TGPSC Group-I Prelims 2010

367 questions from the 2010 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

   Where are the signs of agricultural practices of Harappan culture found?

   • aKalibangan and RoparAnswer
   • bLothal and Rangpur
   • cChanhudaro and Kotri
   • dMohenjo-daro
   ›Explanation

   Option A is correct because Kalibangan preserves direct physical evidence of early agricultural techniques through its criss-cross furrowed ploughed field, alongside crop cultivation traces verified at Ropar. Option B: While Lothal and Rangpur yielded evidence of rice husks, they lack the characteristic field-cultivation furrow markings found at Kalibangan. Option C: Chanhudaro and Kotri were specialized manufacturing and craft centers that lack direct archaeological evidence of field-level farming practices. Option D: Mohenjo-daro provides granary structures rather than direct in-situ field signs of agricultural tillage.

2. Q2Prehistory, the Harappan Civilisation and archaeological finds

   With which of the following others did the Harappan people have international relations?

   • aIran
   • bEgypt
   • cBahrain
   • dMesopotamiaAnswer
   ›Explanation

   Option D is correct because cuneiform records explicitly mention maritime trade with Meluhha, the ancient Mesopotamian name for the Indus region, corroborated by Harappan seals and beads found at Mesopotamian sites. Option A: Commercial contacts with Iran existed largely as overland exchanges through intermediary plateau regions rather than the prominent international trade network attested with Mesopotamia. Option B: Direct trade and diplomatic relations between the Harappan civilization and ancient Egypt lack conclusive archaeological evidence. Option C: Bahrain served primarily as an intermediary transit station known as Dilmun, rather than the core international civilization with which Harappa had major mutual trade.

3. Q3Vedic Age and the Mahajanapadas

   The first indication and description of the four-fold Varna system is found in:

   • aPurusha SuktaAnswer
   • bRigveda
   • cShatapatha Brahmana
   • dManu Dharma Shastra
   ›Explanation

   Option A is correct because the Purusha Sukta, found in the tenth mandala of the Rigveda, contains the earliest specific reference to the emergence of the four varnas (Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra) from the cosmic being. Option B: Rigveda is the broader corpus containing the hymn, but the specific and earliest textual reference within it is precisely the Purusha Sukta. Option C: Shatapatha Brahmana is a later Vedic prose text that elaborates on ritual details rather than providing the first indication of the system. Option D: Manu Dharma Shastra is a post-Vedic legal text that codified and expanded the varna regulations centuries later.

4. Q4Vedic Age and the Mahajanapadas

   The sage who is said to have converted South India into Aryan lineage:

   • aAnasumbha
   • bVashistha
   • cVishwamitra
   • dAgastyaAnswer
   ›Explanation

   Option D is correct because Sage Agastya is traditionally credited with leading the migration of Vedic culture across the Vindhyas and introducing Aryan traditions to South India. Option A: Anasumbha has no historical or traditional association with the cultural migration to South India. Option B: Vashistha was a prominent Rigvedic sage active in northern India and the family priest of the Bharatas. Option C: Vishwamitra was a revered northern sage credited with composing the Gayatri Mantra, not with introducing Aryan traditions to the south.

5. Q5Vedic Age and the Mahajanapadas

   In which of the following subjects were the Aryans of the Vedic period not proficient?

   • aAstronomy
   • bMathematics
   • cChemistryAnswer
   • dMedical Science
   ›Explanation

   Option C is correct because systematic chemical science and alchemy, known as Rasashastra, developed in India during the classical and medieval eras, whereas Vedic Aryans lacked formal proficiency in chemistry. Option A: Astronomy was well understood as Jyotisha, an auxiliary science of the Vedas used to calculate celestial positions for sacrifices. Option B: Mathematics was practiced extensively, particularly geometry in the Sulba Sutras for constructing precise sacrificial altars. Option D: Medical Science was recognized through medicinal botany and healing techniques recorded in texts such as the Atharvaveda.

