GS TEST SERIES – 06
1. Therigatha is one of the very few surviving ancient Indian texts attributed to women. The text is associated with
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Vaishnavism
(d) Shaivism
2. The illustrated manuscript of the Nimat Nama, a blend of Indian and Persian styles is a/an:
(a) autobiography of Birbal.
(b) a cookery book at the time of Ghiyas-ud din Khilji.
(c) biography of Akbar
(d) recorded history of all Mughal rulers
3. With reference to Chola rulers, consider the following statements:
1. Raja Raja Chola assumed the title of Gangaikondachola (‘the Chola who conquered the Ganga’
2. Rajendra Chola I destroyed the Chera navy at Trivandrum, and later captured Madurai, the capital of Pandyas.
3. The Chola rulers marked their victories by erecting temples and having inscriptions written on the walls of these temples.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2 only
4. Consider the following statements regarding Firuz Shah Tughlaq:
1. He exempted Brahmans from the payment of Jizyah.
2. He took steps to have Hindu religious works translated from Sanskrit into Persian.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
5. Recently seen in the news, Kwar Hydro Project and Ratle Hydro Electric project are proposed to be built on which one of the following rivers?
(a) Sutlej
(b) Ravi
(c) Jhelum
(d) Chenab
6. With reference to the Pandya dynasty during the Sangam age, consider the following statements:
1. The Pandyas are mentioned by Megasthenes in his texts and highlighted the matriarchal influence on the Pandya society.
2. The Pandya territory occupied the southernmost part of the Indian peninsula, with its capital at Kaveripattanam.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
7. Which of the following temples is/are dedicated to Lord Vishnu?
1. The Papanath temple of Pattadakal
2. The Brihadeeshwarar Temple of Thanjavur
3. The Lakshmana Temple of Khajuraho Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) None
8. It is an important cave site having many images belonging to Vajrayana Buddhism. Buddhist caves are big in size and are of single, double, and triple storey. The Brahmanical caves have many sculptures and Ravana shaking Mount Kailash is one of them.
Which of the following cave sites is being described by the above-given passage?
(a) Ajanta
(b) Ellora
(c) Kanheri
(d) Junnar
9. Which of the following countries are members of the Antarctic Treaty?
1. Australia
2. Russia
3. Ukraine
4. India
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
10. With reference to ziyarat in Sufism, consider the following statements:
1. It refers to the practice of pilgrimage to the dargah of the Sufi saint on his death anniversary.
2. The practice started during the times of Mughal rule in India.
3. The practice has direct relevance to the evolution of Qawwali.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
11. With reference to the Chishti silsila, consider the following statements:
1. The Chishti saints did not believe in leading a life of austerity and accepted the service of the state.
2. Activities of the Chishti order were confined largely to the Punjab and Multan.
3. Hamid-ud-Din Nagori was a well-known saint of the Chisti order.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
12. Consider the following statements regarding the Hepatitis B:
1. It is a bacterial disease.
2. It is an infection in the liver that can cause jaundice.
3. At present, there is no vaccination available against this disease.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
13. Consider the following pairs:
Indus Valley cities Located on River
1. Mohenjo-daro : Indus
2. Harappa : Ravi
3. Kalibangan : Beas
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
14. With reference to the King Harshavardhana of Vardhana dynasty, consider the following statements:
1. King Harshavardhana was the founder of the Pushyabhuti Dynasty or the Vardhana Dynasty during the 7th century A.D.
2. Fa-Hien, a famous Chinese traveler visited India during the Harshavardhana period and studied at Nalanda University.
3. He defeated Chalukya king, Pulakesin II, and extended his kingdom beyond the Narmada river to the south.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None
15. Consider the following statements in the context of a ruler of Bahamani Kingdom:
1. He was a good calligraphist and a poet and often composed extempore verses.
2. He was a contemporary of King Deva Raya I of the Vijayanagara kingdom.
3. He encouraged the pursuit of astronomy and built an observatory near Daulatabad.
Which one of the following personalities is being referred to in the statements given above?
(a) Mahmud Gawan
(b) Firuz Shah Bahmani
(c) Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah
(d) Ahmad Shah I
16. The Kalpasutra and the Kalakacharya Katha, the two very popular texts belong to which of the following sects?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Ajivika
(d) Vaishnavism
17. In the context of the Mauryan age, the term sannidhata refers to:
(a) The highest executive official in charge of assessment.
