Question 1

During the American Revolution, which of the following best describes the political attitude of Loyalists living in the thirteen colonies?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In the period of the American Revolution, colonists in North America did not all share the same political views. Some supported independence and were called Patriots, while others remained loyal to the British Crown and were called Loyalists or Tories. Understanding the Loyalist position helps explain internal divisions within the colonies and the complex nature of revolutionary movements. This question asks you to identify which description most accurately captures the Loyalist attitude. Given Data / Assumptions: The setting is the American Revolution in the late eighteenth century. The group under discussion is the Loyalists in the colonies. The options present different possible attitudes toward Britain and the Patriot movement. Concept / Approach: Loyalists were colonists who opposed breaking away from Britain. Many believed that the Patriot leaders were too radical, that rebellion would bring chaos, and that grievances could be addressed within the existing imperial system. They did not typically advocate immediate return to Britain, nor did they join the Patriot forces. The correct option must therefore highlight loyalty to the Crown and a sense that revolutionary leaders were going too far. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Patriots wanted independence, while Loyalists wanted to preserve ties with Britain. Step 2: Recognise that Loyalists often included royal officials, merchants and others who benefited from imperial connections. Step 3: Note that Loyalists tended to see radical calls for independence as dangerous or unnecessary. Step 4: Compare the options and identify which one clearly states that they remained loyal to the Crown and thought Patriots were too radical. Step 5: Select option A as it best summarises the Loyalist viewpoint. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by consulting standard summaries of the American Revolution which define Loyalists as colonists who retained loyalty to King George and opposed independence. These sources frequently mention that Loyalists feared social disorder and believed in legal methods of protest. This matches option A and shows that other options misrepresent Loyalist choices and beliefs. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B is wrong because joining the Patriot army is the exact opposite of being a Loyalist. Option C exaggerates the situation, since most Loyalists continued to live in the colonies rather than immediately returning to Britain. Option D is inconsistent, as Loyalists did not generally reject all British taxation while also refusing Patriot support; many accepted Britain right to tax. Option E is incorrect because complete support for independence describes committed Patriots, not Loyalists. Common Pitfalls: Some learners confuse Loyalists with moderate Patriots who criticised certain British policies but still wanted reform. Others misread the term Loyalist and assume that it simply means loyal to local colonial assemblies. To avoid confusion, remember that Loyalists are defined by their loyalty to the British monarch and their suspicion of radical revolutionary action. Final Answer: Loyalists in the American colonies were those who believed that the Patriot leaders were too radical and chose to remain loyal to the British Crown.

Question 2

Around the year 1900, many farmers in the United States supported monetary and political reforms mainly because they wanted which economic goal to be achieved?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: At the end of the nineteenth century and around 1900, many farmers in the United States faced low crop prices, heavy debts and high transportation costs. This situation gave rise to farmers organisations and the Populist movement, which advocated a range of reforms. Exam questions often ask about the core economic motive behind farmers support for monetary reforms such as the free coinage of silver. This question focuses on what farmers hoped to achieve economically through those demands. Given Data / Assumptions: The period is roughly around 1900, the age of Populism. The group in question is indebted farmers, especially in the West and South. We are looking for their main economic goal in supporting reforms. Concept / Approach: Farmers often borrowed money to buy land, machinery and seeds. When the supply of money was tight and prices of crops were low, the real burden of their debts increased. Many farmers therefore supported proposals like the free coinage of silver, which would expand the money supply, create inflation and raise crop prices. With higher prices, their incomes would rise, making it easier to repay debts taken in earlier, less inflated dollars. Thus, a key economic goal was easier loan repayment through a more inflationary monetary policy, rather than simply controlling railroads or power over workers. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that many farmers were heavily indebted and hurt by falling prices. Step 2: Understand that expanding the money supply through free silver would lead to inflation. Step 3: Recognise that inflation tends to benefit debtors, because they repay loans with money that has lower real value. Step 4: Examine the options and see which one states that farmers wanted to repay loans more easily using inflationary policies. Step 5: Choose option B, which clearly expresses this central economic goal. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by recalling famous Populist speeches that criticise the gold standard and praise silver coinage as a way to lift the burden of debt from farmers and workers. Many history texts explain that these monetary demands were driven primarily by the desire to improve terms of repayment and farm incomes rather than to preserve power over others. This background supports option B as the most accurate summary of farmers main goal. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, lower freight rates, was indeed a demand but describes a more specific regulatory goal, not the central monetary aim highlighted in many exam questions. Option C misrepresents farmers as trying mainly to hold power over industrial workers, which was not the primary focus of Populist reforms. Option D shifts attention to urban voters rather than to farmers economic needs. Option E is wrong because farmers often wanted more government regulation of railroads and banks, not complete abolition of regulation. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes focus only on railroad issues and forget the big picture of monetary reform and debt relief. Another pitfall is reading the options too quickly and missing the key phrase pay back their loans more easily. To avoid these errors, remember that in many multiple choice questions, the phrase free silver is closely associated with the goal of easing debt burdens through inflation. Final Answer: Around 1900, many farmers wanted to create inflation so that they could pay back their loans more easily, and they supported monetary reforms with this goal in mind.

Question 3

In the early history of photography, many examples of art photography tried to establish the new medium as a fine art by often imitating which feature of traditional painting?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: When photography first emerged in the nineteenth century, artists and critics debated whether it could be considered a fine art like painting or sculpture. Some early art photographers responded by consciously borrowing ideas from established art forms. Exam questions about early photography often ask what exactly they imitated in order to claim artistic status. This question focuses on which feature of traditional painting art photographers tried to echo. Given Data / Assumptions: We are discussing early art photography, not casual snapshots. The goal was to make photography appear as a serious art form. The options mention brush strokes, specific masterpieces, narrative form and later collage techniques. Concept / Approach: Many early art photographers used staged scenes, carefully arranged figures and dramatic lighting to create images that resembled history or genre paintings. These compositions told stories or conveyed moral lessons, similar to traditional narrative painting. Photographers did not try to mimic brush strokes, which are unique to painting, nor did they base their art mainly on Dada collage, which arrived much later. Therefore, the correct answer should highlight the narrative and story telling aspects of painting rather than its physical surface or individual famous works. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that early art photographers often constructed scenes using models, costumes and props. Step 2: Understand that these scenes attempted to tell stories or illustrate literary, historical or religious themes, in the same way as academic painting. Step 3: Note that a photograph cannot literally reproduce brush strokes because it is a different medium. Step 4: Recognise that the Dada movement and its collages belong to a later avant garde period and did not guide early attempts to legitimise photography. Step 5: Choose option C, which mentions the narrative form and story telling composition of traditional painting. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, think of well known early photographers who made images resembling history or allegorical paintings. They frequently staged scenes from literature or mythology, often giving titles that refer to classic stories. Art history texts describe this as an attempt to align photography with the respected tradition of narrative painting. This confirms that narrative form, rather than painterly texture or collage, is the main feature that early art photography imitated. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A is wrong because photographers did not try to imitate the physical brushwork of oil painting, which is specific to painting materials. Option B focuses too narrowly on copying particular masterpieces instead of the broader narrative tradition. Option D is incorrect because Dada collages such as those by Hannah Hoch belong to a later rebellion against traditional art, not to the early phase of photography. Option E is wrong because early art photographers were in fact very conscious of the relationship between photography and painting and did refer to painting models. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes think that art photography must have tried to look exactly like painting in every way and therefore choose options about brush strokes or specific famous works. Others associate any mention of photography and collage with Dada, ignoring the time period. To avoid confusion, focus on the idea of narrative and theatrical composition, which is the key link between early art photography and painting. Final Answer: Early examples of art photography often imitated the narrative form and story telling compositions of history and genre painting in order to establish photography as a fine art.

