b. Karkuns II. Revenue Collector in-charge of a District c. Qanungo III. Accountant d. Bitikchi IV. Prepared the seasonal crop statistics Choose the correct answer using the codes given below : a b c d II IV I III

    • aII IV I IIIAnswer
    • bII IV III I
    • cIV II I III
    • dIII I IV II
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because the Amalguzar was the head revenue collector of a district (sarkar), Karkuns prepared the seasonal crop statistics, Qanungo maintained hereditary land and village revenue records, and Bitikchi served as the writer and accountant. Amalguzar: Revenue Collector in-charge of a District (II) Karkuns: Prepared the seasonal crop statistics (IV) Qanungo: Kept records of the revenue payable by the villages (I) Bitikchi: Accountant (III) Option B: wrongly pairs Qanungo with Accountant and Bitikchi with village revenue records. Option C: wrongly pairs Amalguzar with preparing crop statistics and Karkuns with being in charge of district revenue. Option D: mismatches all duties across the four officials entirely.

28. Q28The Mughal Empire

    Match the following books with their authors : a. India at the Death of Akbar I. Irfan Habib b. The Agrarian System of Mughal India, 1556 – 1707 II. François Bernier c. Travels in the Mogul Empire : AD 1656 – 1668 III. William Foster d. Early Travels in India, 1583 – 1619 IV. Moreland Choose the correct answer using the codes given below :

    • aIV III II I
    • bIII I IV II
    • cIV I II IIIAnswer
    • dII IV III I
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because it accurately pairs each historical work with its corresponding author: India at the Death of Akbar by W. H. Moreland, The Agrarian System of Mughal India by Irfan Habib, Travels in the Mogul Empire by François Bernier, and Early Travels in India by William Foster. India at the Death of Akbar: W. H. Moreland (IV) The Agrarian System of Mughal India, 1556–1707: Irfan Habib (I) Travels in the Mogul Empire: AD 1656–1668: François Bernier (II) Early Travels in India, 1583–1619: William Foster (III) Option A: Incorrectly matches Moreland to William Foster and Habib to Bernier. Option B: Incorrectly attributes India at the Death of Akbar to William Foster. Option D: Incorrectly attributes India at the Death of Akbar to François Bernier.

29. Q29The Mughal Empire

    The following historian contended that Taj Mahal is a combination of European and Asiatic genius :

    • aRalph Fitch
    • bTavernier
    • cV.A. SmithAnswer
    • dFergusson
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because the British art historian Vincent Arthur Smith claimed that the design and decoration of the Taj Mahal represented a combination of European and Asiatic genius. Option A: Ralph Fitch was a sixteenth-century English merchant who visited India during Akbar's reign, long before the Taj Mahal was built. Option B: Tavernier was a French gem merchant and traveller who wrote about the construction costs and duration of the Taj Mahal, but did not advance this specific thesis. Option D: Fergusson admired the Taj Mahal as a masterpiece of pure Indian and Mughal art and strongly opposed attributing its design to European architects.

30. Q30Bhakti and Sufi movements

    Which of the principles are common for Bhakti and Sufi movement ? I. Monotheism II. Asceticism III. Religious tolerance IV. Accepted the idol worship to some extent Choose the correct answer using the codes given below :

    • aI, II and III onlyAnswer
    • bII, 111 and IV only
    • cI, II and IV only
    • dI, II and IV only
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because both the Bhakti and Sufi movements strongly stressed the oneness of God, personal asceticism or self-discipline, and religious tolerance, while Sufism strictly rejected idol worship in any form. Option B: Includes statement IV, which is incorrect because Sufism does not accept idol worship. Option C: Includes statement IV while omitting statement III, which is a core common principle. Option D: Repeats the same incorrect combination featuring statement IV.

31. Q31Bhakti and Sufi movements

    The socio-religious movement led by Saint Ramanuja, which emphasized devotion to Lord Vishnu and advocated for social equality, had a significant impact on Andhra society. What was this movement called?

    • aAdhyatma movement
    • bArya Samaj
    • cLingayatism
    • dBhakti movementAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because Saint Ramanuja was a central pillar of the medieval Bhakti movement, whose propagation of Sri Vaishnavism, social inclusivity, and personal devotion deeply influenced Telugu culture and Andhra society. Option A: Incorrect because the Adhyatma movement is not a recognized historical denomination for Ramanuja's socio-religious mission. Option B: Incorrect because the Arya Samaj was a 19th-century reform movement founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. Option C: Incorrect because Lingayatism is a Virasaiva tradition centred on Lord Siva, revitalized by Basaveshwara in Karnataka.

