Industries – UGC NET History – Practice Questions

Agro-Industries

1. Francois Bernier visited India approximately during:
A. 1656–1668 CE
B. 1556–1568 CE
C. 1605–1618 CE
D. 1707–1719 CE

2. According to Bernier, the poor quality of superior art in the capital was mainly due to:
A. Lack of natural talent among Indians
B. Scarcity of artisans
C. Inability to imitate European products
D. Lack of encouragement and poor remuneration for artisans

3. Match List I with List II regarding Bernier’s observations.

A- A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
B- A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

4. Assertion (A): Bernier believed Indian craftsmen lacked skill and ingenuity.
Reason (R): He acknowledged that artisans could imitate European manufactured goods effectively.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

5. Which industry was regarded as the “heavy industry” of the pre-industrial world?
A. Iron industry
B. Shipbuilding
C. Silk industry
D. Textile industry

6. According to Pelsaert, weaving activity extended from Shahbazpur and Sonargaon to:
A. Lahore
B. Delhi
C. Surat
D. Jagannath (Puri)

7. Match List I with List II regarding textile centres and specialities.

A- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
B- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

8. By the 1620s, approximately how many weavers were recorded in Masulipatanam?
A. 2,000
B. 5,000
C. 7,000
D. 10,000

9. Which factor was most crucial for the growth of textile centres in medieval India?
A. Temple patronage only
B. Political instability
C. Royal monopolies
D. Proximity to raw material and transport facilities

10. Assertion (A): European Companies influenced weaving settlements in South India during the 17th century.
Reason (R): Demand for specific cloth varieties caused new weaving villages to emerge.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

11. Which textile-producing region emerged as the primary producer after Gujarat’s decline?
A. Punjab
B. Coromandel
C. Delhi
D. Bengal

12. Gujarat’s decline as a textile centre in the 18th century was mainly due to:
A. Decline in cotton cultivation only
B. Loss of Persian Gulf market and political instability
C. Lack of skilled weavers
D. Mughal prohibition on exports

13. Match List I with List II regarding regional cloth specialities.

A- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
B- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

14. Which variety of fine muslin was especially purchased by Mughal elites?
A. Patola
B. Bafta
C. Qaimkhani
D. Mashru

15. Assertion (A): Machhiwara in suba Delhi was famous for bafta.
Reason (R): Bafta was considered a high-quality calico.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

16. Which city became important for bleaching and painted cloth exports?
A. Surat
B. Masulipatanam
C. Pondicherry
D. Delhi

17. Certain textile varieties were named after their place of origin. Dariyabadi cloth was associated with:
A. Khairabad
B. Sylhet
C. Kanchipuram
D. Dariyabad (Bulandshahr)

18. Match List I with List II regarding textile names and origins.

A- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
B- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

19. Which among the following communities replaced the Saliyas as major weaving community in Tamil Nadu?
A. Devangas
B. Jedaras
C. Kaikkolars
D. Salesasirvaru

20. Assertion (A): Weavers in medieval India often made grants to temples.
Reason (R): Such grants enhanced their social status.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

21. Traditional motifs in South Indian textiles were largely based on:
A. Persian epics
B. Greek mythology
C. Buddhist Jataka tales only
D. Themes of the Ramayana and Mahabharata

22. Which among the following was regarded as the finest example of traditional motif painting?
A. Chintz
B. Patola
C. Kalamkari
D. Mashru

23. Match List I with List II regarding textile varieties and users.

A- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
B- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

24. According to Irfan Habib, the spinning wheel increased efficiency approximately by:
A. Two-fold
B. Four-fold
C. Six-fold
D. Ten-fold

25. Assertion (A): Muslim influence affected textile technology in South India.
Reason (R): The draw loom became more common, especially among Muslim communities.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

26. The Tirumalai-Tirupati inscription describes weaving methods reserved particularly for:
A. Brahmins
B. Merchants
C. Royal families
D. Muslims

27. Vijaya Ramaswamy questioned Irfan Habib’s dating of which textile device?
A. Patella
B. Ghani
C. Kar-chob (square wooden frame)
D. Cotton gin

28. Match List I with List II regarding scholars and arguments.

A- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
B- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

29. Which medieval inscription from 1184 CE refers to looms tied to the roof?
A. Allahabad inscription
B. Jambur village inscription of Vira Ballaladeva’s reign
C. Tirupati inscription
D. Deogir inscription

