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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.
| 151. |
The communal groupshave kept the memories of the partition violence alive Describe the two consequences of the same. |
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Answer» SOLUTION :(i) It has created the feelings ofanimosity and DISTRUST between the two communities. (ii) It has created a FEELING of taking revenge to" correct the historic wrongs" among both the communitie. |
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| 152. |
Who among the following was associated with the formulation of the basic ideas of the Mahayana Buddhism? |
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Answer» NAGARJUNA |
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| 153. |
"India had a unique system of communication during the fourteenth century" Enamáne the statement of Ibn Batuta." |
| Answer» SOLUTION :Ibn Batuta arrived India in the 14 century He was much impressed by the Postal Syscm of India. Two kinds of postal system were prevalent inthe Ulug and foot post called the Dewa. Cluy had their Marion at every four miles, while the foot-post had three stations per milw and a dawa meant ONETHIRD of a mile. The foot system was much spread han the horse system and was prevalent in the entire subcontinent. It is because of this efficient postal system the rulers were able to keep a strict watch over the vast empire. The ruler used to get all the information about-all the-eventeia-the minimua possible time. It took NEARLY 50 days to travel from Sindh to Delhi, whereas, the SPIES of the king were able to send their news reports in just five days through this efficient system of post. This also proved beneficial forthetaders sinee itenabled them todespateh their goods in a short period of time. | |
| 154. |
Which one of the following political theories advocates the "Dictatorship of Proletariat"? |
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Answer» Democratic SOCIALISM |
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| 155. |
Thegreatest stylisticforms of templearchitecture duringthe early medievalperiodwere theNagara, theDravidaandthe Vesara ,. Whichof thefollowingwas thegeographicalspread oftheDravidastyle ? (a) Between Vindhyan andKrishna river (b ) BetweenKrishna and Kaveririvers ( c)Between Vindhyan andKaveri river (d ) BetweenGodavari and Krishna rivers |
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Answer» Boththe statements areindividually TRUE andStatementII isthe correctexplanation ofStatement I. |
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| 156. |
Examine the view of Gandhiji against the Partition of India. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) The revivl of vedic LEARNING and North Indian reform organisations reiterration of CERTAINTY of Vedas offended the Muslims. (ii) The shuddhi movement was started by the Arya samaj to bring BACK the Hindus to its told mainly for those who converted to Islam. (iv)Muslims were angered by the COW protection movement and playing music before mosque. The orthodox Muslims saw this as an interference in their peaceful intimacy with God. Hindu Mahasabha sought to build greater solidarity within their community by mobilising people against other communities. (VI) Communal riots broke out in various parts of the nation, widening the differences between the two communities. |
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| 157. |
Between whom was the battle of Talikota fought ? What was its result ? |
| Answer» SOLUTION :Battle of TALIKOTA was fought between an organisation of Sultans of Deccan ( Sultans of Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, GOLKONDA and Bidar ) and the Raya of Vijayanagara empire, Sadashiva. As a RESULT of defeat in this battle, Vijayanagara empire LOST its prestige. | |
| 158. |
" Buddha laid stress on right conduct and values ",In the right of this message , explain his teachings life. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) Buddhism was founded by GAUTAMA Buddha . It is ONE of the ancient religions of India . It main teachings are: (i) The world is full of sufferings and UNHAPPINESS. (ii) The thirst or constant craving could be removed by following moderation in everything. (iii) He taught the PEOPLE to be kind and to RESPECT the lives of others. (iv) Buddhism encouraged people to think for themselves rather than to simply what the taught , He gave the massage of non-violence. |
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| 159. |
What were the crafts of the people of Chanhudaro? |
| Answer» Solution :The crafts of the PEOPLE of Chandudaro were Bead-MAKING, Shell-Cutting, METAL WORK, Seal making, WEIGHT making, etc. | |
| 160. |
Define the meaning of the concept "Amir-i-azam" . |
| Answer» Solution :The term Amir-i-azam REFERS to those lord who were achievingthehighese rank (or MANSAB) in the MUGHAL COURT. | |
| 161. |
How do historians reconstruct the lives of ordinary people? |
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Answer» Solution :The lives of ordinary people MAY be constructed by Following sources: (i) Historians have tried to reconstruct the lives of ordinary people by examining STORIES contained in anthologies such as the Jatakas and Panchatanta. These stories originated as popular oraltales and were later committed to writings. (ii) The Katakas were written in pali around the middle of the first millenium CE. (iii) Gandatindu Jataka, a well known story described the plight of the subjectsunder wicked king, how the constant fear of robbers, tax collectors, LED people to abandon their village and live in the forest. (iv) It is reclected how the relationship between the subjects and the king could be often strained, as he tried to fill their treasury by imposing high taxes, found such demands, escaping to forest was used as an alternative. (v) Remains of houses and pottery give an idea OFTHE life COMMON men. |
