History – MCQ – GK Questions

Indian cultural influence in Southeast Asia (Greater India) is seen in temple architecture (Angkor Wat), scripts (Pallava-derived), epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), and Hindu-Buddhist religious practices. [[1]]

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]]

The Panchsheel Agreement (1954) between India and China outlined five principles of peaceful coexistence: mutual respect, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful coexistence. [[30]]

The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) saw Maratha forces defeated by Ahmad Shah Abdali. It halted Maratha expansion northward, weakened their confederacy, and created a power vacuum the British later filled. [[30]]

The Battle of Hydaspes (326 BCE) was fought between Alexander the Great and King Porus on the Jhelum River. Despite defeat, Porus impressed Alexander with his bravery and was reinstated as a satrap. [[1]]

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1534) preached 'Achintya Bheda Abheda' (inconceivable oneness and difference) in Bengal. He emphasized Krishna bhakti through kirtan and inspired the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. [[1]]

Basavanna (12th century) founded the Lingayat movement in Karnataka, emphasizing personal devotion to Shiva through the Ishtalinga. It rejected caste discrimination and ritualism, promoting social equality. [[30]]

Antonio Monserrate, a Jesuit missionary, visited Akbar's and Jahangir's courts. His account provides insights into Mughal administration, military, and religious policies from a European perspective. [[30]]

Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) visited India during Harsha's reign (630-645 CE). His travelogue 'Si-yu-ki' provides detailed accounts of Indian society, Buddhism, administration, and geography. [[1]]

The Uttiramerur Inscription (10th century CE) details the Chola village administration, including qualifications for assembly members, election procedures, and committees for various functions. [[1]]

The Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prashasti), composed by Harisena, eulogizes Samudragupta's military conquests, generosity, and patronage of arts. It is a key source for Gupta history. [[30]]

Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) issued gold coins with the legend 'Vikramaditya' and titles like 'Parama-bhagavata'. His coins depict him as an archer, lion-slayer, and patron of arts. [[30]]

Punch-marked coins (6th-2nd century BCE) were issued by Mahajanapadas like Magadha, Kosala, and Avanti. They were made of silver and bore symbols like sun, moon, and animals, representing early state authority. [[1]]

Lothal (Gujarat) had the world's earliest known dockyard (c. 2400 BCE), connected to the Sabarmati river. It facilitated maritime trade with Mesopotamia and demonstrates advanced hydraulic engineering. [[1]]

Dholavira (Indus Valley Civilization) features sophisticated water conservation systems including reservoirs, channels, and stepwells. It demonstrates advanced urban planning and adaptation to arid conditions. [[30]]

The Soviet Union supported India during the 1971 War through the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship (August 1971). This deterred US-China intervention and ensured India's strategic advantage in the conflict. [[30]]

Non-Alignment, championed by Nehru, meant India would not join military blocs led by the USA or USSR. However, India maintained strategic autonomy and engaged with both sides based on national interests. [[1]]

The Janata Party, a coalition of opposition parties, formed the first non-Congress government after the 1977 elections. Morarji Desai became Prime Minister, but internal conflicts led to its collapse in 1979. [[1]]

The 'Congress System' (1947-1967) featured Congress party dominance at the center, with diverse factions representing different interests. Opposition parties existed but were fragmented, allowing Congress to accommodate dissent internally. [[30]]

The Swaran Singh Committee (1976) recommended adding Fundamental Duties to emphasize citizens' obligations. These were incorporated via the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, as Part IVA (Article 51A). [[30]]