GENERAL STUDIES Prelims Mock TEST No.

1770
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Q.1 :c
The Citadels or Acropolis in Harappan
civilization were built in the west part of the
city. It was occupied by the members of the
ruling class. Below the citadel in each city lay
a lower town containing brick houses, which
were inhabited by the common people. Great
Bath was situated in the citadel mound and it
served ritual bathing. It was built of burnt
bricks. One of the most distinctive features of
Harappan cities was the carefully planned
drainage system. Roads and streets were
laid out along an approximate "grid" pattern,
intersecting at right angles. Thus only
statement 3 is correct.

orthodox and revivalist movement which

opposed the concept of unity of God and
created beings. Hence, statement 1 is wrong.
The school also opposed all those practices
which were due to the influence of Hinduism
such as the use of music in religious
gatherings, excessive meditation, visiting
tombs of saints etc. Hence, statement 2 is
correct.

Q.6 :a
The analogy of flame of a lamp which kindles
other lamp before being extinguished was
used to explain the process of transmigration
of soul, which was different from other
contemporary philosophies.
In other religion and philosophy something is
being transferred from one life to another.
whereas, in Buddhism transmigration nothing
is transferred but, a new life arises as a chain
of events.

Q.2 :d
RigVeda to two popular assemblies called
sabha and samiti which seem to have formed
an essential feature of the government it was
the samiti, which mainly dealt with policy
decisions and political business, included
common people. So statement 1 is incorrect
the sabha, less political in character, was a
more select body of the Elders or Nobles. It
was through these two assemblies that the
will of the people on important matters of the
rashtra was expressed. So statement 2 is
incorrect also.

Q.7 :c
During medieval period, withdrawal of royal
patronage to painting under Aurangzeb led
to the dispersal of artists to different places
in the country. This helped in the
development of the art of painting in
Rajasthan and the Punjab hills giving rise to
distinct schools of paintings - Rajasthani and
Pahari Schools. Pala and Apabhramsa are
ancient schools of miniature painting.

Q.3 :b
Ur, a settlement of peasants was the
smallest unit of administration in Chola
empire. Nadu was group of villages and
formed a larger unit. Hence, Statement 1 is
wrong.
The villages in Chola empire enjoyed selfgovernment, the village assemblies like
mahasabha performed various administrative
functions including dispensing justice and
collecting taxes. They could also settle new
lands and exercise ownership rights over
them. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Q.4 :d
Muqaddams referred to village headmen and
khuts were smaller landlord who enjoyed a
high standard of life than ordinary peasants
during Sultanate period.

Q.5 :b
The Naqshbandi school of Sufis was an

Q.8 :a
Some of the earliest bhakti movements were
led by the Alvars (literally, those who are
immersed in devotion to Vishnu) and
Nayanars (literally, leaders who were
devotees of Shiva). They travelled from place
to place singing hymns in Tamil in praise of
their gods. During their travels the Alvars
and Nayanars identified certain shrines as
abodes of their chosen deities. Very often
large temples were later built at these sacred
places.
These developed as centres of pilgrimage.
Singing compositions of these poet-saints
became part of temple rituals in these
shrines, as did worship of the saints images.
The most striking features of these traditions
was the presence of women like Andal was a
women Alvar and Karaikkkal Ammaiyar(
Nayanar), a devotee of Shiva , adopted the
path of extrame ascetism inorder to attain
her goal.These women renounced their social

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obligations , but didnot join an alternative
order or become nuns. Hence, only 3rd
statement is incorrect.

the earliest form of dance which forms the

basis of all stylised dances in Manipur.
Literally meaning - the merrymaking of the
gods, it is performed as a ceremonial offering
of song and dance. The principal performers
are the maibas and maibis (priests and
priestesses) who re-enact the theme of the
creation of the world.

Q.9 :a
3D printing or additive manufacturing is a
process of making three dimensional solid
objects from a digital file. The creation of a
3D printed object is achieved using additive
processes. In an additive process an object is
created by laying down successive layers of
material until the entire object is created.
Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly
sliced horizontal cross-section of the
eventual object.
Applications include rapid prototyping,
architectural scale models & maquettes,
healthcare (3d printed prosthetics and
printing with human tissue) and
entertainment (e.g. film props).
Other examples of 3D printing would include
reconstructing fossils in paleontology,
replicating ancient artifacts in archaeology,
reconstructing bones and body parts in
forensic pathology and reconstructing
heavily damaged evidence acquired from
crime scene investigations.
Pandorum Technologies Pvt. Ltd, a
biotechnology start-up focused on tissue
engineering, has made Indias first artificial
human liver tissue with the help of 3D
printing technology.
Treating diseases such as alzheimers has not
been established yet in any of the research;
neither has it been used in genetic
modification.

Q.12 :b
Manipuri dance incorporates both the
tandava and lasya. The cult of Radha and
Krishna, particularly the raslila, is central to
its themes but the dances, unusually,
incorporate the characteristic cymbals (kartal
or manjira) and double-headed drum (pung
or Manipuri mrdanga) of sankirtan into the
visual performance.
The lyrics used in Manipuri are usually from
the classical poetry of Jayadeva, Vidyapati,
Chandidas, Govindadas or Gyandas and may
be in Sanskrit, Maithili, Brij Bhasha or others.
Hence, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Q.13 :d
Akbar commissioned Gulbadan Begum( sister
of Humayun) to chronicle the story of his
father Humayun. It was written in Persian.
Alamgir Nama , a history of the first 10 years
of Aurangzeb's reign was compiled by
Muhammad Kazim.
Akbar Nama, a history of Akbar's reign was
written by Abul Fazl.

Q.14 :d
Q.10 :d
Many crafts persons and merchants formed
associations known as shrenis. They provided
training, procured raw material and
distributed the finished product. They also
served as banks, where rich men and women
deposited money. This was invested, and
part of the interest was returned or used to
support religious institutions such as
monasteries.
Mandasor stone inscription(Madhya Pradesh)
provides insights into nature of these
shrenis.

Q.11 :d
Lai Haraoba is one of the main festival
performed in Manipur which has its roots in
the pre-Vaishnavite period. Lai Haraoba is

A study of development of scripts is called

Palaeography whereas, the study of
inscriptions is called Epigraphy.
One of the most important and reliable
sources of history writing are inscriptions. An
inscription, being a contemporary document,
is free from later interpolations. It comes in
the form it was composed in and engraved
for the first time. It is almost impossible to
add something to it at a later stage.

Q.15 :a
Statement 3 is incorrect because till that
date Mughal had not expanded their Empire
in the South.
Strain began to show within the imperial
structure following Krishnadeva Rayas death
in 1529. His successors were troubled by

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rebellious nayakas or military chiefs. By 1542
control at the centre had shifted to another
ruling lineage, that of the Aravidu, which
remained in power till the end of the
seventeenth century. During this period, as
indeed earlier, the military ambitions of the
rulers of Vijayanagara as well as those of the
Deccan Sultanates resulted in shifting
alignments. Eventually this led to an alliance
of the Sultanates against Vijayanagara.

