CAPF (AC) 2024 (Paper-1) (Questions 51-100)

Total Questions: 50

21. In Kautilya's Arthashashtra, the conquerer king is expected to establish, in the conquered territories, a social order based on the

Correct Answer: (b) dharma, varna and ashrama systems
Solution:

In Kautilya's Arthashastra, the conquering king is advised to establish a social order in conquered territories based on all three systems: dharma (moral and religious duties), varna (social classes), and ashrama (stages of life). This comprehensive approach aims to create a stable and structured society aligned with traditional Indian social philosophy.
Some of the key concepts of Kautilya's Arthashastra:

  • The king: The king is the supreme authority in the state. He is responsible for the welfare of his subjects and the security of his kingdom.
  • The administration: The administration is responsible for carrying out the day-to-day functions of government. It is divided into a number of departments, including finance, justice, and military affairs.
  • The economy: The economy is important for the strength and prosperity of the state. Kautilya advocates for a strong central government that controls the economy.
  • The army: The army is essential for the defense of the state. Kautilya emphasizes the importance of a well-trained and disciplined army.
  • Foreign policy: Foreign policy is important for the security and prosperity of the state. Kautilya advocates for a strong foreign policy that protects the interests of the state.

22. Consider the following eras in early India:

1. Shaka era
2. Kalachuri era
3. Vikrama era
4. Harsha era
5. Gupta era

Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above eras starting with the earliest?

Correct Answer: (d) 3-1-2-5-4
Solution:
OrderEraYear
1Vikrama era57 BC.
2Shaka era78 CE
3Gupta eraMid 3rd century CE to Mid 6th century CE.
4Kalachuri era550 CE
5Harsha era606 to 647 СЕ

23. What is Nalayira Divyaprabandhan?

Correct Answer: (a) Compositions by the Alvars compiled in the form of an anthology
Solution:
  • Nalayira Divya Prabandham is a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses (params) composed by 12 Alvars, who were Tamil poet-saints dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu.
  • The Alvars lived between the 6th and 9th centuries CE, and their compositions are considered to be some of the most important works of Tamil literature and the cornerstone of the Sri Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism.
  • The Nalayira Divya Prabandham contains hymns and poems that praise Lord Vishnu and his various incarnations, as well as his consort, Goddess Lakshmi.

24. What are bhumi, pachara, and dopati mentioned frequently in the biographies of the Vaishnava reformers of medieval Assam?

Correct Answer: (b) Agricultural implements
Solution:

Bhuni, pachara, and dopati were agricultural implements commonly mentioned in the biographies of Vaishnava reformers in medieval Assam. This reference highlights the close connection between religious reforms and the agrarian society of the region.

Vaishnavism in Assam, particularly the Ekasarana tradition propagated by Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th-16th centuries, had a significant impact on the socio-cultural fabric of Assamese society.

The mention of these agricultural tools in religious biographies underscores the integration of spiritual teachings with the daily lives and occupations of the common people. It also reflects the reformers' efforts to make their teachings relevant and accessible to the predominantly agricultural population of medieval Assam.

25. Consider the following statements about the Rowlatt Act of 1919:

1. It was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council
2. Khilafat Committee was formed to oppose the Act
3. While Gandhiji was arrested, the local leaders were allowed to continue the protest

How many of the above statements is/are NOT correct?

Correct Answer: (b) Two
Solution:
  • The first statement is accurate the Act was indeed passed by the Imperial Legislative Council.
  • The Khilafat Committee was formed primarily to protect the Ottoman Caliphate, not specifically to oppose the Rowlatt Act.
  • The Act gave British authorities power to suppress protests and arrest leaders, including Gandhi. In reality, the Act led to widespread arrests and suppression of protests, not allowing local leaders to continue freely. The Rowlatt Act, also known as the Black Act, extended wartime emergency measures and was met with strong opposition from Indian nationalists, leading to significant protests and unrest across India.

