History – Medium Level – GK Questions

Q: Which Bhakti saint composed the Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi?

Tulsidas – Goswami Tulsidas composed Ramcharitmanas (16th century), an Awadhi version of the Ramayana. It popularized Rama bhakti across North India and remains widely recited. [[30]]

Q: Sant Kabir was a disciple of Ramananda.

True – Kabir, a weaver-poet of Varanasi, was influenced by Ramananda and preached nirguna bhakti (devotion to a formless God), criticizing ritualism and caste discrimination. [[30]]

Q: Who built the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri?

Akbar – Akbar built the Buland Darwaza (Gate of Magnificence) in 1601 to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. It is the world's highest gateway and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. [[30]]

Q: Aurangzeb reimposed the Jizya tax in 1679.

True – Aurangzeb reimposed Jizya on non-Muslims in 1679, reversing Akbar's policy. This decision caused resentment among Rajputs, Marathas, and other communities, weakening Mughal unity. [[30]]

Q: The ______ dynasty was the first to rule the Delhi Sultanate.

Slave – The Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty (1206-1290 CE) was the first of five dynasties of Delhi Sultanate. Its rulers were former slaves who rose to power through military merit. [[30]]

Q: Which Sultan introduced market control regulations to maintain a large standing army?

Alauddin Khilji – Alauddin Khilji implemented strict price controls, rationing, and market reforms (Diwan-i-Riyasat) to ensure affordable supplies for his army and prevent hoarding. [[30]]

Q: Which Chinese traveler visited India during Chandragupta II's reign?

Fa-Hien – Fa-Hien (Faxian) visited India during Chandragupta II's reign (c. 399-414 CE). His travelogue 'Fo-Kuo-Chi' provides valuable insights into Gupta administration, society, and Buddhism. [[30]]

Q: The concept of zero and the decimal system were developed during the Gupta period.

True – Mathematicians like Aryabhata and Varahamihira flourished during the Gupta era. Aryabhata's work included place-value system and approximation of pi; zero's conceptualization advanced significantly. [[30]]

Q: Ashoka sent his son ______ and daughter Sanghamitra to spread Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Mahendra – Prince Mahendra (Mahinda) and Princess Sanghamitra carried a sapling of the Bodhi Tree to Sri Lanka during Ashoka's reign, establishing Buddhism on the island. [[30]]

Q: Ashoka's edicts were primarily written in which script?

Brahmi – Most of Ashoka's inscriptions were written in Brahmi script. Kharosthi was used in northwestern regions (modern Pakistan/Afghanistan). Brahmi is the ancestor of most Indian scripts. [[30]]