Q. The Vital-Vidhvansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchable people as its target audience was published by
a) Gopal Baba Walangkar b) Jyotiba Phule c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi d) Bhimrao Ranji Ambedkar Correct Answer : a) Gopal Baba Walangkar
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Vital-Vidhvansak: Gopal Baba Walangkar
The Vital-Vidhvansak, the first monthly journal specifically aimed at the untouchable people, was published by Gopal Baba Walangkar. This publication was a significant step towards addressing the issues and concerns of the untouchable community in India, providing them with a platform to voice their struggles and aspirations during a time when social stratifications were deeply entrenched in Indian society.
Gopal Baba Walangkar is remembered for his efforts in advocating for the rights of the marginalized and for his role in the early movements against caste discrimination.
Q. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following?
1.Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference 2.Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement 3.Acceptance of Gandhiji’s suggestion for enquiry into police excesses 4.Release of only those prisoners who were not charged with violence Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 only b) 1, 2 and 4 only c) 3 only d) 2, 3 and 4 only Correct Answer : b) 1, 2 and 4 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Gandhi-Irwin Pact
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact, signed on March 5, 1931, was a political agreement between Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress, and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India. The pact was a significant step in the Indian independence movement, marking the end of the Civil Disobedience Movement and setting the stage for further negotiations on India’s future.
Key Provisions of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact
1. Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference: This was one of the main outcomes of the pact. The British Government agreed to invite the Indian National Congress to attend the Second Round Table Conference in London as a representative of the Indian people.
2. Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement: The British Government agreed to withdraw all ordinances and end prosecutions that had been enacted to curb the civil disobedience movement. This was a significant concession, as it meant the cessation of legal actions against thousands of nationalists.
3. Acceptance of Gandhiji’s suggestion for enquiry into police excesses: While the pact did not explicitly include a clause for an enquiry into police excesses, Gandhi’s concerns about the treatment of protesters and the need for such an enquiry were acknowledged during the discussions. However, this was not a formal part of the agreement.
4. Release of only those prisoners who were not charged with violence: The British Government agreed to release all political prisoners who had not engaged in violence during the Civil Disobedience Movement. This was a major demand from Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, although it did not extend to prisoners charged with violent activities.
Q. With reference to the book ‘Desher Katha’ written by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during the freedom struggle, consider the following statements:
1.It warned against the Colonial State’s hypnotic conquest of the mind. 2.It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs. 3.The use of ‘desh’ by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer : 1 and 2 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
1. It warned against the Colonial State’s hypnotic conquest of the mind.
This statement is correct. Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar’s ‘Desher Katha’ was indeed a critique of British colonial rule in India, and among its themes was a warning against the colonial state’s efforts to dominate and control the minds of the Indian people. The book aimed to awaken Indian consciousness and inspire resistance against British rule.
2. It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs.
This statement is also correct. ‘Desher Katha’ was part of the broader Swadeshi Movement, which encouraged the boycott of British goods and the revival of indigenous products and traditions. The book’s nationalist fervor and call for self-reliance resonated with many, inspiring not just political activism but also cultural expressions of resistance, such as swadeshi street plays and folk songs that promoted nationalistic themes.
3. The use of ‘desh’ by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal.
This statement is not entirely accurate. While ‘Desher Katha’ did have a significant impact in Bengal, given that Deuskar was active in the region and the book was written in Bengali, its message was not limited to Bengal alone. The use of ‘desh’ (country) was meant to invoke a sense of national identity and unity among all Indians against the British colonial rule, not just those in Bengal. Therefore, the context of ‘desh’ in Deuskar’s work transcends regional boundaries and aims at a pan-Indian audience.
Q. Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period?
a) An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates b) A diary to be maintained for daily accounts c) A bill of exchange d) An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates Correct Answer : c) A bill of exchange
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
The Hundi: A Financial Instrument
The Hundi, also known as hundee, is a financial instrument that originated in Medieval India. It served various purposes in trade and credit transactions. Let’s explore its characteristics:
Sahyog Hundi
This type of hundi is drawn by one merchant on another, requesting the latter to pay a certain amount to a third merchant. The drawee (the merchant on whom the hundi is drawn) is considered creditworthy in the market. The sahyog hundi passes through multiple hands until it reaches the final recipient, who presents it to the drawee for payment.
