Fireman Driver cum Pump Operator (Trainee) NCA 2020 — Kerala PSC PYQ Practice with Answers

Correct answer (Option A):\nThe Varkala Tunnel, popularly known as the Varkala Turuthu, was opened for commercial inland water transport in the year 1875. Built under the supervision of Diwan T. Madhava Rao of Travancore, it represents a remarkable engineering achievement of the 19th century that connected Thiruvananthapuram to Kollam via the historic TS Canal.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOptions B, C, and D mention years (1861, 1865, and 1864) that predate the actual structural completion and official commissioning of the tunnel for navigation.\n\nRemember:\nThe construction of this 924-foot tunnel took several years to complete and significantly boosted backwater trade in Travancore.

Correct answer (Option A):\nThe system of granting financial aid (Grant-in-aid) to private educational institutions was introduced in Travancore during the progressive reign of Maharaja Ayilyam Tirunal (1860–1880). This reform drastically expanded the educational landscape by encouraging private participation alongside state-run school networks.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption B refers to Sri Moolam Tirunal, who enacted the Legislative Council reforms. Option C refers to Swathi Thirunal, renowned for music and starting the first English school. Option D refers to Visakam Tirunal, who ruled later.\n\nRemember:\nAyilyam Tirunal's reign is highly regarded for landmark infrastructural developments, including the establishment of the education department and healthcare initiatives.

Correct answer (Option B):\nNanjappayya, who served as the Diwan of Cochin, introduced the vaccination drive against the deadly smallpox epidemic. This proactive public health intervention saved countless lives and laid a strong foundation for modern medical practices in the princely state of Cochin.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption A refers to Colonel Munro, a Resident-Diwan mostly linked with Travancore and administrative integration. Options C and D refer to Sankunni Menon and Venkata Subayya, who were prominent Diwans during other historical periods.\n\nRemember:\nEarly public health measures in Kerala princely states, such as smallpox inoculation, placed the region ahead of many provincial territories in British India.

Correct answer (Option C):\nThe historic Anjarakandy Spice Plantation in Kannur was established in the year 1797 by the British East India Company under the supervision of Murdoch Brown. Spanning massive acres, it is famous for being one of the oldest and largest Asia-based integrated spice estates specializing in cinnamon and pepper.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOptions A, B, and D indicate 1799, 1798, and 1800, which are incorrect as the enterprise's documented foundational work and plantation clearings had already commenced in 1797.\n\nRemember:\nThe Anjarakandy plantation played a pivotal strategic role during the Anglo-Mysore conflicts and the Pazhassi revolts in Malabar.

Correct answer (Option D):\nRaja Raghunath was appointed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb as his imperial Finance Minister (Diwan-i-Tan/Ashraf). He managed the complex financial administration and revenue assessment operations skillfully during the early decades of Aurangzeb's extensive reign.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption A, Raja Todar Mal, was the legendary revenue and finance minister under Akbar. Option B, Poorniya, was the Diwan of Mysore. Option C, Abul Fazl, was Akbar's vizier and the author of the AkbarNama.\n\nRemember:\nAurangzeb retained several skilled Hindu administrators like Raja Raghunath in top-tier positions to sustain stable economic collections and state accounts.