The question asks to categorize 'Manimekalai', a significant work in early Tamil literature, by its literary type. This requires knowledge of classical Tamil literature and its classifications.
Correct Option: A) An Epic
'Manimekalai' is famously known as one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil literature. It is a long narrative poem that tells the story of Manimekalai, focusing on her spiritual journey and adherence to Buddhist principles. Its structure, length, and thematic content align perfectly with the definition of an epic.
The question describes a process common in dry regions where groundwater rises to the surface, evaporates, and leaves behind accumulated salts. We need to identify the term for the hard layer formed by these salts.
A) hardpans — This term correctly describes the hard, impermeable layer formed by the accumulation of salts (like calcium carbonate) in the soil, especially in dry regions, due to capillary action and evaporation.
The question asks about the primary goal of British economic policies in India. To answer this, one must recall the historical context of British colonial rule and its economic impact on India.
Correct Option: C) benefit the British economy. The primary objective of British economic policies in India was to serve the economic interests of Great Britain. India was seen as a colony that could provide raw materials for British industries, serve as a market for British manufactured goods, and generate revenue through taxation and trade to enrich the British Empire. This led to the exploitation of Indian resources and the suppression of Indian industries.
Which of the following kings of Kalinga in the 2nd century B.C. professed Jainism in India?
The question asks to identify the king of Kalinga in the 2nd century B.C. who was a follower of Jainism. This requires knowledge of ancient Indian history, specifically the Kalinga kingdom and the religious affiliations of its rulers during the specified period.
Kharavela was a powerful king of Kalinga who ruled in the 2nd century B.C. His primary source of information is the Hathigumpha inscription, which clearly states his devotion to Jainism. The inscription details his various achievements, including his patronage of Jain monks and his efforts to restore Jaina images.
A) Kharavela — King Kharavela of Kalinga, as evidenced by the Hathigumpha inscription, was a devout follower and patron of Jainism in the 2nd century B.C. He undertook several initiatives to promote Jainism, including building temples and patronizing Jain ascetics.
The question asks about the primary role of a National Metrology Institute (NMI) in modern industrialized countries, including India. Understanding the term "metrology" is key to identifying the correct function.
Correct Option: A) To maintain standards of measurements. This is the fundamental and primary role of any National Metrology Institute. They are responsible for establishing, maintaining, and disseminating national measurement standards and ensuring their traceability to international standards.
The question asks to identify the specific Act that empowers the Union Government to regulate the recruitment and conditions of service for All-India Services. This requires knowledge of Indian constitutional and administrative law.
Correct Option: C) All-India Services Act, 1951
The question asks about India's foreign trade pattern at the time of independence, which was shaped by British colonial policies. Understanding the economic motivations of colonialism is key to answering this question.
D) Export of raw materials and import of manufactured goods
This option correctly describes the trade pattern. British colonial rule transformed India into a supplier of raw materials (like cotton, jute, indigo, spices, and food grains) for British industries and a captive market for finished industrial products from Britain. This economic exploitation was a defining feature of the colonial period, leading to the de-industrialization of India.
The question asks to identify the British policy that promoted English education with the specific aim of creating a loyal class to serve British interests in India. We need to evaluate each option based on its historical context and purpose.
A) Education Policy. The British education policies, particularly after 1835, were explicitly designed to produce a class of educated Indians who would be loyal to the British and assist in the administration. This was famously articulated in Macaulay's Minute, which advocated for English education to create a class of intermediaries.
The question asks about the type of forest where tussocky grass primarily grows. To answer this, we need to understand the characteristics of different forest types and their associated vegetation.
Correct Option: A) Tropical Thorn forests are characterized by low rainfall and dry conditions, which are ideal for the growth of tussocky grass alongside thorny trees and bushes. This type of grass is an adaptation to arid environments.
The question asks to identify the option that does NOT produce Greenhouse gases (GHGs). We need to evaluate each option based on its energy generation or consumption process and determine if it releases GHGs.
Based on this analysis, tidal energy is the only option that does not produce greenhouse gases during its operation.
Correct Option: A) Tidal energy does not produce Greenhouse gases as it is a renewable energy source that harnesses the natural movement of tides without combustion.