InterviewSolution
Saved Bookmarks
InterviewSolution
This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.
| 1201. |
Read the passage carefully and answer the question given as follows: A Mother's Advice The Mahabharata describes how, when war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas became almost inevitable, Gandhari made one last appeal to her eldest son, Duryodhana: By making peace you honour your father and me, as well as your well-wishers it is the wise man in control of his senses who guards his kingdom. Greed and anger drag a man away from his profits, by defeating these two enemies a king conquers the earth ... You will happily enjoy the earth, my son, along with the wise and heroic Pandavas ... There is no good in a war, no law (dharma) and profit (artha), let alone happiness, nor is there (necessarily) victory in the end - don't set your mind on war ... Duryodhana did not listen to this advice and fought and lost the war. Why did they agree with her advice to her son? |
|
Answer» Solution :They agreed with her advice, because (a) The WAR ALWAYS causes destruction (b) There is no GOOD in a war. |
|
| 1202. |
" The notice if saviour is seen in both Hinduism and Buddhism " Justify . |
|
Answer» Solution :(i) In Buddhism , the Buddha was considered as a human being initially , and had achieved nirvana by his own efforts. It was the matter of belief , he could ensure salvation . (ii) Bodhisattvas were considered as deeply ASSOCIATED and set MERIT with their efforts and help others attain nirvana . (iii) In Hinduism, the same notion – Worship of Vishnu and worship of Shiva were KNOWN as VAISHNAVISM and SHAIVISM . Emphasis was on the worship of the chosen deity . (iv) A bond was between the devotee and God , that was visualised with love and devotion on a bhakti . Ten avatars of Lord Vishnu were identified in Vaishnavism and assumed to save the world . |
|
| 1203. |
Explain the main features of the Mauryan administration. |
|
Answer» Solution :The MAIN features of the Mauryan administration are as follows: (i) There were five major political centres in the empire-the capital Pataliputra and the provincial centres of Taxila, Ujaini, Tosali and Suvarnagiri. (ii) It was likely that administrative control was strongest in arcas around the capital and the provincial centres. These centres were carefully choosen, Taxila and Uijaini being situated on importantlong distance trade routes, while Suvarnagiri was important for tapping the goldmines of Karnataka (iii) Communication along both land and water routes was vital for the existence of thc empire. Joucncys from the centre to the provinces could have taken weeks not months. These meant arranging provisions as well as protection of those who were on the move. The army was mportant to cnsure security and safety (iv) Megasthenesc mentions a committee with six sub-committces for coordinating military ACTIVITY. Of these, one LOOKED after the navy, the second managed transport and provisions, third was responsible for foot soldiers, the forth for horses, the fifth for the chariots and the sixth for elephants. (v) The activitics of the second committee were rather varied arranging bullock carts to carry equipment, procuring food for the soldiers and fodder for animals and RECRUITING servants and assistants to look after the soldiers. (vi) Ashoka also tried to held his empire together propagating Dhamma, the principles of which were simple and virtually universally applicable. This would ensure the well being of the people. (vii) He recruited special officers known as Dhamma Mahamattas Ir uastheirduty.tospread themessage. of Dhamma. (viii) According to Megasthenes-Officers were appointed to different work. Such as some superintended the rivets, measure the land, inspect the sluices by which water is let out from the main canals into branches, so everyone may have equal SUPPLY of it. Some officers collect the taxes. |
|
| 1204. |
Why did the Mughal Emperor take special interest in encouraging agriculture. ? |
| Answer» Solution :Theytook specialinterest in encouragingagricultureas it was THEMAIN SOURCE of INCOME of theempire. It was alsoessentialfor the PROSPERITY ofthe people . | |
| 1205. |
When and between whom the battle of Panipat was fought? |
| Answer» Solution :BATTLE of PANIPAT was FOUGHT in 1526, between Babur and Ibrahim KHAN Lodhi. | |
| 1206. |
What do the term 'Jaat' and 'Sawar' in mansabdari system mean ? |
|
Answer» Solution :The emperor himself appointed the mansabdars. He wasat libertyto INCREASE or decreases the number of sawars or the POSITION of mansabdars. (i)There were two categories of mansabdars, namely: (a) Jaat(B) Sawar Jaatmeanstheperson whose rank, place and salaryhave been fixed .ACCORDING to their RANKS the mansabdars were classified into three categories. (ii)Only that person can be appointed as a mansabdarwhose Jaat and Sawar ranks wereat par. |
|
| 1207. |
"The most unique feature of the Harappan civilization was the development of domestic architecture". Substantiate the statement |
