History – Fill in the Blank – GK Questions

Answer: West Bengal

Pattachitra is a traditional scroll painting from West Bengal and Odisha, depicting Hindu epics and folk tales. Artists use natural colors on cloth or palm leaves, continuing centuries-old techniques. [[30]]

Answer: apartheid

The African National Congress (ANC), founded in 1912, led the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela became its iconic leader and South Africa's first black president in 1994. [[1]]

Answer: Bhaskara II

Bhaskara II (12th century) wrote Siddhanta Shiromani, covering arithmetic, algebra, and astronomy. He calculated planetary positions, discussed gravity concepts, and contributed to calculus foundations. [[30]]

Answer: wheat and rice

The Green Revolution (mid-1960s) introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, along with irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides. It transformed India from a food-deficient to a self-sufficient nation. [[1]]

Answer: Nepal

The Treaty of Sugauli (1816) ended the Anglo-Nepalese War and defined Nepal's boundaries. Nepal ceded territories like Kumaon and Garhwal but retained independence, and the Gurkha recruitment tradition began. [[30]]

Answer: Mahayana

Srivijaya (7th-13th century), based in Sumatra, was a major maritime empire and center for Mahayana Buddhism. Indian scholars like Atisha studied there, and it facilitated cultural exchange between India and Southeast Asia. [[1]]

Answer: 1971

The Simla Agreement (July 1972) was signed by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto after the 1971 War. It established the Line of Control in Kashmir and committed both nations to bilateral resolution of disputes. [[30]]

Answer: Akbar

The Battle of Haldighati (1576) was fought between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and Akbar's forces led by Man Singh. Though tactically inconclusive, Pratap continued guerrilla warfare to defend Mewar's independence. [[1]]

Answer: Lingayat

The Virashaiva movement, founded by Basavanna, is also called Lingayat. Followers worship Shiva in the form of a personal linga worn on the body and reject Brahmanical rituals and caste hierarchy. [[30]]

Answer: Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta visited India (1333-1342) during Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign. His travelogue 'Rihla' provides vivid accounts of Delhi Sultanate administration, society, and the Sultan's eccentric policies. [[1]]

Answer: Gautamiputra Satakarni

The Nasik Inscription (c. 2nd century CE) by Gautami Balashri records her son Gautamiputra Satakarni's victories over Shakas, Pahlavas, and Yavanas. It highlights Satavahana power in the Deccan. [[30]]

Answer: Dinara

Gupta gold coins (Dinara) were of high purity and featured elegant designs of kings performing rituals, hunting, or playing instruments. They reflect the prosperity and cultural achievements of the Gupta age. [[1]]

Answer: Indo-Greek

Sirkap, near Taxila (Pakistan), was built by Indo-Greek rulers in the 2nd century BCE. It features a grid plan, Hellenistic architecture, and artifacts showing fusion of Greek and Indian cultures. [[30]]

Answer: Pakistan

The Tashkent Agreement (January 1966) was signed by Lal Bahadur Shastri and Ayub Khan under Soviet mediation. It restored pre-war boundaries but Shastri died hours after signing, adding mystery to the event. [[1]]

Answer: Garibi Hatao

Indira Gandhi's Congress (R) won the 1971 elections with the slogan 'Garibi Hatao' (Remove Poverty). The victory strengthened her position and led to major policies like bank nationalization and the Bangladesh War. [[30]]

Answer: Irish

Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) were inspired by the Irish Constitution. They are non-justiciable guidelines for the state to establish social and economic democracy. [[1]]

Answer: Paik

The Paik system was the backbone of Ahom administration. Every able-bodied male (Paik) owed labor or military service to the state in rotation, ensuring both revenue collection and defense readiness. [[30]]

Answer: 1879

The Deccan Agriculturists' Relief Act 1879 was enacted after peasant riots against moneylenders. It aimed to regulate moneylending practices and protect cultivators from exploitative interest rates. [[1]]

Answer: Rajput

Rajput painting (16th-19th century) flourished in Rajput kingdoms like Mewar, Marwar, and Bundi. It depicts royal portraits, hunting scenes, and Hindu epics with vibrant colors and flat perspective. [[30]]

Answer: Silk Road

The Silk Road facilitated trade and cultural exchange between India, Central Asia, China, and the Mediterranean. Indian spices, textiles, and ivory were exchanged for Chinese silk, Central Asian horses, and Roman gold. [[1]]