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Home , Ashoka Chakra, Char Dham, Chota Char Dham, Doab, Dudhsagar Falls, Flag code of India

SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY TEST-12 - ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL HISTORY - EXPLANATION KEY

1. Ans (c) Explanation: Sudras were termed as cultivators during this period and compared with post mauryan period there was an improvement. system, First evidence was from Eran Inscription of Bhanugupta 510 AD.

2. Ans (b)

3. Ans (d) Explanation: Valabhi council is considered as second Jain council held in 510 AD.

4. Ans (b) Explanation: Dudhsagar falls • Dudhsagar Falls (literally Sea of Milk ) is a four-tiered waterfall located on the in the border of the Indian state of . It is 60 km from by road and is located on the Madgaon-Belgaum rail route about 46 km east of Madgaon and 80 km south of Belgaum. Dudhsagar Falls is amongst 's tallest waterfalls with a height of 310 m (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 metres (100 feet). • The falls is located in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park among the . The waterfall forms the border between Karnataka and states. The area is surrounded by a deciduous forests with a rich biodiversity. The falls are not particularly spectacular during the dry season but during the monsoon season however, the falls are fed by rains and form a huge force of water.

5. Ans (c) Explanation: The Heart of -Istanbul Process was launched in 2011 and the participating countries include , Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and the UAE.

6. Ans (a) Explanation: Nibbana can be attained only through the path shown by Buddha and Gods have no role. Nibbana means dying out of desire or extinction of desire .But it is not associated with death and parinibbana is termed with death.

7. Ans (c) Explanation: The book was called Milindapanho and it was written by Nagasena.

8. Ans (b) Explanation: Educational Institutions • The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) is one of 37 constituent laboratories of the CSIR - Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, an autonomous research organization in India. The institute has its headquarters in the coastal state of Goa, and regional centres in Kochi, Mumbai and Vizag. • The National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) is an Indian research and development institution, situated in Vasco, Goa. It is an autonomous Institution of the Department of Ocean Development (DOD), which is responsible for administering the Indian Antarctic Program and maintains the Indian government's Antarctic research station, Maitri. • The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) was established in November 1993 as an autonomous society under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. NIOT is managed by a Governing Council and the Director is the head of the Institute. The institute is based in Chennai.

9. Ans (d) Explanation: 1st inscription was Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman. SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY

10. Ans (a) Explanation: Goa Goa is a state in India within the coastal known as the in western India. Bounded by Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south, the forms its western coast. It is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population.

11. Ans (a) Explanation: Kantahka-Budhha’s horse, Alara Kalama – Buddha’s teacher, Channa – Buddha’s Charioteer. Makhaliputra Goshala- Founder of Ajivika sect and friend of Mahavira.

12. Ans (d)

13. Ans (b) Explanation: UNESCO sites in Goa • Old Goa or Velha Goa (Velha means "old" in Portuguese) is a historical city in in the Indian state of Goa. The city was constructed by the Bijapur Sultanate in the 15th century, and served as capital of Portuguese India from the 16th century until its abandonment in the 18th century due to a plague. Under the Portuguese, it is said to have once been a city of nearly 200,000 where from, before the plague, the Portuguese traded across . The remains of the city are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old Goa is approximately 10 kilometres east of the state capital Panaji. • Goa is one of the few states which has maximum area under legal protection. Goa has as many as six Wildlife Sanctuaries. They are 1. The Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Sanguem 2. The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Canacona 3. The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem 4. The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Valpoi 5. The Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanguem 6. The , Chorao There is no Bio sphere reserves in Goa.

14. Ans (c) Explanation: Bhimbetka provides earliest evidence for the aesthetic skills of early man.It gives details about the social life of Mesolithic period.

15. Ans (d) Explanation: • The Sangam period is the period in the history of ancient southern India (known as the Tamilakam) spanning from c. 300 BCE to 300 CE • The available literature from this period was categorized and compiled in the 10th century into two categories based roughly on chronology. The categories are Patinenmelkanakku ("the Major Eighteen Anthology Series") comprising Ettuthohai ("the Eight Anthologies") and the Pattupattu ("ten Idylls") and Patinenkelkanakku ("the Minor Eighteen Anthology Series"). • Akananuru, a classical Tamil poetic work, is the seventh book in the anthology of Sangam literature, namely Ettuthokai. • Paripaadal, a classical Tamil poetic work, is the fifth book in the Ettuthohai, a Sangam literature anthology.

16. Ans (a) Explanation: River disputes • The dispute over the sharing of the water of the Mahadayi or Mandovi river between the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa is over 30 years old. • The Mahadayi/Mandovi River also known as Mahadayi' or Mhadei river, is described as the lifeline of the Indian state of Goa. The river has a length of 77 kilometres (48 miles), 29 kilometres (18 miles) in Karnataka and 52 kilometres (32 miles) in Goa. It originates from a cluster of 30 springs at SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY Bhimgad in the Western Ghats in the Belgaum district of Karnataka. The river has a 2,032 km2 catchment area in Karnataka and a 1,580 km2 catchment area in Goa. With its cerulean waters, Dudhsagar Falls and Varapoha Falls, it is also known as the Gomati in a few places. • The is the largest river in the state of Goa, India. It is a tidal river. The Zuari originates at Hemad-Barshem in the Western Ghats. The Zuari is also referred to as the Aghanashani in the interior . The Zuari and Mandovi Rivers form an estuarine system. They are the backbone of Goa's agricultural industry. The waters of the Mandovi and Zuari both flush out into the Arabian Sea at Cabo Aguada, a common point forming the Mormugao harbour. The port city of (Vasco da Gama, Goa) lies on the mouth of the Zuari River.