Question 4

In the context of Roman era art, which of the following is considered a particularly good and characteristic example of Roman portrait painting?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Roman art included not only sculpture and architecture but also distinctive forms of painting. When art history courses discuss Roman portrait painting, they often highlight a particular group of works that have survived in remarkable condition. These works combine realistic portrait faces with funerary customs in a provincial setting. This question asks you to identify that group as a good example of Roman portrait painting. Given Data / Assumptions: The focus is on portrait painting in the Roman era. Several possibilities are listed, including Hellenistic art, Faiyum portraits and sculpture of Julius Caesar. We assume basic understanding that portrait painting is different from sculpture or later medieval mural work. Concept / Approach: The Faiyum mummy portraits, found in Roman period Egypt, are painted panels attached to mummies. They show highly individualised faces with realistic shading and gaze, and are widely cited as outstanding examples of Roman portrait painting on wood. Hellenistic painting is related but belongs more to the Greek period, while marble busts of Julius Caesar are sculpture, not painting. Medieval frescoes come from a later period and different cultural context, so they cannot serve as the best example of Roman portrait painting. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the question asks specifically about portrait painting, not sculpture. Step 2: Recall that the Faiyum portraits are painted images of individuals on wooden panels attached to mummies in Roman Egypt. Step 3: Recognise that these portraits are famous for their realism and are classed as Roman period works despite being found in Egypt. Step 4: Eliminate options that refer to sculpture, medieval art or general Greek styles rather than to this particular Roman painting tradition. Step 5: Choose option B, which names the Faiyum mummy portraits directly. Verification / Alternative check: If you look at art history summaries, the phrase Roman portrait painting almost always brings up the Faiyum portraits as key examples. They are often illustrated in textbooks and described as some of the most vivid images of individuals from the ancient world. This repeated association confirms that option B is the right choice when the question asks for a good example of Roman portrait painting. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, general Hellenistic painting, refers to Greek art that influenced Rome but is not specifically Roman portrait painting. Option C is incorrect because early Hellenistic painting and Faiyum portraits are not equally typical of the Roman period in the same way. Option D mentions busts of Julius Caesar, which are three dimensional sculptures rather than painted portraits. Option E refers to medieval church frescoes, which belong to a much later Christian context, not to Roman art. Common Pitfalls: Some learners see the name Julius Caesar and assume that anything connected with him must be the best Roman example, forgetting the difference between sculpture and painting. Others may choose Hellenistic art because it sounds classical without considering the Roman period focus. To avoid errors, remember the strong link between the phrase Roman portrait painting and the concrete example of the Faiyum mummy portraits. Final Answer: A particularly good and characteristic example of Roman portrait painting is provided by the Faiyum mummy portraits from Roman Egypt.

Question 5

In modern Indian honours, in which year was Dr B. R. Ambedkar posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India highest civilian award?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Dr B. R. Ambedkar was a principal architect of the Indian Constitution, a champion of social justice and a major leader of the Dalit movement. Recognising his contribution, the Government of India conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country highest civilian award, on him. Exam questions often test whether candidates remember the year in which this honour was given, especially because it was awarded posthumously and relatively late compared to his lifetime achievements. Given Data / Assumptions: The person in question is Dr B. R. Ambedkar. The award is the Bharat Ratna, India highest civilian honour. We are asked about the year when he received this award posthumously. Concept / Approach: Ambedkar lived from 1891 to 1956, so any award date must be after his lifetime if it is posthumous. The Bharat Ratna for Ambedkar was conferred in 1990. This date is often remembered alongside other late recognitions of national figures. The correct option must therefore match the year 1990, and other dates such as 1890, 1980 or 1989 do not fit this context. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Ambedkar passed away in 1956, so he could not have received the award while alive. Step 2: Remember that the Bharat Ratna honour for Ambedkar was announced and conferred in 1990. Step 3: Scan the options and locate the year 1990 among them. Step 4: Verify that 1890 predates his birth and 1980 or 1989 precede the actual award date. Step 5: Select option C, 1990, as the accurate year. Verification / Alternative check: As an alternative check, note that many general knowledge lists of Bharat Ratna awardees clearly state that Ambedkar received the award in 1990. These lists often place his name alongside other recipients from the same period, reinforcing the association of his award with that specific year. This corroborates 1990 as the correct option in the exam context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, 1890, predates Ambedkar birth and is therefore impossible. Option B, 1980, and Option D, 1989, are close to the correct decade but do not match the actual award year. Option E, 2000, is significantly later and refers to a period when other individuals were honoured. None of these alternatives correspond to the documented date when Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna. Common Pitfalls: A common pitfall is to confuse the Bharat Ratna year with other important dates in Ambedkar life, such as his birth in 1891 or events related to the Constitution. Another error is to approximate within the 1980s or 1990s without recalling the exact year. To avoid such confusion, it is useful to memorise a simple association that Ambedkar Bharat Ratna came in 1990, several decades after his death. Final Answer: Dr B. R. Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in the year 1990.

