Group A — Short answer Questions (1 mark)

Q1Define Constitution. Why is India called a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic?

Constitution is the supreme law of a country. India is Sovereign (independent), Socialist (welfare state), Secular (no official state religion), Democratic (elected government), and Republic (elected head of state).

Q2What is the significance of the Preamble in the Indian Constitution?

The Preamble serves as an introduction to the Constitution, outlining its basic philosophy, objectives, and the source of its authority (the people).

Q3Which Article of the Constitution guarantees Equality before Law?

Article 14 guarantees Equality before Law.

Q4What is the difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy?

Fundamental Rights are justiciable and enforceable by courts, whereas Directive Principles of State Policy are non-justiciable guidelines for the state.

Q5Name the six fundamental freedoms guaranteed under Article 19.

The six freedoms are:

  • Speech and expression
  • Peaceful assembly
  • Forming associations
  • Free movement
  • Residence
  • Practicing any profession/trade

Q6What is Habeas Corpus and when is it issued?

Habeas Corpus is a writ issued by a court directing a person holding another in custody to produce the detainee, ensuring they are not held unlawfully.

Q7Which Article contains the Right to Constitutional Remedies?

Article 32 contains the Right to Constitutional Remedies.

Q8What is the minimum age required to become the President of India?

The minimum age required is 35 years.

Q9Who is the custodian of the Indian Constitution?

The Supreme Court of India is the custodian of the Indian Constitution.

Q10Define the term 'Rule of Law'.

Rule of Law means that law is supreme and applies equally to all citizens, including the government, with no one being above the law.

Q11What is meant by 'Judicial Review'?

Judicial Review is the power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive orders.

Q12Under which Article can the President declare a National Emergency?

Article 352.

Q13Name the fundamental duty added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act.

The duty to provide opportunities for education to children between 6 and 14 years of age.

Q14What is the tenure of a member of Rajya Sabha?

The tenure is 6 years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years.

Q15Who appoints the Chief Justice of India?

The President of India appoints the Chief Justice.

Q16Define Federalism in the context of the Indian Constitution.

Federalism refers to the division of power between the central Union government and the State governments.

Q17What is the significance of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments?

They granted constitutional status to local self-governments: Panchayats (73rd) and Municipalities (74th).

Q18What is the Election Commission of India and under which Article is it established?

It is an autonomous body responsible for administering elections in India, established under Article 324.

Q19Define 'Quo-Warranto'.

Quo-Warranto is a writ asking a person to show 'by what authority' they hold a public office.

Q20What is the quorum required to hold a meeting of Lok Sabha?

The quorum is one-tenth (1/10th) of the total number of members of the House.

Q21Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with anti-defection law?

The Tenth Schedule.

Q22Define 'Public Interest Litigation' (PIL).

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) refers to litigation filed in a court of law for the protection of public interest, such as combating pollution or securing human rights.

Q23What is the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India?

The CAG is an independent constitutional authority responsible for auditing all receipts and expenditures of the government.

Q24Which Article provides for State Emergency (President's Rule)?

Article 356.

Q25What is the Joint Sitting of Parliament and who presides over it?

It is a combined session of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to resolve legislative deadlocks, presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Q26Define the concept of 'Basic Structure Doctrine'.

The Basic Structure Doctrine states that certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be altered or destroyed by the Parliament through amendments.

Q27What is the term of office of a Supreme Court Judge?

A Supreme Court Judge holds office until they attain the age of 65 years.

Q28Name the three lists under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.

  • Union List
  • State List
  • Concurrent List

Q29What is meant by 'Uniform Civil Code' (Article 44)?

Uniform Civil Code proposes a common set of secular civil laws governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance for all citizens across India.

Q30Define 'Money Bill' under Article 110.

A Money Bill is a bill that deals exclusively with taxation, borrowing of money, or financial obligations of the government.

Q31What is the role of the Finance Commission of India?

To recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States and advise on fiscal matters.