17. Ans (d)

18. Ans (c)

19. Ans (d) Explanation: Saka Calender • The Indian national , sometimes called the Saka calendar, is the official . It is used, alongside the , by The Gazette of India, in news broadcasts by All India Radio and in and communications issued by the Government of India. Usage started officially at 1, 1879, Saka Era, or March 22, 1957, Dionysian Era. • Years are counted in the Saka Era, which starts its year 0 in the year 78 of the . To determine leap years, add 78 to the Saka year - if the result is a leap year in the Gregorian calendar, then the Saka year is a leap year as well. Its structure is like the Persian calendar. • The Saka calendar is also used in Java and among Indonesian . , the "Day of Silence", is a celebration of the Saka new year in Bali. 's Nepal Sambat evolved from the Saka calendar. • A previously more common view was that the beginning of the Saka era corresponds to the ascension of I in 78 CE.

20. Ans (b)

21. Ans (c) Explanation: Amaravati was patronised by Satavahanas and Ikshvakas. Ajanta paintings were patronised by Vakatakas.

22. Ans (b) Explanation: Ashok Chakra • The Chakra is a depiction of the ; represented with 24 spokes. It is so called because it appears on a number of , most prominent among which is the . The most visible use of the Ashoka Chakra today is at the centre of the (adopted on 22 July 1947), where it is rendered in a navy blue colour on a white background, replacing the symbol of charkha (spinning wheel) of the pre-independence versions of the flag.India's highest peacetime military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action or self- sacrifice away from the battlefield is also called Ashoka Chakra. • The dharmachakra, is one of the of Indian religions such as , Buddhism and . It has represented the Buddhist , 's teaching of the path to Nirvana, since the time of early Buddhism.It is also connected to the Noble Eightfold Path.

23. Ans (b) Explanation: • In the remnant of the civilization, there is evidence of building of big dimensions which perhaps were public buildings, administrative or business centres, pillared halls and courtyards. There is no evidence of temples. • The people of IVC were not accustomed to the usage of horses. Horses were domesticated by the Aryans.

SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY 24. Ans (d) Explanation: Gold was not used in earliest coins. Gold coins were introduced only during post- Mauryan period by Indo-Greeks.

25. Ans (b) Explanation: Dinanath Bhargava He was an Indian painter of international fame. He was one of the favorite disciples of Shantiniketan art guru Nandalal Bose. Bhargava was involved in the team of artists who artist those painted the sign (lions)in the Ashoka Pillar in the . He sketched and illuminated the national emblem, with its motto extracted from , (Truth alone triumphs). He died on December 24, 2016 (aged 89)

26. Ans (b) Explanation: The real cause of the rise of new religions lay in the spread of new agricultural economy in the Gangetic plain. In the middle Gangetic plain large scale habitations began around 600 BC when iron came to be used in this area. The use of iron tools made possible clearance, agriculture and large settlements. The agricultural economy required the use of iron ploughs and bullocks and it could not flourish without animal husbandry. But the Vedic practice of indiscriminately killing cattle stood in the way of development of agriculture. If the new agricultural economy has to be stable the killing has to be stopped.

27. Ans (d) Explanation: • Hieun Tsang’s (who visited India in the 7th century) works were predominantly associated with Harsha’s kingdom in Northern part of the sub . • Marco Polo, the Venetian traveller lived between the 13th and the 14th century.

28. Ans (b) Explanation: National Pledge of India The pledge was originally composed in Telugu language by writer Pydimarri Venkata Subba Rao in 1962. It was first read out in a school in Visakhapatnam in 1963 and was subsequently translated into various regional languages.

29. Ans (a) Explanation: Neolithic people could not produce surplus.

30. Ans (c) Explanation: The Razmnāma (Book of War) is a Persian translation of the Mahabharatha. In Persian, “Razm” means “war” and "nama" means “tale” or “epic”; the name Razmnamah, therefore, means a tale of war. In 1574 started a Maktab Khana or a house of translation works in .

31. Ans (a) Explanation: Ala-ud-din Khilji's military ambitions required a standing and strong army, especially after the Mongol siege of . Maintaining a large army at regular salaries, however, would be severe drain on the treasury. A system of price controls reduced the salary amount that needed to be paid. Three separate markets were set up in Delhi. The first one for food grains, the second for cloth and items such as ghee, oil and sugar. The third market was horses, cattle, and slaves. Regulations were laid out for the operations of these markets. He took various steps to control the prices. He exercised supervisions over the market. He fixed the prices of all the commodities from top to bottom. Market officers called shahna were appointed to keep a check on the prices. The defaulters were heavily punished. Land revenue was fixed and the grain was stored in government granaries.

