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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.
| 1601. |
The Truman Doetrine of 1947 was announced to achieve which one of the following ? |
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Answer» Containment of the USSR |
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| 1602. |
Examine the causes that made Al-Biruni visit India. |
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Answer» Solution :Causes of Al-Beruni.s visit to India (i)In 1017 Sultan Mahmud invaded Khwarizm and took Al-Biruni with other SCHOLARS as HOSTAGE to Ghazni. (ii) Al-Biruni developed a liking for India and interest in India when Punjab became a PART of the Ghaznavid Empire. (iii) Al-Biruni was highly educated of his times. (iv) He was well versed in Syrian, Arabic, Hebrews, and Persian. (v)He wanted to learm more of MATHEMATICS, astronomy and medicine. (vi) Al-Beruni spent years learning Sanskrit and studying religious and philosophical text. (vii) He visited India, contacted LOCAL people and learnmt Indian philosophy too. (Any other relevant Points) (Any four points to be examined) |
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| 1603. |
Who was Megasthenes ? Write the name of book which was written by him. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) Megasthenes was the Ambassador to Chandragupta.s reign (COURT). He STAYED at the court for FIVE years. (II) The book which was written by Megasthenes was knkown as Indica. |
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| 1604. |
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: The system of Varnas This is Al-Biruni's account of the system of varnas: The highest caste are the Brahmana, of whom the books of the Hindus tell us that they were created from the head of Brahman. And as the Brahman is only another name for the force called nature, and the head is the highest part of the ... body, the Brahmana are the choice part of the whole genus. Therefore, the Hindus consider them as the very best of mankind. The next caste are the Kshatriya, who were created, as they say, from the shoulders and hands of Brahman. Their degree is not much below that of the Brahmana. After them follow the Vaishya, who were created from the thigh of Brahman. The Shudra, who were created from his feet... Between the latter two classes there is no very great distance. Much, however, as these classes differ from each other, they live together in the sanme towns and villages, mixed together in the same houses and lodgings. Explain in brief Biruni's accounts of the system of varnas. |
| Answer» Solution :ACCORDING to Biruni, SOCIETY was DIVIDED into four varnas. The varnas were the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. The high caste is Brahmanas. It is believed that they were created from the head of Brahma. The Kshatriya from shoulders, Vaishyas from the thigh and the Shudras from the feet of Brahman. The Shudras occupied lowest RANK in the caste system. | |
| 1605. |
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: The system of Varnas This is Al-Biruni's account of the system of varnas: The highest caste are the Brahmana, of whom the books of the Hindus tell us that they were created from the head of Brahman. And as the Brahman is only another name for the force called nature, and the head is the highest part of the ... body, the Brahmana are the choice part of the whole genus. Therefore, the Hindus consider them as the very best of mankind. The next caste are the Kshatriya, who were created, as they say, from the shoulders and hands of Brahman. Their degree is not much below that of the Brahmana. After them follow the Vaishya, who were created from the thigh of Brahman. The Shudra, who were created from his feet... Between the latter two classes there is no very great distance. Much, however, as these classes differ from each other, they live together in the sanme towns and villages, mixed together in the same houses and lodgings.This type of division is not justified. Why? |
| Answer» SOLUTION :Because no ONE is HIGH or low by birth. MEN become high or low DUE to their own karma. | |
| 1606. |
Identify the rituals and practices associated with the Mahanavami Dibba, a structure in the Royal Centre of Vijaynagar Empire. |
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Answer» Solution :The Mahanavami Dibba is located on one of the highest points in the city. It is a very large platform rising from a base of about 11,000 feet to a height of 40 feet. The platform must have supported a wooden structure and other perishable teriat during festivals The base of tre plauform is covered with relief carvings Ritnals and Practices: Rituals associated with the structure must have coincided with Mahanavami of ten day Hindu festival dering the autoran months of September and October, known variously as Dussehra (North India), Durga Puja (West Bengal) and Navratri (Peninsular India). (ii) Ceremonics performed on the occasion included worship of image, worship of state horse, and the sacrifice of buffaloes and other animals. (ii) Dances, wrestling, procession of horse elephants and chariots as ritual PRESENTATION before (iv) On the last day of festival, the king inspected his army and ARMIES of nayaks in a grand ceremony in an open field. (v) The Nayakas BROUGHT gifts and tribute for the king It had two of the most imptessive plattorms, the Sun "Audience Hall" and the "Mahanavami Dibba" The entire complex was surrounded by HIGH double walls with a street running between them. (vi) The audience hall was a high platform with slots for wooden pillars at CLOSE and regular intervals. It had a staircase going up to the second floor. The pillars were closely spaced. |
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| 1607. |
"Inscriptional evidence has its own limitations while reconstructing history." Justify the statement giving two points. |
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Answer» Solution :The LIMITATIONS are: (i) Sometimes the WORDS engraved are very FAINT hence it very DIFFICULT to decipher them. (ii) It is not easy to find out the real meaning of the words used in the inscription. Sometimes the facts stated are in relevance to a PARTICULAR situation or time. |
