UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz: History, Culture and Social Issues MCQs on ‘Soft Gold’, Muslim League, wealthy merchant from Sirhind and more (Week 94)

QUESTION 1

Consider the following events:

1.  Operation Gibraltar

2. Operation Grand Slam

3. Tashkent Declaration

What is the correct chronological order of the above mentioned events?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 1

(c) 3, 1 and 2

(d) 2, 1 and 3

Explanation:

After the failure of Operation Gibraltar, Pakistani Army launched Operation Grand Slam, with its division strength of troops attacking Akhnoor in the wee hours of September 1, 1965. Their plan was to capture the then only bridge over Chenab in Akhnoor, which would have blocked Indian supplies to its troops deployed south of Pir Panjal.

From Akhnoor, the Pakistani troops planned to march towards Jammu and cut off the national highway to Kashmir.

In the initial advances, they captured Chhamb (Chumb). Thanks to US aid, the Pakistani military had superior artillery, armour and infantry power. However, as they continued their attack on Akhnoor, the Indian Army took the war right inside Pakistan. It opened a new front in Pakistan’s Punjab province and marched up to Sialkot, reaching close to Lahore. This made Pakistan divert its troops from Kashmir for the defence of Lahore.

The Tashkent Declaration

The 17-day hostilities between the two countries ended after ceasefire on September 20, followed by the Tashkent Declaration on January 10, 1966, with both sides agreeing to withdraw to their pre-August position.

Therefore, (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

Known as “soft gold,” which of the following textile has been synonymous with luxury and prestige since the Mughal era?

(a) Pashmina

(b) Apatani

(c) Paithani

(d) Muga Silk

Explanation:

When it comes to layering up for the seasonal chill, woollen clothes are the go-to option. However, if you’re looking to infuse luxury into your winter wardrobe, Pashmina stands out as an iconic choice. Known as “soft gold,” this textile has been synonymous with luxury and prestige since the Mughal era.

The art of crafting pashmina has been part of Himalayan culture for centuries. Its hand-spun and handwoven nature imbues it with a human and historical essence. Many Himalayan families have been involved in this craft for generations, preserving not only a livelihood but also a rich cultural identity.

Therefore, (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

Consider the following statements:

1. In December 1916, the Congress under Motilal Nehru and the Muslim League under Muhammad Ali Jinnah signed the Lucknow Pact, which envisaged working together to advance the cause of India’s freedom from the British.

2. The the Lahore Resolution, adopted by the All-India Muslim League during its general session in Lahore from March 22 to March 24, 1940, formally called for an independent state for India’s Muslims. 

Which of the above given statements is/are not true?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

There were instances of the Congress and the Muslim League cooperating. In December 1916, the Congress under Bal Gangadhar Tilak and the Muslim League under Muhammad Ali Jinnah signed the Lucknow Pact, which envisaged working together to advance the cause of India’s freedom from the British. Put briefly, the pact called for more Indian, elected representation in bodies like the provincial and central legislatures and the central executive council, and the Congress agreeing to separate electorates. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

From the Lucknow pact to the Lahore Resolution, both the League and Jinnah had transformed entirely, insisting on nothing but Partition. Jinnah by then had left the Congress, and the erstwhile champion of Hindu-Muslim unity was convinced that Muslims would not get fair treatment in “Congress’s Hindu Rashtra” after Independence.

Thus, the Lahore Resolution, adopted by the All-India Muslim League during its general session in Lahore from March 22 to March 24, 1940, formally called for an independent state for India’s Muslims. March 23 is observed as Pakistan National Day to commemorate this resolution.

The resolution declared that “it is the considered view of this Session of the All India Muslim League that no constitutional plan would be workable in this country or acceptable to Muslims unless it is designed on the following basic principle, namely that geographically contiguous units are demarcated into regions which should be so constituted, with such territorial readjustments as may be necessary, that the areas in which the Muslims are numerically in a majority as in the North-Western and Eastern Zones of India, should be grouped to constitute “Independent States” in which the constituent units shall be autonomous and sovereign.”

The resolution also demanded that “in other parts of India where the Mussalmans are in a minority, adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards shall be specially provided in the constitution for them and other minorities for the protection of their religious, cultural, economic, political, administrative and other rights and interests in consultation with them.” Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

He was a wealthy merchant from Sirhind and historical accounts suggest that he served as a revenue official (Diwan) under Mughal emperor Shah Jahan but was later removed by Aurangzeb. 

Who is referred as ‘he’ in the above lines?

(a) Fakir Ullah

(b) Dara Shikoh 

(c) Wazir Khan

(d) Todar Mal

Explanation:

Diwan Todar Mal was a wealthy merchant from Sirhind. Historical accounts suggest that he served as a revenue official (Diwan) under Mughal emperor Shah Jahan but was later removed by Aurangzeb. Todar Mal was in Sirhind when the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh—Sahibzada Fateh Singh (9) and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (7)—were bricked alive on the orders of Wazir Khan, the Mughal governor of Sirhind, on December 13, 1704. Their grandmother, Mata Gujri, 81, died of shock after learning of their horrific deaths.

Therefore, (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

The United Nations General Assembly designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 1999. This date was chosen to honour the:

(a) Tala Alnounou

(b) Mirabal Sisters

(c) Nada Al Darak

(d) Vino Supraja

Explanation:

To raise awareness against VAWG, the United Nations General Assembly designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 1999. This date was chosen to honour the Mirabal Sisters of the Dominican Republic, who became the symbol of resistance against tyranny and violence.

In the 1950s, the three sisters, Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa Mirabal (also known as Las Mariposas or the Butterflies), stood up to the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic. On 25 November 1960, the sisters were assassinated on Trujillo’s order. Their assassination galvanised movements for justice and human rights across the continents.

Therefore, (b) is the correct answer.

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