Statistical Assistant Gr II/Statistical Investigator Gr.II/Computer Operator Gr II 2018 — Kerala PSC PYQ Practice with Answers

Correct answer (Option B):\nHortus Malabaricus, a comprehensive treatise on the plant wealth of the Malabar coast, was published in the 17th century under the direct patronage and leadership of the Dutch Governor Hendrick van Rheede (Admiral Vanreed). It remains one of the most prominent historical botanical compilations of the region.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption A refers to H. L. Vizher, who was a Dutch official but not the main patron of this work. Options C and D name unrelated individuals who had no role in the compilation or publication of this monumental botanical text.\n\nRemember:\nHortus Malabaricus was compiled with the help of local scholars like Itty Achudan and Maltese priest Father Mathew. It consists of 12 volumes and was published in Amsterdam.

Correct answer (Option D):\nThe Dutch colonial administrators are credited with initiating systematic and scientific agricultural practices in Kerala during their period of influence. They focused heavily on improving the cultivation of commercial cash crops, land productivity, and systematic botanical research, as evidenced by major documentation efforts.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption A is incorrect as the Portuguese focused primarily on trade monopolies and religious conversions. Option B is incorrect because the British arrived later and established plantations but did not initiate the process. Option C is incorrect as the French had limited territorial control.\n\nRemember:\nThe Dutch contribution to Kerala agriculture is heavily intertwined with their detailed study of regional flora, which ultimately laid the foundational framework for modern commercial plant classification in the Malabar province.

Correct answer (Option A):\nTrippadidanam was a historic event carried out by the Travancore ruler Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma on January 3, 1750. Through this act, he dedicated his entire newly consolidated kingdom of Travancore to the state deity, Lord Padmanabha of Thiruvananthapuram, and ruled thereafter as a vassal or 'Padmanabha Dasa'.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption B represents the year 1729, which is when Marthanda Varma ascended the throne of Venad. Options C and D correspond to earlier administrative periods of consolidation and do not mark this specific spiritual-political dedication.\n\nRemember:\nTrippadidanam helped Marthanda Varma legitimize his absolute sovereignty and protect the state from internal rebellions by blending administrative authority with deep religious sanctions.

Correct answer (Option C):\nThe Malayali Memorial was a historic mass petition submitted to the Maharaja of Travancore, Sree Moolam Thirunal, on January 1, 1891. It requested better representation for educated local residents in public governance and jobs, which were then heavily dominated by non-resident Tamil Brahmins.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption A (1890) was the year when preparatory meetings began. Option B (1896) is the year of the Ezhava Memorial, which was a subsequent petition. Option D (1892) is incorrect as it was a year after the formal submission.\n\nRemember:\nThe Malayali Memorial was drafted under the leadership of Barrister G. P. Pillai, who is widely considered the father of political agitation in Travancore, and was signed by over 10,000 citizens.

Correct answer (Option B):\nSamatva Samajam was founded by the prominent socio-religious reformer Vaikunda Swami in the year 1836. It is widely considered the earliest formal social organization established in Kerala to fight against caste-based discrimination, untouchability, and rigid social hierarchies.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption A is incorrect as Vagbhadananda founded the Atmavidya Sangham. Option C is incorrect because Chattambi Swami worked primarily through intellectual discourses and spiritual philosophy. Option D is incorrect as Sree Narayana Guru founded the SNDP Yogam much later in 1903.\n\nRemember:\nVaikunda Swami initiated the practice of 'Samapanthibhojanam' (inter-dining) through Samatva Samajam to actively smash social inequality and bring different communities together under a unified spiritual platform.