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| 1608. |
What is endogamy? |
| Answer» Solution :Endogamy REFERS to marriage within a unit. This COULD be a KIN, GROUP, caste or group living in the same locality. | |
| 1609. |
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: The system of Varnas This is Al-Biruni's account of the system of varnas: The highest caste are the Brahmana, of whom the books of the Hindus tell us that they were created from the head of Brahman. And as the Brahman is only another name for the force called nature, and the head is the highest part of the ... body, the Brahmana are the choice part of the whole genus. Therefore, the Hindus consider them as the very best of mankind. The next caste are the Kshatriya, who were created, as they say, from the shoulders and hands of Brahman. Their degree is not much below that of the Brahmana. After them follow the Vaishya, who were created from the thigh of Brahman. The Shudra, who were created from his feet... Between the latter two classes there is no very great distance. Much, however, as these classes differ from each other, they live together in the sanme towns and villages, mixed together in the same houses and lodgings. Was his reste system rigid in real life? Write your argum.ent. |
| Answer» Solution :This caste system was not rigid in real LIFE because people of all the CASTES LIVED TOGETHER in the same towns and villages. | |
| 1610. |
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: The system of Varnas This is Al-Biruni's account of the system of varnas: The highest caste are the Brahmana, of whom the books of the Hindus tell us that they were created from the head of Brahman. And as the Brahman is only another name for the force called nature, and the head is the highest part of the ... body, the Brahmana are the choice part of the whole genus. Therefore, the Hindus consider them as the very best of mankind. The next caste are the Kshatriya, who were created, as they say, from the shoulders and hands of Brahman. Their degree is not much below that of the Brahmana. After them follow the Vaishya, who were created from the thigh of Brahman. The Shudra, who were created from his feet... Between the latter two classes there is no very great distance. Much, however, as these classes differ from each other, they live together in the sanme towns and villages, mixed together in the same houses and lodgings. Which two classes lived together in both cities and vil'ages? |
| Answer» SOLUTION :(a) VAISHYAS (B) SHUDRAS | |
| 1611. |
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: The system of Varnas This is Al-Biruni's account of the system of varnas: The highest caste are the Brahmana, of whom the books of the Hindus tell us that they were created from the head of Brahman. And as the Brahman is only another name for the force called nature, and the head is the highest part of the ... body, the Brahmana are the choice part of the whole genus. Therefore, the Hindus consider them as the very best of mankind. The next caste are the Kshatriya, who were created, as they say, from the shoulders and hands of Brahman. Their degree is not much below that of the Brahmana. After them follow the Vaishya, who were created from the thigh of Brahman. The Shudra, who were created from his feet... Between the latter two classes there is no very great distance. Much, however, as these classes differ from each other, they live together in the sanme towns and villages, mixed together in the same houses and lodgings.Why did Al-Biruni not accept the notion of pollution? |
| Answer» Solution :Because Al-Biruni believed that EVERYTHING which BECAME impure starve and SUCCEEDED in REGAINING the original purity. | |
| 1612. |
How are the centres of craft production identified? Described briefly. |
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Answer» Solution :Historians LOOK the following to identify the centres of CRAFT. (a) Raw materials: copper, stone, shells and tools. (b) Rejects and waste materials. (c ) WASTES are considered the good indicator for the production of crafts as shells or stones are cut to make new objects, so little piecesof such materials are the evidences. (d) Past ENABLED the historiansto reflect that apart small specialised empires-Lothal, Balakot, production was also in large cities: Mohenjodaro and HARAPPA. |
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| 1613. |
Explain the ideal occupation, as laid down in Dharmashastras and Dharmasutras for the four Varnas and one strategy evolved by the Brahmanas to enforce these norms. |
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Answer» Solution : The Dharmasuttas and DHARMASHASTRAS also contained rules about the ideal occupations of the FOU: varnas. (i) Brahmanas were supposed the Vedas, PERFORM sacrifices and get sacrifices study and teach perforrmed, and give and receive gifts. (ii) Kshatriyas were to ENGAGE in warfare, protect people and administer justice, study the Vedas, get sacrifices performed and make gifts. (iii) Vaishyas were expected to engage in agriculture, pastoralism and trade in addition to study Vedas, make gifts and get sacrifices performed. (iv) Shudras were in occupation of serving the other three higher varnas. |
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| 1614. |
"There was more to rural India than the sedentary agriculture." Explain the statement in the context of Mughal Period. |