(b) The chief custodian of the state treasury and storehouse.
(c) The highest officer-in-charge for the administration of justice.
(d) Head of the district.
18. Consider the following statements about Zabti and Dahsala system:
1. Under the Dahsala system, the average produce of different crops, as well as the average prices prevailing over the last 10 years, were calculated.
2. The Dahsala system was the further development of the Zabti system.
3. The Zabti system is also known as Todar Mal’s bandobast.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
19. Who was the main expounder of the Lokayata philosophy?
(a) Kapila
(b) Jaimini
(c) Charvaka
(d) Vyasa
20. With reference to the teachings of Buddhism, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) Buddhism does not recognise the existence of eternal soul.
(b) Buddhism does not believe in the theory of rebirth.
(c) According to Buddhism, attainment of Nibbana is the ultimate goal.
(d) Buddhism does not recognise the existence of God.
21. At which of the following Jain shrines, the famous statue of Gomateshwara is located?
(a) Aihole
(b) Sravana Belagola
(c) Chanderi
(d) Mount Abu
22. With respect to administrative units of the Vijayanagara empire, arrange the following in ascending order in terms of size:
1. Nadu
2. Sthala
3. Grama
4. Mandalam
Select the correct answer from the code given below.
(a) 3-2-1-4
(b) 3-2-4-1
(c) 2-3-1-4
(d) 2-3-4-1
23. Consider the following pairs:
Bhakti Sect Bhakti Literature
1. Nayanars : Nalayira Divya Prabandham
2. Alvars : Thevaram
3. Virshaivas : Vachanas
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 2 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
24. Consider the following statements regarding the chaityas and viharas:
1. Viharas were the places of congregation and worship.
2. Chaitayas were the places of residents of monks.
3. In the cave tradition of western India, the presence of a stupa at the back of the chaitya was a common feature.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
25. Hori, Kajri, and Sohar are the regional folk music traditions of which of the following states?
(a) Bihar
(b) Chhattisgarh
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Madhya Pradesh
26. With reference to Sufism and its related practices, consider the following statements:
1. Sufis are the saints who traveled all over the world to spread the prowess of the Caliphate.
2. They established rules for spiritual conduct and interaction between inmates as well as between laypersons and the masters in Sufi khanqahs.
3. Qalandars, madaris, malangs, haidaris are some of the Sufis who compiled all the shari‘a laws and propagated the same to their followers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
27. With reference to the chalcolithic age, consider the following statements:
1. People were aware of the art of writing during this period and used a pictographic script.
2. The chalcolithic people cultivated rice and wheat.
3. During this age, copper (metal) was used by the people.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
28. With reference to the Satavahana dynasty in the Deccan region, consider the following statements:
1. Satavahana kings were the first rulers to grant tax-free lands to Buddhists and Brahmanas to gain religious merit.
2. Satavahana kings claimed to be Brahmanas but they rejected the four fold varna system and promoted social equality.
3. Satavahana dynasty was founded by Gautamiputra Satakarni by defeating the Kanva dynasty in the post-Maurya era.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
29. Consider the following pairs of Sangam texts along with their themes:
Sangam text Theme
1. Tolkkappiyam : Philosophy and wise maxims
2. Tirukkural : Grammar and poetics
3. Manimekalai : Adventures of Kovalan and Madhavi’s daughter.
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
30. In the context of the Sarnath school of sculpture, consider the following statement regarding the seated Buddha:
1. It represents dhammachackrapravartana
2. The Buddha is shown seated on a throne in the padmasana.
3. The roundness of the cheeks is similar to the earlier images from the Kushana period at Mathura.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 2 only
31. India has a rich and ancient tradition of string puppets or marionettes.
Which of the following belongs to the tradition of string puppetry?
1. Kathputli
2. Gombeyatta
3. Bommalattam
4. Ravanchhaya
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 3 and 4 only
32. This is the last of the Scorpene-class submarines made under the P75 project. It is named after the sandfish, a deep-sea predator of the Indian Ocean. It is a diesel attack submarine, designed to perform sea denial as well as access denial warfare against the adversary. It can do offensive operations across the spectrum of naval warfare including anti-surface warfare, anti submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, and area surveillance. This is the most likely description of
(a) INS Vagir
(b) INS Vagsheer
(c) INS Vela
(d) INS Vikram
33. With respect to the agricultural land during the Mughal Period, which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?
