History – GK Questions

Moderate leaders like Gokhale and Banerjee believed in constitutional methods: Prayer (appeals to British justice), Petition (submitting memoranda), and Protest (peaceful agitation) to achieve reforms. [[30]]

Pitt's India Act (1784) created a Board of Control in London to oversee the Company's political affairs, while the Court of Directors managed commercial matters. This established dual control over Indian administration. [[1]]

The Indian Councils Act 1892 introduced indirect election to legislative councils, though members were still officially 'nominated'. It marked the beginning of representative institutions in India. [[30]]

The Indian Councils Act 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms) introduced separate electorates for Muslims, expanding legislative councils and allowing limited Indian participation in governance. [[1]]

The Government of India Act 1935 abolished dyarchy in provinces and introduced provincial autonomy, allowing elected ministers to control provincial subjects. However, governors retained special powers. [[30]]

The Regulating Act of 1773 created the office of Governor-General of Bengal (Warren Hastings was first) and a four-member Executive Council. It was the first step toward parliamentary control over the Company. [[1]]

Ganimi Kava (guerrilla warfare) was Shivaji's military strategy using terrain knowledge, surprise attacks, and quick retreats. It enabled the Marathas to effectively challenge larger Mughal forces. [[1]]

The Peshwa was initially the prime minister appointed by the Chhatrapati. After Shahu's reign, Peshwas became hereditary de facto rulers, with the Chhatrapati reduced to a figurehead. [[30]]

Chauth (25% of revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (10% extra) were taxes levied by Marathas on neighboring Mughal territories in exchange for protection from raids. This system funded Maratha expansion. [[1]]

Aurangzeb reimposed Jizya on non-Muslims in 1679, reversing Akbar's policy of religious tolerance. This decision alienated Rajputs, Marathas, and other communities, contributing to imperial decline. [[30]]

Akbar promulgated Din-i-Ilahi (Divine Faith) in 1582, a syncretic religion blending elements of Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity. It had few followers and declined after Akbar's death. [[1]]

The Zabt system, implemented by Raja Todar Mal under Akbar, assessed revenue based on land measurement and average produce of 10 years. It brought uniformity and fairness to revenue collection. [[30]]

Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system to organize civil and military administration. Mansabdars held ranks (zat and sawar) determining salary, status, and military obligations. [[1]]

The Iqta system assigned land revenue collection rights to military officers (Iqtadars) in lieu of salary. Iqtadars maintained troops and remitted surplus revenue to the central treasury. [[30]]

In Delhi Sultanate administration, 'Barid' headed the intelligence and information department, reporting directly to the Sultan. 'Barids' were posted in provinces to monitor officials and prevent rebellions. [[1]]

Muhammad bin Tughlaq established Diwan-i-Kohi (Department of Agriculture) to bring uncultivated land under plough and improve agricultural productivity. Though innovative, it faced implementation challenges. [[30]]

The Chola bronze Nataraja depicts Shiva as the cosmic dancer performing the Tandava, symbolizing creation, preservation, and destruction. These sculptures are masterpieces of Chola art and metallurgy. [[1]]

Chola administration featured vibrant local self-government through assemblies like 'Ur' (general assembly), 'Sabha' (Brahmin assembly), and 'Nagaram' (merchant assembly). Uttiramerur inscriptions detail their electoral system. [[30]]

Rajendra Chola I (1014-1044 CE) led naval expeditions to Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Southeast Asia (Srivijaya Empire). He assumed the title 'Gangaikonda Chola' after conquering the Ganga region. [[1]]

According to Hiuen Tsang, Harsha convened a grand religious assembly at Prayag (Allahabad) every five years, distributing wealth to people of all religions. This reflected his policy of religious tolerance. [[30]]