QUESTION 1 OF 14
[UPSC Prelims 2015] Which kingdoms are traditionally linked with the life of Gautama Buddha, from Avanti, Gandhara, Kosala, Magadha?
Explanation: The Buddha's biography is closely tied to Kosala (region of Sravasti) and Magadha (enlightenment near Bodh Gaya, first sermon nearby); Avanti and Gandhara are not directly linked to his life story.
QUESTION 2 OF 14
[UPSC Prelims 2015] Regarding essential elements of the feudal system in Indian history: (1) a very strong central authority paired with a very weak local authority; (2) an administrative structure grounded in control/possession of land; (3) a lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord. Which is/are correct?
Explanation: Feudalism is actually marked by a weak central authority alongside strong local power (the reverse of statement 1), while land-based administration and lord-vassal ties are genuinely defining feudal features.
QUESTION 3 OF 14
[UPSC Prelims 2015] Babur's arrival in India is associated with which of these developments: (1) introduction of gunpowder to the subcontinent; (2) introduction of the arch and dome into regional architecture; (3) establishment of the Timurid (Mughal) dynasty in the region?
Explanation: Babur's invasion brought gunpowder artillery to India and founded the Timurid-line Mughal dynasty, but the arch and dome had already been introduced to Indian architecture earlier, under the Delhi Sultanate.
QUESTION 4 OF 14
[UPSC Prelims 2015] Consider: (1) the first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu; (2) the first Muslim President of Congress was Badruddin Tyabji. Which is/are correct?
Explanation: Sarojini Naidu (1925) and Badruddin Tyabji (1887) hold these respective distinctions among Congress presidents.
QUESTION 5 OF 14
[UPSC Prelims 2015] Who led a march to the Tanjore coast to break the Salt Law in April 1930?
Explanation: C. Rajagopalachari led the salt march to Vedaranyam on the Tanjore coast, a key southern parallel to Gandhi's Dandi March.
QUESTION 6 OF 14
[UPSC Prelims 2015] What did the Government of India Act 1919 clearly define?
Explanation: The 1919 Act's central constitutional contribution was clearly demarcating subjects and jurisdiction between the central and provincial governments through dyarchy.
QUESTION 7 OF 14
[UPSC Prelims 2015] Who were economic critics of British colonialism in India, among Dadabhai Naoroji, G. Subramania Iyer, and R.C. Dutt?
Explanation: All three figures authored influential economic critiques of British colonial policy, contributing to the 'drain of wealth' theory.
QUESTION 8 OF 14
[UPSC Prelims 2015] Why does India have a Parliamentary System of Government?
Explanation: The defining hallmark of the parliamentary system is the executive's (Council of Ministers') collective responsibility and accountability to the directly elected Lok Sabha.
QUESTION 9 OF 14
[UPSC Prelims 2015] Regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy: (1) they spell out socio-economic democracy in the country; (2) their provisions are not enforceable by any court. Which is/are correct?
Explanation: Both are accurate - the Directive Principles articulate goals of socio-economic democracy but remain explicitly non-justiciable under Article 37.
QUESTION 10 OF 14
[UPSC Prelims 2015] Where is the 'Welfare State' ideal enshrined in the Indian Constitution?
Explanation: Part IV's Directive Principles articulate the vision and goals of a welfare state that the government should strive toward.
QUESTION 11 OF 14
[UPSC Prelims 2015] Regarding the Rajya Sabha and money matters: (1) it has no power to reject or amend a Money Bill; (2) it cannot vote on Demands for Grants; (3) it cannot discuss the Annual Financial Statement. Which is/are correct?
Explanation: The Rajya Sabha indeed cannot amend/reject Money Bills or vote on Demands for Grants, but it can and does discuss the Annual Financial Statement (Budget) as part of the general budget discussion.
QUESTION 12 OF 14
[UPSC Prelims 2015] What is the fundamental object of the Panchayati Raj system, among: people's participation in development, political accountability, democratic decentralisation, financial mobilisation?
Explanation: Panchayati Raj primarily aims at grassroots participation, political accountability, and democratic decentralisation; financial mobilisation is not counted among its foundational objectives in this framing.
QUESTION 13 OF 14
[UPSC Prelims 2015] When a bill is referred to a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, what majority is needed to pass it?
Explanation: A joint sitting resolves a legislative deadlock through passage by a simple majority of members present and voting from both Houses combined.
QUESTION 14 OF 14
[UPSC Prelims 2015] 'To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India' is a provision found in:
Explanation: This specific obligation is listed among the Fundamental Duties under Article 51A(c).
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