ANSWER KEY GYANKIT MINI MOCK- C 1

ANSWER KEY GYANKIT MINI MOCK- C 1

Consider the following statements regarding the prehistoric paintings in India: 1. Mesolithic paintings depict scenes of people hunting in group. 2. Chalcolithic Paintings reveal the presence of settled agricultural communities. 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

The largest number of paintings belong the Mesolithic paintings. During this period the themes multiply but the paintings are smaller in size. Hunting scenes predominate. In some pictures, animals are chasing men. In others they are being chased and hunted by men. Some of the animal paintings, especially in the hunting scenes, show a fear of animals, but many others show a feeling of tenderness and love for them. There are paintings of people gathering fruit or honey from trees and of women grinding and preparing food. Hence, statement 1 is correct. The paintings of the Chalcolothic period reveal the association, contact, and mutual exchange of requirements of the cave dwellers of this area with settled agricultural communities of the Malwa plains. Hence, statement 2 is correct

Which of the following statements regarding the Mauryan age are correct? 1. Establishment of a well-organised state machinery for the first time. 2. Abundance of Northern Black Polished Ware. 3. Phase of rapid urbanisation. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only

All the statements are correct. · The Mauryas created for the first time a well-organised state machinery, which operated in the heart of the empire.On the other hand their conquest opened the doors for trading and missionary activities. Contact established by administrators, traders and Jaina and Buddhist monks led to the spread of the material culture of the Gangetic basin to the areas situated on the periphery of the empire. · The new material culture in the Gangetic basin was characterised by intensive use of iron, plenty of punch-marked coins, abundance of beautiful pottery called Northern Black Polished ware, introduction of burnt bricks and ringwells, and above all the rise of towns in north-eastern India. (Phase of Urbanisation)A Greek writer called Arrian states that it is not possible to record with accuracy the number of cities on account of their multiplicity.

With reference to jizyah, consider the following statements: 1. It was a pilgrimage tax levied on non-muslims under Sultanate rule. 2. It was collected through special officers called barids. 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

Jizyah was the tax that early Islamic rulers demanded from their non-Muslim subjects. This was a tax in lieu of military service and was paid on a graduated scale according to means. It was not a pilgrimage tax. Women, children and indigent who had insufficient means were exempt from it. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. Barids were intellegence agents posted in different parts of the empire. Only a nobleman who enjoyed the fullest confidence of the ruler was appointed as the chief barid. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

With reference to the spread of Tantricism in 6th century A.D, consider the following statements: 1. It laid great stress on magic rituals. 2. It intended to satisfy the materialistic desires of people. 3. It admitted women and shudras into its ranks. 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

Statement 1 is correct: Tantricism bases itself upon mystic speculations concerning divine creative energy (shakti). It laid great stress on magic rituals. Statement 2 is correct: Tantricism did not intend to satisfy the spiritualistic and divine desires but the materialistic desires of devotees for physical posessions and day-to-day cure for injurues and diseases. Statement 3 is correct: It arose as a result of large scale admission of aboriginal peoples in brahmanical society. It did not believe in any caste or gender bias and admitted both women and shudras in its ranks. It put emphasis on ‗female‘ as a source of power and energy.

With reference to art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest? (a) Rock-cut caves at Udaygiri (b) Port-city of Lothal (c) Stupa at Sanchi (d) Shore temple at Mahabalipuram

Port-city of Lothal - Harappan times (approximately 3700 BCE). Stupa at Sanchi - Mauryan times (Construction started - 3rd century BCE). Rock-cut caves at Udaygiri - Post-mauryan times. (Early years of the fifth century CE). Shore temple at Mahabalipuram - Pallava period. ( 5th century AD)

With reference to Samkhya school of philosophy, consider the following statements: 1. It does not recognize the existence of God. 2. It believes in liberation of soul through self-knowledge. 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

Samkhya philosphy was put forward by Kapila. It provided the materialistic ontology for Nyaya and Vaisheshika. It is generally believed that Samkhya philosophy is dualistic and not monistic because it has two entities, purush (spirit) and prakriti (nature) in it.It believes that world is not a creation of God but nature and human life is regulated by natural forces. Thus, it does not recognize the existence of God. Hence, statement 1 iscorrect. Samkhya emphasizes the attainment of knowledge of self by means of concentration and meditation. Samkhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent. Samkhya forms the philosophical basis for Yoga. In Samkhya, the necessity of God is not felt for epistemological clarity about the interrelationship between higher Self, individual self, and the universe around us. Hence statement 2 is correct.