Term Meaning
1. Polaj : current year fallow
2. Banjar : fallow for longer than 2-3 years
3. Chachar : fallow for 2-3 years
4. Parati : land under continuous cultivation
Which of the following pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 and 4 only
34. With reference to the Tripartite struggle of medieval history, consider the following statements:
1. It was fought between Pratihara, Rashstrakuta and Pala dynasty.
2. The three kingdoms fought for control of the Malwa region which had plenty of resources and was seen as a symbol of prestige and power during the early medieval period.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 and 2
35. Recently seen in the news, State Energy and Climate Index is released by which one of the following organizations?
(a) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
(b) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(c) NITI Aayog
(d) Cabinet Secretariat
36. With reference to social conditions during Sangam age, consider the following statements:
1. Civil and military offices were held under both Cholas and Pandyas by rich peasants (vellalas).
2. The pariyars were agricultural labourers who also worked with animal skins and used them as mats.
3. There were sharp social inequalities in this period.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
37. Consider the following statements regarding the Pahari school of painting:
1. The earliest center of painting in the Pahari region was Basohli.
2. The Kangra style developed out of the Guler style.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
38. Which of the following were the major political centres of the Mauryan empire?
1. Tosali
2. Ujjaiyini
3. Manyakhet
4. Taxila
5. Survanagiri
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
39. Recently, the National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) was celebrated on 24 April. In India, which of the following state was the first state to implement the panchayati raj system?
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Rajasthan
40. With reference to the Mauryan empire, consider the following statements:
1. The Mauryan empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya.
2. The Sudarshana lake at Girnar was built during the Mauryan rule.
3. The Mauryan dynasty was succeeded by the Shunga dynasty in north India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
41. Consider the following sculptures:
1. Standing Buddha, Sarnath
2. Vishnu Ananta Sheshashayee, Deogarh
3. Two life-sized terracotta images of Ganga and Yamuna originally installed in the Shiva temple at Ahichhatra
Which of the sculptures given above belong to the Gupta period?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1 and 2 only
42. This dance form is characterized by graceful, swaying body movements with no abrupt jerks or sudden leaps. It belongs to the lasya style which is feminine, tender, and graceful. The footwork is not terse and is rendered softly. Importance is given to the hand gestures and Mukhabhinaya with subtle facial expressions. Movements have been borrowed from Nangiar Koothu and female folk dances Kaikottikali and the Tiruvatirakali.
Which of the following dance forms is being described in the passage given above?
(a) Kuchipudi
(b) Kathakali
(c) Mohiniyattam
(d) Bharatnatyam
43. With reference to heatwaves in India, consider the following statements:
1. A heatwave is considered if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 30 degrees celsius or more for plain regions.
2. Orange Alert is issued by the India Meteorological Department for the states to ‘take action’ about the heat waves immediately.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
44. Consider the following statements regarding Gandhara and Mathura schools of art:
1. Mathura school of art produced sculptures of themes related to Buddhism only.
2. Kushan empire played a major role in the development of the Gandhara school of art.
3. Kushana King, Kanishka’s headless statue was produced at Mathura.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
45. Which of the following dynasties patronized the excavation of the Badami caves?
(a) Chalukyas
(b) Vakatakas
(c) Satavahanas
(d) Rashtrakutas
46. Consider the following statements regarding the Nagara architecture and Dravida architecture:
1. The vimana of the Dravida architecture has a step-like structure as compared to the Nagara style which is curved in shape.
2. Dvarapalas (doorkeepers) at the entrance are a common feature of the temples of the Nagara school of architecture.
3. In Dravida architecture, the garbhagriha of the main temple is sometimes located in one of the smallest towers as it is the oldest part of the temple.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
47. Arrange the following classical Sanskrit literature in chronological order in which they were written, starting from the earliest.
1. Natyashastra
2. Gitagovinda
3. Mricchakatika
4. Uttara-Ramacharitam
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1-3-4-2
(b) 4-3-2-1
(c) 3-1-4-2
(d) 2-4-3-1
48. The newspapers named Mooknayak and Bahishkrit Bharat were started by
(a) Lala Lajpat Rai
(b) V.D. Savarkar
(c) B.R. Ambedkar
(d) Bhagat Singh
49. Which one of the following statements with respect to Babur is not correct?
(a) He wrote his memoirs in Turkish language.
(b) He used gunpowder for the first time in capturing the fort of Bhira (on banks of river Jhelum).
