History – Medium Level – GK Questions

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only surviving structure from the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was built around 2560 BC by Pharaoh Khufu. Egyptian officials and scholars objected to the idea of this ancient monument competing in a modern popularity poll against much younger structures. The New7Wonders Foundation resolved the controversy by granting the Great Pyramid honorary status — it is acknowledged alongside the New Seven Wonders without having participated in the voting.

Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Inca citadel built c.1450 AD by Emperor Pachacuti, was abandoned after the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century. Its existence was unknown to the wider world until 1911, when American historian Hiram Bingham III was led there by local Peruvian farmers. Bingham was a Yale University professor. Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 metres above sea level in the Andes and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

The Colosseum was built by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty starting around 72 AD and was completed and inaugurated by his son Emperor Titus in 80 AD. Its original name was the Flavian Amphitheatre (Amphitheatrum Flavium). The nickname "Colosseum" came later, possibly from a colossal statue of Emperor Nero that once stood nearby. It is the largest amphitheatre ever built and could hold 50,000 to 80,000 spectators.

Ahilyabai Holkar is renowned for her efforts in reconstructing temples and pilgrimage sites throughout India. This work strengthened India's cultural consciousness and is highlighted as one of her unparalleled contributions.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina resigned amid mass protests in August 2024 and took refuge in India. An interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took charge, creating diplomatic challenges for India.

The Battle of Plassey (1757) is considered the foundation of British political power in India. Robert Clive's victory over Siraj ud-Daulah enabled the East India Company to gain control of Bengal's revenues. [[1]]

The Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) began on March 12, 1930, with Gandhi walking 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi. He broke the salt law on April 6, launching the Civil Disobedience Movement. [[1]]

The Right to Information Act was enacted in 2005, empowering citizens to seek information from public authorities. It promotes transparency, accountability, and participatory governance in democracy. [[1]]

Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana was launched in September 2018. It aims to provide health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. [[1]]

GST was implemented on July 1, 2017, subsuming multiple indirect taxes into a unified tax system. It was a major economic reform aimed at creating a common national market and improving tax compliance. [[1]]

The 73rd Amendment (Panchayats) and 74th Amendment (Municipalities) in 1992 gave constitutional status to local self-government institutions, ensuring regular elections, reservations, and financial devolution. [[30]]

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is established under Article 315 of the Constitution. It conducts examinations for recruitment to All India Services and Central Services, ensuring merit-based selection. [[30]]

The Indian Civil Service (ICS), the elite administrative service under British rule, was replaced by the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) after independence. The IAS continues as the premier civil service of India. [[30]]

The Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering, was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017, recognizing its cultural and spiritual significance. [[1]]

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. [[1]]

The Ajanta Caves were among the first Indian sites inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983, along with Ellora Caves, Taj Mahal, and others. They represent masterpieces of Buddhist rock-cut architecture. [[1]]

India's Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), launched in 2013, successfully entered Mars orbit in 2014. ISRO became the first Asian space agency and the fourth globally to reach Mars, at a record-low cost. [[30]]

India's first successful test of the Prithvi short-range ballistic missile was conducted on February 25, 1988. It marked a milestone in India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme under Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. [[30]]

India's first satellite 'Aryabhata' was launched on April 19, 1975, from the Soviet Union. It was named after the ancient Indian mathematician-astronomer and marked India's entry into space research. [[30]]

The Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic first-class cricket championship, was named after Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji (1872-1933), who played for England and pioneered Indian cricket internationally. [[1]]