Prelims Solution

Q89. Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to Portuguese?

Q89. Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to Portuguese?

a. Ahmad Shah
b. Mahmud Begarha
c. Bahadur Shah
d. Muhammad Shah

Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper

Explanation : 

c. Bahadur Shah

Bahadur Shah

Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, surrendered Diu to the Portuguese in 1535. This occurred after the Portuguese helped Bahadur Shah defeat a combined force of Ottoman Turks and Egyptian Mamluks, who were attempting to take control of Diu. In return for their assistance, Bahadur Shah granted the Portuguese permission to build a fort on Diu, effectively giving them control of the territory.

Siege of Diu (1538) – Wikipedia

Q89. Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to Portuguese? Read More »

Q88. Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?

Q88. Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?

a. Devaraya I
b. Mallikarjuna
c. Vira Vijaya
d. Virupaksha

Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper

Explanation : 

a. Devaraya I

Devaraya I’s Water Supply Project

Devaraya I, who ruled the Vijayanagara Empire from 1406 to 1422, constructed a large dam across the Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometers long from the river to the capital city. This project was undertaken to provide water to the capital and its surrounding areas, ensuring a stable water supply for agriculture and the urban population.

The Vijayanagara Empire was ruled by Devaraya I from 1406 to 1422. He undertook a significant water supply project, which involved the construction of a large dam across the Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct to provide water to the capital city and its surrounding areas. This project was crucial for ensuring a stable water supply for agriculture and the urban population.

Q88. Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city? Read More »

Q87. “Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious cects.”

Q87. “Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects.”

The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancients India?
a. Buddhism
b. Jainism
c. Shaivism
d. Vaishnavism

Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper

Explanation : 

b. Jainism

Jainism

The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of Jainism. Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence and the belief that everything in the universe has a soul or life force (called jiva). This includes not only animals and plants but also rocks, water, and other natural objects. Jainism teaches that all living beings, regardless of their size or form, should be respected and not harmed, as they all possess souls.

Q87. “Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious cects.” Read More »

Q85. Consider the following dynasties: 1. Hoysala 2. Gahadavala 3. Kakatiya 4. Yadava

Q85. Consider the following dynasties:
1. Hoysala
2. Gahadavala
3. Kakatiya
4. Yadava

How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?
a. Only one
b. Only two
c. Only three
d. None

Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper

Explanation : 

d. None

Dynasties in Early Medieval India

  • 1. Hoysala Dynasty: The Hoysala dynasty ruled parts of present-day Karnataka, India, from around the 10th to the 14th century AD.
  • 2. Gahadavala Dynasty: The Gahadavala dynasty ruled the region of present-day Uttar Pradesh, India, from the late 11th to the 12th century AD.
  • 3. Kakatiya Dynasty: The Kakatiya dynasty ruled parts of present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India, from the 12th to the 14th century AD.
  • 4. Yadava Dynasty: The Yadava dynasty, also known as the Seuna dynasty, ruled parts of present-day Maharashtra and Karnataka, India, from the late 9th to the early 14th century AD.

Q85. Consider the following dynasties: 1. Hoysala 2. Gahadavala 3. Kakatiya 4. Yadava Read More »

Q84. Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?

Q84. Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?

a. Kings employing women bodyguards
b. Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters
c. Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals
d. A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death

Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper

Explanation : 

d. A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death

Vattakirutal

Vatakkiruttal – Wikipedia  is a practice mentioned in Sangam literature where a defeated king would commit ritual suicide by starving himself to death. This was considered an honorable way for a king to accept his defeat and maintain his dignity in ancient Tamil society.

Q84. Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems? Read More »

Q83. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as

Q83. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as

a. capital cities
b. ports
c. centres of iron-and-steel making
d. Shrines of Jain Tirthankaras

Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper

Explanation : 

b. ports

Ports of Ancient South India

Korkai, Poompuhar, and Muchiri were well-known ports in ancient South India. These ports were important centers of trade and commerce, connecting South India with other parts of the Indian subcontinent as well as the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and China. They played a significant role in the economic and cultural exchanges between various regions and contributed to the prosperity of the ancient Indian kingdoms.

These ports were crucial for the trade and commerce of ancient South India, facilitating connections with distant regions. The economic and cultural exchanges that took place through these ports were instrumental in the development and prosperity of the ancient Indian kingdoms.

Q83. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as Read More »

Q82. With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin. 2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.

Q82. With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:

1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.

How many of the statements given above are correct?
a. Only one
b. Only two
c. All three
d. None

Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper

Explanation : 

b. Only two

1. Stupas may have originated as pre-Buddhist tumuli in which śramaṇas were buried in a seated position called chaitya. Stupa – Wikipedia

2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. It often contained the remains of Buddhist monks or nuns, sacred texts, or other relics associated with the Buddha and his teachings. The purpose of a stupa was to enshrine and preserve these relics, which were considered sacred.

3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in the Buddhist tradition. It served as a place for meditation, worship, and veneration of the Buddha and his teachings. The construction of stupas was considered a meritorious act, and they were often built to commemorate significant events, such as the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, or passing away.

Q82. With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin. 2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. Read More »

Q81. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?

Q81. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?

a. Andhra
b. Gandhara
c. Kalinga
d. Magadha

Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper

Explanation : 

a. Andhra

Dhanyakataka, also known as Dharanikota or Amaravati

was a prominent Buddhist center located in the Andhra region of ancient India. It flourished under the Mahasanghikas, a major early Buddhist school. The region was known for its rich Buddhist heritage, with numerous monasteries, stupas, and sculptures. The famous Amaravati Stupa, one of the largest and most intricately carved stupas in India, was also situated in this region.

Dharanikota – Wikipedia

Q81. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located? Read More »

Q79. Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood?

Q79. Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood?

a. Fishing cat
b. Orangutan
c. OtterSloth bear
d. Sloth bear

Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper

Explanation : 

b. Orangutan

Orangutans

Orangutans are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. They have been observed making tools using sticks to scrape insects from holes in trees or logs of wood. This behavior demonstrates their ability to manipulate objects in their environment to access food sources that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Orangutans are one of the few non-human primates that exhibit tool-making and tool-using behaviors in the wild.

Q79. Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood? Read More »

Q78. Consider the following statements: 1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water.

Q78. Consider the following statements:

1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water.
2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water.
3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environments with a pH below 3.

a. Only one
b. Only two
c. All three
d. None

Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper

Explanation : 

c. All three

Microorganisms

There are various types of microorganisms that have adapted to survive and grow in extreme conditions.

1. Some microorganisms, known as thermophiles, can grow in high-temperature environments above the boiling point of water (100°C). For example, some bacteria and archaea can thrive in hot springs and hydrothermal vents.

2. Some microorganisms, known as psychrophiles, can grow in environments with temperatures below the freezing point of water (0°C). These microorganisms can be found in the Arctic, Antarctic, and other permanently cold environments.

3. Some microorganisms, known as acidophiles, can grow in highly acidic environments with a pH below 3. These microorganisms can be found in acidic hot springs, acid mine drainage, and other acidic environments.

Q78. Consider the following statements: 1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water. Read More »