History – Medium Level – GK Questions

Answer: Lingayat

The Virashaiva movement, founded by Basavanna, is also called Lingayat. Followers worship Shiva in the form of a personal linga worn on the body and reject Brahmanical rituals and caste hierarchy. [[30]]

Answer: Basavanna

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]]

Answer: True

Fa-Hien (Faxian) visited India (399-414 CE) during Chandragupta II's reign. His travelogue 'Fo-Kuo-Chi' describes Buddhist monasteries, practices, and the prosperous Gupta administration. [[1]]

Answer: Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta visited India (1333-1342) during Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign. His travelogue 'Rihla' provides vivid accounts of Delhi Sultanate administration, society, and the Sultan's eccentric policies. [[1]]

Answer: Hiuen Tsang

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]]

Answer: True

The Junagadh Rock Inscription (150 CE) of Shaka ruler Rudradaman I is one of the earliest long Sanskrit inscriptions. It records the repair of Sudarshana Lake and praises Rudradaman's military and administrative skills. [[30]]

Answer: Gautamiputra Satakarni

The Nasik Inscription (c. 2nd century CE) by Gautami Balashri records her son Gautamiputra Satakarni's victories over Shakas, Pahlavas, and Yavanas. It highlights Satavahana power in the Deccan. [[30]]

Answer: Samudragupta

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]]

Answer: False

Satavahana coins had bilingual legends in Prakrit (using Brahmi script) and sometimes Greek, but not Tamil. They featured symbols like elephant, lion, and ship, indicating trade and royal authority. [[1]]

Answer: Dinara

Gupta gold coins (Dinara) were of high purity and featured elegant designs of kings performing rituals, hunting, or playing instruments. They reflect the prosperity and cultural achievements of the Gupta age. [[1]]

Answer: Janapadas

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]]

Answer: True

Adichanallur (Tamil Nadu) is a megalithic site with urn burials containing iron tools, pottery, and gold artifacts. It provides insights into early historic South Indian societies and trade networks. [[30]]

Answer: Indo-Greek

Sirkap, near Taxila (Pakistan), was built by Indo-Greek rulers in the 2nd century BCE. It features a grid plan, Hellenistic architecture, and artifacts showing fusion of Greek and Indian cultures. [[30]]

Answer: Water management system

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]]

Answer: True

India's first nuclear test, 'Smiling Buddha', was conducted on May 18, 1974, at Pokhran. It was described as a 'peaceful nuclear explosion' but significantly altered South Asia's strategic balance. [[1]]

Answer: Pakistan

The Tashkent Agreement (January 1966) was signed by Lal Bahadur Shastri and Ayub Khan under Soviet mediation. It restored pre-war boundaries but Shastri died hours after signing, adding mystery to the event. [[1]]

Answer: Not joining military alliances of superpowers

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]]

Answer: True

The Mandal Commission (1980) recommended 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes in government jobs. Prime Minister V.P. Singh implemented these recommendations in 1990, sparking widespread protests and political realignment. [[30]]

Answer: Garibi Hatao

Indira Gandhi's Congress (R) won the 1971 elections with the slogan 'Garibi Hatao' (Remove Poverty). The victory strengthened her position and led to major policies like bank nationalization and the Bangladesh War. [[30]]

Answer: One-party dominance with internal factions

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]]