Q32What is the main objective of the Essence of Indian Knowledge Tradition (IKT)?

To preserve, study, and apply ancient Indian wisdom, scientific knowledge, and practices for holistic development and contemporary problem-solving.

Q33Define 'Vedas' and list the four primary Samhitas.

Vedas are ancient sacred texts of India. The four primary Samhitas are:

  • Rigveda
  • Samaveda
  • Yajurveda
  • Atharvaveda

Q34What are the Upanishads and what philosophy do they teach?

Upanishads are the concluding philosophical texts of the Vedas that teach Vedanta, focusing on concepts like Brahman (ultimate reality) and Atman (inner self).

Q35Name the six Vedangas (Auxiliary Sciences of Vedas).

  • Shiksha (Phonetics)
  • Kalpa (Rituals)
  • Vyakarana (Grammar)
  • Nirukta (Etymology)
  • Chhandas (Meter)
  • Jyotisha (Astronomy)

Q36What is the difference between Sruti and Smriti literature?

Sruti ('that which is heard') refers to divinely revealed texts like the Vedas, whereas Smriti ('that which is remembered') refers to authoritative texts composed by humans, like the Puranas.

Q37Define the Shad-Darshanas (Six Systems of Indian Philosophy).

They are the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta.

Q38What is Ayurveda and who wrote the Charaka Samhita?

Ayurveda is the traditional Indian system of holistic medicine. The Charaka Samhita was originally composed by Agnivesha and revised by Maharshi Charaka.

Q39What is Sushruta Samhita famous for in ancient Indian science?

It is famous for its foundational knowledge on ancient surgery, especially plastic surgery (rhinoplasty).

Q40Name the ancient Indian mathematician who invented zero and decimal system.

Aryabhata (and Brahmagupta who formalized mathematical rules for zero).

Q41What contribution did Aryabhata make to astronomy and mathematics?

He explained solar/lunar eclipses, deduced the earth's rotation, gave a close approximation of pi, and made significant contributions to trigonometry.

Q42What is Sulba Sutras and what is its geometric significance?

Sulba Sutras are ancient Indian texts containing rules for precise altar construction, significant for early geometry and statements similar to the Pythagorean theorem.

Q43Define 'Dharma', 'Artha', 'Kama', and 'Moksha' (Purusharthas).

They are the four goals of human life: Dharma (righteousness/duty), Artha (wealth/prosperity), Kama (desire/pleasure), and Moksha (liberation).

Q44What is the significance of Panchatantra in ancient Indian education?

It served as a prominent pedagogical tool for teaching ethics, statecraft, and practical wisdom through animal fables.

Q45What was the educational system of Takshashila and Nalanda universities?

It was a residential (Gurukul-style) and holistic system focusing on subjects like philosophy, medicine, logic, and mathematics in renowned centers of learning.

Q46What is Varahamihira known for in ancient Indian science?

He was a polymath known for his work in astronomy, mathematics, and astrology, notably authoring the encyclopedic Brihat Samhita.

Q47Define 'Yoga' according to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.

Yoga is defined as 'Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah', meaning the calming or stilling of the fluctuations of the mind.

Q48What is the concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'?

It is a philosophical concept from ancient texts meaning 'The World is One Family'.

Q49What is Indian Astronomy (Jyotisha) and how was time measured in ancient India?

Jyotisha is the traditional system of astronomy. Time was measured using precise astronomical observations and units like Ghati, Muhurta, and Kalpa.

Q50What are the key Metallurgical achievements of ancient India (e.g., Delhi Iron Pillar)?

Key achievements include the rust-resistant Delhi Iron Pillar and the high-carbon Wootz steel.

Q51What is the significance of Arthashastra written by Kautilya (Chanakya)?

Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise offering comprehensive guidelines on statecraft, economic policy, governance, and military strategy.

Q52How does Indian Knowledge Tradition contribute to modern sustainable development?

By offering principles of ecological conservation, holistic health systems (Yoga/Ayurveda), and sustainable ethical living derived from ancient wisdom.