Question 6

In the history of Western music, what was the dominant character of most European medieval music in terms of performance style and medium?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Medieval Western music, roughly from the fifth to the fifteenth century, preceded many of the instruments, forms and ensembles that later became central to European music. Understanding the main character of medieval music helps distinguish it from Renaissance, Baroque and later styles. Exam questions often ask whether it was vocal or instrumental and which genres dominated church and secular life in that period. Given Data / Assumptions: The time frame is the medieval period in Europe. The options list different performance media such as organ, vocal music, orchestras, piano and violin concertos. We assume basic awareness that many modern instruments were not yet in common use. Concept / Approach: Most surviving medieval music is vocal, particularly plainchant used in Christian liturgy, such as Gregorian chant. Later in the period, simple polyphonic vocal music and secular songs also developed. Large orchestras, pianos and concertos belong to much later centuries. While some instruments existed, the dominant written and notated tradition in the medieval era was vocal, especially in the service of the church. Therefore, the correct description should highlight vocal music rather than instrumental ensembles that did not yet exist in their modern forms. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that medieval church life centred around sung liturgy, with monks and choirs performing chants. Step 2: Understand that large orchestras and concertos are Baroque and later developments, not typical of medieval practice. Step 3: Recognise that the piano was invented much later, in the early eighteenth century, and could not have been a medieval instrument. Step 4: Compare the options and identify the one that describes music as primarily vocal, with a focus on plainchant and religious song. Step 5: Select option B as the correct summary of medieval music character. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by checking any introductory music history outline, which nearly always begins the discussion of Western art music with Gregorian chant and other vocal liturgical forms. Instrumental pieces are mentioned far less frequently, and many have not survived in notation. This consistent emphasis on vocal church music confirms that the primary character of medieval music was vocal rather than instrumental. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A exaggerates the role of the organ; while organs did exist, they did not define all medieval music. Option C describes orchestral dance music, which belongs more to later periods when orchestras were established. Option D is incorrect because the piano did not exist in the medieval period. Option E refers to violin concertos, which are closely linked to the Baroque era and composers such as Vivaldi, not to medieval practice. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes project modern concert experiences back onto the medieval period and imagine orchestras, pianos or violin soloists in settings where they did not exist. Another pitfall is to overlook the central role of the church in preserving written music from this era. To avoid mistakes, always link the word medieval with vocal plainchant and simple early polyphony when answering such questions. Final Answer: Most medieval Western music was primarily vocal, especially in the form of plainchant and religious song.

Question 7

In which year did India become a member of the United Nations as one of its founding countries?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: India played an active role in the creation of the United Nations after the Second World War. This question checks whether you remember the exact year when India formally became a member of the United Nations and joined the community of founding member states. Knowing key dates in modern world history is important for exams on general knowledge and Indian history. Given Data / Assumptions: The question gives the following information and assumptions: - The organisation involved is the United Nations. - India is described as a member and founding country. - The task is to identify the correct year from the options. - No month or day is asked, only the year of membership is required. Concept / Approach: The main concept here is the timeline of formation of the United Nations and the role of India. The United Nations Charter was signed in 1945, and only countries that joined in that early phase are treated as founding members. India, then under British rule but with distinct international representation, signed the Charter and became a member in the same year, 1945. So the method is simple factual recall supported by elimination of years that do not match the known chronology of the United Nations. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the United Nations was founded after the Second World War, which ended in 1945.Step 2: This means any year clearly after 1945, such as 1947 or 1950, cannot be the year of foundation membership.Step 3: India signed the United Nations Charter in June 1945 and became a member later in October 1945. Therefore the correct year of membership is 1945.Step 4: Compare this fact with the options provided. Only option 1945 matches the historically correct year.Step 5: Conclude that 1945 is the required answer and the other years are distractors. Verification / Alternative check: Another way to verify is to relate this date to other major events. The United Nations Day is celebrated each year in October to mark the entry into force of the Charter in 1945. India obtained full political independence only in 1947 but was already part of the United Nations system two years earlier. Therefore any date later than 1945 would be inconsistent with the founding member status of India. Likewise, a date much earlier than 1945 is impossible because the United Nations did not exist then. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - 1944: This is before the formal establishment of the United Nations. The organisation still existed only as an idea and through wartime declarations, not as a full international body. - 1946: This is after the year in which the United Nations Charter came into force. India was already a member by then, so 1946 is too late for founding membership. - 1947: This year is associated with Indian independence, not with membership of the United Nations, which had already taken place earlier. - 1950: By 1950 the United Nations had been functioning for several years. Choosing 1950 confuses later developments with the original founding phase. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often confuse the year of India becoming a member of the United Nations with the year of Indian independence, which is 1947, or with dates related to later constitutional changes such as 1950. Another mistake is to assume that membership must have been in 1946, thinking that all diplomatic steps would take one or two years after the war. Remember that the key is to connect this question with the founding of the United Nations in 1945, not with later milestones in Indian history. Final Answer: The correct year in which India became a member of the United Nations as a founding country is 1945.

Question 8

Which committee in India first recommended a system of democratic decentralisation through Panchayati Raj institutions at the village, block and district levels?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question relates to the evolution of Panchayati Raj and democratic decentralisation in post independence India. Democratic decentralisation means transferring power, responsibility and resources from higher levels of government to elected bodies at lower levels, so that local people can participate directly in decision making. The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee is a key name that every student of Indian polity needs to remember. Given Data / Assumptions: - The subject is the recommendation of a decentralisation system. - The context is Indian committees formed after independence. - The system mentioned is democratic decentralisation through Panchayats at village, block and district levels. - Several well known leaders and committees are given in the options, and exactly one of them is correct. Concept / Approach: The core idea is to connect the concept of democratic decentralisation with the right committee. In 1957 the Government of India appointed the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee to evaluate the Community Development Programme and National Extension Service. This committee recommended a three tier Panchayati Raj structure and became famous for giving a clear blueprint for decentralised rural self governance. Other committees such as the Ashok Mehta Committee and K. Santhanam Committee also worked on related themes later, but they did not originate the basic decentralisation scheme asked in the question. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the key phrase democratic decentralisation and link it to Panchayati Raj institutions.Step 2: Recall that the first major report on Panchayati Raj after independence was submitted by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee in 1957.Step 3: Note that this committee recommended a three tier structure Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad, with genuine transfer of powers and responsibilities.Step 4: Compare this recollection with the options. Only the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee is known specifically for recommending democratic decentralisation in this manner.Step 5: Mark Balwant Rai Mehta Committee as the correct answer and treat the remaining options as later or different committees. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, you can place the committees on a mental timeline. The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee worked in the late nineteen fifties. The Ashok Mehta Committee came much later in the nineteen seventies and recommended a two tier system. K. Santhanam Committee mainly dealt with financial powers of Panchayats. C. Rajagopalachari and J. B. Kripalani were important political leaders but not the heads of the famous decentralisation committee. This cross check confirms that the correct committee is Balwant Rai Mehta. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - C. Rajagopalachari Committee: Rajagopalachari was a prominent leader and first Indian Governor General, but no major decentralisation committee is officially known by his name. - J. B. Kripalani Committee: Kripalani was an important Congress leader, yet he did not chair the committee that designed the Panchayati Raj framework after independence. - Ashok Mehta Committee: This later committee suggested reforms to Panchayati Raj but was not the original body to recommend democratic decentralisation. - K. Santhanam Committee: This committee focused on Panchayat finances and local taxation, not on the basic structure of democratic decentralisation. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes mix up Balwant Rai Mehta Committee with Ashok Mehta Committee because both deal with Panchayati Raj. The safest method is to remember that Balwant Rai Mehta comes first and talks about creating the system, whereas Ashok Mehta suggests reforms when the system is already in place. Confusing political leaders and committee chairs is another common mistake, so always connect the specific recommendation with the correct name of the committee. Final Answer: The system of democratic decentralisation through Panchayati Raj institutions was first recommended by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee.