Consider the following pairs: Post Vedic ritual literature : Deals with 1. Srautasutras : Public sacrifices meant for prince and three higher varnas. 2. Grihyasutras : Domestic rituals connected with birth, marriage and funerals. 3. Sulvasutras : Measurements for the construction of sacrificial altars. Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

All are the post Vedic ritual literature. Srautasutras laid down the big public sacrifices meant for prince and other three higher varnas (Brahmin,Vaishya and Kshatriya). Shudras were not allowed to perform sacrifices. Grihyasutras laid down the all domestic rituals connected with birth, marriage and funerals. Sulvasutras prescribe various kinds of measurements for the construction of sacrificial altars.

Consider the following features regarding Buddha's sculpture: 1. Curly Hair 2. Elongated Ears 3. Protruding eyeballs The above features describes which of the following school of art? (a) Mathura school (b) Amravati school (c) Gandhara school (d) Sarnath school

Gandhara school of art - has Greco-Roman elements in the treatment of sculpture. The Buddha head has typical Hellenistic elements that have grown over a period of time. The curly hair of the Buddha, the forehead plane is large having protruding eyeballs, the eyes are half-closed and the face and cheeks are not round like the images found in other parts of India. There is a certain amount of heaviness in the figures. The ears are elongated especially the earlobes. The treatment of the form bears linearity and the outlines are sharp. The surface is smooth. Hence Option c is correct

Consider the following pairs: Paintings : Site 1. Mara Vijaya : Ajanta 2. Padampani Bodhisattva : Ellora 3. Kiratarjuniya : Lepakshi Which of the statements given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 3 only

The theme of Mara Vijaya and padmapani bodhisattva has been painted in the caves of Ajanta. The theme of shiva chasing the boar - a scene from Kiratarjuniya is painted on the ceiling of the rangamandapa of Swami temple, Lepakshi

Consider the following statements regarding Dashavatar theatre form: 1. It is performed in Goa and Konkan region. 2. The performers personify the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. 3. The performers wear wooden masks. 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

Dashavatar is the most developed theatre form of the Konkan and Goa regions. The performers personify the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu-the god of preservation and creativity. Hence, statement 1 is correct. The ten incarnations are Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narsimha (lion-man), Vaman (dwarf), Parashuram, Rama, Krishna (or Balram), Buddha and Kalki. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Apart from stylized make-up, the Dashavatar performers wear masks of wood and papier mache. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Anda, harmika, chhatri are parts of which of the following architectural forms? (a) Buddhist stupa (b) Prehistoric rock-cut caves (c) Dravidian Temple (d) Indo-Islamic tomb

The Buddhist stupa consists of a cylindrical drum and a circular anda with a harmika and chhatra on the top. These parts of stupa remained consistent throughout with minor variations and changes in shape and size.

With reference to Ashoka's policy of Dhamma, consider the following statements: 1. It propagated religious toleration. 2. It aimed to strengthen the institution of family. 3. It called for a ban on animal sacrifice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

All the statements are correct. Ashokan edicts illustrate the basic attributes of Dhamma- compassion (daya), charity (dana), truthfulness, purity and gentleness. Ashoka's Dhamma emphasized to promote a harmonious life both in the family and community. He considered the family as the ideal nucleus for development of Dhamma. Pillar Edict III asks subjects to control violence, cruelty, anger and envy. Rock edict I calls for a ban on animal sacrifice. Another important aspect of Dhamma was the generation of mutual respect among people belonging to different sects and religious communities. Dhamma did not propagate one belief, and this aspect demonstrates religious toleration

Which of the following is/are common characteristics of Ajanta and Ellora caves ? 1. They both are rock cut caves. 2. They both have chaityas. 3. They both are dedicated to Buddhism only. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Ajanta is located in Aurangabad District of Maharashtra State. It has twentynine Buddhist rock-cut caves. It has large chaitya- viharas and it is decorated with sculptures and paintings. Ajanta is the only surviving example of painting of the first century BCE and the fifth century CE. Ellora - It is located a hundred kilometres from Ajanta and has thirtytwo Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jain rock-cut caves. It is a unique arthistorical site in the country as it has monastries associated with the three religions dating from the fifth century CE onwards to the eleventh century CE. It has famous Chaitya hall with seated Buddha sculpture. Hence, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Which among the following were the reasons for invasion of Gujarat by Delhi Sultans during 13th century? 1. Control of ports 2. Fertile land tracts 3. Control of supply of horses Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

The Turkish rulers had strong reasons for coveting Malwas and Gujarat. Not only were these areas fertile and populous, they controlled the western sea-ports and the trade routes connecting them with the Ganga valley. Another reason for the sultans of Delhi to establish their rule over Gujarat was that it would secure them a better control over the supply of horses to their armies. The import of Arabi, Iraqi and Turki horses to India from the western seaports had been an important item of trade since the eight century. Hence, all statements are correct.