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Answer» Solution :There was more to rural India than the sedentary agriculture." This statement can be explained on the basis of the following points. (i) In the contempoary texts, forest dwelers were Rwn as Jangli. However, it did not mean an ABSENCE of civilisation. The livelihood came from the gathering of forest produce, hunting and shifting agriculture. (iii) These activitics were mainly season s example, among the Bhils, the spring season was term Jangli was DESCRIBED for those whose specific. For example among the Bhils, the spring season was reserved for gathering of forest produce. (iv) Among the Bhils, spring was reserved for gathering forest produce summer for fishing, the monsoon months for cultivation whereas, winter forest. (v)The three factors that accounted for the CONTINUOUS expansion of agriculture were: (a) abundance of land, (b) available labour, (c) mobility of peasants. (vi) THOUGH monsoon always remained the backbone of Indian agriculture yet these were crops which REQUIRED additional water. For this purpose, artiicial systems of irngation had to be devised. (vii) Irrigation projects got state support. In northern India, digging of new canals and repairing of old ones was undertaken by the state. (viii) The Indo-Persian sources of the Mughal period frequently used the term 'raiyat' to denote a peasant. Sources available in the 17h century AD tefer to twa sypes of peasanrs (a) Khud-Kashta (b) Pahi-Kashta. |
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| 1615. |
Under what circumstances did Gandhiji initiate the Quit India Movement? |
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Answer» Solution :(i) In September 1939, the Second World War broke out. The British government in India needed help from the Indian leaders. The leaders were ready to support the British war effort. (ii) But in return they wanted that India be granted independence after the war. The British refused to accept the demand. This ENRAGED the Congress ministers. They all resigned to show their protest. (iii) Mahatma Gandhi was deeply perturbed. He now decided to initiate a NEW phase of movement against the British rule in the middle of the Second World War. This movement came to be known as the Quit India Movement. (iv) Gandhiji thought that the British must Quit India without further delay. He raised the slogan .Do or Die. which spread among the common masses very soon. But at the same time he warned the people not to be violent in any condition. (v) The British took repressive measures. Gandhiji along with other leaders were sent to jail immediately. But this did not prevent the movement from spreading. It specially attracted peasants and the youth who gave up their studies to join the movement. (vi) Communications and symbols of state authority were attacked all over the country. In several areas people set up their own governments. The British tried to repress these developments severely. (vii) About 90,000 people were arrested and wounded 1,000 KILLED in police firing. But the movement did not go in vain. It brought freedom very close. (viii) Mahatma Gandhiji is often identified with the making of nation, as ROLE PLAYED by him in India.s freedom struggle cannot be forgotten. |
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| 1616. |
Explain the agticultural practices followed by the cultivators to increase productivity from c. 60% BCE to 600 CE. |
| Answer» Solution : One such strategy was the shift to plough agriculture,with spread in fertile alluvial river valley such as those of the Ganga and Kaveri from 6 century BCE. The iron tipped ploughshare was used to turn the alluvial soil areas which had high rainfall. Transplantation was the strategy used for paddy cultivation in area where water was plentiful. Broadcasting of seeds was used in paddy culuvation. While the iron plough share let to the growth in agricultural productivity, its use was RESTRICTED to cerrain parts.of the subcontinent cultuvators in areas which were semi-arid, such as parts of Punjab and Rajasthan did not adopt all the twentieth cenrury, and those living in hilly tracts in the north-eastern and central parts of the ubeontinentpracticed-hoe agrieulture-which-was- MUCH better suited to the terrain. Another strategy adopted to increase agricultural production was the use of irrigation, through wells and tanks, and less commonly, canals. Communities as well as individuals organised the construction of irrigation works. The latter, usually powerful men INCLUDING kings, often recorded such activities in scriptions, A new type of stra tegies named Land GRANTS' were adopted by ruling lineages to extend agnculture to new areas. | |
| 1617. |
Explain the importace and limitations of Ain-i-Akbari as a source of Akbar's reign. |
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Answer» Solution :Importance : (i) Ain-i-Akbari was written by Abul Fazl to facilitateAkbar.sadministration. Itwas wirttenin 1598. It is an authenticmine of INFORMATION about the Maghal Empire. (ii) Abul Fazl verified and cross-checked everything before inclusion in the BOOK. He wanted to make his book based on facts. He mentioned all the numerical date in words so as to MINIMISE the transcorporation arrows. (iii)Itswork is free fromreligions biases and unlike previous work that were writtenmostly aboutpolitical events. Ain gives qualitative and quantitative evidence for the study of agrarian relations. (iv)Knowledge of Mughal state enableshistoriansto reconstruct thesocial fabric of that time . Limitations : Historian who have carefully studied the Ain point out that it is not without liitations. (i)Numerous errors of totalling have been detected. They are however minor and do not detract fromthe overyall veractiy of the manuals. (ii)Skewed nature of the quantitative date. DATA. was not eollecteduniformly from all the provinces. (iii)The detailed list of prices andwages that the Ain provides pertain to areas in or around the capital of Agra. (iv)It does not PROVIDE idea of the stays of evolution through which Mughal institutions passed . |
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| 1618. |
Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow: A rural city?Read this excerpt on Madras from the Imperial Gazetteer, 1908: ... the better European residences are built in the midst of compounds which almost attain the dignity of parks, and rice-fields frequently wind in and out between these in almost rural fashion. Even in the most thickly peopled native quarters such as Black Town and Triplicane, there is little of the crowding found in many other towns... Explain the condition of black towns. |