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| 162. |
Describe the strength and weakness of oral source of history. |
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Answer» Solution :The STRENGTH of oral history are (i) It gives an account of historyfrom the point of VIEW of ordinary people. (ii) It gives a vivid description of any event Weaknesses (i) It many not be authentic. (ii) The description is too small to GIVE the big picture. |
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| 163. |
Descrivethe salient features of Maharajanapadas ? |
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Answer» Solution :The `6^("th")` century BCE marked a definite stage in the early Indian history. Budhist and Jaina texts mention these sixteen states which were known as Mahajanapadas. (i) Anga, (ii) Magadha, (iii) Vaji, (iv) Kasi, (v) Kosala, (vi) Mallas, (vii) Panchala, (viii) Vatsa, (ix) Surasena (X) MATSYA (xi) Avanti (xii) Kuru, (xiii) Kapilavastu, (xiv) Chedi (xv) GANDHARA, (xvi) Kamboji. The most important salient features of the Mahajanapadas: (i) Each Mahajanapashad a CAPITAL city which was fortified. (ii) Most of mahajanapadas were ruled by kings . Some of them were called ganas or sanghas, power was shared by large number of men and they were collectively known as rajas. (iii) The Dharamsutras were compiled by Brahmans who laid down norms for rulers. Ideally rulers of these Janapadas were expected to be kshatriyas. (iv) Dharmsutras advised rulers to collect taxes and tributes from pastoralists and forest prople to MAINTAIN fortified cities, armies and bureaucracies. (v) The rajas probably had control over the resources as land. It was considered fair to plunder neighbouring states for riches. |
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| 164. |
What inspired the Indian leaders to frame their own constitution ? |
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Answer» SOLUTION :(i) The FRENCH and American Revolutions. (i) The PRACTICE of PARLIAMENTARY democracy in Britain. |
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| 165. |
Mention any three evidences that reflected the disappearance of Harappan civilisation by 1800 BCE. Explain any two factors that led to the abandonment of the Harappan sites (cities). |
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Answer» Solution : Archaeologists find decteased number of material artifacts during 1800 BCE such as beads, seals, weights, long-distance trades etc. Thus, it suggest that FEWER MATERIALS were used to MAKE fewer things. Also, there is evidence of deterioration of housing techniques which also suggest in declining urban civilisation of Harappans. There are varied views about the reasons for abandoning of Harappan sites by pcople. There are evidences of overuse of landscape, fiooding and climate change. At the same time, some INVASION by another PEOPLE and they found skeletons of massacre. |
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| 166. |
How do the morden historians explain the development and growth of Magadhan power? Explain briefly. |
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Answer» Solution :Between the sixth and the fourth centuries BCE, Magadha (Bihar) became the most powerful mahajanapada. Modern historians explain this development in the variety of ways. (i) Magadha was a REGION where agriculture was especially productive. Besides, IRON mines were accessible and provided resources for tools and weapons. (ii) Elephants, an important component of the army, were found in forests in the region. TheGanga and its tributaries provided a MEANS of cheap and convenient communications. (iii) Early Buddhist and Jaina writers attributed itspower to the polices of individuals like Bimbisara, Ajatasatru and Mahapadma Nanda who were ruthlessly AMBITIOUS kingand thier ministers, who helped them to implements their policies. (iv) Rajagaha was the CAPITAL of Magadha, a fortified settlement located among hills later in the `4^(th)` sentury BCE, the capital was shifted to Pataliputra (i.e. Patna) commanding routes of communication along the Ganga . |
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| 167. |
Describe the perspective of Iand Battuta and Francois Bernier on the condition of women in the Indian subcontinent. |
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Answer» Solution :Ibn Battuta's account, Rihla, states that female slaves were in the service of the Sultan who were experts in music and dance. Ibn Battuta himself enjoyed their performances at the wedding of the Sultan's sister. Female slaves were also employed by the Sultan to keep a watch on his nobles. They entered the HOUSE unannounced. They communicate all the information to the Sultan. They were captured in RAIDS and expedition. They were OPENLY sold in markets, like any other commodity and were also given as gifts. Berincr highlighted the il treatment of women in India. He described the PRACTICE of Sati. He chose his practice as a crucial marker of difference between Western and EASTERN socicties. |
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| 168. |
How did Sutta-Pitaka reconstruct the philosophy of Buddhism ? Mention about Buddhist Tipitaka. |
