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UPSC Prelims 2019

100 questions, in the order they were asked.

2019 · Q1Medieval HistoryMughal Empiremoderate

With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar? 1. Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection. 2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)Both 1 and 2
  4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2
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Official answer(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2019 · Q2Indian EconomyAgriculture & Rural Developmentmoderate

With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?

  1. (a)The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.
  2. (b)The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.
  3. (c)It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.
  4. (d)Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.
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Official answer(b) The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.

2019 · Q4Modern HistoryConstitutional Developments & British Plans (1909-1947)moderate

Consider the following statements about 'the Charter Act of 1813' : 1. It ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade with China. 2. It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Indian territories held by the Company. 3. The revenues of India were now controlled by the British Parliament. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. (a)1 and 2 only
  2. (b)2 and 3 only
  3. (c)1 and 3 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(a) 1 and 2 only

2019 · Q10Ancient HistoryGupta Empiremoderate

With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?

  1. (a)It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
  2. (b)It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.
  3. (c)The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.
  4. (d)The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.
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Official answer(a) It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.

2019 · Q12Medieval HistoryDelhi Sultanatemoderate

Consider the following statements : 1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as 'Amil'. 2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution. 3. The office of 'Mir Bakshi' came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2 only
  3. (c)3 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(a) 1 only

2019 · Q14Modern HistoryGandhian Mass Movements (1915-1942)moderate

With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements : 1. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of 'indentured labour'. 2. In Lord Chelmsford's 'War Conference', Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War. 3. Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. (a)1 and 2 only
  2. (b)1 and 3 only
  3. (c)2 and 3 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(b) 1 and 3 only

2019 · Q20GeographyPhysical Geographymoderate

On 21st June, the Sun

  1. (a)does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
  2. (b)does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
  3. (c)shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
  4. (d)shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn
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Official answer(a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle

2019 · Q25Environment & EcologyClimate Change & Greenhouse Gaseseasy

In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

  1. (a)Creating the artificial rains in some regions
  2. (b)Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
  3. (c)Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth
  4. (d)Reducing the global warming
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Official answer(d) Reducing the global warming