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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explanation:

National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) | Department of Justice | India (doj.gov.in)

Explanation:

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, is a milestone document in the history of human rights. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected. The Declaration consists of a preamble and 30 articles, affirming an individual’s rights which include, but are not limited to, the right to life, liberty, and security of person; freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; recognition everywhere as a person before the law; freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; freedom of opinion and expression; the right to work and education; and the right to participate in government and in free elections.

Reflection in the Constitution of India

Now, let’s examine how the Constitution of India reflects these principles and provisions through its Preamble, Directive Principles of State Policy, and Fundamental Duties:

1. Preamble

The Preamble to the Constitution of India is a brief introductory statement that sets out the guiding purpose and principles of the document. It reflects the spirit of the UDHR through its commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Preamble declares the intent to secure to all its citizens justice (social, economic, and political), liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship, equality of status and opportunity, and to promote among them all fraternity, assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the nation. These ideals are in harmony with the UDHR’s emphasis on human dignity, equality, and freedom.

2. Directive Principles of State Policy

Part IV of the Indian Constitution contains the Directive Principles of State Policy, which set forth the aims and objectives to be taken up by the State in the governance of the country. Although not enforceable by any court, these principles are fundamental in the governance of the country, aiming to create a social and economic framework that reflects the rights and freedoms outlined in the UDHR. For example, Article 39 directs the State to ensure that citizens, men and women equally, have the right to an adequate means of livelihood, and Article 45 aims to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years, reflecting the UDHR’s emphasis on social security, education, and equality.

3. Fundamental Duties

Introduced by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, the Fundamental Duties are listed in Article 51A of Part IV-A of the Constitution. They complement the Fundamental Rights by urging citizens to perform duties essential for the national interest. Some of these duties, such as respecting the ideals and institutions of the Constitution, promoting harmony, and valuing and preserving the rich heritage of our composite culture, reflect the spirit of the UDHR’s call for mutual respect, tolerance, and duties to the community essential for free and full development of one’s personality.

Source : Universal Declaration of Human Rights | United Nations

Explanation:

Constitutional Government

A constitutional government is defined as a government whose power is defined and limited by law. The key characteristic of a constitutional government is that it operates under a set of laws and principles that specify how the government is constituted, how it functions, and what powers it has. This is typically laid out in a written constitution, which serves as the supreme law of the land.

Constitution

The constitution not only outlines the structure of the government and the distribution of powers among its branches but also establishes the fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizens, thereby limiting the government’s power over them.

Explanation:

Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003

The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003, was enacted by the Parliament of India to institutionalize financial discipline, reduce India’s fiscal deficit, improve macroeconomic management and the overall management of the public funds by the government. Under the provisions of the FRBM Act, the government is required to place before the Parliament three statements each financial year, along with the Budget and Appropriation Bills. These are:

• 1. The Medium Term Fiscal Policy Statement
• 2. The Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement
• 3. The Macro Economic Framework Statement

The Macro Economic Framework Statement is specifically mentioned under Section 3 of the FRBM Act. This document is crucial as it provides the macroeconomic framework for the relevant financial year, outlining the government’s assessment of the economy’s growth prospects, fiscal policy strategy, and the key fiscal measures and targets. It serves as a backdrop against which the budgetary allocations and fiscal policy decisions are made, ensuring that they are aligned with the broader economic objectives and fiscal discipline goals.

Therefore, the presentation of the Macro Economic Framework Statement along with the Budget is mandated by the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003, and not by parliamentary convention or specific articles of the Constitution of India.