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Answer» Solution :Sutta Pitaka reconstructed the philosophy of Buddhism. (i) Buddha's teachings have been reconstructed from stories found MAINLY in the Sutta Pitaka. These stories describe his than display of supernatural power (ii) The world is transient and constantly changing it is also soulless as there is nothing permanent. (iii) Sorrow is intrinsic to human existence. (iv) It is by following the path of moderation between severe penance and self-indulgence that human beings can rise above these worldly troubles. (v) In the earliest form of Buddhism existence of god was irrelevant. Buddha regarded the social world as the creation of humans rather than of divine origin (vi) He advised kings to be humane and ethical. (vii) Individual cffort was expected to transform social relations. (viii) The Buddha EMPHASIZED individual agency and rightcous action as a mcans to ESCAPE from the cycle of rebirth and attain self-realization and NIRVANA. (ix) The extinguishing of the ego and desire would thus end the cycle of suffering. (x) The importance attached to conduct and valucs rather than claims of superiority based on birth the emphasis placed on fellow feeling and karuna for weaker. (xi) he Buddhist developed an alternative undcrstanding of social inequalities and institutions required to regulate social conflict. In a myth found in Sutta Pitaka they suggest that onginally human beings did not have fully evolved bodily forms, nor was the world of plants fully developed. (xii) All beings lived in idyllic state of peace, taking from nature only what they needed Buddhist Tipitakas: (i) It MEANS thrce baskets which hold three types of texts. They were first transmitted orally and then written and classified according to the subject matter. (ii) The Vinaya Pitaka included rules and regulations for those who joined the sangha or monastic order. (iii) The Sutta Pitaka which contains the teachings of Buddha and the Abhidhamma Pitaka dealt with philosophical matters |
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| 169. |
Kanyadana was considered as an important social duty of a father. Why? |
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Answer» Solution :(i) Daughters were treated differently from SONS. They had no claims to RESOURCES of the family. It was considered desirable to marry them into families outside the kin or extended family and increase prestige of the family. (ii) Lives of young girls and women of high status families were regulated to ensure that girls were married to the right PERSON at the right time. This led to the belief that Kanyadana was an important religious duty of the father. |
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| 170. |
Examine the roleplayed by the Constituent Assembly in framingof the Indian Constitution. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) As per as the Cabinet Mission Plan, a constitution - makingbody , a Constituent Assembly was fromed and elections to the Constituet Assembly were held in 1964. (ii) Theassembly worked in systematic , open and consensual manner and became a fully soveregin BOBY. (iii) Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, first of all moved in the assembly the historicobjective resolution . It was unanimouly passed and was known as India.Charater of Freedom. Afterthis some basic principle were decided and AGREED upon. Thedraft constitution was adopted by theConstituentAssembly on Nov 26 , 1949 came into force on 26 January 1950. |
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| 171. |
Write any three characteristics feature of the bricks used in the Harappan settlements. |
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Answer» Solution :They are as FOLLOW: (i) Sun-dried or baked bricks were used. (ii) Bricks were baked in the Kilns. (iii) Bricks had STANDARD ratio. Their length was four TIMES than height and BREADTH was TWICE bigger than the height. |
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| 172. |
Highlight the contribution of Krishnadeva Raya in the expansion of Vijaynagar Empire |
| Answer» Solution :Krishnadeva Raya was the most powerful of the VIJAYANAGARA kings. He defeated the Adilshah of Bijapur, Golkonda and the Raja of Odisha. He was a kind but ruthless administrator and a very ABLE general who fought along with his soldiers. He's credited with building so as well fine TEMPLES and Gopurams. He was a POET. He ENCOURAGED artists and expanded trade. The great mathermatician Nilkantha was encouraged by him. Vijaynagar was at its peak in his times. | |
| 173. |
Examine the conditions of women in the social changes that took place in India. |
| Answer» Solution :(i) For the Indian population, the new cities were bewildering places where life seemed always in a flux. There was a dramatic contrast between extreme wealth and poverty. (ii) New transport facilities such as horse drawn CARRIAGES and subsequently, trams and buses meant that people could live at a distance from the city CENTRE. Over time there was a gradual separation of the place of work from the place of residence. Travelling from home to office or the factory was a completely new kind of EXPERIENCE. (iii) Also, though the sense of coherence and familiarity of the old towns was no longer there, the creation of public places - for example, public parks, theatres and from the twentieth century, cinema halls provided exciting new forms of entertainment and social interaction. (iv) Within the cities new social groups were formed and the old identities of people were no longer important. All classes of people were migrating to the big cities. There was an increasing demand for clerks, teachers, LAWYERS, doctors, engineers and accountants. As a result the middle classes increased. (v) They had access to new educational institutions such as schools, colleges and libraries. As educated people, they could put forward their opinions on society and government in newspapers, journals and public meetings. (vi) A new public sphere of debate and discussion emerged. Social customs, norms and practices came to be questioned. Social changes did not happen with ease. Cities, forinstance, offered new opportunities for women. Middle-class women sought to express themselves through the medium of journals, autobiographies and books. (vii) But many people resented these attempts to change traditional patriarchal norms. Conservatives feared that the education of women would turn the world upside down, and threaten the basis of the entire social order. Even reformers who supported women.s education saw women primarily as mothers and wives, and wanted them to remain within the enclosed spaces of the household. (viii) Over time, women became more visible in public, as they entered new professions in the city as domestic and factory workers, teachers, and theatre and film actresses. But for a long time women who MOVED out of the household into public spaces remained the objects of social censure. | |