6. Q6Vedic Age and the Mahajanapadas

   The Vedic text that first mentioned monetary debt

   • aAtharva Veda
   • bYajur Veda
   • cShatapatha BrahmanaAnswer
   • dGopatha Brahmana
   ›Explanation

   Option C is correct because the Shatapatha Brahmana contains the earliest explicit Vedic reference to monetary debt and moneylending, identifying a moneylender by the term Kusidin. Option A: Atharva Veda mentions spiritual and moral obligations but does not provide the earliest description of formal monetary debt. Option B: Yajur Veda focuses on sacrificial ritual formulas and lacks the earliest reference to usury or commercial debt. Option D: Gopatha Brahmana is a later text attached to the Atharva Veda and is not the first text to mention debt.

7. Q7Vedic Age and the Mahajanapadas

   Jainism suffered a dangerous blow/strike at the hands of whom?

   • aLingayatsAnswer
   • bNayanars
   • cAlvars
   • dShankaracharya
   ›Explanation

   Option A is correct because the rise of the Virasaiva or Lingayat movement in Karnataka, led by Basaveshwara in the 12th century, led to sharp sectarian conflict that severely diminished Jain influence and patronage in the Deccan. Option B: While the Saivite Nayanars curtailed Jainism in Tamil country, in the context of Deccan/Karnataka history the Lingayat surge delivered a major blow. Option C: The Alvars were Vaishnavite devotional poets of Tamil country, not the primary cause of this specific blow. Option D: Adi Shankaracharya debated various Buddhist and orthodox philosophical schools across India, but the decisive blow to institutional Jainism in the south came largely from devotional sectarian movements like the Lingayats.

8. Q8Vedic Age and the Mahajanapadas

   The Buddhist monk who went to Tibet in the eleventh century to propagate Buddhism:

   • aVajradatta
   • bNagarjuna
   • cVasubandhu
   • dDipankara SrijnanaAnswer
   ›Explanation

   Option D is correct because Dipankara Srijnana, also revered as Atisha, was a distinguished scholar from Vikramashila monastery who traveled to Tibet in the eleventh century to reform and revive Buddhism. Option A: Vajradatta was a celebrated scholar-poet during the reign of the Pala ruler Devapala in the ninth century. Option B: Nagarjuna was a second-century CE Mahayana philosopher associated with the founding of the Madhyamaka school. Option C: Vasubandhu was a fourth to fifth-century CE Buddhist philosopher who developed the Yogacara school and authored the Abhidharmakosha.

9. Q9The Mauryan Empire

   On which of the following occasions did Ashoka release some prisoners every year out of humanitarian consideration?

   • aBirthday
   • bThe day Kalinga was conquered
   • cThe day of his coronationAnswer
   • dThe day he converted to Buddhism
   ›Explanation

   Option C is correct because Ashoka specifically recorded in his Pillar Edict V that he routinely remitted sentences and released prisoners on the anniversary of his royal consecration (coronation). Ashoka stated in Major Pillar Edict V that in the twenty-six years since his coronation, he had ordered twenty-five releases of prisoners. Option A: Ashoka did not mark his personal birthday for annual prisoner releases in his edicts. Option B: The conquest of Kalinga inspired remorse and his adoption of Dhamma, but prisoner remissions were explicitly tied to his coronation anniversary. Option D: His conversion to Buddhism was a gradual spiritual process rather than the formal administrative benchmark for periodic royal amnesties.

10. Q10The Mauryan Empire

    The Indian king who first renounced the throne is:

    • aChandragupta I
    • bAshoka
    • cChandragupta MauryaAnswer
    • dSamudragupta
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because Chandragupta Maurya abdicated his imperial throne toward the end of his life, embraced Jainism under the guidance of Acharya Bhadrabahu, migrated to Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, and ended his life by observing Sallekhana (ritual fasting). Option A: Chandragupta I was an imperial ruler of the Gupta dynasty who did not renounce his crown to adopt asceticism. Option B: Ashoka renounced warfare and aggressive conquest (Digvijaya) in favor of moral conquest (Dhammavijaya), but he retained his throne and ruled until his death. Option D: Samudragupta was an expansive military conqueror of the Gupta dynasty who continued ruling throughout his life.

