[DAY 51] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2023 – GEOGRAPHY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The war of succession that took place in 1657-58 A.D. among the sons of Shah Jahan was a major event in Mughal history. After Shahjahan fell ill and was unable to rule, his four sons, Dara Shikoh, Shuja, Aurangzeb, and Murad, all laid claim to the throne. This resulted in a bitter power struggle, which lasted for over a year and led to widespread conflict and bloodshed.
• Dara Shikoh was the eldest of the four brothers and was initially seen as the frontrunner in the race for the throne. He was a patron of the arts and was known for his liberal religious views. Shuja, the second-eldest, was the governor of Bengal and had a reputation for being a skilled military commander. Aurangzeb, the third son, was the governor of Deccan and was known for his strong religious convictions. Murad, the youngest, was the governor of Gujarat and was known for his love of luxury and extravagance.
• During the war of succession, each brother sought to gain the support of the Mughal nobility, military commanders, and other influential figures. Battles were fought across the Mughal Empire, and alliances shifted frequently as the brothers jostled for position.
• Ultimately, Aurangzeb emerged as the victor, and he ascended to the Mughal throne in 1658. He went on to become one of the most significant rulers in Indian history and expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent
• (Hence option (c) is correct answer).

Solution (c)

Explanation:

The correct chronology of the events of Akbar’s reign is as follows:

1. Abolition of Pilgrim Tax
2. Abolition of Jizya
3. Issue of Mahjar
4. Proclamation of Tauhit-i-Ilahi

• Jizya tax was a per capita yearly taxation levied in the form of financial charge on permanent n
• Non-Muslim subjects of a state governed by Islamic law. Akbar abolished the Jizya Tax in 1564. Unlike other rulers, Akbar thought of Indian subcontinent as his homeland. He believed that people had the right to choose any religion. He never coerced people into following Islam.
• Pilgrim tax was abolished by Akbar in 1563.
• Akbar found that the pilgrim tax was morally wrong both because it was imposed on people who came “in search of the light of God” and because it was not uniform but arbitrary.
• Akbar’s Tauhid-i Ilahi or Din-i-Illahi is another significant measure of this reign. In 1582, this religious doctrine or cult which combined mysticism, philosophy and nature worship was propounded by Akbar which recognized no prophets.
• Mahzar was issued in 1579 and it was prepared by Sheikh Mubarak. Mahzar was signed by all the prominent Muslim theologians and divines of the Mughal empire. It was also signed by Makhdum-ul-Mulk and Abdun Nabi, although they were known to be bitter critics of Akbar’s liberal religious policy.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

Terms of the Purandar Treaty

• The Treaty of Purandar was signed on June 11, 1665, between Jai Singh I, the Mughal Empire’s leader, and Shivaji.
• Shivaji was granted the right to hold twelve forts in the name of the Marathas, as well as a net income area of up to 1 lakh Huns. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• The contract bound Shivaji that the Marathas would always help the Mughals.
• Sivaji’s son, Sambhaji, has been obliged to fight for the Mughal Empire with 5000 armed forces, as a Mansabdar. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• In the treaty, Shivaji agreed that if the Marathas ever sought to claim the Konkan region, which was then under Bijapur’s dominion, they would have to pay 40 lakh Huns in compensation. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• Shivaji has been forced to give up most of his captured forts that involved places like Ankola, Songadh, and Mangad.
• Aside from that, the contract obligated Shivaji to travel to Agra for a political meeting with Aurangzeb.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• First Anglo Mysore War: General Smith
• Second Anglo Mysore War: Sir Eyre Coote
• Third Anglo Mysore War: Major General Meadows
• Fourth Anglo Mysore War: General Stuart

Solution (d)

Explanation:

