History: CUET Mock Test - 6 - CUET MCQ

The correct answer is kharaj tax.

Key Points

• Kharaj was a tax on agricultural land under the Delhi sultanate, and its range was one-third to half of the produce.
• Kharaj is mainly imposed on non-Muslims and converts them to Islam in recently conquered territories of Islam.
• Under the law of Islam, only native Muslims or those who converted to Islam were allowed to own land.
• Thus, the non-Muslim cultivators were encouraged to adopt Islam, so that they could sustain their agricultural holdings.

Important Points

• There are different types of tax imposed during the Delhi sultanate:
  • Kharaj was a land tax that was equal to one-tenth of the produce of the land.
  • Zakat was a tax on property realized by the Muslims.
  • Kham was one-fifth of the booty captured, a tax on mines, treasure troves, and a share on war booty.
  • Jaziya: levied on the non-Muslim subjects, particularly the Hindus. Women and children were, however, exempted from the taxes.

Additional Information

• The time period of the Delhi Sultanate was from 1206-1526.
• The five dynasties ruled over the Delhi Sultanate sequentially they are as follows:
  • The Mamluk Dynasty/ Slave Dynasty (1206-1290).
  • The Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320).
  • The Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414).
  • The Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451).
  • The Lodhi Dynasty (1451-1526).
• Iltutmish was known as the real founder of the Delhi Sultanate.

Answer: C) Well-planned cities with drainage systems

Harappan cities were known for their advanced urban planning. Key features include:

• Grid layout: Streets were arranged in a grid pattern, enhancing navigation and organisation.
• Drainage systems: These cities had sophisticated drainage systems that improved sanitation.
• Public baths: Large public baths were common, indicating an emphasis on hygiene.
• Uniform building materials: Houses were made from fired bricks, ensuring durability and consistency.

These innovations highlight the Harappans' engineering skills and their focus on community well-being.

Answer:
C) Well-planned cities with drainage systems

The correct chronological order is Bahlol Khan Lodi, Sikandar Shah, Ibrahim Lodi.Key Points

• Bahlol Khan Lodi (1451-1489):
  • ​Founded the Lodi dynasty in 1451.
  • Expanded the territory of the Delhi Sultanate into Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Defeated the Sayyid dynasty at the Battle of Bahlolpur in 1451.
  • Died in 1489 and was succeeded by his son, Sikandar Shah Lodi.
• Sikandar Shah Lodi (1489-1517):
  • ​Considered the greatest ruler of the Lodi dynasty.
  • Expanded the territory of the Delhi Sultanate into Bihar and Gwalior.
  • Founded the city of Agra in 1504.
  • Built the Sikandar Lodi Tomb in Delhi.
  • Patronized learning and the arts.
  • Died in 1517 and was succeeded by his son, Ibrahim Lodi.
• Ibrahim Lodi (1517-1526):
  • ​Last ruler of the Lodi dynasty.
  • Was unpopular with his subjects due to his harsh rule.
  • Defeated by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.
  • Killed in battle, marking the end of the Lodi dynasty.
• The Lodi dynasty ruled over Delhi for a relatively short period of time, but they left a lasting legacy.
• They were strong and capable rulers who expanded the territory of the Delhi Sultanate and made it one of the most powerful empires in the world.
• They also built many important monuments, including the Lodhi Gardens in Delhi and the Sikandar Lodi Tomb.

Option 3 is the correct answer: Al Biruni was a traveler from Uzbekistan who wrote a book that is helpful to know the past of our country.

• Al Biruni belongs to Khwarizm- A city located on the banks of Amu Darya (Oxus River), presently in Uzbekistan.
• He traveled around the world to study and explore the world.
• He wrote a book 'Kitab-al-Hind' that contains an account of the Indian subcontinent from 1017-1030 AD.
• He also wrote Al-Qanun-al-Maqsudi, Athar-al-Bagiya, Tarikh-ul-Hind and Kitab-al-Jamikar.
• Contributions to the field of knowledge made by him:
  • He calculated the maximum and the minimum distance between the moon and the Earth.
  • He said that the tide formation depends on the phases of the moon.

The correct answer is Arabic.