| Answer» Solution :The Lower Town at Mohenjondaro provides examples of residential buildings. Many were centred on a courtyard, with rooms on all SIDES. The courtyard was probably the centre for activities such as COOKING and weaving, particularly during hot and dry weather. There were no windows in the walls along the ground level. Besides, the main ENTRANCE did not give a direct view of the interior or the courtyard. Every house had its own bathroom paved with bricks, with drains connected through the wall to the street drains. Some houses still have remains of staircases to reach a second STOREY or the roof. Many houses had wells, often in a room that could be reached from the outside and PERHAPS used by passers-by | |
| 1208. |
The Virupaksha Temple developed as significant architectural religious and cultural centre'. Explain the statement with suitable examples |
|
Answer» Solution :The Virupaksha temple is believed to havebuilt over centuries. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the guardian deity. (i) The earliest shrine that dated to the ninth to tenth centuries, was substantially enlarged with the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire. (ii) The hall in front of the main shrine was built by Krishnadeva Raya to mark his accession. This was decorated with DELICATELY carved pillars. (iii) The halls in the temple were used for a varietyof purposes. Some were spaces in which the IMAGES of gods were placed to witness special programmes of music, dance, drama, etc. Others were used to celebrate the marriages of deitics, and yet others were meant for the deities to swing in. (iv) From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing and maintaining temples were important means of WINNING support and recognition for their power, wealth and piety. (v) The temple also functioned as a centre for learning The rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. (vi) Structures of immense scale that must have been a mark of imperial AUTHORITY, were best exemplified by the raya gopurams or royal gateways vthat often dwarfed the towers on the central SHRINES, and signalled the presence of the temple from a great distance. Other distinctive features include mandapasor pavilions and long, pillared corridors. |
|
| 1209. |
This unique Buddhist text , part of the SuttaPitaka, is collectionof verses composed by bhikkhunis . It provided an insight into women's social and spiritual experiences . Punna, a dasi or slave woman, went to the river each morningto fetch water for her maste's householdThere she would daily see a Brahman performing bathing rituals . One morning she spoke to him . The followings are verses composed by Punna, recording her conversation with the Brahmana : I am a water carrier : Even in the cold I have always gone down to the water frightened of punishment Or the angry words of high class women . So what are you afraid of Brahmana, That makes you go down to the water (Though) your limbs shake with the bitter cold ? The Brahmana replied : I am doing good to prevent evil , anyone young or old who has done something bad is freed by washing in water . Punna said : Whoever told you You are freed from evil by washing in the water ? In that case all the frogs and turtles Would go to heaven , and so would the water snakes and crocodiles ! (Instead) Don't do that thing , the fear of which leads you to the water . Stop now Brahmana! Save your skin from the cold .............. What was emphasised in the context of individuals ? |
| Answer» Solution :Buddhism EMPHASISED INDIVIDUAL agency - that MEN and women could STRIVE to ATTAIN liberation from the trials and tribulations of world be existence . | |
| 1210. |
Point out any two similarities between the philosophy of Kabir and Guru Nanak Dev |
| Answer» Solution : Kabir and GURU NANAK Dev both believed in practice of Nam-Simran. Both were against the polytheism and IDOL WORSHIPS. | |
| 1211. |
This unique Buddhist text , part of the SuttaPitaka, is collectionof verses composed by bhikkhunis . It provided an insight into women's social and spiritual experiences . Punna, a dasi or slave woman, went to the river each morningto fetch water for her maste's householdThere she would daily see a Brahman performing bathing rituals . One morning she spoke to him . The followings are verses composed by Punna, recording her conversation with the Brahmana : I am a water carrier : Even in the cold I have always gone down to the water frightened of punishment Or the angry words of high class women . So what are you afraid of Brahmana, That makes you go down to the water (Though) your limbs shake with the bitter cold ? The Brahmana replied : I am doing good to prevent evil , anyone young or old who has done something bad is freed by washing in water . Punna said : Whoever told you You are freed from evil by washing in the water ? In that case all the frogs and turtles Would go to heaven , and so would the water snakes and crocodiles ! (Instead) Don't do that thing , the fear of which leads you to the water . Stop now Brahmana! Save your skin from the cold .............. Why did Punna want to join the Buddhist Sangha ? |
| Answer» Solution :The SANGHA ATTACHED importance to conduct and VALUES rather than CLAIMS of superiority based on BIRTH . It emphasised follow feeling and compassion . So, she wanted to join the Sangha. | |
| 1212. |
How did prominent Indian merchants establish themselves in the colonial city? |
|
