Which factor was most instrumental in the development of early settlements in the Indus Valley?
Answer: B
The seasonal flooding of the Indus River deposited nutrient-rich silt, facilitating agriculture and attracting settlements, similar to the Nile Valley model.
Q.122Hard
The 'Jana' in Vedic terminology evolved into which subsequent political unit?
Answer: B
The Jana (tribe) in early Vedic society gradually evolved into the Janapada (territorial state) by the Later Vedic period, marking the transition from tribal to territorial polity.
Q.123Medium
Which contemporary civilization had direct trade relations with the Indus Valley Civilization?
Answer: B
Archaeological evidence, including Indus seals found in Mesopotamian sites and Mesopotamian artifacts in Indus locations, confirms active trade relations between these civilizations.
Q.124Hard
The Mauryan administrative division called 'Chakra' primarily served which purpose?
Answer: C
The Chakra was an administrative district in the Mauryan Empire responsible for revenue collection, land surveys, and territorial administration under a designated officer.
Q.125Medium
Which of the following philosophies emerged during the period of the Later Vedas and emphasized the concept of 'Brahman'?
Answer: B
The Upanishads, philosophical texts composed during and after the Vedic period, introduced the concept of Brahman as the ultimate, eternal reality underlying all existence.
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Q.126Hard
How did the Gupta rulers maintain religious pluralism while being predominantly Hindu?
Answer: B
Gupta rulers, despite being Hindu, patronized Buddhism and Jainism, as evidenced by their support for monasteries, universities like Nalanda, and grants to various religious institutions.
Q.127Easy
In which year did the British East India Company establish its first trading post in India?
Answer: A
The British East India Company established its first trading post at Surat in 1608 under the leadership of Captain William Hawkins.
Q.128Easy
Which battle marked the beginning of British political dominance in India?
Answer: B
The Battle of Plassey (1757) between Robert Clive and Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah marked the beginning of British political dominance in India.
Q.129Easy
Who was the first Governor-General of India under British rule?
Answer: A
Warren Hastings served as the first Governor-General of India from 1774 to 1785 after the Regulating Act of 1773.
Q.130Medium
The Permanent Settlement of Bengal was introduced in 1793 by which Governor-General?
Answer: B
John Shore introduced the Permanent Settlement in Bengal in 1793, which fixed land revenue permanently and created the zamindari system.
Q.131Medium
Which act declared the British Crown as the supreme authority in India?
Answer: A
The Government of India Act 1858 transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown following the 1857 Revolt.
Q.132Medium
The Ryotwari system was introduced primarily in which regions of India?
Answer: B
The Ryotwari system, where land revenue was collected directly from peasant proprietors, was introduced in Madras and Bombay presidencies.
Q.133Medium
Which legislative council first introduced Indian members through the Indian Councils Act?
Answer: A
The Indian Councils Act of 1861 first introduced Indian members to the legislative councils, though in limited numbers.
Q.134Easy
The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 started at which military cantonment?
Answer: B
The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 started at Meerut on May 10, 1857, when sepoys revolted against the British East India Company.
Q.135Medium
Which Governor-General is credited with the abolition of Sati?
Answer: B
William Bentinck (Governor-General 1828-1835) abolished Sati in 1829 through the Bengal Sati Prohibition Act.
Q.136Medium
The Ilbert Bill controversy of 1883 was primarily concerned with which issue?
Answer: B
The Ilbert Bill sought to grant Indian judges the power to try British citizens in criminal cases, leading to fierce opposition from the British community.
Q.137Medium
Which act introduced the concept of 'dyarchy' or dual government in Indian provinces?
Answer: C
The Government of India Act 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms) introduced dyarchy, dividing provincial subjects between elected and nominated representatives.
Q.138Hard
The Drain of Wealth theory was prominently articulated by which Indian economist?
Answer: B
Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the 'Grand Old Man of India', articulated the 'Drain of Wealth' theory, showing how British policies depleted India's resources.
Q.139Hard
Which British policy aimed at anglicizing Indian education and promoting English language?
Answer: B
Macaulay's Minute on Education (1835) advocated for English-medium education and created a class of English-educated Indians, leading to the three-language formula.
Q.140Hard
The 'Subsidiary Alliance' system was primarily developed by which Governor-General?
Answer: B
Richard Wellesley (1798-1805) implemented the Subsidiary Alliance system to consolidate British control over Indian principalities through military and political domination.
