26-05-2025
Daily subject-wise quiz: History and Culture MCQs on Sikhism, Kumbakonam vetrilai, and more (Week 112)
Are you preparing for UPSC CSE Prelims? UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of daily subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on History and Culture to check your progress.
Consider the following statements about the Kumbakonam vetrilai:
I. It was recently granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India, recognising its regional uniqueness and cultural significance.
II. It is staple in South Asian households and is central to preparing paan, a popular South Asian post-meal chew.
III. Kumbakonam, situated in Tamil Nadu, is home to vethalai or vetrilai, predominantly grown in Thanjavur's fertile Cauvery river basin, giving it a unique taste and aroma.
Which of the above given statements is/are true?
(a) I and II only
(b) I and III only
(c) II and III only
(d) I, II and III
Explanation
The Kumbakonam vetrilai or betel leaf or paan leaf was recently granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India, recognising its regional uniqueness and cultural significance. A staple in South Asian households, the betel leaf is central to preparing paan, a popular South Asian post-meal chew. The GI tag, announced in April 2025, and published in the Government Gazette in November 2024, took Tamil Nadu's total GI products to 62. Yet, many cultivators, marginal farmers and sellers remain unaware of this recognition and the benefits that come with it.
Kumbakonam, six hours from Chennai, is home to vethalai or vetrilai, predominantly grown in Thanjavur's fertile Cauvery river basin, giving it a unique taste and aroma. The dark to light green, oblong heart-shaped leaves with a pungent taste are cultivated, washed and then bundled in places like Thiruvaiyaru, Papanasam, Thiruvidaimarudur, Kumbakonam, and Rajagiri.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
(For more, refer: Kumbakonam vetrilai or betel leaf gets GI tag: Why cultivators, sellers need incentives and awareness to benefit by Jayashree Narayanan, The Indian Express.)
I. After renouncing family life to pursue asceticism, Guru Nanak rejected both caste distinctions and Hindu idolatry, choosing a low-caste Hindu and a Muslim musician as companions to spread his spiritual message to the masses.
II. Guru Angad Dev built a gurdwara in Amritsar known as Sri Harmandir Sahib.
III. By the first quarter of the nineteenth century, a Sikh empire with an efficient army was formed under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Which of the above given statements is/are true?
(a) I and III only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) I, II and III
Explanation
Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak in the fifteenth century, is often considered one of the youngest religions in the world.
After renouncing family life and pursuing asceticism, Guru Nanak took a low-caste Hindu and a Muslim musician as his companions to preach his experience to the masses.
Guru Nanak's successors propagated his message. The fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, built a gurdwara in Amritsar, Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple.
The Sikhs emerged as a powerful political and military force by the late eighteenth century. By the first quarter of the nineteenth century, a Sikh empire with an efficient army was formed under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
(For more, refer: How caste permeated the Sikh community by Nikita Mohta, The Indian Express.)
With reference to the Battle of Colachel, consider the following statement:
I. The battle was fought against the Portuguese East India Company.
II. It was the first time that an Asian kingdom had defeated a European power.
Which of the above given statements is/are true?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II
Explanation
In 1741 King Marthanda Varma fought the Dutch East India Company commanded by the famous Admiral Eustachius De Lannoy. The Battle of Colachel is of huge significance in the history of India and Asia. It was the first time that an Asian kingdom had defeated a European power. Not only were the Dutch forces decimated, but also their colonial ambitions in India stalled.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
(For more, refer: Battle of Colachel: How an accidental shot ended Dutch plans for India by Srijana Siri, The Indian Express)
Which of the following temples is associated with King Lalitaditya Muktapida?
(a) Parashurameshvara Temple
(b) Martand Temple
(c) Lingaraja Temple
(d) Kandarya Mahadeva Temple
Explanation
The Martand Temple was built by the Karkota dynasty king Lalitaditya Muktapida, who ruled Kashmir from 725 AD to 753 AD. Although some historians believe that an earlier temple existed here and was incorporated into Lalitaditya's grander structure, others credit Lalitaditya entirely for it. Lalitaditya built his capital at Parihaspora, the ruins of which also survive to this day.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
(For more, refer: Early history of Kashmir and Martand Temple by Manas Srivastava, The Indian Express)
With which of the following events in the history of Modern India is Kanaklata Barua associated?
(a) 1857 Revolt
(b) Swadeshi Movement
(c) Foundation of Indian National Congress
(d) Quit India Movement
Explanation
One of the youngest martyrs of the Quit India Movement, Kanaklata Barua has an iconic status in Assam. Barua, then 17, led the Mrityu Bahini, a procession of freedom fighters, to unfurl the Tricolour at Gohpur police station on September 20, 1942. When police did not let them move forward, an altercation led to firing, killing Barua at the head of the procession.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
(For more, refer: President Murmu pays tribute to Matangini Hazra, Kanaklata Barua: Who were these freedom fighters, The Indian Express)
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Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