| 174. |
Critically examine 'the Fifth Report' of late Eighteenth century. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) The fifth report was submitted to British Parliament in 1813 about administration activities of "East India Company" (ii) There were many groups in Britain who were opposed to the manopoly of trade that "East Indiz Company" had with India and China. These groups wanted revocation against this rule for lifting MONOPOLY. (iii) It ran into 1002 pages, of which over 800 pages were appendices that reproduced petitions of zamindats and ryots, reports of COLLECTORS from different districts. (iv) It carned statistical TABLES on revenue RETURNS and notes on thc revenuc and judicial administration of Bengal and Madras. (v) Information about company misrule and maladministration was hotly debated in Britain and incidence of the greed and corruption of company officials was widely publicised in the press The British parliament passed a series of acts in late 18th century to regulate the control of company rule in India and appointed committees to enquire into the affair of the company. The fifth rcport was ONE sucl report produced by a select committee. |
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| 175. |
Discuss the contribution made by Krishna - deva Raya in the field of art and literature. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) Krishnadeva Raya was the greatest and most powerful RULER of Vijayanagara empire who ruled from `1509` to `1529`. He was the ablest of the Vijayanagara SOVEREIGNS, who gave great patronage to art and literature. (ii) He had employed skilled artisans in his kingdom to construct magnificent temples and buildings. Nagalpuram, near Vijayanagara, was the magnificent town built by him in the memory of his mother. The Vitthal temples and the Hazara Rama temple are the examples of the magnificent temples constructed by him. (iii) He also got constructed many Gopurams to many southern Indian temples. He himself was a good scholar and composed Amuktamalade in TELUGU and Jamabavati Kalyanam in Sanskrit. He had also patronised many poets and scholars in his court. (iv) Domingo Paes, a Portuguese traveller also stayed in his court for several years. All these scholars, patronised in his court, made an immense CONTRIBUTION in the FIELD of literature. |
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| 176. |
How do we know about the religious aspectof Harappan people. |
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Answer» Solution :The study of seals, inscription and other antiques help to reconstruct the religious practices of the Harappan people. (i) Discovery of a large number of statues and terracotta figurines prove that they were icon-worshippers. These statues and figurines are considered as gods and GODDESSES. (ii) Terracotta figurines of women heavily jewelled some with ELABORATE head dresses, were regarded as Mother-Goddess. (iii) Rare stone statuory of men in an almost standarised POSTURE created with one hand such as the .priest-king., show the religious significance. (iv) Seals showing plant note indicate the worship of nature. (v) Unicorn is one horned animal, DEPICTED on seals seem to be mythical, composite creatures. (vi) A figure shown seated cross-leged in .Yogic. posture, surrounded by animals, has been regarded as a depiction of "protoshiva" which is an early form of one of the major deities of Hinduism. The worship of the Linga, probably symbolize the idea of fertility, animal worship - images of various animals on the seals, Treeworship - the seals and painted pottery show the figure especially pipal tree. Discovery of .dancing girl. made of bronze throws lighton the religious aspect of Harappan people . |
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| 177. |
Briefly discuss the causes for non-cooperation movement, reasons for its suspension and significance. |
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Answer» Solution :Reasons for suspension: (i) The movement was highly successful in two ways, (a) Boycott programme, (b) Constructive programme. But it was suddenly called off by Gandhiji in 1922. It was to be a non violent movement. (ii) Prior to launching Gandhiji had sought a pledge that all satyagrahas WOULD remain non-violent in word and deed. A group of peasants attacked and torched a police station in which several constables lost their lives. Gandhi called off the movement. (c) Significance: (i)It gave a new WAY to the struggle and transformed Indian nationalism by widening its socio-economic base. (ii) The national movement became a multiclass movement. Professional and intellectuals, thousands of peasants WORKERS and artisans participated in it. (iii) The movement was a high watermark of Hindus-Muslim unity which was broken eventually. (iv) New leadership had risen-Gandhiji. He was considered as Mahatma, saviour, man with miraculous powers. (d) Couple the non-cooperation movement with Khilafat movement: (i) To broaden the struggle Gandhiji joined hands with the Khilafat movement that sought to restore the caliphate a symbol of Pan Islamism which had been abolished by Kemal Attaturk, the Turkish RULER. (ii) Coupling with non cooperation Gandhi saw an opportunity to bring the two religious communities, Hindus and Muslims together, brought an END to the colonial rule. |
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| 178. |
What was milkiyat ? |