32. Ans (d) Explanation: Flag Code of India • ‘Flag Code-India’ is neither a statute nor a statutory rule or regulation. It is, in reality, a mere consolidation of executive instructions issued by the Government of India from time to time and SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY contains detailed instruction in regard to the shape, size and colour of the National Flag, the correct display, instances of misuse and display on National Days or special occasions. • The privilege of flying the national flag on vehicles is restricted to the President, Vice-President, Chief Justice and Other Justice of Supreme court and Prime Minister, Governors and Lieutenant Governors of states, Chief Minister, Chief Justice and Justice of High court of States, Union Ministers, members of the Parliament of India and state legislatures of the Indian states (Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad), and flag officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The flag has to be flown from a staff affixed firmly either on the middle front or to the front right side of the car. When a foreign dignitary travels in a car provided by government, the flag should be flown on the right side of the car while the flag of the foreign country should be flown on the left side. • The flag should be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning. The decision to do so lies with the , who also decides the period of such mourning. When the flag is to be flown at half mast, it must first be raised to the top of the mast and then slowly lowered. Only the Indian flag is flown half mast; all other flags remain at normal height. • If a death coincides with (26 January), (15 August), (2 October) or state formation anniversaries, the flag should not be flown half-mast except over buildings housing the body of the deceased dignitary. However, even in such cases, the flag must be raised to full-mast when the body is moved from the building. • Observances of State mourning on the death of foreign dignitaries are governed by special instructions issued from the Ministry of Home Affairs in individual cases. However, in the event of death of either the Head of the State or Head of the Government of a foreign country, the Indian Mission accredited to that country may fly the national flag at half-mast. On occasions of state, military, central para-military forces funerals, the flag shall be draped over the bier or coffin with the saffron towards the head of the bier or coffin. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or burnt in the pyre • In the event of the death of the following dignitaries, the national flag shall be half-masted at the places indicated against each on the day of the death of the dignitary. 1. The flag is flown half-mast nationwide on the death of any of these Constitutional Authorities during duty period: Prime Minister, President, Vice-president, Chief Justice of India, Speaker [Lok Sabha] . 2. It is flown half-mast in New Delhi and the state of origin and their respective departments all over India. Half mast of flag for the Supreme court Judge and top Union Ministers in their departments and Origin States. 3. On deaths of Governors, Lt. Governors and Chief Ministers, Chief Justice of High Courts and for Judge of the flag is flown at half-mast in the respective states and union territories, and for High Court Judges' and top Cabinet Ministers' respective origin districts.

33. Ans (d)

34. Ans (b)

35. Ans (c) Explanation: Introduced by Firus shah Tughluq on the fields that used canal irrigation. Rate of this tax was 1/10th of the produce.

36. Ans (b) Explanation: BHIM App • It is a Mobile App developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), based on the Unified Payment Interface (UPI). • All one has to do is register your bank account with BHIM and set a UPI PIN for the bank account. Your mobile number is your payment address, and bingo, you are ready for transacting through this app. • The user can send or receive money from customers, family or friends through the mobile number. Interestingly, money can also be sent to non-UPI supported banks using IFSC and MMID codes. The user will also be able to collect money by sending requests and can also reverse a payment if required. The other things that can be done on this app once it's downloaded on your phone are: SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY • Check Balance: The user can check the bank balance and transaction details on the go. • Custom Payment Address: The user can create a custom payment address, in addition to their phone number. • QR Code: You can scan a QR code for faster entry of payment addresses and faster transaction speed. Merchants can easily print their QR Code for display, which other users can scan and transact through the app. • Transaction Limit: In a 24-hour cycle, a maximum transaction not exceeding Rs 10,000 is allowed as well as an upper limit of Rs 20,000 worth of transactions. • Languages: Currently, BHIM understands only English and . The NPCI says that more regional languages will be added soon. • Charges: There are no transaction charges through BHIM, but your bank may levy a nominal charge as UPI or IMPS transfer fee, which has not been announced so far. • It allows users to check current balance in their bank accounts and to choose which bank account to use for conducting transactions, although only one can be active at any time.

37. Ans (a) Explanation: Double dome developed during Lodhi period and first used in Sikander Lodhi tomb. Pietra dura was the style of ornamentation in which precious and semi precious stones were embedded with floral patterns.This was developed during the period of Jahangir.

38. Ans (b) Explanation: Canals constructed by Firus shah Tughluq in the memory of his father Rajab and uncle Muhammad bin Tughluq who was called Ulugh Khan.

39. Ans (d) Explanation: Agni 5 • Agni-V is an intercontinental ballistic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India. • This was the first test of the Agni-5 missile after India became a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime • Agni-5 has a range of over 5,000 km and can carry about a 1,000-kg warhead. It can target almost all of Asia including Pakistan and China and . The solid propellant driven missile will be tested from a canister which gives it all-weather and any terrain mobile launch capability. • The 17- long Agni-5 Missile weighs about 50 tonnes and is a very agile and modern weapon system. • India already has in its arsenal the Agni 1, 2, 3 and 4 missile systems and supersonic cruise missiles like Brahmos. • India describes the Agni - 5 missile system as a 'weapon of peace'. • The first missile of the series, Agni-I was developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program and tested in 1989. • In the series, Agni-1 has a 700-km range, Agni-2 has a 2,000 km range, and Agni-3 and Agni-4 have a 2,500 km to more than 3,500 km range. • The Agni-6 is reported to be in early stages of development and the latest and most advanced version, capable of being launched from submarines as well as from land, with a strike-range of 8,000-10,000 km.

40. Ans (a) Explanation: Persian painters Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad developed Mughal paintings. Oil painting was never adopted by Mughal painters. Nature became a dominant theme only during Jahangir’s period.

41. Ans (a) Explanation: Land revenue system of Alauddin was called Masahat system and land revenue was partially collected in kind also.

42. Ans (d)

SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY Explanation: Sijda is an Arabic word meaning Prostration. Paibos refers to kissing the Sultan’s feet to acknowledge his power.

43. Ans (c) Explanation: ‘MAKHFI’ means ‘the hidden one’.

44. Ans (b) Explanation: • Panini’s grammar was compiled during 4th century BC. was finally compiled during the circa AD 400 and it reflects the state of affairs from the 10th century BC to the Fourth century AD. • Jaina texts were originally compiled during 6th century AD in Valabhi. • Buddhist canonical literature finally compiled in Srilanka in 2nd century BC and it reflects the state of affairs in the age of Buddha in India.

45. Ans (d) Explanation: • Harappans were the first to introduce script, though it has not yet deciphered. Paleolithic man live in many hilly slopes and river valleys of the country and their habitations were absent in the alluvial plains of the Indus and . • Paleolithic man engaged in Hunting and gathering. Even Mesolithic man also engaged in Hunting and Herding. The first agricultural activity is found during Neolithic age.

