History & Culture Quiz

Q.1) Consider the following historical places:

1. Ajanta Caves
2. Lepakshi Temple
3. Sanchi Stupa

Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?

a) 1 only

b) 1 and 2 only

c) 1, 2 and 3

d) None of the above

Ans– b

Explanation – A mural is piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or other large permanent surface. The history of Indian murals starts in ancient and early medieval times. Murals from this period depict mainly religious themes of Buddhism, Jainism and Hindu religions.  Important caves having Mural paintings are Ajanta, Bagh, Sittanavasal, Armamalai Cave , Ravan Chhaya rock shelter and Kailasanatha temple in Ellora Caves.

This Hindu article tells that Leepakshi temple has mural painitngs too.

Sanchi Stupa has no Mural Paintings.

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Q.2) With reference to Dhrupad, consider the following statements:

1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.

2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.

3. Dhrupad also uses Sanskrit syllables from mantras.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1, 2 and 3

d) None

Ans-b

Explanation- Dhrupad is the Indian classic music that traces its origin to the chanting of vedic hymns and mantras. It is also primarily a form of worship, in which offerings are made to the divine through sound. Statement 2 is correct thus.

The earliest source that mentions a musical genre called Dhrupad is Ain-i-Akbari of Abu Fazl . Dhrupad had mainly thrived under patronage of Rajput and Mughal Period till 17th century. So therefore, statement 1 is wrong as it says Dhrupad ‘originated’ under them.

Dhrupad is performed in two parts- Alap and Bandish. In the Alap, the singer uses syllables from Sanskrit Mantras. Therefore statement 3 is correct.

Thus, statement 2 and 3 are correct.

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Q.3) Which Silonese literature describes Ashoka’s ascent to the throne of Mauryan Empire?

a) Mahavansh

b) Mudraraksha

c) Buddhacharita

d) None of the above

Ans-a

Explanation– Mahavamsa is the Ceylonese literature which describes that Ashoka killed 99 brothers to ascend the throne. He only left youngest brother alive whose name was Tishya.

Mudrarakshasa is a sankrit play by Vishakadutta that described ascent of Chandragupta Maurya to power.

Buddhacharita is a poem on life of Gautam Buddha by Asavghosa

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Q.4) Who among the following sultans assumed the title of “Sikander-i-sani”?

a) Akbar

b) Allaudin Khilji

c) Mohammad Bin Tughlak

d) Sikander Lodhi

Ans-b

Explanation- Alauddin Khilji was the one to assume it as inscribed in his coins. This title means Alexander the second.

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Q.5) In the context of Subsidiary Alliance, consider the following statements:

1. It was implemented by Lord Dalhousie to annex Indian states
2. Awadh was the first state to be annexed under this policy.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None of the above

Ans-d

Explanation– Subsidiary alliance was brought by Lord Wellesley under his policies to achieve British Paramountancy in India. Statement 1 is wrong. Lord Dalhousie brought in Doctrine of Lapse.

Under subsidiary alliance company undertook to defend the territories of an Indian ally and for this purpose stationed a subsidiary force in territory of the state. For its maintenance, state had to surrender its part of it to company. They also have to surrender their foreign affairs to the company and accept a British resident at its headquarter.  Nizam of Hyderabad  was the first one to accept this alliance

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Q.6) Which of the following are associated with the tenure of Lord Ripon?

1. First Factory Act
2. Establishment of Indian National Congress.
3. Repeal of Vernacular Press Act, 1878
4. Ilbert Bill controversy

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a) 1, 2 and 4 only

b) 2, 3 and 4 only

c) 3 and 4 only

d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Ans- d

Explanation- Establishment of Congress was done in1885 when Lord Dufferein was in tenure as viceroy from 1884-88. So statement 2 is wrong.

Under Lord Ripon tenure( 1880-84) a liberal era was ushered in India as Liberal Party came to power under Gladstone in Britain . He Repealed Vernacular press act of 1878, Brought in First factory act 1881, financial decentralization which started under Lord Mayo further was widened, Ripon was founder of local self government,  setup an education commission to review the development of education in country since Woods’ despatch. Along with these good things, Illbert bill controversy happened under his tenure only. This bill in original aimed at hearing Europeans cases by Indian judges but under pressure it was amended to surrender this very principle

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Q.7) Which of the following parties were established by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar?

1. The peasants and workers Party
2. All India Scheduled Castes Federation
3. The Independent Labour Party

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans– b

Explanation– Ambedkar founded the Independent Labour Party (ILP) in August 1936 to fight against the Brahamanical and capitalist structures of the society.

ILP was transformed by him as the All India Scheduled Castes Federation in 1942 to fights for rights of the dalit community. It was a political party which participated in the general elections of 1946

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Q.8) With reference to the period of colonial rule in India, “home charges” formed an important part of drain of wealth from India. Which of the following funds constituted “home charges”?