32. Q32Advent of the Europeans and the struggle for supremacy

    What major economic activity was dominant in the Andhra region during the pre-colonial period, which contributed significantly to the economy?

    • aShip building
    • bCoal Mining
    • cAnimal trading
    • dTextile productionAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because handloom textile production, including the manufacture of calicos, chintz, and muslins, was the most extensive and lucrative non-agrarian economic activity in pre-colonial Andhra, driving international maritime commerce. Option A: Ship building was carried out on a modest scale at ports like Narsapur and Masulipatnam but was secondary to the vast regional textile output. Option B: Coal Mining in the region did not begin until the late nineteenth century with the Singareni collieries. Option C: Animal trading was an auxiliary rural activity confined to periodic cattle fairs, not the primary economic driver of the region.

33. Q33British rule: administration, economy and society

    Match the following with the year they were formulated: a. Famine Code I.1881 b. Vernacular Press Act II. 1878 c. Charles Wood's Despatch on Education III. 188 d. 1st Factory Act IV. 1854 Choose the correct answer using the codes given below: a b c d

    • aIII IV II I
    • bI II IV III
    • cIV III II II
    • dIII II IV IAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because the pairs match the respective historical years of enactment and formulation during British rule. Famine Code was formulated in 1883 Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878 Charles Wood's Despatch was issued in 1854 First Factory Act was passed in 1881 Option A: It wrongly pairs Wood's Despatch with 1878 and scrambles the Famine Code. Option B: It incorrectly places the Famine Code in 1881 and the First Factory Act in 1883. Option C: It misattributes Wood's Despatch to the Famine Code and contains invalid duplicate entries.

34. Q34British rule: administration, economy and society

    Recently, the Prime Minister of India led tributes to freedom fighter Velu Nachiyar on her 292nd birth anniversary. With reference to Rani Velu Nachiyar, which of the following statements is/are correct ? I. She was the first queen to wage a war against the East India Company. II. She formed an alliance with Tipu Sultan against the British in 1780. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    • aI onlyAnswer
    • bII only
    • cBoth I and II
    • dNeither I nor II
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because Rani Velu Nachiyar of Sivaganga was the first Indian queen to fight against the British East India Company, while her key alliance in 1780 was forged with Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore, not Tipu Sultan. Option B: Statement II is incorrect because she allied directly with Hyder Ali, who provided her with military assistance including troops and weapons. Option C: Both statements cannot be correct because Statement II misidentifies her alliance partner as Tipu Sultan instead of Hyder Ali. Option D: Statement I is an established historical fact regarding her title as the first queen to wage war against the Company.

35. Q35Socio-religious reform movements

    Identify the correct statements about the Brahmo Samaj. a. It accepted the theory of "God is One". b. It accepted to incorporate the best aspects of Western Philosophical thought. c. It repudiated the doctrine of the infallibility of Vedas. d. It accepted the need of priestly class for interpreting religious texts.

    • a1. (a), (b) & (d)
    • b2. (b), (c) & (d)
    • c3. (a), (b) & (c)Answer
    • d4. (a), (c) & (d)
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because the Brahmo Samaj preached strict monotheism, synthesised Western rational philosophy with Indian thought, and rejected the infallibility of the Vedas under Debendranath Tagore and Akshoy Kumar Dutt, while firmly opposing any priestly class or intermediary. Option A: Statement d is included, which is false because the Brahmo Samaj denounced the intermediary role of priests in religious interpretation. Option B: Statement a is excluded despite monotheism being the founding pillar, and statement d is incorrectly included. Option D: Statement d is included, contradicting the core anti-clerical stance of the Samaj.

36. Q36Socio-religious reform movements

    Which social reformer and poet of the 19th-century founded Ram Mohan School in 1909 and provided free education for children from depressed communities in Andhra Pradesh?