46. Ans (c) Explanation: Chardam • The Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna, or the Chardham highway project, is an ambitious initiative to improve connectivity to the centres in the . The will cost the exchequer Rs. 12,000 crore and the all-weather road will improve connectivity between , , and . • The char dham is defined by the in Mahabharata as "Badrinath" , "Kedarnath" , "Gangotri" and "yamunotri" to get rid of their sins. Char Dham as defined in modern days (literally: 'the four abodes/seats') are the names of four pilgrimage sites in India that are widely revered by Hindus. It comprises Badrinath, , and . It is considered highly sacred by Hindus to visit Char Dham during one's lifetime. The Char Dham defined by Adi Shankaracharya consists of four Vaishnavite . • The ancient pilgrimages sites in the Indian state of viz. Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath were known as to differentiate them from the bigger circuit of Char Dham sites.

47. Ans (c) Explanation: • Chalcolithic = copper + stone. Copper was the first metal to be used and chalcolithic people have extensively used copper objects and occasionally used low grade bronze. • They were primarily rural communities spread over a wide areas of hilly land and rivers. • Chalcolithic is precursor to the Bronze age/ Harappan period. Chalcolithic communities are found at the banks of rivers Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Chambal, Narmada, Tapi , Godavari and rivers.

48. Ans (b) Explanation: • The chief or the king did not exercise unlimited power, for he had to reckon with the tribal organizations. We have traces of election of the kings by the tribal assembly called the samiti. The king was called the protector of his tribe. He protected its cattle, fought its wars and offered prayers to Gods on its behalf. • Several tribal assemblies exercise deliberative, military and religious functions. Even women attended the sabha and vidhata in Rig Vedic times.

SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY 49. Ans (c) Explanation: National Board of Wild Life (NBWL) • National Board for Wild Life is a “Statutory Organization” constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Theoretically, the board is “advisory” in nature and advises the Central Government on framing policies and measures for conservation of wildlife in the country. However, it is a very important body because it serves as apex body to review all wildlife-related matters and approve projects in and around national parks and sanctuaries. • The National Board for Wildlife is chaired by India’s Prime Minister and its vice chairman is Minister of Environment. Further, the board is mammoth body with 47-members including Parliament Members, NGOs, eminent conservationists, ecologists and environmentalists, Government secretaries of various departments, Chief of the Army Staff, Director General of Forests, tourism etc. etc. • The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has given its much-awaited clearance to the Ken-Betwa inter-linking of rivers (ILR) project which will benefit and in terms of meeting irrigation, drinking water and electricity needs of people across six districts in the two states. • The clearance has finally come with certain conditions which include integration of nearby sanctuaries including Rani Durgavati and Ranipur with the Panna Tiger Reserve to compensate loss of tiger habitat and complete ban of fresh mining lease in the area. The Board also wants the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to take care of the landscape plan for the area with the help of state forest department and Wildlife Institute of India (WII). • The Ken-Betwa ILR project will transfer surplus water from the to the Betwa basin through a 221-km canal. The concrete canal will pass through Jhansi, Banda and Mahoba districts of UP and Chhatarpur, Panna and Tikamgarh districts of MP. • The Ken-Betwa link is one of the 30 inter-linking of river (ILR) projects, conceived by the Centre. The project had got a green signal from the Supreme Court following the tripartite MoU involving UP, MP and Centre. The apex court had in February 2012 directed the Centre (the then UPA-II government) to implement ILR in a time-bound manner and appointed a high-powered committee for its planning and implementation. • Though nearly 8,650 hectares of forest land - including part of Panna National Park -- in Madhya Pradesh will be submerged due to implementation of the Ken-Betwa project, the MoU had factored in the issues of larger benefit to the water starved region of both states.

50. Ans (d) Explanation: • Later vedic phase is associated with PGW ( Painted Grey Ware) – Iron phase culture. Northern Black Polish ware is the most sophisticated pottery and it is associated with Mahajanapadas period. • Later vedic Aryans expanded their territory from region to the Western UP and adjoining areas of , and but not whole .

51. Ans (c) Explanation: • In ancient societies, the duties and functions of social classes were fixed by law which was largely enforced by the state. But in India, Varna laws enjoyed the sanction of both the state and religion. • Each Varna was not only given a social recognition but also ritual recognition. In course of time varnas or social classes and jatis or castes were made hereditary by law and religion. All this was done to ensure that vaishyas produce and pay taxes and Shudras serves as labourers so that acts as priest and Kshatriyas as rulers. Based on the division of labour and specialization of occupations, the peculiar institution the caste system certainly helped the growth of society and economy at the initial stage. That is how varna system contributed to the development of the state.

52. Ans (b) Explanation: Open Sky offer SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY • Open Sky offer is an initiative of Indian government to enhance connectivity with SAARC countries and those beyond 5000km-radius Delhi by allowing unlimited flights between metro cities of India and such countries. • Unlike South-East Asia, regional connectivity is one of the biggest barriers of economic integration in . Open Sky agreements are a step to fill that gap. India has signed such agreement with Bhutan, Bangladesh, , Maldives, and some developed countries like Finland and Spain. • Recently Nepal has rejected India’s ‘open sky’ offer to allow unlimited flights between the two countries • The latest development comes days after India signed an agreement with Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Guyana, Czech Republic, Finland and Spain to allow airlines to operate unlimited flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

53. Ans (a) Explanation: • During 5th-6th centuries AD, religious field in India witnessed the spread of tantricism. Many brahmanas received land in Nepal, Assam Bengal, Orissa, Central India and the Deccan where large lands are available for agriculture. Obviously, these native tribal people were brought into fold to expand the agriculture and thus their religious practices influenced the Brahmanism and helped in developing Tantricism which includes tribal rituals, charms and spells. • Every monastic organization of the Jainas, Shaivites, Vaishnavites are divided into about five ranks. The highest rank was occupied by the , whose coronation took place in the same manner as the coronation of the prince.

