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Indian HistoryMediumAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2025, GK

Which of the following can be considered part of the ancient Indian Smriti Literature? 1. Puranas 2. Ramayana 3. Kalpa-Sutra 4. Vedas Select the answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1, 2 and 3 only
  2. B.3 and 4 only
  3. C.1 and 2 only
  4. D.1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct answer

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation

The correct answer is A, 1, 2 and 3 only. The Puranas, the Ramayana and the Kalpa-Sutra are Smriti texts, while the Vedas are Shruti. Ancient Indian literature is divided into two classes. Shruti means "that which is heard": the four Vedas with their Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads, believed to be revealed to the rishis and therefore eternal. Smriti means "that which is remembered": texts composed by human authors on the basis of the Vedas. Smriti includes the six Vedangas (of which Kalpa, with its Shrauta, Grihya, Dharma and Shulba Sutras, is one), the Dharmashastras such as Manusmriti, the two Itihasas (Ramayana and Mahabharata) and the Puranas. Option B is wrong because it includes the Vedas, which are Shruti, and leaves out the Puranas and the Ramayana. Option C is wrong because it leaves out the Kalpa-Sutra, a Vedanga and so a Smriti text. Option D is wrong because the Vedas are not Smriti. Exam tip: Shruti = Vedas to Upanishads; Smriti = Vedangas, Sutras, Dharmashastras, Itihasas and Puranas.

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Q1.Indian HistoryAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2017, GKHard

Which of the following statements with regard to the speech of Mahatma Gandhi at the opening of the Banaras Hindu University are correct? 1. He charged the Indian elite with a lack of concern for the labouring poor. 2. He asserted that our salvation can come only through the farmers. 3. He highlighted the plight of the untouchables. 4. He promised to take up the cause of the mill owners of Ahmedabad. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1, 2, 3 and 4
  2. B.1 and 2 only
  3. C.1, 2 and 3 only
  4. D.3 and 4 only
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 1 and 2 only

At the opening of Banaras Hindu University in February 1916, Gandhi criticised the elite for ignoring the poor and said India's salvation lay with its farmers.

Q4.Indian HistoryAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2017, GKHard

Which of the following statements about the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) are correct? 1. It began as the political wing of the Singh Sabhas in the late 19th century. 2. It was formed in 1920 as part of the upcoming Akali movement. 3. It was founded to reclaim control of the Sikh shrines from the government manipulated loyalist committees. 4. It formed the Akali Dal to coordinate groups (Jathas) to reclaim control of the shrines. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1, 3 and 4
  2. B.2, 3 and 4
  3. C.2 and 4 only
  4. D.2 and 3 only
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2, 3 and 4

The SGPC was born in 1920 out of the Gurdwara reform (Akali) movement, not out of the Singh Sabhas of the nineteenth century.

Q5.Indian HistoryAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2018, GKMedium

Around twelfth century, Sufi Silsilas began to crystallize in different parts of the Islamic world to signify 1. continuous link between the master and disciple 2. unbroken spiritual genealogy to the Prophet Muhammad 3. the transmission of spiritual power and blessings to devotees Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

A silsila stood for all three ideas: the master-disciple link, the chain back to the Prophet and the flow of blessings to followers.