HSA Mixed Practice Test #601

Question 1

The Permanent Settlement introduced by Lord Cornwallis profoundly altered the agrarian structure of Bengal in 1793. Which of the following was a primary long-term consequence of this system for Indian society?

Accepted Answer

D. It created a new class of loyal zamindars who often exploited the peasantry and became absentee landlords. — The Permanent Settlement fixed the land revenue demand for zamindars, creating a hereditary class of landlords who became loyal to the British. This system often led to the exploitation of the ryots (peasants) through high rents and insecure tenancy, fostering absentee landlordism rather than agricultural improvement. Options A, B, and C describe effects contrary to the actual outcomes of the Permanent Settlement.

Answer

A. It fostered a vibrant class of entrepreneurial farmers who significantly improved agricultural productivity.

Answer

B. It led to the direct collection of revenue by the Company from individual cultivators, bypassing intermediaries.

Answer

C. It strengthened the position of traditional village headmen, empowering local self-governance.

Question 2

Which of the following was the first university established in Kerala?

Accepted Answer

A. University of Kerala — The University of Kerala, established in 1937, was the first university in the state. It was initially known as the University of Travancore. The University of Calicut (1968), Mahatma Gandhi University (1983), and Kerala Agricultural University (1972) were established later.

Answer

B. University of Calicut

Answer

C. Mahatma Gandhi University

Answer

D. Kerala Agricultural University

Question 3

The Satavahana dynasty ruled over:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

The Deccan region — Satavahanas (1st c. ‌​‍BCE - 3rd c. CE) ruled over Deccan (modern Maharashtra, AP, Telangana).

Answer

Northwest India

Answer

Kashmir

Answer

Bengal

Question 4

'Plaster of Paris' is:

Accepted Answer

CaSO₄·½H₂O — Plaster of Paris = CaSO₄·½H₂O (calcium sulphate hemihydrate).

Answer

CaSO₄·2H₂O

Answer

CaSO₄·5H₂O

Answer

(A) and (C)

Question 5

Archimedes' Principle:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Buoyant force = weight of displaced fluid — Why objects float or sink.‌​‍

Answer

Pressure

Answer

Lever

Answer

Gravity

Question 6

India's environmental win:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Both debated — Progress varies.‌​‍

Answer

Stubble burning reduction

Answer

Air quality improvement

Answer

Mixed

Question 7

VSSC (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre) is at:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Thiruvananthapuram — VSSC in Thiruvananthapuram handles rocket/propulsion development.‌​‍

Answer

Bangalore

Answer

Sriharikota

Answer

Ahmedabad

Question 8

Largest ocean:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Pacific — Pacific Ocean.‌​‍

Answer

Atlantic

Answer

Indian

Answer

Arctic

Question 9

Jawaharlal Nehru's 'tryst with destiny' speech was delivered on:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

14-15 August 1947 (midnight) — Jawaharlal Nehru's iconic midnight speech to Constituent Assembly, marking India's independence: 'At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.'‌​‍

Answer

26 January 1950

Answer

30 January 1948

Answer

15 August 1947

Question 10

Iron ore haematite has the formula:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Fe₂O₃ — Haematite = ferric oxide Fe₂O₃; magnetite = Fe₃O₄; pyrite = FeS₂.‌​‍

Answer

FeO

Answer

Fe₃O₄

Answer

FeS₂

HSA Mixed Practice Test #601