1 Consider the following statements:
The arrival of Babur into India led to the:
(1) Introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
(2) Introduction of arch and dome in the region’s architecture
(3) Establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region
(4) Introduction of cannons in warfare
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 3 and 4
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Only 1 and 2
(d) None of the above

ans. a
Explanation: Gunpowder is believed to have been introduced to India during 7th-8th Century, likely by Islamic traders and travellers. Much before the arrival of Babur. „ Arch and dome had been introduced by the Delhi sultanates. Babar establishment of Timurid dynasty in India in 1526 AD.

2 Which among the following ports was called Babul Makka (Gate of Makka) during the Mughal period?
(a) Surat
(b) Cambay
(c) Broach
(d) Calicut

ans. a
Explanation: The port that was often referred to as “Babul Makka” during the Mughal period was Surat. Pilgrims from various regions, including the Mughal Empire, would often embark on their journey to Mecca from Surat. As a result, Surat was associated with the concept of being a “gateway to Mecca”, which is what “Babul Makka” signifies.

3 ‘Ashta Pradhan’ was a Council of Ministers:
(a) In the Chola administration
(b) In the Maratha administration
(c) In the Vijayanagara administration
(d) In the Gupta administration

ans.b
Explanation: The Ashtapradhan (also spelled Astapradhan) was a council of eight ministers who played a crucial role in the administration of the Maratha Empire, particularly during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Each minister was responsible for a specific department of the government. The Ashtapradhan system was a wellorganized and efficient administrative structure.

4 The painting of ‘Bodhisattva Padmapani’ is located at:
(a) Ellora
(b) Ajanta
(c) Badami
(d) Bagh

ans. b
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are renowned for their ancient Buddhist rock-cut cave paintings and sculptures. Among the beautiful artwork found in these caves is a notable depiction of Bodhisattva Padmapani.

5 Consider the following statements:
(1) Fa-Hien was a Chinese pilgrim who visited India during the reign of Harsha.
(2) Hiuen Tsang was a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) Only 1
(d) None of the above

ans. d
Explanation: The option have been interchanged. „ Fa-hien, a Chinese pilgrim and Buddhist monk, embarked on a religious mission to India during the reign of Chandragupta II, a prominent Gupta dynasty ruler. „ Hiuen Tsang visited India between AD 627 and 643, during the reign of Harsha (Harshavardhana).

6 Match List-I with List-II :

   List-I                 List-II
(A) Charaka 1. Mathematics
(B) Brahmagupta 2. Medicine
(C) Varahamihira 3. Playwright
(D) Vishakhadatta 4. Astrology
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 3 2 4 1
(c) 1 4 3 2
(d) 2 1 4 3

ans. d

Charaka: Charaka was an ancient Indian physician and is often regarded as one of the principal contributors to the ancient Indian science of medicine, Ayurveda. „
Brahmagupta: He made significant contributions to mathematics, including solutions to quadratic equations. „
Varahamihira: Varahamihira was an ancient Indian astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer. „
Vishakhadatta: Vishakhadatta was an ancient Indian playwright and is best known for his play “Mudrarakshasa”.

7 Who among the following introduced the Persian festival Nowruz in India?
(a) Alauddin Khilji
(b) Balban
(c) Iltutmish
(d) Firuz Shah Tughlaq

ans. b
Balban introduced the renowned Persian festival of Nowruz in an attempt to impress his subjects with his wealth and authority. Nowruz is a New Year celebration that marks the Spring Equinox.

8 Nathpanthis, Siddhas and Yogis made devotional religion popular in:
(a) Southern India
(b) Eastern India
(c) Western India
(d) Northern India

ans.d
Explanation: The Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis were a group of devoted followers who embraced the Bhakti tradition in northern India during a specific historical period. Similar to other religious movements of that era, this group rejected conventional religious rituals, traditional practices, and societal hierarchies.

