2015 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2015 · GS Paper I

Question 55: History and Culture

With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of the feudal system?

  1. 1.A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority
  2. 2.Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land
  3. 3.Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a1 and 2 only
b2 and 3 only
c3 only
d1, 2 and 3

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

A feudal system rests on land. The lord grants land to subordinates in return for military service and loyalty, so an administrative structure based on control and possession of land emerges (statement 2) and a lord-vassal relationship forms between the feudal lord and his overlord (statement 3). Statement 1 gets it backwards: feudalism is marked by weak central authority and strong local lords.

  • 1. Feudalism has weak central authority and strong local lords, not the reverse.
  • 2. Administration rests on control and possession of land.
  • 3. A lord-vassal relationship binds the feudal lord to his overlord.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.

    What you needed to know: Feudalism has weak central authority and strong local lords, not the reverse.

  2. Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (c) goes: it leaves 2 out.

    What you needed to know: Administration rests on control and possession of land.

Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statement 3.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: statement 1 is reversed, since feudalism means weak central authority.
  • (b) Correct: land-based administration and lord-vassal ties are essential elements.
  • (c) Incomplete: land-based administration is also essential.
  • (d) Wrong: statement 1 is false.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.