54. Ans (c) Explanation: • Bhikkus and Bhikkunis were allowed to join Buddhism. It was not only Kshatriyas but also non- Kshatriyas were allowed to become kings. Political power was open to anyone who could muster support and resources, and rarely depended on birth as a Kshatriya. Examples include Shungas, Kanvas ( Brahmanas). • Jataka stories depicted Buddha’s previous births in different forms in both human and animal form. In Matanga Jataka, the Bodhisatva was identified as a chandala.

55. Ans (d) Explanation: • Kamboja mahajanapada is located in the northwestern part of India. • is located in the present state of Rajasthan. • Vanga is in Bengal. • Ashmaka is located on the banks of Godavari and it was only mahajanapada situated south of Vindhyas or located in Dakshinapatha.

56. Ans (b) Explanation: Dead Zone • The hosts a ‘dead zone’ of an estimated 60,000 square kilometres — an area that contains little or no oxygen and supports microbial processes that remove vast amount of nitrogen from the ocean, scientists, including those from India, have found. • Dead zones are well-known off the western coasts of North and , off the coast of Namibia and off the west coast of India in the Arabian Sea. • Researchers, including those from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Goa, demonstrated that some oxygen does exists in the Bay of Bengal waters, but at concentrations much less than standard techniques could detect and some 10,000 times less than that found in the air-saturated surface waters. • The researchers also discovered that the Bay of Bengal hosts microbial communities that can remove nitrogen, as in other well-known dead zones and even some evidence that they do remove nitrogen, but at really slow rates.

57. Ans (c) SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY Explanation: • Therigatha is a Buddhist scripture, a collection of short poems of early women who were elderly nuns from around 600BCE. • Gargi is compiled by Gargi Vachaknavi, a great natural philosopher and known as Brahmavadini.

58. Ans (c) Explanation: Traces of canals were found in Shortugai. The pit burials of Harappans contain pottery and ornaments which indicates a belief that these could be used in the afterlife.

59. Ans (d) Explanation: • Buddha did not believe in the existence of soul but individual is compounded by five factors that are constantly changing. The concept of annata of Buddhism departs from Hinduism’s concept of atman. • Buddhism was influenced by the on concept of karma, rebirth and liberation.

60. Ans (a) Explanation: 100 Million for 100 Million Campaign • President Pranab Mukherjee launched a ‘100 Million for 100 Million’ Campaign at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The campaign was conceptualized by Nobel peace prize winner Kailash Satyarthi and was organized by the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation. Key Facts • The campaign aims to mobilize 100 million youth and children for 100 million underprivileged children across the world. Its prime objective is to end child labour, child slavery, violence against children over the next 5 years. • It also seeks to promote the right of every child to be safe, free, and educated. • It will strive to inspire 100 million children to speak and act for the numerous other unfortunate children living in terrible conditions to build a child-friendly world.

61. Ans (d) Explanation: Sadr is an in charge of the judicial department and also inam grants.

62. Ans (b) Explanation: • Before Akbar, there was no defined land revenue system. Akbar introduced land revenue system by laying down the state demand and taking into account of both productivity and continuity of cultivation. According to this lands were divided into polaj, parauti, chachar and Banjar. • Polaj lands are continually under cultivation.

63. Ans (a) Explanation: Swasthya Raksha Programme • The Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) Ministry has undertaken an initiative on the lines of Swachh Bharat campaign to prevent and treat diseases related to poor hygiene and sanitation • Noting that alternative medicine systems like homoeopathy have come into focus, he said the government is making efforts to provide high quality AYUSH facilities available to public. • The programme is being implemented by the eleven institutes of the Central Council of Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH). • The alternative systems of medicine like homoeopathy have now come into focus and the government is making all efforts to provide high quality AYUSH facilities available to the people

64. Ans (d) Explanation: • The interests of the Vijayanagara rulers and Bahmani sultans clashed in three separate and distinct areas: Tungabhadra doab, – Godavari delta and Marathawada country. SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY • On account of wealth and economic resources, Tungabhadra doab (region between the rivers Krishna and Tungabhadra) had been the bone of contention between Vijayanagara and Bahmani rulers. • The Krishna and Godavari basin is very fertile and contain numerous ports which control the foreign trade of the region was often linked up with the struggle for the Tungabhadra doab. • In the Maratha country, the main contention was for the control of the Konkan and the areas which gave access to it. The fertility of land and also import of horses to Goa is important for competition for this land.

65. Ans (c) Explanation: • The Sharqui sultans were the greatest patrons of learning and culture. Poets and men of letters, scholars and saints assembled at Jaunpur and shed lustre on it. In course of time, Jaunpur became to be known as the “Shiraz of the East”. Malik Muhammad jaisi, the author of the well known hindi work Padmavat lived at Jaunpur. • Shiraz was the most leading centre of the arts and letters in Iran due to the encouragement of its ruler and the presence of many Persian scholars and artists.

66. Ans (c) Explanation: The movement which stressed the mystical union of the individual with God had been at work in India long before the arrival of the Turks. Although there were many points of contact between north and the south, the transmission of the ideas of the Bhakti saints from south to north was a slow and long drawn out process because the nayanars and alwars are popular only in south because of their use of local languages to preach and compose their appeals. Sanskrit was still the vehicle of thought in the country.

67. Ans (c) Explanation: Water Day • Birth anniversary of the father of Indian Constitution B.R. Ambedkar (April 14), will be observed as "Water Day" in the country. • The idea is to sensitize people about managing precious water resources on birth anniversary of Ambedkar, who, besides being instrumental in framing the country's Constitution, was also responsible for a definite all-India policy on managing water resources in India.

