Easy Level – GK Questions

After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta) at Sarnath near Varanasi, setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma. [[1]]

Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, attained Nirvana at Pavapuri (near Rajgir) in 527 BCE. The Jal Mandir temple now stands at this sacred site. [[1]]

According to Jain tradition, Rishabhanatha (Adinatha) was the first Tirthankara. Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara who reorganized and propagated Jainism in its current form. [[1]]

The Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908) promoted indigenous goods and boycotted British products in protest against Bengal's partition. It marked the beginning of mass participation in India's freedom struggle. [[30]]

The Indian National Congress was founded in December 1885 in Bombay by A.O. Hume, with W.C. Banerjee as its first president. It initially sought reforms within the British framework. [[1]]

Though there were earlier tribal and peasant uprisings, the Revolt of 1857 was the first large-scale, coordinated armed resistance involving sepoys, peasants, and rulers across North and Central India. [[1]]

Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi led her forces against the British during the 1857 Revolt. She became a symbol of resistance and patriotism, famously declaring 'Main apni Jhansi nahi doongi' (I will not give up my Jhansi). [[1]]

The Revolt of 1857 began in Meerut on May 10, 1857, when Indian sepoys refused to use the new Enfield rifle cartridges. It quickly spread to Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and other parts of North India. [[1]]

British policies favored import of manufactured goods from Britain and export of raw materials from India. This led to the decline of India's renowned textile and handicraft industries, causing unemployment and poverty. [[1]]

The Child Marriage Restraint Act (Sarda Act) of 1929 set the minimum age of marriage at 14 for girls and 18 for boys. It was a significant step against child marriage in colonial India. [[1]]

Lord William Bentinck, with support from Raja Ram Mohan Roy, abolished Sati through Regulation XVII of 1829, prohibiting the immolation of widows on their husbands' funeral pyres. [[1]]

Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded Arya Samaj in Bombay in 1875. It promoted Vedic values, opposed idol worship, caste discrimination, and advocated for women's education and widow remarriage. [[1]]

The Ryotwari System, introduced by Thomas Munro in Madras Presidency, allowed peasants (ryots) to pay revenue directly to the government, bypassing intermediaries. It was also used in Bombay and Assam. [[1]]

Maharana Pratap of Mewar fought the Battle of Haldighati against Akbar's forces led by Man Singh in 1576. Though tactically inconclusive, Pratap continued guerrilla warfare to defend Mewar's independence. [[1]]

Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529) was the most prominent Vijayanagara ruler. He expanded the empire, patronized arts and literature, and maintained friendly relations with Portuguese traders. [[30]]

Panini's Ashtadhyayi (c. 4th century BCE) is a comprehensive treatise on Sanskrit grammar with nearly 4,000 rules. It is considered one of the greatest intellectual achievements of ancient India. [[1]]

The French Revolution began in 1789 with the storming of the Bastille. It overthrew the monarchy, established a republic, and promoted ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. [[1]]

The Treaty of Versailles (June 28, 1919) formally ended World War I. It imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, contributing to the rise of Nazism and WWII. [[1]]

The Renaissance originated in 14th-century Italy (Florence), marking a revival of art, literature, science, and humanism. It later spread across Europe, influencing global culture. [[1]]

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected President of the Constituent Assembly on December 11, 1946. He later became the first President of independent India (1950-1962). [[30]]