When ordinary urea is applied, it gets

converted to ammonium carbamate. Some of
this gets converted to ammonia gas in what
is called ammonia volatilisation.
About 8-10 per cent nitrogen is lost during
volatilization. The rest of the ammonium
carbamate undergoes chemical
transformation and nitrates are formed.
Some of these are absorbed by the plants.
The rest are either leached into the
underground water or are denitrified to
gaseous nitrogen and nitrous oxide under
anaerobic conditions (absence of oxygen).
Neem has properties that check nitrogen loss
at each stage. It slows down the process of
nitrate formation and hence excess nitrate is
not available for denitrification.
When farmers use this urea, the slow release
of nitrogen helps the fertility of the soil.
Therefore, there will be more yield to the
extent of 15-20%. Also, the higher usage of
neem-coated urea would check diversion of
urea for industrial use.Neem coated urea
also works as insecticide.

Q.16 :a
Vajji (a confederacy of eight republican clans,
situated to the north of the river Ganga in
Bihar) with its capital, Vaishali, so pair 1 is
correct.
Chedi, (covering the modern Bundelkhand
area with its capital at Shuktimati), so pair 2
is incorrect.
Ashmaka (between the rivers Narmada' and
Godavari) with its capital at Potana, so pair 3
is also incorrect

Q.17 :b

Q.20 :d
The RigVedic society comprised four varnas,
namely Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya and
Shudra. This classification of society was
based on the occupation of individuals. So
statement 1 is correct.
The teacher and priests were called
Brahmanas; rulers and administrators
kshatriyas; farmers, merchants and bankers
vaisyas; and artisan and labourers as sudras.
These vocations were followed by persons
according to their ability and liking, and the
occupations had not become hereditary as
they become later on. So statement 2 is
incorrect.
Members of the same family took to different
professions and belonged to different varnas.
So statement 3 is also incorrect.

Discussions of the various religion led Akbar

to the idea of sulh-i kul or - universal
peace.This idea of tolerance did not
discriminate between people of different
religions in his realm. Instead it focused on a
system of ethics - honesty, justice, peace that was universally applicable. Abul Fazl
helped Akbar in framing a vision of
governance around this idea of sulh-i kul.
This principle of governance was followed by
Jahangir and Shah Jahan as well.

Q.21 :d
From archeological finds it appears that the
people of Indus valley were fashion
conscious.
Use of earring, Necklace, Lipstic, Facepowder
(cinnabar used for this), collyrium (eyeliner),
Necklace and anklets were used by them.
Different hairstyles and beard was also in
vogue.

Q.18 :c
It was written by Brahmagupta, it deals with
zero number, denotes positive numbers as
fortune and negative numbers as debt.
Q.22 :d
Q.19 :a
Urea is an important supplier of nitrogen,
which is necessary for the development of
plants. But only 30-40 per cent of nitrogen
present in the urea is utilised by crops. The
rest gets degraded.

Nalanda university was one of the famous

ancient university, which drew people from
all across the parts of South East Asia, china
etc.
In Nalanda university, all the three form of
Buddhist doctrines were taught to the

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students with a strict entrance examination
for students.
Theravada: Theravada means the "Doctrine
of the Elders," is the school of Buddhism that
draws its scriptural inspiration from the
Tipitaka.
Mahayana: also known as the "great
vehicle". They believed in the original
teaching of Buddha without making any
interpretations to it.
Vajrayana: They made Buddhism tantracised
by inclusion of tara with boddhisatvas.

published earlier, are not eligible for Award.

However, if at least 75% of the work included
in a collection has been published for the
first time in book form, it can be considered
for Award.
An incomplete work may be considered for
the award only if the part that comprises the
book is complete in itself.
A posthumous publication is eligible for
Award only if the author has died within the
five year period stipulated for the award or
later.
A book shall be disqualified for the award if it
is established to the satisfaction of the
Executive Board that canvassing has been
done by the author.
Books will not be submitted directly from
authors and publishers.

Q.23 :c
The Sahitya Akademi was formally
inaugurated by the Government of India on
12 March 1954. The Government of India
Resolution, which set forth the constitution of
the Akademi, described it as a national
organisation to work actively for the
development of Indian letters and to set high
literary standards, to foster and co-ordinate
literary activities in all the Indian languages
and to promote through them all the cultural
unity of the country. Though set up by the
Government, the Akademi functions as an
autonomous organisation. It was
registered as a society on 7 January
1956, under the Societies Registration
Act, 1860.
The work must be published in the
language recognized by the Akademi
and the author must be of Indian
Nationality.

Q.24 :d
The deterioration in the position of women is
quite perceptible in the Gupta age. The
Svayamvara and Gandharva forms of
marriage fell into disuse and the Arsa and
Asura forms in which the bride had to be
given with a price became popular.
Widows could not marry again.
Women had no right to real property.
Therefore, all the given statements are
correct.

Q.25 :c
The Pandya kingdom occupied roughly the
region of the modern districts of Tirunelveli,
Ramnad and Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The
capital of the kingdom was Madurai, The.
Cholas occupied the delta of the Kaveri river
and the adjoining region So statement 1 is
incorrect.
Under the Pandyas, the capital Madurai and
port city Korkai were great centres of trade
and commerce. So statement 2 is correct
The Pandyan kingdom was very wealthy and
prosperous. The traders profited from trade
with the Roman Empire. Pandya kings even
sent embassies to the Roman emperor
Augustus and Trojan.so statement 3 is also
correct.

Criteria of eligibility for the Award:

In order to be eligible for the award, the book
must be an outstanding contribution to the
language and literature to which it belongs.
The book may be a creative or a critical
work, but must not be
a work of translation; or
an anthology of multiple authors; or
an abridgement, or
a compilation, or
an annotation; or
a treatise or research work prepared for a
university degree or any examination; or the
work of an author who has earlier won an
award from the Akademi (other than the
Translation Prize, Bal Sahitya Puraskar and
Yuva Puraskar); or
a recipient of Bhasha Samman; or
the Fellow of Sahitya Akademi; or
the work of an author who is a member of
the Executive Board of the Akademi.
A fresh collection of writings published earlier
in book form, or revised editions of books

Q.26 :b
The concept of Amman shrine to house chief
goddess emerged during Vijayanagara
period.
Vesara style is actually a hybrid of Nagara
and Dravida style of temple architecture and

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this style was adopted by the Chalukyas of
Badami. Badami is an important site for this
architecture.
In Nagara style the temple rises to a great
height in a curvilinear manner curving inside
to meet at the highest point.
While in Dravida style the temple tower rises
up geometrically in a straight slope like a
stepped pyramid. Vesara style is somewhere
in between the two.

personality of Samudragupta. It was

composed by Harishena.
It was then used by Jahangir to
commemorate his accession to the throne.
At some point of time, the pillar was moved
from its original location and installed within
Akbar's Allahabad Fort in Allahabad, Uttar
Pradesh.
Therefore, d is the correct answer.

Q.30 :b
Q.27 :c
In the North West-, the Kashmiri neolithic
culture was distinguished by its dwelling pits
, range of ceramics and variety of stone and
bone tools and complete absence of the
microliths. An important site is that of
Burzahom, which means 'the place of birch' (
North West of Srinagar). The placing of
domestic dogs in the graves of the masters
do not seem to be the practice with neolithic
people in any other part of India. Burial
practices were different in the different
regions of the ancient India. Both the
statements are correct. However almost
complete extended burial practice obtained
in western India. In southern India it used to
be buried in east-west position. In fractional
burial bones are found to be piled up.

