History – Medium Level – GK Questions

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: True

The Age of Consent Act 1891, championed by social reformers, raised the age of consent for girls from 10 to 12 years. It faced conservative opposition but marked progress in protecting child rights. [[30]]

Answer: False

While railways facilitated movement, they primarily served British interests: transporting raw materials to ports for export and moving troops. Indian industries gained limited benefit due to discriminatory freight rates. [[1]]

Answer: Bombay

The first successful modern cotton textile mill was established by Kawasji Davar in Bombay in 1854. It marked the beginning of industrialization in India, though primarily serving British economic interests. [[1]]

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: True

Vijayanagara architecture (14th-16th century) blended Dravidian temple styles with Indo-Islamic elements like arches and domes, reflecting cultural synthesis. Hampi's ruins showcase this unique fusion. [[30]]

Answer: soapstone

Hoysala temples (11th-14th century) at Belur and Halebidu feature exquisite soapstone carvings depicting deities, dancers, and mythological scenes. The soft stone allowed for detailed sculptural work. [[30]]

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: Thiruvalluvar

Thiruvalluvar composed Thirukkural, a classic Tamil text of 1,330 couplets on ethics, politics, and love. It is revered across religious and linguistic boundaries in South India. [[1]]

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: True

Charvaka (Lokayata) was a materialistic school that rejected Vedas, afterlife, and supernatural entities. It emphasized perception as the only source of knowledge and advocated hedonistic ethics. [[30]]

Answer: Jainism

'Ahimsa Paramo Dharma' (non-violence is the supreme duty) is a core principle of Jainism. Jains practice strict non-violence towards all living beings, influencing Indian culture and Gandhi's philosophy. [[30]]

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: True

The States Reorganisation Commission (Fazl Ali Commission, 1953) recommended reorganizing states primarily on linguistic lines. The States Reorganisation Act 1956 implemented most recommendations, creating 14 states and 6 UTs. [[30]]

Answer: August 16

Direct Action Day (August 16, 1946) called by the Muslim League led to massive communal riots in Calcutta, killing thousands. It marked the point of no return toward Partition. [[1]]

Answer: 1906

The All India Muslim League was founded in Dhaka in 1906 to safeguard Muslim political interests. Initially loyalist, it later demanded separate electorates and eventually Pakistan. [[1]]

Answer: Malabar

The Moplah Rebellion (1921) occurred in Malabar district, Kerala, among Muslim tenant farmers against Hindu landlords and British authorities. It began as part of the Khilafat-Non-Cooperation Movement but turned communal. [[30]]

Answer: 1920

AITUC was founded in Bombay in 1920 under the presidency of Lala Lajpat Rai. It was the first central trade union organization in India, advocating workers' rights and linking labor movement with nationalism. [[30]]