UPSC 2011 History Previous Year Questions

Question 1

The dharma and rita depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements: 1. Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one's duties to oneself and to others. 2. Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1 only | 2 only | Both 1 and 2 | Neither 1 nor 2. Dharma refers to duties, obligations and righteous conduct. Rita in Vedic thought denotes the cosmic and moral order governing the universe, so both statements are correct.

Question 2

Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements: 1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene. 2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1 only | 2 only | Both 1 and 2 | Neither 1 nor 2. The Indus Valley Civilization shows religious symbols but no clear dominance of temple-priest institutions as in later civilizations, so it is often described as relatively secular. Archaeological evidence also shows cotton textile use.

Question 3

The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Universal Law | Universal Truth | Universal Faith | Universal Soul. Jain philosophy does not accept a creator God. It holds that the universe operates according to eternal universal laws governing matter, soul, karma and change.

Question 4

Among the following States, which one has the most suitable climatic conditions for the cultivation of a large variety of orchids with minimum cost of production, and can develop an export-oriented industry in this field?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Andhra Pradesh | Arunachal Pradesh | Madhya Pradesh | Uttar Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh has humid subtropical to temperate conditions and rich natural orchid diversity. These conditions make it especially suitable for orchid cultivation at relatively low cost.

Question 5

With reference to the period of Indian freedom struggle, which of the following was/were recommended by the Nehru report? 1. Complete Independence for India. 2. Joint electorates for reservation of seats for minorities. 3. Provision of fundamental rights for the people of India in the Constitution. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 1 only | 2 and 3 only | 1 and 3 only | 1, 2 and 3. The Nehru Report recommended dominion status rather than complete independence, but it supported joint electorates with safeguards/reservations for minorities and included fundamental rights.

Question 6

With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement | Participating in the Second Round Table Conference | Leading a contingent of Indian National Army | Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Usha Mehta is remembered for operating the underground Congress Radio during the Quit India Movement, broadcasting nationalist messages after Congress leaders were arrested.

Question 7

Mahatma Gandhi said that some of his deepest convictions were reflected in a book titled, "Unto this Last" and the book transformed his life. What was the message from the book that transformed Mahatma Gandhi?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Uplifting the oppressed and poor is the moral responsibility of an educated man | The good of individual is contained in the good of all | The life of celibacy and spiritual pursuit are essential for a noble life | All the statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct in this context. Gandhi drew from Ruskin's Unto This Last the idea that the good of the individual is contained in the good of all, which influenced his social and economic thought.

Question 8

What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda? 1. The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought. 2. The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1 only | 2 only | Both 1 and 2 | Neither 1 nor 2. The Kheda Satyagraha arose because peasants facing crop failure and distress demanded suspension/remission of land revenue, which the administration refused. There was no proposal to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat.

Question 9

India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of early maritime history of Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation/explanations?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. As compared to other countries, India had a better ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times | The rulers of southern India always patronized traders, brahmin priests and buddhist monks in this context | Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages | Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanations in this context. The seasonal reversal of monsoon winds made regular sailing across the Bay of Bengal possible in ancient and medieval times. This natural

Question 10

Which one of the following observations is not true about the Quit India Movement of 1942?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. It was a non-violent movement | It was led by Mahatma Gandhi | It was a spontaneous movement | It did not attract the labour class in general. After the arrest of major leaders, the Quit India Movement became largely spontaneous and saw local initiatives. It was not actually led by Gandhi during its course, because he and other leaders were imprisoned immediately.

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History — UPSC 2011