Q.28 :a
The consolidation of a kingdom as vast as
the Delhi Sultanate needed reliable
governors and administrators. Rather than
appointing aristocrats and landed chieftains
as governors, the early Delhi.
Sultans, especially Iltutmish, favoured their
special slaves purchased for military service,
called bandagan in Persian. They were
carefully trained to man some of the most
important political offices in the kingdom.
Since they were totally dependent upon their
master, the Sultan could trust and rely upon
them.

Q.29 :d
There are three principal inscriptions on the
Allahabad Pillar. It was first erected by
Ashoka for the purpose of inscribing his
edicts regarding the propagation of
Buddhism.
It was next made use of by Samudragupta
and is the most important historical
document of the classical Gupta age. It
eulogizes the achievements, conquests and

For centuries maharis were the chief

repositories of this dance. The maharis, who
were originally temple dancers came to be
employed in royal courts which resulted in
the degeneration of the art form. Around this
time, a class of boys called gotipuas were
trained in the art, they danced in the temples
and also for general entertainment. Many of
today's gurus of this style belong to the
gotipua tradition.
Facial expressions, hand gestures and body
movements are used to suggest a certain
feeling, an emotion or one of the nine rasas.

Q.31 :d
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation
(BIMSTEC) is a regional organization
comprising seven Member States lying in the
littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of
Bengal constituting a contiguous regional
unity. It constitutes seven Member States:
five deriving from South Asia, including
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka,
and two from Southeast Asia, including
Myanmar and Thailand. Initially, the
economic bloc was formed with four Member
States with the acronym 'BIST-EC'
(Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand
Economic Cooperation). Following the
inclusion of Myanmar on 22 December 1997
during a special Ministerial Meeting in
Bangkok, the Group was renamed 'BIMST-EC'
(Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and
Thailand Economic Cooperation). With the
admission of Nepal and Bhutan at the 6th
Ministerial Meeting (February 2004,
Thailand), the name of the grouping was
changed to 'Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation' (BIMSTEC). BIMSTEC has also
established a platform for intra-regional
cooperation between SAARC and ASEAN
members.
BIMSTEC Summits
2nd BIMSTEC Summit 2008- New

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Delhi
3rd BIMSTEC Summit 2014 - Nay Pyi
Taw, Myanmar
4th BIMSTEC Summit - Nepal

The Indo Islamic architecture was synthesis

of architectural form of different religions.
For decorative purposes it used:
Pietra-dura: Enlaying of precious and
semiprecious stones on the walls of
the building.
Tesselation: Decoration on walls and
floors with mosaic.
Dado panel: Lower part of the interior
wall finished differently from other
walls.
Arbesque: Ornamental designs of
lines, leaves and flowers.
Jali work: Ornamental screens with
geometric figures like hexagon etc.

Q.32 :c
Chakravartin were the Kings who tried to
establish their authority from the Himalayas
to down south and from east to western
India. Ashoka and Samudragupta are often
given this title as they extended their reach
to very large areas.

Q.33 :b
Q.36 :c
The subject matter of Ajanta paintings is
almost exclusively Buddhist, excepting
decorative patterns on the ceilings and the
pillars. They are mostly associated with the
Jatakas, collection of stories, recording the
previous births of the Lord Buddha.
Both Hindu and Buddhist literature refer to
paintings of various types and techniques for
example, Lepyacitras, lekhacitras and
Dhulitcitras.
The murals chiefly depict religious scenes
from the life of the Buddha and the Buddhist
Jataka stories but we also have secular
scenes.

Rajaraja-I was the most powerful ruler of the

Chola Empire.He was a great conqueror. He
defeated the Cheras, Pandyas and the
Chalukyas. He defeated Mahinda-V of Ceylon
and built a Siva temple at Anuradhapuram.
He even conquered Maldives.Thus the power
of Cholas extended beyond South India. He
was a follower of Saivism. Devaram was
collected and codified only during his period.
He constructed the Brahadeeswara Temple
at Tanjore in 1010 A.D.
Chandragupta Maurya accepted Jainism and
went to Sravanbelgola to observe samlekhna
in which a jain follower fast unto death to get
liberated from the samsara.
Mahendravarman-I was the son of
Simhavishnu. Conflicts arose between the
Chalukyas and the Pallavas during this
period. He lost the northern parts of the
PallavaKingdom to Pulakesin II. Though a
follower of Jainism, he embraced Saivism due
to Saint Appar's influence.He was a versatile
scholar. Hetook up the titles like
Chitrakarapuli and Vichitra Chitta for his
excellence in building,painting and music. He
constructed the cities of Mahendramangalam
and Mahendravadi.

Q.34 :b
"When India came into contacts with Central
Asian ruler, the foreign princes patronized
Sanskrit literature whose earliest specimen is
found in Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman
in Kathiawar in about A.D. 50. The Kavya
style refers to the indian epic poems written
in sanskrit.
Kushanas patronize Ashvaghosh who wrote
Buddhacharita, biography of Buddha. He also
composed Sanskrit kavya, Saundarnanda.
Swapanvasavdatta was written by Bhas.
Numerous Avadans were composed in what
is known as Buddhist hybrid Sanskrit to
preach the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism
Some of the important books are Mahavastu
and the divyavadana. Avadanas refer to the
legendary literary mateials centering on
Buddha's explanations of events of present
life by a person's worthy deeds in a previous
life. Mahavastu is the most famous work
classified as avadana."

Q.37 :b
The assessment of land revenue was done on
the basis of the measurement of the land,
however the peasants were given option of
paying in cash or kind. Hence, statement 1 is
wrong.
Sher shah introduced a ces at rate of two
and a half seers per bigha in order to guard
against famine and other natural calamities.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Q.35 :d

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Q.38 :b

assumed herediatry and permanent character.

Hence statement 1,2 and 3 are wrong.
India and France have launched an
International Solar Alliance to boost solar
energy in developing countries.
The initiative was launched at the UN Climate
Change Conference in Paris. It will be a
common platform for cooperation among
solar resource rich countries lying fully or
practically between the Tropics of Cancer
and Capricorn.
It will not duplicate or replicate the efforts
that others (like International Renewable
Energy Agency (IRENA), Renewable Energy
and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP),
International Energy Agency (IEA),
Renewable Energy Policy Network for the
21st Century (REN21), United Nations bodies,
bilateral organizations etc.) are currently
engaged in, but will establish networks and
develop synergies with them.
Thus only statement 3 is wrong.
The International Renewable Energy Agency
(IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation
that supports countries in their transition to a
sustainable energy future, and serves as the
principal platform for international
cooperation. IRENA promotes the widespread
adoption and sustainable use of all forms of
renewable energy, including bioenergy,
geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and
wind energy in the pursuit of sustainable
development, energy access, energy security
and low-carbon economic growth and
prosperity.