(c) He is the only mughal emperor who wrote his own biography.
(d) He defeated Rana Sanga in the battle of Khanwa.
50. Which one of the following countries has recently proposed the ‘Global Security Initiative’?
(a) Australia
(b) India
(c) China
(d) Russia
51. Consider the following statements regarding the Shore temple at Mahabalipuram:
1. It was built by the Rajaraja Chola.
2. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
52. Which reference to social conditions during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) The women of all castes were denied the right to work and even considered equal to shudras.
(b) The untouchables were not allowed to listen to the recitations of religious epics and puranas.
(c) The practice of Sati was rampant and widows were not allowed to re-marry.
(d) The number of castes increased with the assimilation of many tribal people into brahmanical society through the process of land grants.
53. The first discovery of rock paintings was made in India in 1867–68 by which of the following archaeologists?
(a) Archibold Carlleyle
(b) V. S. Wakankar
(c) John Cockburn
(d) G. W. Anderson
54. With reference to Kundhei, a form of puppetry, consider the following statements:
1. It belongs to the state of West Bengal.
2. The puppets are made of light wood and have no legs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
55. With reference to the resignation of an IAS officer, consider the following statements:
1. An officer serving in a state cadre must submit his/her resignation to the governor of the state.
2. Resignation from service is entirely different from accepting the government’s Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS).
3. The central government may permit an officer to withdraw his/her resignation “in the public interest”.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
56. With reference to religion during the Gupta period, consider the following statements:
1. The Gupta period saw the rise of Bhagvatism, centered on the worship of Vishnu and his incarnations.
2. The Gupta rulers were strict followers of Hinduism and persecuted Buddhist followers in large numbers.
3. Due to the rise of tantrism, worship of female deities was introduced in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
57. With reference to the influence of Central Asian powers over India during the post Mauryan period (200 B.C – 300 A.D), which of the following statement is not correct?
(a) Shakas and Kushans introduced better cavalry than Mauryan period.
(b) They issue gold coins on a wide scale in the Indian subcontinent.
(c) Emergence of Mahayana Buddhism and idol worship of Buddha started during this period.
(d) The Satrap system of government was started by Kushanas in India.
58. Which of the following components are part of the Sarnath Lion Capital?
1. The crowning element, Dharamchakra
2. The lotus bell base
3. The shaft
4. The drum on the bell base with four animals proceeding clockwise
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
59. Which of the following features of later religious traditions of ancient India can be traced back to Indus Valley Civilization?
1. Image worship
2. Worshiping at temple
3. Tree worship
4. Ritual bathing
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 4 only
60. Consider the following statements regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC):
1. It was created under the Rome Statute.
2. It is headquartered at Hague.
3. Russia is a member of the ICC.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
61. In the context of the Mughal court, ‘Kornish’, ‘zaminbos’, ‘Chahar taslim’ were forms of:
(a) Titles given to nobility
(b) Feasts to celebrate Mughal victories
(c) Salutations for the ruler
(d) Musical performances
62. Which of the following statements is/are not correct regarding the arts of the Indus Valley civilization?
1. Bronze casting was widely practiced by the Harappans.
2. Every Harappan seal was engraved in a pictographic script.
3. Polychrome pottery and incised ware are found in abundance in as many shapes and sizes as could be conceived of for daily practical use.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
63. Consider the following statements about Karaikkal Ammaiyar, a woman devotee of early Bhakti traditions:
1. She was a devotee of Vishnu.
2. She adopted the path of extreme asceticism in order to attain her goal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
64. The Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) phase in ancient Indian history saw the emergence of which of the following?
1. Punched Marked coins of silver in trade and commerce.
2. Urban centres for the first time in Indian history.
3. Guild system leading to craft specialization.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2 and 3 only
65. Recently seen in the news, Mission Vatsalya has been launched for which one of the following reasons?
(a) To secure a healthy and happy childhood for every child in India.
(b) To provide social security to people during old age.
(c) To support women affected by violence, in private and public spaces, within the family, community and at the workplace.
(d) To address health issues of transgender persons, and provide comprehensive medical insurance schemes for them.