9 Consider the following statements regarding Wood’s Dispatch of 1854:
(1) It recommended English as the medium of instruction for higher studies.
(2) It laid stress on female education and vocational training.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 2
(b) Both 1 and 2
(c) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Only 1

ans. b
Explanation: The Wood’s Dispatch, also known as the “Despatch on Education,” was a significant educational policy in British India introduced by Sir Charles Wood, the President of the Board of Control for India, in 1854. In the Wood’s Dispatch the medium of instruction for higher education was primarily English. Wood’s Dispatch advocated for the promotion of female education, acknowledging the importance of educating women for societal development.

10 The Maithili language was started to develop during the reign of which of the following?
(a) Oiniwar dynasty
(b) Karnat dynasty
(c) Pithipatis
(d) Chero dynasty

ans. b
Explanation: The Maithili language began to develop and flourish under the patronage of the Mithila Kingdom and the Mithila dynasty, also known as the Karnatas of Mithila. „
Maithili is considered one of the Indo-Aryan languages and has a long history of literary and cultural contributions.

11 Which city served as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Magadha during the early Vedic period?
(a) Campa
(b) Vaishali
(c) Pataliputra
(d) Rajagriha

ans. d
Explanation: The main part of the kingdom was in the area of Bihar south of the Ganges River. At first, its capital was Rajagriha, which is the modern Rajgir, and later it moved to Pataliputra, the modern Patna. Rajagriha was initially called ‘Girivrijja’, but it got its new name during Ajatashatru’s rule.

12 Which of the following statements about the Vernacular Press Act is/are correct?
(1) It was enacted by Lord Lytton.
(2) It came to be known as a ‘Gagging Act’.
(3) The Act was repealed by Lord Ripon.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) Only 2 and 3
(b) Only 1
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) Only 1 and 2

ans.c
Explanation: Lord Lytton introduced this act as part of their efforts to control and regulate the Indian vernacular press, which they perceived as a source of criticism and political unrest. „
The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 is also known by another name: the “Gagging Act”. „
The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was repealed by the Viceroy of India, Lord Ripon in 1882.

13 Which of the following statements about Lord Mayo’s Resolution of 1870 are correct?
(1) It was the first step that bifurcated Central and Provincial finances.
(2) Provincial Governments were empowered to administer certain services.
(3) It attempted to rectify existing imparity.
(4) It focussed on the actual needs of the Provinces.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) Only 1, 3 and 4
(b) Only 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) Only 1 and 2

ans. c
Explanation: Lord Mayo’s Resolution of 1870, emphasizing decentralization, regional focus, efficiency, and accountability in the administration of British India. „
Lord Mayo’s Resolution of 1870 was a significant step that divided Central and Provincial finances. „
The resolution empowered Provincial Governments to administer specific services. „
The resolution aimed to rectify existing disparities in financial matters. „
The resolution aimed to address the actual needs of the provinces in terms of finances and administration.

14 Nitisara, an early book of politics, was written by:
(a) Charaka
(b) Kamandaka
(c) Kautilya
(d) None of them

ans.b
Explanation: “Nitisara” is a famous Sanskrit text on statecraft and political ethics in ancient India. It was written by the renowned Indian scholar Kamandaka. It provides valuable insights into principles of governance, statecraft, ethics, and political philosophy.

15 Futuhat-i-Alamgiri was written by:
(a) Haridas
(b) Bhimsen
(c) Ishwardas Nagar
(d) None of them

ans. c
Explanation: Ishwardas Nagar’s “Futuhat-i-Alamgiri” is a significant historical account that provides valuable insights into the lengthy reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, which spanned half a century from 1658 to 1707 AD.

16 According to Chinese source, Meghavarman, the ruler of Sri Lanka, sent a missionary to which of the following Gupta Kings for permission to build a Buddhist temple at Gaya?
(a) Chandragupta II
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta I
(d) None of them

ans. b
Explanation: Meghavarman, the Buddhist king of Ceylon, dispatched a missionary to Samudragupta seeking permission to construct a Buddhist temple in Gaya. Samudragupta, in response, granted the requested permission, allowing Meghavarman to establish a monastery at Bodh Gaya.

