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Who was the first woman to receive the Bharat Ratna?
- Indira Gandhi
- Sarojini Naidu
- Mother Teresa
- M.S. Subbulakshmi
Answer: Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi became the first woman to receive the Bharat Ratna in 1971 for her leadership during the Bangladesh War. She later served as Prime Minister and remains a pivotal figure in Indian politics. [[1]]
Which amendment added the words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' to the Preamble?
- 24th Amendment
- 42nd Amendment
- 44th Amendment
- 86th Amendment
Answer: 42nd Amendment
The 42nd Amendment Act (1976) added 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' to the Preamble during the Emergency. These additions reflected the commitment to social justice and national unity. [[1]]
Which committee recommended the establishment of NABARD for rural credit?
- Sivaraman Committee
- Narasimham Committee
- Rangarajan Committee
- Chakravarty Committee
Answer: Sivaraman Committee
The Sivaraman Committee (1979) recommended establishing NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) to coordinate rural credit. NABARD was set up in 1982. [[30]]
Which agreement established the 'Line of Control' in Jammu and Kashmir?
- Tashkent Agreement
- Simla Agreement
- Lahore Declaration
- Delhi Agreement
Answer: Simla Agreement
The Simla Agreement (1972) between India and Pakistan established the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, replacing the ceasefire line of 1949. It committed both nations to bilateral resolution of disputes. [[1]]
Which international organization did India help found to promote Afro-Asian solidarity?
- United Nations
- Non-Aligned Movement
- Commonwealth
- SAARC
Answer: Non-Aligned Movement
India, under Nehru's leadership, was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (1961) to promote Afro-Asian solidarity and independence from Cold War blocs. The Bandung Conference (1955) laid its groundwork. [[30]]
Who wrote 'Nil Darpan', a play exposing indigo planters' exploitation?
- Dinabandhu Mitra
- Michael Madhusudan Dutt
- Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
- Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: Dinabandhu Mitra
Dinabandhu Mitra wrote 'Nil Darpan' (1860), a Bengali play exposing the exploitation of indigo farmers by European planters. It sparked public outrage and contributed to the Indigo Commission. [[1]]
Which historian wrote 'Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi' covering the Delhi Sultanate?
- Ziauddin Barani
- Minhaj-i-Siraj
- Shams-i-Siraj Afif
- Isami
Answer: Ziauddin Barani
Ziauddin Barani wrote 'Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi' (c. 1357), covering the Delhi Sultanate from Balban to Firoz Shah Tughlaq. It reflects the political ideology and administrative practices of the period. [[30]]
Which text is attributed to Vishakhadatta and deals with Chandragupta Maurya's rise?
- Mudrarakshasa
- Devichandraguptam
- Swapnavasavadatta
- Uttararamacharita
Answer: Mudrarakshasa
Vishakhadatta's 'Mudrarakshasa' (c. 5th century CE) dramatizes Chanakya's political strategies in establishing Chandragupta Maurya's rule. It is a valuable source for understanding Mauryan political thought. [[1]]
Which country has the largest Indian diaspora outside South Asia?
- United States
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Canada
Answer: United Arab Emirates
The UAE has the largest Indian diaspora (over 3.5 million), primarily for employment. The US has the largest diaspora in terms of permanent residents and citizens of Indian origin. [[30]]
Who was the 'Dewan' of Mysore during its accession to India?
- Sardar Patel
- K.M. Munshi
- Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar
- V.P. Menon
Answer: Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar
Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar served as Dewan of Mysore during accession. Mysore joined India peacefully in 1947, and the Maharaja was retained as Rajpramukh under the new constitutional arrangement. [[1]]
The 'Khond Uprising' (1837-56) was led by which tribal leader?
- Birsa Munda
- Chakra Bisoi
- Sidhu Murmu
- Alluri Sitarama Raju
Answer: Chakra Bisoi
Chakra Bisoi led the Khond Uprising (1837-56) in Odisha against British attempts to suppress human sacrifice (Meriah) and impose new revenue policies. The movement combined religious and anti-colonial resistance. [[30]]
Which Deccan Sultanate was known for its Golconda fort and diamond mines?
- Bijapur
- Golconda
- Ahmadnagar
- Berar
Answer: Golconda
The Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda (1518-1687) was famous for the Golconda Fort and the Kollur diamond mines, which produced the Kohinoor and Hope diamonds. [[1]]
Which ruler of the Kadamba dynasty founded the city of Banavasi?
- Mayurasharma
- Kakusthavarman
- Ravivarma
- Shantivarman
Answer: Mayurasharma
Mayurasharma (c. 345-365 CE) founded the Kadamba dynasty and established Banavasi (in present-day Karnataka) as the capital. The Kadambas were among the earliest native kingdoms of Karnataka. [[30]]
Which folk dance of Punjab is performed to celebrate the harvest season?
- Giddha
- Bhangra
- Jhumar
- All of the above
Answer: All of the above
Bhangra (men), Giddha (women), and Jhumar are Punjabi folk dances celebrating harvest (Vaisakhi). They feature energetic movements, traditional music, and vibrant costumes, reflecting agrarian culture. [[1]]
Which country was the first in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from colonial rule?
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Tanzania
Answer: Ghana
Ghana (formerly Gold Coast) became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule on March 6, 1957, under Kwame Nkrumah. It inspired liberation movements across Africa. [[30]]
Which medieval Indian scholar wrote 'Lilavati', a treatise on mathematics?
- Aryabhata
- Brahmagupta
- Bhaskara II
- Varahamihira
Answer: Bhaskara II
Bhaskara II's Lilavati (12th century) is a comprehensive mathematics text covering arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Named after his daughter, it uses poetic verses to explain mathematical concepts. [[1]]
Which Five-Year Plan emphasized 'Growth with Social Justice and Equity'?
- Fourth Plan
- Fifth Plan
- Sixth Plan
- Seventh Plan
Answer: Fifth Plan
The Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-79) emphasized 'Garibi Hatao' (Remove Poverty) and growth with social justice. It focused on employment generation, minimum needs program, and self-reliance. [[30]]
Which Himalayan kingdom was known as 'Druk Yul' (Land of the Thunder Dragon)?
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Sikkim
- Tibet
Answer: Bhutan
Bhutan is known as 'Druk Yul' (Land of the Thunder Dragon) in Dzongkha. The dragon symbol appears on its flag and represents the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism, which is central to Bhutanese identity. [[1]]
Which Indian script influenced the development of scripts in Thailand, Cambodia, and Java?
- Brahmi
- Kharosthi
- Pallava
- Nagari
Answer: Pallava
The Pallava script (South India) influenced the development of scripts in Southeast Asia, including Thai, Khmer, and Javanese scripts. This reflects the spread of Indian culture through trade and religious missions. [[30]]
Which treaty established the 'Indus Waters Treaty' between India and Pakistan?
- Tashkent Agreement
- Simla Agreement
- World Bank-mediated treaty
- Lahore Declaration
Answer: World Bank-mediated treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty (1960), mediated by the World Bank, allocated the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan. [[1]]