A selection of 25 solved questions — sign up free to practise all 46.
Q1History & Culture·Buddhism, Jainism and Heterodox TraditionsPYQ 2004
With reference to ancient Jainism, which one of the following statements is correct?
- AJainism was spread in South India under the leadership of Sthalabahu
- BThe Jainas who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Shvetambaras after the Council held at Pataliputra
- CJainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the first century BCCorrect
- DIn the initial stage of Jainism, the Jainas worshipped images unlike Buddhists
Explanation
Correct. The Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela, the Kalinga king of the Chedi dynasty (1st century BCE), records his patronage of Jainism, including the restoration of Jain idols taken away by the Nandas.
Q2Polity & Governance·Federalism and Local GovernancePYQ 2004
With reference to the Constitution of India, which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
- AForests - Concurrent List
- BStock Exchanges - Concurrent ListCorrect
- CPost Office Saving Bank - Union List
- DPublic Health - State List
Explanation
Correct. Stock exchanges and futures markets are in the Union List (Entry 48), not the Concurrent List. This is the incorrectly matched pair.
Q3Geography·Physiography of IndiaPYQ 2004
Consider the following:
1. Mahadeo Hills
2. Sahyadri Parvat
3. Satpura Range
What is the correct sequence of the above from the north to the south?
- A1-2-3
- B2-1-3
- C1-3-2Correct
- D2-3-1
Explanation
Correct. From north to south: Mahadeo Hills (central Madhya Pradesh, part of the Satpura system, ~22°N), then the Satpura Range proper extending westward (~21°N), and finally the Sahyadri (Western Ghats) running further south along the west coast.
Q4History & Culture·UNESCO, Heritage and Cultural InstitutionsPYQ 2004
Who among the following is well known as an exponent of flute?
- ADebu Choudhuri
- BMadhup Mudgal
- CRonu MazumdarCorrect
- DShafaat Ahmad
Explanation
Correct. Ronu Mazumdar is one of India's most celebrated flute (bansuri) players. He has performed extensively worldwide and carries forward the tradition of the Indian bamboo flute.
Q5Geography·OceanographyPYQ 2004
Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?
- AGulfs with narrow fronts and wider rears experience high tidesCorrect
- BTidal currents take place when a gulf is connected with the open sea by a narrow channel
- CTidal bore occurs when a tide enters the narrow and shallow estuary of a river
- DThe tidal nature of the mouth of the river Hooghly is of crucial importance to Kolkata as a port
Explanation
Correct. This statement is NOT correct. It is gulfs with wide fronts and narrow rears (funnel-shaped) that experience amplified high tides, not those with narrow fronts and wider rears.
Q6History & Culture·Advent of Europeans and Company RulePYQ 2004
Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
- APitt's India Act: Warren Hastings
- BDoctrine of Lapse: Dalhousie
- CVernacular Press Act: CurzonCorrect
- DIlbert Bill: Ripon
Explanation
Correct — this is the incorrectly matched pair. The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was introduced under Lord Lytton, not Lord Curzon. Curzon served as Viceroy from 1899 to 1905.
Q7History & Culture·Gandhian Era (1919-1939)PYQ 2004
During the Indian Freedom Struggle, who among the following proposed that Swaraj should be defined as complete independence free from all foreign control?
- AMazharul Haque
- BMaulana Hasrat MohaniCorrect
- CHakim Ajmal Khan
- DAbul Kalam Azad
Explanation
Correct. Maulana Hasrat Mohani proposed at the Ahmedabad Congress session (1921) that Swaraj should mean complete independence, free from all foreign control. This was years before the Congress formally adopted the demand.
Q8History & Culture·Buddhism, Jainism and Heterodox TraditionsPYQ 2004
Consider the following statements:
1. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien attended the fourth Great Buddhist Council held by Kanishka.
2. The Chinese pilgrim Huan-Tsang met Harsha and found him to be antagonistic to Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2Correct
Explanation
Correct. Fa-Hien visited India centuries after Kanishka's council, and Xuanzang's records describe Harsha as a generous patron of Buddhism who convened religious assemblies in its support.
Q9History & Culture·Gandhian Era (1919-1939)PYQ 2004
Consider the following Viceroys of India during British rule:
1. Lord Curzon
2. Lord Chelmsford
3. Lord Hardinge
4. Lord Irwin
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of their tenure?
- A1-3-2-4Correct
- B2-4-1-3
- C1-4-2-3
- D2-3-1-4
Explanation
Correct. Lord Curzon (1899-1905), Lord Hardinge (1910-1916), Lord Chelmsford (1916-1921), and Lord Irwin (1926-1931) is the correct chronological sequence.