Q.40 :d
While Carnatic music is sung and performed
in only one style. There exists various style
of singing and performing in Hindustani
music. Each style of school is called a
'gharana'. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Unlike Hindustani music, Carnatic music does
not adhere to time or Samay concept. In
Hindustan classical music, each raag is
rendered only at aspecific time. The time of
the raag depends on the vaadi swar and the
anuvadi saars. This is so as each raag with
it's particular swar is more effective if
performed at a particular time. It is supposed
to enhance the ras(mood) of the raag.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Carnatic Style employs Shrutis or semitones
to create a Raga and thus have many more
Ragas than the Hindustani style. Carnatic
ragas differ from Hindustani ragas. The
names of ragas are also different. However,
there are some ragas which have the same
scale as Hindustani ragas but have different
names; such as Hindolam and Malkauns,
Shankarabharanam and Bilawal. There is a
third category of ragas like Hamsadhwani,
Charukeshi, Kalavati etc. which are
essentially Carnatic Ragas. They share the
same name, the same scale (same set of
notes) but can be rendered in the two
distinctively different Carnatic and
Hindustani styles. Hence, statement 3 is
correct.

Q.39 :d
The Asthapradhan of Shivaji consisted of following 8
officials:
1. Peshwa, who looked after general
administration and finances.
2. Sari-i-naubat or senapati
3. Majumdar, who was an accountant.
4. Wakenavis, who was responsible for
intelligence, posts and household affairs.
5. Suranavis or chitnis, who helped in
correspondence.
6. Dabir. who was master of ceremonies.
7. Nyayadhish, was in charge of justice.
8. Panditrao, was in charge of charitable grants.
All, officers except pandit rao and nyayadhish were
asked to lead military campaigns. Under Shivaji
these offices were neither herediatry nor permanent:
they held office till the king's pleasure and they were
frequently transferred. They were directly paid by
the exchequer and no jagir was granted to any civil
or military officer. Later, under the peshwas, they

Q.41 :a
Kabir belonged to the Nirguna tradition of
Bhakti. Kabir preached a religious system
strictly montheistic advocating abolition of
Varnaashrama, and casting doubt on the
authority of the Vedas and the other sacred
books.
The school of Kabir sought to understand
Islam and was sufficiently broad minded to
incorporate some of its basic principles. That
is why his references are available in the Sufi
literature as well. Abul Fazl called Kabir a
muwahhid (monotheist). Hence statement 1,
2 and 3 are correct.
Bijak is the authoritative account of kabir's
philosophy, while Bani is collection of hyms
and poems by Dadu, who was inspired by
Kabir. Hence, statement 4 is wrong.

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Q.42 :d
Located in Kacchi plains of Baluchistan,
Mehrgarh provides the earliest evidence of
settled agriculture in the subcontinent and
probably south Asia. It is considered a
precurser to Indus Valley Civilization.
Additional Information : Dholavira, the
largest of all Indus settlements was
characterized by a middle town evidences of
irrigation, findings of gold rings, etc.
Kalibangan site is situated on banks of
Ghagghar river in Rajasthan and provides
evidence of earliest ploughed field in Indai in
its proto-harappan phase.

Narasimhavarman adopted the tittle of

Vatapikonda. He is also said to have
defeated the Cholas, the Cheras, the
Pandyas and the Kalabhrs.

Q.46 :d
All are correctly matched.
Kurnool - Traces of ash have been found here
which suggests that people were familiar
with the use of fire.
Bagor - This site provides the earliest
evidence for the domestication of animals.
Mehrgarh - Women and men learnt to grow
barley and wheat, and rear sheep and goats
for the first time in this area.

Q.43 :d
The branch of knowledge which studies coins
is called numismatics. So statement 1 is
correct.
Earliest coins, called punch marked, are in
silver and copper. Some gold punch-marked
coins are also reported to have been found,
but they are very rare and their authenticity
is doubtful. Statement 2 is also correct.
The punch-marked coins are the earliest
coins of India and they bear only symbols on
them. Each symbol is punched separately,
which sometimes overlap the another. These
have been found throughout the country,
from Taxila to Magadha to Mysore or even
further south. They do not bear any
inscription, or legend on them. statement 3
is also correct.

Q.47 :a
The most remarkable development in the
religious field in India from about the sixth
century A.D was the spread of tantricism. It
arose as a result of the large-scale admission
of the aboriginal peoples in brahmanical
society. It laid great stress on the use of
magic rituals. They were intended to satisfy
the material desires of the devotees for
physical possessions and to cure the day-today diseases and injuries.
Tantricism admitted both women and
shudras into its ranks. It permeated Jainism,
Buddhism, Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
Therefore, only 1 and 2 are correct.

Q.48 :b
Q.44 :b
Statement 1 is incorrect. The total length of
canal in India is about 4,300. Around 900 KM
is navigable but only 330 KM is used.
Statement 2 is correct. Salinity across the
coastal area hinder the smooth navigation in
the area.
Statement 3 is correct. While inland
waterways are recognised as a fuel efficient,
cost effective and environment friendly mode
of transport, it has received lesser
investment as compared to roads and
railways. Since inland waterways are lagging
behind other modes of transport, the central
government has evolved a policy for
integrated development of inland waterways.

Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect.

All the three higher varnas shared one
common feature: they were entitled to
upanayana or investiture with the sacred
thread according to the Vedic mantras. The
fourth varna was deprived of the sacred
thread ceremony and the recitation of the
Gayatri mantra.
Ashramas or four stages of life were not well
established in Vedic times. In the post Vedic
texts only 3 (Brahamchari, Grihastha and
Vanprastha) are mentioned. The fourth
stage/Ashrama (Sanyas) had not been well
established in later Vedic times.

Q.45 :b

Q.49 :a
Pulakesin II was defeated by
Narsimhavarman I, son and successor of
Mahendravarman I, After this victory

Govt. of India approved a new program titled

Global Initiative of Academic Networks
(GIAN) in Higher Education aimed at tapping

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the talent pool of scientists and
entrepreneurs, internationally to encourage
their engagement with the institutes of
Higher Education in India so as to augment
the country's existing academic resources,
accelerate the pace of quality reform, and
elevate India's scientific and technological
capacity to global excellence.
Statement 1 is correct: Addressing the
shortfall of well trained teachers is one of the
major objectives of GIAN. Teachers from
abroad would help internationalization of
Indian institutions.
Statement 2 is incorrect: IIT Kharagpur is
indeed the nodal agency. But the GIAN is not
only focused on science and related subjects.
Humanities have also been made part of it.
Statement 3 in incorrect: The initiative aims
to tap the services of international teachers.

dramaturgy written sometime during 2nd

century BC to 2nd century AD., does not
refer to the art of puppetry but the producercum-director of the human theatre has been
termed as 'Sutradhar' meaning the holder of
strings. The word might have found its place
in theatre-terminology long before
Natyashastra was written but it must come
from marionette theatre. Puppetry,
therefore, must have originated in India more
than 500 years before Christ.
Types of puppets include:
String Puppets Kathputli
Shadow Puppets - Togalu Gobeyatta
Glove Puppets - Pavakoothu
Rod Puppets - Putul Nacch.

