Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - History (20 October 2023)

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

Subject : History (20 November 2023)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Thanjavur painting:

1. It largely depicts the social and economic life of common man.
2. The paintings are notable for their adornment in the form of semi-precious stones and glass.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Thanjavur painting is a classical South Indian painting style, which was inaugurated from the town of Thanjavur (anglicized as Tanjore) and spread across the adjoining and geographically contiguous Tamil country. The art form draws its immediate resources and inspiration from way back about 1600 AD, a period when the Nayakas of Thanjavur under the suzerainty of the Vijayanagara Rayas encouraged art—chiefly, classical dance and music—as well as literature, both in Telugu and Tamil and painting of chiefly Hindu religious subjects in temples. It is distinguished by its famous gold coating. The paintings are mostly of Gods and Goddesses because this art of painting flourished at a time when fine-looking and striking temples were being constructed by rulers of several dynasties. Hence, statement 2 is correct.


2. “Maseetkhani” style is associated with the family of:

(a) Dara Sikoh
(b) Jahangir
(c) Ibrahim Lodi
(d) Tansen

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The “Senia” style of Sitar playing started with the legendary great master of Sitar, Ustad Maseet Sen from the family of Tansen, the originator of “Maseetkhani” style. The word “Senia” is related to Tansen, the father of Indian Classical Music. The word “Gharana” implies a style of music. The followers of Tansen’s school of music are widely known as the followers of “Senia gharana” (i.e. “Seniya” style/school of music). Hence, option (d) is correct.


3. In the early decades after the Permanent Settlement, zamindars regularly failed to pay the revenue to the East India Company. What are the reasons for their failure?

1. The initial revenue demands were very high
.
2. The prices of agricultural produce were depressed, which made it difficult for the ryots to pay their dues to the zamindar.
3. The revenue was invariable, regardless of the harvest.

How many of the above statements is/ are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: In the early decades after the Permanent Settlement, however, zamindars regularly failed to pay the revenue demand and unpaid balances accumulated. The reasons for this failure were various.
First: the initial demands were very high. The Company pegged the revenue demand high, arguing that the burden on zamindars would gradually decline as agricultural production expanded and prices rose. Second: this high demand was imposed in the 1790s, a time when the prices of agricultural produce were depressed, making it difficult for the ryots to pay their dues to the zamindar.
Third: the revenue was invariable, regardless of the harvest, and had to be paid punctually.
Hence, all statements are correct.


4. Consider the following statements regarding Pallavas:

1. The early Pallava rulers from 250 A.D. to 350 A.D. issued their charters in Prakrit.
2. Mahendravarman I was also known as Mamalla.
3. The Shore temple at Mamallapuram and the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram were built during the reign of Narasimhavarman I.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Pallavas: The early Pallava rulers from 250 D. to 350 A.D. issued their charters in Prakrit. The second line of Pallava rulers who ruled between 350 A.D. and 550 A.D. issued their charters in Sanskrit.
Mahendravarman I (600 – 630 A.D.): He was a great builder of cave The Mandagappattu inscription hails him as Vichitrachitta.
Narasimhavarman I (630-668 A.D.): Narasimhavarman I was also known as Mamalla, which means ‘great wrestler’.
Narasimhavarman II or Rajasimha (695 -722 A.D.): The Shore temple at Mamallapuram and the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram were built in his reign.
Hence, statement 1 is correct.


5. Consider the following pairs regarding category of lands during Chola Empire:

1. Vellanvagai: land gifted to Brahmanas
2. Shalabhoga: land of peasant proprietors
3. Tirunamattukkani: land gifted to temples
4. Pallichchhandam: land donated to Jaina institutions

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Chola inscriptions mention several categories of land:
1. Vellanvagai land of non-Brahmana peasant proprietors
2. Brahmadeya land gifted to Brahmanas
3. Shalabhoga land for the maintenance of a school
4. Devadana, tirunamattukkani land gifted to temples
5. Pallichchhandam land donated to Jaina institutions
Hence, pair 3 and 4 are correctly matched.