| Answer» Solution :(i) The black towns were BUILT in the crowded areas, dirty TANKS, poor drainage etc. where tropical climate was UNHEALTHY. (ii) The "Black" areas came to symbolise not only chaos and anarchy, but also filth and disease. (iii) The new Black Town resembled traditional Indian towns, with living quarters built around its own temple and bazaar. The NARROW lanes criss-crossed the TOWNSHIP. (Any other relevant Points) | |
| 1619. |
Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow: A rural city?Read this excerpt on Madras from the Imperial Gazetteer, 1908: ... the better European residences are built in the midst of compounds which almost attain the dignity of parks, and rice-fields frequently wind in and out between these in almost rural fashion. Even in the most thickly peopled native quarters such as Black Town and Triplicane, there is little of the crowding found in many other towns... Where and why were better European residences built? |
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Answer» Solution : (i) Where-Bombay/Calcutta/Madras (ii) Why. a. Better European residences were built due to the economic activities of the English East India Company in Bombay/ Calcutta Madras. b. Better European residences are built in the midst of compounds, which almost attain the dignity of parks and rice FIELD and at the AREAS of the free flow of the WINDS. c. Buildings that build in these CITIES bore marks of their colonial origin. They mould TASTES, popularize styles and shape the contours of culture. (Any other relevant Points) |
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| 1620. |
Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow: A rural city?Read this excerpt on Madras from the Imperial Gazetteer, 1908: ... the better European residences are built in the midst of compounds which almost attain the dignity of parks, and rice-fields frequently wind in and out between these in almost rural fashion. Even in the most thickly peopled native quarters such as Black Town and Triplicane, there is little of the crowding found in many other towns... State the meaning of gradual urbanisation of Madras. |
| Answer» Solution : (i) Madras developed by incorporating innumerable surrounding villages and by creating opportunities and spaces for a variety of COMMUNITIES. Several different communities came and settled in Madras, performing a range of economic functions. (iii) The dubashes were Indians who could speak two languages - the LOCAL language and English (iv) Brahmins started competing for SIMILAR positions in the administration. (V) Gujarati bankers had also been present since the EIGHTEENTH century. (vi) The Nawab of Arcot settled in nearby Triplicane, which became the nucleus of a substantial Muslim settlement. (vii) San Thome with its cathedral was the centre for Roman Catholics. | |
| 1621. |
What was the impact of the separate electorates for Muslims on the communal politics? |
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Answer» Solution :(i) Both COMMUNITIES COULD elect their own representatives in reserved constituency. (ii) They can favour those people who belong to own RELIGIOUS group. |
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| 1622. |
Describe any two features of the Harappan cities. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) The cities of the Harappa were planned. (ii) The cities were divided into two parts - (a) upper PART was citadel and (b) lower part was lower TOWN. (iii) Streets of the cities INTERSECTED each other at right angle. (iv) The cities had a well-planned drainage and WATER supply SYSTEM. |
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| 1623. |
"The relationship between India and Pakistan has been profoundly shaped by the legacy of partition." Explain any two consequences of it. |
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Answer» Solution :The two CONSEQUENCES of it: (i) The Partition GENERATED memories, hatreds, Stereotypes and identities that STILL continuc to shape the history of people on both SIDES of the border. (ii) This hatred have manifested themselves during inter-community conflicts and communal clashes in turn have kept alive the memories of past VIOLENCE. |
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| 1624. |
The Mahabharata is a good source to study the social value of ancient times. Prove it. |
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Answer» Solution :Yes, Mahabharata is a good source to study the social value of ancient times. (i) The Mahabharata gives a vivid description of the social values of the period as essential. It is a story between two set of warring cousins and thus centre around conflict in the society. (ii) Patriliny SUCCESSION is emphasized. (iii) The Mahabharata reinforces the relation between the caste and the OCCUPATION prescription between the caste and the occupation prescribed in the Dharmashastras through stories. For example, Guru-Disciple relation (Eklavya). (iv) The Mahabharata gives a vivid description of the caste system and interrelation of the different caste group. This is evident from the story of Hidimba.s marriage with Bhima. (v) The Mahabharat also provides evidence to patriarchal society, for example, YUDHISHTIRA staking Draupadi, his wife in the game of dice. (vi) Kanyadan or gift of daughter in marriage was considered an important RELIGIOUS duty of father. (vii) Different types of marriages were practised in the society. (viii) The Mahabharata also gives two contrasting social norms in the relationship between the mother and son. For example (a) relationship between the Pandavas and their mother (b) the Kauravas and their mother. |
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| 1625. |
How many members were there in the constituent assembly in all? What were representing the Congress and what was their role? |