1. Funds used to support the Indian office in London
2. Funds used to pay British personnel engaged in India
3. Funds used for waging wars outside India by the British

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a) 1 only

b) 1 and 2 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans-d

Explanation- Home charges included the cost of secretary of state’s Indian office in London, dividend on East India company stock, interest on home debt, salaries of officers and establishments in India, cost of wars at home and abroad, Purchase of military stores, furlough and pension of military and civilian employees and 6% annual interest on railways. At the end of 19th century it was around 17 -18 million sterling pounds. There were further transfer of invisibles too

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Q.9) What did the Home Rule movement demand?

a) Independence from British Raj

b) Responsible Govt. within British framework

c) India to be ruled by Indians

d) Formation of self-government

Ans-d

Explanation- They demanded self government. Idea of Home rule league in India originated with Mrs Annie Besant. She realised that no real progress could be made without securing self government. Campaign for home rule begin with the weekly publication of the newspaper commonweal. It’s cardinal program was “ religious liberty, national  education, social reform, social reform and political reform” aiming at self government for India within British commonwealth

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Q.10) With reference to the June 3 Plan, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Partition of India was accepted
2. Dominion Status to both India & Pakistan was granted
3. Right to secede from British Commonwealth was given.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

a) 1 only

b) 1 and 2 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans- a

Explanation–June 3 plan was essentially a plan for the partition of India. It laid down process how assemblies of Punjab and Bengal will be involved to vote for partition. June Plan dealt with the method, “by which power will be transferred from British to Indian hand, in particular the methods by which the muslim majority provinces would choose whether they would remain in India or opt for the new entity” i.e., Pakistan. You can read more about it here

Statement 2 and 3 were major declaration of  Indian independence act 1947.

Some of imp points of this act were:

• Act provided for the setting up two independent Dominions to be known as India and Pakistan
• Territories of Dominion of India would Include whole of British India exclusive of the territories constituting Pakistan. Exact boundary to be determined by Boundary commission
• Legislature of the dominions to have full power to frame any law. No british act passed in after 15 August 1947 would have validity
• Right to secede from the commonwealth

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Q.11) Under the regime of Gupta rulers provincial governors were known as

a) Bhuktis

b) Uparikas

c) Gramikas

d) Sandivigraha

Ans– b

Explanation– Uparika was appointed directly by the king as provincial governor. Read here

Bhukti were provinces in Gupta administration. They were the largest unit of administration. These Bhuktis were divided into the vishayas or districts. These vishayas in Bengal and Bihar were headed by Vishayapati. But in Western UP vishyapti were placed under incharge of district officer known as Bhoga.

Vishayas were divided into vithis which were administered by committes. Vithi consisted of the villages which were the lowest unit of an administration. Village affairs were managed by the officer known as Gramikas with the help of elders who were known as Mahattama, Mahattaka and Mahattara.

Sandivigraha was minister of war and peace. It first appeared under Samudragupta.

Q12.) Which of the following are matched correctly?

1) Lord Dalhousie	Doctrine of Lapse
2) Lord Wellesley	Financial Decentralisation
3) Lord Mayo	Subsidiary Alliance System
4) Lord Cornwallis	Father of Indian Civil Services

a) I & III only
b) I & IV onlyc) I , II & III only
d) I, II , III & IV only

Ans- b

Explanation-Lord Dalhousie (1848-56) – One of the greatest governor general of India. Freely applied Doctrine of Lapse which he termed as annexation by peace. States annexed were Satara, Jaitpur, Sambalpur, Baghat, Udaipur, Jhansi and Nagpur. He also fought second anglo sikh war. Abolished the titles of nawab of Karnatka and Raja of Tanjore. Brought in educational reforms under wood’s despatch. Development of railways, post and telegraph occurred, established public work dept, revolt of 1857 was fought when he was governor general.

Lord Wellesley (1798-1805)– Vigorously started subsidiary alliance system as per which company took to defend the territories of Indian ally and for that purpose stationed a subsidiary force in territory of the state. For maintenance of force, state had to submit part of their territory to company. Rulers who accepted it were rulers of Mysore, Tanjore, Awadh, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Macheri, Bundi, Bharatpur, Berar and the peshwa.

Lord Mayo (1869-72)- Started the process of financial decentralization, also made first provincial settlement. He was the first British governor general who was murdered in Office.

Lord Cornawallis (1786-93)- Abolished district faujdari adalat presided over by Indian judges and in place four circuit courts were formed which were headed by European judges. Introduced Cornwallis code based on principle of separation of powers. Governor general was given the general power of pardon or commutation of punishment, Zamindars were deprived of all police powers, reformed and organised civil services and hence known as father of Indian civil services.

