History – GK Questions

SAARC was founded in 1985 with seven members: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives. Afghanistan joined later in 2007. SAARC aims to promote regional cooperation in South Asia. [[30]]

The Indus Waters Treaty (1960), mediated by the World Bank, allocated the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan. [[1]]

The Simla Agreement (July 1972) was signed by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto after the 1971 War. It established the Line of Control in Kashmir and committed both nations to bilateral resolution of disputes. [[30]]

India hosted the Asian Relations Conference in New Delhi (March-April 1947), bringing together Asian nations to discuss cooperation and decolonization. It reflected India's leadership role in post-colonial Asia. [[1]]

The Panchsheel Agreement (1954) between India and China outlined five principles of peaceful coexistence: mutual respect, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful coexistence. [[30]]

The Battle of Assaye (1803) saw Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) defeat the Maratha confederacy. It was a key victory in the Second Anglo-Maratha War, expanding British control in Central India. [[1]]

The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) saw Maratha forces defeated by Ahmad Shah Abdali. It halted Maratha expansion northward, weakened their confederacy, and created a power vacuum the British later filled. [[30]]

The Battle of Haldighati (1576) was fought between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and Akbar's forces led by Man Singh. Though tactically inconclusive, Pratap continued guerrilla warfare to defend Mewar's independence. [[1]]

The First Battle of Panipat (1526) saw Babur defeat Ibrahim Lodi using gunpowder and cavalry tactics. It marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India, which lasted for over three centuries. [[30]]

The Battle of Hydaspes (326 BCE) was fought between Alexander the Great and King Porus on the Jhelum River. Despite defeat, Porus impressed Alexander with his bravery and was reinstated as a satrap. [[1]]

The Nathpanthi tradition, founded by Gorakhnath, emphasized yoga, meditation, and rejection of ritualism. Their ideas influenced Bhakti saints like Kabir and Sufi poets, promoting syncretic spiritual practices. [[30]]

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1534) preached 'Achintya Bheda Abheda' (inconceivable oneness and difference) in Bengal. He emphasized Krishna bhakti through kirtan and inspired the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. [[1]]

The Virashaiva movement, founded by Basavanna, is also called Lingayat. Followers worship Shiva in the form of a personal linga worn on the body and reject Brahmanical rituals and caste hierarchy. [[30]]

Alvars (Vaishnava) and Nayanars (Shaiva) were Bhakti saints (6th-9th century) in South India. They composed Tamil hymns (Divya Prabandham, Tevaram) that emphasized personal devotion and social inclusivity. [[1]]

Basavanna (12th century) founded the Lingayat movement in Karnataka, emphasizing personal devotion to Shiva through the Ishtalinga. It rejected caste discrimination and ritualism, promoting social equality. [[30]]

Fa-Hien (Faxian) visited India (399-414 CE) during Chandragupta II's reign. His travelogue 'Fo-Kuo-Chi' describes Buddhist monasteries, practices, and the prosperous Gupta administration. [[1]]

Antonio Monserrate, a Jesuit missionary, visited Akbar's and Jahangir's courts. His account provides insights into Mughal administration, military, and religious policies from a European perspective. [[30]]

Ibn Battuta visited India (1333-1342) during Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign. His travelogue 'Rihla' provides vivid accounts of Delhi Sultanate administration, society, and the Sultan's eccentric policies. [[1]]

Megasthenes, Greek ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya's court, wrote 'Indica' (fragments survive). It describes Mauryan administration, society, and geography, though with some inaccuracies. [[30]]

Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) visited India during Harsha's reign (630-645 CE). His travelogue 'Si-yu-ki' provides detailed accounts of Indian society, Buddhism, administration, and geography. [[1]]