Question 9

According to early Islamic history, what did the Shiites believe about the rule of the Umayyad Caliphate over the Muslim community?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the topic of early Islamic history and the origins of the division between Sunni and Shia branches of Islam. The Shiites or Shia Muslims supported the leadership of the family of Prophet Muhammad through Ali and his descendants. They strongly opposed the rule of the Umayyad dynasty, which they viewed as usurpers of legitimate leadership. Understanding this conflict helps explain many later developments in Islamic political and religious history. Given Data / Assumptions: - The group discussed is the Shiites or Shia Muslims. - The ruling house mentioned is the Umayyad Caliphate. - The question asks about what the Shiites believed regarding the Umayyad rule. - The focus is on legitimacy of power, not on minor religious practices. Concept / Approach: The key concept is the dispute over who should lead the Muslim community after the death of Prophet Muhammad. Shiites believed that leadership, both spiritual and political, should stay within the family of the Prophet, beginning with Ali and then his descendants. When the Umayyad family took control of the caliphate, Shiites rejected their authority and considered their rule illegitimate. Therefore, the correct option must capture the idea that the Umayyad dynasty should not be in power at all, rather than simply needing reforms or more prayer. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Shiites supported Ali and his descendants as rightful leaders, called Imams.Step 2: After Ali and his son Husayn, power passed to the Umayyad family, who were part of another branch of the Quraysh tribe.Step 3: Shiites saw this transfer of power as an unjust seizure of leadership and refused to recognise Umayyad rule as legitimate.Step 4: Look at the options and identify which one reflects rejection of Umayyad authority. The option that says the Umayyad should not be in power matches this belief.Step 5: Confirm that the other options either soften this opposition or give ideas the Shiites did not hold, so they must be rejected. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this answer by recalling key events such as the battle of Karbala, where Husayn, grandson of the Prophet, was killed by forces loyal to the Umayyads. This event deeply shaped Shia identity and strengthened their view that the Umayyads were unjust rulers. Historical summaries consistently describe Shiites as rejecting the legitimacy of the Umayyad caliphs, which fits the option stating that the Umayyad should not be in power over the Muslim community. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - The Umayyad should pray more and reform their lifestyle: Shiite opposition was not just about piety but about basic legitimacy and rightful succession. - The Umayyad dynasty received special treatment from other empires: This may have happened, but it is not the central belief of Shiites about them. - The Umayyad family had a divine right to rule the caliphate: This is closer to the view that their supporters held, not the Shiite position. - The Umayyad should expand the empire further into Europe: This concerns military policy, not the question of rightful leadership that concerned Shiites most. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes oversimplify the Sunni Shia split as a dispute over personal character or religious strictness. In reality it focused on who had the legitimate right to lead the Muslim community. Another common error is to think that Shiites merely wanted reforms under Umayyad rule, whereas they actually rejected the authority of that dynasty altogether. Remember to connect Shiite beliefs with Ali, Husayn and the line of Imams rather than with the Umayyad house. Final Answer: The Shiites believed that the Umayyad should not be in power over the Muslim community and that leadership belonged instead to the family of the Prophet through Ali and his descendants.

Question 10

Under which Constitutional Amendment Act of India was the subject of education transferred from the State List to the Concurrent List?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your knowledge of constitutional amendments and the distribution of legislative subjects between the Union and the States in India. Education today appears in the Concurrent List, meaning both Parliament and State Legislatures can make laws on it. Originally, however, education was in the State List and was later shifted during a major amendment passed in the period of Emergency. Remembering which amendment did this is a common test point in exams on Indian polity. Given Data / Assumptions: - The subject involved is education. - Education was initially on the State List. - It was later transferred to the Concurrent List. - The question asks which specific Constitutional Amendment Act brought about this change. Concept / Approach: The key concept is the Forty second Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976. This amendment is sometimes called a mini constitution because it made many wide ranging changes. Among these changes, five subjects were shifted from the State List to the Concurrent List, and education was one of them. So the right approach is to recall the list of subjects shifted by this amendment rather than trying to guess from the amendment numbers alone. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that education used to be a State subject under the Constitution.Step 2: Remember that during the Emergency, the Forty second Amendment Act of 1976 was passed, which altered the Seventh Schedule.Step 3: This amendment shifted five subjects education, forests, protection of wild animals and birds, weights and measures, and administration of justice from the State List to the Concurrent List.Step 4: Match this information with the options. Only the Forty second Amendment Act of 1976 fits this description.Step 5: Confirm that no other amendment listed in the options is linked with moving education to the Concurrent List. Verification / Alternative check: Another way to verify is to use keyword association. Many students remember the Forty second Amendment as the one that changed the Preamble, enlarged Fundamental Duties and adjusted the centre state balance by enlarging the Concurrent List. Thinking of education alongside forests and protection of wildlife as subjects moved out of exclusive state control helps fix this amendment in memory. None of the other amendments named in the options is known for such a wide set of structural changes. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Forty fourth Amendment Act of 1978: This amendment is known mainly for restoring certain Fundamental Rights and modifying some Emergency provisions, not for shifting education between lists. - Twenty fourth Amendment Act of 1971: This amendment clarified the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution itself, especially after the Supreme Court judgment in the Golaknath case. - Twenty fifth Amendment Act of 1971: This dealt largely with the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles in the context of property and compensation. - Fortieth Amendment Act of 1976: This amendment mainly involved issues such as nationalisation and territorial waters and is not related to the change in the status of education. Common Pitfalls: Many learners confuse the Forty second and Forty fourth Amendments because both are important and occurred close together in time. Another error is to think that any amendment around the mid nineteen seventies might have done this, leading to random guessing among the numbers. A good strategy is to remember a simple phrase such as Forty second for big structural changes, including movement of education to the Concurrent List, and Forty fourth for correcting excesses of the Emergency period. Final Answer: The subject of education was transferred from the State List to the Concurrent List by the Forty second Amendment Act of 1976.

