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Indian HistoryMediumAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2021, GK

François Bernier was physician to

  1. A.Prince Murad
  2. B.Princess Jahanara
  3. C.Emperor Shah Jahan
  4. D.Prince Dara Shikoh

Correct answer

D. Prince Dara Shikoh

Explanation

The correct answer is D, Prince Dara Shikoh. The French doctor François Bernier served as physician to Dara Shikoh, Shah Jahan's eldest son.

Bernier reached India in 1658, in the middle of the war of succession among Shah Jahan's sons. He joined Dara Shikoh as his physician, but Dara was defeated by Aurangzeb and executed in 1659. Bernier then stayed in Mughal India for about twelve years, attached to the noble Danishmand Khan at Aurangzeb's court. His book, Travels in the Mogul Empire, compares Mughal India with Europe and argues that there was no private property in land, a view that shaped later European thinking about the East.

A is wrong because Prince Murad Bakhsh, another son of Shah Jahan, first sided with Aurangzeb and was later executed; Bernier did not serve him.

B is wrong because Princess Jahanara was Shah Jahan's daughter and Dara's supporter, not Bernier's patron.

C is wrong because Bernier never served as the emperor's own physician.

Exam tip: Bernier (France), physician to Dara Shikoh, wrote Travels in the Mogul Empire.

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Q1.Indian HistoryAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2023, GKEasy

Consider the following statements :

After forming the Indian National Army, Subhas Chandra Bose

1. recruited a large number of soldiers from the Indian Prisoners of War in Japanese camp

2. introduced a women's detachment named after the Rani of Jhansi

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

The INA drew its soldiers largely from Indian prisoners of war held by Japan, and Bose created the Rani of Jhansi Regiment for women.

Q2.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2024, Paper IHard

Consider the following statements about the Rowlatt Act of 1919 :

1. It was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council.

2. Khilafat Committee was formed to oppose the Act.

3. While Gandhiji was arrested, the local leaders were allowed to continue the protest.

How many of the above statements is/are NOT correct ?

  1. A.One
  2. B.Two
  3. C.Three
  4. D.None
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Two

Statement 1 is correct, but statements 2 and 3 are not. The Rowlatt Act of March 1919, based on the Sedition Committee chaired by Justice S. A. T. Rowlatt, was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council even though every elected Indian member opposed it.

Q4.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2024, Paper IHard

Consider the following eras in early India :

1. Shaka era 2. Kalachuri era 3. Vikrama era 4. Harsha era 5. Gupta era

Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above eras starting with the earliest ?

  1. A.1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
  2. B.3 - 1 - 5 - 2 - 4
  3. C.2 - 3 - 1 - 4 - 5
  4. D.3 - 1 - 2 - 5 - 4
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 3 - 1 - 2 - 5 - 4

Arranged by the year each era begins, the order is Vikrama, Shaka, Kalachuri, Gupta and Harsha. The Vikrama era (Vikram Samvat) begins in 57 BCE and is still used in much of north and west India.

Q5.Indian HistoryAsked in: NDA · NDA-I 2019, GATMedium

Who was the author of the book 'History of British India'?

  1. A.Charles Grant
  2. B.John Stuart Mill
  3. C.James Mill
  4. D.William Jones
Show answer
Correct answer: C. James Mill

The Scottish historian and philosopher James Mill published 'The History of British India' in three volumes in 1817. Mill wrote the work without ever visiting India or knowing an Indian language, and he judged Indian society as backward and in need of reform by British law and government.