Q.53 :a
Khajuraho temples were patronised by
Chandella dynasty. Some of the features of
the temples include:
The temples are made of sandstone.
Both the interior and exterior walls
are lavishly decorated with carvings.
Temple walls of the temples
patronized by Solanki rulers were
devoid of any carvings.
Panchayatan style of temple making
is followed. Stellate plan style,
whereby shrines are led out in the
shape of an intricately designed star,
is followed in Hoysala School of art.
The temples were generally north or
east facing.
The temples were built on relatively
high platforms.
Examples - Lakshamana Temple, Kandariya
Mahadeva Temple.
Some Jain temples are also found in
Khajuraho.

Q.50 :d
Buddhism did not follow absolute non
voilence.
As per buddhist doctrine one can kill if it is
necessary. Buddhist Monks even used to
consumed meat.

Q.51 :d
Aryabhatta discovered algebra and also
formulated the area of a triangle, which led
to the origin of Trigonometry.
Varahamihira in Panch Siddhantika gives the
summary of five schools of astronomy
present in his time.
Zero was discovered in India in the second
century BC. Brahmaguptas Brahmasputa
Siddhanta is the very first book that
mentioned zero as a number, hence,
Brahmagupta is considered as the man who
found zero.
Varahamihiras Brihatsamhita of the sixth
century AD is a work in the field of
astronomy.

Q.52 :d
India is said to be the home of puppets, but it
is yet to awaken to its unlimited possibilities.
The excavation sites at Harappa and
Mohenjo-daro have yielded puppets with
sockets attached to them, which suggest the
presence of puppetry as an art form. The
earliest reference to the art of puppetry is
found in Tamil classic 'Silappadikaaram'
written around the 1st or 2nd century B.C.
Natyashastra, the masterly treatise on

Q.54 :b
2nd statement is incorrect because
Advaitavada philosophy propounded by
Sankara also called the doctrine of nondualism, did not reject the path of bhakti ,
but rather the bhakt or the devotee had to
first clean his heart through jnan or
knowledge which can only be attained
through Vedic scriptures. In other words,
Sankara confirmed Vedas as the
fountainhead of true knowledge.
He propounded that God, soul & the created
world are both one. At the practical level,
there may appear to be differences but at
the 'parmarthik' level there are no real
differences.

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It is based on the interpretation of the
upanishads which comprise of dialogue
between teacher and student & believed in
the knowledge or Gyan marg for salvation.
Bhakti marg is accepted by Ramanuja.

correct.

Q.58 :d
The system of Amara Nayakas was major
political innovation of the Vijayanagara
empire. The amara nayakas were military
commanders who were given territories to
govern by the raya. Hence, statement 1 is
correct.
They collected taxes and other dues from the
peasants, craftpersons and traders in the
area. They retained part of the revenue for
personnel use and for maintaining a
stipulated contingent of horses and
elephants.
During the course of the seventeenth
century, many of these nayaks established
independent kingdoms. This hastened the
collapse of the central imperial structure.
Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Q.55 :b
Major eighteen works were called as
Melkannakku .18 Minor works were called
Kilkanakku. Many of the social events are
presented in this literature like economy in
ancient time etc. showing social evolution.
Tolkapiyyam, Silppadikaram and Manimeklai
were also written during this time.
Tolkkappiyam deals with grammar and
Poetics.
Silappadikarm deals with love story in which
a dignatory called Kovalan prefers a
courtesan called Madhavi of kaveripattanam
to his noble wedded wife Kannagi and
Manimekalai is another story which deals
with adventures of the daughter born out of
union of Kovalan and Madhavi.

Q.59 :b
Under the dahsala system , the average
produce of different crops as well as the
average prices prevailing over the last
ten(dah) years were calculated. The revenue
was not fixed for ten years. Hence,
statement 1 is wrong.
Under the ghalla- bakshi system, the produce
from land was divided between the peasants
and the state in fixed proportion.

Q.56 :b
The sufi orders are broadly divided into two:
Ba-shara, that is, those which followed the
Islamic law(shara) and be-shara, that is those
which were not bound by it. Both types of
orders were significant in India, the later
being followed more by wandering saints.
Although the saints didn't established an
order some of them became figures of populr
veneration for Both Hindus and Muslims.
Of the ba-shara movements, two acquired
significant influence. These were Chisti and
Suharwadi silsilahs. The Chisti and
Suharwardi silsilahs which followed Ba-shara
tradition acquired significance influence in
India. Hence, statement 1 is wrong and
statement 2 is correct.

Q.60 :c
Statement 1 and 2 are incorrect because
Hsuan Tsang visited during Harsha's rule . He
came to India to study in the Buddhist
University of Nalanda and to collect Buddhist
texts from India. Under his influence, Harsha
became supporter of Buddhism. Whereas
Chandragupta II period or during Gupta Age,
Buddhism no longer received royal
patronage and the Chinese traveller who
visited was Fa-Hsien . Chandragupta
received education at Taxila University.
Hence,Statement 3 is correct.
Hsuan Tsang translated mostly Mahayana
Buddhist works written in Sanskrit in
Chinese.

Q.57 :b
The movement that emerged in Karnataka in
twelfth century was led by a brahamana
named Basavanna. Hence, statement 1 is
correct.
The followers of the movement known as
Virashaivas or Lingayats worship Shiva in his
manifestation as a linga. Hence, statement 2
is wrong.
The Lingayats encouraged certains practices
that were disapproved in the Dharmashastra,
such as post- puberty marriage and the
remarriage of widows. Hence, statement 3 is

Q.61 :b
Theory of karma means that a person in his
present birth has to bear the consequences
of his actions performed in his previous birth.

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It is associated with Vedanta chool of
philosphy.

Banswara submitted, no matrimonial

relations were established with them. Neither
were the matrimonial alliances forced upon
the Rajputs, it was more the force of
circumstances and a realisation on the part
of the rajas the benefits these marriages
might confer on them.
Hence, statement 3 is wrong.

Q.62 :d
"Pradakshinapatha refers to the
circumbulatory or pathway around the main
shrine. In earlier temple architecture,
basically in Nagara style there were three
kinds of shrines which were classified on the
basis of patway around the main shrine.
In sandhara type there were no
pradakshinapath around the main shrine
whereas in nirandhara type there is pathway
to do 'parikrama' around the main shrine.
In saravatobhadra the shrine can be
accessed from all sides as it has multiple
gods and godesses facing different direction,
there is particular sequence for placing these
deities in circular manner. Example of
sarvatobhadra shrine is Vishnu temple at
Deogarh".
Hence D is the correct answer.

Q.63 :b

Q.65 :c
The Central Board of Film Certification is a
statutory censorship and classification body
under the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting, Government of India. It is
tasked with "regulating the public exhibition
of films under the provisions of the
Cinematograph Act 1952" It assigns
certifications to films, television shows,
television ads, and publications for
exhibition, sale or hire in India. Films can be
publicly exhibited in India only after they are
certified by the Board.

Q.66 :a
The Milindapanho, Buddhist text which dates
from approximately 100 BC is record of
dialogue between Indo-Greek king Milinda's
questions on Buddhism to the sage
Nagasena therefore it is non-canonical.
Canonical literature are the one which lay
down the basic tenets of religion or sect.
There stories of Buddha in Jataka tales
contains the teachings and principles of
Buddhism there fore it is canonical. It is the
part of Suttapitaka.
Therigatha literature contains the songs for
Buddhist nuns and one of the earliest
literature created by women.
Suttapitaka contains teachings by Buddha
himself in a dialogue form.