Q.13) Consider the following pairs:
Sabha/Society                                 Founder
1. Tattvabodhini Sabha               Keshab Chandra Sen
2. Theosophical Society              Annie Besant
3. Servants of India Society       Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans-c

Explanation-Tattvabodhni Sabha- A group started in Calcutta as a splinter group of the Brahmo Samaj. The founding member was Debendranath Tagore.

Theosophical society was founded by Madam Helena Balvatsky
Servants of society was founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

Q.14) Consider the following statements:

1. Akali movement was to purify the religious places by removal of evil social practices.
2. Akali Movement resulted in the development of All India Sikhs Gurudwara Act.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None of the above

Ans- d

Explanation– Akali movement or the Gurdwara Reform Movement was a socio religious reform movement to bring reform in the gurudwara in India during the early 1920s. They worked against evil social practices too.

Akali reformers had to take control of the important shrines like the Golden Temple and Akal Takht because of the misuse of temple premises by anti social corrupt elements and the ban on the entry of low caste people in the holy shrine.

Movement resulted into development of All India Sikh Gurudwara act.  It was a piece of legislation in British India which legally defined Sikh identity and brought Sikh Gurudwara  under the control of an elected body of orthodox Sikhs.

Q.15) The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by
a) Universal Law
b) Universal Truth
c) Universal Faith
d) Universal Soul

Ans-b

Explanation- Jain doctrine is based on undying universal truth. It was Rishabh dev, who is first thought to realize the truth and achieve Kevalya Gyana.

Q.16)With reference to Simon Commission’s recommendations, which one of the following statements is correct?a) It recommended the replacement of diarchy with responsible government in the provinces.b) It proposed the setting up of inter-provincial council under the Home Department.
c) It suggested the abolition of bicameral legislature at the centre.
d) It recommended the creation of Indian Police Service with a provision for increased pay and allowances for British recruits as compared to Indian recruits.

Ans- a

Explanation– Recommendations of Simon commission were –

1. Dyarchy in the provinces should be abolished and ministers should be made responsible to the provincial legislature,
2. The Governor to retain the special powers for the safety of the province and for the protection of the minorities,
3. Franchise was to be extended and legislatures were to be enlarged and
4. Council of state would continue as the Upper House but its members would be chosen not on the basis of direct election but on the basis of indirect election by the Provincial councils.

These were some of the important recommendations.

Q.17) Consider the following pairs:
1. Harappa                     port town for trading
2. Dholavira                   hydrocephalus treatment
3. Lothal                         polychrome pottery

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans- c

Explanation– Lothal was port town for trading. Therefore, Harappa is not correctly matched.

Hydrocephalus treatment case was found in a child buried in Kalibangan. Check here. Pair 2 is wrongly matched. Polychrome pottery was found at Lothal and Surkotada.

Q.18) Consider the following statements:
1. The Ikshvaku ruler of Southern India were antagonistic towards Buddhism.
2. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were patrons of Buddhism.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans-b

Explanation– First statement is wrong. As per this source the successors of Ikshvaku were great patrons of Buddhism.

Palas of Bengal and Bihar were well known patrons of Buddhism. It rulers have established well known university like Vikramshila and Somapuri University.

Q.19) Consider the following folk dances and the states where they are practiced:Folk Dance     State1.Pullikali –  Karnataka2. Rouff       –  Jammu and Kashmir3. Gumura  –  Arunachal Pradesh

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans-b

Explanation- Pulikali is folk dance of Kerela. It was recently in Hindu. Rouf is the most popular traditional dance of Jammu and Kashmir. Ghumura is folk dance of Orissa. It was recently innews.

Q.20) What is the correct sequence of the following events?
1. Tilak’s Home Rule League
2. Komagata maru incident
3. Mahatma Gandhi’s arrival in India

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 3, 2 and 1
c) 2, 1 and 3
d) 2, 3 and 1

Ans-d

Explanation–
Komagata maru incident happened in 1914. Read more about it here. Mahatma Gandhi arrived in India from South Africa on January 9 ,1915.  Tilak Home rule league kicked off in 1916.

Q.21) The Young Bengal Movement, started by Henry Vivian Derozio:
1. took up the peasant’s cause
2. advocated women’s rights
3. attacked old and decadent customs

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans-[C] Explanation-. The Young Bengal movement was a group of radical Bengali free thinkers better known as Derozians, after their teacher at Hindu College, Henry Vivian Derozio from Hindu College, Calcutta. They were inspired and excited by the spirit of free thought and revolt against the existing social and religious structure of Hindu society.

They advocated women’s rights such as right to education. They did not fought for peasant’s cause.