Q10History & Culture·Mughal IndiaPYQ 2004
How did the dynasty of Nizam Shahis of Ahmadnagar come to an end?
- AAhmadnagar was annexed into the Mughal Empire and Husain Shah was consigned to life imprisonmentCorrect
- BMughal troops destroyed Daulatabad fort and killed Nizam-ul-Mulk of Ahmadnagar
- CFateh Khan usurped the throne from Nizam-ul-Mulk
- DMalik Ambar was defeated in a battle with Mughals in 1631 and the entire royal family was killed by the Mughal troops
Explanation
Correct. The Nizam Shahi dynasty of Ahmadnagar ended when the Mughal forces under Shah Jahan finally annexed the sultanate in 1636. The last ruler, Husain Shah, was captured and imprisoned for life.
Q11History & Culture·Gandhian Era (1919-1939)PYQ 2004
Consider the following statements: Some of the main features of the Government of India Act, 1935 were the:
1. Abolition of diarchy in the Governors' provinces
2. Power of the Governors to veto legislative action and to legislate on their own
3. Abolition of the principle of communal representation
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B1 and 2Correct
- C2 and 3
- D1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Correct. The 1935 Act abolished diarchy in the provinces and gave Governors extensive powers including veto and the ability to legislate. However, it did not abolish communal representation; it actually continued and extended communal electorates.
Q12Polity & Governance·Non-Constitutional BodiesPYQ 2004
Which one of the following is the correct sequence in the descending order of precedence in the warrant of precedence?
- AAttorney General of India, Judges of the Supreme Court, Members of Parliament, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha
- BJudges of the Supreme Court, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Attorney General of India, Members of ParliamentCorrect
- CAttorney General of India, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Judges of the Supreme Court, Members of Parliament
- DJudges of the Supreme Court, Attorney General of India, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Members of Parliament
Explanation
Correct. In the official warrant of precedence, Supreme Court judges rank above the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, who in turn ranks above the Attorney General of India, followed by Members of Parliament.
Q13Geography·Transport, Communication and Trade GeographyPYQ 2004
Which among the following National Highway routes is the longest?
- AAgra–Mumbai
- BChennai–Thane
- CKolkata–HajiraCorrect
- DPune–Machilipatnam
Explanation
Correct. The Kolkata–Hajira route (old NH6) stretching over 1,900 km through Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Gujarat was the longest among the options listed.
Q14Polity & Governance·JudiciaryPYQ 2004
Consider the following statements:
1. The highest criminal court of the district is the Court of District and Sessions Judge.
2. District Judges are appointed by the Governor in consultation with the High Court.
3. To be eligible for appointment as District Judge, a person should be an advocate or pleader of seven years' standing or more, or an officer in judicial service of the Union or the State.
4. When the Sessions Judge awards a death sentence, it must be confirmed by the High Court before it is carried out.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A1 and 2
- B2, 3 and 4
- C3 and 4
- D1, 2, 3 and 4Correct
Explanation
Correct. All four statements align with the constitutional and criminal-procedure framework. Article 233 provides for appointment by the Governor in consultation with the High Court, and Section 366 CrPC requires High Court confirmation of death sentences.
Q15History & Culture·Late Freedom Struggle (1939-1947)PYQ 2004
Which one of the following statements is correct?
- AThe Constituent Assembly of India was elected by the Provincial Assemblies in the year 1946Correct
- BJawaharlal Nehru, M.A. Jinnah and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were members of the Constituent Assembly of India
- CThe First Session of the Constituent Assembly of India was held in January 1947
- DThe Constitution of India was adopted on 26th January 1950
Explanation
Correct. The Constituent Assembly was elected in July 1946 by the members of the provincial legislative assemblies as envisaged under the Cabinet Mission Plan.
Q16History & Culture·Ancient Art, Literature and PhilosophyPYQ 2004
Which one of the following sequences indicates the correct chronological order?
- AShankaracharya - Ramanuja - ChaitanyaCorrect
- BRamanuja - Shankaracharya - Chaitanya
- CRamanuja - Chaitanya - Shankaracharya
- DShankaracharya - Chaitanya - Ramanuja
Explanation
Correct. Shankaracharya (8th century CE) propounded Advaita Vedanta, Ramanuja (11th-12th century CE) advocated Vishishtadvaita, and Chaitanya (15th-16th century CE) led the Bhakti movement in Bengal. This is the correct chronological sequence.
Q17Polity & Governance·Non-Constitutional BodiesPYQ 2004
According to the National Human Rights Commission Act, 1993, who among the following can be its Chairman?