| Answer» SOLUTION :MILKIYAT refers to extensive personal landsheld by zamindars andwas used for cultivation. Theycultivatedthis LAND with the HELP of servile or hired lavour.Theywerefree to sell, mortgagethese lands at theirwill. | |
| 179. |
Why was the Simon Commission opposed? |
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Answer» SOLUTION :(i) The SIMON Commission was opposed as it had no Indian members. (ii) Only members from the WHITE community included in it. It was QUITE INSULTING for the Indians. So all the people of India opposed Simon Commission. |
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| 180. |
Read the following passage carefully answer the questions that follow: Colin Mackenzie Born in 1754, Colin Mackenzie became famous as an engineer, surveyor and cartographer. In 1815 he was appointed the first Surveyor General of India, a post he held till his death in 1821. He embarked collecting local histories and surveying historicsites in order to better understand India's past and make governance of the colony easier. He says that "it struggled long under the miseries of bad management. before the south came under the benign infiuence of the British government". studying Vijaynagar, Mackenzie believed that the East India Company could gain "much useful information on many of these institutions, laws and customs whose influence still prevails among the various Tribes of Natives forming the general mass of the population to this day" Mention what Mackenzie did to make governance of the colony easier. |
| Answer» SOLUTION : Colin Mackenzic embarked on COLLECTING local historics and surveying historic sites in order to better understand India's PAST and make GOVERNANCE of the colony easier. | |
| 181. |
Read the following passage carefully answer the questions that follow: Colin Mackenzie Born in 1754, Colin Mackenzie became famous as an engineer, surveyor and cartographer. In 1815 he was appointed the first Surveyor General of India, a post he held till his death in 1821. He embarked collecting local histories and surveying historicsites in order to better understand India's past and make governance of the colony easier. He says that "it struggled long under the miseries of bad management. before the south came under the benign infiuence of the British government". studying Vijaynagar, Mackenzie believed that the East India Company could gain "much useful information on many of these institutions, laws and customs whose influence still prevails among the various Tribes of Natives forming the general mass of the population to this day" Who was Colin Mackenzie ? Give introduction. |
| Answer» SOLUTION :Colin MACKENZIE was born in 1754. He became famous as an engincer, surveyor and cartographer. He was appointed the first Surveyor General of India in 1815 and held this post TILL his death in 1821. | |
| 182. |
Read the following passage carefully answer the questions that follow: Colin Mackenzie Born in 1754, Colin Mackenzie became famous as an engineer, surveyor and cartographer. In 1815 he was appointed the first Surveyor General of India, a post he held till his death in 1821. He embarked collecting local histories and surveying historicsites in order to better understand India's past and make governance of the colony easier. He says that "it struggled long under the miseries of bad management. before the south came under the benign infiuence of the British government". studying Vijaynagar, Mackenzie believed that the East India Company could gain "much useful information on many of these institutions, laws and customs whose influence still prevails among the various Tribes of Natives forming the general mass of the population to this day" According to him, what benefits would the East India Company gain after studying Vijaynagar? Explain in brief |
| Answer» Solution :COLIN MACKENZIE OPINED that the East India Company could gain "much useful information on many of these INSTITUTIONS, LAWS and customs whose influence still prevails among the various Tribes of Natives forming the general mass of population to this day". | |
| 183. |
State any three features of Mahajanpadas. How did Magadha become the powerful Mahajanpada ? Explain. |
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Answer» Solution :Three features of Mahajanapada: (a) (i) Vajji, Magadha, Koshala, Kuru, Panchala, Gandhata and Avanti were AMONGST the most important mahajanapadar. (ii) Each mahajanapada had a capital city, which was often forifed. (iii) Each mabajanapada had a well maintained standing army and regular bureaucracies for administration. (iv) Dhatuasutras, written by Brahmans LAID down norms for rulers. (v) Rulers were ideally expected to be Kshatriyas. (vi) Rulers were advised to collect TAXES. (vii) Rulee by GANAS and sanghas and wer oligarchies (viii) Power was shared by the rajas (ix) Fortified capital cities. (x) Rulers collected taxes and tributes from the cultivators. (b) Magadha was the most prominent of all Nathajanpadas. The confluence of rivers made its land fertile. There were deposits of iron which were used by Magadhans to make powerful weapons. They had agtatian cconomy which was supported by the military strength. Pataliputra was its capital. Its location was convenient for trade. It PROSPERED in trade, and gradually emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada. |
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| 184. |