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Answer» SOLUTION :(i) The CONSTITUENT assembly had 300 members in all. Six members PARTICULARLY played important roles. There were representatives of the Congress, namely, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabh Bhai Patel and Rajendra Prasad. (ii) Pandit Nehru MOVED the crucial resolution proposing that the National Flag of India be a "horizontal tricolour of saffron white and dark green in equal proportation," with a wheel in navy blue at the centre. (iii) Patel: He worked mostly behind the scenes, playing a key role in the drafting several reports and working to reconcile opposing points of view. (iv) Rajendra Prasad: He worked as President of the assembly. He had to steer the discussion along constructive lines while MAKING sure all members had a chance to speak. |
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| 1626. |
Draupadi's Question Draupadi is supposed to have asked Yudhishthira whether he had lost himself before staking her. Two contrary opinions were expressed in response to this question. One, that even if Yudhishthira had lost himself carlicr, his wife remained under this control, so he could stake her. Two, that an unfree man (as Yudhishthira was when he had lost himsel) could not stake another person. The mattet remained unresolved : ultimately, Dhritarashtra restored to the Pandavas and Draupadi their personal freedom. Was the challenge given to Yudlhishdira by Draupadi jus tified Support your answer with two reasons. |
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Answer» SOLUTION :YES the challenge given by DRAUPADI was justified because: (i) She WANTED to know if Yudhishthira had staked her as a free man or as a loser of himself. (ii) She had a lot of self-respect and thus was trying to question the very ESSENCE of husband-wife and men-women relationship as controller-slave relation. |
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| 1627. |
Draupadi's Question Draupadi is supposed to have asked Yudhishthira whether he had lost himself before staking her. Two contrary opinions were expressed in response to this question. One, that even if Yudhishthira had lost himself carlicr, his wife remained under this control, so he could stake her. Two, that an unfree man (as Yudhishthira was when he had lost himsel) could not stake another person. The mattet remained unresolved : ultimately, Dhritarashtra restored to the Pandavas and Draupadi their personal freedom. Explain the two contrary opinions expressed. |
| Answer» Solution :The first view is the EVEN thought Yhishthira lost himself to Duryodhan, he COULD STAKE Draupadi, his WIFE, as wife is consideted under the control of her husband and his PROPERTY. The first view is that even though Second opinion was contrary to first one. If Yudhishthira had lost his freedeom then he was not free any more and he could not stake another person. | |
| 1628. |
Draupadi's Question Draupadi is supposed to have asked Yudhishthira whether he had lost himself before staking her. Two contrary opinions were expressed in response to this question. One, that even if Yudhishthira had lost himself carlicr, his wife remained under this control, so he could stake her. Two, that an unfree man (as Yudhishthira was when he had lost himsel) could not stake another person. The mattet remained unresolved : ultimately, Dhritarashtra restored to the Pandavas and Draupadi their personal freedom. How has Draupadi's status as a wife been shown in the passage? |
| Answer» Solution :Draupadi's status as wife has been DEPICTED as that prevalent in that period wherrby the wife was considered under the control of HUSBAND. But the same time, Draupadi was depicted as a bold LADY who has power of REASON and she was given lot of respect by her husbands. | |
| 1629. |
How did the architectural features of Mohenjodaro indicate planning? Support your answer with suitable examples. |
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Answer» Solution :The Harappan culture was an EXAMPLE of Scientific town planning. (i) The Harappan settlement is divided into two SECTIONS. Archaeologist mention these as the citadel and the lower town. (ii) The settlement was first planned and then implemented as per the set plan. The other indicationsof planning comprisebricks which sun-dried or baked, were of standardised ratio. (iii) Drainage SYSTEM was well planned. The roads and streets were laid out along a .grid. pattern, intersecting at right angles. (IV) The Great Bath SITUATED in the citadel mound was a beautiful brick work. It was a large rectangulartank in a courtyar surrounded by a planned corridor on all four sides. Rooms were on three sides. Archaeologists suggest that it was meant for some kind of a special ritual bath. |
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| 1630. |
State whether gender differences were really important in the early societies from c. 600 BCE to 600 CE. |
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Answer» SOLUTION :Gender Differences (Patrilineal succession, Claim of resources, Gotra System) (i) Under patriliny, SONS COULD claim the resources (including the THRONE in the case of kings) of their fathers when the latter died. (ii) According to the Manusmrit, the paternal estate was to be divided equally amongst sons after the death of the PARENTS, with a special share for the eldest. |
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| 1631. |
"A careful study of census reveals some urbanisation in 19 fascination trends of century." Support the statement with facts |
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Answer» Solution :"A çareful study of census REVEALS some fasciuating trends of urbanisation in the 19th century.".This statement can be explained as follows: (i) The ratio of the urban population was very low and had REMAINED stagnant from 19 century to the first rvo decades of the 20 century. (ii) The urban population increased from aboutn 10% of the total population 1900 1940. (iii) There were important variations in the patterns of urban development in different parts. The growth of Calcutta, Madras and Bombay as the NEW commercial and administrative centres was at to about 13% from the expense of other existing urban centres. These cities became the hub of the colonial ECONOMY. But the s.naller towns had limited opportunity to grow economically. |
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| 1632. |
How were Harappan seals and sealings used to facilitate long distance communication ? What did the sealings convey? |