Jats – During Mughals

• Aurangzeb’s repressive policies were opposed by Jat settlers of Delhi, Mathura, and Agra, resulting in a revolt by them.
• The Jats launched their first significant rebellion against Mughal imperial soldiers in the Mathura region in 1669. (Hence statement 1 is correct).
• Gokula was the leader of the Jat group that rebelled against the Mughals, but the rebellion was unsuccessful.
• Churaman and Badan Singh successfully founded the Jat kingdom of Bharatpur in the 18th century after a series of defeats. (Hence statement 2 is correct).
• Under Suraj Mal’s rule, the Jat kingdom reached its zenith, as he not only established a competent administrative system but also expanded the kingdom’s territory.
• Suraj Mal’s realm included the Subahs of Agra, Mathura, Meerut, and Aligarh, stretching from the Ganga in the east to Chambal in the south.
• The Jat kingdom began to disintegrate after Suraj Mal’s death in 1763, as some ambitious Jat zamindars in the Agra region attempted to create their own autonomous state, leading to a confrontation with the Mughals, Rajputs, and Afghans.
• Suraj Mal was the sole Jat leader who was able to unite the dispersed Jats and form a significant empire (Hence statement 3 is correct).

Solution (a)

Explanation:

Kabir das

• Kabir was born in a poor family considered to be weavers. He was initiated into bhakti by Guru Ramananda. (Hence statement 3 is correct).
• He was present in the 14th and 15th century. He is a poet saint and many of his compositions are found in Adigranth Sahib. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect).
• One of the striking features of his compositions was that they had traditions followed by Islam, vedic as well as yogic traditions. (Hence statement 2 is correct).

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The wave of Bhakti movement started from south India, by Alvaras-the devotees of Lord Vishnu and Nayanars-devotees of Shiva. They travelled to various places singing hymns in Tamil in praise of their gods. Later, many temples were built that became the sacred places for pilgrimage. The compositions by the poets saints became part of temple rituals in these shrines. Some historians also believed that the Alvaras and Nayanars initiated a movement of protest against the caste system and the dominance of Brahmanas or at least attempted to reform the system. Influences made by the Bhakti movement on the society:
• Religious effects
• Reformed Hinduism
• Lowered the prestige of the Brahmin
• Checked the propagation of Islam
• Emergence of Sikhism
• Setback to Buddhism
• Improvement in the social relation between the Hindus and Muslims
• (Hence statements 1, 3 and 4 is correct).
• Social impact
• The better social status of lower casts
• Promotion of social service
• Development of composite art in the society
• Enrichment of literature.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Devaraya II, also known as Praudha Devaraya, was a dominant ruler of the Sangam dynasty who exhibited his bravery by defeating the Bahmani Sultan while still a prince. Upon ascending the throne, he embarked on expeditions to expand his empire. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• Devaraya II was a patron of art and literature and was himself a scholar. He authored “Mahanataka Sudhanidhi” and had poets like Gadugina Naranappa (Kumaravyasa), Chamarasa, and Srinath in his court. During his reign, architecture, handicrafts, music, and painting thrived, and he constructed the Hazara Ramaswamy temple in Hampi. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• The Persian pilgrim Abdul Razak visited Vijayanagara during Devaraya II’s reign and praised it as unparalleled in the world. Devaraya II, also known as Veera Pratapadevaraya, Maharaya, and Gajabentekara, passed away in 1446. (Hence statement 3 is correct)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• To ensure efficient governance like the Delhi Sultanate, Bahman Shah divided his kingdom into four geographical divisions named Tarafs, with a governor appointed for each. These governors were in charge of their respective provinces’ military, administration, and revenue collection. The four Tarafs were Gulbarga, Daulatabad, Bidar, and Berar.
• Mohammed I appointed a council of eight ministers of state:
• Vakil-us-saltana or lieutenant of the kingdom, the immediate subordinate of the sovereign.
• Waziri-kull, who supervised the work of all other ministers;
• Amir-i-jumla, minister of finance; (Hence pair 1 is correctly matched)
• Wasir-i-ashraf, minister of foreign affairs and master of ceremonies; (Hence pair 2 is incorrectly matched)
• Nazir, assistant minister for finance;
• Peshwa who was associated with the lieutenant of the kingdom;
• Kotwal or chief of police and city magistrate in the capital, (Hence pair 3 is correctly matched)

