History – Hard Level – GK Questions

Samarangana Sutradhara (11th century CE) by Bhoja describes mechanical devices including 'Vimanas' (flying machines). While largely mythological, it reflects ancient Indian interest in aeronautics and engineering. [[1]]

The Famine Codes were introduced after the Great Famine of 1876-78, which killed millions. They outlined preventive and relief measures, though implementation remained inadequate during subsequent famines. [[30]]

The Nagara style of North Indian temple architecture features a curvilinear shikhara (tower) over the sanctum, often with amalaka and kalasha finials. Examples include Khajuraho and Konark temples. [[1]]

Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote 'Padmavat' in Awadhi (1540), an allegorical epic on the legend of Queen Padmini of Chittor and Alauddin Khilji. It blends history, romance, and Sufi mysticism. [[30]]

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad contains the famous dialogue between Sage Yajnavalkya and his wife Maitreyi on the nature of Atman (Self) and Brahman, emphasizing that realization of the Self leads to immortality. [[1]]

The Mountbatten Plan (June 3, 1947) provided for partition of British India into two independent dominions – India and Pakistan – with princely states free to join either. It was accepted by Congress and League. [[30]]

Individual Satyagraha (1940-41) protested Britain's unilateral declaration of India's involvement in WWII and the inadequate August Offer. Vinoba Bhave was the first satyagrahi, followed by Nehru. [[1]]

The Indian Councils Act 1892 introduced indirect election to legislative councils, though members were still officially 'nominated'. It marked the beginning of representative institutions in India. [[30]]

Aurangzeb reimposed Jizya on non-Muslims in 1679, reversing Akbar's policy of religious tolerance. This decision alienated Rajputs, Marathas, and other communities, contributing to imperial decline. [[30]]

Muhammad bin Tughlaq established Diwan-i-Kohi (Department of Agriculture) to bring uncultivated land under plough and improve agricultural productivity. Though innovative, it faced implementation challenges. [[30]]

Kalidasa's play Malavikagnimitram mentions the Yavana (Indo-Greek) invasion during the reign of Pushyamitra Shunga, indicating conflicts between Shungas and Greek rulers in North India. [[30]]

Manipuri dance, from Manipur, is deeply rooted in the Vaishnavite tradition and depicts the divine love of Radha and Krishna. It is characterized by gentle, flowing movements and devotional themes. [[1]]

Lord Louis Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India (March-August 1947) and became the first Governor-General of independent India. He oversaw the transfer of power and Partition. [[1]]

Alluri Sitarama Raju led the Rampa Rebellion (1922-24) in the Godavari agency area of present-day Andhra Pradesh against the Madras Forest Act, which restricted tribal access to forest resources. [[1]]

Hindu College was founded in 1817 by Scottish philanthropist David Hare with support from Raja Ram Mohan Roy and other Bengali intellectuals. It became a center for Western education and social reform. [[1]]

Joseph François Dupleix served as French Governor-General of Pondicherry (1742-54). He pioneered the policy of intervening in local succession disputes to expand French influence, though ultimately unsuccessful. [[1]]

Akbar's finance minister Raja Todar Mal introduced the Zabt system, which fixed revenue based on land measurement and average produce of 10 years. It was part of the Dahsala system implemented across the empire. [[30]]

Charaka Samhita (c. 2nd century CE) is one of the two foundational texts of Ayurveda. It deals with internal medicine, diagnosis, and treatment methods. Sushruta Samhita focuses on surgery. [[1]]

Annie Besant founded the Home Rule League in Madras (September 1916), and Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded another in Poona (April 1916). Both demanded self-government for India within the British Empire. [[1]]

The Famine Commission (1880) under Richard Strachey was appointed after the devastating famines of 1876-78. It recommended measures for famine relief and prevention, though implementation was inadequate. [[1]]