UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz: History, Culture and Social Issues MCQs on ‘father of the Indian Navy’, Sufism, former president of the Muslim League, and more (Week 88)

1. At a time when European powers controlled the seas, he charted a course for a self-reliant naval force, earning the title of the ‘Father of the Indian Navy’.

2. A crucial moment in his rise to power came with the defeat of Afzal Khan, a powerful general of the Adilshahi Sultanate who had been sent to suppress Shivaji’s growing influence.

3. The Adnyapatra, authored by him, served as a guide for managing state affairs in the Maratha Empire, particularly for his grandson, Sambhaji II.

Which of the above given statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

— A master strategist who instilled fear in the minds of his enemies, Chhatrapati Shivaji was a visionary leader who founded the Maratha Empire and the Maratha Navy. At a time when European powers controlled the seas, Shivaji charted a course for a self-reliant naval force, earning the title of the ‘Father of the Indian Navy’. On the occasion of Navy Day on December 4, here’s a look at why Shivaji is honoured as the pioneer of the Indian Navy. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 

— Amidst this turbulent political landscape, Shivaji laid the foundation of his kingdom or ‘Swarajya’ by capturing Torna Fort (in present-day Pune district). A crucial moment in his rise to power came with the defeat of Afzal Khan, a powerful general of the Adilshahi Sultanate who had been sent to suppress Shivaji’s growing influence. Shivaji incorporated much of the Konkan and Kolhapur regions into Swarajya, gaining control of important northern ports such as Kalyan and Bhiwandi, and strengthening his influence over trade and maritime affairs. Hence, statement 2 is correct. 

— Between 1657 and 1658, Shivaji extended his dominion along a 100-km stretch of the Konkan coast, from the Savitri River to the northern forts of Kohoj and Asherigad. He also captured several key forts, including Surgad, Birwadi, Tala, Ghosale, Sudhagad, Kangori, and Raigad (then called Rairi), expanding his kingdom and directly challenging the Siddi territories.

— The Adnyapatra, authored by Ramchandrapant Amatya, served as a guide for managing state affairs in the Maratha Empire, particularly for Chhatrapati Shivaji’s grandson, Sambhaji II. This document covers governance, administration, and naval policies, reflecting the strategies that strengthened the empire. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— The Maratha fleet was divided into two categories: merchant ships and warships. Merchant ships included Machwas, Shibads, Padavs, Tarandes, and Pagars, while warships included Gurabs, Galbats, Mahagiris, Shibads, Tarandes, Taruses, and Pagars. Though exact fleet numbers are unclear, English records from 1665 estimate Shivaji’s navy at 85 ships, manned by 5,000 sailors, with three large Gurabs. By 1673, the fleet had grown to 33 ships.

Therefore, (a) is the correct answer. 

Question 2

He was a former president and member of the Muslim League, who chose to resign from the League and live in independent India after the Partition of 1947. He was also famous for having authored the ghazal ‘Chupke Chupke Raat Din, Aansu Bahana Yaad Hai’ (later immortalised in Ghulam Ali’s voice) and is also credited for having coined the slogan, ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ (‘Long Live Revolution!’) back in 1921. He proposed an amendment in 1949 in the preamble of the Constitution that sought “to adopt the same conciliatory attitude to all political minorities and to adopt the same principles as have been adopted by the Soviet Union” (CAD, Book 5: 437). 

Who is ‘he’ referred in the above lines?

(a) Hifzur Rahman Seoharwi,

(b) Abul Kalam Azad

(c) Muhammed Saadulah

(d) Maulana Hasrat Mohani

Explanation:

— On October 17, 1949, an extremely strange and ominous incident occurred in the Constituent Assembly. Until now, the name of ‘God’ had been invoked in the Constituent Assembly nearly 300 times. The number would go on to exceed 350 by January 24, 1950, which was the last day the Assembly sat in session. October 17 was itself characterised by an abundance of such invocations. To use a current legal expression, these signified polyvocal affirmations and disavowals — at times both — of that elusive entity.

— October 17, 1949 may well have been an ordinary day in the affairs of the Constituent Assembly. The inflection point seems to have been an amendment proposed by Maulana Hasrat Mohani, a former president and member of the Muslim League, who chose to resign from the League and live in independent India after the Partition of 1947. Mohani was also famous for having authored the ghazal ‘Chupke Chupke Raat Din, Aansu Bahana Yaad Hai’ (later immortalised in Ghulam Ali’s voice) and is also credited for having coined the slogan, ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ (‘Long Live Revolution!’) back in 1921. The Maulana’s proposed amendment sought “to adopt the same conciliatory attitude to all political minorities and to adopt the same principles as have been adopted by the Soviet Union” (CAD, Book 5: 437). Accordingly, his question was whether the following amendment could be prefixed to the existing Preamble to the Constitution: ‘We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Union of Indian Socialistic Republics to be called U.I.S.R. on the lines of U.S.S.R’ (CAD, Book 5: 437). The proposed amendment was promptly negated.

