58 previous year questions from the 2001 UPSC Prelims paper, organised by subject — each solved with option-by-option explanations.
A selection of 25 solved questions — sign up free to practise all 58.
The Hunter Commission was appointed after the
Explanation
Correct. The Hunter Commission (Disorders Inquiry Committee) was appointed in 1919 to investigate the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the martial law administration in Punjab.
Which Article of the Constitution provides that it shall be the endeavour of every State to provide adequate facility for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education?
Explanation
Correct. Article 350A directs every State and local authority to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups.
Assertion (A): The boiling point of water decreases as the altitude increases. Reason (R): At higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure is lower.
Explanation
Correct. Both statements are true and the reason correctly explains the assertion. Boiling occurs when vapour pressure equals atmospheric pressure; at higher altitudes atmospheric pressure is lower, so water boils at a lower temperature.
Which one of the following animals was NOT represented on the seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture?
Explanation
Correct. The cow does not appear on Harappan seals. Animals commonly depicted include the unicorn bull, elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, and buffalo. The absence of the cow on seals is a notable feature of Harappan iconography.
Which one of the following statements about procurement price is correct?
Explanation
Correct. Procurement price refers to the price paid by public agencies while purchasing foodgrains from farmers.
Identify the correct order of the processes of soil erosion from the following:
Explanation
Correct. Soil erosion follows a progressive sequence: splash erosion (raindrop impact dislodges particles) → sheet erosion (thin layer of topsoil removed by runoff) → rill erosion (small channels form) → gully erosion (rills deepen into gullies).
The high density of population in Nile Valley and Island of Java is primarily due to:
Explanation
Correct. Both the Nile Valley and Java have extremely fertile soils that support intensive agriculture, which historically attracted and sustained dense populations.
Which among the following ports was called Babul Makka (Gate of Mecca) during the Mughal Period?
Explanation
Correct. Surat was called Babul Makka (Gate of Mecca) because it was the principal port from which Indian Muslims embarked on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It was also the chief commercial port of the Mughal Empire.
Which one of the following duties is NOT performed by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India?
Explanation
Correct. Unlike the British Comptroller and Auditor General, the Indian CAG does not control the receipt and issue of public money. In India, this exchequer control function does not vest in the CAG; the CAG's role is limited to post-expenditure audit and reporting.
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Substance) — List II (Physiological role) I. Ptyalin — A) Converts angiotensinogen in blood into angiotensin II. Pepsin — B) Digests starch III. Renin — C) Digests proteins IV. Oxytocin — D) Hydrolyses fats — E) Induces contraction of smooth muscles Codes:
Explanation
Correct. Ptyalin (salivary amylase) digests starch (B); pepsin digests proteins in the stomach (C); renin converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin for blood pressure regulation (A); oxytocin induces uterine smooth muscle contraction (E).
Which of the following is the most appropriate measure of economic growth of a country?
Explanation
Correct. Per Capita Real Income is the most appropriate measure as it accounts for population size (per capita), inflation adjustment (real), and captures the actual change in living standards of the average citizen over time.
When light waves pass from air to glass, the variables that change are:
Explanation
Correct. When light enters a denser medium like glass, its speed decreases (v = c/n) and its wavelength shortens (lambda = v/f), but the frequency remains unchanged as it is a property of the source.
National income of a country represents:
Explanation
Correct. National Income = NNP at Factor Cost = GNP at Market Price - Depreciation - Indirect Taxes + Subsidies. The steps are: GNP at MP minus depreciation gives NNP at MP, and then subtracting indirect taxes and adding subsidies converts it to NNP at FC.
The most appropriate measure of a country's economic growth is:
Explanation
Correct. Per capita real income (real NNP or real GNI divided by population) is considered the most appropriate measure of economic growth because it adjusts for both population size and price changes (inflation). It reflects the average standard of living and captures whether growth is actually translating into improved well-being for individuals.
Assertion (A): Harshavardhana convened the Prayag Assembly. Reason (R): He wanted to popularise only the Mahayana form of Buddhism.
Explanation
Correct. Harshavardhana did convene the Prayag Assembly (Maha Moksha Parishad), and Xuanzang's accounts indicate that Harsha was a patron of Mahayana Buddhism and used such assemblies to promote it.
The Supreme Court of India tenders advice to the President on a matter of law or fact:
Explanation
Correct. Under Article 143, the Supreme Court gives an advisory opinion only when the President makes a reference. It cannot initiate this process on its own.
Match List I (Bhakti Saint) with List II (Profession) and select the correct answer: List I — List II I. Namdev — A. Barber II. Kabir — B. Weaver III. Ravidas — C. Tailor IV. Sena — D. Cobbler
Explanation
Correct. Namdev was a tailor (C), Kabir was a weaver (B), Ravidas was a cobbler (D), and Sena was a barber (A). These Bhakti saints came from artisan and lower-caste backgrounds.
Who among the following leaders proposed to adopt Complete Independence as the goal of the Congress in the Ahmedabad session of 1920?
Explanation
Correct. Hasrat Mohani proposed at the Congress session that the goal should be complete independence, years before the Congress formally adopted the demand at Lahore in 1929.
The mean annual temperature on the south-east coast of India in the range of: [2001]
Explanation
Correct. The south-east coast of India experiences mean annual temperatures in the range of 27.5 to 30.0 degrees Celsius due to its tropical location and coastal exposure.
Who among the following Indian rulers established embassies in foreign countries on modern lines?
Explanation
Correct. Tipu Sultan of Mysore sent diplomatic missions to France, Turkey, and other countries seeking alliances against the British. His embassies to the French court and the Ottoman Sultan were notable examples of modern Indian diplomacy.
Who among the following organised the famous Chittagong Armoury Raid?
Explanation
Correct. Surya Sen, also known as 'Masterda', organised and led the daring Chittagong Armoury Raid on 18 April 1930, seizing weapons from two armouries in Chittagong.
Who among the following was the President of the All India States' Peoples' Conference in 1939?
Explanation
Correct. Jawaharlal Nehru was elected President of the All India States' Peoples' Conference at its session in Ludhiana in 1939, signalling Congress support for democratic movements in princely states.
Which one of the following statements correctly describes the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of India?
Explanation
Correct. The Fourth Schedule specifies the allocation of seats in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to the various States and Union Territories.
Who among the following presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir?
Explanation
Correct. Vasumitra presided over the Fourth Buddhist Council held at Kundalvana, Kashmir, during the reign of Kanishka (1st-2nd century CE). Ashvaghosha served as his deputy. This council compiled the Mahavibhasha.
Which of the following cell organelles play the most significant role in protein synthesis?
Explanation
Correct per the official answer key. Ribosomes on rough ER are the primary sites of protein synthesis, but this legacy PYQ's official key marks option (a).
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