SOLUTIONS – INSIGHTS REVISION TEST for Preliminary Exam 2018: Test

SOLUTIONS

INSIGHTS REVISION TEST for Preliminary Exam 2018: Test – 64(History)

Which of the following Is/are correct about Vijayanagara rulers/ reign?
1. They were chiefly Saivaites.
2. Polygamy was prevalent among Royal families.
3. There was a flourishing Devadasi system.

Select the Correct answers using codes below

a) Only 3

b) Only 2 and 3

c) 1, 2 and 3

d) Only 1

Solution: c

Justification:

The Sangama rulers were chiefly Saivaites and Virupaksha was their family deity. But other dynasties were Vaishnavites. Srivaishnavism of Ramanuja was very popular. But all kings were tolerant towards other religions. Borbosa referred to the religious freedom enjoyed by everyone. Muslims were employed in the administration and they were freely allowed to build mosques and worship. A large number of temples were built during this period and numerous festivals were celebrated.

Hence statement 1 is correct.

The Epics and the Puranas were popular among the masses.

The position of women had not improved. However, some of them were learned. Gangadevi, wife of Kumarakampana authored the famous work Maduravijayam. Hannamma and Thirumalamma were famous poets of this period.

According to Nuniz, a large number of women were employed in royal palaces as dancers, domestic servants and palanquin bearers. The attachment of dancing girls to temples was in practice. Paes refers to the flourishing devadasi system.

Hence statement 3 is correct.

Polygamy was prevalent among the royal families. Hence statement 2 is correct.

Sati was honoured and Nuniz gives a description of it.

(Hence option c is correct).

Source: Tamilnadu Class XI

Yali is a sculptural feature of the architecture of which kingdom?

a) Pallavas

b) Vijayanagara

c) Imperial Cholas

d) Bahamani

Solution: b

Justification:

The temple building activity further gained momentum during the Vijayanagar rule. The chief characteristics of the Vijayanagara architecture were the construction of tall Raya Gopurams or gateways and the Kalyanamandapam with carved pillars in the temple premises. The sculptures on the pillars were carved with distinctive features. The horse was the most common animal found in these pillars(YALI). Large mandapams contain one hundred pillars as well as one thousand pillars in some big temples. These mandapams were used for seating the deity on festival occasions. Also, many Amman shrines were added to the already existing temples during this period. The most important temples of the Vijayanagar style were found in the Hampi ruins or the city of Vijayanagar. Vittalaswamy and Hazara Ramaswamy temples were the best examples of this style. The Varadharaja and Ekamparanatha temples at Kanchipuram stand as examples for the magnificence of the Vijayanagara style of temple architecture

(Hence option b is correct.)

Source: Tamilnadu Class XI

Which of the following is/are correct Din-I-lahi propounded by Akbar?
1. It propounded polytheism giving space to all religions in it.
2. It closely resembled Sufism.

Select the correct answer using the code below

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) neither 1 nor 2

Solution: b

Justification:

Akbar rose to fame in the pages of history due to his religious policy. Various factors were responsible for his religious ideas. The most important among them were his early contacts with the sufi saints, the teachings of his tutor Abdul Latif, his marriage with Rajput women, his association with intellectual giants like Shaikh Mubarak and his two illustrious sons – Abul Faizi and Abul Fazl – and his ambition to establish an empire in Hindustan. In the beginning of his life, Akbar was a pious Muslim. Soon after marrying Jodh Bai of Amber, he abolished the pilgrim tax and in 1562, he abolished jiziya. He allowed his Hindu wives to worship their own gods. Later, he became a skeptical Muslim. In 1575, he ordered for the construction of Ibadat Khana (House of worship) at his new capital Fatepur Sikri. Akbar invited learned scholars from all religions like Hinduism, Jainism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism. He disliked the interference of the Muslim Ulemas in political matters.

In 1579, he issued the “Infallibility Decree” by which he asserted his religious powers.

