UPSC Prelims 2025 - General Studies (Paper I)

Explanation

The ‘Araghatta’ was an ancient Indian irrigation device, essentially a water-lifting wheel. It was also called ‘Ghanti- Yantra’. It consisted of a large wheel with several earthen pots attached to its rim. As the wheel rotated, the pots would dip into the water source and lift water to the fields.

Explanation

Mahendravarman-I was a Pallava king during 7th century CE. He was a noted patron of art and literature. He assumed a number of titles like Gunabhara, Satyasandha, Chettakari (builder of temples) Chitrakarapuli, Vichitrachitta and Mattavilasa. The Mandagappattu inscription hails him as Vichitrachitta who constructed a temple for Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva without the use of bricks, timber, metal and mortar. His title Chitrakarapuli reveals his talents in painting. Meanings of his titles were: z Mattavilasa  (“delight of the intoxicated”) – associated with his authorship of the Sanskrit satirical play  Mattavilasa Prahasana, which critiques religious hypocrisy. z Vichitrachitta  (“curious-minded” or “unique intellect”) – highlighting his innovative thinking and patronage of unconventional ideas. z Gunabhara (“full of virtues”) – emphasizing his moral and regal qualities.

Explanation

Asmaka (or Assaka) was a Mahajanapada located in the Deccan region, on the banks of the Godavari River. This pair is correctly matched. Kamboja was located in the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent, around present-day Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The river Vipas (Beas) flows in the Punjab region, not in Kamboja. Avanti was a Mahajanapada located in western Madhya Pradesh, with its capital at Ujjain. The main river flowing through Avanti was the Narmada, not the Mahanadi. Kosala was a Mahajanapada in the region of present-day eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the Sarayu River (modern Ghaghara) flowed through it. This map is not to scale and is for reference

Explanation

According to Ashokan edicts and inscriptions, ‘Pradesika’, ‘Rajuka’, and ‘Yukta’ were important officers at the district level. The ‘Pradesika’ was incharge of a district (Pradesa), the ‘Rajuka’ was incharge for revenue and judicial functions, and the ‘Yukta’ was a subordinate official, involved in record- keeping and administration.

Explanation

Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of Chandragupta- II (also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya). He travelled extensively throughout North India, seeking Buddhist scriptures and learning about Buddhist practices. He arrived in India around 399 CE and stayed for about 10 years. He visited Kapilvastu (Lumbini),  Bodh Gaya, Benares (Varanasi),  Shravasti, and Kushinagar, all linked to events in Buddha’s life.