11. Q11Post-Mauryan India and the foreign invasions

    The first dynasty to rule Andhra:

    • aCholas
    • bSatavahanasAnswer
    • cEastern Chalukyas
    • dRashtrakutas
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because the Satavahanas were the first major indigenous imperial dynasty to establish sovereign rule over the Andhra region after the decline of the Mauryan Empire. Option A: The Cholas ruled parts of Andhra centuries later during the medieval period. Option C: The Eastern Chalukyas established their kingdom in coastal Andhra in the 7th century CE. Option D: The Rashtrakutas ruled the Deccan from the mid-8th century CE, long after the Satavahana era.

12. Q12Gupta and post-Gupta India

    The Gupta era was started by:

    • aSri Gupta I
    • bSamudragupta I
    • cChandragupta IAnswer
    • dKumaragupta
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because Chandragupta I established the Gupta era, starting around 319-320 CE, to commemorate his coronation and his elevation to the sovereign imperial title of Maharajadhiraja. Option A: Sri Gupta was the earliest ancestor and founder of the dynasty who carried only the subordinate title Maharaja. Option B: Samudragupta was the son and successor of Chandragupta I, taking the throne after the era had already been founded. Option D: Kumaragupta was a 5th-century Gupta ruler known for performing the Ashvamedha sacrifice and establishing Nalanda Mahavihara.

13. Q13Gupta and post-Gupta India

    The grammar 'Shatantra' was authored by:

    • aPatanjali
    • bAgastya
    • cGunadhya
    • dSarva VarmaAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because Sarva Varma composed the Katantra (also rendered Shatantra) Vyakarana to simplify Sanskrit grammar for the Satavahana king. Option A: Patanjali authored the Mahabhasya, an elaborate commentary on Panini's Ashtadhyayi. Option B: Agastya is traditionally revered as the founding sage of Tamil grammar through the Agattiyam. Option C: Gunadhya composed the Brihatkatha in the Paisachi Prakrit language.

14. Q14Gupta and post-Gupta India

    The founders of Nalanda University are:

    • aKumaraguptaAnswer
    • bSamudragupta
    • cAshoka
    • dNalanda
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because Nalanda University was founded during the Gupta period by Emperor Kumaragupta I (also known as Shakraditya) in the 5th century CE. Option B: Samudragupta was an earlier Gupta ruler known for his military conquests, not the founding of Nalanda. Option C: Ashoka was a Mauryan emperor who ruled centuries before Nalanda was established. Option D: Nalanda is the name of the ancient center of learning itself, not an individual founder.

15. Q15Gupta and post-Gupta India

    The university founded by Dharmapala:

    • aTakshashila
    • bVikramashilaAnswer
    • cNalanda
    • dVallabhi
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because Vikramashila University was established in the late eighth or early ninth century CE by Dharmapala, the second ruler of the Pala dynasty of Bengal and Bihar. Option A: Takshashila was an ancient centre of learning that flourished in the northwestern region centuries before the Pala dynasty. Option C: Nalanda University was founded earlier during the fifth century CE under the patronage of the Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I. Option D: Vallabhi University was founded in western India under the patronage of the Maitraka rulers.

16. Q16Gupta and post-Gupta India

    During whose period did a new social system called 'Jajmani system' spread in India?

    • aAfter the Gupta periodAnswer
    • bDuring the Satavahana period
    • cDuring the Gupta period
    • dDuring the Mauryan period
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because the Jajmani system, characterized by customary, hereditary reciprocal ties between agricultural patrons and service providers, crystallized in the post-Gupta period with the rise of localized feudal agrarian structures. Option B: The Satavahana period did not have this decentralized, village-level hereditary barter-exchange system. Option C: The Gupta period saw the inception of royal land grants, but the full institutionalization of the Jajmani network occurred only after it. Option D: The Mauryan period was marked by a centralized administrative economy rather than hereditary village reciprocal exchange.

17. Q17Early medieval South Indian dynasties

    The one who defeated Harsha and held the title 'Parameswar' is:

    • aPulakeshi I
    • bPulakeshi IIAnswer
    • cMahendravarman I
    • dMahendravarman II
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because the Western Chalukyan ruler Pulakeshin II defeated the northern emperor Harsha on the banks of the Narmada River and assumed the proud title of Parameswara to commemorate his victory. Option A: Pulakeshin I founded the Badami Chalukyan kingdom at Vatapi long before Harsha rose to power in northern India. Option C: Mahendravarman I was the Pallava contemporary who was defeated by Pulakeshin II, not the victor over Harsha. Option D: Mahendravarman II was a later Pallava monarch who ruled briefly during the mid-seventh century and had no encounter with Harsha.

