History – GK Questions

The Panchatantra (c. 3rd century BCE), attributed to Vishnu Sharma, is a collection of interrelated animal fables teaching political wisdom and practical ethics. It influenced world literature through translations. [[30]]

Vishakhadatta's 'Mudrarakshasa' (c. 5th century CE) dramatizes Chanakya's political strategies in establishing Chandragupta Maurya's rule. It is a valuable source for understanding Mauryan political thought. [[1]]

Vatsyayana composed the Kamasutra (c. 3rd century CE), a treatise on love, relationships, and social conduct. It reflects the sophisticated urban culture of ancient India beyond mere eroticism. [[30]]

Kalidasa's 'Abhijnanashakuntalam' is based on an episode in the Mahabharata about Shakuntala and King Dushyanta. It is considered a masterpiece of Sanskrit literature and world drama. [[1]]

Shudraka wrote 'Mrichchhakatika', a Sanskrit play depicting love between a merchant and a courtesan against political intrigue. It provides insights into urban life in ancient India. [[30]]

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was first celebrated on January 9, 2003, commemorating Gandhi's return from South Africa. It honors contributions of the Indian diaspora and strengthens ties with India. [[1]]

The UAE has the largest Indian diaspora (over 3.5 million), primarily for employment. The US has the largest diaspora in terms of permanent residents and citizens of Indian origin. [[30]]

The Komagata Maru (1914) carried 376 Indian immigrants to Canada, but was denied entry due to restrictive immigration laws. The incident galvanized the Ghadar Movement and anti-colonial sentiment. [[1]]

Gandhi developed his philosophy of Satyagraha in South Africa (1893-1914), fighting against discriminatory laws targeting Indians. This experience shaped his methods later used in India's freedom struggle. [[30]]

The Girmitiya system (1834-1917) sent Indian indentured laborers to British colonies in Caribbean (Trinidad, Guyana), Africa (Mauritius, Fiji), and Southeast Asia to work on plantations after slavery abolition. [[1]]

The States Reorganisation Act 1956, based on the Fazl Ali Commission report, reorganized state boundaries primarily on linguistic lines, creating 14 states and 6 union territories. [[30]]

Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar served as Dewan of Mysore during accession. Mysore joined India peacefully in 1947, and the Maharaja was retained as Rajpramukh under the new constitutional arrangement. [[1]]

The Instrument of Accession was the legal document by which princely states joined the Indian Union, ceding control of defense, foreign affairs, and communications to the central government while retaining internal autonomy. [[30]]

Operation Polo (September 1948) was the police action by which Indian forces integrated Hyderabad into the Indian Union. The Nizam surrendered, ending his rule and the Razakar militia's violence. [[1]]

Junagadh's accession to Pakistan was rejected by India. A plebiscite in February 1948 resulted in 99% voting to join India. Hyderabad was integrated through police action; Kashmir's accession remains disputed. [[30]]

The Vellore Mutiny (July 1806) was an early sepoy uprising against British interference in religious customs. Though suppressed, it foreshadowed the larger 1857 Revolt. [[1]]

Chakra Bisoi led the Khond Uprising (1837-56) in Odisha against British attempts to suppress human sacrifice (Meriah) and impose new revenue policies. The movement combined religious and anti-colonial resistance. [[30]]

Tipu Shah led the Pagal Panthi movement (1820s-1840s) in Mymensingh, Bengal. It combined religious revivalism with peasant resistance against zamindari oppression and British authority. [[1]]

The Pabna Peasant Uprising (1873) in Bengal was against zamindars who increased rents and evicted tenants. Peasants formed agrarian leagues and used legal methods to resist exploitation. [[30]]

The Eka Movement (1921) was a peasant uprising in the United Provinces (UP) against high rents and oppressive landlords. It was part of the Non-Cooperation Movement but had distinct local grievances. [[1]]