Regional Comprehensive Economic

Partnership (RCEP) is a proposed free trade
agreement (FTA) between the ten member
states of the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) (Brunei, Burma (Myanmar),
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam)
and the six states with which ASEAN has
existing FTAs (Australia, China, India, Japan,
South Korea and New Zealand). RCEP
negotiations were formally launched in
November 2012 at the ASEAN Summit in
Cambodia. RCEP is viewed as an alternative
to the TPP trade agreement, which includes
the United States but excludes China.

Q.67 :b
Q.64 :c
Akbar abolished both jizyah and pilgrimage
tax. Hence, statement 1 is wrong.
Akbar treated Rajput and Mughal officials
equally for e.g Man Singh and Bhagwant Das
rose to mansab ranks of 7000 and 5000
respectively. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Akbar did not treat matrimonial alliances as
test of loyalty and submission. No
matrimonial relations were established with
the Hadas of Ranthambhor, yet Surjan Hada
was allotted jagirs in Garh-Katanga, served in
Gujarat and elsewhere and rose to the rank
2000. Again, when the rulers of Sirohi and

Ugadi is celebrated as New Years Day in

Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The name
Ugadi is derived from the name Yuga Adi,
which means the beginning of a new age. It
is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu
month Chaitra, which marks the onset of
spring.
The festival of Losar marks the beginning of
New Year in Ladakh region of Jammu and
Kashmir. Losar is Tibetan word for new
year.
Gudi Padwa is celebrated as New Years Day
in Maharashtra. It is celebrated on the same
day as Ugadi i.e., the first day of the month

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Chaitra. Lord Brahma is worshipped on this
day and the gudi, Brahmas flag (also called
Brahmadhvaj), is hoisted in every house as a
symbolic representation of Ramas victory
over Ravana.
Vishu is celebrated as New Years Day in
Kerala. It is celebrated on the first day of the
Malayalam month of Medam (mid-April on
the Gregorian calendar). Offerings to the
divine called Vishukanni are neatly arranged
on the eve of the festival and consist of rice,
linen, cucumber, betel leaves, holy texts,
coins and yellow flowers called konna (Cassia
fistula). It is considered auspicious to see the
Vishukanni first thing in the morning. On this
day, people read the Ramayana and go to
temples, Hindu places of worship. Children
burst crackers, people wear new clothes and
prepare special dishes and the elders of the
house give out money to the children,
servants and tenants. The money given is
called Vishukaineetam.

iconographic prescription. The central head

is the main Shiva in a calm, peaceful and
meditating state. In the left of main Shiva
there is the face of Uma with all feminine
characters. The right face is of Bhairav
clearly shown in profile in anger with bulging
eyes and moustache.

Q.71 :a
Pictorial mosaic work work using semi
precious stones on walls is called Pietradura.
A work or an object composed of many
colours is called Polychrome.
A square or rectangular hall in front of
sanctury or main temple is called Jagmohan.
Arabesque is an ornamental design having
interwind flowing line, leaves and flowers.

Q.72 :d
Rajatarangini, written by Kalhan in 1150 CE,
gives a connected account of the kings of
Kashmir from the early ones of the legend to
the historical rulers of the 12th century.
Hence, statement 1 is wrong. In
Rajatarangini, Kalhan not only has praised
various kings, but is often critical about
rulers and their policies. Hence, statement 2
is wrong.

Q.68 :d
Bhagvatism originated in post Maurya times.
Vishnu was a minor god in Vedic times who
represented sun and the fertility cult. Later
he was merged with a non-Vedic tribal god
Narayana and came to be known as NarayanVishnu. Narayan was called bhagavat and his
worshippers were called bhagvatas. Also
Vishnu came to be identical with a legendary
hero of the Vrishni tribe of western India
known as Krishna-Vasudeva. By 200 B.C.
three streams of worshippers and their gods
merged into one and resulted into creation of
Bhagavatism or Vaishanavism. Bhagvatism
was marked by bhakti and ahimsa. The
ahimsa doctrine suited the agricultural
society, and was in keeping with the old cult
of life giving fertility associated with vishnu.

Q.73 :a
Early Buddhist and Jaina texts mention,
amongst other things, sixteen states known
as mahajanapadas. Although the lists vary,
some names such as Vajji, Magadha,
Koshala, Kuru, Panchala, Gandhara and
Avanti occur frequently.
Most mahajanapadas were ruled by kings
(monarchies). But some of them, known as
ganas or sanghas, were oligarchies, where
power was shared by a number of men, often
collectively called rajas.
Both Mahavira and the Buddha belonged to
sanghas.

Q.69 :c
Stupa represents 'Mahaparinibba', while
empty seat indicates meditation. The wheel
is also called the dharma chakra. It has eight
spokes, which represent Buddhas Eightfold
Path. The Eight-Spoked Dharma Wheel or
'Dharmachakra' (Sanskrit) symbolises the
Buddha's turning the Wheel of Truth or Law.

Q.70 :d
The three faces of Maheshmurti in Elephanta
cave are with different expressions on their
faces and different crowns as per their

Q.74 :d
Chadar Badar, also known as Santhal
Puppetry, is a tribal performing art of the
Santhal people, mainly found in the Indian
states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha,
Bihar and Assam. An ancient way of telling
stories of Santhal way of life and migration;
Chadar Badar is a rare and unique set-up of a
small wooden box, inside which 7 to 9 inches

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long puppets are made to dance
accompanied by the artiste on traditional
songs and hand-made crude musical
instruments.
Unfortunately, only handful of Chadar-Badar
puppeteers are alive today.

Benefits of Underground coal gasification:

Syngas can be directly supplied to end- user,
reducing the need of rail/road infrastructure.
Lowers emissions, because gasification in
UCG is underground thereby reducing
environmental management costs.
UCG may not require an external water
source to operate, a major environmental
advantage over water intensive coal mining.

Q.75 :a
The Mesolithic sites are found in good
numbers in Rajasthan, Southern U.P, central
and eastern India. Polished stone tools,
especially Stone axe are the features of
Neolithic Age (the age of food producers).
The Mesolithic age used microliths.

Q.79 :d
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of
Children) Bill, 2015 that will replace the
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of
Children) Act, 2000 states that any person
aged between 16 and 18 years and accused
of a heinous offence - defined as a crime for
which there is a sentence of seven years or
more under the Indian Penal Code - may be
tried under the IPC and not the JJ Act if, after
a preliminary inquiry, the Juvenile Justice
Board feels that the crime was committed
with full knowledge and understanding of the
consequences.
Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB) and Child Welfare
Committees (CWC) will be constituted in
each district. The JJB will conduct a
preliminary inquiry to determine whether a
juvenile offender is to be sent for
rehabilitation or be tried as an adult. The
CWC will determine institutional care for
children in need of care and protection.

Q.76 :c
Diwan-i-insha was the department that dealt
with state correspondence, while Diwan-irisalat, dealt with religious matters.

