Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in Current Affairs.

(a) Nanda Dynasty: 

• The Nanda dynasty is mentioned in the Puranas. The Meghan empire established by Ajatashatru was further expanded by Mahapadma Nanda. 
• According to some scholars, the Nanda rule had spread up to Nanded in the South, whereas some scholars think that it was extended up to Mysore. 
• On this basis, it can be said that Mahapadma Nanda was the first great emperor of India. Dhana Nanda was the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty. 
• During his period, the state treasury was enormously rich. His military was also very huge. It consisted of 2,00,000 infantry, 60,000 cavalry, 6000 elephants and 2000 chariots.

(b) Mauryan Empire:

• Mauryan Empire was the first wellorganized and strongly controlled empire in the history of India. 
• Religious texts and other literature, inscriptions, coins, sculptures, etc. are the sources that help us to clearly understand the political, social, economic, and religious conditions of this period. 
• The Mauryan empire had spread on a large region of the Indian subcontinent and was controlled by a central power. 
• The Mauryan rule brought about the consolidation of the political system.

Correct option is (d) Bhasa

Correct option is (c) Mahapadma Nanda

1. False.

Correct: The Local self-government deals with matters of locality.

2. False.

Correct : Panchayats are elected for 3 to 5 years.

3. True.

4. True.

1. The Indian government function at the central, state government and local self government levels. 

2. The union government deals with matters of national importance. 

3. All Adult members of the village are members of the gram sabha. 

4. The nyaya panchayat cannot sent people to Jail.

 5. The gram panchayat makes the villagers more responsible and self-sufficient

It is a government run by the elected representatives of the local people. In India there are two kinds of local self government. 

They are following. 

1. Urban: It refers to towns and cities. Municipalities, corporations and cantonment boards are urban local bodies. 

2. Rural: It refers to villages. Zila parishads, block samitis and panchayats are rural local bodies.

• Bimbisara started building the foundation of the Magadha Empire. 
• He attacked the neighbouring kingdom of Anga and conquered it. 
• This victory increased the power of Magadha.
•  Bimbisara established matrimonial relations with many royal houses such as Kosala, Lichchhavi, Videh, Madra to support his expansionist policy.
• At the foot of the fort of Girivraja, he established the new capital of Rajgriha.

1. Union (Central government) deals with matters of national importance like defence, national finance, foreign, exchange, railways, postal services etc.

2. State government maintain law and order, local transport, health services and it also carries out the community development programme.

3. Local self-government deals with local problems and looks after the basic needs of the local people.

Providing primary education to the children living in the villages.

Its function is to settle disputes among the people. It also provides a cheap and speedy way to resolve disputes.

Rural refers to villages.

1. Big cities have Municipal Corporation as local self-government.

2. The head of a corporation is called Mayor.

3. The municipality arranges for checking food adulteration.

4. Towns having ten to twenty thousand people have small 1 bodies known as Municipalities.

5. Tax on goods and animals brought into or taken out of the town is known as Octroi Duty.

The functions of the village Panchayat are following:

1. It provides drinking water, Primary schools, health and sanitation facilities.

2. It constructs buildings, road and drains.

3. It records births and deaths in the village.

4. It helps farmers to develop and improve their farms and cattle

The panchayati raj is a three tier system.

One third of the seats of the gram panchayat are reserved for women.

Poona Pact was signed between Dr B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi. 

1. The Pact gave depressed classes reserved seats in the provincial and central legislative councils but to be voted in by the general electorate. 

2. Earlier, Ambedkar and Gandhiji clashed at the Second Round Table Conference as Ambedkar demanded separate electorate for the Dalits. 

3. Mahatma Gandhi was against this as he felt that granting a separate electorate would weaken the independence movement affecting the unity among Indians.

Hence, this Pact was signed to resolve the demand.

As the world advances human activities go on increasing and expanding. This constantly increases the threat to both natural and cultural heritage. As a result, time and again the government forms stricter laws and make them even stricter so that heritage can be preserved.

• The government framed ‘Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act’ in 1958. This act works as a guideline for preserving antique artistic work, religious places, historical memorials and archaeological sites, etc.
• This archaeological act ensures that no person or agency can conduct archaeological excavation without the prior permission of government.
• This act helped in stopping excavation done either illegally or with unethical means. This has helped in preserve our various heritage sites.
• It is important to note that just framing the laws will not save the heritage. The laws should be strictly followed. Moreover, it is also the moral duty of the citizens to adhere to the laws and support the preservation.

