[DAY 27] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2023 – HISTORY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The Mesolithic Age was a transitional phase between the Paleolithic Age and the Neolithic Age. It has the characteristics of both the Paleolithic Age and the Neolithic Age. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• The people of this age lived on hunting, fishing, and food gathering while at a later stage they also domesticated animals.
• Burials of the dead along with some microliths and shells seem to have been practiced in the Mesolithic or the Middle Stone Age and not the Neolithic Stone Age. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)
• The Chalcolithic period marked the emergence of the use of metal along with stone tools. The first metal to be used was copper. The Chalcolithic culture in India ranged from 3000 BC to 900 BC, the Harappan period spanned between 3500 BC to 1500 BC. Hence, both Chalcolithic culture and Harappan Civilization were contemporary to each other. (Hence statement 3 is correct)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Characteristics of Mesolithic Age. The use of bow and arrow also began during this period. Also, there began a tendency to settle for longer periods in an area thus the domestication of animals with horticulture and primitive cultivation started. (Hence Statements 1 and 3 are correct)
• Characteristics of Neolithic Age. The chief characteristic features of the Neolithic culture are: practice of agriculture, domestication of animals, polishing of stone tools and the manufacture of pottery. Also mud brick houses were built instead of grass huts. Wheels were used to make pottery. Pottery was used for cooking as well as storage of food grains. (Hence Statements 2 and 4 are incorrect)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• In Chalcolithic culture copper is used with stone. The Neolithic period is followed by Chalcolithic period when copper and bronze came to be used. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• People began to travel for a long distance to obtain metal ores. This led to a network of Chalcolithic cultures and the Chalcolithic cultures were found in many parts of India. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• The new technology of smelting metal ore and crafting metal artifacts is an important development in human civilization. But the use of stone tools was not given up. Some of the micro-lithic tools continued to be essential items. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect)
• Generally, Chalcolithic cultures had grown in river valleys. Most importantly, the Harappan culture is considered as a part of Chalcolithic culture. (Hence statement 4 is correct)

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Thousands of seals have been discovered by archaeologists from the Harappan sites. Most of the seals were made of steatite, which is a kind of soft stone. A few of them were also made of terracotta, gold, agate, chert, ivory and faience. The standard Harappan seal was square in shape with a 2X2 dimension. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• The remains of the horse are reported from Surkotada, situated in western Gujarat and belong to around 2000 B.C. But the identity is doubtful. In any case, the Harappan culture was not horse-centered. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• Banawali (Haryana): Both Pre-Harappan and Harappan phases are found here. It is the only city with oval shaped settlements, radial streets and lack of systematic drainage pattern. This site was discovered by S. Bisht in 1974. (Hence statement 3 is correct)

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Chanhudaro was an important center of a craft activity, some of the houses yielded raw material such as carnelian, agate, amethyst, and crystal as well as finished and unfinished beads and drills. More striking was the discovery of a bead factory, with lots of finished and unfinished beads, mostly made of steatite. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• Lothal is located between the Sabarmati River and its tributary, the Bhogava, in Saurashtra in Gujarat. The most distinctive feature of Lothal is the dockyard, which lies on the eastern edge of the site. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• Dholavira is located on Kadir Island in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. The city had an impressive and unique water harvesting and management system. It can be noted that this area receives less than 160 cm of rain every year and is very prone to droughts. (Hence statement 3 is correct)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Monogamy was generally practiced while polygamy was prevalent among the royal and noble families. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• There were women poets like Apala, Viswavara, Ghosa and Lopamudra during the Rig Vedic period. Women could even attend the popular assemblies. There was no child marriage and the practice of sati was absent. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• Both men and women wore upper and lower garments as well as ornaments. (Hence statement 3 is correct)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The Yajur Veda consists of various details of rules to be observed at the time of sacrifice. The Atharva Veda contains details of rituals. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• During the Rig Vedic period, the Aryans were mostly confined to the Indus region. The Rig Veda refers to it as Sapta sindhu or the land of seven rivers. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)
• The Aranyak as are called forest books and they deal with mysticism, rites, rituals and sacrifices. (Hence statement 3 is correct)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

Arayankas

• Aranyakas are generally the concluding portions of the several Brahmanas, but on account of their distinct character, contents and language deserve to be reckoned as a distinct category of literature. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• Aranyakas are noa a part of ‘Smrithi literature’. They are part of Shruti literature. Shruti means, ‘which has been heard’ and is canonical, consisting of revelation and unquestionable truth, and is considered eternal. It refers mainly to the Vedas themselves. Shruti describes the sacred texts comprising the central canon of Hinduism, namely Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)
• The Arayankas are also texts attached to the Vedas and they describe the rituals and sacrifices involved in the Vedas from various perspectives. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• They are said to be compilations of ritualistic information on the birth and death cycles as well as the complexity of the soul.
• It is argued that holy and learned men, called Munis, who preferred to dwell within the limits of the forests, taught them.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