Sadr-i-jahan or chief justice and minister of religious affairs and endowments.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• The Portuguese government in India commenced in 1505, six years following Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India, with the appointment of Francisco de Almeida as the first Viceroy. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• Initially, they established their first factory at Calicut, but the first viceroy, Francisco de Almeida, later set up his capital in Cochin. Subsequently, the capital of the Portuguese viceroyalty was shifted to Goa after 1510. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• Until 1752, the term India referred to all Portuguese territories in the Indian Ocean, extending from Southern Africa to Southeast Asia. These were governed, either by a viceroy or governor, from their headquarters in Old Goa, which was established in 1510.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• On 1 September 1798, the Nizam of Hyderabad, Nizam Ali Khan (Asaf Jah II) entered into a subsidiary alliance with the English East India Company, thus making Hyderabad the first princely state to officially become a British protectorate. (Hence option (a) is correct answer)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

Battle of Plassey

• On June 23, 1757, the Battle of Plassey occurred in the Plassey district of West Bengal.
• Robert Clive led the British East India Company in this battle against the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-daula. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• The French forces also participated in the battle, fighting alongside Siraj-ud-daula against Robert Clive. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)
• The Nawab of Bengal, along with his army of 50,000 soldiers and French allies, outnumbered the British army of about 3000 soldiers.
• Despite being outnumbered, Robert Clive’s conspiracy and the subsequent betrayal by Mir Jafar, Rai Durlabh, and others resulted in the defeat of the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-daula, in the Battle of Plassey. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• The Battle of Plassey is considered a pivotal moment in Indian history as it marked the British military and political dominance in Bengal.
• Most historians view the Battle of Plassey as the significant event that led to British control and governance over India.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Mongol threat to India appeared in 1221. It was during the Alauddin Khalji period, the Mongols for the first time launched a serious campaign to establish their rule in Delhi. Since the first attack, Delhi became a regular target of the Mongols. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• Timur invasion in 1388 -1414 conqueror from Mongolia is a descendent of Chengiz Khan, invaded India during the reign of Muhammed Shah Tughlaq, the last ruler of Tughlaq dynasty. Timur’s army sacked and plundered the various towns on the way to the Delhi. The invasion of Timur may, however be regarded as marking the end of the phase of strong rule by the Delhi sultans, although the Tughlaq dynasty itself lingered on till 1412. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)
• Sikander Lodhi, ruler of Lodhi dynasty, built a city Agra on the bank of Yamuna. He shifted the capital from Delhi to Agra. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• Muhammad Bin Tughlaq showed a keen interest in agriculture and undertook a number of measures to improve agriculture. Most of these were tried out in the Doab region. He did want an adequate share of the land revenue for the state. Although the Share of state remained half as in the time of Alauddin. It was fixed arbitrarily, not on the basis of actual produce. Prices also fixed arbitrarily for converting the produce into money. After a severe famine, he introduced the scheme to improve cultivation in Doab. He set up a separate department called diwan-i-amir-Kohi. The area was divided into development blocs headed by an official whose job was to extend cultivation by giving loans to the cultivators. The scheme failed largely because the men chosen for the purpose proved to be inexperienced and dishonest and misappropriated the money for their personal use. (Hence statement 4 is correct)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Dara Shikoh was the son of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and brother of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He was interested to read about various religious apart from his own. He learnt from pundits and Christian priests about Hinduism and Christianity. He learnt the Sanskrit Language. He was inspired by the Philosophy in the Upanishads that he translated them to Persian. He was a follower of Qadiri order of Sufism. (Hence option (c) is correct answer)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Ramanuja holds creation is a fact and created world is as real as Brahmin. He also said the illusory object is real and existent. So, all the objects in creation are real but not illusory. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• In Vedantic and spiritual parlance, the soul in every person on existence is called Jivatma or the Individual soul whereas Paramatma is the Absolute or Supreme Self. As per the Madhvacharya’s dualism, Jivatma and paramatma exist and they dwell in an eternal cosmic entity. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Kandariya Mahadeva is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the city of Khajuraho, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The temple was built during the reign of Dhangadeva of the Chandela dynasty. (Hence statements 1 and 2 are correct)
• The Kandariya Mahadeva temple is renowned for its intricate and ornate carvings, which adorn its exterior walls and interior sanctums. The carvings depict various Hindu deities, celestial beings, animals, and human figures in various poses and activities.
• The temple is constructed in the Nagara style of temple architecture, and is built on a high platform with a series of steps leading up to the entrance. The temple’s main shrine houses a lingam, the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva, and is surrounded by smaller shrines dedicated to other deities. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect)
• Kandariya Mahadeva temple is considered one of the most beautiful and best-preserved temples of the Khajuraho group of temples, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. The temple is a popular tourist attraction and is visited by people from all over the world who come to marvel at its exquisite art and architecture. (Hence statement 4 is correct)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Ghiyasuddin Balban was a powerful ruler of the Delhi Sultanate who ruled from 1266 to 1287. He was a slave who rose to power under the patronage of Sultan Iltutmish and became the most influential courtier during the reign of his successor, Razia Sultana. After the death of Razia, the Delhi Sultanate faced political instability, and Balban took advantage of the situation and ascended to the throne. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• He was deeply racist and excluded non-Turks from administration. He stood forth as the champion of Turkish nobility. Indian Muslims were not given important posts in the government. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• The Chahalgani were introduced during the reign of Iltutmish, the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in India. The Chahalgani had a significant say in the appointment of officials and played a crucial role in the succession of the throne. Over time, the Chahalgani became more powerful and started to control the Sultanate’s affairs, which led to political instability and weakened the central authority. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect)
• Balban, tried to break the power of the Chahalgani by creating a new group of loyal officers called the Barids. He also introduced a spy system, where spies were appointed to keep a check on the nobles. Balban’s policies helped to centralize power in the hands of the Sultan and reduce the influence of the nobles.
• Balban emphasized on the ceremony of Sajda and Paibos as a symbol of his power and authority. He insisted that all courtiers and visitors should prostrate themselves before him and touch his feet as a sign of respect. This was a way of emphasizing the superiority of the ruler and the subordination of his subjects.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Nasiruddin Khusrau Shah was a unique sultan of the Delhi Sultanate as he was a converted Indian Muslim from Hinduism. He served as a general in Allaudin Khalji’s army, and after killing Allaudin Khalji’s successor Mubarak Khalji, he remained on the throne for a brief period of 2 months. However, he was eventually defeated by Ghazi Malik, who later became known as Ghiyazzudin Tughlaq. (Hence option (c) is correct answer)