| Answer» Solution :: A seal convey the IDENTITY of the sender and also GUARANTEES SAFETY and security of the goods SENT inside the BAG | |
| 1633. |
Give characteristic features of towns/urban centres in Pre-British India. |
| Answer» Solution : (i) Towns built by Mughals were famous due to the concentration of population for large scale building, royal GRANDEUR and immense wealth. (ii) Delhi, AGRA and Lahore served as ADMINISTRATIVE towns. (iii) Mansabdars and jagirdars had their HOUSES in these cities. These centres of power symbolised the status and prestige of a noble. (iv) The Mughal Emperor lived in a fortified palaces and town was enclosed by a wall with entry and exit being regulated from different gates. (v) These cities and towns provides service to many. (vi) Imperial capitals such as Delhi, Agra and Lahore received special attention of the emperor and revenue FLOW to these cities regularly.. | |
| 1634. |
Why were hill station set up? Name two such stations set up by the British. |
| Answer» Solution :(i) British set up the hill stations as strategic PLACES to billet troops, guard FRONTIERS and enables launch of campaign against the rival rulers. (II) (a) SIMLA, founded during the course of the Gorkha war, (b) DARJEELING was taken from Sikkim rulers in 1835. | |
| 1635. |
Why are newspapers an important source for the study of national movement? |
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Answer» Solution :Contemporary newspapers are an important source of the study of national movement. Following points lay bare their importance as source of HISTORY with reference to Indian Freedom Movement. (i) Many contemporary newspapers were published by those who were involved in the freedom struggle. For example, National Herald was published by Motilal Nehru, farther Mr Jinnah issued Dawn. (ii) These newspapers were mouthpieces and represented important voices of the movement. HENCE, they made important source of information regarding the freedom movement. (III) Newspapers do daily reporting, hence, their reporting is more detailed than perhaps any other source can be. As they report on extremely recent events, the chances of misreporting is less. Reading different newspapers further makes our reading balanced and free from bias. (IV) Many newspapers were in LOCAL Indian languages, i.e. in vernacular languages and their circulation was limited. Hence, they published newspaper from local perspective which other sources of history may not have. (v) They reflect the mood of the people too. These newspapers shaped what was published and the way events were reported. Accounts published in a London newspaper would be different from a report in an Indian nationalist paper. |
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| 1636. |
Why was the south-western part of Vijaynagar designated settlement as Royal Centre ? Explain. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) The Royal Centre" was located in the south- western part of the settlement and it had 60 temples. (ii) The PATRONAGE of temples and cults was IMPORTANT for rulers. They were trying to establish and legitimise their authority through association with the divinities kept in the shrines. (iii) Approximately, 30 building been identified as palaces. These are large structures that do not seem to have been associated with ritual functions. (iv) One typical difference between the other structures and temples is that the latter were made entarely of masonry, while the superstructure of the secular buildings was built with perishable materials. (v) The palace of the king is the largest of the enclosures but has no strong proof of being royal residence. It has two of the most impressive platforms, often known as the Audience Hall' and the 'Mahanavami Dibba. (vi) The 'Audience Hall' is a raised platform with slots of wooden pillars at close and regular distances and COMPRISES a staircase leading to the 2nd floor. The pillars being closely spaced and would have left little free space and s0, it is not clear what the hall was used for. The Mahanavami Dibba' is situated on one ofthe highest points in the eity. It is a nmassive platform risuig from a base of about 11,000 sq. ft. to a hcight of 40 ft. The base of the platform is covered with relief carvings. (vii) Ritaals and ceremonies Connected with the stru cture perhaps coincided with Mahanavami of the ten-day IHindu festival during the months of September and ectober. The Kings of Vijaynagar dis played their authority, prestige, power and Suzainty on this auspicious occasion. (viii) The Lotus Mahal' is one of the most beautifulbuildings in the royal centre. However, the historians are not sure what the building was used for. Mackenzie suggested that it may have been a council cha nber. One of the most striking structures is known as the Hazara Rama Temple.' Most probably, it was used by the King and his family members only Though the images in the central SHRINE are missing yet sculpted panels on the walls survive. The scenes from the Ramayana are sculpted on the inner walls of the temple. |
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| 1637. |
What did Ibn Battuta write about India in his book Rihla? |
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Answer» Solution :(i) Ibn Battuta reached Morocco in 1354 after thirty years. travelling in different country of the world. Here, he was ceremoniously welcomed by the Sultan Abu-Inaan. He ordered him to write all his travel accounts and appoint Ibn Juzayy to help him writing his accounts. This task of compiling begun in 13654 and was completed in 1355. (ii) In his writing he has tried to familiarise his readers with coconut and paan. The evidence he provided about these two PLANT PRODUCE were completely unfamiliar to his audience. (ii) Tbn Battuta visited many Indian cities. He found that these cities were full of exciting opportunities to those who possessed the necessary drive, resources and skills. Cities were densely populated and provided with many amenities as compared to villages. (iii) He described that the Indian markets were not only the centre of ECONOMIC transactions but were also an important centre of social and economic activities. (v)Battuta described that Indian agriculture was very prosperous, due to the soil fertility. Both INTERNAL and external trade was prosperous in India. This trade was in favour of India. (vi) He has also written about the efficiency of postal conmmunication system in India. Two types of postal system was existing in ndia at that time. It was called Uluq and Dawa. (vii) Practice of slavery was also prevalent in India. Slaves were sold and purchased. It was through these slaves, the Sultan used to get information about his nobles. (VIII) In this regard female slaves played a very cricual role. The ranks of slaves were varied . There was a wide gap between the status of an ordinary slaves and the court slaves . No doubt Rihla provide us valuable information about the indian history of 14 th century . In it Ibn Battuta described those things which he himself saw. |
