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

Total Questions: 120

61. Consider the following statements about the Ancient Hindu metal images in India.

1. The Chola period is well-known for the aesthetic and technical finesse of its metal sculpture.
2. The iconography and style of Chola metal images were similar to those of their stone counterparts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Solution:Both statements (1) and (2) are correct. The Chola period was renowned for the aesthetic and technical brilliance of its metal sculptures, which often rivaled the quality of stone carvings. Additionally, the iconography and style of Chola metal images closely resemble those found in their stone counterparts, reflecting the continuity of artistic traditions during this time.

62. Which one of the following terms was used for the States in the Draft Constitution presented by Dr. BR Ambedkar on 4th November, 1948?

Correct Answer: (a) Union of States
Solution:According to the Draft Constitution presented on 4th November, 1948, India is referred to as a 'Union of States' meaning the states are considered integral parts of the nation, not separate entities with the power to secede.

The Term 'Union of States' was deliberately chosen by the drafting committee, led by Dr. BR Ambedkar, to describe India in the Draft Constitution. The intent was to emphasise the indestructible nature of the Indian Union. Unlike a typical federation, where states can have the right to secede, the Indian Constitution does not grant states such a right.

63. The antariya was a garment worn by people during the Mauryan period. It was

Correct Answer: (a) an unstitched length of cloth draped around the body
Solution:The antariya was a basic garment worn by both men and women during the Mauryan period. It was typically an unstitched piece of cloth that was draped around the body. It was typically made from cotton, linen or muslin and could be decorated with gems or embroidery.

64. Consider the following statements with reference to the Utpala dynasty of Kashmir.

1. Avantivarman, the founder, devoted his energies to the economic upliftment of his subjects.
2. Avantivarman's period in Kashmir is known for the engineering operations under his minister Suyya, resulting in the enormous increase of grains and fall in prices.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Solution:Both statements (1) and (2) are correct with reference to the Utpala dynasty of kashmir. Avantivarman, the founder of the Utpala dynasty, is known for his efforts to improve the economic well-being of his subjects. His reign is also remembered for the significant engineering works undertaken by his minister Suyya.

Suyya was responsible for several innovations in the field of irrigation and water-management which led to increased agricultural production and a subsequent decline in food prices. He ruled Kashmir from 855 to 883 CE and built the Avantiswami temple in Awantipora, Pulwama.

65. Consider the following pairs of High Offices and Concerned Departments in the Mauryan Administration.

1. Samahartri: Chief Collector of Revenue
2. Dauvarika: Chief of Army
3. Akshapatala: Records-cum-Audit Officer
4. Samnidhatri: Treasurer
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Correct Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4
Solution:Samahartri - Chief Collector of Revenue: The Samahartri was responsible for collecting revenue for the Mauryan empire.

The Dauvarika was actually a superintendent or manager of a village or town, not the Chief of Army.

Akshapatala - Records-cum-Audit Officer: The Akshapatala was responsible for maintaining records and auditing accounts in the Mauryan administration.

Samnidhatri - Treasurer: The Samnidhatri was the treasurer, responsible for managing the finances of the Mauryan empire.

66. Which kingdom was Described by Governor-General Lord Dalhousie as "A cherry that will drop into our mouth one day"?

Correct Answer: (b) Awadh
Solution:Governor-General Lord Dalhousie described the kingdom of Awadh as 'A cherry that will drop into our mouth one day.' This was a reference to his belief that Awadh was ripe for annexation by the British empire. He said this in 1851 and Awadh was indeed annexed in 1856.

67. Consider the following statements with reference to Census in India.

1. The first All India Census was attempted in 1872.
2. From 1881, decennial censuses became a regular feature.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Solution:Both statements (1) and (2) are correct. The first census in British India was conducted in 1872. It covered various parts of British India but not uniformly or simultaneously.

The first synchronous and systematic census across all of British India was conducted in 1881 under the leadership of WC Plowden, the then Census Commissioner of India. From 1881 onwards, censuses were conducted regularly every ten years (decennial), making the Census of 1881 the starting point for systematic, regular and uniform demographic data collection in India.

68. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. During the Second Round Table Conference held in London in 1931, the British Government refused to accept the basic nationalist demand for freedom.
2. India was granted dominion status in 1932.
3. Viceroy Lord Willingdon adopted a policy of reconciliation with Congress.
4. The Civil Disobedience Movement was started with the breaking of salt laws.
Select the answer using the codes given below.

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 4
Solution:Statements (1) and (4) are correct. The Second Round Table Conference was a significant event in India's struggle for independence but the British Government remained firm in its stance against granting full dominion status.

Dominion status was granted to India in 1935, not 1932.

Lord Willingdon actually adopted a policy of repression towards the Congress Party during his time as Viceroy.

The Civil Disobedience Movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, began with the Salt March in 1930, which involved breaking the salt laws imposed by the British Government.

69. Which of the following statements about Cabinet Mission are correct?

1. It was sent to India in 1946 to negotiate the transfer of power with the Indian leaders.
2. It proposed a two-tiered federal plan while conceding the largest measure of regional autonomy.
3. There was to be a federation of provinces and states, alongside a federal centre.
4. The individual provinces were allowed to form regional unions to which they could surrender some of their powers by mutual agreement.
Select the answer using the codes given below.

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution:All statements are correct. The Cabinet Mission was sent to India by the British Government in March 1946 to discuss the transfer of power to Indian leadership and to devise a framework that would lead to India's independence. The mission comprised three British Cabinet Members: Lord Pethick Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps and AV Alexander.

The Cabinet Mission Plan proposed a two-tiered federal structure: Union Government (Centre): Responsible for defence, foreign affairs and communications. Provincial Governments: Responsible for all other subjects.

The plan suggested a federation comprising both British Indian provinces and princely states. The Cabinet Mission Plan proposed that the provinces could group themselves into regional unions.

These regional groups could have their own executives and legislatures, and the provinces could delegate certain powers to these groups by mutual consent.

70. Consider the following pairs.

List-I List-II 
1. GajapatiName of a powerful Dynasty in Odisha
2. AshvapatiDeccan Sultans
3. NarapatiRayas of Vijayanagara

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:All three pairs are correctly matched. Gajapati literally means 'Lord of Elephants.' This was the title used by the rulers of the Gajapati dynasty in Odisha (Orissa) during the 15th century.

The term Ashvapati means 'Lord of Horses.' In the context of popular traditions in Vijayanagara, the Deccan Sultans were referred to as Ashvapati.

The title Narapati translates to 'Lord of Men.' In Vijayanagara traditions, the Rayas of the Vijayanagara empire were termed as Narapati.