Solution (d)

Explanation:

Treaty of Amritsar (1809):

• Metcalfe was sent by the British to negotiate the Treaty of Amritsar (1809) with Ranjit Singh in order to prevent a potential French invasion of India. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• However, negotiations were prolonged as both sides tried to advance their own interests. The British army’s advancement, along with the persuasiveness of Metcalfe, who convinced Ranjit Singh that he could conquer other territories without interference from the British, caused the Sikh leader to hesitate. The British military presence, combined with the possibility of other Punjab chiefs seeking British protection, led to Ranjit Singh ultimately signing the treaty.

The treaty, signed formally at Amritsar on April 25, 1809, provided for:

• The British granted Ranjit Singh perpetual friendship and the most favored power treatment. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• They recognized his sovereignty over all territories north of the Sutlej and
• Allowed him to keep troops on the left bank of the river only as necessary for internal security purposes. (Hence statement 3 is correct)

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• During the 1st Century AD the kings began to donate land free of cost to the Brahmins (called as Brahmadeya), scholars and other religious institutions, thus conferring the ownership of the land and hence the right to collect revenues thereof. In the 4th-5th centuries, the land-grant system started in the Ganga valley and spread over northern Deccan and Andhra.
• Basically there were two types of villages in early Chola period. The first type was called ur. This type of village was consisted of people from different caste. The second type of village was called agrahara. An Agrahara was land granted to a Brahmananda, who was usually exempted from paying land revenue and other dues to the King, and was often given the right to collect these dues from local people.
• Agrahara/Mangalam was tax-free villages donated to Brahmins for their resettlement respectively in north and south India. Devadana was land given to temples, monasteries and other religious establishments for Brahmana. ( Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• Chola Empire supported the devadasi system of dancing girl attached to the temple. Various ceremonial dances performed by the devadasis – the women dedicated to the service of the gods. (Hence statement 2 is correct)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• It is an initiative to promote Start-ups, Women, and Youth advantage through e-transactions on Government e-Marketplace (GeM). It facilitates training and registrations of women and youth manufacturers and sellers and encourages participation of the MSME sector and startups in public procurement. Statement 1 is correct
• It was launched in February 2019 by the Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The intent was to promote the inclusiveness of various categories of sellers and service providers on the portal. Statement 2 is incorrect

Source: CLICK HERE

Solution (c)

Safe harbor as prescribed under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000 – is legal immunity that online intermediaries enjoy against content posted by users on their platforms. This is available as long as these platforms abide by certain due diligence requirements, such as censoring content when asked by the government or courts. It is a crucial tenet for ensuring free speech on the Internet since platforms only have to act on speech that is deemed illegal.

