Daily Prelims MCQs — History & Culture — 26th July 2025
- TPP
- Jul 26
- 7 min read
Welcome to today’s handpicked set of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) from the International Relations — crafted specially for the UPSC Prelims! These questions aren’t just a quiz — they’re a smart way to see how current affairs connect with core concepts, just like UPSC asks in the exam.
Each question is based on recent news and backed by clear explanations to help you build strong links between dynamic events and static knowledge.
Today’s topics include: Elephanta Caves, history of Hyderabad, Gagging Act, Doctrine of Lapse, Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar and more...
Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).
QUESTION 1
With regard to the Elephanta Caves, consider the following statements:
The Elephanta Caves predate the Ajanta Caves.
The island housing the Elephanta Caves was originally known as Gharapuri, but after being taken over by the British, it came to be called Elephanta, inspired by a large elephant sculpture installed by them.
The prominent sculpture within the cave complex is the Trimurti, a grand three-faced image symbolizing the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
How many of the above statements are accurate?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None of the above
Answer (d)
Explanation:
The Ajanta Caves, located in Maharashtra, are celebrated for their exceptional Buddhist art and date as far back as the 2nd century BCE. These caves were primarily established as monastic retreats for Buddhist monks.
The Elephanta Caves, also in Maharashtra and reachable by ferry from Mumbai, were carved much later — around the 5th to 6th century CE — making them younger than the Ajanta Caves.
The island where the Elephanta Caves are found was originally named Gharapuri. However, it was the Portuguese, not the British, who renamed it "Elephanta" after discovering a large stone elephant sculpture on the island.
The most distinguished sculpture in the Elephanta complex is the Trimurti, a colossal three-headed image. Contrary to the statement, it does not depict Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva as separate deities. Instead, it symbolizes three facets of Lord Shiva — the creator, preserver, and destroyer — representing his supreme form in Hindu cosmology.
QUESTION 2
Who was responsible for founding the first Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha in Madras?
(a) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
(d) K. Kamaraj
Answer (b)
Explanation:
Historical accounts point out that the spread of Hindi in southern India gained momentum during the Indian Independence movement. In 1918, Mahatma Gandhi played a pivotal role by establishing the Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha in Madras (modern-day Chennai). His aim was to promote Hindi as a link language, enabling better communication and unity among people from different linguistic backgrounds across India.
As scholar Nikhila Henry notes, this initiative was part of a broader movement to integrate non-Hindi-speaking regions into the national struggle by teaching them Hindi.
QUESTION 3
Examine the following statements related to the history of Hyderabad:
Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah served as the first Nizam of Hyderabad.
The foundation of the city of Hyderabad is attributed to Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan Siddiqi.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (d)
Explanation:
The city of Hyderabad traces its origins to Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, who established it during the late 16th century, particularly after overcoming a plague that ravaged the region. The iconic Charminar was constructed by him and remains a testament to his legacy.
On the other hand, Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan Siddiqi, also known as Asaf Jah I, rose to prominence much later in the early 18th century. In 1724, he laid the foundations of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and became the first Nizam of Hyderabad, thus marking the beginning of princely rule under the Nizams.
As such:
Statement 1 is incorrect because Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah was not a Nizam, but a ruler from the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
Statement 2 is also incorrect because Hyderabad was not founded by Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan, though he played a crucial role in its later political history.
QUESTION 4
In the context of British India, what did the ‘Gagging Act’ specifically aim to regulate?
(a) Confiscation of arms from Indian civilians
(b) Granting equal judicial powers to Indian judges
(c) Imposing restrictions on the press
(d) Rights of small and medium-scale landholders
Answer (c)
Explanation:
During British colonial rule, various laws were enacted to suppress the growing nationalist sentiment spreading through Indian publications. In the years leading up to the 1857 uprising, Indian newspapers played a crucial role in awakening political consciousness and mobilizing public opinion. The colonial administration, increasingly wary of this influence, responded with repressive measures.
One such measure was the “Gagging Act,” introduced under the administration of Lord Lytton. This law mandated that all Indian-owned newspapers obtain prior government approval (a license) before publication. Moreover, it prohibited any content that was critical of British rule or challenged its authority.
The legislation effectively served as a tool of censorship, seeking to mute any expression that could encourage resistance or stir nationalist emotions.