In 1582, he promulgated a new religion called Din Ilahi or Divine Faith. It believes in one God. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.

It contained good points of all religions. Its basis was rational. It upholds no dogma. It was aimed at bridging the gulf that separated different religions.

With these points we can say that it resembled Sufism. Hence statement 2 is correct.

However, his new faith proved to be a failure. It fizzled out after his death. Even during his life time, it had only fifteen followers including Birbal. Akbar did not compel anyone to his new faith.

(Hence option b is correct)

Source: Tamilnadu Class XI

Which of the following was NOT an initiatve of Aurangazeb?

a) Discontinuation of the practice of Jarokhadarshan.

b) Initiation of the celebration of Muharram

c) Forbidding music in the court

d) Discontinued the celebration of Dasarah

Solution: b

Justification:

Aurangazeb was a staunch and orthodox Muslim in his personal life. His ideal was to transform India into an Islamic state.

He created a separate department to enforce moral codes under a high-powered officer called Muhtasib.
Drinking was prohibited.
Cultivation and use of bhang and other drugs were banned.
Aurangazeb forbade music in the Mughal court.
He discontinued the practice of
He also discontinued the celebration of Dasarah
royal astronomers and astrologers were also dismissed from service.
Initially Aurangazeb banned the construction of new Hindu temples and repair of old temples. Then he began a policy of destroying Hindu temples. The celebrated temples at Mathura and Benares were reduced to ruins.
In 1679, he reimposed jiziya and pilgrim t
He was also not tolerant of other Muslim sects. The celebration of Muharram was stopped. His invasions against the Deccan sultanates were partly due to his hatred of the Shia faith
He was also against the Sikhs and he executed the ninth Sikh Guru Tej Bahadur. This had resulted in the transformation of Sikhs into a warring community.
His religious policy was responsible for turning the Rajputs, the Marathas and Sikhs into the enemies of Mughal empire. It had also resulted in the rebellions of the Jats of Mathura and the Satnamis of Mewar. Therefore, Aurangazeb was held responsible for the decline of the Mughal empire.

(Hence option b is correct)

Which of the following was/were the causes for the downfall of Mughals?
1. Deccan policies of Aurangazeb
2. Neglect of the sea power
3. Invasion by foreign rulers

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

a) Only 1 and 3

b) Only 1

c) Only 2 and 3

d) 1,2 and 3

Solution: d

Justification:

The Mughal Empire declined rapidly after the death of Aurangazeb. The Mughal court became the scene of factions among the nobles. The weakness of the empire was exposed when Nadir Shah imprisoned the Mughal Emperor and looted Delhi in 1739. The causes for the downfall of the Mughal Empire were varied.

To some extent, the religious and Deccan policies of Aurangazeb contributed to its decline. Hence statement 1 is correct.
The weak successors and demoralization of the Mughal army also paved the way for it. The vastness of the empire became unwieldy.
The financial difficulties due to continuous wars led to the decline.
The neglect of the sea power by the Mughals was felt when the Europeans began to settle in India. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Further, the invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali weakened the Mughal state. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Thus the decline and downfall of the Mughal Empire was due to the combination of political, social and economic factors.

(Hence option d is correct)

Source: Tamilnadu Class XI

Which of the following is/are correct about Fathehpur sikri ?
1. Many buildings within it show Gujarathi and Bengali influence
2. Buland Darwaza was erected to commemorate Akbars victory over Gujarat
3. One of the buildings within it is Panch Mahal

a) Only 1 and 2

b) Only 2 and 3

c) Only 1 and 3

d) 1,2 and 3

Solution: d

Justification:

Akbar also built a palacecum-fort complex at Fatepur Sikri (City of Victory), 36 kilometres from Agra.

Many buildings in Gujarathi and Bengali styles are found in this complex. Gujarathi style buildings were probably built for his Rajput wives. Hence statement 1 is correct.