Key Points

The Kitab-ul-Hind -

• Al-Biruni’s Kitab-ul-Hind, written in Arabic, is simple and lucid. Hence the correct answer is option 1.
• It is a voluminous text, divided into 80 chapters on subjects such as religion and philosophy, festivals, astronomy, alchemy, manners and customs, social life, weights and measures, iconography, laws and metrology.
• Al-Biruni, who wrote in Arabic, probably intended his work for people living along the frontiers of the subcontinent.
• He was familiar with translations and adaptations of Sanskrit, Pali and Prakrit texts into Arabic these ranged from fables to works on astronomy and medicine.

Additional Information

• ​Ibn Battuta’s book of travels, called Rihla, written in Arabic, provides vibrant and interesting details about the social and cultural life in the subcontinent in the fourteenth century.

The correct answer is - Powerful Zamindars.

Key Points

• In Bengal, the term "Raja" which literally meant king was often used to designate powerful Zamindars.
• Powerful Zamindars:
  • This is the correct designation for the term "Raja" in Bengal. Zamindars were large landholders with significant social, economic, and sometimes military power.
  • They often acted as local rulers or lords, managing vast areas of land and exercising authority over the peasants.
  • In many cases, they were treated as royalty or nobility, which is why the term "Raja" was used for them

Additional Information

• Village Headmen:
  • While village headmen played significant roles within their communities, they were not typically referred to as "Raja".
  • Their responsibilities mainly involved local governance and administration at the village level, not the extensive landholding or semi-autonomous rule often associated with Zamindars.
• Rich Peasants:
  • Although rich peasants were more affluent and influential than their counterparts due to their substantial agricultural produce, they did not possess the same level of authority, land, or power as Zamindars.
• Military Commander:
  • ​Military commanders, despite their critical roles in defense and military leadership, were not the primary referents of the term "Raja" in this context.
  • Their influence was more focused on military matters rather than the broad socio-economic dominance characteristic of Zamindars.

The correct answer is - 1818.

Key Points

• The first revenue settlement in Bombay Deccan marks a significant event in the history of British colonial administration in India.
• This settlement was part of the British efforts to reorganize land revenue systems in the territories they controlled.
• Revenue settlement refers to the process of determining the land revenue demand of the state from its subjects. It involved surveying, assessing the quality of the soil, and estimating the produce and its value.
• The year 1818 is critical as it followed the Third Anglo-Maratha War, after which the British East India Company consolidated its control over large parts of the Indian subcontinent, including the Bombay Deccan region.
• The settlements were aimed at stabilizing revenue collection and establishing a direct relationship between the British administration and the cultivators, bypassing traditional intermediaries.
• This initiative was part of broader British efforts to implement systems that would ensure a stable and predictable flow of revenue to the colonial government, which was essential for maintaining and expanding their colonial enterprise in India.

The correct option is 'A - I, B - IV, C - II, D - III'.

Key Points

• Santhal Uprising occurred in 1855 - 56.
  • This was a rebellion in Eastern India against both the British colonial authority and Zamindari system by the Santhal people.
  • It was a significant uprising that aimed to establish a Santhal kingdom free from oppression.
• Deccan Riot took place in 1875.
  • The riots were a peasant revolt in the Deccan region of India against the oppressive practices of moneylenders and landowners.
  • It led to significant changes in the agrarian policies of the British Raj.
• American Civil War happened during 1861.
  • This was a civil war in the United States fought between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy) that seceded.
  • The war was primarily over the issues of slavery and states' rights.
• Permanent Settlement in Bengal was introduced in 1793.
  • This was a land revenue system in the Indian subcontinent, where landlords were made owners of the land with a fixed tax to the British.
  • It led to significant social and economic changes in Bengal and its surrounding areas.

The correct answer is 1801.

Key Points

• The Subsidiary Alliance System was a strategic alliance policy initiated by Lord Wellesley, the British Governor-General in India from 1798 to 1805.
• Under this system, Indian rulers were not allowed to have their independent armed forces.
• They were to be protected by the British army, for which they had to pay and also had to cede some territory or revenue for its maintenance.
• If they failed to make the payment, part of their territory was taken away as a penalty.
• The Nawab of Awadh, Nawab Saadat Ali Khan II, was forced to sign the Subsidiary Alliance in 1801, which effectively placed Awadh under British control.
• This agreement significantly reduced the sovereignty of Awadh, making it a puppet state of the British Empire.
• The Nawab was left with no choice but to depend on the British forces for the protection of his territory.
• This event is crucial as it marked a significant step towards the expansion of British territorial control in India, eventually leading to the annexation of Awadh in 1856 on grounds of misgovernance, further consolidating British dominion in India.