Answer» Solution :(i) The colonial cities reflected merchantile culture of their new RULERS. Indian merchants quickly grasped the reality that trade had slipped out from their HANDS. They acted as intermediaries between the Indian society and the British established themselves as interpreters dubashes middlemen, agents and SUPPLIERS of goods. (ii) Merchants ensured for themselves a significant PLACE in the new colonial cities. They used this privileged position in government to acquire wealth. (iii) The rich agents and middleman built large traditional courtyard house in the black townin the vicinity of the bazaars to symbolise their new status. They bought up large tracts ofland in the city as future investment. (iv) They wanted to impress their English masters. They threw lavish parties during festivals.Their powerful position in society was established by their charitable works and patronage of temples in the Black. |
|
| 1213. |
This unique Buddhist text , part of the SuttaPitaka, is collectionof verses composed by bhikkhunis . It provided an insight into women's social and spiritual experiences . Punna, a dasi or slave woman, went to the river each morningto fetch water for her maste's householdThere she would daily see a Brahman performing bathing rituals . One morning she spoke to him . The followings are verses composed by Punna, recording her conversation with the Brahmana : I am a water carrier : Even in the cold I have always gone down to the water frightened of punishment Or the angry words of high class women . So what are you afraid of Brahmana, That makes you go down to the water (Though) your limbs shake with the bitter cold ? The Brahmana replied : I am doing good to prevent evil , anyone young or old who has done something bad is freed by washing in water . Punna said : Whoever told you You are freed from evil by washing in the water ? In that case all the frogs and turtles Would go to heaven , and so would the water snakes and crocodiles ! (Instead) Don't do that thing , the fear of which leads you to the water . Stop now Brahmana! Save your skin from the cold .............. Name the text where the above excerpt taken from . Which of the teachings of the Buddha are evident in this text ? |
| Answer» Solution :Sutta Pitaka.. According to Buddha, through RIGHTEOUS ACTION ,may be escaped from the cycle of REBIRTH and attain SELF realisation and nibbana. | |
| 1214. |
By what another name was the Battle of Talikota known ? Who was in this battle ? |
| Answer» Solution :BATTLE of Talikota was ALSO known as battle of Rakshas Tangodi kingdom of VIJAYANAGARA suffered a defeat by the confederation of kingdoms of Sultans OD Deccan. | |
| 1215. |
"Mauryan Empire was regarded as a major landmark in the early Indian history" Justify the statement giving two points. |
|
Answer» Solution :Mauryan Empire was regarded as a major landkark in the Indian History: It lasted for about 150 YEARS and extended control as for northwest as Afghanistan and Baluchistan in the south up to Andhra Pradesh. (ii) Some of the archaeological finds ASSOCIATED with the Mauryas, INCLUDING STONE sculpture, were considered to be examples of the spectacular art typical of empires. |
|
| 1216. |
What happened on Direct Action Day? |
|
Answer» SOLUTION :(i) Muslim League announced 16 August 1946 as Direct Action Day to win SUPPORT for its demand for Pakistan-(a) On this day bloody riots broke out in Calcutta, lasting several days leaving several thousand people dead. (ii) The violence speread in RURAL BENGAL, then to Bihar and then across the country to the United Provinces and Punjab by March 1947. |
|
| 1217. |
Who wrote Alamgir Nama and during whose reign? |
| Answer» SOLUTION :It was WRITTEN by Mirza MUHAMMAD Kajim during the TENURE of Aurangzeb. | |
| 1218. |
What kind of life did the people of Vijayanagara empire lead ? |
|
Answer» Solution :(i) The upper class LEAD a life of LUXURY. Likewise, the middle class people ALSO led a good life. (II) The poor people led a deplorable life. |
|
| 1219. |
Which two powerful dynasties emerged in Southern India before the emergence of the Cholas ? Name the two temples patronised by the rulers of these dynasties. |
|
Answer» Solution :(i) The Cholas in TAMIL and the HOYSALES in the KARNATAKA before the emergence of the Vijayanagara empire in the SOUTH. (ii) The two temples patronised by the Cholas are Brihadisvara TEMPLE at Thanjavur and the Chennakeshava temple at Belur. |
|
| 1220. |
In what ways have the daily routine and special festiviti s associated with the Mughal court conveye d a sense of power of the Mughal emperor? Explain |
|
Answer» Solution : Chronicles lay down with great PRECISION the rule defining status amongst the Mughal elites. In court, status was determined by spatial proximity to the king. The place accorded to a courtier by the ruler ws a sign of his importance in the eyes of the emp etor. Once the emperot sat on the throne, no onewas permitted to move from his position or to leave without permission. Social control in court society in full cetail the forms of address, courtesies and was exercised through carefully defining speech which were acceptable in court. The slightest infringement of eliquette was noticed and punished on the SPOT. The for ms of salutation to the ruler indicated the persons status in the hicrarchy: deeper prostration represeated higher status. The HIGHEST form of submist ion was or complete prostration. Under Shah Jahan these RITUALS were replaced with Chahar taslims and zarnindar (kissing the ground) The protocols governing diplomatic envoys at the Mughal Court were equally explicit. An ambassador presented to the Mughal empetor was expected to offer an acceptables form of greetings-either by bowing deeply or kissing the ground, or else to follow the pesfan custom of clasping one's hand in front of the chest. On special occassions such as the annivetsary of accession to the throne, Eid, Shab-e-barat and Holi, the court was full of life. Perfumed candlesset in r.ch HOLDERS and palace walls festooned with colour ul hangings made a tremendous impression on visitors. The Mughal Kings celebrated three major festivals a yeat the solar and lunar birthdays of the monar h and Nauroz, the Iranin new year on the vernal equinox. On his birthdays, the monarch was weighed against various commodities which werethen distributed in charity. |