Describe the Contribution made by Harihara and Bukka in establishing the Vijayanagara empire. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) Vijayanagara empire was founded (established) by the two brothers, Harihara and Bukka. Both worked as ministers in the kingdom of Kampillai. Muhammad-bin- Tughlaq, during his ATTACK on South India in `1327`, took both of them in his captivity and brought them to Delhi. (ii) Here they were forcibly converted to Islam. To supress the REVOLT of the Hindus in Kampillai, Muhammad Tughlaq sent a huge army under their leadership. The Hindus WELCOMED them and accepted their authority. (iii) At the instance of their Guru, they were remitted into Hinduism. Vidyarana (their Guru) encouraged them to establish a new kingdom. Thus, they founded a new town in `1336` on the bank of the riverTungabhadra and named it Vijayanagara. (IV) Caught in the political scenario of Delhi, Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq could not pay attention towards them. Thus, the newly founded kingdom came into existence and flourished and soon BECAME very powerful in the peninsular region. |
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| 185. |
Which two difficulties were faced by the census commissioners in collecting and classifying data? |
| Answer» Solution :Difficulties FACED by census commission. (i) People THOUGHT that it was conducted to impose FRESH taxes. (II) People were not interested to provide correct information about their household. | |
| 186. |
What were the concerns that shaped Mughal Polices and attitudes towards regions outside the subcontinent? |
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Answer» Solution : (A) The SAFAVIDS and Qandahar: (i) The political and diplomatic relations between the Mughal kings and the neighbouring countries of Iran and Turan hinged on the control of the frontier defined by the Hindukush mountains that separated Afghanistan from the regions of Iran and Central Asia. (ii) A constant aim of Mughal policy was to ward off this potential danger by controlling strategic outposts-notably Kabul and Qandahar. The fortress-town Qandahar had initially been in the possession of Humayun, reconquered in 1595 by Akbar. (iii) The Safavid court retained diplomatic relations with the Mughals, it continued to stake claims to Qandahar. Jahangir sent a diplomatic envoy to the court of Shah Abbas in 1613 to plead the Mughal case for retaining Qandahar. (iv) The mission has failed to achieve its objectives. Persian army besieged Qandahar in 1622. The Mughal GARRISON was DEFEATED and had to surrender the fortress and the city to the Safavids. (B) The Ottomans: pilgrimage and trade: (i) The relationship between the Mughals and the Ottomans ensured free movement for merchants and pilgrims in the territories under Ottoman control. (ii) This was especially true for the Hijaz, that part of Ottoman Arabia where the important pilgrim centres of Mecca and Medina were located. (iii) The Mughal emperor combined religion and commerce by exporting essential goods to ADEN and Mokha, and distributing the proceeds of the sales in charity to the keepers of shrines and religious men there. (C) Jesuits at the Mughal court: (i) European received knowledge about India through the accounts of Jesuit missionaries, travellers, merchants and diplomats. After the discovery of sea route to India, the Portuguese merchants set up their trading network stations in coastal region. (br)(ii) The Portuguese was also interested in the spread of Christianity with the help of the missionaries of the Society of Jesuits. The Christian missionaries who were sent to India during the sixteenth century were part of this process of trade and empire building. (br)(iii) The first Jesuit mission reached the court of Mughal emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in 1580 and stayed here for about two years. The Jesuits spoke to Akbar about Christianity and debated its virtues with the ulama. Two more missions were sent to the Mughal court at Lahore, in 1591 and 1595. (iv) The Jesuit accounts are based on personal observation and shed light on the CHARACTER and mind of the emperor. At public assemblies the Jesuits were assigned places in close proximity to Akbar.s throne. |
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| 187. |
When did the Cripps Mission came to India? Why did the talks with Cripps Mission failed? |
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Answer» Solution :(i) The Cripps Mission came to India in March, 1942. The aim of the Mission was to forge a compromise with Gandhiji and Indian National Congress. (ii) The Congress was ready to help the British in the Second WORLD War against the Axis powers on the condition that the Viceroy would appoint an Indian as the Defence Member of his EXECUTIVE Council. The Viceroy declined the Congress.s demand. As a result the Cripps Mission failed in its mission. |
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| 188. |
What was the other name of 'Bombay Deccan revenue system of 1820s'. Mention any three features of it. |
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Answer» Solution :ANOTHER name of Bombay Deccan revenue system was the Ryotwari System. Features: (i) The revenue was directly settled with the ryots. (ii) The AVERAGE income from different types of soil was estimated. (iii) The revenue-paying CAPACITY of the ryot was ASSESSED. A proportion of it fixed as the share of the state. (iv) The lands were resurveyed every 30 years and the revenue rates increased. (v) The revenue demand was no longer permanent. |
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| 189. |
The colonial cities offered new opportunities to women during the 19th century." Support the stalement with facts, |
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Answer» Solution :Women were subjiugatcd to lotsof.ceasute about their public appearance and behavior. The COLONIAL cities had sorne developments such as baraars, horse-cards, mators, roads etc. There were new transport facilities such as horse- me ant that women could visit long distance places from the city centre. These were used not only by the English women but also upper class Indian women. Though lower class women still did not have access to such facilities. The new urban cities had centers for shopping, the atres etc. Though there was resistance but upper class wives of educated Indians used to go for waching cinema occasionally. The SOCIAL reformers also pressed for education of women and THUS they opened women's colleges in threw urban centers during nineteenth century and sorse women EXPRESSED themselves through journalsbooks and autobiographies. Example : Madras Medical college in 1835 the Wemen's Christian Medical College, an exclusive medical school for women, was established inLa thiana in Punjab in 1894. Though, this opportunity was enjoyed by only a fraction of women. Many people resented these attempts to change TRADITIONAL patriarchal norms. |