66. Consider the following statements regarding the Samkhya school of philosophy:
1. According to it, a person can attain salvation through the acquisition of real knowledge.
2. The world owes its creation and evolution more to nature or prakriti than to God.
3. In the beginning, the Samkhya school of philosophy was materialistic.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
67. With reference to the self-amplifying mRNA vaccines, consider the following statements:
1. These vaccines promise the flexibility of plasmid DNA vaccines with enhanced immunogenicity and safety.
2. The basic advantage is that it requires a smaller dose than traditional RNA vaccines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
68. Consider the following pairs regarding the dances of India and their regions:
Folk Dances State
1. Lavani : West Bengal
2. Giddha : Punjab
3. Bhavai : Gujarat
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
69. With reference to the Rig Vedic Period, consider the following statements:
1. Cattle rearing was the dominant occupational activity.
2. The Yajur Veda Samhita was compiled during this period.
3. The most important god during this period was Indra.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
70. With respect to Delhi Sultanate, consider the following statements:
1. He defeated Mongols near Jhelum and extended power beyond Indus up to Peshawar.
2. Ibn Batuta visited India during his reign.
3. He set up diwan-i-amir-i-kohi (department of agriculture) to boost cultivation in the doab region.
Which of the following personalities has been described in the statements given above?
(a) Alauddin Khilji
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
(d) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
71. Recently seen in the news, Senna spectabilis can be best described as a/an:
(a) insectivorous plant species endemic to India.
(b) invasive plant species.
(c) newly discovered mangrove species.
(d) extinct flowering plant species.
72. Consider the following statements about Zainul Abidin, a 15th-century ruler of Kashmir:
1. He abolished jizyah and prohibited cow slaughter and gave the Hindus important state posts.
2. Under his patronage, Mahabharat and Kalhana’s Rajatarangini were translated into Persian.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
73. With reference to Panini, consider the following statements:
1. He composed Ashtadhyayi which is regarded as a great work on Sanskrit grammar.
2. His literary work was influenced by his predecessors like Varahamihira and Aryabhatta.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
74. Consider the following pairs:
Theatre Forms State/UTs
1. Bhaand Pather : Jammu and Kashmir
2. Maach : West Bengal
3. Bhaona : Gujarat
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 2 only
75. The Persian work “Razmnama” is the translated version of which famous Indian Sanskrit text?
(a) Ramayana
(b) Mahabharata
(c) Arthshastra
(d) Manusmriti
76. With reference to the paleolithic age, consider the following statements:
1. During the paleolithic age man had no knowledge of cultivation.
2. During this age, the man started domesticating animals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
77. With reference to the rulers of the Gupta period, consider the following statements:
1. Samudragupta, like Ashoka believed in the policy of peace and non-aggression as mentioned in the Allahabad (Prayagraj) inscription.
2. Chandragupta II was the first to adopt the title Vikramaditya to mark his victory over Kshatrapas of western India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
78. With reference to Indian history, the term ‘agrahara’ refers to:
(a) land grants to Brahmanas by royal patronage.
(b) religious sacrifices to the deities during Mauryan period.
(c) officials below district level during Gupta period.
(d) type of idol casting method used during Post – mauryan period.
79. With respect to Sufism, consider the following pairs:
Term Meaning
1. Tazkiras : Letters written by Sufi masters, addressed to their disciples and associates
2. Maktubat : Biographical accounts of saints
3. Malfuzat : Conversations of Sufi saints
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
80. With reference to the Indus Valley Civilization, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) Pit burials were prevalent during the Indus Valley Civilization.
(b) The Indus Valley people had established trade relations with the Mesopotamians.
(c) The Indus valley people used a standard system of weights and measures.
(d) The Indus valley people were unaware about gold.
81. Consider the following statements about Bhakti saint Ramananda:
1. He substituted the worship of Rama in place of Vishnu.
2. He was deeply influenced by the writings of Kabir.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
82. In the context of ancient Indian history, in which one of the following states, the Jorwe culture (a Chalcolithic site) existed in India?
(a) Bihar
(b) Nagaland
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Tamil Nadu
83. What is common to the places known as Champa, Shravasti, and Kaushambi?
(a) These were cities of Indus valley civilization.
(b) These were megalithic sites in India. (c) These were the areas ruled by the Satavahana dynasty.
(d) These were capitals of Mahajanapadas during the age of Buddha.