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| 1638. |
State the role played by women in agrarian society during 16th and 17th centuries |
| Answer» Solution :Women worked with men SHOULDER to shoulder in the fields. Men tilled and ploughed, while women sowed, weeded, threshed and wianowed the harvest. Artisanal tasks such as spinning yarn, SHIFTING and kneading CLAY for pottery, and embroidery were among the MANY aspects of production depcndent on FEMALE labour. | |
| 1639. |
How did the Constituent Assembly of India protect the powers of the Central Government? Explain. |
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Answer» Solution :The powers of STATE Governments and Central Government were also debated in the Constituent Assembly Pt. Nehru pleaded for a strong centre as it was required for an independent India. It would be INJURIOUS to the interest of the country to provide for a weak central authority which would be incapable of ENSURING peace and speaking effectively for the whole country in the international AFFAIRS. The Union also had control of minerals and key industries. Article 356 gave the Centre the powers to take over a state administration on the recommendation of the Governor. Centre remained with all the fiscal powers. The rights of the states were most eloquently defended by K. Santhanam from Madras, the fiscal provisions would IMPOVERISH the provinces The argument for greater power to the provinces provoked a strong reaction in the ASsembly. Ambedkar wanted "a strong and united Centre (hear, hear) much stronger than the Centre we had created under the Govern ment of India Act of 1935". The Centre was strengthened to stop the communal frenzy. The Constitution thus showed a distinct bias towards the right of the Union of India ovet dhose of its constituent states. The Constiruent Assembly prepared three lists. The first list was called the Union list in which tax, defence and foreign affairs were main, was exclusively for Central Government. The second list was State list in which education, health were the main issues was to be looked after by the states. The third lis vas a concurrent list in which forest and agriculture were main ,were to be joindly looked after by the States and the Central Government. In this way the Constituent Assembly protected the powers of the Central Government. |
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| 1640. |
Trace out how stupas were built. Explain why the stupa at Sanchi survived, but not at Amravati. |
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Answer» Solution :Stupas were regarded as sacted as it contained relics of the Buddha such as his bodily remains or objects used by him were buried there. According to a Buddhist text, the ASHOKA Vadana, Ashoka distributed portions of the Buddha's relics to every important fown and ordered the construction of aver them. By the second century BCE, Bharhut, Sanchi and Sarnath, had been built. srdnis. Inscriptions tound on the railings and pillars of the stupas RECORD donations made for buildings and decoration on them. Some donations were made by kings such as the made by guilds such as that of ivory workers who financed a part of onc of the gateways atSanchi. The Amaravati could not survive because Perhaps Amaravati was discovered before the scholars understocd the value of the findings and realised how critical it was to preserve such things wherethey had been found instead they thought of removing them from the site. The stupas at Amaravati were changed and some of the slabs from the Amaravati stupas had been taken to different places, for example, they were taken to Kollkata, Chennai and London and were used in other structures. LOCAL rajas also took remains of AmravatiStupa to build their temples. The Sanchi Stupa survives because: It escaped from the eyes of railway contractors, builders and those looking for finds to carry away to the museums of Europe. The RULERS of Bhopal, Shahjehan Begum and her successor Sultan Jehan Begum provided money for its PRESERVATION. H. H. Cole was against the looting of original works of ancient art. Ninetcenth-century Europeans were very interested in the Stupa at Sanchi. That's why, it survived the test of time. |
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| 1641. |
Who among the following was not a member of the " Big Four " in the Congress of Vienna (1815)? |
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Answer» Great Britain |
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| 1642. |
Write any two features about the location of Vijayanagara empire. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) The EMPIRE stretched from the RIVER Krishna in the NORTH to the extreme SOUTH of Peninsula. (II) It flourished between the rivers Krishna and Tungabhadra. |
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| 1643. |
Read this excerpt from Bernier: Numerous are the instances of handsome pieces of workmanship made by persons destitute of tocls, and who can scarcely be said to have received instruction from a master. Sometimes they imitate so perfectly articles of European manufacture that the difference between the original and copy can hardly be discerned. Among other things, the Indians make excellent muskets, and fowling pieces, and such beautiful gold ornaments that it may be doubted if the exquisite workmanship of those articles can be exceeded by any European goldsmith. I have often admired the beauty, softness, and delicacy of their paintings. List the crafts mentioned in the passage. Compare these with the descriptions of artisanal netivity in the chapter . |
