History – MCQ – GK Questions

Answer: Kirana Gharana

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi belonged to the Kirana Gharana, known for its emphasis on melody, intricate taans, and devotional renditions. He popularized Hindustani classical music globally. [[30]]

Answer: August 8, 1942

The Quit India Movement was launched by Gandhi on August 8, 1942, at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee. The slogan 'Do or Die' inspired mass participation despite immediate arrests of leaders. [[30]]

Answer: 1915

Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. He spent a year traveling across India to understand the people's conditions before launching his first satyagraha in Champaran (1917). [[1]]

Answer: French Revolution

The Reign of Terror (1793-94) was a violent phase of the French Revolution led by the Committee of Public Safety under Robespierre. Thousands were executed by guillotine for alleged counter-revolutionary activities. [[30]]

Answer: 1789

The French Revolution began in 1789 with the storming of the Bastille. It overthrew the monarchy, established a republic, and promoted ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that influenced global politics. [[1]]

Answer: Samarangana Sutradhara

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]]

Answer: Unknown author

Surya Siddhanta is an ancient Sanskrit text on astronomy of unknown authorship (c. 4th-5th century CE). It describes planetary motions, eclipses, and time measurement, influencing Indian and Islamic astronomy. [[30]]

Answer: Pandita Ramabai

Pandita Ramabai founded Seva Sadan in Pune (1889) to educate and empower widows and destitute women. She also established Mukti Mission for women's rehabilitation and vocational training. [[30]]

Answer: Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Raja Ram Mohan Roy campaigned vigorously against Sati, arguing it was not sanctioned by true Hindu scriptures. His efforts led to Regulation XVII of 1829 abolishing Sati under Lord William Bentinck. [[1]]

Answer: Great Famine 1876-78

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]]

Answer: Expenses of the India Office in London charged to Indian revenues

Home Charges were expenses of the India Office in London (salaries, pensions, interest on debt) charged to Indian revenues. Nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji criticized this as part of the 'Drain of Wealth'. [[1]]

Answer: Nagara

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]]

Answer: Erotic sculptures

The Khajuraho temples (950-1050 CE), built by the Chandela dynasty, are renowned for intricate erotic sculptures symbolizing the celebration of life and spiritual union. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. [[30]]

Answer: Malik Muhammad Jayasi

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]]

Answer: Jayadeva

Jayadeva composed 'Gita Govinda' in 12th-century Bengal, a Sanskrit lyrical poem celebrating the divine love of Krishna and Radha. It remains influential in Indian classical music and dance. [[1]]

Answer: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

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]]

Answer: Samkhya

Samkhya, one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, is attributed to Sage Kapila. It is dualistic, distinguishing between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter), and influenced Yoga philosophy. [[30]]

Answer: Lal Bahadur Shastri

The Green Revolution was initiated under Lal Bahadur Shastri (1964-66) with support from agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan. It introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, transforming Indian agriculture. [[30]]

Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of independent India on August 15, 1947. He served until his death in 1964, shaping India's democratic, secular, and socialist foundations. [[1]]

Answer: Partition of India into two dominions

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]]