17 When was Bihar first separated from the Bengal Presidency under the British-ruled India?
(a) 1947
(b) 1936
(c) 1912
(d) None of the above

ans. c
Explanation: Bihar and Orissa was separated from Bengal on 22 March 1912, with Patna as capital.

18 In Indian art, the construction of ‘Stupa’, ‘Chaitya’ and ‘Vihara’ is related to which of the following?
(a) Vaishnava sect
(b) Buddhism
(c) Shaiva sect
(d) Ajivika sect

ans. b
Explanation: Stupa, Chaitya, and Vihara are important elements in Buddhist architecture and religious practice. Three types of structures are: monasteries (viharas), places to venerate relics (stupas), and shrines or prayer halls (chaityas, also called chaitya grihas), which later came to be called temples in some places.

19 In the context of Indian handicrafts, what is ‘Sujini’ in Bihar?
(a) A metal craft
(b) A type of embroidery
(c) A type of clay pottery
(d) A type of glassware

ans.b
Explanation: The Sujani embroidery of Bihar is a textile art form that has been granted protection under the GI registration act. This traditional craft typically involves the creation of quilts or bedspreads, originally made from old clothes but now more commonly fashioned from readily available fabrics. The embroidery is characterized by its use of simple stitches and features motifs that convey stories.

20 Consider the following statements regarding the Vikramshila University in Bihar:
(1) It was located in the present-day Banka district of Bihar.
(2) It was established by King Gopala I of the Pala dynasty.
(3) The Vajrayana’ sect of Buddhism flourished here.
(4) Other subjects like Astronomy, Logic, Law, Grammar and Philosophy were also taught here.
Which of the above statements are incorrect?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 4
(c) 2 and 3
(d) None of the above

ans. a
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect. „
Statement 1: Vikramshila University was not located in the present-day Banka district of Bihar. It was situated near the modern town of Bhagalpur in Bihar, India. „
Statement 2: Vikramshila University was established by King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty, not King Gopala I.

21 Which of the following National Parks/Wildlife Sanctuaries are in Bihar?
(1) Valmiki National Park
(2) Dudhwa National Park
(3) Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
(4) Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 4

ans.d
Explanation: Dhudwa national park is located in Uttar Pradesh. Whereas Gajner wildlife sanctuary is in Rajasthan. Valmiki National Park and Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary are located in Bihar.

22 Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Gangetic Dolphin’:
(1) The Gangetic River Dolphin has been categorized as ‘endangered’ under the IUCN’s Red List.
(2) It does not have a crystalline eye lens rendering it effectively blind.
(3) Navigation and hunting are carried out using echolocation.
(4) It has been recognized as India’s National Aquatic Animal.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only 1, 3 and 4
(b) Only 2, 3 and 4
(c) Only 1, 2 and 4
(d) All of the above

ans. d
Explanation: The Gangetic River dolphin has been listed as endangered under the IUCN Red List since 1996. „
The Gangetic dolphin lost its eyes in the course of evolution to adapt to the muddy water of rivers. They largely navigate by echo-location or sonar. „
The Ganges River Dolphin or also called ‘Susu’, is the National Aquatic Animal of India.

23. The other name of river Gandak is:
(a) Mahananda
(b) Narayani
(c) Punpun
(d) Burhi Gandak

ans.b
Explanation: The Gandak River, originates in central Nepal where it is formed by the confluence of the Kali and Trisuli rivers, both of which have their sources in the Great Himalaya Range. From this point of confluence in Nepal to its crossing into India, it is referred to as the Narayani River.

24 Gold is found in which of the following districts of Bihar?
(a) Saran
(b) Siwan
(c) Jamui
(d) Munger

ans. c
Explanation: According to a survey conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), there are approximately 222.88 million tonnes of gold reserves in the Jamui district, which includes 37.6 tonnes of mineral-rich ore.

25 The Triveni Canal has been constructed on which of the following rivers?
(a) Sone
(b) Gandak
(c) Mayurakshi
(d) Kosi

ans.b
Explanation: The Triveni Canal has been built along the Gandak River and primarily serves the purpose of irrigation in the north-western region of Bihar. The Gandak River is a left bank tributary of the Ganges.