18. Q18Early medieval South Indian dynasties

    The Chalukya king who received/held the title 'Tripura-Martya Maheshwara':

    • aGunaga VijayadityaAnswer
    • bKubja Vishnuvardhana
    • cRajaraja Narendra
    • dVijayaditya II
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because Gunaga Vijayaditya assumed the illustrious title Tripura-Martya Maheshwara to celebrate his extensive military conquests over rival kingdoms. Option B: Kubja Vishnuvardhana held titles such as Vishamasiddhi reflecting his tactical prowess during the founding era. Option C: Rajaraja Narendra was renowned as a patron of literature and held titles like Sarvalokashraya rather than Tripura-Martya Maheshwara. Option D: Vijayaditya II was famous for the epithet Narendramrigaraja and for constructing numerous Shiva temples.

19. Q19Early medieval South Indian dynasties

    With whom did the Cholas maintain political and marital relations?

    • aWith the Pandyas of Madurai
    • bWith the Chalukyas of Badami
    • cWith the Chalukyas of VengiAnswer
    • dWith the Chalukyas of Kalyani
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because the Imperial Cholas established extensive matrimonial and diplomatic ties with the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi, culminating in the accession of Rajendra Chalukya to the Chola throne as Kulottunga Chola I. Option A: With the Pandyas of Madurai is incorrect because the Cholas generally maintained an antagonistic relationship with them, frequently conquering and appointing Chola-Pandya viceroys. Option B: With the Chalukyas of Badami is incorrect because that dynasty had ceased to rule long before the rise of the Imperial Cholas. Option D: With the Chalukyas of Kalyani is incorrect because they were fierce military rivals of the Imperial Cholas who contested the Tungabhadra and Vengi regions.

20. Q20Early medieval South Indian dynasties

    What was the largest village administered as a division in the Chola Empire called?

    • aKurram
    • bKottam
    • cNadu
    • dTaniyurAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because a Taniyur was a distinct, very large village or settlement that was treated as a separate, self-governing revenue and administrative unit independent of the local nadu. Option A: A Kurram was a regular cluster of several small villages, not an independent large village unit. Option B: A Kottam, or Valanadu, was a larger administrative district made up of multiple nadus. Option C: A Nadu was an entire county or district made up of many villages under a nadu assembly.

21. Q21Early medieval South Indian dynasties

    During whose reign did Jayapa Senani compose 'Nritya Ratnavali'?

    • aRudradeva
    • bGanapatidevaAnswer
    • cRudramadevi
    • dPrataparudra
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because Jayapa Senani, the commander of the elephant forces (Gajasahini) and brother-in-law of Ganapatideva, authored the seminal dance treatise Nritya Ratnavali under the patronage of Ganapatideva in 1253 CE. Option A: Rudradeva was an earlier Kakatiya ruler who patronised literature such as Nitisara, but Jayapa Senani served Ganapatideva. Option C: Rudramadevi was Ganapatideva's daughter and successor, ruling after Jayapa Senani had already composed his work. Option D: Prataparudra was the grandson of Rudramadevi and ruled during the terminal phase of the Kakatiya kingdom.

22. Q22Early medieval South Indian dynasties

    The Pallava king known as 'Vichitrachitta':

    • aMahendra VarmaAnswer
    • bParameswara Varman
    • cNarasimha Varman I
    • dNarasimha Varman II
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because the Pallava king Mahendravarman I bore the title Vichitrachitta, meaning of curious or inventive mind, due to his pioneering contribution of excavating rock-cut temples without using brick, mortar, or wood. Option B: Parameswara Varman held titles such as Ugradanda and Lokaditya, not Vichitrachitta. Option C: Narasimha Varman I held titles such as Mahamalla and Vatapikonda after defeating Pulakeshin II. Option D: Narasimha Varman II assumed titles like Rajasimha and Shankara Bhakta, associated with structural temple construction.