26. Consider the following statements about Mahanavami dibba, a massive platform:

1. It is situated on one of the highest points in the city of Vijayanagara
2. Virupaksha temple is located on it

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only
Solution:
  • Mahanavami Dibba is a beautiful stone platform located within the Royal Enclosure of Hampi.
  • Mahanavami Dibba is also called as Dasara Dibba.
  • It was built during the Vijayanagara period by King Krishnadevaraya to commemorate his victory over Udaygiri.
  • The Virupaksha Temple is one of the oldest and most prominent temples in Vijayanagara, but it is not located on the Mahanavami Dibba. The temple is situated in the Hampi region of Vijayanagara. Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect.

27. Which of the following statements about the Bundela rebellion against Aurangzeb are correct?

1. Shivaji advised Chhatrasal to promote local risings against Aurangzeb
2. Chhatrasal levied chauth like marathas
3. In 1705, Aurangzeb decided to make peace with Chhatrasal and Chhatrasal was granted mansab of four-thousand

Select the answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:
  • Chhatrasal initially served in the Mughal army, where he demonstrated his courage in battles against the Marathas and was rewarded with mansabs and jagirs.
    During one campaign, he secretly met with Chhatrapati Shivaji, who advised him to return to Bundelkhand and fight for his own people. Inspired by Shivaji's words, the 22-year-old Chhatrasal returned to Bundelkhand and raised a revolt against the Mughals in 1671.
  • After signing a peace treaty in 1696 to recover from war losses, he captured important territories like Kalinjar. Despite Mughal attempts in 1700 to defeat him, he continued fighting.
    In 1705, he signed another treaty and was given a 4 Hazari Mansab. After Aurangzeb's death, the Mughal Empire weakened, ending his struggle. Unfortunately, his brave efforts have not received enough attention from historians.
  • Maharaja Chhatrasal followed major administrative tactics of Maratha and levied Chauth.

28. Consider the following statements about the Dutch trade in Mughal period:

1. The Dutch transported silk goods from Bengal through Hooghly.
2. Cloves and nutmegs were collected at Surat by the Dutch and exported to Europe.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only
Solution:
  • The Dutch did transport silk from Bengal through Hooghly, which was one of their prominent trading hubs.
  • Cloves and nutmegs were primarily sourced from the Spice Islands (present-day Indonesia) and not Surat.

29. Which naval forts were erected by Shivaji?

1. Suvarnadurg
2. Vijayadurg
3. Sindhudurg
4. Kolaba

Select the answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution:

Shivaji, the Maratha ruler, erected all four naval forts mentioned: Suvarnadurg, Vijayadurg, Sindhudurg, and Kolaba. These forts were crucial components of Shivaji's naval strategy, aimed at establishing Maratha dominance along the Konkan coast and challenging other maritime powers, particularly the Siddi of Janjira and European traders.

Suvarnadurg and Vijayadurg, located in present-day Ratnagiri district, were formidable sea forts. Sindhudurg, built on an island near Malvan, was Shivaji's ambitious project to create an impregnable naval base.

Kolaba fort, near Mumbai, protected the northern Konkan coast. These forts demonstrate Shivaji's foresight in recognizing the importance of naval power and coastal defense in building and protecting the Maratha empire.

30. Which of the following statements about the economy of Assam in the medieval period is/are correct?

1. Ahoms cast excellent matchlocks and made first rate gunpowder and artillery pieces.
2. Assam adopted new crafts of brass-casting and making granulated sugar during this period.
3. Sarthebari village (in Kamrup) was known for its skill in metal casting.

Select the answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:

The Ahoms were skilled in metal working, producing matchlocks, gunpowder, and artillery. Assam diversified its economy by adopting crafts like brass-casting and granulated sugar production. Sarthebari village in Kamrup became renowned for its metal casting, showcasing the region's metallurgical expertise.

Sarthebari is home to Assam's bell metal industry, the second-largest handicraft sector after bamboo crafts. Bell-metal, an alloy of copper and tin, is crafted by artisans known as 'Kahar' or 'Orja,' and the products are mainly used for domestic and religious purposes.