SOLVED PAPER 2024 (CDS) (II) (General Knowledge)

Total Questions: 120

51. Consider the following statements about the Vedanta philosophy.

1. Shankara was the founder of Advaita Vedanta.
2. The philosophy of Dvaita was elaborated by Madhva.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Solution:Both statements (1) and (2) are correct. Adi Shankara was the founder and primary proponent of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy that teaches the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman).

Madhvacharya, on the other hand, was the key philosopher who elaborated on the philosophy of Dvaita Vedanta or dualism, which posits a clear distinction between the individual soul and the supreme God, emphasising the eternal difference between the two.

52. The distribution of charkhas on a wide scale among the people was decided by

Correct Answer: (b) All India Congress Committee in 1921
Solution:The decision to distribute charkhas on a wide scale among the people was made by the All India Congress Committee in 1921. This decision was part of Mahatma Gandhi's Swadeshi Movement, which aimed to promote self-sufficiency and boycott foreign goods. The charkha, (a hand spinning wheel) became a symbol of this movement and a means of empowering people to produce their own clothing.

53. The terms used for cereals in the Rigveda are

Correct Answer: (b) Yava and Dhanya
Solution:'Yava' and 'Dhanya' are terms used for cereals in the Rigveda.

Yava This term often refers to barley, a staple grain in ancient Indian agriculture.

Dhanya A broader term that encompasses various grains, including barley, wheat and rice. It sometimes denotes the general concept of grain or cereal.

While, these are two of the most common terms, the Rig Veda also uses other words to describe different types of grains and their products. The specific terms might vary depending on the context, the type of grain being discussed or the poetic imagery employed in the hymns.

54. Consider the following statements about the condition of widows in the 18th century India.

1. Raja Sawai Jai Singh of Amber promoted widow remarriage.
2. Maratha General Parshuram Bhau promoted widow remarriage.
3. Raja Ram Mohan Roy opposed Sati.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:Statements (1), (2) and (3) are correct. In the 18th century, both Raja Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber and the Maratha General Parshuram Bhau played significant roles in promoting widow remarriage in India, a social reform that faced considerable resistance due to entrenched cultural norms.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a social reformer who vehemently opposed the practice of Sati, advocating for its abolition.

55. Consider the following statements about the administrative measures of Shivaji.

1. The scheme of Ashta Pradhan (eight ministers) was completed and announced at the time of Shivaji's coronation with regulations and duties properly defined.
2. Shivaji introduced Marathi in place of Persian and coined Sanskrit technical terms for administrative purposes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Solution:Both statements (1) and (2) are correct about the administrative meansure of Shivaji. Shivaji established the Ashta Pradhan, an eight-member Council of Ministers, at the time of his coronation in 1674. Each minister had specific duties and responsibilities, forming a structured and efficient administrative system.

Shivaji promoted the use of Marathi in place of Persian, which was the administrative language of the Mughal empire and adopted Sanskrit for official terminology to assert Maratha independence and strengthen regional culture.

56. With reference to the Mesolithic art in India, consider the following statements.

1. Alexander Burns discovered the first rock paintings in India at Sohagighat in Uttar Pradesh.
2. Bhimbetka rock paintings were discovered when archaeologist VS Wakankar noticed the rocks out of a train window while travelling from Bhopal to Itarsi and got off at the nearest railway station to explore the site.
3. The paintings and engravings do not exist in the same shelter in the rock art of Odisha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) Only 2
Solution:Only statement (2) is correct. The first discovery of rock paintings in India is by Archibald Carlleyle in the 19th century at Sohagighat, not Alexander Burns.

VS Wakankar discovered the Bhimbetka rock shelters in 1957 while, travelling by train and he noticed peculiar rock formations from the window, which led to their subsequent exploration and study. In the rock art of Odisha (Orissa), paintings and engravings are often found together in the same shelter, especially in areas like Gudahandi and Yogimath.

57. In the decoration of Stupas, what does the term 'Kinjalkini' refer to ?

Correct Answer: (d) A garland of thousand lotus flowers
Solution:In Stupas, the term 'Kinjalkini' refers to a garland of thousand lotus flowers. In Buddhist architectural and iconographic terms, Kinjalkini actually refers to a motif or decoration resembling lotus petals, often found in the lower parts of the stupa's dome (Anda) or at the base.

These lotus petal motifs are carved or depicted in a circular or overlapping pattern to resemble the many-petaled lotus, symbolising purity and enlightenment in Buddhism.

58. Which of the following is/are the correct components of the 'Lion Capital' at Sarnath?

1. The shaft (stambha-yashti) or the tall tapering column
2. An elliptical top part-the abacus, devoid of any carvings
3. Overflowing inverted petals below the abacus
Select the answer using the codes given below.

Correct Answer: (b) 1 and 3
Solution:The circular base of the capital, known as the abacus, is decorated with four animals in relief a lion, an elephant, a horse and a bull. These animals are separated by four small Dharma Chakras (wheels of the law), symbolising the spread of Dharma (righteousness) in all directions.

The other components are the shaft, a lotus base bell, figures of 4 lions and the crowning part, a large wheel.

59. Consider the following events leading to the Indian Independence.

1. Lucknow Pact
2. Return of Subhas Chandra Bose to India
3. Cripps Mission
4. Naval Mutiny in Bombay
Select the chronological sequence of these events (earliest to latest) from the codes given below.

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3, 4
Solution:The correct chronological sequence is 1, 2, 3, 4 Lucknow Pact (1916) An agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League to present a united front to the British Government for greater political autonomy.

Return of Subhas Chandra Bose to India (1930s) Subhas Chandra Bose returned to India from England after resigning from the Indian Civil Service in the early 1930s and later became a prominent leader in the Indian Independence Movement.

Cripps Mission (1942) A British initiative led by Sir Stafford Cripps in March 1942 to negotiate with Indian leaders for self-government in return for India's support in World War II.

Naval Mutiny in Bombay (1946) It is.. also known as the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny, this event occurred in February 1946 when Indian Naval ratings in Bombay (Mumbai) protested against British rule, sparking widespread support across India.

60. Who among the following were famous for their metal-casting skills and used to cast excellent matchlocks during the medieval period?

Correct Answer: (c) Ahoms
Solution:The Ahoms were known for their metal working skills, including the casting of metals and the production of firearms, such as matchlocks, during the Medieval period in India.

The Ahoms, who ruled Assam for nearly 600 years (1228-1826 CE), developed remarkable skills in the production of matchlock firearms. The Ahoms were also adept in casting iron and brass. They used these metals to create various items, including weapons, tools and sculptures.