History (Part-4) (CDS-Solved Paper)

In 1804, Roy published ‘Tuhfat-ul Mahwahhiddin’ (A Gift to Monotheists), a tract in Persian criticising existing religions as based upon irrationality, deception, intolerance and other means of unjust social control.

In 1820, Roy wrote a book about Jesus emphasising Christ’s moral and ethical sayings. In the ‘Precepts of Jesus’, Roy omitted theological passages and miracle stories. Hence, both the statements are individually true but statement II is not correct explanation of statement I.

The Bethune School (now Bethune College) is a women’s college in India. It was founded as a school in 1849 by John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune in Calcutta. In 1879, it developed into the first women’s college in India after whom it is named as Bethune College.

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a social reformer who fought for the social upliftment of women especially widow remarriage. Hence, statement I is true, statement II is false.

The annexation of Awadh by Lord Dalhousie in 1856 adversely affected the financial conditions of the Sepoys. After the annexation of Awadh, many sepoys were disquieted from both losing their perquisites, as landed gentry.

After the annexation of Awadh by Lord Dalhousie in 1856 many sepoys were disquieted from losing their perquisites as landed gentry in the Awadh courts and from the anticipation of any increased land-revenue payments that the annexation might bring about.

Hence, the statements are individually true and statement II is the correct explanation of statement I.

Marco Polo’s trip to India (AD 1271) earned much fame in Europe on account of his work on commercial, religious and social conditions in the East.

Rajatarangini is a metrical historical chronicle of kings of Kashmir written in Sanskrit by Kalhana in 12th century CE describing social life of Kashmir. King Harsha is known to introduce a general dress befitting a king which include a long coat. Hence, both the statements are correct.

Kitab-al-Hind was written by Al-Biruni, it accounts for his observations on Indian conditions, system of knowledge, social norms and religion of India.

Rehla or Rihla (meaning Journey) is an account of journey made by Ibn Battuta, it is only source of Ibn Battuta’s adventures.

Humayun Nama, the account of life of Humayun was written by his half-sister Gulbadan Begum.

Badshah Nama or Padshahnama was written by traveller/historian Abdul Hamid Lahori during the reign of Shah Jahan.

Brihadiswara Temple at Tanjavur dedicated to Lord Shiva was built by Chola Kings, Rajaraja Chola I being the founder of it. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai dedicated to Parvati (known as Meenakshi) was built between 1623 and 1655. Srirangam Temple, Thiruchirapalli is dedicated to Ranganatha (form of Hindu deity Vishnu). Durga Temple at Aihole was built between 7th and 8th centuries by the dynasty of the Chalukyas.

The iron industry in England took off after 1760 since iron ore and coal were both present in England.

Abraham Derby, in 1709, inverted a way of smelting iron using coke so good quality iron got available in England in 18th century. Before this, it was imported from other countries.

Kaliasanathar Temple is located in Kanchipuram and is built in Dravidian architectural style and is dedicated to God Shiva. Lingaraj Temple is located in Bhuvneshwar and is dedicated to Haryana (a form of Shiva).

Kandariya Mahadeva Temples are largest medieval period temples located in Khajuraho. Dilwara Temple built by Chalukyas between AD 11th and 13th centuries are located near Mount Abu.

Viceroy Linlithgow declared India at war against Germany in 1939 without prior consultation of Indians. Congress reacted strongly to this by resigning in all the provinces. Hence, India was declared a party to the World War II without the consent of the provincial government.