HSA Mixed Practice Test #246

Question 1

Which of the following statements about the Mauryan and Gupta Empires' administrative systems is correct?

Accepted Answer

B. The Mauryan Empire had a more centralized administration compared to the Gupta Empire — The Mauryan administration under Ashoka was more centralized, with provincial governors (Kumaras) directly appointed by the king, whereas the Gupta Empire relied more on feudal vassals and local rulers. Option A is incorrect as the Mauryan Empire did not rely on hereditary local rulers. Option C is incorrect because standing armies were a feature of both empires, not introduced by the Guptas. Option D is incorrect as legal codes were not uniformly enforced across all regions in either empire.

Answer

A. Both empires relied heavily on a system of hereditary local rulers to govern provinces

Answer

C. The Gupta Empire introduced the concept of a standing army to maintain internal security

Answer

D. Both empires used a standardized legal code enforced uniformly across all regions

Question 2

Article 370 state:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Jammu & Kashmir — Special status for J&K.‌​‍

Answer

Sikkim

Answer

Punjab

Answer

Ladakh

Question 3

The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2026 was defeated in Lok Sabha because it failed to secure:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Two-thirds majority of members present and voting — The 131st Amendment Bill to increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850 got 298 votes for and 230 against (total 528 present). ‌​‍Needed 352 (two-thirds) but fell short by 54 votes. Major setback for delimitation push.

Answer

Simple majority

Answer

Absolute majority

Answer

Three-fourths majority

Question 4

Infinitive:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

to + V1 — To swim, to write. Can be noun, adjective, or adverb.‌​‍

Answer

V + s

Answer

V + ed

Answer

V + ing

Question 5

Natural gas fields:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

KG Basin, Bombay High — Offshore and onshore.‌​‍

Answer

Only onshore

Answer

Only Bombay

Answer

Only KG

Question 6

Koodiyattam is a UNESCO-recognised art form from Kerala. It is:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

A temple dance-drama — Koodiyattam is the oldest surviving form of Sanskrit theatre, recognised by UNESCO in 2001.‌​‍

Answer

A martial art

Answer

A boat race

Answer

A festival

Question 7

Kerala Vidyalakshmi Scheme for:

Accepted Answer

Girl child savings — Savings scheme for girl child.

Answer

Women pension

Answer

Education loans

Answer

Elderly

Question 8

In a classroom, a teacher pairs a more capable student with a less capable student to work on a challenging math problem, encouraging them to discuss strategies and help each other. Vygotsky would consider the more capable student in this scenario as primarily serving the role of a:

Accepted Answer

D. More Knowledgeable Other (MKO) — According to Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, a More Knowledgeable Other (MKO) is anyone who has a better understanding or a higher ability level than the learner with respect to a particular task, concept, or process. In this case, the more capable student acts as the MKO, facilitating learning within the Zone of Proximal Development.

Answer

A. Cognitive dissonant

Answer

B. Assimilator

Answer

C. Schema activator

Question 9

Champakulam Moolam is the:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Oldest snake boat race — Oldest snake boat race in Kerala.‌​‍

Answer

Newest race

Answer

Women's race

Answer

Children's race

Question 10

The Bahmani Kingdom (1347-1527) was founded by:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Alauddin Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu) — Revolted against Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq. ‌​‍Capital at Gulbarga, later Bidar. Broke into five Deccan Sultanates after 1518.

Answer

Ibrahim Qutb Shah

Answer

Mahmud Gawan

Answer

Yusuf Adil Shah

HSA Mixed Practice Test #246