The most magnificent building in it is the Jama Masjid and the gateway to it called Buland Darwaza or the Lofty Gate. The height of the gateway is 176 feet. It was built to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Gujarat. Hence statement 2 is correct.

Other important buildings at Fatepur Sikri are Jodh Bai’s palace and Panch Mahal with five storeys. Hence statement 3 is correct.

(Hence option d is correct)

Source: Tamilnadu Class XI

7.Tulsidas was the most influential poet in Medieval India. Which of the following is NOT correct about him?

He wrote the Awadhi version of Ramayana
He adorned the court of Shah jahan

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: b

Justification:

Persian language became widespread in the Mughal Empire by the time of Akbar’s reign. Abul Fazl was a great scholar and historian of his period. He set a style of prose writing and it was followed by many generations. Many historical works were written during this period. They include Ain-i-Akbari and Akabar Nama authored by Abul Fazl. The leading poet of that period was his brother Abul Faizi. The translation of Mahabharata into the Persian language was done under his supervision.

Utbi and Naziri were the two other leading Persian poets.

Jahangir’s autobiography, Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri was famous for its style.

He also patronized many scholars like Ghiyas Beg, Naqib Khan and Niamatullah.

Shah Jahan also patronized many writers and historians like Abdul Hamid Lahori, author of Padshah Nama and Inayat Khan who wrote Shah Jahan Nama.

His son Dara Shikoh translated the Bhagavat Gita and Upanishads into the Persian language.

Many historical works were written during the reign of Aurangazeb. Famous dictionaries of the Persian language were also compiled during the Mughal period.

Regional languages such as Bengali, Oriya, Rajasthani and Gujarathi had also developed during this period. Many devotional works including the Ramayana and Mahabharata were translated into regional languages. From the time of Akbar, Hindi poets were attached to the Mughal court. The most influential Hindi poet was Tulsidas, who wrote the Hindi version of the Ramayana, the Ramcharitmanas.

(Hence option b is correct)

Source: Tamilnadu Class XI

8.Which of the following is/are correct about Shivaji’s administration?

Ashthapradhan was one of its defining features
It was influenced by Delhi Sultanates
Peshwa was the pivot of administration

a) Only 1

b) Only 1 and 2

c) Only 2

d) 1,2 and 3

Solution: b

Justification:

Shivaji was also a great administrator. He laid the foundations of a sound system of administration. The King was the pivot of the government. He was assisted by a council of ministers called Ashtapradhan. However, each minister was directly responsible to Shivaji. Hence statement 1 is correct.

Peshwa – Finance and general administration. Later he became the prime minister.

He was one of the functionary of the state. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

Sar-i-Naubat or Senapati – Military commander, a honorary post.
Amatya – Accountant General.
Waqenavis – Intelligence, posts and household affairs.
Sachiv – Correspondence.
Sumanta – Master of ceremonies.
Nyayadish – Justice. 8. Panditarao – Charities and religious administration.

Most of the administrative reforms of Shivaji were based on the practices of the Deccan sultanates. For example, Peshwa was the Persian title.

Hence statement 2 is correct.

(Hence option b is correct)

Source: Tamilnadu Class XI

9.Consider the following statements

Sirhadars was the cavalry maintained by the state under Marathas
Bargirs was the cavalry maintained by nobles under Marathas

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: d

Justification:

Shivaji was a man of military genius and his army was well organized. The regular army consisted of about 30000 to 40000 cavalry supervised by havaildars. They were given fixed salaries. There were two divisions in the Maratha cavalry –

1. bargirs, equipped and paid by the state. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

silahdars, maintained by the nobles. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.

In the infantry, the Mavli foot soldiers played an important role.

Shivaji also maintained a navy .

The forts played an important role in the military operations of the Marathas. By the end of his reign, Shivaji had about 240 forts. Each fort was put under the charge of three officers of equal rank as a precaution against treachery.