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| 190. |
Mention any two duties laid down in Manusmriti for Chandalas. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) They had to live outside the village, use DISCARDED utensils and WEAR clothes of the DEAD and use iron ornaments. (ii) They could not walk about in villages and cities at NIGHT. (iii) They had to dispose of the BODIES of those who had no relatives and serve as executioners. |
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| 191. |
State the rules contained in Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras about the idea occupation of the four Varnas. |
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Answer» Solution :The rules contained in the Dharmasutras and DHARMASHASTRAS about the ideal occupation of FOUR Varnas are (i) Brahmanas were supposed to study and teach the VEDAS, perform sacrifices and get sacrifices performed 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) Vaishayas were assigned to study the vedas, get sacrifices performed and make gifts. In addition, were also expected to engage in agriculture, pastoralism and trade. (iv) Shudras were assigned only one ASSIGNMENT that of serving the THREE higher Varnas. |
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| 192. |
Discuss the use of Brahmi and Kharosthi script and the method to decipher it . |
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Answer» Solution :The most momentous developments in Indian epigraphy took place in the 1830. when james Prinsep, an officer in the mint of the East India Company, DECIPHERED Brahmi and Kharoshti in 1838, two scripts used in the earliest inscription and coins. (i) Most Ashokan INSCRIPTIONS were in the Prakrit language while those in the northwest of the subcontinent were in Arabic and Greek.Most prakrit inscriptions were written in the Beahmi script, however, in the northwest, were written in Kharoshit. (ii) Most scripts used to write modern India languages are derived from Brahmi, the script used in most Ashokans inscriprtions. (iii) From the late eighteenth century, European scholars aided by India Pandits worked backwards from contemporary BengaliandDevanagari manuscripts, comparing their letter with older specimens. (iv) Scholars who studied early inscriptions assumed that these were in Sanskrit, although the earliest inscriptions were, in fact, in prakrit. (v) The story of the decipherment of kharosthi script used in inscription in the northwest,is different. Here, finds of coins of Indo-Greek king who ruled over the area (C SEcond-first centuries BCE) have facilitatedmatters. (VI) These coins contain the names of king written in Greek and Kharosthi scripts. European scholars who could read theformer compared the letters. (vii) For instance, the symbols for "Ua" could be found in both scripts for writing names such as Apollodotus. (viii) Prinsep identified the language of theKharosthi inscription as Prakrit, it become possible to read longer inscriptions as well. |
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| 193. |
What steps did Sher Shah Suri take to promote trade and commerce? |
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Answer» Solution :Sher Shah Suri took the following steps to promote trade and commerce in his empire. 1. PEACE, law and order: (i) Trade and commerce can thrive in a country only when there is a peaceful ENVIRONMENT. (ii) He kept a strict watch over the Jagirdars lest they should rise in revolt against him in their own regions falling in unison with unsocial elements. 2. Construction of big roads: In order to connect one part of his empire with the others, he got a NETWORK of roads. 3. Protection on roads: Sher Shah Suri appointed detectives all through his empire. The unsocial elements and robbers were strictly DEALT with. 4. Incentive to trade: To given incentive to trade he got the good roads constructed. He got the trees planted on both sides of the roads and got the wells dug for drinking water. 5. New land system: (i) He introduced the cryotwarf system, eliminated the mediating landlords. He got the entire land measured through Todarmal and made three divisions of entire land and revenue was levied on the basis of YIELD. (ii) The farmers were free to make the payment of the land revenue in cash or kind. |
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| 194. |
"Sufism evolved as a reaction to the growing materialism of the Caliphate as a religious and political institution." Elucidatc. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) The sufis LAID emphasis on salvation through INTENSE devotion and love for God. (ii) They sought an interpretation of the Qur'an on the basis of their personal experience and were critical of the definitions and scholastic methods of interpreting the Qur'an adopted by theologians. (iii) By the eleventh century Sufism evolved into a well developed movement with a body of literature on Quranic studies and SUFI practices. (iv) The sufisilsila was a kind of chain or link betwcen master and disciple for SEEKING spiritual power and blessings. (v) Special rituals of initiation were wearing patched cloths, shaving their head, OPEN kitchen run on charity. |
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| 195. |
