History – GK Questions

Shah Jahan founded Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) in 1639 and shifted the capital there. The Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk were built as part of this new capital. [[1]]

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]]

Akbar abolished Jizya in 1564 as part of his policy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace) to promote religious tolerance and integrate diverse communities into his administration. [[1]]

Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted the capital to Daulatabad (Deogiri) in 1327 to better control the Deccan. The move failed due to logistical issues and was reversed after a few years. [[1]]

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]]

Iltutmish standardized currency with silver Tanka (4.8g) and copper Jital, establishing a uniform monetary system that influenced medieval Indian coinage for centuries. [[1]]

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

Qutb ud-Din Aibak founded the Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty in 1206 CE after Muhammad Ghori's death. He started construction of Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Delhi. [[1]]

Kalidasa, author of Abhijnanashakuntalam and Meghaduta, flourished in the court of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). His works represent the golden age of Sanskrit literature. [[1]]

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]]

The rust-resistant Iron Pillar (c. 4th-5th century CE) showcases advanced metallurgy of the Gupta period. It was originally erected at Udayagiri and later moved to Delhi. [[1]]

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]]

Samudragupta (c. 335-380 CE) earned the title 'Napoleon of India' from historian V.A. Smith due to his extensive military conquests across the Indian subcontinent. [[1]]

Chandragupta Maurya (c. 321-297 BCE), guided by Chanakya, established India's first pan-Indian empire with a sophisticated bureaucracy, espionage system, and provincial administration. [[1]]

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]]

The Kalinga War (261 BCE) caused massive casualties. Witnessing the suffering, Ashoka embraced Buddhism, renounced violence, and promoted Dhamma throughout his empire. [[1]]

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]]

Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta) authored Arthashastra, a comprehensive treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy during Chandragupta Maurya's reign. [[1]]

While early Vedic society was relatively flexible, the later Vedic period (1000-600 BCE) saw rigidification of the four-fold varna system based on birth. [[1]]

The Gayatri Mantra (Rigveda 3.62.10) was composed by Sage Vishwamitra. It is dedicated to Savitr (Sun God) and is one of the most revered Vedic hymns. [[30]]