2012 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2012 · GS Paper I

Question 81: History and Culture

Consider the following :

  1. 1.Assessment of land revenue on the basis of nature of the soil and the quality of crops
  2. 2.Use of mobile cannons in warfare
  3. 3.Cultivation of tobacco and red chillies

Which of the above was/were introduced into India by the English?

a1 only
b1 and 2
c2 and 3
dNone

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

None of the three was introduced by the English. Assessing land revenue on soil and crop quality goes back to the Mughals, as in Akbar's system under Todar Mal. Mobile field artillery came with Babur at Panipat in 1526. Tobacco and red chillies were brought to India by the Portuguese.

  • 1. Revenue assessment by soil and crop quality existed under the Mughals.
  • 2. Babur used mobile artillery at Panipat in 1526.
  • 3. The Portuguese introduced tobacco and red chillies.
Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: assessment by soil and crop quality predates the English, as in Akbar's system.
  • (b) Wrong: neither revenue assessment nor mobile cannons were English introductions.
  • (c) Wrong: mobile cannons came with the Mughals, and tobacco and chillies with the Portuguese.
  • (d) Correct: none was introduced by the English.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious questionNext question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.