The correct answer is - Lord Wellesley.

Key Points

Lord Wellesley:

• Lord Wellesley, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1798 to 1805, introduced the system of Subsidiary Alliance.
• This system was aimed at establishing British hegemony in India without the need for direct territorial conquest.
• Under this system, Indian princely states were not allowed to have their independent armed forces but were to be protected by the British army, for which they had to pay a subsidy to the British.
• If the Indian states failed to make the payment, part of their territory was taken away as a penalty.
• This strategy significantly expanded British power in India by making princely states dependent on the British East India Company for military support.

Additional Information

• Lord Dalhousie: - Known for the Doctrine of Lapse and annexation of several Indian states but not for the Subsidiary Alliance system.
• Lord Cornwallis: - He is known for his role in the introduction of the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, not for the Subsidiary Alliance system. -
• Robert Clive: - Although a key figure in establishing British control in India, particularly through the Battle of Plassey, Clive did not devise the Subsidiary Alliance system.

Francois Bernier visited India in the 17th century during the reign of Aurangzeb (1658-1707 CE), documenting the economic and social conditions of the Mughal Empire.

Bernier believed that the Mughal system of landownership, where the emperor owned all land, discouraged innovation and investment in agriculture.

Bernier praised the craftsmanship of Indian artisans but argued that they lacked incentives to innovate due to the restrictive economic system.

Bernier observed that the Brahmanas had a dominant position in Indian society, enjoying privileges and respect.

Bernier’s works influenced European perceptions by depicting India as a land of immense wealth but bound by a rigid social and economic hierarchy.

The Bhakti movement emphasized deep devotion to a personal deity, rejecting elaborate rituals and social hierarchies.

Kabir was a prominent Bhakti saint who rejected caste-based discrimination and emphasized unity among all religious communities.

Bhakti saints wrote devotional songs in local languages, making their messages easily understandable to common people.

Many Bhakti saints were devotees of Hindu deities such as Vishnu (Vaishnavism), Shiva (Shaivism), and Devi (Shaktism).

Bhakti saints opposed caste discrimination and religious orthodoxy, promoting equality and spiritual freedom.

(A) Incorrect: The Harappan economy was diverse, including agriculture, trade, and crafts.
(B) Correct: Artisans producing beads, seals, and pottery were vital to the economy.
(C) Correct: Harappans imported precious stones like carnelian from Gujarat.
(D) Incorrect: Standardized weights and measures have been found, indicating organized trade.
(E) Correct: Trade extended to Mesopotamia, as evidenced by seals and goods.

(A) Correct: The Dharmashastras and Dharmasutras defined the duties and roles of different castes, reinforcing social hierarchies.
(B) Incorrect: Kshatriyas were primarily warriors and rulers, not ritual performers, a role reserved for Brahmanas.
(C) Correct: The Manusmriti, a Sanskrit text, was one of the earliest legal texts that detailed laws and social norms.
(D) Incorrect: Though the caste system was strict, there were instances of mobility, such as through patronage and adoption of new roles.
(E) Correct: Endogamy, or marriage within one’s caste, was encouraged to maintain purity and social order.

(A) Incorrect: The Dharmashastras discouraged inter-caste marriages and promoted endogamy to maintain social order.
(B) Correct: Gotra (lineage) was an important factor in Brahmana marriages, as same-gotra marriages were generally prohibited.
(C) Correct: Polygamy was common, especially among rulers and elites, as a means of political alliances.
(D) Incorrect: Women had limited choices in marriage, and arranged marriages were the norm.
(E) Correct: The concept of Kanyadan emphasized the father's role in arranging his daughter's marriage, often considering caste and status.

