History – GK Questions

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: True

Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras (c. 2nd century BCE), systematizing Yoga philosophy and practice. The text outlines the eight limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga) leading to spiritual liberation. [[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: True

The Indo-Pak War of December 1971 resulted in Pakistan's surrender and the creation of Bangladesh. India's victory strengthened its regional position and demonstrated military capability. [[1]]

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: 1951-52

India's first general elections were held in 1951-52, with over 173 million eligible voters. The Indian National Congress won a majority, and Nehru continued as Prime Minister. [[1]]

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: 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: True

The Indian Independence Act 1947, passed by British Parliament, set August 15, 1947, as the date for transfer of power and creation of two dominions. Lord Mountbatten advanced the date from June 1948 to August 1947. [[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]]

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: True

The Lahore Resolution (March 1940), moved by A.K. Fazlul Haq, demanded 'independent states' for Muslims in North-Western and Eastern India. It later became the basis for the demand for Pakistan. [[30]]

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: True

Sardar Patel led the Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) in Gujarat against increased land revenue. The successful non-violent protest earned him the title 'Sardar' from women of Bardoli. [[1]]

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]]

Answer: World War I

The Berlin Committee (1915) was formed by Indian revolutionaries in Germany during WWI, with support from the German government. It aimed to secure German aid for India's independence struggle. [[1]]

Answer: True

Rash Behari Bose escaped to Japan in 1915 after the failure of the Ghadar Mutiny and Lahore Conspiracy Case. He later played a key role in organizing the Indian Independence League and INA in Southeast Asia. [[30]]

Answer: United States

The Ghadar Party was founded in 1913 in San Francisco, USA, by Lala Har Dayal and other Indian expatriates. It aimed to overthrow British rule through armed revolution and published the 'Ghadar' newspaper. [[1]]

Answer: True

During Quit India (1942), parallel governments (Prati Sarkar) were established in Ballia (UP), Tamluk (Bengal), and Satara (Maharashtra), demonstrating people's capacity for self-governance. [[30]]