Daily Quiz #19 UPSC Prelims Marathon – September 23, 2019

Explanation: In March 1942, a mission headed by Stafford Cripps was sent to India with constitutional proposals to seek Indian support for the war. Stafford Cripps was a left-wing Labourite, the leader of the House of Commons and a member of the British War Cabinet who had actively supported the Indian national movement. The main proposals of the mission were as follows.
1. An Indian Union with a dominion status would be set up; it would be free to decide its relations with the Commonwealth and free to participate in the United Nations and other international bodies.
2. After the end of the war, a constituent assembly would be convened to frame a new constitution. Members of this assembly would be partly elected by the provincial assemblies through proportional representation and partly nominated by the princes.
3. The British government would accept the new constitution subject to two conditions: (i) any province not willing to join the Union could have a separate constitution and form a separate Union, and (ii) the new constitution making body and the British government would negotiate a treaty to effect the transfer of power and to safeguard racial and religious minorities.
4. In the meantime, defense of India would remain in British hands and the governor-general’s powers would remain intact.

Explanation: prepared a formula for Congress-League cooperation in 1944. It was a tacit acceptance of the League’s demand for Pakistan. Gandhi supported the formula. The main points in the CR Plan were:
•Muslim League to endorse Congress demand for independence.
•League to cooperate with Congress in forming a provisional government at centre.
•After the end of the war, the entire population of Muslim majority areas in the North-West and North-East India to decide by a plebiscite, whether or not to form a separate sovereign state.
•In case of acceptance of partition, agreement to be made jointly for safeguarding defence, commerce, communications, etc.
•The above terms to be operative only if England transferred full powers to India.

Explanation: The period between the 1st century B.C. to the end of 2nd century A.D. in Southern India is known as Sangam Period. It has been named after the Sangam academies during that period.
According to the Tamil legends, there were three Sangams (Academy of Tamil poets) held in the ancient South India popularly called Muchchangam. These Sangams flourished under the royal patronage of the Pandya kings of Madurai.
•The First Sangam, is believed to be held at Madurai, attended by gods and legendary sages. No literary work of this Sangam is available.
•The Second Sangam was held at Kapadapuram, only Tolkappiyam survives from this.
•The Third Sangam at Madurai was founded by Mudathirumaran. A few of these Tamil literary works have survived and are useful sources to reconstruct the history of the Sangam period.

Explanation: Muhammad succeeded his father Ghiyat-al-Din Tughluq. He was a very knowledgeable person with deep knowledge in philosophy, logic, mathematics and medicine. He was well versed with several languages like Persian, Arabic, Turkish and even Sanskrit.
Many hospitals in Delhi were formed during his reign. He tried to bring in many changes and introduced some measures to support effective administration but unfortunately most of them failed. He shifted his capital to a more centralized position-to Deogiri from Delhi. This was done in order to control the Deccan region more effectively. However this loosened the control over North India. Muhammad also increased the land tax to increase the revenue in Doab but it led to major discontent among the subjects. Muhammad took a very modern step in introducing bronze coins as the token currency. Nevertheless, the absence of a central mint created a huge problem as the Government was not able to prevent forgery of coins. A severe plague broke out in the ranks of his army and half of the army succumbed to the epidemic. This resulted in the weakening of the empire to a good extent. His cousin Feroze Shah assumed his throne after his death.

Explanation:
Bhortal Dance – It is a folk dance of Assam. Performers wield cymbals and dance in groups, with each group consisting of six or seven dancers. Dancers come up with a unique beat known as ‘7hiya Nom’ and engage in rapid feet movements
Chhau – This dance form traces its roots to Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal but it is popular in other parts as well. As masks form an important feature of this dance it is called ‘Chhau’, which literally translates to ‘mask’. The performers wield weapons such as swords and shields while dancing.
Giddha – This dance form is performed in the state of Punjab. Giddha is the female version of ‘Bhangra’. The dance aims at expressing the feminine grace. The women wear colorful clothes while performing. Giddha is usually accompanied by ‘Bolliyan’, a collection of couplets.
Garba – This dance form originated in the state of Gujarat. Garba is traditionally performed during the nine-day Hindu festival ‘Navaratri’. The dance is performed around a lamp. Often the lamp is replaced with a picture or statue of Goddess ‘Shakti’.