Magadha

• Magadha finds mention in the Atharva Veda which conveys that Magadha was a semi-Brahmanical habitation. It was located in present-day Bihar close to Anga, divided by river Champa. Later, Magadha became a center of Jainism and the first Buddhist Council was held in Rajagriha.
• Magadha was located in the eastern and northern part, or the lower Gangetic valley, which was conducive to paddy cultivation for its wet climate. The upper areas of the Gangetic valley, namely north India, is drier and is conducive to wheat cultivation. Thus, Magadha was located in the rice-growing area of the Gangetic Valley. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• It had huge Iron Reserves near the hills of Rajgir in South Bihar which enabled them to manufacture superior weapons.
• Its early Capital Girivraja or Rajgir was surrounded by hill from all the sides which provided Natural Fortification.
• It was also located in the Centre of Highways of Trade which added in its wealth.
• Some parts of Magadha were forested and elephants in forests could be trained for army. The wood from forests could be used to make chariots. (Hence statement 2 is correct)

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Asokan inscription is found in 2 places in Afghanistan – Kandahar and Lampaka.
• Kandahar inscription is bilingual – written in Greek and Aramaic. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• In Lampaka, written in Aramaic language, Asoka is addressed as ‘Devanampiya’. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• James Prinsep, an officer in the mint of the East India Company, deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi, two scripts used in the earliest inscriptions and coins. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• He found that most of these mentioned a king referred to as Piyadassi – meaning “pleasant to behold”

Solution (c)

Explanation:

Kushanas Coins:

• Kushanas issued mostly gold coins and numerous copper coins which have been found in most parts of North India up to Bihar.
• Many Indian gods and goddesses depicted on Kushana coins besides many Persian and Greek deities.

Indo-Greek Coins

• The Indo-Greek coins show beautiful artistic features them.
• The portrait or bust of the king on the obverse side appears to be real portraits. On the reverse, some deity is depicted. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)

Pre Guptan and Guptan Coins

• Gupta kings issued the most number of Gold coins.
• The Satavahanas issued coins of lead and potin (base silver).
• Satavahanas’ copper coins with the symbol bearing a ship were abundant in Avanti. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• Gupta kings issued the most number of Gold coins whereas Kushans were the first kings to issue the largest cache of gold coins in India. (Hence statement 1 is correct)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The Indo-Greeks were also the first to issue gold coins in India, and these increased in number under the Kushans. At the same time Indo-Greeks were the first rulers in India to issue coins that can be definitively attributed to particular kings. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• Kanishka who was the most famous ruler of Kushan period, extended his wholehearted patronage to Buddhism. He held a Buddhist council in Kashmir, where the doctrines of the Mahayana form of Buddhism were finalized. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• The Government of India uses Shaka era as official calendar but it was not started by Shaka rulers. Instead the Shaka era was started by Kanishka, who was a Kushan ruler. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

Kanva Dynasty

• Vasudeva Kanva was the founder of the Kanva dynasty and it was a Brahmin dynasty. Its capital was Pataliputra. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• Susharman was the last king of the Kanva dynasty. The Kanva dynasty was succeeded by the Satavahanas. (Hence statement 2 is correct)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

Kushan dynasty

• The Kushan dynasty was administered from two capitals – Purushapura (Peshawar), and Mathura in northern India.
• In the 1st century CE, Kujula Kadphises founded the Kushan dynasty.
• The Kushans are considered to be one of the five branches of the Yuezhi tribe who lived in the Chinese frontier of Central Asia. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• Kanishka (127-151 AD) is considered as the greatest ruler of the Kushan dynasty. He captured Patliputra and took away the Buddhist monk Asvaghosha with him to Peshawar.
• Kanishka convened the fourth Buddhist Council at in Kashmir. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

Post Mauryan dynasties

• Vasudeva was the founder of the Kanvas dynasty, he was the minister of the last Sunga ruler, Devabhuti.
• Rudradaman I belonged to the Saka dynasty and ruled over Ujjain.
• Simuka was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty.
• Kharvela belonged to the Chedis dynasty and ruled over Kalinga.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• It was Srigupta who has been identified in Allahabad Inscription. The Allahabad Inscription also mentions of maharaja Srigupta and maharaja Ghatotkacha as the ancestors of Samudragupta. (Hence Statement 1 is incorrect)
• After the end of the Satavahana and Kushana empires in the middle of third century A.D., the empire of Gupta emerged. Thus it was not the contemporary of Satavahanas and Kushanas. (Hence Statement 2 is incorrect)
• It was mentioned in Puranas and not in the Allahabad Inscription. It mentions the four regions i.e. Magadha, Saketa (Ayodhya), Prayag and Gangetic Basin. . (Hence Statement 3 is incorrect)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Kumaramatyas and Ayuktas – The king maintained a close contact with the provincial administration through this class of officials.
• Vishyapatis – Bhuktis were subdivided into Vishyas or districts. They were governed by Vishyapatis.
• NagaraSreshtis – the officers looking after the city administration.
• Uparikas – Provinces in the Gupta Empire were known as Bhuktis which are provincial governed by Uparikas.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• During Harsha’s period, ministers and high ranking officers of the state were endowed with land. The feudal practice of rewarding and paying officers with grants of land seems to have begun under Harshavardhana. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• Caste system was prevalent among Hindus. They were divided into four castes or varna: Brahmana, Vaishya, Kshariya and Shudra, which among them had their own subcastes. Hiuen-Tsang also mentions the existence of untouchables and outcastes. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)
• Harshavardhana belong to the Pushyabhuti dynasty also popularly known as Vardhana dynasty. (Hence statement 3 is correct)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Agriculture was the main occupation in Gupta Empire and there was no governmental interference. The land was fertile and means of irrigation were simple. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• The Trade contacts developed during the Kushana Period continued and Chandragupta II’s conquest in western India further added to this trade. The people were prosperous and they were free to grow and flourish. The important port towns were Brigukachchaha, Kalyana & Sind, which were bulk trade centres with Romans. Ujjain had become a major commercial center and it was linked to southern and northern India. Nasik, Paithan, Pataliputra, Benares were other major trade centers. (Hence statements 2 and 3 are correct)
• Gupta period had many cloth centers and silk industry witnessed a significant development during this period. The Mandsor Inscriptions gives account that Gupta people were helped to a great extent for the growth of Silk Industry. Gold, silver and copper was used in making ornaments and issuing coins. The Gold coins show the pomp, power and prosperity of the empire.

