Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - History (17 July 2023)

Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams

Subject : History

1. Consider the following statements regarding Sufism:

1. Sufis consider that the knowledge of the Truth can be based only on self-experience.
2. They believe that Almighty can be persuaded by cleverness.
3. Sufis consider the shelter of a competent master as the most important step for the spiritual training of the seeker.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Sufis consider that the knowledge of the Truth can be based only on self-experience. There is no other way to realize the Truth except through one’s own experience. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • The Almighty cannot be persuaded by cleverness. One, who considers oneself to be frail and prays the Almighty in distress, receives His grace immediately. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • Sufis consider the shelter of a competent master as the most important step for the spiritual training of the seeker. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

2. Consider the following statements, with reference to the Bahmani Kingdom:

1. The Bahamani Sultans were patrons of the Persian language.
2. The Bidri artwork is often associated with this Kingdom.
3. The sultans persecuted Hindus preventing them to take part in the Bahmani administration or polity.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • The Bahmani Sultanate was a Muslim state of the Deccan in South India and one of the great medieval Indian kingdoms. It was the first independent Islamic Kingdom in South India. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Some members of the dynasty became well-versed in Persian language and composed its literature in Persian language. The craftspersons of Bidar then were so famed for their inlay work on copper and silver that it came to be known as Bidri. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • The most important step taken by Ahmad Shah was the induction of Hindus in the administration on a large scale. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

3. Kupyadhyaksha in the Mauryan empire was an officer in charge of:

(a) Prisons
(b) Health clinics
(c) Taxation
(d) Forest department

Answer: (D)

Explanation: In the administration of Chandra Gupta Maurya, there was a regular Forest Department administered by the Kupyadhyaksha (Superintendent of Forest Products). His duty was to increase the productivity of forests, to sell trees after fixing their price, classifying strong trees etc. Hence, option (d) is correct.

4. Consider the following statements:

1. The cave is carved into the hard-monolithic granite rock face of Barabar hills, flanked to its left by the smaller Sudama cave.
2. The ornamentation on the “curved architrave” of the cave consists of carvings of elephants on their way to the stupas.

The above statements refer to:

(a) Udayagiri Caves
(b) Kanheri Caves
(c) Lomus Rishi caves
(d) Elephanta Caves

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Lomas Rishi Cave is carved into the hard-monolithic granite rock face of Barabar hills, flanked to its left by the smaller Sudama cave. This rock-cut cave was carved out as a sanctuary. It was built during the Ashokan period of the Maurya Empire in the 3rd century BC, as part of the sacred architecture of the Ajivikas. The hut-style facade at the entrance to the cave, which was meant as a milk shed, had an impact on South Asian rock-cut architecture. It became a model for all such arched entrance portals built at many other Buddhist and Jain caves in India, such as the much bigger Buddhist Chaitya halls of Ajanta or Karli in Maharashtra. Hence, option (c) is correct.

5. Which of the following was/were the great centres of Buddhist learning and art?

1. Nalanda
2. Odantapuri
3. Vikramsila
4. Somarupa

How many of the above options are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The Pala period (750 A.D. to the middle of the 12th century) witnessed the last great phase of Buddhism and of the Buddhist art in India. The Buddhist monasteries (mahaviharas) of Nalanda, Odantapuri, Vikramsila and Somarupa were great centres of Buddhist learning and art. Hence, option (d) is correct.