30. Assertion (A): Medieval textile production increased due to technological innovation.
Reason (R): The introduction of the charkha and pinjana enhanced production capacity.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

31. Silk in medieval India was produced through:
A. Only domesticated mulberry worms
B. Only wild worms
C. Imported Chinese worms exclusively
D. Both mulberry-feeding and non-mulberry-feeding worms

32. Which among the following regions was a major silk-producing centre in medieval India?
A. Rajasthan
B. Punjab
C. Kashmir
D. Delhi

33. Match List I with List II regarding silk production centres.

A- A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
B- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C- A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
D- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II

34. Assertion (A): Medieval Indian silk reeling methods followed the Chinese system exactly.
Reason (R): Indian silk processing involved hot and fresh water before reeling.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

35. Which type of cocoons produced high-quality silk filaments called pattani?
A. Inferior cocoons
B. Mixed cocoons
C. Better quality cocoons
D. Wild tasar cocoons only

36. Lower-grade silk cocoons in medieval India were called:
A. Mashru
B. Patola
C. Potti or Poot
D. Juz

37. Match List I with List II regarding silk varieties and centres.

A- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
B- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

38. Which silk variety from Gujarat was among the most sought-after?
A. Mashru
B. Juz
C. Patola
D. Pattani

39. Assertion (A): Bengal surpassed China in silk production by the 17th century.
Reason (R): Qasimbazar alone exported around 2.4 million lb of silk.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

40. Who mentioned that Qasimbazar exported approximately 2.4 million lb of silk?
A. Bernier
B. Barbosa
C. Pelsaert
D. Tavernier

41. Carpet weaving for export was especially associated with:
A. Delhi and Agra
B. Bengal and Bihar
C. Warangal and Masulipatanam
D. Lahore and Multan

42. Match List I with List II regarding silk-related references.

A- A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
B- A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

43. Indigo was surprisingly absent from the crop list of:
A. Abul Fazl
B. Ibn Battuta
C. Thakkara Pheru (c.1290)
D. Bernier

44. Which among the following regions produced the best quality indigo during medieval times?
A. Sehwan
B. Sarkhej
C. Telangana
D. Bayana near Agra

45. Assertion (A): Indigo from South Coromandel was considered superior to all other varieties.
Reason (R): Indigo from Naglewanch was of better quality than South Coromandel indigo.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

46. According to Chetan Singh, Lahore indigo was:
A. Imported from Persia
B. Imported from Gujarat
C. Produced only by merchants
D. Locally produced by peasants

47. Match List I with List II regarding indigo centres.

A- A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
B- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C- A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
D- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II

48. In 1614, Masulipatanam indigo cost approximately:
A. 5 pence per pound
B. 8 pence per pound
C. 12 pence per pound
D. 20 pence per pound

49. Assertion (A): Bayana indigo was costlier than Mewat indigo according to Pelsaert.
Reason (R): Bayana indigo was regarded as superior in quality.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

50. Which cutting of indigo was considered the best quality and most in demand?
A. Nauti
B. Katel
C. Jerry
D. Mashru

51. The reddish-colored indigo cutting was called:
A. Jerry
B. Katel
C. Nauti
D. Pattani

52. Match List I with List II regarding indigo processing.

A- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
B- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

53. The introduction of lime mortar in indigo processing occurred approximately in the:
A. 10th century
B. 11th century
C. 13th century
D. 16th century

54. Assertion (A): Bayana indigo quality was linked with alkaline water and separate vats.
Reason (R): K.K. Trivedi emphasized the importance of separate steeping and churning vats.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

55. Approximately how much indigo did K.K. Trivedi estimate Bayana produced in one season?
A. 102 metric tons
B. 250 metric tons
C. 502 metric tons
D. 1000 metric tons

56. Shah Jahan aspired to:
A. Ban indigo exports
B. Reduce indigo cultivation
C. Monopolize indigo production
D. Replace indigo with al dye

57. Match List I with List II regarding causes of indigo decline.

A- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
B- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

58. Which scholar emphasized the price-responsive nature of India’s agro-manufactures?
A. Irfan Habib
B. Vijaya Ramaswamy
C. Tapan Raychaudhuri
D. Satish Chandra

59. Assertion (A): Peasants in Gujarat shifted from indigo to food grains after the famine of 1630–32.
Reason (R): Food grain prices rose sharply, making cash crops less attractive.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