84. In the context of Mughal period, consider the following statements about ‘Khudkasht’ (a class of peasants):
1. They were the peasants who owned the land they tilled.
2. They were exempted from paying land revenue.
3. They were often exploited by the muzarian.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
85. Consider the following statements regarding Fatehpur Sikri, Agra:
1. The city is completely built of white marble.
2. The Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri was added after Akbar’s victory over Gujarat.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
86. Consider the following statements with reference to the All-India Household Consumer Expenditure Survey:
1. It is conducted by the Reserve Bank of India along with the Economic Census of India.
2. It collects information regarding expenditure on the consumption of goods and services related of non-food items only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
87. Recently, border disputes in north-eastern states have surfaced. In this context consider the following statements:
1. Arunachal Pradesh shares its border with Assam only.
2. Meghalaya shares its border with both Assam and Tripura.
3. Sikkim shares its border with Assam and West Bengal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) None
88. With reference to the 2+2 dialogue, consider the following statements:
1. It is a format of the meeting of the Foreign and Defence Ministers of India and its allies on strategic and security issues.
2. At present, India has 2+2 dialogues with Russia and USA only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
89. He was one of the greatest Rashtrakuta rulers and is said to have built the capital city Manyakhet so as to excel the city of Indra. He himself was a great poet and his Kavirajamarga is the earliest Kannada work on poetics.
Who among the following personalities is being described in the above passage?
(a) Krishna I
(b) Dhruva
(c) Amoghavarsha I
(d) Krishna III
90. Consider the following statements regarding the rock art of Bhimbetka:
1. The caves of Bhimbetka were discovered by archaeologist V. S. Wakankar.
2. The mesolithic paintings of Bhimbetka are smaller than the upper paleolithic paintings.
3. In mesolithic paintings, animals were painted in a naturalistic style whereas humans were depicted only in a stylistic manner.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
91. Consider the following statements regarding the Khyal, a Hindustani classic music:
1. The Khyal singing is more lyrical than the Dhrupad.
2. The Khyal singing is divided into different schools based on vanis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
92. Consider the following statements regarding the sculptures of medieval India:
1. One of the common features of sculptures of both Pallava and Chola dynasties was an eternal struggle between the forces of good and evil, in which the good ultimately triumphed.
2. Gajsurasamaharamurti, a Chola masterpiece shows the great goddess Durga in a fierce battle demon.
3. Pallava sculptures show females in a submissive manner with thinner features as compared to their male counterparts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
93. Consider the following pairs:
Military designation : Role
1. Asatvar : Cavalryman
2. Ariz-i-mamalik : Commander-in-chief of the army
3. Barids : Intelligence agents
Which of the following pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
94. The techniques of ‘tessellation’ and ‘pietra dura’ were used in which of the following types of architecture?
(a) Hill architecture of Kashmir during the Karkota period
(b) Kaḷinga architectural style
(c) Vesara style
(d) Indo-Islamic architecture
95. With reference to the Ashtapradhan system of administration under Shivaji, consider the following pairs:
Officials Description
1. Wakenavis : responsible for intelligence, posts and household affairs
2. Panditrao : in-charge of charitable grants
3. Majumdar : in-charge of justice
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
96. With reference to the Ancient India history, the terms Sreshti, Sarthavaha, Gandhika refer to:
(a) taxes on lower castes during the Guptaperiod.
(b) land tenure systems during Mauryan empire.
(c) titles given to ruling classes during Gupta period
(d) types of merchants during Post-Mauryan period.
97. Consider the following statements:
1. He was a Portuguese traveller who visited the Vijayanagara kingdom in the sixteenth century.
2. He compared capital city of Vijayanagara with Rome.
3. He has given vivid details about – irrigation system by pipes and tanks, the house of victory or “Mahanavami dibba”, and the bazaar.
Which of the following personalities is being described by the above given statements?
(a) Nicolo de Conti
(b) Domingo Paes
(c) Colin Mackenzie
(d) Afanasii Nikitin
98. Consider the following statements with respect to the mansabdari System:
1. This system was used by Akbar in order to maintain a strong army.
2. Zat denoted the personal rank of an official and Sawar indicated the size of contingents maintained by the mansabdars.
3. Mansabdars were only paid in the form of assignments of areas of land (jagir).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
99. Consider the following statements:
1. The subject of education is listed in the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
2. The President of India is an ex-officio visitor in the case of central universities.
3. The chancellor of a state university appoints the vice-chancellor out of the panel of names recommended by search cum-selection committees.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) None
100. Muhammad Husayn of Kashmir, also known as ‘Zarrin Qalam’ in Akbar’s court was a:
(a) Painter
(b) Poet
(c) Calligrapher
(d) Sculptor