11. Which among the following is NOT regarded as the primary cause of the decline of the Mughals?
A. Jagirdari crisis
B. Agrarian disturbances
C. Deccan policy of Aurangzeb
D. External invasions
Answer:
D. External invasions
Explanation:
While external invasions (like those of Nadir Shah) accelerated the fall, historians generally point to internal systemic failures (Jagirdari crisis, agrarian revolts, and the exhausting Deccan policy) as the primary root causes of the empire’s decline.
12. The Cholas of the 9th century South India had their base/centre at?
A. Kanchipuram
B. Thanjavur
C. Madurai
D. Kollam
Answer:
B. Thanjavur
Explanation:
The medieval Chola Empire, established by Vijayalaya in the 9th century, had its main capital and power center at Thanjavur (Tanjore).
13. The first printing press was made in the 15th century by
A. Dante Alighieri
B. Francesco Petrarch
C. Johannes Gutenberg
D. Peter Schaffer
Answer:
C. Johannes Gutenberg
Explanation:
The German inventor Johannes Gutenberg introduced the revolutionary movable-type printing press to Europe in the 15th century.
14. The hypothesis of geocentric universe was proved wrong by
A. Ptolemy
B. Copernicus
C. Johannes Kepler
D. Tycho Brahe
Answer:
B. Copernicus
Explanation:
Nicolaus Copernicus formulated the heliocentric model of the universe (placing the Sun at the center), effectively disproving Ptolemy’s geocentric model.
15. In 1498, Vasco da Gama reached India and landed in
A. Calicut
B. Kuttanad
C. Kochi
D. Kannur
Answer:
A. Calicut
Explanation:
The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived at Calicut (Kozhikode) on the Malabar Coast of India on May 20, 1498.
