Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - History (31 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 the Bhakti Saint Ramananda:

1. He preached equality before God.
2. He founded his own sect based on the doctrine of love and devotion to Lord Krishna and Radha.
3. He was a disciple of bhakti saint Kabir.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • Ramananda belonged to Ramanuja’s philosophical thought. He visited the holy places of North India and preached Vaishnavism. Ramananda introduced radical changes in Vaishnavism by founding his own sect based on the doctrine of love and devotion to Rama and Sita. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • He preached equality before God. He rejected caste system, particularly the supremacy of Brahmins as the sole custodians of the Hindu religion. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • The people from the lower strata of the society became his followers. His twelve disciples included Ravidas, Kabir and two women. Ramananda was the first to preach his doctrine of devotion in Hindi, the vernacular language. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

2. Consider the following statements:

1. The administrative and military efficiency of the Mughal Empire led to great economic and commercial prosperity.
2. The Mughal emperors and their mansabdars spent a great deal of their income on salaries and goods.
3. The scale of revenue collection left very little for investment in the hands of the primary producers – the peasant and the artisan.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The administrative and military efficiency of the Mughal Empire led to great economic and commercial prosperity. International travellers described it as the fabled land of wealth. But these same visitors were also appalled at the state of poverty that existed side by side with the greatest opulence. The Mughal emperors and their mansabdars spent a great deal of their income on salaries and goods. This expenditure benefited the artisans and peasantry who supplied them with goods and produce. But the scale of revenue collection left very little for investment in the hands of the primary producers – the peasant and the artisan. The poorest amongst them lived from hand to mouth and they could hardly consider investing in additional resources – tools and supplies – to increase productivity. The wealthier peasantry and artisanal groups, the merchants and bankers profited in this economic world. Hence, all statements are correct.

3. With reference to the administration of Palas and Pratihars, the term ‘Uparika’ refers to:

(a) Head of a bhukti or province
(b) Head of judicial system
(c) Chief revenue officer
(d) Military chief

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The Pala empire’s lands that were managed directly were divided into many provincesknown as Bhuktis and governed by officials known as Uparika. Uparika collected the levy and preserved the province’s law and order. These Bhuktis (Provinces) were further segmented into Vishaya (Divisions) and Mandala (Districts). Hence, option (a) is correct.

4. Which of the following Neolithic sites was known for pit-house dwelling?

(a) Koldihwa
(b) Hallur
(c) Burzahom
(d) Chirand

Answer: (C)

Explanation: In the Neolithic site Burzahom (in present-day Kashmir) people built pit-houses, which were dug into the ground, with steps leading into them. These may have provided shelter in cold weather. Hence, option (c) is correct.

5. After the Battle of Buxar (1764), the East India Company appointed Residents in Indian states. They were:

(a) Heads of Contingent army units placed under Subsidiary alliance in the states.
(b) Representative natives of the Princely states who were also a part of the British Legislative council.
(c) Political and commercial agents of the company in the states.
(d) Ex-Governors of British Presidencies who controlled the states.

Answer: (C)

Explanation: They were political or commercial agents and their job was to serve and further the interests of the Company. Through the Residents, the Company officials began interfering in the internal affairs of Indian states. They tried to decide who was to be the successor to the throne, and who was to be appointed in administrative posts. Hence, option (c) is correct.