Question 11

Which of the following cities had the first municipal corporation to be established in India during British rule?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the topic of urban local government in India. Municipal corporations are important local bodies responsible for governance in big cities. Under British rule the very first municipal corporation in India was set up in one of the Presidency towns. Knowing which city received this institution first helps you understand how urban administration began to develop during the colonial period. Given Data / Assumptions: - The setting is British ruled India. - The institution is a municipal corporation, an early form of modern city government. - The cities listed include major colonial centres such as Madras, Bombay and Calcutta. - The question asks which city had the first municipal corporation. Concept / Approach: The main concept is the historical development of local self government. In 1688 a municipal corporation was created in Madras, making it the oldest municipality in India and among the earliest outside Britain. Similar corporations in Bombay and Calcutta came only later, in the eighteenth century. Therefore the answer must be Madras, not Bombay or Calcutta, even though all three are famous Presidency cities. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the British East India Company first developed strong administrative structures in its three Presidency towns Madras, Bombay and Calcutta.Step 2: Among these, Madras received a municipal corporation in the late seventeenth century, around 1688.Step 3: Bombay and Calcutta corporations were formed later, around 1726, as the British refined their model of urban local governance.Step 4: Compare these historical facts with the options. Madras Municipal Corporation clearly emerges as the first.Step 5: Confirm that other listed cities, such as Allahabad and Delhi, gained modern municipal institutions only much later in the nineteenth century. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, you can use a simple memory hook. The British first established their early base in South India at Madras before expanding in Bengal and western India. So the first fully structured municipal corporation also appeared there. Textbooks on Indian polity and history consistently mention Madras Municipal Corporation of 1688 as the earliest in India. Remember that if you see a question about first municipal corporation under British rule, Madras is the safest answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Allahabad Municipal Corporation: Although Allahabad became an important administrative city later, it was not among the original Presidency towns and did not get the first corporation. - Bombay Municipal Corporation: Bombay received a municipal body after Madras, around the early eighteenth century, so it cannot be the first. - Calcutta Municipal Corporation: Calcutta also followed Madras, becoming a major capital city later in the colonial era. - Delhi Municipal Committee: Delhi emerged as a major capital only in the twentieth century under British rule and gained modern municipal institutions much later than the Presidency towns. Common Pitfalls: The most frequent confusion is between Madras, Bombay and Calcutta because all three were Presidency towns with similar administrative experiments. Students often incorrectly choose Calcutta because it eventually became the capital of British India. A reliable method is to link Madras with the earliest experiments, Bombay and Calcutta with later expansion, and Delhi with even later imperial developments in the twentieth century. Final Answer: The first municipal corporation to be established in India during British rule was the Madras Municipal Corporation.

Question 12

Who among the following started the Shuddhi Movement to promote reconversion and social reform within Hindu society?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is about social and religious reform movements in modern India. The Shuddhi Movement was an important effort aimed at reconversion of people to Hinduism and at removing certain social evils. It is closely linked with the Arya Samaj, a reformist organisation that sought to return to what it saw as the pure original principles of the Vedas. Identifying the founder of this movement helps anchor your understanding of reform currents in nineteenth century India. Given Data / Assumptions: - The movement named is the Shuddhi Movement. - The purpose was reconversion and social reform within Hindu society. - Several well known Indian spiritual and political leaders are listed as options. - Only one of these leaders is historically recognised as starting the Shuddhi Movement through the Arya Samaj. Concept / Approach: The central concept here is to connect the Shuddhi Movement with the Arya Samaj. The Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875. It emphasised a return to Vedic teachings and opposed idol worship and caste based discrimination. The Shuddhi Movement emerged from this context as a programme to bring people who had converted to other religions back into the Hindu fold and to raise the status of oppressed groups. Therefore the correct answer must be Swami Dayananda Saraswati as the originator of this broad reform approach, even though later leaders such as Swami Shraddhanand also played major roles in Shuddhi campaigns. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Shuddhi literally means purification and in this context refers to religious reconversion and reform.Step 2: Link the Shuddhi idea with the Arya Samaj, a reformist Hindu organisation.Step 3: Remember that Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, who promoted Vedic principles and opposed caste oppression.Step 4: Recognise that later Arya Samaj leaders, like Swami Shraddhanand, vigorously carried forward Shuddhi campaigns, but the movement originated with the vision of Swami Dayananda Saraswati.Step 5: Compare this understanding with the options and select Swami Dayananda Saraswati as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by thinking of key slogans and organisations. Swami Dayananda Saraswati gave the call India for Indians and founded Arya Samaj. Textbook descriptions of the Shuddhi Movement usually mention it as a programme initiated by Arya Samaj under his inspiration, with later expansion under his disciples. None of the other personalities in the options is primarily associated with founding Arya Samaj or initiating Shuddhi on an all India basis. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Sri Aurobindo: He was a revolutionary and spiritual thinker, but he is not linked with founding the Shuddhi Movement or running large scale reconversion campaigns. - Swami Vivekananda: He emphasised spiritual strength and social service through the Ramakrishna Mission, not Shuddhi style reconversion. - Yashoda Bhai: This name does not correspond to a widely known leader of any major nineteenth century reform movement. - Swami Shraddhanand: He was a major Arya Samaj leader who actively conducted Shuddhi campaigns, but he worked within the framework first created by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, not as the original founder. Common Pitfalls: A typical mistake is to choose Swami Shraddhanand because many accounts mention him prominently in connection with Shuddhi in the early twentieth century. The exam, however, usually expects you to identify the broader founder of the movement and organisation, which is Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Another pitfall is to confuse Shuddhi with general Hindu revival efforts by other leaders like Swami Vivekananda, whose focus was somewhat different. Final Answer: The Shuddhi Movement to promote reconversion and social reform within Hindu society was started by Swami Dayananda Saraswati through the Arya Samaj.