Shivaji was really a constructive genius and nation-builder. His rise from jagirdar to Chatrapathi was spectacular. He unified the Marathas and remained a great enemy of the Mughal empire. He was a daring soldier and a brilliant administrator

(Hence option d is correct)

Source: Tamilnadu Class XI

Consider the following statements
1. Chauth and sardeshmukhi were the taxes collected in the Maratha kingdom
2. Chauth was an additional levy of 10% on land revenue

Which of the above statements is/are correct

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: d

Justification:

The revenue system of Shivaji was based on that of Malik Amber of Ahmadnagar.

Lands were measured by using the measuring rod called kathi.

Lands were also classified into three categories – paddy fields, garden lands and hilly tracks.

He reduced the powers of the existing deshmuks and kulkarnis.

He appointed his own revenue officials called karkuns.

Chauth and sardeshmukhi were the taxes collected not in the Maratha kingdom but in the neighbouring territories of the Mughal empire or Deccan sultanates. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.

Chauth was one fourth of the land revenue paid to the Marathas in order to avoid the Maratha raids.

Sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of ten percent on those lands which the Marathas claimed hereditary rights.

Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

(Hence option d is correct)

Source: Tamilnadu Class XI

Consider the following statements
1. Prashastis are unbiased sources for history
2. These were generally composed by Brahmanas
3. Kalhana’s Rajatarangini is a pure euology of kings and dynasties

Which of the above statement is/are NOT correct ?

a) only 2

b) only 1 and 3

c) only 1 and 2

d) only 1

Solution: b

Justification:

Prashastis contain details that may not be literally true. But they tell us how rulers wanted to depict themselves as valiant, victorious warriors, for example. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.

These were composed by learned Brahmanas, who occasionally helped in the administration. Hence statement 2 is correct.

Kings often rewarded Brahmanas by grants of land. These were recorded on copper plates, which were given to those who received the land.

Unusual for the twelfth century was a long Sanskrit poem containing the history of kings who ruled over Kashmir. It was composed by an author named Kalhana. He used a variety of sources, including inscriptions, documents, eyewitness accounts and earlier histories, to write his account. Unlike the writers of prashastis, he was often critical about rulers and their policies. Hence its not eulogy. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

(Hence option b is correct)

Source: NCERT class VII our pasts II

what do ‘tawarikh’ refer in medieval india?

a) Chronicles of dynastic histories

b) A Kind of salutation

c) A reform movement in islam

d) Islamic calendar

Solution :a

Justification:

Although inscriptions, coins and architecture provide a lot of information, especially valuable are “histories”, tarikh (singular) / tawarikh (plural), written in Persian,the language of administration under the Delhi Sultans.The authors of tawarikh were learned men: secretaries, administrators, poets and courtiers, who both recounted events and advised rulers on governance, emphasising the importance of just rule.Keep the following additional details in mind: the authors of tawarikh lived in cities (mainly Delhi) and hardly ever in villages. They often wrote their histories for Sultans in the hope of rich rewards. These authors advised rulers on the need to preserve an “ideal” social order based on birth right and gender distinctions. Their ideas were not shared by everybody. In 1236 Sultan Iltutmish’s daughter, Raziyya, became Sultan. The chronicler of the age, Minhaj-i Siraj, recognised that she was more able and qualified than all her brothers. But he was not comfortable at having a queen as ruler. Nor were the nobles happy at her attempts to rule independently. She was removed from the throne in 1240.

(Hence option a is correct)

Source: NCERT class VII our pasts II

Consider the following statements
1. The Mughals believed in the rule of primogeniture for succession
2. Muslim sultan claimed rulers to be incarnations of god

which of the above statements is/are correct ?

a) only 1

b) only 2

c) both 1 and 2

d) neither 1 nor 2

solution: d

Justification:

The Mughals did not believe in the rule of primogeniture,where the eldest son inherited his father’s estate. Instead they followed the Mughal and Timurid custom of coparcenary inheritance, or a division of the inheritance amongst all the sons.

