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UPSC History Prelims Questions 2011

1. The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by

a) Universal Law

b) Universal Truth

c) Universal Faith 

d)    Universal Soul



Answer. A)



2. The tendency for increased litigation was visible after the introduction of the land settlement system of Lord Cornwallis in 1793. 

The reason for this is normally traced to which of the following provisions?

a) Making Zamindar’s position stronger vis-à-vis the ryot

b) Making East India Company an overlord of Zamindars.

c) Making the judicial system more efficient

d) None of the (a), (b), and (c) above



Answer. B)



3. Which one of the following observations is not true about the Quit India Movement of 1942?

a) It was a non-violent movement

b) It was led by Mahatma Gandhi

c) It was a spontaneous movement

d) It did not attract the labor class in general




Answer. d)



4. Which amongst the following provided a common factor for a tribal insurrection in India in the 19th century?

a) Introduction of a new system of land revenue and taxation of tribal products

b) Influence of foreign religious missionaries in tribal areas

c) Rise of a large number of money lenders, traders, and revenue farmers as middlemen in tribal areas

d) The complete disruption of the old agrarian order of the tribal communities



Answer. c)



5. India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of the early maritime history of the Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation /explanations?

a) As compared to other countries, India had better ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times

b) The rulers of southern India always patronized traders, Brahmin priests, and Buddhist monks in this context

c) Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages

d) Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanations in this context



Answer. d)



6. With reference to the period of colonial rule in India, “Home Charges” formed an important part of the drain of wealth from India. Which of the following funds constituted “Home Charges”?

1. Funds used to support the India Office in London.

2. Funds used to pay salaries and pensions of British personnel engaged in India.

3. Funds used for waging wars outside India by the British. 

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a) 1 only

b) 1 and 2 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3



Answer. D)



7. What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda?

1. The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought

2. The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in 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



Answer. a)



8. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:

1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.

2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in 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



Answer. c)



9. What was the purpose with which Sir William Wedderburn and W.S. Caine had set up the Indian Parliamentary Committee in 1893?

a) To agitate for Indian political reforms in the House of Commons

b) To campaign for the entry of Indians into the Imperial Judiciary

c) To facilitate a discussion on India’s Independence in the British Parliament

d) To agitate for the entry of eminent Indians into the British Parliament



Answer. a)



10. With reference to the Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for

a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of the Quit India Movement

b) Participating in the second round Table Conference

c) Leading a contingent of the Indian National Army

d) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru



Answer. a)


11. With reference to the period of the Indian freedom struggle, which of the following was/were recommended by the Nehru report?

1. Complete Independence for India.

2. Joint electorates for reservation of seats for minorities

3. Provision of fundamental rights for the people of India in the constitution. 

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3



Answer. b)

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