61: India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of early maritime history of Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation/explanations?
(a) As compared to other countries, India had a better ship building technology in ancient and medieval times
(b) The rulers of southern India always patronized traders, brahmin priests and buddhist monks in this context
(c) Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
(d) Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanations in this context
Explanation:
From prehistoric days, India had trade and cultural relation with Southeast Asia. The port of Palura on the eastern coast of India had an important role. The ships came here from Arikamedu, crossed the Bay of Bengal and went to the delta of the Irrawaddy, whence they proceeded to the Malay Peninsula.
'Indianization' was the term generally used for Indian cultural influence upon Southeast Asia.
Rather than being the result of a single factor, most likely the whole process of Indian cultural expansion was the outcome of endeavors of warriors, traders and priests along with the indigenous initiative. Most probably all four groups of people were involved in the process. One of the significant factors in the spread of Indian cultural influence inSoutheast Asia is geographical proximity between two regions. The fabulous wealth of Southest Asia was an attraction for the Indians.
In the spread of Indian culture, the sea played an important role. There was intensification of sea-borne commerce in the early centuries of Common Era. Along with traders, missionaries, priests, literati, adventures and furtune seekers went to Southeast Asia.
The monsoon wind played a major role in determining the maritime operations on the Bay of Bengal.
In the whole gamut of Indo-Southeast Asian relations, both Indians and Southeast Asians played an active role. Apart from movement of people and racial and linguistic affinity, there where also trading relations. Along with traders, brahmans (priests) from India came to Southeast Asia, who acquainted the local elite with Indian rituals, scriptures, and literature.
Before the discovery of the monsoon winds by Hippalus in AD 45-47, the mariners of the east coast of India were aware of the monsoon wind and currents and used them for maritime trade. The maritime trade from India to Southeast Asia was a seasonal phenomenon.
63: The Asokan major rock edicts which tell us about the Sangam Kingdom include rock edicts
(a) I and X
(b) I and XI
(c) II and XIII
(d) II and XIV
Explanation:
Ashokan major rock edicts II and XIII tells us about the Sangam Kingdom.
I, II - Gave account of Ashoka's concern for the comforts of men and beasts.
X, XI - talk about Dharma.
XIV - is a post script to 13 rock edicts.
64: Of the four forms of political protests mentioned below, which one is derived from the name of the person who used it as a political weapon for the first time ?
(a) Boycott
(b) Gherao
(c) Bandh
(d) Hartal
65: The Mughal School of Painting formed the spinal column of the various schools of Indian miniature art. Which one of the following painting styles was not affected by Mughal painting ?
(a) Pahari
(b) Rajasthani
(c) Kangra
(d) Kalighata
Explanation:
Unlike Pahari, Rajasthani and Kangra; Kalighata school of painting was indigenol's and not affected by Mughal school of painting.