68. Ans (d) Explanation: • Akbar would not have able to expand and control the vast empire without the genius of mansabdari system. Though it has similarities with Changez khan organization of army, it is unique and distinct and did not have exact parallel outside India. • Through mansabdari system, Akbar and other Mughal rulers have accommodated Rajputs, Indian Muslims and Shias and thus making the nobility diverse in nature.

69. Ans (d) Explanation: A large number of painters from different parts of the country were invited, many of them were from low castes. From the beginning, both Hindus and Muslims joined the work. Dasavant and Basawan were two of the famous painters of Akbar’s court.

70. Ans (d) Explanation: Self explanatory.

71. Ans (d) Explanation: • The Alai Darwaza is the main gateway from southern side of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.[10] It was built by the second Khilji Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji in 1311 AD, who also added a court to the pillared to the eastern side. The domed gateway is decorated with red sandstone and inlaid white marble decorations, inscriptions in Naskh script, latticed stone screens and showcases the SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY remarkable craftsmanship of the Turkish artisans who worked on it. This is the first building in India to employ Islamic architecture principles in its construction and ornamentation. • The Slave dynasty (during which Quwwat-ul-Islam-Mosque, Adhai-Din-ka_Jhonpra and Qutub Minar were built) did not employ true Islamic architecture styles and used false domes and false arches. This makes the Alai Darwaza, the earliest example of first true arches and true domes in India. It is considered to be one of the most important buildings built in the Delhi sultanate period. With its pointed arches and spearhead of fringes, identified as lotus buds, it adds grace to the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque to which it served as an entrance Source: Wiki

72. Ans (d) Explanation: • Turks predominantly belonged to the Islamic religion. The usage of animals and pictures is not part of Islamic architecture as it is considered forbidden. • As a common feature, Islamic architecture makes use of specific ornamental forms, including mathematically complicated, elaborate geometric and interlace patterns, floral motifs like the arabesque, and elaborate calligraphic inscriptions, which serve to decorate a building, specify the intention of the building by the selection of the textual program of the inscriptions.

73. Ans (c)

74. Ans (a) Explanation: It is implemented by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) (Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155801)

75. Ans (d)

76. Ans (c) Explanation: • A manigramam is a large, influential guild of South Indian merchants. Tamil inscriptions record a tank construction by an important person and the tank is placed under the guard of the local Manigramam members.[1] • Manigramam guild was a localized merchant body which first appeared along the Kerala coast in the ninth century A.D and gradually flourished in in the Pallava and Chola periods and then became supra-regional in character by being active in South-east Asia. • The Five Hundred Lords of Ayyavole were a merchant guild from Aihole that provided trade links between trading communities in Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. They have been mentioned in inscriptions from the 9th century.

77. Ans (c)

78. Ans (c) Explanation: • Bidri metal craft-Karnataka • Ajrak Hand block printing- (Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155255)

79. Ans (b) Explanation: • Rajashekhara was an eminent Sanskrit poet, dramatist and critic. He was court poet of the Gurjara Pratiharas. He wrote Kavyamimamsa between 880 and 920 CE. The work is essentially a practical guide for poets that explains the elements and composition of a good poem. The fame of Rajashekhara rests firmly on his play Karpuramanjari, written in Sauraseni Prakrit. SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY • Jinasena (8th century CE) was one of the several famous Acharya (head of a monastic order). He was the author of famous Jain texts like Harivamsa Purana and Mahapurana. He was the disciple of Acharya Virasena and he completed his teacher's famous commentary Dhavala on Sakthgandagama the most revered text in the Digambara tradition.

80. Ans (b)

81. Ans (d) Explanation: (source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155801)

82. Ans (c)

83. Ans (b) Explanation: Bhojaka - Village Headmen during Maurya Administration.

84. Ans (d) Explanation: Chola Administration • The Chola Navy comprised the naval forces of the Chola Empire along with several other naval- arms of the country. The Chola navy played a vital role in the expansion of the Chola Empire, including the conquest of the Ceylon islands and naval raids on Sri Vijaya (present-day ). • The soliders of the Cholas generally consisted of two types-the Kaikkolar who were royal troops receiving regular pay from the treasury; and the nattuppadai who were the militia men employed only for local defence. The Kaikkolar comprised infantry, cavalry, elephant corps and navy. The Cholas paid special attention to their navy. Within the Kaikkolar, the Velaikkarars were the most dependable troops in the royal service ready to defend the king and his cause with their lives. Attention was given to the training of the army and cantonments called kadagams. • The Chola village administration was very systematic and well developed. As regards the assemblies of the villages, the Chola inscriptions mention the assemblies called the ‘Ur’ and the ‘Sabha’ or ‘Mahasabha’ which were the gatherings of the adult male members of the Community • The most important feature of the Chola administration lies in the running of autonomous institutions. There was a great deal of local self-government in the villages in the Chola Empire. Each village had its own general assembly which administered control over all the affairs of the village and was free from the control of the Central Government. It enjoyed all powers regarding the village administration. There were two types of institutions working at village level. • Ur was the general assembly of the village. The Ur consisted of all the taxpaying residents of an ordinary village. The Alunganattar was the executive committee and the ruling group of the Ur. The Ur was open to all the adult men but was dominated by the older member of the village. The members of the executive committee of ‘Ur’ were called ‘Shashak Gana’ or ‘Ganam’. Exact number of the committee members or the procedure adopted for their election is not known. • Mahasabha: This was a gathering of the adult men in the Brahmana villages which were called agraharas. These were villages settled by the Brahmanas in which most of the land was rent free. Sabha managed most of its affairs by an executive committee called variyam to which educated persons owning property were elected. Reporters appointed by the sabha were called Variyar. Generally, Variyar was assigned some or other special task. Sabha could settle new lands, and executive ownership rights over them. It could also raise loans for the village and levy taxes. Villages were divided among sheries, roads and blocks. Each shery constituted a community. Shery was assigned many tasks for the welfare of the village Each shery had its representation in the managing committee of the village.