Darshani Hundi
Similar to a demand bill, this hundi is payable on sight. The holder must present it for payment within a reasonable time after receiving it.
Muddati Hundi
A muddati or miadi hundi is payable after a specified period of time, akin to a time bill.
Other Varieties
Other varieties include Nam-jog hundi, Dhani-jog hundi, Jawabee hundi, Jokhami hundi, and Firman-jog hundi.
Nam-jog hundi: Payable only to the person whose name is mentioned on the hundi, and it cannot be endorsed in favor of any other person.
Firman-jog Hundi: Can be paid either to the person named in the hundi or to any person ordered by them.
These hundis served as remittance instruments, facilitated borrowing, and acted as bills of exchange in trade transactions. The Reserve Bank of India defines a hundi as “an unconditional order in writing made by a person directing another to pay a certain sum of money to a person named in the order”. Their use dates back at least to the Twelfth century in India. Although the British colonial government considered the hundi system traditional, it was not informal. Official hundi forms even incorporated revenue stamps bearing the image of British monarchs, and disputes between merchants were resolved through the court system.
Q. Consider the following events in the history of India:
1.Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja 2.Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I 3.Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka-I 4.Pala dynasty founded by Gopala What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time? a) 2 – 1 – 4 – 3 b) 3 – 1 – 4 – 2 c) 2 – 4 – 1 – 3 d) 3 – 4 – 1 – 2 Correct Answer : c) 2 – 4 – 1 – 3
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Chronological Order of Dynastic Establishments
1. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I
The Pallavas became a major power during the reign of Mahendravarman-I (571–630 CE). They dominated eastern India until the middle of the 9th century.
2. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala
Gopala founded the Pala dynasty around CE 750 and ruled until the 770s CE. The Pala dynasty included Bengal and Bihar and played a significant role in the region.
3. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
The Gurjara-Pratiharas, who ruled western India and the Upper Gangetic plains, gained prominence during the rule of King Bhoja (836-885 CE). The Pratiharas exercised control over Kannauj for a considerable period.
4. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka-I
Parantaka-I of the Chola dynasty ruled during 907-953 CE. The Cholas were influential in south India and acted as a bridge between the north and south.
Therefore, the correct chronological order is 2 – 4 – 1 – 3. The establishment of Pallava power was the earliest event, followed by the founding of the Pala dynasty, the rise of Pratiharas, and finally, the establishment of Chola power.
Q. Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of the Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?
a) Indian handicrafts were ruined. b) Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers. c) Railways lines were laid in many parts of the country. d) Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures. Correct Answer : a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Impact of the Industrial Revolution on India
The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 18th century, had profound effects on many parts of the world, including India. The impact of the Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century can be understood through several key developments:
Indian Handicrafts Were Ruined
This is the correct answer. The influx of cheap, machine-made British goods into the Indian market severely impacted the traditional Indian handicrafts industry. Indian artisans could not compete with the price and volume of goods produced by the mechanized industries of Britain. As a result, many traditional craftspeople lost their livelihoods, leading to the decline of Indian handicrafts. The British policies also favored the import of British goods into India while discouraging or directly hampering the local industries by imposing heavy taxes on Indian-made goods when sold within the country or for export.
Q. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
1.Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism. 2.Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. 3.The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer : b) 2 and 3 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Sthaviravadins and Mahayana Buddhism
The statement that Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism is incorrect. Sthaviravadins, also known as the School of the Elders, are associated with the early schools of Buddhism, which later evolved into Theravada Buddhism. Mahayana and Theravada are two major branches of Buddhism that developed after the initial split in the Buddhist community. The Sthaviravadins favored a more conservative view of Buddhist teachings, while Mahayana Buddhism developed from the Mahasanghikas, who had different beliefs.
