History – Easy Level – GK Questions

During the Moderate phase, Congress sought reforms within the British framework, not complete independence. The demand for 'Swaraj' was formally adopted only at the Lahore Session in 1929 under Nehru's presidency. [[1]]

Pitt's India Act (1784) created a Board of Control in London to oversee the Company's political affairs, while the Court of Directors managed commercial matters. This established dual control over Indian administration. [[1]]

The Indian Councils Act 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms) introduced separate electorates for Muslims, expanding legislative councils and allowing limited Indian participation in governance. [[1]]

The Regulating Act of 1773 created the office of Governor-General of Bengal (Warren Hastings was first) and a four-member Executive Council. It was the first step toward parliamentary control over the Company. [[1]]

The Peshwa was initially the prime minister appointed by the Chhatrapati. After Shahu's reign, Peshwas became hereditary de facto rulers, with the Chhatrapati reduced to a figurehead. [[30]]

The Zabt system, implemented by Raja Todar Mal under Akbar, assessed revenue based on land measurement and average produce of 10 years. It brought uniformity and fairness to revenue collection. [[30]]

In Delhi Sultanate administration, 'Barid' headed the intelligence and information department, reporting directly to the Sultan. 'Barids' were posted in provinces to monitor officials and prevent rebellions. [[1]]

Chola administration featured vibrant local self-government through assemblies like 'Ur' (general assembly), 'Sabha' (Brahmin assembly), and 'Nagaram' (merchant assembly). Uttiramerur inscriptions detail their electoral system. [[30]]

Banabhatta, court poet of Harsha, wrote 'Harshacharita' in Sanskrit prose. It is one of the earliest historical biographies in Indian literature, providing insights into 7th-century North India. [[1]]

The Gupta period (c. 320-550 CE) is called the 'Golden Age' due to achievements in science, mathematics, literature, art, and political stability. Scholars like Aryabhata, Kalidasa, and Varahamihira flourished. [[1]]

The Satavahanas (c. 1st century BCE-3rd century CE) ruled over the Deccan region with capitals at Pratishthana (Paithan) and Amaravati. They issued lead and potin coins and patronized Prakrit literature. [[1]]

Kushana emperor Kanishka (c. 127-150 CE) patronized Mahayana Buddhism, convened the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir, and supported the spread of Buddhism to Central Asia and China. [[30]]

Sattriya, originating from Assam's Vaishnavite monasteries (sattras), was recognized as the eighth classical dance form by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000. It combines dance, music, and drama. [[30]]

Kathakali, from Kerala, is known for its vibrant makeup, elaborate costumes, and facial expressions. It depicts stories from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata through dance, music, and acting. [[1]]

Sarojini Naidu was called the 'Nightingale of India' for her lyrical poetry. She was also the first Indian woman to become a state governor (Uttar Pradesh) and presided over the Congress session in 1925. [[1]]

Sir C.V. Raman won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for discovering the Raman Effect – the scattering of light that reveals molecular structure. He was the first Asian to win a Nobel Prize in science. [[1]]

The Berlin Wall, which divided East and West Berlin since 1961, fell on November 9, 1989. This event symbolized the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe and the end of the Cold War era. [[1]]

World War II ended in 1945 with Germany's surrender in May (V-E Day) and Japan's surrender in September after atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The war resulted in the creation of the United Nations. [[1]]

The American Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it proclaimed the colonies' separation from British rule. [[1]]

The Indian Independence Act was passed by the British Parliament in July 1947. It provided for the creation of two independent dominions – India and Pakistan – effective from August 15, 1947. [[1]]