Role of Department of Archaeology in preserving the monuments:

• The government of India declared some historical places as ‘National Monuments’.
• Department of Archaeology is responsible to take care for the preservation of these monuments as well as other important heritage sites which are either destroyed or on the verge of destruction.
• The department of Archaeology does the maintenance work in such a manner that the monuments and sites remain preserved in their original shape, size and condition.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is an organization that takes care about archaeological research and protecting cultural heritage. It has more than 5000 monuments and sites under its protection.
• The department has done wonderful jobs countless times. For example, due to the construction of Nagaijunsagar Multipurpose Project, Sangameshwar temple and Papnasham temples in Andhra Pradesh were about to submerge in the sea. To save these temples, they were successfully shifted to Alampur at Mehboobnagar district of Andhra Pradesh.
• Another example is of Taj Mahal of Agra which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
• Mathura oil refinery and other industries near the Taj were causing very high level of pollution. The pollution was making the white marble of Taj Mahal pale and yellowish.
• The department of archaeology took active steps and got the pollution causing industries shut. Moreover, the department also performed regular cleaning of the monument and brought its brightness back.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 at Talwandi, a village 64 kilometres from Lahore.

Bijak: Bijak is the compilation of the verses of Kabir. It comprises three main sections called Sakhi, Ramaini and Shabda.

(a) Bijak — Bijak is the compilation of the verses of Kabir. It comprises three main sections called Sakhi, Ramaini and Shabda and a fourth section containing miscellaneous folk song forms. 

1. The sakhi is composed in the doha or couplet form. 

2. The Ramaini form is usually written in the meter called chaupai and is usually based upon a musical raga. 

3. The third form, the Shabda is meterically the loosest form. Since it is the popular song form it has been altered from region to region and from singer to singer. Kabir has drawn inspiration from various traditions — Islam, Vedas and yogic traditions to describe the Ultimate Reality. For example, he has used the terms like alakh (the unseen), nirakar (formless), Brahman and Atman, from Vedantic traditions. 

(b) Guru Granth Sahib — Guru Granth Sahib is the only scripture of its kind which contains the songs, hymns and utterances of a wide variety of saints, sages and bards. This shows that Guru Arjan Dev wanted to affirm the fundamental unity of all religions and the unitary character of all mystic experience. It is indeed, magnificent compendium of religions, mystic and metaphysical poetry written or uttered between the 12th and the 17th century in different parts of India. It is,also, at the same time, a mirror of the sociological, economic and political conditions of those days. Guru Granth Sahib is regarded by the Sikhs as a ‘Living Guru’ and as a spiritual guide not only for them but for the entire humanity. They regard it as a ‘Living Guru’ that has all the answers regarding religion and morality.The philosophy embodied in Guru Granth Sahib is that of action, deed and consequence. It lay’s emphasis on shared communal experience and the extinction of the ego or self is the corner-stone of its philosophy. It regards God as omnipotent and omniscient. Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings : Guru Nanak preached the gospel of Universal Brotherhood and religious tolerance. He exhorted the Hindus and the Muslims to forget their differences, because he believed in the equality of all religions.

The people of Punjab started worshipping one God and the Idol worship declined.

Guru Nanak Dey Ji gave no importance to religious ceremonies for the spiritual upliftment of the individual. Therefore, Guru Sahib strongly criticised the irrational religious practices ind customs. The religious ceremonies which Guru Sahib condemned, were Vedic rites, Yajnas, Idol worship, pilgrimages, and useless ceremonies. Guru Sahib declined to recognise the ascetic yogic way of life.

Guru Sahib criticised the ascetics or yogis on two accounts:

1. the lack of pure devotion towards God
2. the neglect of social obligations.

Guru Nanak Dey Ji did not recommend Vaishnav way of Bhakti and also refused to recognise the concépt of incarnation (Avtarvad). Guru Sahib also criticised many practices, beliefs, traditions and activities of the Muslim clergy and society.

1. Taiwandi, Nankana Sahib

2. Sangat Pangat

3. feeding the beggars and saints

4. Mehta Kalu Ram

5. Bhai Lehna (Angad Dey Ji)

Main two sources to reconstruct religious thoughts and ideas leading to the growth of composite culture are:

1. Bijak — Bijak is the compilation of the verses of Kabir. Kabir has drawn inspiration from various traditions—Islam, Vedas and yogic traditions to describe the Ultimate Reality. For example, he has used the terms like alakh (the unseen), nirakar (formless), Brahman and Atman, from Vedantic traditions. 

2. Guru Granth Sahib — Guru Granth Sahib is the only scripture of its kind which contains the songs, hymns and utterances of a wide variety of saints, sages and bards. This shows that Guru Arjan Dev wanted to affirm the fundamental unity of all religions and the unitary character of all mystic experience. It is indeed, a magnificent compendium of religions, mystic and metaphysical poetry written or uttered between the 12th and the 17th century in different parts of India. It is, also, at the same time, a mirror of the sociological, economic and political conditions of those days.