85. Ans (b) Explanation: • The Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report (APTIR) is a major annual publication of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division of United Nations ESCAP. • It aims to deepen understanding of trends and developments in trade and investment in the Asia- Pacific region; emerging issues in trade, investment and trade facilitation policies, and impacts of these policies on countries' abilities to meet the challenges of achieving inclusive and sustainable development. SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY • It offers innovative policy options to meet the challenges of achieving sustainable trade and investment.

86. Ans (a) Explanation: Maratha administration The Ashtapradhan (The Council of Eight) was a council of eight ministers that administered the . Ministerial designations were drawn from the Sanskrit language and comprised: • Pantpradhan or Peshwa – Prime Minister, general administration of the Empire. • Amatya or Mazumdar – Finance Minister, managing accounts of the Empire. • Sacheev – Secretary, preparing royal edicts. • Mantri – Interior Minister, managing internal affairs especially intelligence and espionage. • Senapati – Commander-in-Chief, managing the forces and defence of the Empire. • Sumant – Foreign Minister, to manage relationships with other sovereigns. • Nyayadhish – Chief Justice, dispensing justice on civil and criminal matters. • Panditrao – High Priest, managing internal religious matters. Revenue Administration • Shivaji abolished the Jagirdari System and replaced with Ryotwari System, and changes in the position of hereditary revenue officials which was popularly known as Deshmukhs, Deshpande, Patils and Kulkarnis. • Shivaji strictly supervised the Mirasdars who had hereditary rights in land. • The revenue system was patterned on the Kathi system of Malik Amber. According to this system, every piece of land was measured by Rod or Kathi. • Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were other sources of income: Chauth was amounted to 1/4th of the standard which was paid to Marathas as a safeguard against Shivaji’s forces plundering or raiding Non-Maratha territories. Sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of 10 percent demanded from areas outside from the kingdom. • Shivaji established Ryotwari system in revenue administration. The state kept direct contact with the farmers. Fiscal system or Revenue system: Important features were: 1. Land in every village was measured and the produce was roughly assessed. 2. On the basis of assessment, the cultivators were asked to pay 40 per cent of their produce as land revenue. 3. The Ryotwari system was introduced in which the revenue was directly collected from the farmers. 4. Wherever possible, Shivaji abolished the jagirdari system. 5. The farmers had the option to pay land revenue in cash or kind. 6. The peasants could pay the revenue in installments. 7. The accounts of the revenue officers began to be thoroughly checked. 8. In the event of famine of natural calamity, the state offered loans to the peasants. 9. Shivaji introduced the collection of two taxes called the Chauth and ‘Sardeshmukhi’.

87. Ans (a) Explanation: • Dravidian architecture was an architectural idiom that emerged in the Southern part of the or South India. It consists primarily of temples with pyramid shaped towers and are constructed of sandstone, soapstone or granite. • Dravidian temple architecture usually has a Raja Gopuram (biggest tower) at the main gate and a small tower for the sanctum sanctorum (exception being Tanjore Big temple). South Indian temple gopurams are extremely intricate filled with statues, whereas most. • This is quite the reverse in North Indian temples, where the height of the structure is progressive starting from a lower height gate leading to a tall tower where the sanctum is present. Also North Indian temple towers are mostly presented in a minimalist fashion with less or no statues in them. • The majority of the existing structures are located in the Southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Various kingdoms and empires such as the Cholas, the Chera, the Kakatiyas, the Pandyas, the Pallavas, the Gangas, the Rashtrakutas, the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas, and among others have made substantial SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY contribution to the evolution of Dravidian architecture. This styled architecture can also be found in parts of North India (Teli ka Mandir Gwalior, Bhitargaon Baitala Deula, Bhubaneshwar), North- eastern and central Sri Lanka.

88. Ans (d) Explanation: • The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) will launch “Vanjeevan” the National Resource Centre for Tribal Livelihood issues at Bhubaneswar, Odisha on December 22, 2016. • Vanjeevan will be a programme to identify the problems in livelihood issues in select districts of six states having low HDI of tribal people in the first phase. The states are Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha and Telangana. The programme will focus on the identification of local resources, keeping in view the existing skill level. (source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155295)

89. Ans (a) Explanation: Vijayanagara Style of Architecture • Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi was built by Lakkana Dandesha, a chieftain under the ruler Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire. • Hoysala architecture is the building style developed under the rule of the between the 11th and 14th centuries, in the region known today as Karnataka, a state of India. • Large and small temples built during this era remain as examples of the Hoysala architectural style, including the Chennakesava Temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura.[1][2] Other examples of Hoysala craftsmanship are the temples at Belavadi, Amruthapura, Hosaholalu, Mosale, Arasikere, Basaralu, Kikkeri and Nuggehalli.