Source: CLICK HERE

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• It is an award to recognize and honour the invaluable contribution and selfless service rendered by individuals and organizations in India in the field of disaster management. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 51 lakh and a certificate in the case of an institution and Rs. 5 lakh and a certificate in the case of an individual. Statement 1 is incorrect
• Only Indian nationals and Indian institutions are eligible to apply for the award. Institutions, voluntary organisations, corporate entities, academic/research institutions, response/ uniformed forces or any other institution may apply as an institution for the award. The candidate for the award must have worked in the area of Disaster Management like Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness, Rescue, Response, Relief, Rehabilitation, Research/ Innovations or Early Warning related work in India. Statement 2 is incorrect

Source: CLICK HERE

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• DEPA enables consented sharing of consumer data from Data Providers (entities which collect or generate consumer data) to Data Consumers (other entities which wish to provide a service or a product based on the data) via Consent Managers. Statement 1 is incorrect
• Instead of requesting data portability, this data-sharing architecture allows the flow of data from multiple controllers to the desired destination. At the same time, the user can determine the terms of data flow such as the scope and duration of data sharing, and can revoke the same. Statement 2 is correct
• It is a joint public-private effort (launched by NITI Aayog in 2020) for an improved data governance approach that creates a digital framework allowing users to share their data on their own terms. Statement 3 is incorrect

Source: CLICK HERE

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Pitaya or dragon fruit is native to the region of southern Mexico and along the Pacific coasts of Guatemala, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. The dragon fruit is cultivated in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the United States, the Caribbean, Australia, and throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Statement 1 is incorrect
• It grows in all kinds of soil and does not require much water. The plant sustains yield for more than 20 years, is high in nutraceutical properties(medicinal effects) and good for value-added processing industries. Statement 2 is correct
• The world’s largest producer and exporter of dragon fruit is Vietnam, where the plant was brought by the French in the 19th century. Statement 3 is incorrect
• The plants can endure temperatures up to 40 °C (104 °F) and short periods of frost, but will not survive long exposure to freezing temperatures. Statement 4 is correct

Source: CLICK HERE

Solution (b)

In 8 years, the interest earned = 200%

Thus, per year interest rate = 200/8 = 25%

To become 8 times, it requires a 700% increase

700/25 = 28 years.

Solution (c)

12% rate of interest on the invested amount gives an interest of 3240.

Which implies that, 12/100 * P = 3240 ( P = Principal)

0.12P = 3240

P=27000

The sum of the investments are 27000.

If Akbar invests x, Amar invests x – 5000 , Antony invests x + 2000

Thus, x + x – 5000 + x + 2000 = 27000

X = 10000

Solution (a)

Let the principal be x.

S.I. = PTR/100 = x*2*25/100 = 0.5x

C.I. = P( 1 + r/n)^t = x ( 1 + 25 /100 )² – x = 1.5625x – x = 0.5625x

Profit = 0.5625x – 0.5x = 0.0625x

Therefore, percentage profit = (0.0625x/0.5x) * 100 = 12.5%

Solution (c)

Interest at 1st rate for 1 year = 800 x (6×1)/100 = Rs. 48.

Interest for 1 year at 2nd rate = 1200 x (7 x 1)/100 = Rs. 84

Therefore, Total interest for 1 year = Rs. 132.

Hence, the required time = 1584/132 = 12 years.

Solution (b)

Refer to, “Experience shows that man values his possessions even more than his life because in the former he sees the means for perpetuation and survival of his descendants even after his body is reduced to ashes.”

This excerpt from the passage makes it clear that option b is correct.