23. Q23The Delhi Sultanate

    The state-pormoted canal irrigation system was initiated by:

    • aAlauddin Khalji
    • bGhyasuddin TughlaqAnswer
    • cFiruz Tughlaq
    • dMuhammad-bin-Tughlaq
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because Ghyasuddin Tughlaq was the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate to begin the construction of irrigation canals using royal treasury funds. Option A: Alauddin Khalji focused primarily on market surveillance, price fixation, and military maintenance without initiating state irrigation canals. Option C: Firuz Tughlaq vastly developed the canal network across north India, but he followed the precedent already set by Ghyasuddin. Option D: Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq introduced agricultural experimental farms and loans, but did not start the canal irrigation system.

24. Q24The Delhi Sultanate

    The Delhi Sultan who established the Ministry of Agriculture:

    • aBalban
    • bAlauddin Khalji
    • cMuhammad bin TughlaqAnswer
    • dFiruz Shah Tughlaq
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because Muhammad bin Tughlaq established a dedicated ministry of agriculture named Diwan-i-Amir-Kohi to expand cultivation and improve agricultural yields. Option A: Balban established the military department called Diwan-i-Arz, not the ministry of agriculture. Option B: Alauddin Khalji introduced market control mechanisms and departments like Diwan-i-Riyasat and Diwan-i-Mustakhraj, not agriculture. Option D: Firuz Shah Tughlaq established Diwan-i-Khairat and Diwan-i-Bandagan, whereas the agricultural department was founded earlier by Muhammad bin Tughlaq.

25. Q25The Delhi Sultanate

    Who started the canal irrigation system with government support?

    • aAlauddin Khalji
    • bGhiyasuddin TughlaqAnswer
    • cFiruz Tughlaq
    • dMuhammad bin Tughlaq
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq was the first Delhi Sultan to initiate canal digging projects with state patronage to foster agriculture and protect farmers from famines. Option A: Alauddin Khalji fixed market rates and measured land for direct revenue, but did not construct state-funded canals. Option C: Firuz Tughlaq built the largest and most famous network of canals in the Sultanate, but the practice was initiated earlier by Ghiyasuddin. Option D: Muhammad bin Tughlaq advanced agricultural loans named Sondhar and created Diwan-i-Kohi, but did not initiate canal building.

26. Q26The Delhi Sultanate

    The style of vocal Hindustani music which was non-Islamic in character was :

    • aTaraka
    • bKhayal
    • cGawwalis
    • dDhrupadAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because Dhrupad is an ancient genre of Hindustani vocal music that originated in Hindu temple traditions and Sanskrit chanting, maintaining its non-Islamic devotional character. Option A: Taraka is not an established vocal genre of Hindustani classical music. Option B: Khayal developed within medieval royal courts under strong Persian and Islamic cultural influences. Option C: Qawwali is explicitly Islamic, originating as a form of Sufi devotional musical expression.

27. Q27Vijayanagara and the Deccan Sultanates

    The Vijayanagar King who totally withdrew the marriage tax was:

    • aKrishnadevarayaAnswer
    • bDevaraya II
    • cAchyutaraya
    • dSadasivaraya
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because Krishnadevaraya completely remitted the marriage tax across the empire, which brought great social relief to both the bride and groom parties as attested by contemporary inscriptions. Option B: Devaraya II collected conventional state taxes, including occupational and matrimonial levies. Option C: Achyutaraya continued the administrative framework laid down by Krishnadevaraya but was not the initiator of this abolition. Option D: Sadasivaraya ruled under the de facto regency of Rama Raya long after the tax had already been repealed.

28. Q28Vijayanagara and the Deccan Sultanates

    The Vijayanagara king who completely repealed the marriage tax:

    • aKrishnadevarayaAnswer
    • bDevaraya II
    • cAchyutaraya
    • dSadasivaraya
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because Krishnadevaraya abolished the marriage tax entirely across his territories, an event commemorated in several epigraphs across modern Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Option B: Devaraya II maintained the traditional fiscal structure of the Sangama dynasty without repealing this tax. Option C: Achyutaraya succeeded Krishnadevaraya and did not initiate this tax reform. Option D: Sadasivaraya was a later titular emperor whose regency maintained pre-existing fiscal decrees.