Hence statement 1 is incorrect.

Muslim Sultans and Padshahs did not claim to be incarnations of god but Persian court chronicles described the Sultan as the “Shadow of God”. An inscription in the Delhi mosque explained that God chose Alauddin as a king because he had the qualities

of Moses and Solomon, the great law-givers of the past. The greatest law-giver and architect was God Himself. He created the world out of chaos and introduced order and symmetry.

Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

(Hence option d is correct)

Source: NCERT class VII our pasts II

Which of the following is/are correct about Mansabdars?
1. They received land grants as their salaries
2. Most of them administer their Jagirs

a) only 1

b) only 2

c) both 1 and 2

d) neither 1 nor 2

Solution : a

Justification:

The term mansabdar refers to an individual who holds a mansab, meaning a position or rank. It was a grading system used by the Mughals to fix rank,salary and military responsibilities. Rank and salary were determined by a numerical value called zat. The higher the zat, the more prestigious was the noble’s position in court and the larger his salary.

The mansabdar’s military responsibilities required him to maintain a specified number of sawar or cavalrymen. The mansabdar brought his cavalrymen for review, got them registered, their horses branded and then received money to pay them as salary.

Mansabdars received their salaries as revenue assignments called jagirs which were somewhat like iqtas. Hence statement 1 is correct.

But unlike muqtis, most mansabdars did not actually reside in or administer their jagirs. They only had rights to the revenue of their assignments which

was collected for them by their servants while the mansabdars themselves served in some other part of the country

Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

(Hence option a is correct)

Source: NCERT class VII our pasts II

Which of the following is/are correct about Islamic architecture?
1. It generally followed trabeate style
2. Limestone cement was increasingly used in construction

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:b

Justification:

Two technological and stylistic developments are noticeable from the twelfth century.

The weight of the superstructure above the doors and windows was sometimes carried by arches. This architectural form was called “arcuate”.

Hence statement 1 is incorrect.

Limestone cement was increasingly used in construction. This was very high quality cement, which, when mixed with stone chips hardened into concrete. This made construction of large structures easier and faster.

Hence statement 2 is correct.

(Hence option b is correct)

Source: NCERT class VII our pasts II

Consider the following statement
1. Ajmer was the capital of Chauhan kings in 12^th century
2. It is located near lake Sambhar
3. It is a part of PRASAD initiative

Which of the above statements is/are NOT correct ?

a) only 1 and 2

b) only 2

c) only 1

d) 1,2 and 3

Solution:b

Justification:

Pilgrimage centres also slowly developed into townships. Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh) and

Tiruvannamalai (Tamil Nadu) are examples of two such towns.

Ajmer (Rajasthan) was the capital of the Chauhan kings in the twelfth century and later became the suba headquarters under the Mughals.It provides an excellent example of religious Co-existence. Khwaja MuinuddinChishti, the celebrated Sufi saint (see also Chapter 8) who settled there in the twelfth century, attracted devotees from all creeds.

Hence statement 1 is correct.

Near Ajmer is a lake, Pushkar, which has attracted pilgrims from ancient times.

Hence statement 2 is incorrect

Ajmer is part of PRASAD and HRIDAY initiatives. Hence statement 3 is correct.

(Hence option b is correct)

Source: NCERT class VII our pasts II

Which of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched ?

Name of the association Founder

a) East India Association Dhadabhai Naoroji

b) The Indian National association Surendranath Banerjee

c) The Indian League Sisir kumar Ghosh

d) Bangabasha Prakasika Sabha Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Solution:d

Justification:

The East India Association was organized by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1866 in

LondbiiiO disctiSs the Indian question and influence public men in

England to promote Indian welfare. Later, branches of the association

were started in prominent Indian cities.