(A) Correct: The Mahabharata, one of India’s greatest epics, was composed in Sanskrit over centuries, incorporating various narratives.
(B) Correct: The central theme of the Mahabharata is the conflict between the Pandavas and Kauravas, which led to the Kurukshetra war.
(C) Incorrect: The epic contains valuable information about kinship, caste practices, and social structures of ancient India.
(D) Correct: Women in the Mahabharata, such as Draupadi, faced limitations in decision-making, highlighting gender roles in ancient India.
(E) Incorrect: The final version of the Mahabharata is traditionally dated to around 400 CE, which falls within the early Gupta period (c. 320–550 CE), though not exclusively attributed to Gupta patronage.

(A) Incorrect: While caste was largely determined by birth, some flexibility existed through social mobility and royal patronage.
(B) Correct: The concept of purity and pollution influenced social divisions, restricting interactions between castes.
(C) Correct: Kings were usually chosen from the Kshatriya varna, but exceptions existed when rulers claimed divine or special status.
(D) Correct: Vaishyas engaged in trade, agriculture, and cattle-rearing, playing a key role in the economy.
(E) Incorrect: Shudras were involved in various forms of labor, including skilled and unskilled work, though they had limited social status.

B.R. Ambedkar - Drafted the Constitution (B): As Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Ambedkar meticulously shaped India’s Constitution, ensuring safeguards for social justice and equality, earning him the title “Father of the Constitution.”
Jawaharlal Nehru - Promoted economic and social planning (D): Nehru moved the Objectives Resolution (1946), outlining a vision of a sovereign, socialist republic with emphasis on economic and social development.
Vallabhbhai Patel - Advocated for strong Centre (A): Patel, a key figure in unification, pushed for a strong central authority within a federal structure to maintain national integrity post-partition.
Shyama Prasad Mukherjee - Worked for rights of minorities (C): As a Hindu Mahasabha leader, Mukherjee argued for minority rights (though later focused on Hindu interests), contributing to debates on cultural protections

Drafting Committee - B.R. Ambedkar (B): Ambedkar headed this committee, tasked with preparing the final draft of the Constitution, presented in 1948 and adopted in 1949.
Union Powers Committee - Jawaharlal Nehru (C): Nehru chaired this committee, defining the powers of the central government in a federal setup, reflecting his vision for a strong Union.
Provincial Constitution Committee - Sardar Patel (D): Patel led this committee, designing the framework for provincial governance, balancing autonomy with central authority.
Rules of Procedure Committee - Rajendra Prasad (A): As President of the Constituent Assembly, Prasad headed this committee, establishing procedural norms for debates and decision-making

Article 14 - Right to Equality (A): Ensures equality before the law and equal protection within India, a cornerstone of fundamental rights under Part III.
Article 19 - Right to Freedom (C): Guarantees six freedoms (speech, assembly, etc.), subject to reasonable restrictions, empowering citizens’ liberties.
Article 21 - Protection of Life and Personal Liberty (D): States that no person shall be deprived of life or liberty except by law, expanded by judicial interpretation to include dignity and more.
Article 29 - Protection of Minority Rights (B): Protects the cultural and educational rights of minorities, ensuring their identity and autonomy are preserved

British Constitution - Parliamentary System (B): India adopted a parliamentary democracy with a Prime Minister and Cabinet accountable to the legislature, reflecting British practice.
Irish Constitution - Directive Principles of State Policy (A): Borrowed from Ireland, these non-justiciable principles (Part IV) guide the state toward social and economic justice.
US Constitution - Fundamental Rights (C): Inspired by the US Bill of Rights, India’s fundamental rights (Part III) ensure enforceable liberties like equality and freedom.
Canadian Constitution - Federal system with a strong Centre (D): India’s federal structure, with a dominant Union government and division of powers, mirrors Canada’s model

9 December 1946 - First session of the Constituent Assembly (B): The Assembly began its work despite Muslim League boycott, with Sachchidananda Sinha as temporary president, marking the start of constitution-making.
26 November 1949 - Final adoption of the Constitution (A): The Assembly adopted the Constitution after nearly three years of debate, now celebrated as Constitution Day.
24 January 1950 - Last session of the Constituent Assembly (C): The Assembly held its final meeting, signing the Constitution and electing Rajendra Prasad as India’s first President.
26 January 1950 - Constitution came into effect (D): The Constitution was enforced, marking India’s transition to a republic, celebrated annually as Republic Day