Lokottaravadin Sect and Mahasanghika Sect
The Lokottaravadin sect was indeed an offshoot of the Mahasanghika sect. The Mahasanghikas were one of the early schools that split from the original Sangha due to doctrinal differences. The Lokottaravadins, within the Mahasanghika school, believed in the supramundane nature of the Buddha, emphasizing his transcendence above the mundane world. This belief contributed to the development of Mahayana Buddhism.
Deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas and Mahayana Buddhism
The deification of the Buddha by the Mahasanghikas played a significant role in fostering the development of Mahayana Buddhism. They introduced the concept of the Buddha as a transcendent and almost divine figure, departing from the earlier portrayal of the Buddha as a more human figure. This ideal of the Buddha, along with the emphasis on bodhisattvas and the development of new sutras, formed the foundation of Mahayana Buddhism. The Mahasanghikas’ views contributed to the Mahayana tradition’s emphasis on the universal potential for Buddhahood and the compassionate goal of saving all sentient beings.
Q. With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs:
1. Aurang — In-charge of treasury of the State 2. Banian — Indian agent of the East India Company 3. Mirasidar — Designated revenue payer to the State Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer : b) 2 and 3 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Aurang
The term “Aurang” is not historically used to refer to the in-charge of the treasury of the State in Mughal or any other Indian administration. It is persian term for a warehouse where goods are collected before being sold
Banian
This term was indeed used during the British colonial period in India to refer to Indian agents of the East India Company. These agents were typically local merchants who acted as intermediaries between the British officials and the local Indian populace. They played a crucial role in the trade and administrative operations of the East India Company. Thus, this pairing is correct.
Mirasidar
This term refers to landholders or landlords in parts of South India, particularly in the Tamil regions, who were designated revenue payers to the State. They held mirasi rights, which essentially meant they had hereditary rights to the land and were responsible for collecting and paying revenue to the state. This system was particularly noted in the pre-colonial and colonial periods of Indian history. Therefore, this pairing is also correct.
Q. Consider the following pairs: International Agreement/set-up – Subject
1. Alma-Ata Declaration — Healthcare of the people 2. Hague Convention — Biological and chemical weapons 3. Talanoa Dialogue — Global climate change 4. Under2 Coalition — Child rights Which of the pairs above is/are correctly matched? a) 1 and 2 only b) 4 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 2, 3 and 4 only Correct Answer : c) 1 and 3 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
The correct answer is c) 1 and 3 only. Let’s break down each pair to understand why:
1. Alma-Ata Declaration — Healthcare of the people
This is correctly matched. The Alma-Ata Declaration was adopted in September 1978 at the International Conference on Primary Health Care in Alma-Ata (now Almaty), Kazakhstan. It emphasized the importance of primary health care as the key to achieving the goal of “Health for All” by the year 2000, marking a significant moment in public health history.
2. Hague Convention — Biological and chemical weapons
This is not correctly matched. The Hague Conventions were a series of international treaties and declarations negotiated at The Hague in the Netherlands. While they covered various aspects of war and ethics, the specific prohibition of biological and chemical weapons is more directly addressed in other treaties such as the Geneva Protocol of 1925 and the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) of 1972 and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) of 1993.
3. Talanoa Dialogue — Global climate change
This is correctly matched. The Talanoa Dialogue is a process designed to help countries implement and enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement on climate change. It was introduced during the 2017 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP23) in Bonn, Germany, with the aim of sharing stories and experiences to make more informed decisions regarding climate actions.
4. Under2 Coalition — Child rights
This is not correctly matched. The Under2 Coalition is a global community of state and regional governments committed to ambitious climate action in line with the Paris Agreement. It has nothing to do with child rights. The focus of the Under2 Coalition is on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy, not on child rights.
Therefore, the pairs correctly matched are 1 (Alma-Ata Declaration — Healthcare of the people) and 3 (Talanoa Dialogue — Global climate change), making the correct answer c) 1 and 3 only.
Q. In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens?
1.Person with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000 2.Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs. 2,00,000 3.Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than Rs. 3,00,000 4.All Senior Citizens Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 and 2 only b) 3 and 4 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1 and 4 only Correct Answer : a) 1 and 2 only