|
| 1221. |
Develop project about the journey and the voluminous text "The kitab-ul-Hind'. |
| Answer» SOLUTION :TRY it yourself | |
| 1222. |
Explain briefly the differences between town and countryside in pre-colonial period. |
| Answer» Solution : (i) In the COUNTRYSIDE PEOPLE practised agriculture and reared animals, while in towns people like traders, RULERS and craftsmen live. (ii) Towns and cities were WELL FORTIFIED while the countryside was not fortified. | |
| 1223. |
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:Cash or kind ?The Ain on land revenue collection :Let him (the amil-guzar) not make it a practice of taking only in cash but also in kind. The latter is effected in several ways. First, kankut: in theHindi language kan signifies grain,and kut, estimates . . . Ifanydoubt arises, the crops should be cut and estimated in three lots, the good, the middling, and the inferior, and the hesitation removed. Ofter,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, too the land taken be appraisement,givens a sufficiently accurate return. Secondly, batai, also called bhaoli, the crops are reaped and stacked and divided by agreement, in thepresence of the parties, But in this case several intelligent inspectors are required,otherwise, the evil-minded and false are given to deception. Thirdly khet-batai, when they divide the fields after they are sown. Fourthly, lang batai, after cutting the grain, they form it inheaps and divide it among themselves, and each takes his share home and turns it to profit.(i) Writethe name of any four land revenue system.(ii) What was Kankut ?(iii)Which system of land revenue is best and why ? |
|
Answer» Solution :i.(a)Kankut(b) Batai (c) Khet Batai (c)Lang Batai ii.It was the landrevenue system prevalent during MUGHAL periodin India. It is made oftwo WORDS .kan. and .kut.meaning grain andestimaterespectively . Thus it MEANS the estimateof grain. iii.Kankut system was the best, ecause it yieldsbust results, other SYSTEMS of revenue existed at thattime were DEFECTIVE. |
|
| 1224. |
(i) "The colonial cities provided new opportunities for women during the 19th century." Give two examples. (ii) Explain any three values which encouraged women for their empowerment. |
|
Answer» Solution : (i) Many WOMEN in the 19th century BEGAN to express their feelings through getting formals, BOOKS and autobiographies and became visible in public. They too beganto enter in new professions likes teaching. (ii) Values which encouraged women for their empowerment are: (a) Education (b) Awareness (c) Equality (a) With the spread of education the women began to think about their status and they were empowered. (b) Education bearing a great awareness among the women and they began to realise their importance. (c) After independence equality was given to all WITHOUT any retraction, it led to the BEGINNING of women empowerment. |
|
| 1225. |
What do the studies done by the archaeologists-zoologists reveal about the Harappans? |
|
Answer» Solution :These study SHOW that the animal bones of sheep, GOAT, buffalo and pig were found at Harappan sites. These animals were domesticated. Bones of wild SPECIES such as deer, boar and gharial were ALSO found. Bones of fish, and fowl were also found. |
|
| 1226. |
Who was R.E.M. Wheeler? Mention any one of his contribution in the field of Archaeology |
| Answer» Solution :R.E.M. Wheeler was mainly a BRITISH archaeologist. He was the Dircctor General of Indian ARCHAEOLOGY from 1944-48. He did a lot for HARAPPA excavations. His main contribution involves the use of scientific method in archaeology and cartesian coordinate SYSTEM. | |
| 1227. |
Give two distinguishing features of urban and rural centres in the years preceding British rule. |
| Answer» Solution : (i) In the COUNTRYSIDE people practised AGRICULTURE and reared animals, while in TOWNS people like traders, RULERS and craftsmen live. (ii) Towns and cities were well fortified while the countryside was not fortified. | |
| 1228. |
A Small Basket of Grapes This is what Dr. Khushdeva Singh writes about his experience during one of his visits to Karachi in 1949: My friends took me to a room at the airport where we all sat down and talked... (and) had lunch together. I had to travel from Karachi to London at 2.30 am. At 5.00 p.m. ... I told my friends that they had given me so generously of their time. I thought it would be too much for them to wait the whole night and suggested they must spare themselves the trouble. But nobody left until it was dinner time . Then they said they were leaving and that I must have a little rest before emplaning,.. I got up at about 1.45 a.m. and when I opened the door, I saw that all of them were still there.... They all accompanied me to the plane, andbefore parting, presented me with a small basket of grapes. I had no words to express my gratitude for the overwhelming affection with which I was treated and the happiness this stopover had given me. "Love is stronger than hate." Elucidate the statement in the context of this narrative. |