29. Q29Vijayanagara and the Deccan Sultanates

    What was the literary court of Devaraya II called?

    • aVenkata Vilasa Mandapam
    • bMutyala ShalaAnswer
    • cKavijanasrayam
    • dBhuvana Vijayam
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because the literary court of Sangama ruler Devaraya II was named Mutyala Shala, where renowned poets such as Srinatha were received and honored with kanakabhishekam. Option A: Venkata Vilasa Mandapam was an administrative or private pavilion, not the designated literary assembly. Option C: Kavijanasrayam is an early Telugu prosodic treatise by Malliya Rechana, not a royal assembly hall. Option D: Bhuvana Vijayam was the famous literary assembly of the later Tuluva ruler Sri Krishnadevaraya.

30. Q30Vijayanagara and the Deccan Sultanates

    The one who wrote 'Madhura Vijayam' is:

    • aMolla
    • bGangadeviAnswer
    • cRamabhadramba
    • dMadhuravani
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because Gangadevi, queen of Kumara Kampana, composed the Sanskrit kavya Madhura Vijayam to chronicle her husband's military campaign and conquest of the Madurai Sultanate. Option A: Molla was a renowned 16th-century poet who composed the Molla Ramayanam in Telugu. Option C: Ramabhadramba was a poet in the Nayaka court of Thanjavur who composed the historical work Raghunathabhyudayam. Option D: Madhuravani was a Sanskrit scholar and poet in the court of Raghunatha Nayaka of Thanjavur.

31. Q31The Mughal Empire

    At the time of his coronation at Kalanaur the age of Akbar was :

    • aFifteen
    • bFourteenAnswer
    • cTwenty
    • dEighteen
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because Akbar was crowned at Kalanaur on 14 February 1556 following the sudden death of his father Humayun, at which time he was approximately fourteen years of age. Akbar birth: 15 October 1542 Coronation at Kalanaur: 14 February 1556 Age at accession: 13 years and 4 months, conventionally recorded as 14 years Option A: Fifteen is incorrect because Akbar had not yet reached fifteen years of age at the time of accession. Option C: Twenty is incorrect because Akbar was a minor at the time and required Bairam Khan to serve as his regent. Option D: Eighteen is incorrect because Akbar assumed personal control of the administration only around 1560 when he turned eighteen.

32. Q32The Mughal Empire

    Babur's childhood name:

    • aZahir-ud-din MuhammadAnswer
    • bAbdul Rahim
    • cUmar Shaikh
    • dDaulat Khan
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because Babur was given the birth name Zahir-ud-din Muhammad, while Babur, meaning tiger, was an adopted agnomen. Option B: Abdul Rahim was the title and name of Bairam Khan's son, known as Rahim Khan-i-Khanan in Akbar's court. Option C: Umar Shaikh Mirza was the father of Babur and the ruler of the Fergana Valley. Option D: Daulat Khan Lodi was the governor of Punjab who invited Babur to invade India.

33. Q33The Mughal Empire

    The name of the English merchant who visited Jahangir's court:

    • aDaniel
    • bChristopher
    • cSir William John
    • dSir Thomas RoeAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because Sir Thomas Roe was the accredited English ambassador sent by King James I to Jahangir's court, where he resided from 1615 to 1619 to secure trade concessions for the East India Company. Option A: Daniel was not an envoy or notable English merchant associated with the Mughal court. Option B: Christopher does not correspond to any official English representative sent to Jahangir. Option C: Sir William John is incorrect, though an earlier English representative named Captain William Hawkins did visit Jahangir in 1608.

34. Q34The Mughal Empire

    Nur Jahan's childhood name.

    • aBanu Begum
    • bFarangal Nisha
    • cMadhrula NisaAnswer
    • dMumtaz

    Explanation coming soon.