QUESTION 5
Match the following books with their respective authors:
Book Title | Author |
1. Unhappy India | Dadabhai Naoroji |
2. Gita Rahasya | Bal Gangadhar Tilak |
3. India Wins Freedom | Jawaharlal Nehru |
4. The Golden Threshold | Sarojini Naidu |
Which of the above pairs are incorrectly matched?
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Answer (d)
Explanation:
Unhappy India was written by Lala Lajpat Rai, not Dadabhai Naoroji. This book was a powerful response to the controversial publication Mother India by Katherine Mayo.
Gita Rahasya, also known as Karmayog Shastra, is correctly attributed to Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who interpreted the Bhagavad Gita in the context of action and duty.
India Wins Freedom is the autobiographical account of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, not Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru’s own autobiography is An Autobiography (also published as Toward Freedom).
The Golden Threshold is indeed a collection of poems authored by Sarojini Naidu, reflecting both lyrical beauty and nationalist themes.
QUESTION 6
Shaikh Mohammad Ibrahim Zauq, a noted Urdu poet, flourished during the reign of which Mughal emperor?
(a) Jahangir
(b) Muhammad Shah
(c) Bahadur Shah Zafar
(d) None of the above
Answer (c)
Explanation:
Shaikh Mohammad Ibrahim Zauq served as the court poet (poetry mentor or ‘ustaad’) to the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar. Zauq's lifetime coincided with the gradual decline of the Mughal Empire, a period when imperial grandeur was visibly fading, though the dynasty hadn't yet officially ended. He passed away just three years before the Revolt of 1857, an event that would decisively alter the political and cultural landscape of Delhi.
Despite the economic hardship of the Mughal court and a shrinking aristocracy in North India, Zauq chose to remain in Delhi. When asked why he didn’t relocate to the Deccan, which still offered literary patronage—particularly in Hyderabad—Zauq famously replied:
“In dinoṅ garche Dakan meṅ hai bohot qadr-e-sukhan,Kaun jaaye Zauq par Dilli ki galiyaaṅ chhoṛ kar?”
This was later translated by Saif Mahmood in Beloved Delhi as:
“Although poetry is greatly valued in the Deccan these days, Zauq, who would trade that for the lanes of Delhi?”
QUESTION 7
Regarding the ‘Doctrine of Lapse’ in British India, consider the following statements:
The policy was formulated by Lord Dalhousie during his tenure as Governor-General.
Under this principle, if a ruler passed away without a biological son, the British would not recognize an adopted heir, and the kingdom would be annexed.
Territories such as Satara, Punjab, Sambalpur, Jhansi, and Nagpur came under British control through this policy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer (d)
Explanation:
The Doctrine of Lapse was a controversial annexation policy implemented during Lord Dalhousie’s tenure as the Governor-General of India (1848–1856). According to this doctrine, if a ruling monarch died without a natural-born male heir, the British East India Company would not acknowledge any adopted successor. Instead, the state would be declared as having "lapsed" and would be absorbed into British India.
This aggressive expansionist strategy was applied to several princely states. Notable among those annexed were:
Satara (1848)
Punjab (1849) (Note: While Punjab was annexed largely due to military conflict, it is often included in discussions of British expansion during this period)
Sambalpur (1850)
Jhansi and Nagpur (both in 1854)
The doctrine became one of the key grievances that contributed to rising discontent, eventually culminating in the Revolt of 1857.
QUESTION 8
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are revered in the traditions of which of the following religious communities?
Hindus
Buddhists
Jains
Sikhs
Baháʼís
Choose the correct combination using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 5 only
Answer (c)
Explanation:
The Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, an ancient pilgrimage undertaken in reverence of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, resumed in 2025 after a prolonged interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened India-China border tensions.
This year, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) approved 750 yatris for the journey. Pilgrims are traveling in batches—some via Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, and others through the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim, which, although longer, offers a gentler terrain.
Mount Kailash, rising to 6,638 meters, lies in Tibet's Ngari Prefecture, close to the borders of India, Nepal, and China.
To its south are two significant lakes: Manasarovar (Mapam Yumtso), a freshwater lake, and Rakshastal (Lhanag Tso), a saltwater body.
Mount Kailash and its adjoining lakes hold profound spiritual value across multiple religious traditions:
For Hindus, it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
Buddhists regard it as the home of Demchok (Chakrasamvara).
Jains revere it as the place where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, attained liberation (moksha).
It is also considered sacred in the ancient Bon religion of Tibet.
However, while Sikhs and Baháʼís respect all faiths, Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar do not occupy a central place in Sikh or Baháʼí theology or pilgrimage.
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