| Answer» SOLUTION :He was OVERWHELMED with love and generosity he RECEIVED at Karachi airport Kushdeva Singh had showered love and compassion on the people and in RETURN he got love and respect from his friends at Karachi | |
| 1229. |
What was the effect of the presence of the emperor and noble men in administrative centres of India? |
| Answer» Solution : (i) The presence of the emperor and noble men in these centres meant that a wide variety of services had to be provided. (ii) Artisans produced exclusive handicrafts for the households of nobles. Grain from countryside was brought into urban MARKETS for the TOWN dwellers and the army. The treasury was also located in the imperial capital. (iii) The emperor lived in a fortified palace and the town was enclosed by a wall, with entry and EXIT being regulated by different gates. (IV) Within these towns were gardens, mosques, temples, tombs, colleges, bazaars and caravan serais | |
| 1230. |
A Small Basket of Grapes This is what Dr. Khushdeva Singh writes about his experience during one of his visits to Karachi in 1949: My friends took me to a room at the airport where we all sat down and talked... (and) had lunch together. I had to travel from Karachi to London at 2.30 am. At 5.00 p.m. ... I told my friends that they had given me so generously of their time. I thought it would be too much for them to wait the whole night and suggested they must spare themselves the trouble. But nobody left until it was dinner time . Then they said they were leaving and that I must have a little rest before emplaning,.. I got up at about 1.45 a.m. and when I opened the door, I saw that all of them were still there.... They all accompanied me to the plane, andbefore parting, presented me with a small basket of grapes. I had no words to express my gratitude for the overwhelming affection with which I was treated and the happiness this stopover had given me. Express the feelings of Khushdeva Singh at Karachi |
| Answer» Solution :At KARACHI airport MANY people came to RECEIVE him. tre enfoyed the time he had spent with the people of Karachi and didn't have the words to express his HAPPINESS. | |
| 1231. |
"Mughal rulers had faith in the divine power of the king". How? |
| Answer» Solution : (i) They believed that they were appointed by God. (ii) ALLAH himself to govern the LARGE and HETEROGENEOUS POPULATION. | |
| 1232. |
A Small Basket of Grapes This is what Dr. Khushdeva Singh writes about his experience during one of his visits to Karachi in 1949: My friends took me to a room at the airport where we all sat down and talked... (and) had lunch together. I had to travel from Karachi to London at 2.30 am. At 5.00 p.m. ... I told my friends that they had given me so generously of their time. I thought it would be too much for them to wait the whole night and suggested they must spare themselves the trouble. But nobody left until it was dinner time . Then they said they were leaving and that I must have a little rest before emplaning,.. I got up at about 1.45 a.m. and when I opened the door, I saw that all of them were still there.... They all accompanied me to the plane, andbefore parting, presented me with a small basket of grapes. I had no words to express my gratitude for the overwhelming affection with which I was treated and the happiness this stopover had given me. Analyse the attitude of the people of Karachi towards Khushdeva Singh |
| Answer» SOLUTION :From the TEXT we come know that the people in Karachi have been very generous with their time. They treated him very well and also ACCOMPANIED him to the plane and GIFTED him a basket of GRAPES. Singh was overwhelmed with happiness at the generosity and respect given by the people. | |
| 1233. |
Describe the life of forest dwellers in the Mughal era. |
|
Answer» Solution : Forest dwellers of Mughal India (i) Forest dwellers were termed JANGLI in contemporary texts. Being jangli, however did not mean an absence of civilization. The term described those whose livelihood came from gathering forest produce, hunting and shifting agriculture. (ii) These activities were scason SPECIFIC which perpetuated mobility. (ii) For the state, the forest was a place of refuge for troublemakers (IV) External forces entered the forest in different so the peshkash levied from forest people often inchuded a supply of elephants. (v) The hunt syrmlolized the overwhelming concern of the state to ensurc justice to all its subjects and paintings were aso done on i. (vi) The spread of commercial agriculture was an important external factor that impinged on the life of forest dwellers (vii) Forest products-like honey, BEESWAX and gum lac were in great demand and became major items of overseas export from India. (viii) Elephants were captured and sold. Trade involved exchange through barter system. Lohanis tribe from Punjab were involved in overland trade between India and Afghanistan. (ix) Social factors too affected their lives. Tribal chiefs who became zamindars and even Kings, required an army and recruited people from their lineage groups or demanded that their fraternity provide military service. e.g, Tribes from Sind region had armies consisting of cavalty and infantry. In Assam, the Ahom kings had their paiks (x) Sufi saints played a major role in spread of Islam among these people. |