35. Q35The Mughal Empire

    Akbar's age at the time of his coronation in Kalanaur:

    • a15 years
    • b14 yearsAnswer
    • c20 years
    • d18 years
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because Akbar was crowned at Kalanaur in February 1556 at the age of fourteen under the guardianship of his regent, Bairam Khan. Akbar birth: 15 October 1542 Coronation at Kalanaur: 14 February 1556 Age at accession: 13 years and 4 months, cited as 14 years in standard curricula Option A: 15 years is incorrect because Akbar had not yet lived fifteen full years when Humayun died. Option C: 20 years is incorrect because Akbar was a young boy, not an adult in his twenties, at his coronation. Option D: 18 years is incorrect because Akbar was several years away from reaching adulthood in 1556.

36. Q36The Mughal Empire

    The style of Hindustani music that is deeply related but not Islamic in nature:

    • aTarana
    • bKhayal
    • cGhazals
    • dDhrupadAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because Dhrupad is the oldest surviving classical form of Hindustani music, rooted directly in ancient Vedic chanting and temple traditions rather than Islamic origins. Option A: Tarana incorporates syllables influenced by Persian and Arabic musical traditions developed under Islamic cultural synthesis. Option B: Khayal developed and flourished under Persian influence and Sufi culture within Mughal royal courts. Option C: Ghazal is a poetic and musical form directly originating from Arabic and Persian literature.

37. Q37The Mughal Empire

    The one who was called as great as 'Plato' in the Jat tribe is:

    • aChuraman
    • bRajaram
    • cSurajmalAnswer
    • dBadan Singh
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur was described as the Plato of the Jat tribe by historians due to his extraordinary political intellect, administrative genius, and statesmanship. Option A: Churaman was an early Jat chieftain who organized armed resistance against Aurangzeb and founded the Bharatpur kingdom, but was not given this title. Option B: Rajaram was the Jat leader of Sinsini who rebelled against Mughal rule and attacked Akbar's tomb, not known as the Plato of his tribe. Option D: Badan Singh was the nephew of Churaman and the father of Suraj Mal who organized the Jat state, but did not earn this specific epithet.

38. Q38Shivaji and the Marathas

    The first fort captured by Shivaji:

    • aPurandhar
    • bKondana
    • cToranaAnswer
    • dRaigad
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because the hill fort of Torana was the very first stronghold captured by Shivaji in 1646 from the Adilshahi rulers of Bijapur, marking the beginning of his Swarajya campaign. 1646: Torana Fort 1647: Kondana Fort 1648: Purandhar Fort 1656: Raigad Fort Option A: Purandhar was taken by Shivaji in 1648, after the capture of Torana. Option B: Kondana was seized in 1647, subsequent to the conquest of Torana. Option D: Raigad was seized from the More clan of Javli in 1656, a decade after Torana had been acquired.

39. Q39Shivaji and the Marathas

    Pindaris were the cavalrymen of which of the following?

    • aNizam's army
    • bRajput army
    • cBritish army
    • dMaratha armyAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because the Pindaris served as irregular, unpaid cavalrymen who accompanied the Maratha armies, acting as advanced plunderers and scouts in exchange for war booty and patronage from chiefs like Holkar and Sindhia. Option A: Nizam's army maintained its own regular and irregular forces and did not employ the Pindari bands. Option B: Rajput armies consisted of traditional feudal clans and did not rely on Pindaris as their cavalry. Option C: The British army considered Pindaris as lawless marauders and wiped them out in the Pindari War of 1817 to 1818.

40. Q40Advent of the Europeans and the struggle for supremacy

    The princely state where the English obtained free trade rights after Bengal is:

    • aThat of the Nawab of AwadhAnswer
    • bThat of the Nizam of Hyderabad
    • cThat of the Raja of Benares
    • dThat of the Jats of Bharatpur
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because through the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765 and subsequent commercial treaties negotiated with the Nawab of Awadh (Shuja-ud-Daula), the British East India Company secured duty-free trading privileges within Awadh territories following their dominance in Bengal. Option B: The Nizam of Hyderabad ceded Circars and territories under subsidiary treaties rather than granting initial free trade rights after Bengal. Option C: The Raja of Benares held a subordinate zamindari estate rather than functioning as an independent sovereign princely state granting broader trade terms after Bengal. Option D: The Jats of Bharatpur did not extend major commercial concessions or free-trade monopolies to the Company during this period.