Q.22) The Cabinet mission plan, 1946 recommended
1. an undivided India
2. a strong centre
3. residuary powers being given to provinces

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans-[B] Explanation:
1. Cabinet mission plan proposed that there shall be a Union of India which will be empowered to deal with the defense, foreign affairs and communications. The Union Government and its legislature were to have limited powers, dealing with Finance, Foreign Affairs and Communications. Thus, the Cabinet Mission plan proposed a weak Centre.

2. It recommended an undivided India and turned down the Muslim league’s demand for a separate Pakistan.

3. It provided that all the members of the Interim cabinet would be Indians.

4. It provided for formation of the constituent assembly on democratic principle of population.

5. It recognized Right to secede from the Commonwealth.

6. All subjects other than the Union Subjects and all the residuary powers would be vested in the provinces. The Princely states would retain all subjects and all residuary powers.

7. A Constituent Assembly will be formed of the representatives of the Provincial Assemblies and the Princely states. Each province had to be allotted a total number of seats in proportion to the its population.

Q.23) Western classical elements can be seen in the Gandhara School of Art as reflected in the Buddha’s
1. usina, urna and elongated ears.
2. head
3. heavy folds of the robe.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans-[C] Explanation The characteristics Gandhara sculptures, standing or the seated Buddha reflects the essential nature of Gandhara art. Iconography is purely Indian in it. Seated Buddha sculpture has the physical marks of the Buddha like the usina which means topknot of uncut hair, the urna (mole) and elongated ears.

Head of the Buddha in this art was based on the Greek God,Apollo and heavy folds of the robe was western element.

Q.24) One could attain salvation by performing the Vedic sacrifices with all their rituals which needed the services of the priests. This was the belief of which school of Indian philosophy?

a) Vaisheshika
b) Mimamsa
c) Vedanta
d) Nyaya

Ans- [B] Explanation- Mimamsa means a ‘revered thought.’ It provides a philosophical justification for the observance of Vedic ritual. It give rules for the interpretation of the Vedas.

This orthodox systems accept the authority of the Vedas. The basic premise of Mimamsa is that action is the very essence of human existence. The sole concern of Mimamsa is salvation, not liberation and the basic purpose of Mimamsa is to inquire into the nature of Right Action.

Vedas is composed of four parts: The Samhitas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas and the Upanishads.

The first two parts are generally focused on the rituals and they form the Karma-kanda portion of the Vedas.

The later two parts form the Jnana-kanda (concerned with knowledge) portion of the Vedas.

Purva-Mimamsa is based on the earlier parts of the Vedas.

Uttar-Mimamsa is based on the later parts of the Vedas.

Q.25) Consider the following statements about Arya Samaj:
1. It repudiated caste system and the fourfold Varna division.
2. It started a Shudhi movement to reconvert people to Hinduism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans- [B]

Explanation-
Arya Samaj did not repudiate the fourfold varna system and therefore statement one is wrong. However it repudiated the caste system.

Statement 2 is correct as it started a shuddhi movement to reconvert people to Hinduism.

Q.26) With reference to doctrine of lapse, consider the following statements:

1. Dalhousie was the first to use it.

2. It helped expand the market of British goods in India

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans-[C] Explanation Lord Dalhousie was one of the greatest governor general of India. He devised the formula of Doctrine of Lapse which he termed as annexation by peace. States annexed were Satara, Jaitpur, Sambalpur, Baghat, Udaipur, Jhansi and Nagpur. He also fought second anglo sikh war. Abolished the titles of nawab of Karnatka and Raja of

Tanjore. Brought in educational reforms under wood’s despatch. Development of railways, post and telegraph occurred, established public work dept, revolt of 1857 which occured one year later had one of its main cause in doctrine of lapse.

The increase in area of the British empire increased the area of market of British goods.

Q.27) The Shimla Conference was called to discussa) Rajaji formula
b) Wavell Plan
c) Cabinet mission plan
d) Dickie bird plan

Ans-[B] Explanation- It was called to discuss Wavell plan.
When Wavell became viceroy his most important task was to present a formula for thefuture government of India which would be acceptable to both Congress and the Muslim League. Main points of the plan were :

1. If all the Indian political parties would agree to help the British war effort, then the British Government would introduce constitutional reforms in India after the war and the Executive Council would be immediately reconstituted with number of its members increased.

2. All the members of the Council, except the Viceroy and the Commander-in-Chief, would be Indians.

3. The defence of India would remain in British hands until power was ultimately transferred to Indians.

4. The Viceroy would convene a meeting of Indian politicians including the leaders of Congress and the Muslim League at which they would nominate members of the new Council.

CR Formula was a proposal for the Congress to offer the Muslim League, the Pakistan, based on plebiscite of all the peoples in the regions where Muslims made a majority.

Proposal of Dickie bird plan was that provinces should become first independent successor states rather than an Indian Union or the two dominions of India & Pakistan.