Question 13

At which of the following places did Mahatma Gandhi first launch his Satyagraha movement in India against colonial injustice?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is about the early political career of Mahatma Gandhi after his return to India from South Africa. Gandhi had already experimented with his method of Satyagraha, or truth force, abroad, but he first applied it on a large scale in India in a particular district. Knowing where this first Satyagraha took place helps you place later movements like Kheda, Ahmedabad and Bardoli in the correct chronological order. Given Data / Assumptions: - The leader is Mahatma Gandhi. - The method is Satyagraha, meaning non violent resistance based on truth and moral pressure. - The question asks about his first Satyagraha in India. - The options list various famous locations associated with Gandhi Bardoli, Ahmedabad, Kheda, Champaran and Dandi. Concept / Approach: The key concept is that Gandhi first led a full scale Satyagraha in India in Champaran district of Bihar in 1917. This movement addressed the exploitation of indigo cultivators by European planters under the tinkathia system. Later, Gandhi led agitations in Kheda and Ahmedabad in 1918 and supported the Bardoli movement in 1928. The Dandi March came still later in 1930 as part of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Therefore, the correct answer must be Champaran district in Bihar. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the sequence of major Gandhian movements in India Champaran, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Non Cooperation, Civil Disobedience and so on.Step 2: Identify Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 as the earliest major Satyagraha led by Gandhi in British India.Step 3: Note that Kheda and Ahmedabad movements took place in 1918 and that Bardoli Satyagraha was in 1928 under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.Step 4: Recognise that the Dandi March, though very famous, came much later in 1930 and cannot be the first Satyagraha.Step 5: Compare this timeline with the options and select Champaran district in Bihar as the correct one. Verification / Alternative check: A quick verification technique is to connect each place with the issue involved. Champaran is linked with indigo cultivators, Kheda with peasants demanding revenue remission after crop failure, Ahmedabad with mill workers fighting for wages, Bardoli with land revenue hike, and Dandi with the Salt Satyagraha. When you place these events in sequence, Champaran clearly appears as Gandhis first Satyagraha experiment in India. Standard history texts also describe Champaran Satyagraha as his first mass civil resistance on Indian soil. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Bardoli in Gujarat: Bardoli Satyagraha was an important peasants movement led mainly by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1928, not Gandhis first Satyagraha. - Ahmedabad Mill area: Gandhi did lead a strike of mill workers here in 1918, but this came after Champaran. - Kheda district in Gujarat: Kheda Satyagraha also took place in 1918 to demand revenue relief, so it is not the first. - Dandi on the Gujarat coast: The Dandi March of 1930 is associated with the Civil Disobedience Movement and came much later. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often confuse Champaran with Kheda or Bardoli because all involve peasants and revenue related issues. Another common mistake is to pick Dandi because it is very famous, even though it is not the first Satyagraha. To avoid confusion, always remember the simple order Champaran, then Kheda and Ahmedabad, followed by later national level movements. Final Answer: Mahatma Gandhi first launched his Satyagraha movement in India in the Champaran district in Bihar.

Question 14

In which year did James Wilson present the first Indian budget under British rule, laying the foundation of the modern Union Budget system?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question concerns the financial history of colonial India. The annual budget is a key instrument of economic policy and public finance. Under British rule, a formal budget for India was first presented by James Wilson, a Scottish economist and finance member of the Viceroys Council. Knowing the correct year of this first budget helps you track how the present day Union Budget evolved from colonial practices. Given Data / Assumptions: - The person named is James Wilson, the first Finance Member in British India. - The event is the presentation of the first Indian budget. - The options list several years in the eighteen fifties and eighteen sixties. - The task is to identify the specific year in which this first budget was presented. Concept / Approach: The core concept is the timing of institutional reforms after the Revolt of 1857. The Crown formally took over rule from the East India Company in 1858. To reorganise finances, the British government sent James Wilson to India. He presented the first budget in 1860, two years after the formal transfer, setting out revenue and expenditure in a modern format. When faced with similar dates, it is important to tie them to major events such as the revolt and the transfer of power, which cluster around this period. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the Revolt of 1857 led to the end of company rule and the beginning of direct Crown rule in 1858.Step 2: Recognise that the British needed a new financial system for the reorganised administration.Step 3: Remember that James Wilson, as Finance Member, was sent to India to stabilise finances and that he introduced the first budget in 1860.Step 4: Look at the options and identify 1860 as the year that fits this narrative and is mentioned in standard references.Step 5: Mark 1860 as the correct answer and reject the other nearby years as distractors. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this by connecting the date with other milestones. The Government of India Act of 1858 reorganised administration and created the office that James Wilson later filled. His budget in 1860 came at the start of this new phase of direct Crown rule. If you see 1860 and 1859 in the options, remember that it took a short time after 1858 to set up the budget system, which points more strongly to 1860 than to earlier dates. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - 1859: This is very soon after the transfer of power and before the first formal Union level budget is recorded in most standard accounts. - 1863: By this time the budget system was already in operation, so this year does not match the description of the first budget. - 1865 and 1867: These dates refer to later financial years within the ongoing budget system and are included only to confuse candidates who do not remember the exact year. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes memorise that the budget was introduced sometime in the early eighteen sixties but get lost among close dates. Others confuse the first Indian budget with later budgets of independent India. A good strategy is to remember a simple chain revolt in 1857, Crown rule in 1858, then first budget soon after in 1860 under James Wilson. Fixing these three dates together makes it easier to recall the correct answer in the exam hall. Final Answer: The first Indian budget under British rule was presented by James Wilson in the year 1860.

Question 15

Which High Court in India ruled that the system of negative marking in competitive examinations is bad in law and should be removed?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question addresses a contemporary legal decision related to education and examinations in India. Many competitive exams use negative marking to discourage random guessing. However, one High Court declared that such a system is bad in law and should be removed. Aspirants for civil services and other exams often encounter this fact in current affairs based general knowledge. Given Data / Assumptions: - The subject is negative marking in competitive examinations. - The legal body involved is an Indian High Court. - The question asks which specific High Court gave this ruling. - The options list prominent High Courts Madras, Bombay, Hyderabad, Delhi and Allahabad. Concept / Approach: The core concept is to link current affairs in education with the correct court. In two thousand nineteen, the Madras High Court delivered a judgment criticising negative marking. The court observed that negative marks act as a weight on the mental strength of students and can unfairly penalise intelligent candidates. Therefore, the correct answer must be Madras High Court. The other High Courts listed are important but are not associated with this particular decision. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall reading news items or notes about a High Court ruling against negative marking in competitive exams.Step 2: Remember that this ruling came from the Madras High Court, which said that negative marking was bad in law.Step 3: Recognise that the court highlighted the psychological effect of negative marks on students and questioned whether such a system was necessary for fair evaluation.Step 4: Compare this memory with the options given and select Madras High Court.Step 5: Rule out the other High Courts, as there is no widely reported case from them giving a similar landmark judgment on this issue. Verification / Alternative check: If you are unsure, think of regional patterns in such rulings. The Madras High Court has often been in the news for proactive judgments in education matters, including this one on negative marking. By contrast, when you recall typical landmark cases of other courts, Bombay and Delhi High Courts are associated more with commercial or constitutional matters, and Allahabad High Court with other high profile issues. This association further supports Madras as the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Bombay High Court: It has passed several education related judgments, but the widely cited ruling against negative marking came from Madras, not Bombay. - Hyderabad High Court: There is no major national level report of a similar decision from this court concerning negative marking. - Delhi High Court: While very important, it has not been identified with this specific judgment on negative marking in popular exam material. - Allahabad High Court: Also not the court that delivered the ruling described in the question. Common Pitfalls: Students who do not regularly follow current affairs may try to guess between Delhi and Bombay High Courts because these cities are widely known. This guesswork often leads to incorrect answers. The correct strategy is to tie the phrase negative marking bad in law to Madras High Court as a fixed memory, just as you would connect other famous phrases to specific courts or commissions. Final Answer: The High Court that ruled against negative marking in competitive examinations is the Madras High Court.