The Indian League was started in 1875 by Sisir Kumar Ghosh with the object of “stimulating the sense of nationalism amongst the people” and of encouraging political education.

The Indian Association of Calcutta superseded the Indian League and was founded in 1876 by younger nationalists of Bengal led by Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose, who were getting discontented with the conservative and pro-landlord policies of the British Indian Association. The Indian Association of Calcutta was the most important of preCongress associations and aimed to create a strong public opinion on political questions, and unify Indian people on a common political programme.

(Hence option d is correct)

Source: Spectrum history

Consider the following statements
1. Ramosis were hill tribes of Western Ghats
2. They were employed by the Marathas

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:c

Justification:

The Ramosis, the hill tribes of the western Ghats, (Hence statement 1 is correct) had not reconciled to British rule and the british pattern of administration. They resented the policy of annexation of the Maratha territories by the british , the Ramosis who ha dbeen employed by the Maratha administration (Hence statement 2 is correct) lost their means of livelihood. They rose under Chittur Singh in 1822 and plundered the country around satara. Again, there were eruptions in 1825-26 under UmajiNaik of poona and his supporter Bapu Trimbakaji Sawant, and again in 1839 over deposition and banishment of Raja Pratap Singh of Satara , and disturbances erupted in 1840-41 also. Finally , a superior British force restored order in the area. Generally the british followed a pacifist policy towards the Ramosis, and even recruited some of them into the hill police

(Hence option c is correct)

Source: spectrum history

19.Which of the following is/are correct Wahabi movement in India ?

It was essentially an Islam revivalist movement
It was initiated by Syed Ahmed Khan
It was inspired by the teachings of Abdul Wahab

a) Only 1

b) Only 3

c) Only 1 and 3

d) 1,2 and 3

Solution: c

Justifiction:

Wahabi Movement, The Wahabi Movement was essentially an Islamic

revivalist movement founded by Syed Ahmed of Rai Bareilly who was

inspired by the teachings of Abdul Wahab (1703-87) of Saudi Arabia and

Shah Waliullah of Delhi.

Syed Ahmed condemned the western influence on Islam and advocated a return to pure Islam and, society as it was in the Arabia of the Prophet’s time Syed Ahmed was acclaimed as the desired leader (Imam). A countrywide organisation with an elaborate secret code for its working under spiritual vice-regents (Khalifas) was set up, and Sithana in northwestern tribal belt was chosen as a base for operations. In India, its important centre was at Patna though it had its missions in Hyderabad, Madras, Bengal, UP and Bombay. Since Dar-ul-Harb (the land of kafirs) was to be converted into Dar-ul-Islam (the land of Islam), a jihad was declared against the Sikh kingdom of the Punjab. After the defeat of the Sikh ruler and incorporation of the Punjab into the East India Company’s dominion in 1849, the English dominion in India became the sole target of the Wahabis’ attacks

(Hence option c is correct)

Source: spectrum history

Which of the following statements is/are NOT correct ?
1. Indian National Social Conference was founded by M G Ranade and Raghunath Rao
2. It launched the “pledge movement “ against Sati
3. Its first session was organised at Pune .

a) Only 1

b) Only 3

c) Only 2 and 3

d) Only 1 andd 3

Solution :c

Justification:

Indian social conference founded by M G Ranade and Raghunath Rao, (Hence statement 1 is correct) the Indian social conference met annually from its first session in Madras in 1887 (Hence statement 3 is incorrect) at the same time and venueas the Indian National congress.It focussed attention on the social importance; it could be called the social reform cell of the Indian National Congress, in fact. The Conference advocated inter-caste marriages, opposed polygamy and kulinism. It launched the ‘Pledge Movement’ to inspire people to take a pledge against child marriage. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect).

(Hence option c is correct)

Source: spectrum history

SOLUTIONS – INSIGHTS REVISION TEST for Preliminary Exam 2018: Test – 64(History)

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