Q.77 :a
Acc to Samkhya school, world owes its
creation and evolution mote to nature than
to God. Later, the creation of world was
attributed to both nature and spirit. Thus in
the beginning this school was materialistic
and later becomes spiritualistic.
Whereas, according to Vedanta philosophy,
brahma is reality and everything else is
unreal. By the knowledge of self, one can
attain salvation. Hence statement (a) is not
correct.
Vaisheshika school also put forward the
materialistic view of life. According to
vaisheshika school, material objects are
made up of atoms. Hence it propounded the
atom theory.
Nyaya school was developed as a system of
logic. According to Nyaya school, salvation
can be attained through the acquisition of
knowledge.

Q.80 :d
Chhau dance is a tradition from eastern India
that enacts episodes from epics including the
Mahabharata and Ramayana, local folklore
and abstract themes. Its three distinct styles
hail from the regions of Seraikella, Purulia
and Mayurbhanj, the first two using masks.
Chhau dance is intimately connected to
regional festivals, notably the spring festival
Chaitra Parva. Steps and techniques of Parikhanda, a form of martial art are used in
Chhau. It is performed exclusively by men.
The dance is performed at night in an open
space to traditional and folk melodies, played
on the reed pipes ''mohuri'' and ''shehnai.''
This dance form is included in the UNESCO's
Representative List of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity.

Q.78 :d
Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) is a process for
exploiting coal that cannot be mined because the
seams are too deep, thin or fractured. Air or a
combination of oxygen and steam are injected into
the gasification panel within the coal seam. The coal
is then heated and controlled reactions convert solid
coal into product gas, known as "syngas", which is
extracted at the surface. The syngas is mixture of
hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, CO2 and
higher hydrocarbons.

Q.81 :b
Cire perdu or lost wax process was used for

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casting metal sculptures, particularly of
bronze in ancient India.

Q.84 :d
Bahamani kingdom was a contemporary of
Vijayanagar empire in Deccan. Both the
empires ruled Deccan from fourteenth to
sixteenth century A.D. Hence, statement 1 is
wrong.
One of the most remarkable step taken by
Firuz shah Bahmani, a Bahamani ruler was
the induction of Hindus in the administration
on a large scale. Hence, statement 2 is
wrong.
The decline of Bahamani kingdom is
attributed to the strife among the nobles,
who became independent after the death of
Mahmud Gawan in fifteenth century and
divide the kingdom into five principalities of:
Golconda, Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Berar and
Bidar. The absorption of these principalities
in Mughal empire was done during
seventeenth century. Hence, statement 3 is
wrong.

Q.82 :d
The Indus Valley people were acquainted with the
arts of:
Measurement: Sticks inscribed with measure
marks found in IVC.
Spinning: Spindle whorls found in
settlements of IVC.
Navigation: This helped them in distant trade
with Mesopotamia.
Potter wheel: for making potteries.
Canal irrigation is not historically verified to be
known to IVC. hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Q.83 :a
Gandhara School of Art: It was based on
Greco-Roman norms encapsulating foreign
techniques and an alien spirit. It is also
known as Graeco-Buddhist School of art. The
foreign influence is evident from the
sculptures of Buddha in which they bear
resemblance to the Greek sculptures. Grey
sandstone (Blue-grey Mica schist to be
precise) is used in Gandhara School of Art.
The Bamyan Buddha of Afghanistan were the
example of the Gandhara School. The other
materials used were Mud, Lime, Stucco.
However, Marble was NOT used in Gandhara
art. Terracotta was used rarely. Bimaran
Casket has yielded the earliest specimen of
the Gandhara Art.
Mathura School of Art: The material used in
this school was the spotted red sandstone.
The Mathura School of Art, noted for its
vitality and assimilative character, was a
result of the religious zeal of Brahmanism,
Jainism and Buddhism. Images of Vaishnava
and Shaiva faiths are also found at Mathura
but Buddhist images are found in large
numbers. The images of Vishnu and Shiva
are represented by their weapons. Images of
the Buddha, Yakshas, Yakshinis, Shaivite and
Vaishnavite deities and portrait statues are
profusely sculpted.
Amaravati School of Art: The third type of
sculpture art that Flourished during the
Kushana time was Amaravati School of art in
the Andhra Pradesh. White Marble was used
in this art and the themes were Buddhas life
and Jatakas tales. The curly hairs of Buddha
is a feature that is influenced by the Greeks.
In this school, the Kings, Princes, Palaces etc.
have got prominence.

Q.85 :a
Mahabhasya written by Patanjali in the
second century B.C., is a commentary on
Panini's Asthadhyayi.

Q.86 :b
Pithoro, Mithila paintings and warli are
traditional form of murals.
Pithoro is practised in parts of Rajasthan and
Gujarat.
Mithila paintings is regional mural type of
Mithila region
Warli is traditional form of mural of
Maharashtra.

Q.87 :d
The basic ingredient of rasas or flavours from
which aesthetic sense of reader was aroused
were of 8 types
They could be used individually or in
combination of other rasas in a poem
8 types of rasas/flavours of poetry are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Love
Courage
Mirth
Loathing
Surprise
Anger
Pity
Terror.

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GENERAL STUDIES Prelims Mock TEST No. 1770

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water application devices like drips,
sprinklers, pivots, rain-guns in the farm (Jal
Sinchan), construction of micro-irrigation
structures to supplement source creation
activities, extension activities for promotion
of scientific moisture conservation and
agronomic measures.
Programme architecture of PMKSY will be to
adopt a decentralized State level planning
and projectised execution structure that will
allow States to draw up their own irrigation
development plans based on District
Irrigation Plan (DIP) and State Irrigation Plan
(SIP).

Q.88 :b
Antibiotic resistance is the ability of a microorganism to withstand the effects of an
antibiotic. It is a specific type of drug
resistance.
Statement 1, 2 and 4 are correct.
Factors causing resistance:
Overuse of antibiotics
Incorrect diagnosis
Unnecessary prescriptions
Improper use of antibiotics by
patients
Reduction in useful bacteria may affect some
biological processes. But, it has not been
established that it affects antibiotic
resistance.

Q.90 :d
Varahamitra wrote Panca Siddhantika which
gives summary of five astronomical books
current in his time.
Brahmagupta wrote Brahmasphuta
Siddhanta and Khanda Khadyaka both of
which were translated into Arabic and
influenced Arabic Astronomy. Bhaskara II
wrote Siddhanta Siromani.
Apart from these, Surya Siddhanta whose
writers are not known is regarded as the best
known book on Hindu Astronomy.