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Answer» SOLUTION :(i) Names of the crafts mentioned in this passage. In this passage the crafts such as making of muskets and following pieces and making BEAUTIFUL gold ornaments are mentioned. These products were beautifully make. Bernier was amzed to see these products. (ii) Comparison of crafts referred in the passage with the description of ARTISANAL activity in the chapter. (a) In the chapter boat manufacturing and terracottan sculpture and TEMPLE architecture has been mentioned. (b) Art of painting has been referred. (c) Art of carpet manufacturing has been referred. (d) Art of dance, music and calligraphy have been referred in the chapter. (e) Description about Rajal Kharnos have also been mentioined. |
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| 1644. |
Describe Bernier's description of land ownership in India and also describe its influence on estern theorists from 18th century onwards. |
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Answer» Solution :According Bernier, there was no private property during Mughal India. He was a firm believer in the virtues of private propcrty, and saw CROWN ownership of land as being harmful for both the state and its pcople. He thought that in the Mughal Empire, the emperor owned all the land and distributed it among his nobles, and that this had disastrous consequences for the economy to crown ownership the land holders could not pass the property to their children the and society. Owing They were averse to long term investment susbstenance and EXPANSION of production. This had led to uniform ruination of agriculture Bernier's descriptions influenced Western theorists from the 18th century onwards. The French philosopher Montesquieu, for instance, used this develop the idea of oriental despotism, according to which rulers in Asia (the Orient or the East) enjoyed absolute authority over their subjects, who were kept in conditions of subjugation and account to poverty, arguing that all land belonged to the king and that private property was non-existent. According the above view, everybody, except the emperor and his nobles, BARELY managed to survive. This idea was further developed of Production by Karl Marx in the 19th century. He argued that in India and other Asian countries before colenialism SURPLUS was appropriated by the stare. As in the case of the question of landownership, Bernier was drawing an oversimplified picture. There were all kinds of towns: manufacturing towns, trading towns, PORT towns, sacred centres, pilgrimage as the concept of Asiatic Mode towns, etc. |
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| 1645. |
Mention two strategies adopted to identify social differences among the Harappans. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) Archaeologists CLASSIFY the strategies as utilitarian and luxuries - in this objects of daily use made fairly easyout of ORDINARY materials - stone or clay are INCLUDED. These include querns, POTTERY, flesh-rubbers etc. (ii) Luxuries objects were rare and made from costly, non-local materials. Little post of faience were probably considered precious and difficult to MAKE. |
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| 1646. |
Name the fortification of East India Company in Madras. Mention any one feature of it. |
| Answer» Solution :The forafication of Madras by BRITISH is KNOWN as St. George. There were TWO settlements called WHITE TOWN and Black Town in this fort | |
| 1647. |
How do you think that Qandahar remained a bone of contention between the Mughals and the Safavids ? Explain |
| Answer» Solution : There was a constant effort by the Mughal policy to ward off this potential danger by controlling STRATEGIC outposts notably Kabul and Qandhar. Qandahar was a bone of contention between the Safavids and the Mughals. All conquerorswho SOUGHT to make their way into the Indian subcontinent had to cross the Hindukush to have accessya north India. The fortress town had initially been in possession of Humayun, reconquered in 1595 by Akbar. While the Safavid Court retained diplomatic relations with the Mughals, it continued to stake claims to Qandhar. In 1613, Jahangir sent a diplomatic envoy to the court of Shah Abbas to plead the Mughal case for retaining Qandhar but the mission FAILED. In the WINTER of 1622 a Persian army besieged Qandhar. The ill-prepared Mughal garrison was defeated and had to surrender the fortress and the city to the Safavids. | |
| 1648. |
"The colonial citics provided new opportunities for women century." Give two examples. |
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Answer» Solution : (i) Middle-class women sought to express themselves through the medium of JOURNALS, autobiographics and BOOKS. (ii)fowever, now they became more visible in public as they entered new professions in the CITY as DOMESTIC and factory workers, teachers and theatre and film ACTRESSES. |
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| 1649. |
"South Africa helped in the making of the Mahatma". How? Mention two reasons. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) It was in SOUTH Africa that Mahatma GANDHI forged a special techniques that was KNOWN as Satyagraha. It was based on truth and non-violence. (ii) Harmony was promoted between RELIGIONS. Alerted UPPER class Indians to their discriminatory treatment of low castes and women. |
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| 1650. |
What is constitution? |
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Answer» Solution :(i) A constitution is a body of well -defined LAWS or RULES to govern a state. (ii) It DETERMINES the right fo CITIZENS ,thepowers of the GOVERNMENT and how the government shouldgovern the country. |
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