90. Ans (d) Explanation: Style of Art • The School of Art is also known as the Graeco-Buddhist School of Art since Greek techniques of Art were applied to Buddhist subjects. The most important contribution of the Gandhara School of Art was the evolution of beautiful images of the Buddha and Bodhisattavas, which were executed in black stone and modelled on identical characters of Graeco-Roman pantheon. • The School of Art, noted for its vitality and assimilative character, was a result of the religious zeal of Brahmanism, Jainism and Buddhism. Images of Vaishnava and Shaiva faiths are also found at Mathura but Buddhist images are found in large numbers. The images of and are represented by their weapons. Images of the Buddha, Yakshas, Yakshinis, Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities and portrait statues are profusely sculpted. • Theme may vary from Buddhist to Brahmanical to sometimes secular. Several Brahmanical Deities were first crystallized by this school. • In these sculptures, Buddha was depicted as Human and the main theme was Buddha and Bodhisattavas. Both sitting and standing posture of Buddha’s statues were carved out in the Mathura school. Buddha image at Mathura is modelled on the lines of earlier Yaksha images whereas in Gandhara it has Hellenistic features. • Gandhara school was heavily influenced by Greek methodologies, the figures were more spiritual and sculpted mainly in grey, and great detail was paid to exact depiction of body parts. For the Mathura school, the material was red sandstone, and they were depicted as more human and less spiritual. It was wholly influenced by Indian sculptures • Gandhara School of art - Theme is mainly Buddhist, depicting various stories from the life of Buddha. Also, more stress is given to the bodily features and external beaty. Sculptures were made initially on stone and later on Stucco, both grey in color. This school is influenced by greeko- roman techniques to a greater extent. One of the reason is definitely the geographical location of the school. • Mathura school of art - Theme may vary from Buddhist to Brahmanical to sometimes secular. More stress is given to the inner beauty and facial emotions rather than bodily gesture. Sculptures SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY were made on White-spotted red stones. These were not influenced by Greeko-Roman techniques to that extent. Several Brahmanical Deities were first crystallized by this school.

91. Ans (d) Explanation: All the statements are correct. (Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=154755)

92. Ans (d) Explanation: Ancient Universities of India • Taxila was considered to be one of the earliest (or the earliest) universities in the world. Taxila is a town and an important archaeological site in the Rawalpindi District of the Punjab, Pakistan. Ancient Taxila was situated at the pivotal junction of South Asia and . Some of the earliest ruins in this area date to the time of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE. • Vikramashila (IAST: Vikramaśilā) was one of the two most important centres of Buddhist learning in India during the Pala empire, along with Nalanda. Vikramashila was established by King Dharmapala (783 to 820) in response to a supposed decline in the quality of scholarship at Nalanda. Atisha, the renowned pandit, is sometimes listed as a notable abbot. It was destroyed by the forces of Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji around 1200 • The University of Valabhi was an important centre of Buddhist learning and championed the cause of Hinayana Buddhism between 600 CE and 1200 CE. Valabhi was the capital of the Maitraka empire during the period 480-775 CE. It was an important port for international trade located in Saurashtra, present day it is called Vallabhipur located in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat in western India, identical with the old state of Vala. For some time, the university was considered to be a rival to Nalanda, in , in the field of education. • Nalanda University was established by Kumara Gupta during the period of 415 to. 455 ,whose coin has been discovered at Nalanda.

93. Ans (c) Explanation: Badami Chalukya architecture • The Badami Chalukya architecture was a temple building idiom that evolved in the 5th – 8th centuries in the basin, in present-day Bagalkot district of Karnataka state. This style is sometimes called the Vesara style and Chalukya style. Their earliest temples date back to around 450 A.D. in Aihole when the Badami Chalukyas were vassals of the Kadambas of Banavasi. • During 450, the Chalukya style originated in Aihole and was perfected in Badami and Pattadakal. The Chalukya artists experimented with different styles, blended the Nagara and Dravidian styles, and evolved Chalukya style. • Their style includes two types of monuments. 1. The rock cut halls (caves) 2. Structural temples

94. Ans (c) Explanation: Panch Mahal • Panch Mahal is a five-story palace in Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, India. • The Panch Mahal,also known as "Badgir" meaning wind catcher tower, was commissioned by sikarwar rajputs . • it was used for entertainment and relaxation. This is one of the most important building in Fatehpur Sikri. • Panch Mahal at fateh pur sikhri-It is based on the Hindu system of trabeate structure, consisting of pillar, architrave, and brackets, with the only exception of the topmost domed pavilion, purposefully thrown out of the centre that crowns the entire building - The tower was perhaps used for recreation by the emperor and members of the royal household.

95. Ans (b) Explanation: Explanation: Operation clean Money • Income Tax Department (ITD) has initiated Operation Clean Money. Initial phase of the operation involves e-verification of large cash deposits made during 9th November to 30th December 2016. Data analytics has been used for comparing the demonetization data with information in ITD SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY databases. In the first batch, around 18 lakh persons have been identified in whose case, cash transactions do not appear to be in line with the tax payer’s profile. • The response of taxpayer will be assessed against available information. In case explanation of source of cash is found justified, the verification will be closed without any need to visit Income Tax Office. The verification will also be closed if the cash deposit is declared under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna (PMGKY).

96. Ans (a) Explanation: Warli Paintings Warli painting is a tribal art mostly done by Adivasi from North Sahyadri Range in India (Dahanu, Talasari, Jawhar, Palghar, Mokhada, and Vikramgadh of Palghar district.). It originated from Maharashtra, where it is still practiced today.

97. Ans (b) Explanation: SIkh Gurus • Guru Ramdas - 4th Guru - organizing the structure of Sikh society ,founded the city of Amristar - Introduced Sikh marriage ceremony known as the Anand Karaj - the author of Laava, the four hymns of the Sikh Marriage Rites (Anand) - designed the gurdwara Harmandir Sahib, • Guru Arjan - 5th Guru - completed the construction of Amritsar, Compiled and installed the Adi Granth; built the Harmandir Sahib, introduced the Masands, a group of representatives who taught and spread the teachings of the Gurus - contribution to Gurumukhi script • Guru Tegh Bahadur - 9th guru - Founder of Anandpur Sahib , Founder of Patiala • Guru Gobind Singh - the 10th and last guru - contributions to the Five Ks -i nitiating the Sikh Khalsa in 1699 - continual formalisation of the religion

98. Ans (b) Explanation:Source:http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/RL/sankirtana-ritual-singing-drumming- and-dancing-of--00843

99. Ans (d)

100. Ans (b)