60. Which red dye was produced in lower Doab, Bundelkhand, and Malwa on a smaller scale?
A. Indigo
B. Neel
C. Al dye
D. Mashru dye

61. Sugarcane during the medieval period was widespread mainly in:
A. South India only
B. Eastern India only
C. Western Rajasthan only
D. North India

62. Sugarcane was absent from the medieval crop list of:
A. Eastern Rajasthan
B. Bihar
C. Punjab
D. Western Rajasthan

63. Match List I with List II regarding sugar production centres.

A- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
B- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

64. Which among the following travellers observed that the region between Agra and Lahore yielded great quantities of powdered sugar?
A. Barbosa and Pelsaert
B. Tavernier and Bernier
C. Manucci and Mundy
D. Steel and Crowther

65. Assertion (A): Bengal produced both high-quality and cheap sugar in the medieval period.
Reason (R): Bengal sugar was exported in large quantities to Persia by the Dutch.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

66. Approximately how much Bengal sugar did the Dutch export to Persia in the 1640s?
A. 50,000–80,000 lb
B. 150,000–200,000 lb
C. 400,000–450,000 lb
D. 700,000–800,000 lb

67. Which method was mainly used in southern India for extracting sugarcane juice?
A. Stone mortar-pestle mills
B. Iron rollers
C. Worm-geared wooden rollers turned by oxen
D. Hydraulic mills

68. Match List I with List II regarding sugarcane processing.

A- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
B- A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
C- A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
D- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II

69. Which community occupied an important role in oil production across villages and towns?
A. Devangas
B. Banjaras
C. Telis
D. Kaikkolars

70. Assertion (A): Oil was an insignificant commodity in medieval India.
Reason (R): Telis were commonly found in major villages because oil was essential.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

71. Which centre was known for producing flower-based oils?
A. Gwalior
B. Navsari
C. Rander
D. Midinapore

72. Gwalior was famous for producing oil derived from:
A. Gingelly
B. Rose
C. Chambeli (Jasmine)
D. Sandalwood

73. Match List I with List II regarding centres of odoriferous oils.

A- A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
B- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C- A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
D- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II

74. In Karnataka, oil pressers were collectively known by terms such as:
A. Devangas and Kaikkolars
B. Saliyas and Jedaras
C. Telligaranakhara and Ganigarokkalu
D. Banjaras and Settis

75. Assertion (A): Oil pressers in Karnataka experienced some upward mobility by the 13th–14th centuries.
Reason (R): Titles like Gavunda and Setti suggest rising status and participation in trade.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

76. In Maharashtra, oil pressers belonged to the artisan category known as:
A. Mahajan
B. Balutedar
C. Alutedar
D. Gavunda

77. Which Marathi biographical text from the 13th century refers to oil shops in weekly markets?
A. Rajatarangini
B. Chahar Gulshan
C. Ain-i Akbari
D. Litacharita

78. Match List I with List II regarding oil extraction.

A- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
B- A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I

79. Oil extracted through bail ghana primarily relied on:
A. Human muscle only
B. Water wheels
C. Wind power
D. Bull power

80. Assertion (A): Oil was important for lighting purposes in medieval India.
Reason (R): Religious endowments often included oil for lamps in temples and mosques.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

81. Madad-i-maash grants under the Mughals were sometimes used for:
A. Military campaigns
B. Textile imports
C. Lighting lamps in temples and mosques
D. Indigo cultivation

82. Inscriptions from Maharashtra mention temple endowments of oil from:
A. Every textile loom
B. Indigo vats
C. Each ghana (oil press)
D. Sugarcane fields

83. Match List I with List II regarding oil endowments and taxation.

A- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
B- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

84. Telikars in Maharashtra increasingly emerged as:
A. Royal soldiers
B. Temple priests
C. Money lenders in rural areas
D. Indigo cultivators

85. Assertion (A): Alauddin Khalji attempted to regulate fraudulent practices of oil merchants.
Reason (R): Sirajuddin was appointed as shahna for supervision in Delhi and nearby areas.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

86. Oilmen in Bihar were known to have:
A. Military guilds
B. Guild-like organizations
C. Royal monopolies
D. Agricultural communes

87. Which fishing communities of Malabar were known for accumulating wealth?
A. Kaikkolars and Devangas
B. Banjaras and Settis
C. Mogar and Mukkuvan
D. Telis and Ganigaras

88. Match List I with List II regarding medieval crafts and production.

A- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
B- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C- A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
D- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II

