Easy Level – GK Questions

Angkor Wat (12th century), built by Suryavarman II, was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. It later became a Buddhist temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Cambodia. [[30]]

India hosted the Asian Relations Conference in New Delhi (March-April 1947), bringing together Asian nations to discuss cooperation and decolonization. It reflected India's leadership role in post-colonial Asia. [[1]]

The First Battle of Panipat (1526) saw Babur defeat Ibrahim Lodi using gunpowder and cavalry tactics. It marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India, which lasted for over three centuries. [[30]]

Alvars (Vaishnava) and Nayanars (Shaiva) were Bhakti saints (6th-9th century) in South India. They composed Tamil hymns (Divya Prabandham, Tevaram) that emphasized personal devotion and social inclusivity. [[1]]

Megasthenes, Greek ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya's court, wrote 'Indica' (fragments survive). It describes Mauryan administration, society, and geography, though with some inaccuracies. [[30]]

Most Ashokan edicts were in Prakrit using Brahmi script. In northwestern regions, Kharosthi was used. Greek and Aramaic inscriptions were found in Afghanistan, reflecting the empire's multilingual character. [[1]]

Kushana gold coins (1st-3rd century CE) featured royal portraits on obverse and Greek, Iranian, or Indian deities on reverse. They facilitated trade along the Silk Road and reflected cultural syncretism. [[30]]

Bhimbetka rock shelters (UNESCO World Heritage Site) contain cave paintings dating from the Paleolithic to medieval periods. They depict hunting, dancing, and daily life of early humans in India. [[1]]

India, along with Yugoslavia, Egypt, Indonesia, and Ghana, was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement at the Belgrade Conference (1961). NAM aimed to promote peace and independence from superpower rivalry. [[30]]

India's first general elections (1951-52) were conducted with universal adult franchise, making it the world's largest democracy. Over 173 million people were eligible to vote, with a turnout of about 45%. [[1]]

The Constituent Assembly had 389 members initially (292 from provinces, 93 from princely states, 4 from Chief Commissioners' provinces). After Partition, it had 299 members who adopted the Constitution on November 26, 1949. [[30]]

Manipur was a princely state under British suzerainty. After independence, it acceded to India in 1949 and later became a full-fledged state in 1972. It has a rich history of monarchy and cultural traditions. [[30]]

The Treaty of Yandabo (1826) ended the First Anglo-Burmese War. Burma ceded Assam, Manipur, and Arakan to the British, marking the beginning of colonial rule in North-East India. [[1]]

The Permanent Settlement (1793) recognized zamindars as landowners who paid fixed revenue to the British. Many zamindars lived in cities, collecting rent without investing in agriculture, leading to rural impoverishment. [[30]]

The Pahari school (17th-19th century) developed in hill states like Basohli, Guler, and Kangra. It is known for delicate brushwork, vibrant colors, and themes from Krishna bhakti and Ragamala series. [[1]]

Large hoards of Roman gold and silver coins found in Tamil Nadu and Kerala confirm flourishing trade between South India and the Roman Empire. Pliny the Elder complained about the drain of Roman gold to India for spices. [[1]]

The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (1st century CE) is a Greek navigation guide describing trade routes, ports, and commodities of the Indian Ocean, including Indian ports like Barbaricum, Barygaza, and Muziris. [[30]]

Purandara Dasa (1484-1564) is called the 'Father of Carnatic Music' for systematizing music education through graded exercises (sarali varisai, jantai varisai). He composed thousands of devotional songs in Kannada. [[30]]

Tansen, the legendary Hindustani classical musician, was one of Akbar's Navaratnas (nine gems). He is credited with creating ragas like Miyan ki Todi and Deepak, and his tomb is in Gwalior. [[1]]

The Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950, making India a sovereign democratic republic. This date was chosen to commemorate the 1930 Purna Swaraj declaration. [[1]]