Question 16

Who among the following ancient writers is the author of the work Indica, an important account of India during the Mauryan period?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is drawn from ancient Indian history and the sources used to reconstruct it. Indica is the name given to an account of India written by a foreign ambassador who visited the court of Chandragupta Maurya at Pataliputra. Even though the original text is lost, large parts survive through quotations by later Greek and Roman writers. Identifying the author of Indica is a basic factual requirement for many history based examinations. Given Data / Assumptions: - The work mentioned is Indica, a descriptive account of India. - The time period is the Mauryan age, especially the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. - The options include several historical figures, some Indian and some foreign Megasthenes, Seleucus Nicator, Chanakya, Ashoka Maurya and Pliny the Elder. - Only one of these is the known author of Indica. Concept / Approach: The key concept is the link between Megasthenes and the Mauryan court. Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. During his stay in India he wrote a work describing the geography, society, administration and customs of the country. This work is referred to as Indica. Although some of his descriptions are exaggerated or mythical, Indica remains a vital external source on India in that period. None of the other personalities listed matches this profile as author of Indica. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Indica is associated with a Greek ambassador to the Mauryan court.Step 2: Identify Megasthenes as that ambassador, who lived at Pataliputra and observed Indian society.Step 3: Remember that Seleucus Nicator was the Hellenistic ruler who sent Megasthenes, not the author himself.Step 4: Note that Chanakya and Ashoka were Indian statesmen and rulers, not Greek writers, and Pliny the Elder was a later Roman author who quoted from earlier works.Step 5: Conclude that Megasthenes is the only option that correctly fits as the author of Indica. Verification / Alternative check: A quick check is to pair names in your memory. You can remember the pair Seleucus Megasthenes, where Seleucus is the king and Megasthenes is the envoy, and the pair Chandragupta Chanakya, where Chandragupta is the king and Chanakya is the adviser. Indica is clearly linked with the foreign observer in the first pair, not with the Indian ruler or adviser. Textbooks consistently identify Megasthenes by name when discussing Indica, while they only mention other writers such as Pliny as later compilers of information. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Seleucus Nicator: He was the Greek ruler who made a treaty with Chandragupta and sent Megasthenes as his ambassador but he did not write Indica. - Chanakya: Also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, he wrote Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft, not Indica. - Ashoka Maurya: As a Mauryan emperor, he left many inscriptions but is not credited with any work titled Indica. - Pliny the Elder: A Roman author who later used and quoted earlier sources, including possibly Indica, but he was not its original author. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse the roles of Seleucus and Megasthenes, or think that Indica might be an Indian work because it is about India. Another mistake is to mix up Arthashastra and Indica when recalling ancient texts. To avoid this, create clear associations Megasthenes for Indica as an outside view of India, and Chanakya for Arthashastra as an internal manual of governance. Final Answer: The work Indica, an important foreign account of India during the Mauryan period, was written by Megasthenes.

Question 17

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, is considered to have originated as an Upaveda primarily associated with which Veda?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the study of Indian culture and traditional knowledge systems. Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world and is an integral part of Indian heritage. It is often described as an Upaveda, or subsidiary knowledge, that stems from one of the four main Vedas. Knowing which Veda Ayurveda is primarily associated with is a standard fact tested in many competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: - The subject is Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system. - It is described as an Upaveda linked to a particular Veda. - The options include Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Veda, Sama Veda and Brahmana texts. - The task is to identify the Veda most commonly associated with the origin of Ayurveda. Concept / Approach: The key concept is the relationship between Vedic literature and auxiliary sciences. Many sources describe Ayurveda as an Upaveda of Atharva Veda, while some also mention a connection with Rig Veda. However, for exam purposes the widely accepted and expected answer is Atharva Veda. Atharva Veda contains many hymns dealing with health, healing and magical rites related to disease and well being, which makes it a natural base for the development of Ayurveda. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the four main Vedas are Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva.Step 2: Remember that Atharva Veda is particularly associated with everyday life, health, healing and protective charms.Step 3: Understand that Ayurveda, which deals with the science of life, health and disease, is considered an Upaveda of Atharva Veda in most standard references.Step 4: Compare this information with the options, and see that Atharva Veda is the most appropriate choice.Step 5: Eliminate the other Vedas, which are more closely associated with sacrificial rituals, hymns and melodies rather than with systematic medical knowledge. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this by recalling common exam mnemonics that pair subjects with Vedas, such as Ayurveda with Atharva Veda, Dhanurveda with aspects of Yajur Veda and Gandharva Veda with Sama Veda. Textbooks and official material from institutions promoting Ayurveda regularly describe it as rooted in Atharva Veda. This consistent usage across trusted sources confirms that Atharva Veda is the correct answer for exam purposes. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Rig Veda: This Veda mainly contains hymns of praise to various deities and is not the primary Veda associated with Ayurveda, even though there are some references to herbs. - Yajur Veda: This Veda focuses on sacrificial formulae and ritual procedures rather than systematic medical knowledge. - Sama Veda: It is associated mainly with musical chanting of Rig Veda hymns and has no primary link to the development of Ayurveda. - Brahmana texts: These are prose commentaries on sacrificial rituals and are not counted as one of the four main Vedas to which Ayurveda is attached as an Upaveda. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to choose Rig Veda because it is the oldest Veda, or to guess Yajur Veda due to confusion with other auxiliary sciences. Another mistake is to overthink scholarly debates that mention links with both Rig and Atharva Vedas. For exam purposes, you should stick with the widely accepted answer that Ayurveda is primarily associated with Atharva Veda. Final Answer: Ayurveda is traditionally considered an Upaveda that originates primarily from the Atharva Veda.