|
| 1234. |
Discuss the Varna and Jati. |
| Answer» Solution :According to the Brahmanical THEORY Jati like Varna was based on birth. Varna: The word is FOUND in the PURUSHA Sukta hymn of the Rigveda. The four Varnas - Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra have been traced from the four body organs of the creator Brahman (DIVINE order). The people of the first three Varnas were known as dvijas. Jati: Jati like Varna was based on birth. It emerged within the Varna system. The Brahmanical authorities encountered NEW people with shared occupation which did not fit into the four-fold Varna system. They classified them as Jati. The number of Varnas was fixed and no restrictions on the number of Jatis. | |
| 1235. |
Describe the distinctive features of domestic architecture of Mohenjodaro. |
|
Answer» Solution :The Distinctive features of Domestic ARCHITECTURE of Mohenjodaro (i) Lower town of Mohenjo-Daro provides examples of residential buildings. (ii) Many were CENTERED on a courtyard with rooms on all sides. (iii) The courtyard was probably the center of activities such as cooking and weaving. (iv) Every house was connected to street drains. (v) There was much concern for privacy. There are no windows on the walls along the ground LEVEL. (vi) Main entrance doesn.tgive direct view of the INTERIOR or the courtyard. (vii) Every house had its own bathroom paved with bricks, and with drains connected through the wall to street drains. (viii) Houses had staircase to reach the second storey or the roof. (ix) Many houses had wells, often in a room that could be reached from the outside and perhaps used by passers-by. (x) House drains first EMPTIED into a sump or cesspit into which solid matter settled while wastewaterflowed out into the street drains. |
|
| 1236. |
Examine the elements used by historians to analyse Mahabharata. |
|
Answer» Solution :Mahabharata is one of the richest texts of the subcontinent. It was composed over a period of about 1000 years beginning from 500 BCE onwards. Mahabharata.s story revolves around two warring cousins the Pandavas and Kauravas over land and power. Maurice Winternitz has aptly stated Mahabharata "gives an insight into the most profound depths of the soul of the Indian folk." (i) The GREAT war fought at Kurukshetra was to decide the right of claim but the UNDERLYING theme of the Mahabharata concerns moral duty and right conduct. (ii) The text contains SECTIONS laying down norms of behaviour for various social groups. With Pandavas emerging victorious in the CONFLICT patrilined succession which THOUGH existed prior to the composition of the epic was reinforced. (iii) Through the story of Drona and Eklavya,the dominance of the Brahmanas, idea of guru dakshina abiding by the given word, rightful occupation and norms of social hierarchy were reiterated. (iv) The story from Adi Parvan of the Mahabharata of the marriage between Bhima and Hidimba an outcaste, declaration of love by Hidimba reflect there were people who did not adhere to the Brahmanical norms. (v) This great epic contains vivid descriptions of battles, forests, palaces and settlements. It describes kinship, political life of the said period, social priority. Major features of the family life such as patriliny, different forms of marriage and rules related with marriage, position of women in the society, social differences of the Indian society can be traced back to the period of the Mahabharata. |
|
| 1237. |
Write any four methods adopted to oppose the British Rule during the Non-Cooperation Movement? |
|
Answer» Solution :The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in 1920. The movement had a definite programme for the people to follow. Following methods were opposed by the people to oppose the BRITISH rule:(i) The students were asked not to attend their schools and colleges and lawyers boycotted the COURTS. (ii) The ORDINARY people were asked to renounce the voluntary association with the British government. (iii) The working class organised strikes in many towns and cities. 396 strikes were called in 1921 which INVOLVED six lakh workers. (iv) The tribals in northern part of Andhra PRADESH violated the forest laws and farmers refused to pay taxes in Awadh. |
|
| 1238. |
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: The child Sati This is perhaps one of the most poignant descriptions by Bernier: At Lahore I saw a most beautiful young widow sacrificed, who could not, I think, have been more than twelve years of age. The poor little creature appeared more dead than alive when she approached the dreadful pit: the agony of her mind cannot be described, she trembled and wept bitterly, but three or four of the Brahmanas, assisted by an old woman who held her under the arm, forced the unwilling victim towards the fatal spot, seated her on the wood, tied her hands and feet, lest she should run away, and in that situation the innocent creature was burnt alive. I found it difficult to repress my feelings and to prevent their bursting forth into clamorous and unavailing rage... How was a widow performed sati? |