(A) As a Great Teacher:

1. Preacher of Truth : Guru Nanak Dey Ji was a great teacher of humanity. Guru Sahib attained enlightenment in the thirtieth year of his life. Guru Sahib travelled widely to spread his message. Guru Sahib spread the gospel of Truth in every nook and corner of the Punjab. Everywhere, people were impressed by his personality and message. Guru Nanak Dey Ji taught to abandon the materialistic dsires, selfishness, and greediness and enjoined upon his followers to lead a pious life. Guru Sahib taught those principles which he himself practised in his personas life.

2. A Guru for the Whole Humanity : The teachings of Guru Sahib were not meant for any particular community, place, or nation, rather they are for the whole world. Prof. K.S. Narang opines that his message was not just for one period of time. It is eternal. Guru Sahib’s teachings were so rational and complete that even modern rationalists cannot find any shortcomings in them. The main aim of his teachings was the welfare of the whole humanity. It was only with the spirit of the welfare of the whole humanity, that Guru Sahib undertook hard journey to Burma, China, Tibet, Arabia, etc.

(B) As the Founder of Sikh Religion : Guru Nanak Dey Ji founded the Sikh religion.
There are some fundamental principles of Sikh religion which are found only in Sikhism but not in Hinduism or Islam. For example, Guru Nanak Dey Ji started the institutions of Sangat and Pangat which were the important features of the new faith. Secondly, Guru Nanak Dey Ji did not appoint his son as successor to Guru-gaddi but gave it to his devotee Bhai Lehna. By this act, the Guru tradition became very significant and the Sikh religion was founded. The Sikh religion continued to develop during the period of next nine Gurus and the Sikh religion established itself as a full-fledged religion.

When the Hindus and Muslims began living together, something new, something that was neither Muslim nor Hindu but a mixture of the two, was born. It was impossible for them to remain isolated from each other and both were influence mutually by each other’s faith and ideas. The spirit of tolerance, the desire to assimilate each other’s ideas and customs and the wider outlook of the Hindu and Muslim saints gave impetus to two religious movements — Sufism among the Muslims and the Bhakti cult among the Hindus.

1. She was promoted to the status of ‘Padshah Begum’.

2. Coins were struck in her name and on all farmans; (permission) her name was attached to the imperial signature.

The Sikhs were provoked by Aurangzeb’s religious policy. The sikh guru, Tegh Bahadur was publicity executed in Delhi.

Babur’s encounter with a huge confederacy of Rajputs at Khanua, resulted in the victory of Babur. The victory gave Babur complete control over the Central India.

In the second battle of Panipat, Akbar’s army under the leadership of Bairam Khan defeated and skilled Hemu, the general of Adil Shah who had occupied the city of Delhi. Due to this battle, the Afghan power was crushed and Akbar’s throne became safe from enemies.

The Third Battle of Panipat was fought between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1761. The Marathas were defeated by Ahmad Shah Abdali.

(i) The famous peacock throne, covered with expensive jewels, was made during Shah Jahan’s time for the emperor to sit on. The world famous Taj Mahal, the Moti Masjid, the pearl mosque at Agra, the Jama Masjid of Delhi, the Diwan-i- Khas and Diwan – i Am in his palace exhibit his taste for Art and Architecture.

(ii) Babur built many structures at Agra, Biana, Dholpur, Gwalior and Kiul in Persian style of Architecture.

(iii) Sher shah built a mausoleum at Sasaram. Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-Am, Panch Mahal Rang Mahal, Salim Chishti’s tomb and Buland Darwaza were built during Akbar’s time.

(iv) Jahangir completed Akbar’s tomb at Sikandara and the beautiful building containing the tomb of Itmad-ud-daula, at Agra.

(v) During Aurangzeb’s reign, architecture did not receive much patronage.

Sangat and Pangat.

It means that culture is made up of many elements drawn from several different traditions such as Classical Hindu tradition and the Islamic and Christian thoughts and beliefs.

In the days of Babur and Humayun, there used to be a Prime Minister, known as vakil, who was entrusted with large powers in civil and military affairs. During the early years of Akbar’s reign Bairam Khan was the vakil. The head of the revenue department was the wazir, known as diwan or diwan-i-ala. The diwan was responsible for all income and expenditure. The head of the military department was called the Mir Bakhshi. The Mir Bakhshi was also the head of the intelligence and information agencies of the empire.

The second Battle of Panipat was fought between Hemu, a nephew of Sher Shah Suri and the Mughals in November 1556. In this battle, the Afghan army was defeated and Hemu was captured and killed.

