Prelims Solution

Q. With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Trumult is the description of which of the following events?

Q. With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Trumult is the description of which of the following events?

(a) The Revolt of 1857
(b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921
(c) The Indigo Revolt of 1859-60
(d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

Correct Answer – (d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper

Explanation:

Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

The term “Ulgulan,” or the Great Tumult, specifically refers to the rebellion led by Birsa Munda in the late 19th century. This movement aimed at establishing Munda Raj and removing British government and missionaries from their region. It was a significant tribal uprising against the British colonial rule and the exploitative practices of landlords and missionaries in the region that is now part of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha in India.

Birsa Munda, a tribal leader and a freedom fighter, mobilized the tribal community, particularly the Mundas, against the British Raj and their policies that were detrimental to the tribal way of life. His movement not only demanded the end of British rule but also sought to restore the traditional land rights of the tribals, which had been eroded by British land revenue policies and the activities of Christian missionaries.

Q. With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Trumult is the description of which of the following events? Read More »

Q. Wellesley established the Fort William College Calcutta because

Q. Wellesley established the Fort William College Calcutta because

(a) he was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so
(b) he wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India
(c) he wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment
(d) he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

Correct Answer – (d) he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper

Explanation:

Fort William College

Fort William College, also known as the College of Fort William, was established in Calcutta (now Kolkata) by Lord Wellesley, the then Governor-General of British India, in 1800. The primary purpose behind the establishment of this college was to train British civilians in the languages and cultures of India to ensure more efficient administration of the country.

Wellesley recognized the need for British officials to be knowledgeable about the local languages, laws, customs, and traditions to govern more effectively and empathetically. This initiative was part of the broader British effort to strengthen their administrative control over India by improving communication and understanding between the British officials and the local population.

Q. Wellesley established the Fort William College Calcutta because Read More »

Q. Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of

Q. Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of

(a) peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters
(b) its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions
(c) national leaders’ opposition to the cultivation if indigo
(d) Government control over the planters

Correct Answer – (b) its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions

Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper

Explanation:

Decline of Indigo Cultivation in India

The primary reason for the decline of indigo cultivation in India was indeed its unprofitability in the world market, largely due to the advent of synthetic dyes. In 1856, William Henry Perkin, a British chemist, accidentally discovered the first synthetic dye, known as mauveine, while attempting to synthesize quinine for the treatment of malaria. This discovery marked the beginning of the synthetic dye industry, which rapidly expanded and led to the development of a wide range of synthetic dyes that were cheaper and more reliable than natural indigo. As these synthetic dyes became more popular, the demand for natural indigo, which was more expensive and labor-intensive to produce, declined sharply. This made the cultivation of indigo unprofitable for farmers in India, leading to a significant reduction in its production.

Q. Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of Read More »

Q. In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around

Q. In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around

  1. women’s right to gain education
  2. age of consent
  3. restitution of conjugal rights

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer – (b) 2 and 3 only

Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper

Explanation:

The Rakhmabai Case of 1884

The Rakhmabai case of 1884 is a landmark case in Indian legal history, particularly in the context of women’s rights. This case revolved around two main issues:

1. Age of Consent

The case highlighted the issue of child marriage and the age of consent in India. Rakhmabai was married at the age of 11 but refused to live with her husband, Dadaji Bhikaji, arguing that she was married off at a young age without her consent. The case brought to the forefront the debate on the legal age of consent for marriage in India.

2. Restitution of Conjugal Rights

The case was essentially about Dadaji Bhikaji suing Rakhmabai for restitution of conjugal rights, which means he sought a legal order for Rakhmabai to resume marital relations and live with him. The case thus revolved around the legal rights of husbands over their wives and the autonomy of women in marital relationships.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

(b) 2 and 3 only

Q. In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around Read More »

Q. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?

Q. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?

  1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
  2. Plant cells do not have plasma membranes unlike animal cells which do.
  3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst an animal cell has many small vacuoles.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer – (c) 1 and 3 only

Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper

Explanation:

Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells

Cell Walls

One of the fundamental differences between plant and animal cells is the presence of a rigid cell wall in plant cells. This cell wall is primarily made of cellulose, which provides structural support and protection. Animal cells, on the other hand, do not have a cell wall and are instead surrounded by a flexible plasma membrane.

Plasma Membranes

Both plant and animal cells have plasma membranes. The plasma membrane is a crucial component of all living cells, acting as a barrier that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell. In plant cells, the plasma membrane is located just inside the cell wall.

Vacuoles

A characteristic feature of mature plant cells is the presence of one large central vacuole that occupies a significant portion of the cell’s volume. This vacuole plays a role in maintaining cell pressure, storage of nutrients, and waste products. Animal cells may contain vacuoles, but these are usually smaller and more numerous than the large central vacuole found in plant cells.

Therefore, the correct statements regarding the general differences between plant and animal cells are 1 and 3, making the correct answer (c) 1 and 3 only.

Q. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells? Read More »