Explain why Abdur Razzak, a Perisian Ambassador, was greatly impressed fortification of Vijaynagar Empire during the 15'b century. |
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Answer» Solution :Abdur Razzak who was an ambassador from Persia visited Vijaynagar empire in the 15 century. He stayed in Vijaynagar for some years and gave accounts of the economy, polity and social life. But his accounts on the structure of Vijaynagar grab a widespread attention because he explains that Vijaynagar was constructed with lot of planning and the best example is fortification structure. He revealed that the Vijaynagar empire created its cities primarily for protection against invasion. The city itself was a fortress and designed as such in every possible way. It was built of massive stone and earthen walls, with hilltop fortresses and watch towers scattered across its length and breadth. Visitors to the city, irrespective of their guild and intention, had to travel through a heavily fortified and protected area before reaching the main urban core which gave them an that protected the empire. The vijayanagara fort not only encircled the palace but it also encircled agricultural tracts, tiver streams, forests etc. This was especially done to SURVIVE SIEGES of the fort by any powerful enemy. There were seven lines of forts. Between the first, second and the third walls there are cultivated fields, gardens and houses. The water channelized from river Tungabhadra was used for cultivation of agricultural tracts. The outermost wall linked the hills SURROUNDING the city. The massive masonry construction was slightly tapered. No mortar or cementing agent employed anywhere in the construction. The stone blocks vere wedge shaped, which held them in place, and the inner portion of the walls was of earth packed vith rubble Sqpuare or rectangular bastions were projected outwards. A second line of fortification went round the inner core of the urban complex, and a third line surrour ded the royal centre, within which each set of maj rbuildingswas-suerounded-by its own highwalls. Gatew: YS were distinctive architectural features The ares on the gateways were splendid and show influer of Turkish architecture. There were pavements and roads which generally WOUND round through the valleys, avoiding rocky terrain. Some of the most important roads extended from temple gateways, and were lined by bazaars. Therefore, Razzakwas impressed by the intelligence, splendid planning and technology used in making the fore. |
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| 196. |
Assess the role of Amara-Nayakas in the Vijayanagara empire. |
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Answer» Solution :A. Nayakas and Amara Nayakas : The Nayakas were the MILITARY chieves of the Vijayanagara empire, while the Amara Nayakas were the military commanders of the Vijayanagara empire. B. Role of Nayakas : The Nayakas who were the military chiefs, exercised their POWER in Vijayanagara administration. (i) They generally controlled the forts and had many soldiers under them (i.e., under their control). They kept on moving from one place to another. The peasants who were in search of fertile land sometime took their help. (ii) They (the Nayakas) spoke Telugu or Kannada. They had accepted the authority of the Raya (Rulers) of Vijayanagara. Taking the advantages of the weakness of the central aministration, they rebelled. They COULD be suppressed only be military action. C. Role of Amara Nayakas : (iii) They were the military commanders who were given (allotted) some territories to rule by the ruler of Vijayanagara empire. They were free to carry out the administration of their state. They had right to collect land revenue from the peasants and other taxes from the craftspersons and traders living under their territory. (iv) They kept some portion of the revenue collected for their personal consumption and for the maintenance of their horses and elephants and submitted the rest to the state treasury. Through their help, the rulers of Vijayanagara had firmly established and then controlled the PENINSULAR region. |
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| 197. |
Identify any two occupations to be performed by Kshatriyas as per Varna Order. |
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Answer» Solution :Occupations of Kshatriyas (i) To engage in warfare (ii) To protect people and administer JUSTICE (iii) To study the Vedas (IV) To GET sacrifices performed (v) To make GIFTS. |
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| 198. |
Write any two features described by Al-Biruni about caste system. |
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Answer» Solution :They are- (i) The Indian SOCIETY was DIVIDED into four sections called castes. These castes were Brahman, Kshatriya, VAISHYA and Shudra. (ii) The Brahmanas OCCUPIED the highest rank in the society. |
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| 199. |
Highlight any four aspects observed by the Portuguese traveller Barbosa on the urban core of the Vijayanagara empire. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) Archaeologists have found fine Chinese porcelain in some houses. These have been found in the north-Eastern corner of the URBAN core suggesting that it may have been occupied by rich traders. (II) There was a muslim residential quarter. Tombs and mosques have been found here. Their architecture resembles mandapas. (iii) Barbosa has described that the house of ordinary people are thatched. Houses are well built and strong . (iv) Houses were ARRANGED according to occupation in long streets with MANY open places. Entire area had many SHRINES and small temples. |
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| 200. |
Who was appointed to holp Ibn Battuta while he was writing his accounts of travel, Rihla'? |
| Answer» SOLUTION :Ibn-Juzayy was appointed to help (ASSIST) him while he was WRITING his TEXTS. | |