- AAny serving Judge of the Supreme Court
- BAny serving Judge of the High Court
- COnly a retired Chief Justice of IndiaCorrect
- DOnly a retired Chief Justice of a High Court
Explanation
Correct. Under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the Chairperson of the NHRC had to be a former Chief Justice of India. Other categories of judges could serve as members but not as Chairperson.
Q18Science·Chemistry in Everyday LifePYQ 2004
Salts of which of the following elements provide colours to fireworks?
- AZinc and sulphur
- BPotassium and mercury
- CStrontium and bariumCorrect
- DChromium and nickel
Explanation
Correct. Strontium salts produce brilliant red colours and barium salts produce green colours in fireworks. These are among the most commonly used colour-producing elements.
Q19Polity & Governance·Union ExecutivePYQ 2004
The resolution for removing the Vice-President of India can be moved in the:
- ALok Sabha alone
- BEither House of Parliament
- CJoint sitting of Parliament
- DRajya Sabha aloneCorrect
Explanation
Correct. Under Article 67(b), a resolution for the removal of the Vice-President can only be moved in the Rajya Sabha (by a majority of all its then members) and then agreed to by the Lok Sabha. This is because the Vice-President is ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Q20History & Culture·Early Medieval IndiaPYQ 2004
Consider the following statements:
1. Narasimha Saluva ended the Sangama dynasty and seized the throne for himself and started the Saluva dynasty.
2. Vira Narasimha deposed the last Saluva ruler and seized the throne for himself.
3. Vira Narasimha was succeeded by his younger brother, Krishnadeva Raya.
4. Krishnadeva Raya was succeeded by his half-brother, Achyuta Raya.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A1, 2 and 3
- B2, 3 and 4
- C1 and 4
- D1, 2, 3 and 4Correct
Explanation
Correct. All four statements accurately trace the dynastic transitions of the Vijayanagara Empire: Saluva Narasimha ended the Sangama line, Vira Narasimha (Tuluva) deposed the last Saluva ruler, his brother Krishnadeva Raya succeeded him, and Achyuta Raya (half-brother) followed.
Q21Geography·Climatology and Atmospheric CirculationPYQ 2004
Which one of the following statements is correct?
- ACirrus clouds are composed of ice crystals.Correct
- BCirrus clouds exhibit a flat base and have the appearance of rising domes.
- CCumulus clouds are white and thin, and form delicate patches and give a fibrous and feathery appearance.
- DCumulus clouds are classified as high clouds.
Explanation
Correct. Cirrus clouds form at high altitudes (above 6,000 m) where temperatures are well below freezing, so they are composed entirely of ice crystals.
Q22History & Culture·Indian Nationalism (1885-1919)PYQ 2004
Consider the following statements:
1. The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Calcutta.
2. The second session of the Indian National Congress was held under the presidency of Dadabhai Naoroji.
3. Both Indian National Congress and Muslim League held their sessions at Lucknow in 1916 and concluded the Lucknow Pact.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 and 2
- B2 only
- C2 and 3Correct
- D3 only
Explanation
Correct. The first INC session was in Bombay (not Calcutta), so statement 1 is wrong. Dadabhai Naoroji presided over the second session (1886 Calcutta), and the Congress and Muslim League did hold simultaneous sessions at Lucknow in 1916, concluding the Lucknow Pact.
Q23Science·Cell Biology and GeneticsPYQ 2004
Assertion (A): Fatty acids should be a part of the balanced human diet.
Reason (R): The cells of the human body cannot synthesize any fatty acids.
Select the correct answer from the codes below:
- ABoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
- BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of ACorrect
- CA is true but R is false
- DA is false but R is true
Explanation
Correct. Fatty acids are needed in diet (A is true). Human cells cannot synthesize essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 (R is broadly true), but R is not the correct explanation since the body can synthesize many non-essential fatty acids.
Q24Polity & Governance·Fundamental RightsPYQ 2004
Which Article of the Constitution of India says, 'No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment'?
- AArticle 24Correct
- BArticle 45
- CArticle 330
- DArticle 368
Explanation
Correct. Article 24 under the Right against Exploitation prohibits employment of children below 14 years in factories, mines, and other hazardous employment.
Q25Geography·Indian Drainage SystemsPYQ 2004
Assertion (A): West-flowing rivers of Peninsular India have no deltas.
Reason (R): These rivers do not carry any alluvial sediments.
- ABoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of ACorrect
- BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
- CA is true but R is false
- DA is false but R is true
Explanation
Correct. West-flowing peninsular rivers like the Narmada and Tapi flow through rift valleys and hard rock terrain with steep gradients near the coast, resulting in estuaries rather than deltas. They carry very little alluvial sediment compared to east-flowing rivers, which is why they do not form deltas.