With reference to Ramanuja, a famous Bhakti saint, consider the following statements: 1. He preached that for salvation grace of god was more important than knowledge about him. 2. He tried to link Bhakti with the tradition of Vedas. 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

Sri Ramanuja (1017 - 1137 CE), the most important philosopher-saint of Sri Vaishnavam and one of the most dynamic characters of Hinduism. Ramanuja argued that for salvation, the grace of God was more important than the knowledge about him.  He further argued that the path of Bhakti was open to all, irrespective of caste, and enrolled diciples from all castes.  Unlike the Nayanars and Alvars who distrusted book learning Ramanuja tried to link bhakti with the tradition of the Vedas. Thus, Ramanuja was a bridge between the popular movement based on bhakti and upper caste movement based on the Vedas.

Which of the following statements regarding Jainism is not correct? (a) It condemned the varna system. (b) It adopted Prakrit language to preach Jaina doctrines. (c) It believed in austere way of life. (d) It did not receive much state patronage as compared to Buddhism.

Jainism did not condemn the varna system as Buddhism did. According to Mahavira, a person is born in a high or in a low varna in consequence of the sins or the virtues acquired by him in the previous birth. In his opinion through pure and meritorious life members of the lower castes can attain liberation. The Jainas discarded the Sanskrit language mainly patronized by the Brahmins. They adopted the common language of the people, Prakrit, to preach their doctrines. This not only helped in reaching out to the masses but also helped in the growth of this language and its literature. Many regional languages also developed out of Prakrit. Mahavira asked his followers to lead a more austere life. He asked his followers to even discard clothes completely. Jainism did not much state patronage as compared to Buddhism but it has managed to retain its hold over the areas where it spread.

Consider the following pairs: Empire : Founder 1. Rashtrakuta : Vijayalaya 2. Chola : Dantidurga 3. Pala : Gopala Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1 only

The Pala Dynasty was the ruling Dynasty in Bihar and Bengal India, from the 8th to the 12th century. They were called the Palas because all their names ended in Pala, 'protector'. The founder of the dynasty was Gopala. Gopala reigned from 750-770 consolidated his position by extending his control over all Bengal. His successor. Dharmapala , 770-781, made the Palas a dominant power of northern India.  Hence, only pair 3 is correctly matched.

With reference to the medieval history of India, Khuts and Muqaddams refer to (a) Landlords (b) Army Chiefs (c) Council of ministers (d) Tax officials

Khuts and Muqaddams refer to the landlords and village headmen. The khuts and muqaddams were suspected of passing their burden on to the weaker sections, and not paying the taxes. Alauddin Khilji through his reforms ensured that they paid taxes on houses and milch cattle.

With reference to the people of Chalcolithic culture, consider the following statements: 1. They lived in houses made up of mud bricks. 2. They domesticated horses. 3. They were aware of cotton cultivation. Which of the statement given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only

Statement 1 is correct: Chalcolithic people lived in houses made up of Mud bricks. It revealed that they were not aware of burnt bricks. Burnt bricks mainly associated with mature Harappan culture Statement 2 is not correct: They had domesticated cows, sheep, goats, Pigs and Camels but not horses. Statement 3 is correct: Chalcolithic people cultivate cotton along with wheat, rice, bajra and pulses.

Which of the following dynasties were contemporaries? 1. Satavahanas 2. Mauryas 3. Shakas Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only

In the Deccan and Central India Satavahanas succeeded the Mauryas after a gap of 100 years. After the disintegration of Mauryan empire, Indo-Greeks occupied large part of North-West India. They were followed by the Shakas who controlled much larger part of India than the Indo-Greeks did. Both Satavahanas and Shakas were contemporaries. Infact Shakas were greatest competitors of Satavahanas.