| Answer» SOLUTION :Before performing a sati, a widow was taken to burial ground in a PROCESSION. A number of people beating drum and making noise accompanied her, on reaching the burial ground, she was thrown on the BURNING pyre of her husband. She was BURNT ALIVE. | |
| 1239. |
Akbar consciously made Persian the Leading language of Mughal court. Support the statement. |
| Answer» SOLUTION : REFER on Q1. | |
| 1240. |
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: The child Sati This is perhaps one of the most poignant descriptions by Bernier: At Lahore I saw a most beautiful young widow sacrificed, who could not, I think, have been more than twelve years of age. The poor little creature appeared more dead than alive when she approached the dreadful pit: the agony of her mind cannot be described, she trembled and wept bitterly, but three or four of the Brahmanas, assisted by an old woman who held her under the arm, forced the unwilling victim towards the fatal spot, seated her on the wood, tied her hands and feet, lest she should run away, and in that situation the innocent creature was burnt alive. I found it difficult to repress my feelings and to prevent their bursting forth into clamorous and unavailing rage... Why were women sacrificed as sati? |
| Answer» SOLUTION :The life of the WOMEN were full of misery after the death of her husband. MANY restrictions were then PUUT on her. All insulted her. So to SAVE themselves, they preferred to die as satis. | |
| 1241. |
The growth of cities was monitored through regular head counts. Examine the statement. |
| Answer» Solution :(i) By the mid of 19th century MANY local censuses were carried out in various regions. The information of the endless pages of tables on disease and death and enumeration of people according to their age, sex, caste and other relevances. (ii) By the census operation, social data were converted into convenient satisfies about the population. Authorities devised the categories for classifying different sections of the population. (iii) Scholars have to use these SOURCES with great caution keeping in mind their possible biases, recalculating figures and understanding what the figures do not tell. (iv) Census, survey maps and RECORDS of institution like the municipality HELPED to study the colonial cities in greater details than is possible for precolonial cities. | |
| 1242. |
Examine the significance of enclosing agricultural land within the fortified area of the city of Vijaynagar. |
| Answer» Solution :Agricultural tracts were INCORPORATED within the fortified AREA. The objective of medieval SIEGES was to starve the DEFENDERS into submission. These sieges could LAST for several months and sometimes even years. Normally rulers tried to be prepared for such situations by building large granaries within fortified areas. | |
| 1243. |
How does the content in the puranas evolve? |
| Answer» SOLUTION :Much of what is contained in the Puranas evolved through interaction amongst people-priests , MERCHANTS , and ORDINARY MEN and women who traveled from PLACE to place sharing ideas and beliefs. | |
| 1244. |
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: The child Sati This is perhaps one of the most poignant descriptions by Bernier: At Lahore I saw a most beautiful young widow sacrificed, who could not, I think, have been more than twelve years of age. The poor little creature appeared more dead than alive when she approached the dreadful pit: the agony of her mind cannot be described, she trembled and wept bitterly, but three or four of the Brahmanas, assisted by an old woman who held her under the arm, forced the unwilling victim towards the fatal spot, seated her on the wood, tied her hands and feet, lest she should run away, and in that situation the innocent creature was burnt alive. I found it difficult to repress my feelings and to prevent their bursting forth into clamorous and unavailing rage... What do you know about sati system? |
| Answer» Solution :It was ILLEGAL PRACTICES of burning a WIDOW along with the pyre of her husband. If the WOMEN did not agree to do so, her FEETS and hands were tied and put on the pyre. | |
| 1245. |
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: On horse and on Foot This is how Ibn Battuta describes the postal system: In India the postal system is of two kinds. The horse post, called ulug, is run by royal horses stationed at a distance of every four miles. The foot-post has three stations per mile, it is called dawa, that is one-third of a mile... Now, at every third of a mile there is a well-populated village, outside which are three pavilions in which sit men with girded loins ready to start. Each of them carries a rod, two cubits in length, with copper bells at the top. When the courier starts fromm the city he holds the letter in one hand and the rod with its bells on the other, and he runs as fast as he can. When the men in the pavilion hear the ringing of the bell they get ready. As soon as the courier reaches them, one of them takes the letter from his hand and runs at top speed shaking the rod all the while until he reaches the next dawa. And the same process continues till the letter reaches its destination. This foot-post is quicker than the horse-post, and often it is used to transport the fruits of Khurasan which are much desired in India. How did the state encourage the merchant in the 14th century? Write two ways. |