89. According to Bernier, artisans suffered primarily because:
A. They lacked proper tools only
B. They were harshly treated and inadequately paid
C. Raw material was unavailable
D. Royal patronage was absent everywhere

90. Assertion (A): Medieval Indian artisans had no capacity to imitate European goods.
Reason (R): Bernier noted that some copies were almost indistinguishable from originals.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

91. Which among the following best explains the emergence of weaving villages in medieval India?
A. Decline in agricultural land
B. Temple restrictions
C. Growing demand, especially from European Companies
D. Mughal prohibition on urban weaving

92. The shift of weavers in South India during the 17th century was mainly from:
A. Cities to forests
B. Villages to ports
C. Temple complexes to secular settlements
D. Northern India to South India

93. Match List I with List II regarding weaving communities in Karnataka.

A- A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I
B- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C- A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
D- A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV

94. Assertion (A): Gujarat retained its supremacy as a textile centre throughout the 18th century.
Reason (R): Political instability and Maratha disturbances weakened Gujarat’s textile economy.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

95. Which among the following medieval textile centres was famous for quilts?
A. Chaul
B. Masulipatanam
C. Aurangabad
D. Cambay

96. Which city was famously called the “city of dyers and weavers”?
A. Surat
B. Dacca
C. Masulipatanam
D. Lahore

97. Match List I with List II regarding textile centres and products.

A- A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
B- A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

98. Which among the following textiles was especially associated with elite consumption?
A. Kamin
B. Coarse calico
C. Mahin
D. Ordinary bafta

99. Assertion (A): Tents had little importance among medieval elites.
Reason (R): Abul Fazl mentions multiple varieties of tents, including highly expensive ones.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

100. According to Abul Fazl, the cheapest variety of tent cost approximately:
A. 1,000
B. 5,000
C. 10,000
D. 25,000

101. Which among the following varieties was named after the weaving community rather than region?
A. Dariyabadi
B. Khairabadi
C. Devgiri
D. Jedara silk

102. Match List I with List II regarding textile naming patterns.

A- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
B- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

103. Which medieval scholar argued against Irfan Habib’s interpretation of draw loom chronology?
A. Satish Chandra
B. K.K. Trivedi
C. Vijaya Ramaswamy
D. Tapan Raychaudhuri

104. Assertion (A): Vijaya Ramaswamy believed that the vertical loom was likely India’s most primitive loom.
Reason (R): She questioned the assumption that the draw loom emerged only in the seventeenth century.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

105. Which among the following best explains the growth of textile production during the medieval period?
A. Decline in market demand
B. Ban on cotton cultivation
C. Reduced artisan participation
D. Technological changes such as charkha and pinjana

106. Match List I with List II regarding indigo cuttings.

A- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
B- A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I

107. Which among the following best explains the decline of indigo production in late seventeenth-century India?
A. Complete disappearance of demand
B. Lack of irrigation
C. Political instability and West Indies competition
D. Ban by Mughal emperors

108. Assertion (A): Merchant capital was invested in indigo production at Sarkhej.
Reason (R): Indigo was an important market-oriented agro-manufacture.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

109. Which among the following best characterizes medieval oil production?
A. Confined to urban areas only
B. Dominated by state monopolies only
C. Present in both villages and towns due to essential demand
D. Entirely dependent on imports

110. In medieval Karnataka, rising status of oil pressers is reflected by the adoption of titles like:
A. Malik and Amir
B. Raja and Rana
C. Gavunda and Setti
D. Qazi and Mufti

111. Match List I with List II regarding professions and regions.

A- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
B- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

112. Assertion (A): Oil pressers in Maharashtra remained confined only to oil extraction.
Reason (R): Some telikars also emerged as moneylenders in rural areas.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

113. Which among the following best summarizes Bernier’s assessment of Indian artisans?
A. Untalented and technologically backward
B. Highly skilled but inadequately rewarded
C. Entirely dependent on imported techniques
D. Unable to compete with Europe

114. Which among the following medieval industries may best be considered the “heavy industry” of pre-industrial India?
A. Indigo production
B. Sugar refining
C. Silk weaving
D. Textile production

115. Which among the following best summarizes medieval non-agricultural production in India?
A. Entirely stagnant and urban-based
B. Limited to temple production only
C. Dependent solely on foreign markets
D. Diverse, technologically adaptive, and supported by skilled artisans despite poor remuneration