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Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara wrote 'Amuktamalyada' in Telugu.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529) composed 'Amuktamalyada' in Telugu, a poetic work on the life of Andal. He was a great patron of literature in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Sanskrit. [[1]]
The Pallavas and Chalukyas were frequent rivals in South India.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Pallavas (Kanchipuram) and Chalukyas (Badami) fought numerous wars between the 6th-8th centuries CE for dominance in the Deccan. Their conflict shaped South Indian political history and temple architecture. [[1]]
The Vakataka dynasty was a contemporary of the Guptas in the Deccan region.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Vakatakas (c. 250-500 CE) ruled the Deccan concurrently with the Guptas in North India. They patronized art and architecture, including the Ajanta Caves, and had matrimonial alliances with the Guptas. [[30]]
The 'Chhau' dance is a semi-classical tribal dance from Eastern India.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Chhau dance, from Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, blends martial arts, folk traditions, and classical elements. It uses masks and depicts episodes from epics, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. [[30]]
The 'Madhubani' painting style originates from the Mithila region of Bihar.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Madhubani (Mithila) painting from Bihar uses natural colors and depicts mythology, nature, and social events. Traditionally done by women on walls and floors, it is now recognized globally as a folk art. [[1]]
India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
- True
- False
Answer: True
India became independent on August 15, 1947, ending nearly 200 years of British colonial rule. The transfer of power was accompanied by Partition, creating the dominions of India and Pakistan. [[30]]
The 'Delhi Iron Pillar' is notable for its rust-resistant composition.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Delhi Iron Pillar (c. 4th-5th century CE) has resisted rusting for over 1,600 years due to its high phosphorus content and protective passive film. It showcases ancient Indian metallurgical expertise. [[1]]
India's economic liberalization began in 1991 under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The 1991 economic reforms, led by Finance Minister Manmohan Singh under PM P.V. Narasimha Rao, liberalized trade, reduced licenses, and opened India to foreign investment, transforming the economy. [[30]]
Bhutan was never colonized by the British but signed a treaty of friendship with India after independence.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Bhutan maintained independence during British rule, though it signed the Treaty of Punakha (1910) accepting British guidance in external affairs. Post-1947, it signed a Treaty of Friendship with India (1949, revised 2007). [[1]]
The Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia was originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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 first Asian Relations Conference in New Delhi in 1947.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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) established Mughal rule in India.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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]]
The 'Alvars' and 'Nayanars' were Bhakti saints of South India who composed devotional hymns.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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 wrote 'Indica', describing Mauryan India during Chandragupta Maurya's reign.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Megasthenes, Greek ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya's court, wrote 'Indica' (fragments survive). It describes Mauryan administration, society, and geography, though with some inaccuracies. [[30]]
Ashoka's inscriptions were written in Prakrit using Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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]]
The Kushanas issued gold coins with portraits of kings and Greek deities.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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]]
The 'Bhimbetka' rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh contain prehistoric cave paintings.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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 was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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]]
The first general elections in India (1951-52) were conducted under universal adult franchise.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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 299 members when it adopted the Constitution.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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]]