Solution: b)

Explanation:

Local Administration of Chola Empire:

• There were two types of villages at the local in the Chola Empire. One type of village consisted of people from different caste and the assembly which ran this type of village was called ‘ur’. The second type of village was ‘agrahara’ types of village which were settled by Brahmins in which most of the land was rent-free. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• The affairs of the village were managed by an executive committees to which educated person owning property were elected by drawing lots or by rotation. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• There were other committees for helping in the assessment and collection of land revenue for the maintenance of law and order, justice etc. One of the important Committee was the tank committee which looked after the distribution of water to the fields. (Hence,statement 3 is correct).
• The mahasabha could settle new lands and exercise ownership rights over them. It could also raise loans for the village and levy taxes.
• The self-government enjoyed by the Chola villages was a very fine system. However, the growth of feudalism tended to restrict their autonomy.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• India Infrastructure Project Development Fund Scheme (IIPDF Scheme) will aid development of quality PPP projects by providing necessary funding support to the project sponsoring authorities, both in the Central and State Governments
• The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, notified Scheme for Financial Support for Project Development Expenses of PPP Projects – India Infrastructure Project Development Fund Scheme (IIPDF Scheme)

Source: CLICK HERE

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage promotes the rights of adolescent girls to avert marriage and pregnancy, and enables them to achieve their aspirations through education and alternative pathways.
• It is a joint initiative of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It aims to End Child Marriage has been implemented since 2016 across 12 countries in Africa, Middle East and South Asia.
• The UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage works in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia.

Source: CLICK HERE

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Dynamic Composite Risk Atlas (DCRA) is a tool mainly for static pre-event planning and dynamic response (responding to a real-time cyclone) for cyclone prone States/UTs. This system includes development of Probabilistic Risk Assessment Maps / Products for depiction of cyclone risk and storm surge flooding / coastal flooding vulnerability maps for the coastline of India.
• It is developed by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration India Meteorological Department (IMD)

Source: CLICK HERE

Solution (b)

Explanation:

Mauna Loa is one of five volcanoes that together make up the Big Island of Hawaii, which is the southernmost island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It’s not the tallest (that title goes to Mauna Kea) but it’s the largest and makes up about half of the island’s land mass. Mauna Loa last erupted 38 years ago.

Source: CLICK HERE

Solution (a)

Explanation:

Source: CLICK HERE

Solution (c)

Explanation:

Let the amount of royalty to be paid for these books be ‘r’.

Then, 20 : 15 : 27800 : r

r = (15 * 27800) / 20

r = 20850

Solution (b)

Explanation:

Central angle corresponding to royalty = ( 15 degrees of 360 )

= (15/100) * 360

= 54 degrees.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

Central angle of 18° =     (18/360 x 100    ) = 5% of the total expenditure

From the given chart it is clear that:

Out of the given combinations, only in combination (d) the difference is 5% i.e.

Paper Cost – Printing Cost = (25% – 20%) of the total expenditure = 5% of the total expenditure.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

Clearly, marked price of the book = 120% of C.P.

Also, cost of paper = 25% of C.P

Let the cost of paper for a single book be Rs. n.

Then, 120 : 25 = 180 : n

n = Rs.   (25 x 180)/120))

n= Rs. 37.50 .

Solution (d)

Explanation:

Refer to, “Air India, which is surviving on a Rs 30,000 crore taxpayer-funded bailout, has failed to maintain its market dominance as a slew of carriers including Inter-Globe Aviation Ltd and Spice Jet Ltd started to offer ultra-cheap, on-time flights more than a decade ago.”

It is clear from the above lines that Air India got stiff competition from various other airlines since they started giving cheap tickets and operating flights on time. Among the given options, we can easily pick out Option d since it gives us the actual reason of the decline in status of Air India as a carrier in India.

Other options are eliminated since they do not follow from the passage.