Q.89 :a
The major objective of PMKSY is to achieve
convergence of investments in irrigation at
the field level, expand cultivable area under
assured irrigation, improve on-farm water
use efficiency to reduce wastage of water,
enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation
and other water saving technologies (More
crop per drop), enhance recharge of aquifers
and introduce sustainable water
conservation practices by exploring the
feasibility of reusing treated municipal waste
water for peri-urban agriculture and attract
greater private investment in precision
irrigation system.
PMKSY has been conceived amalgamating
ongoing schemes viz. Accelerated Irrigation
Benefit Programme (AIBP) of the Ministry of
Water Resources, River Development &
Ganga Rejuvenation (MoWR,RD&GR),
Integrated Watershed Management
Programme (IWMP) of Department of Land
Resources (DoLR) and the On Farm Water
Management (OFWM) of Department of
Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC). The
scheme will be implemented by Ministries of
Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural
Development.
Ministry of Rural Development is to mainly
undertake rain water conservation,
construction of farm pond, water harvesting
structures, small check dams and contour
bunding etc.
MoWR, RD &GR, is to undertake various
measures for creation of assured irrigation
source, construction of diversion canals, field
channels, water diversion/lift irrigation,
including development of water distribution
systems. Ministry of Agriculture will promote
efficient water conveyance and precision

Q.91 :d
Rajas mentioned in the Rigveda did not have
capital cities, palaces or armies, nor did they
collect taxes. Generally, sons did not
automatically succeed fathers as rajas. Some
of the rajas were probably chosen by the
jana, the people.
Some men now became recognised as rajas
by performing very big sacrifices. They
became rajas of janapadas rather than janas.
The word janapada literally means the land
where the jana set its foot, and settled down.
About 2500 years ago, some janapadas
became more important than others, and
were known as mahajanapadas. Most of
them had a capital city, many of these were
fortified. The new rajas now began
maintaining armies. Due to this, they started
collecting regular taxes.
Taxes on crops (this was fixed at 1/6 of what
was produced) and goods that were bought
and sold through trade was collected. Taxes
on crafts person, herders, hunters and
gatherers was also there.

Q.92 :a
The Vishnu Temple based on Dashavatara

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GENERAL STUDIES Prelims Mock TEST No. 1770

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theme is located at Deogarh. This temple is
also a good resource for examining Gupta
style sculptures and art.
The Elephanta caves contain rock cut stone
sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu
sect, dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
The Kailasa temple is rock-cut architecture.
The temple was commissioned and
completed between 757-783 CE, when
Krishna I ruled the Rashtrakuta dynasty. It is
designed to recall Mount Kailash, the home
of Lord Shiva.
The Udayagiri Caves carved and completed
under the patronage of Chandragupta II,
Emperor of the Gupta Empire, in the late 4th
and 5th century CE. The site is notable for its
ancient monumental relief sculpture of Hindu
god Vishnu, in his incarnation as the boarheaded Varaha, rescuing the earth.

The Farzad B gas field is a Iranian natural gas

field that was discovered in 2012.
Government of India want to complete the
procedures for India's participation in the
Farzad-B gas field in the Persian Gulf.
The International North-South Transport
Corridor is the ship, rail, and road route for
moving freight between India, Russia, Iran,
Europe and Central Asia. The route primarily
involves moving freight from India, Iran,
Azerbaijan and Russia via ship, rail and road.
The objective of the corridor is to increase
trade connectivity between major cities such
as Mumbai, Moscow, Tehran, Baku, Bandar
Abbas, Astrakhan, Bandar Anzali and etc.
The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India
Pipeline (TAPI) is a natural gas pipeline being
developed by the Asian Development Bank.
The pipeline will transport Caspian Sea
natural gas from Turkmenistan through
Afghanistan into Pakistan and then to India.
There is a separate talk with Iran regarding
Iran-Pakistan-India Gas pipeline; however
nothing concrete has happened as of now.

Q.93 :d
Huge land owners were called 'Gopati'.
'Setthis' and 'Jetthaka' were the people in the
ancient times who headed the trade unions
or guilds and also acted as bankers and
financers.

Q.97 :b
90-90-90 strategy: An ambitious treatment
target to help end the AIDS epidemic by
UNAIDS By 2020, 90% of all people living
with HIV will know their HIV status (90%
diagnosed).
By 2020, 90% of all people with diagnosed
HIV infection will receive sustained
antiretroviral therapy (90% on HIV
treatment).
By 2020, 90% of all people receiving
antiretroviral therapy will have viral
suppression (90% suppressed).

Q.94 :b
The inscriptions of Ashoka were first
deciphered by James Princep in 1837.
They are written in pali language and in
some places prakrit was used. In parts like
Kandahar, Greek and Aramaik language is
used as well.
13th rock edict deals with war with kalinga.
The 7th edict gives a summary of his efforts
to promote the dhamma within his kingdom.
Q.98 :a
Q.95 :b
The first Buddhist Council was held soon
after the death of the Buddha, dated by the
majority of recent scholars around 400 BCE,
under the patronage of king Ajatashatru with
the monk Mahakasyapa presiding, at
Sattapanni caves Rajgriha (now Rajgir).
the second Buddhist Council was held at
Vaishali under the Patronage of Kalasoka.
3rd Buddhist Council was held at Patliputra
under the Patronage of Ashoka.
4th Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir
under the patronage of Kanishka.

Kanishka's court was adorned by the

presence of such scholars as Parsva,
Vasumitra, Ashvaghosha, Charaka, and
Nagarjuna. Charaka and Sushruta were the
contempo -raries of Kushana king Kanishka.

Q.99 :b
Mahmud made no attempt to annexe any
area in India. His only motive behind the
raids and plunder was to exploit the riches of
Indian temples and cities so that he can
continue his struggle against his enemies in
Central Asia.

Q.96 :a

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Q.100 :c
Alauddin Khalji was known for his world class
market control and agrarian policies, which
were considered great wonders of the world
by the contemporary historians. For the
purpose of controlling market he set up three
markets, one each for foodgrains, cloth and
slaves and cattle. Register was maintained
and strict regulations were imposed on
traders.

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GENERAL STUDIES Prelims Mock TEST No. 1770

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Q.1

Q.36 a

Q.71 a

Q.2

Q.37 a

Q.72 a

Q.3

Q.38 a

Q.73 a

Q.4

Q.39 a

Q.74 a

Q.5

Q.40 a

Q.75 a

Q.6

Q.41 a

Q.76 a

Q.7

Q.42 a

Q.77 a

Q.8

Q.43 a

Q.78 a

Q.9

Q.44 a

Q.79 a

Q.10 a

Q.45 a

Q.80 a

Q.11 a

Q.46 a

Q.81 a

Q.12 a

Q.47 a

Q.82 a

Q.13 a

Q.48 a

Q.83 a

Q.14 a

Q.49 a

Q.84 a

Q.15 a

Q.50 a

Q.85 a

Q.16 a

Q.51 a

Q.86 a

Q.17 a

Q.52 a

Q.87 a

Q.18 a

Q.53 a

Q.88 a

Q.19 a

Q.54 a

Q.89 a

Q.20 a

Q.55 a

Q.90 a

Q.21 a

Q.56 a

Q.91 a

Q.22 a

Q.57 a

Q.92 a

Q.23 a

Q.58 a

Q.93 a

Q.24 a

Q.59 a

Q.94 a

Q.25 a

Q.60 a

Q.95 a

Q.26 a

Q.61 a

Q.96 a

Q.27 a

Q.62 a

Q.97 a

Q.28 a

Q.63 a

Q.98 a

Q.29 a

Q.64 a

Q.99 a

Q.30 a

Q.65 a

Q.100 a

Q.31 a

Q.66 a

Q.32 a

Q.67 a

Q.33 a

Q.68 a

Q.34 a

Q.69 a

Q.35 a

Q.70 a

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