Akbar, took the following measures to promote greater under standing between the Hindus and Muslims 

1. Akbar abolished the poll tax or jizyah, which the non-muslims were required to pay. He abolished the pilgrim tax on bathing at holy places such as Prayag and Benaras. 

2. He involved a number of Hindus into the nobility. Most of these were Rajput Rajas who entered into matrimonial alliances with Akbar. Mansabs were given to others on the basis of their competence.

The Mughal rulers introduced a number of educational reforms: 

Akbar revised the educational syllabus, laying more emphasis on moral education and mathematics and on’secular subjects such as agriculture, geometry, astronomy, logic and history. The other Mughal emperors also were keen patrons of education and there was considerable development in this area. In fact one of the duties of the public works department. Shuhra-i-am was to build schools and colleges. Jahangir passed a law, whereby if a rich man was to die without an heir, his assets would be used by the State to help in the development and maintenance of educational institutes. Shah Jahan although more interested in building monuments, did take some significant educational initiatives like providing scholarships to assist students. Female education also existed in some form during the Mughal period. Girls from rich families were usually able to have an education, through private tuition at home. The Middle class girls were usually able to attend the same schools as the boys.

Din-I-Ilahi was the new cult introduced by the emperor Akbar in 1580. It was based on the belief that there is only one God and required its members to accept such virtues as courage, chastity and justice. It also demanded loyalty to the Emperor.

The Mughal Emperors, especially Akbar, took a number of measures to promote greater understanding between the Hindus and the Muslims. 

Some of these measures were the following: 

1. Akbar abolished the poll taxorjizyah, which the non-Muslims were required to pay. He also abolished the pilgrim tax on bathing at holy places such as Prayag and Banaras. Further, he abolished the practice of forcibly converting prisoners of war to Islam. 

2. To strengthen the liberal principles, Akbar enrolled a number of Hindus into the nobility. While most of these were Rajput rajas, many of whom entered into matrimonial alliances with Akbar, mansabs were given to others also on the basis of their competence.

Aurangzeb died forlorn and destitute. In this context, the given headlines are explained as under: 

(a) His dealings with the Sikh Gurus: Aurangzeb was a fanatic Fundamentalist (Sunni) Muslim ruler. He adopted a rigid policy, especially for the Hindus and emphatically converted them into Islam. The Hindu pandits from Kashmir, approached the Ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadar at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab and they grieved and sought the help of the Guru to relieve them from the atrocities of Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb got infuriated at this act of the Guru to assist the Kashmiri, pandits. He captured Guru Tegh Bahadar and took him to Delhi. He kept forth the option of embracing Islam or facing death before the Guru. Seeing the Guru not converting his denomination and denying to adopt the Islam religion, Aurangzeb beheaded the Guru openly at a place called Chandani Chowk in Delhi. Now, there is erected the Gurudwara Sisganj in the memory of the martyred Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadar. In 1704, the Mughals attacked the fort of Anandpur, a fierce battle was fought between the Sikhs and the Mughals. Guru Gobind Singh, who led the Sikh warriors, fought heroically. His two sons Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, were captured and were bricked alive when they refused to adopt Islam. The Guru’s last encounter with Mughal forces took place at the battlefield of Muktsar, it claimed a huge loss of lives of the soldiers. Thus, an unending enmity existed between the Mughals and the Sikhs that continued even after the departing of Guru Gobind Singh. 

(b) His attempts to suppress rebellion in the Deccan: Shivaji was succeeded by his elder son Shambhaji. A new dimension that was added to the events in Deccan was the arrival of the rebel Prince Akbar at the Maratha Court. Aurangzeb feared that the Prince, the Marathas and the Sultans of Bijapur and Golconda could forge an alliance against the Empire. He therefore, reached the Deccan in 1681. He sought to crush the Marathas, but his efforts did not bear the desired results. He could annex Bijapur in 1686 and then came the fall of Golconda also. Shambhaji was also defeated, captured and killed in 1689. The Deccan, now seemed to be under the control of the Mughal Emperor. But the Marathas did not allow themselves to be carried into submission. They enthroned Shambhaji’s younger brother Raja Ram on the throne. When the Mughal army besieged their Capital, they fled towards Jinji. The Mughals captured Shambhaji’s wife and her nine-year old son Sahuji. The Mughal- Maratha contest continued for many wife and her nine-year old son Sahuji. The Mughal- Maratha contest continued for many years. When Raja Ram died in 1700, his widow Tara Bai declared her four-year old son, Shivaji II, the king.From 1700-1705 Aurangzeb, though ill-managed to drag himself from the siege of one fort to another. After nearly twenty-five years of direct military action in southern India, Aurangzeb died at Aurangabad in 1707 – with little success, but substantial loss of wealth, prestige and self-esteem.