Are you preparing for UPSC CSE Prelims 2025? UPSC Essentials Brings you the initiative of daily topic-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Try today’s topic quiz History, culture and social issues To check your progress. Come back tomorrow to solve it Politics and Governance MCQs. Don’t forget to check the answers and explanations.
Regarding the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji, consider the following statements:
1. At a time when European powers controlled the seas, he charted a course for a self-reliant naval force, earning him the title of ‘Father of the Indian Navy’.
2. An important moment in his rise to power came with the defeat of Afzal Khan, a powerful general of the Adilshahi Sultanate who had been sent to suppress Shivaji’s growing influence.
3. The Adnyapatra written by him served as a guide for managing the affairs of the state in the Maratha Empire especially for his grandson Sambhaji II.
Which of the above statements is correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
– A master strategist who struck fear into the hearts of his enemies, Chhatrapati Shivaji was a visionary leader who founded the Maratha Empire and the Maratha Navy. At a time when European powers controlled the seas, Shivaji charted a course for an independent naval force, earning him the title of ‘Father of the Indian Navy’. On the occasion of Navy Day on December 4, here’s a look at why Shivaji is revered as a pioneer of the Indian Navy. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
– In the midst of this turbulent political scenario, Shivaji laid the foundations of his kingdom or ‘Swarajya’ by capturing Torna fort (in present day Pune district). A critical moment in his rise to power came with the defeat of Afzal Khan, a powerful general of the Adilshahi Sultanate who was sent to suppress Shivaji’s growing influence. Shivaji annexed much of the Konkan and Kolhapur regions into Swarajya, gained control of important northern ports such as Kalyan and Bhiwandi, and strengthened his influence in trade and maritime affairs. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
– Between 1657 and 1658, Shivaji extended his rule over a 100 km stretch of the Konkan coast from the Savitri River to the northern forts of Kohoj and Asherigarh. He also captured several major forts including Surgad, Birwadi, Tala, Ghosale, Sudhagad, Kangori and Raigad (then called Rairi), expanding his kingdom and directly challenging the Siddi territories.
– Adnyapatra, written by Ramachandrapant Amatya, served as a guide for managing state affairs in the Maratha Empire, especially for Chhatrapati Shivaji’s grandson, Sambhaji II. This document covers governance, administration and naval policies, which reflect strategies for strengthening the empire. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
– The Maratha fleet was divided into two categories: merchant ships and warships. Merchant ships included Machhwas, Shivad, Padav, Tarande and Pagar while warships included Gurab, Galbat, Mahagiri, Shivad, Tarandes, Taruse and Pagar. Although exact fleet numbers are unclear, English records from 1665 estimate Shivaji’s navy at 85 ships, manned by 5,000 sailors, including three large gurabs. By 1673, the fleet had grown to 33 ships.
Therefore, (a) is the correct answer.
Question 2
He was a former president and member of the Muslim League, who resigned from the League after the 1947 partition and chose to live in independent India. He was also famous for writing the ghazal ‘Chupke chupke raat din. (later immortalized in Ghulam Ali’s voice) and is also credited with chanting ‘Inqlab Zindabad’ (‘Long Live Zindabad’). Revolution!’) back in 1921. He proposed an amendment to the preamble of the constitution in 1949 to “require all political minorities to adopt the same conciliatory approach and to adopt the same principles adopted by the Soviet Union” (CAD). , Book 5:437).
Who is the ‘he’ mentioned in the above lines?
(a) Hifzur Rahman Seharvi,
(b) Abul Kalam Azad
(c) Mohammad Sadullah
(d) Maulana Hasrat Mohni
Explanation:
– On October 17, 1949, a very strange and humiliating incident took place in the Constituent Assembly. So far, the name of ‘God’ has been taken about 300 times in the Constituent Assembly. By January 24, 1950, the number had crossed 350, which was the last day the Assembly was in session. October 17 itself was characterized by an abundance of such calls. To use the current legal expression, these multilingual affirmations and denials – sometimes both – indicate that elusive entity.
– October 17, 1949 was a normal day in the work of the Constituent Assembly. The inflection point seems to have been the amendment proposed by Maulana Hasrat Mohini, former president and member of the Muslim League, who resigned from the League after the 1947 partition and chose to live in independent India. Mohini was also famous for being a writer. The ghazal ‘Chupke chupke raat din, ansu bhaana yaad hai’ (later immortalized in Ghulam Ali’s voice) was also credited with the slogan ‘Inqlab Zindabad’ (‘Long live the revolution!’) in 1921. Maulana’s proposed amendment “seeks all political minorities to adopt the same conciliatory attitude and adopt the same principles adopted by the Soviet Union. (CAD, Book 5: 437). Accordingly, he questioned whether the following amendment could be prefixed to the existing Preamble of the Constitution: ‘We, the people of India , have solemnly resolved to form India into a Union of Indian Socialist Republics on the lines of the Soviet Union’ (CAD, Book 5: 437).The proposed amendment was immediately rejected.