— However, Mohani had initiated a conversation of paramount significance, whose political currency continues well into the twenty-first century — on the question of where the Constitution of India stands with respect to religion and religious minorities.

Therefore, (d) is the correct answer. 

Question 3

Consider the following Sufi saints:

1. Chirag Dehalvi

2. Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki 

3. Baba Fariduddin 

4. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti

5. Nizamuddin Auliya

What is the correct order of succession of the above given names?

(a) 4, 5, 2, 1, 3

(b) 5, 4, 1, 2, 3

(c) 4, 2, 3, 5, 1

(d) 2, 5, 3, 4, 1

Explanation

—   Sufism emerged between the seventh and 10th centuries CE as a counterweight to the increasing worldliness of the expanding Muslim community. Sufis embraced a more ascetic and devotional form of Islam, and often engaged in a variety of mystical practices. Eventually, Sufi practitioners came to be organised in various orders which congregated around the teachings of a certain teacher or wali.

— The Chishti order was founded in the 10th century by Abu Ishaq Shami in the town of Chisht near Herat. But it was Moinuddin and his disciples who led to its spread in the subcontinent.

— Among his most prominent disciples was Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (1173-1235), who established the Chishti order base in Delhi. Kaki became a central figure in the region’s spiritual life as the spiritual guru of Iltutmish, the third Sultan of Delhi. The Qutub Minar is said to be named after Kaki, whose shrine lies in Mehrauli, next to the iconic structure.

— Kaki’s disciple Baba Fariduddin (1173-1265) spread the Chishti order’s teachings in Punjab. Baba Farid was given the name Ganj Shakr or ‘a treasure of sweetness’, by Moinuddin. Other notable disciples included Hamiduddin Nagauri, who served as a spiritual leader in Nagaur.

— Nizamuddin Auliya (1238-1325), whose teachings and shrine in Delhi are celebrated to this day, and his successor Chirag Dehalvi (1274-1356) carried on Moinuddin’s message well after Moinuddin’s passing in 1236.

Therefore, (c) is the correct answer. 

Question 4

Arrange the following tribal revolts in chronological order of their occurrence:

1. Munda Rebellion  

2. Tana Bhagat Movement

3. Dhal Revolt

Select the correct code:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 1 and 3

(c) 3, 1 and 2

(d) 3, 2 and 1

Explanation

— The first tribal revolt during British rule in Jharkhand was the Dhal Revolt in 1767, led by Jagannath Dhal, the former king of Dhalbhum, a part of West Bengal today. Triggered by the presence of the British East India Company that marginalised the local population, this revolt lasted 10 years. In response to the ongoing unrest, the British reinstated Jagannath Dhal as the ruler of Dhalbhum in 1777.

— However, this was just the beginning. Several other revolts followed, with the two most notable being the Munda Rebellion and the Tana Bhagat Movement, says Hasnain. “Among the tribal movements organised in Bihar-Jharkhand and the adjoining areas, Birsa Movement is the most widespread and the best known. After….Tana Bhagat Movement occupies the most important place because of its multidimensional significance of far reaching socio-political implications,” Hasnain notes.

— The Munda Rebellion, which lasted from 1899 to 1900, was another significant response to the exploitation faced by the Mundas, traditionally agriculturalists suffering under British officials and moneylenders. Led by the young and charismatic Birsa Munda, who claimed divine inspiration, the rebellion saw guerrilla warfare and direct attacks on colonial property and officials.

— The Tana Bhagat Movement, which began in 1914, emerged alongside the Birsa Movement and was founded by Jatra Bhagat, a leader of the Oraon tribe. He called for a return to traditional practices, rejecting colonial rule and Western influences. Bhagat highlighted agrarian issues and initiated a no-rent campaign, urging labourers to refuse forced or low-wage work.

Therefore, (c) is the correct answer. 

Question 5

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana, consider the following statements.

1. It is meant for old age protection and social security of Shopkeeper’s, Retail traders and Self Employed persons.

2. It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme.

Which of the above given statements is/are true?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Government of India has introduced a pension scheme for unorganised workers namely Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) to ensure old age protection for Unorganised Workers.

According to labour.gov.in,

“Features of PM-SYM: It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme, under which the subscriber would receive the following benefits : (i)    Minimum Assured Pension: Each subscriber under the PM-SYM, shall receive minimum assured pension of Rs 3000/- per month after attaining the age of 60 years. (ii)   Family Pension: During the receipt of pension, if the subscriber dies, the spouse of the beneficiary shall be entitled to receive 50% of the pension received by the beneficiary as family pension. Family pension is applicable only to spouse. (iii)   If a beneficiary has given regular contribution and died due to any cause (before age of 60 years), his/her spouse will be entitled to join and continue the scheme subsequently by payment of regular contribution or exit the scheme as per provisions of exit and withdrawal.”

Therefore, (b) is the correct answer. 

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