    • aUyyalawada Narasimha Reddy
    • bPotti Sreeramulu
    • cKandukuri Veeresalingam
    • dChilakamarti Lakshmi NarasimhamAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because Chilakamarti Lakshmi Narasimham, a renowned blind poet, novelist, and reformer known as the Andhra Milton, established the Ram Mohan School in Rajahmundry in 1909 to provide free education to Dalit and underprivileged children. Option A: Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy was a Rayalaseema polygar who led an armed insurrection against the British East India Company in 1846 to 1847, not a 20th-century educator. Option B: Potti Sreeramulu was a Gandhian activist famous for his 58-day hunger strike in 1952 that led to the formation of Andhra State. Option C: Kandukuri Veeresalingam founded the Hitakarini Samajam and schools for girls and widows, but did not establish the Ram Mohan School.

37. Q37The Indian National Movement

    Match the following Presidents of Indian National Congress with their meetings : a. Dadabhai Naoroji I. Madras – 1887 b. Badruddin Tyabji II. Bombay – 1889 c. George Yule III. Allahabad – 1888 d. William Wedderburn IV. Calcutta – 1886 Choose the correct answer using the codes given below :

    • aIV III I II
    • bIII II IV I
    • cIV I III IIAnswer
    • dII I III IV
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because it accurately pairs the early presidents of the Indian National Congress with the locations and years of their respective sessions. Dadabhai Naoroji presided at Calcutta in 1886 Badruddin Tyabji presided at Madras in 1887 George Yule presided at Allahabad in 1888 William Wedderburn presided at Bombay in 1889 Option A: This option wrongly matches Badruddin Tyabji to Allahabad and George Yule to Madras. Option B: This option completely misaligns the sequence of early Congress presidents and their respective sessions. Option D: This option mistakenly places Dadabhai Naoroji at Bombay and William Wedderburn at Calcutta.

38. Q38The Indian National Movement

    The following book was translated by Gandhiji with the title Sarvodaya :

    • aJohn Ruskin - Unto This LastAnswer
    • bLeo Tolstoy - The Kingdom of God is Within You
    • cKarl Marx - Das Kapital
    • dMaxim Gorky -The Lower Depths
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because Mahatma Gandhi translated John Ruskin's 1860 work Unto This Last into Gujarati in 1908 under the title Sarvodaya (The Welfare of All). Option B: The Kingdom of God Is Within You profoundly influenced Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, but he did not translate it under the title Sarvodaya. Option C: Das Kapital is Karl Marx's foundational critique of capitalism and was not translated by Gandhi. Option D: The Lower Depths is a play by Maxim Gorky with no connection to Gandhi's Sarvodaya translation.

39. Q39The Indian National Movement

    Which of the following institutions were *not* established during the Non-Cooperation Movement ? I. Besant Theosophical College, Madanapalle II. Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi III. Kashi Vidyapith, Benaras IV. Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh Choose the correct answer using the codes given below :

    • aI and II only
    • bII and III only
    • cIII and IV only
    • dI and IV onlyAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because Besant Theosophical College was established in 1915 and Aligarh Muslim University was established as a central university in 1920 by incorporating the MAO College (originally founded in 1875), neither being created as a national institution during the Non-Cooperation Movement. Besant Theosophical College: Founded in 1915 by Annie Besant Aligarh Muslim University: Upgraded to a university in 1920 under the AMU Act Jamia Millia Islamia: Founded in October 1920 during Non-Cooperation Kashi Vidyapith: Founded in February 1921 during Non-Cooperation Option A: Jamia Millia Islamia (II) was indeed established during the movement. Option B: Both Jamia Millia Islamia (II) and Kashi Vidyapith (III) were established during the movement. Option C: Kashi Vidyapith (III) was established during the movement.

40. Q40The Indian National Movement

    Which of the following is one of the reasons for Mahatma Gandhi to use salt as a symbol of protest?

    • aSalt was easy to make
    • bDandi sea shore which was full of salt was nearer to his Ahsram
    • cSalt was not given due importance by the British
    • dThe government was depriving Indians of even nature made salt by wanton destruction of saltAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because British salt laws gave the colonial state a strict monopoly over manufacturing and sale, leading officials to destroy naturally formed sea salt deposits to prevent local people from collecting it for free. Option A: Salt was chosen primarily due to its universal tax burden on every Indian rather than mere ease of manufacture. Option B: Dandi was nearly 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram, making proximity an incorrect reason. Option C: The British administration attached high fiscal importance to salt revenues, taxing it heavily rather than ignoring it.