– Mohini, however, initiated a conversation of supreme importance, one whose political currency continues well into the twenty-first century – on the question of where India’s constitution stands with respect to religion and religious minorities.
Therefore, (d) is the correct answer.
Question 3
Consider the following Sufi saints:
1. Chirag Dehlavi
2. Qutubuddin Bakhtiar aunt
3. Baba Fariduddin
4. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
5. Nizamuddin Auliya
What is the correct order of succession of the names given above?
(a) 4, 5, 2, 1, 3
(b) 5, 4, 1, 2, 3
(c) 4, 2, 3, 5, 1
(d) 2, 5, 3, 4, 1
explanation
– Sufism emerged between the 7th and 10th centuries as a counter to the growing cosmopolitanism of the expanding Muslim community. Sufis embraced a more ascetic and devotional form of Islam, and often engaged in various mystical practices. Eventually, Sufi practitioners organized into various orders that gathered around the teachings of a particular teacher. Wali.
– The Chishti order was founded in the 10th century by Abu Ishaq Shami in the city of Chisht near Herat. But it was Moinuddin and his disciples who spread it in the subcontinent.
– Among his most prominent disciples was Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (1173-1235), who established the base of the Chishti order in Delhi. Kaki became a central figure in the spiritual life of the region as the spiritual master of Iltutmis, the third Sultan of Delhi. The Qutub Minar is said to be named after Kaki, whose shrine is adjacent to the iconic structure at Mehrauli.
– Kaki’s disciple Baba Fariduddin (1173-1265) spread the teachings of the Chishti order in the Punjab. Baba Farid was named Ganj Shakar or ‘treasure of sweetness’ by Moinuddin. Among other notable disciples was Hamiduddin Nagauri, who served as a spiritual leader in Nagaur.
– Nizamuddin Auliya (1238-1325), whose teachings and temple are still celebrated in Delhi, and his successor Chirag Dehlavi (1274-1356) followed Moinuddin’s message well after Moinuddin’s death in 1236.
Therefore, (c) is the correct answer.
Question 4
Arrange the following tribal rebellions in chronological order of their occurrence:
1. Munda Rebellion
2. Tana Bhagat Movement
3. Sewer Rebellion
Select the correct code:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 1 and 3
(c) 3, 1 and 2
(d) 3, 2 and 1
explanation
– The first tribal revolt during British rule in Jharkhand was the Dhal Rebellion in 1767, led by Jagannath Dhal, the former king of Dhalbhum, today a part of West Bengal. The rebellion, which began with the presence of the British East India Company, which marginalized the local population, lasted for 10 years. In response to the ongoing unrest, the British reinstated Jagannath Dhal as the ruler of Dhalbhum in 1777.
– However, this was only the beginning. Several other revolts followed, says Hasnain, the two most notable being the Munda revolt and the Tana Bhagat movement. “Among the tribal movements organized in Bihar-Jharkhand and adjoining areas, the Birsa movement is the most widespread and well-known. … Later the Tana Bhagat movement occupies the most important position because of its multifaceted importance with far-reaching socio-political implications,” observes Hasnain.
– The Munda Rebellion, which lasted from 1899 to 1900, was another important reaction to the exploitation faced by the Mundas, traditionally suffering peasants under the British authorities and moneylenders. Led by the young and charismatic Birsa Munda, who claimed divine inspiration, the rebellion saw guerrilla warfare and direct attacks on colonial property and officials.
– The Tana Bhagat movement, which began in 1914, emerged alongside the Birsa movement and was founded by Jatra Bhagat, a leader of the Uraon tribe. He called for a return to traditional practices, rejecting colonial rule and Western influences. Bhagat highlighted agricultural problems and launched a no-wage campaign, urging laborers to reject forced or low-wage work.
Therefore, (c) is the correct answer.
Question 5
Regarding Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan Yojana, consider the following statements.
1. It is for old age protection and social security of shopkeepers, retailers and self-employed persons.
2. It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme.
Which of the above statements is/are true?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
explanation
The Government of India has introduced a pension scheme for unorganized workers Prime Minister Shram Yogi Man-Dhan (PM-SYM) To ensure old age security for unorganized workers.
According to labour.gov.in,
“Features of PM-SYM: It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme, under which the subscriber will get the following benefits: (i) Minimum Pension: Every subscriber under PM-SYM will get a minimum pension of Rs.3000/- per month after attaining the age of 60 years. (ii) Family Pension: While receiving the pension, in case of death of the subscriber, the spouse of the beneficiary will be eligible to receive 50% of the pension received by the beneficiary as family pension. Family pension is applicable to spouse only. (iii) If a beneficiary has made regular contributions and dies due to any reason (before the age of 60 years), his/her spouse will be entitled to join and continue in the scheme by paying regular contributions or opt out of the scheme as per the exit provisions. back.”
Therefore, (b) is the correct answer.
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