Question 18

In which country did Subhas Chandra Bose organise the so called Tiger Legion or Free India Legion during the Second World War?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is about the international phase of the Indian freedom struggle during the Second World War. Subhas Chandra Bose sought foreign support to liberate India from British rule. One of his initiatives in Europe was the formation of a military unit known as the Indian Legion or Free India Legion, often nicknamed the Tiger Legion. Knowing in which country this legion was organised gives insight into the global dimension of the independence movement. Given Data / Assumptions: - The leader is Subhas Chandra Bose, also known as Netaji. - The formation mentioned is the Tiger Legion or Free India Legion. - The period is the Second World War. - The options list several countries associated with wartime operations Germany, Italy, Singapore, Japan and Burma. Concept / Approach: The central concept is to distinguish between Bose activities in Europe and in East and Southeast Asia. In Europe, Bose worked with Germany and organised the Free India Legion from Indian prisoners of war captured by German forces in North Africa. This legion was based and trained in Germany and was nicknamed the Tiger Legion. Later, Bose travelled by submarine to Asia and led the Indian National Army based around Singapore and Japanese occupied territories. Therefore the correct country for the Tiger Legion is Germany, not Japan or Singapore. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Bose first went to Germany during the Second World War, seeking support from the Axis powers.Step 2: In Germany he helped raise a force of Indian prisoners of war which came to be known as the Free India Legion or Tiger Legion.Step 3: Remember that later Bose moved to East Asia and took command of the Indian National Army, which was linked to Japan and based around Singapore and Burma.Step 4: Since the question specifically mentions the Tiger Legion or Free India Legion, connect it with the European phase in Germany.Step 5: Choose Germany from the options and reject the others as belonging to a different phase or not directly related. Verification / Alternative check: A convenient way to verify is to pair names and places in your memory. Link Indian National Army with Japan and Singapore, and link Free India Legion or Tiger Legion with Germany and Europe. The term legion itself matches the style of many German military units of that time. Remember also that Bose used German resources to train and equip this legion before moving to the Asian theatre of war. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Italy: Although Italy was part of the Axis camp, the main organisation and training of the Free India Legion took place in Germany, not Italy. - Singapore: This city is closely associated with the later Indian National Army in Asia, not with the Tiger Legion created in Europe. - Japan: Bose collaborated with Japan for the Indian National Army, but the specific Tiger Legion mentioned in the question refers to the earlier German based unit. - Burma: Burma was part of the battlefront where the Indian National Army fought alongside Japanese forces, not the location where the Tiger Legion was originally organised. Common Pitfalls: Many students automatically think of Japan when they see the name Subhas Chandra Bose because of the Indian National Army campaigns in Burma and north east India. This leads them to overlook the earlier German phase. To avoid this, always remember that Bose had two major foreign bases Germany for the Tiger Legion and Japan Singapore for the Indian National Army. Final Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose organised the Tiger Legion or Free India Legion in Germany during the Second World War.

Question 19

Which of the following battles is widely regarded as having established the political supremacy of the British East India Company in India?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of the key battles that allowed the British East India Company to become the dominant political power in India. While several famous battles were fought in the eighteenth century, one particular battle is generally regarded as the decisive event that confirmed British supremacy in northern India and gave the Company control over important revenue sources. Given Data / Assumptions: - The focus is on the British East India Company and its political supremacy in India. - Several battles are listed, including Plassey, Buxar, a Mysore war, Samugarh and Panipat. - The task is to identify which battle established British supremacy, not just initial influence. Concept / Approach: The key concept is to distinguish between the starting point of British political influence and the battle that firmly established their supremacy. The Battle of Plassey in 1757 gave the Company control over Bengal through a combination of military action and betrayal by Mir Jafar. However, the Battle of Buxar in 1764 was more decisive. At Buxar, the Company army defeated the combined forces of the Nawab of Bengal, the Nawab of Awadh and the Mughal Emperor. This victory led to the grant of Diwani rights over Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, which meant control over revenue and administration. Therefore, Buxar is the battle that truly established British supremacy. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Plassey in 1757 marked the beginning of British political power in Bengal but did not yet give them full control over large territories.Step 2: Remember that in 1764 the British fought at Buxar against a coalition of Indian powers and won a decisive victory.Step 3: Understand that after Buxar, the Company secured Diwani rights, allowing it to collect revenue and run administration in major provinces.Step 4: Compare this deep structural change with the outcomes of the other battles listed.Step 5: Conclude that the Battle of Buxar is best described as establishing British political supremacy in India. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this by looking at how history books summarise the two battles. Plassey is usually called the starting point or a turning point, whereas Buxar is often described as the battle that consolidated British power and placed the Mughal Emperor and major nawabs in a subordinate position. Questions that specifically use the term political supremacy almost always expect Buxar rather than Plassey. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - The Battle of Plassey, 1757: Very important as a first major victory, but it was Buxar that truly established wide ranging supremacy. - The Third Mysore War: This was part of the long struggle against Mysore in south India and came later; it did not mark the first establishment of supremacy in the whole of India. - The Battle of Samugarh: This was a battle of succession during the Mughal period and had no direct link to British supremacy. - The Battle of Panipat, 1761: This battle involved the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali and weakened Indian powers but did not directly create British supremacy. Common Pitfalls: Many candidates pick Plassey because it is more famous and easier to remember. The exam setters often exploit this by asking specifically about the battle that established supremacy rather than the one that first gave foothold. The correct strategy is to link Plassey with entry and Buxar with confirmed supremacy and revenue control. Final Answer: The battle that is widely regarded as having established the political supremacy of the British East India Company in India is the Battle of Buxar, 1764.

Question 20

The famous Chipko Movement in the Himalayan region of India is primarily associated with which of the following areas of public concern?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is from the environment and social movements section of Indian general knowledge. The Chipko Movement became famous in the nineteen seventies when villagers, especially women, hugged trees to prevent them from being cut down by contractors. The name chipko literally means to cling. Understanding what issue this movement focused on helps connect environmental concerns with people based protest in India. Given Data / Assumptions: - The movement named is the Chipko Movement. - The region is the Himalayan belt, particularly present day Uttarakhand. - The options include forests, agriculture, industry, education and large dam projects. - The task is to identify the primary area of concern of the movement. Concept / Approach: The main concept is environmental conservation, particularly protection of forests and trees from commercial logging. The Chipko Movement opposed indiscriminate felling of trees which threatened local ecology and livelihoods. Villagers embraced trees to physically prevent them from being cut down. While the movement had side effects on agriculture, employment and social awareness, its central focus was clearly forest conservation. Therefore, the correct answer has to relate directly to forests and trees. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that chipko means to hug or cling, referring to people hugging trees.Step 2: Recognise that the movement began when forest contracts were given to outside companies that wanted to fell large numbers of trees.Step 3: Understand that local villagers depended on these forests for fuel, fodder, water conservation and slope stability.Step 4: Connect these facts with the options and see that protection of forests and trees best summarises the movement aim.Step 5: Reject other options that talk about agriculture, industry or education, as these were not the primary declared goals of Chipko actions. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, think of iconic images from the movement, which almost always show villagers standing with arms around tree trunks, chanting slogans to save forests. Slogans such as ecology is permanent economy also highlight the focus on caring for the natural environment rather than on short term economic exploitation. This visual memory strongly supports the idea that Chipko is related to forest protection. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Modernisation of agriculture: Although forests support agriculture indirectly, Chipko protests did not centre on new farming techniques or crops. - Industrial development and jobs: The movement in fact opposed commercial logging contracts that were justified in the name of development. - Expansion of formal education: Educational awareness may have grown, but it was not the primary stated concern of the Chipko activists. - Large dam and river projects: Opposition to large dams came in other movements such as Narmada Bachao Andolan, not in the original Chipko episodes. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes overgeneralise and link every environmental protest with big dams or industrial projects. While many later struggles did involve these issues, the classic Chipko Movement is specifically about preventing the felling of trees. Remembering the simple picture of villagers hugging trees is usually enough to keep the correct answer clear. Final Answer: The Chipko Movement is primarily associated with protection of forests and trees from indiscriminate felling.

Indian History Questions