|
Answer» Solution :To encourage the merchant in. the 14th CENTURY: (a) INNS and guesthouses were set up at major trade routes. (b) With the establishment of an efficient POSTAL system, merchants were able to send long DISTANCE messages. |
|
| 1246. |
Identify the elements that went into the making of the Mughal ideal of kingship. |
|
Answer» Solution :(i) According to Akbar.s court poet, Abu.l Fazl, Mughal kingship as the highest station in the hierarchy of objects receiving light emanating from God (farr-i-izadi). According to this idea—There was a hierarchy in which the Divine Light was transmitted to the king (Mughal Emperor) who then became the source of spiritual guidance for his subjects. (ii) Mughal chronicles present the empire as comprising many different ethnic and religious communities - Hindus, Jainas, Zoroastrians and Muslims. As the source of all peace and stability, the emperor stood above all religious and ethnic groups, mediated among them, and ensured that justice and peace prevailed. (iii) Abu.l Fail describes the ideal of sulh-i kul (absolute peace) as the cornerstone of enlightened rule. In sulh-i kul, all religions and schools of thought had freedom of expression but on condition that they did not UNDERMINE the authority of the state or fight among themselves. (iv) The ideal of sulh-i kul was implemented through state policies-the nobility under the Mughals was a composite one comprising Iranis, Turanis, Afghans, Rajputs, Qeccanis - all of whom were given positions and awards purely on the basis of their service and loyalty to the king. (v) Akbar abolished the tax on pilgrimage in 1563 and jizya in 1564 as the two were based on religious discrimination. Instructions were sent to officers of the empire to follow the concept of sulh-i kul. (vi) All Mughal EMPERORS gave grants to support the buildings and maintenance of places of worship. However, it was during the reign of Aurangzeb, the jizya was re-imposed on non-Muslim subjects. (vii)ABUL Faz1 defined sovereignty as a social contract. According to him the emperor PROTECTS the four essences of subjects, namely, life (jan), property (mal), honour (NAMUS) and faith (din), and in return demands obedience and a share of resources from the people. |
|
| 1247. |
Abdur Razzaq and Domingo Paes were impressed by the fortification of the Vijaynagar Empire. Explain the statement with suitable examples. |
|
Answer» Solution :Persian TRAVELLER ABDUR Razzaq, came to INDIA in 1443 (during the time Deva Ray II) gives very impressive desctiption of city of Vijayanagara. He wrote that Vijayanagara was an unprecedented city, the life of which was neither ever heard or seen in the whole word. This city is built in such a way that its seven guarding fort gates are built within each other. In the city there is a separate market place of every occupation. The royal palace is very fast. Domingo Paes, a Portuguese traveller had described that Vijayanagara was the most prosperous city having vast granries of RICE, wheat etc. The market roadside of the city were full of innumerable THINGS. |
|
| 1248. |
"No Taxation without Representation " was the popular slogen of |
|
Answer» Indian FREEDOM struggle |
|
| 1249. |
Give a brief account of local traditions associated with sacred centre. |
|
Answer» Solution :(i) The GOPURAMS were large royal gateway which were the symbols of royal authority. They often DWARFED the towers on the central temples and indicated the presence of the temple from the great distance. (ii) The king was able to command the resources, techniques and skills needed to construct these gateways. (iii) Mandapas or pavilions were CONSTRUCTED in temples and were used for a variety of purposes. The Kalyana-mandapa was used to celebrate the marriages of deities and others were meant for the deities to swing in. (IV) In some mandapas, images of Gods were placed to witness special PROGRAMMES of music, dance, drama etc. |
|
| 1250. |
"The principle of ahimsa and renunciation emphasized by Jainism Support the statement with has left its mark." Lord Mahavira's and Renunciation is a fundamental messages. |
|
Answer» Solution :Ahimsa and Renuncition is a fundamental principle forming the cornerstone of its ethics and doctrine in Jainism. This concept of ahimsa left mark on the society of India and many philosophies evolved based on this соncеpt Concept of Ahimsa in Jainism is DIFFERENT from non-violence in other RELIGIONS. It not only seeks non- violence to other beings but non-violence to self- soul. According to Mahavir, our soul is ENTRAPPED in this world and until unless we renunciate the world we are inflicting violence on our soul. In jainism renunciation has not only ab ionment of outer things but abandoning our attachment to the outer things is the real definition of renunciation. According to LORD Mahavir, external Ten mclation ts meaningtess if the soul remains fettered by internal shackles. Therefore, we need to practice asceticism and penance to free ourselves frorn the cyele of karma. Example, Jaina monks and nuns took five vows: to abs ain from-killing, steating and lying, to observe celihacy, and to abstain from possessing property These teachings were developed in texts in Prakrit, San krit and Tamil, THUS spreading it across the world and leaving an impact. |
|