History – True/False – GK Questions

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

Gandhi fasted against the Communal Award's provision for separate electorates for Depressed Classes. The fast led to the Poona Pact with Ambedkar, ensuring reserved seats within joint electorates. [[1]]

The Surat Session (1907) witnessed a split between Moderates and Extremists over methods and goals. The division weakened the Congress until the Lucknow Pact (1916) reunited the factions. [[30]]

During the Moderate phase, Congress sought reforms within the British framework, not complete independence. The demand for 'Swaraj' was formally adopted only at the Lahore Session in 1929 under Nehru's presidency. [[1]]

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 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 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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

The Gupta period (c. 320-550 CE) is called the 'Golden Age' due to achievements in science, mathematics, literature, art, and political stability. Scholars like Aryabhata, Kalidasa, and Varahamihira flourished. [[1]]

The Satavahanas (c. 1st century BCE-3rd century CE) ruled over the Deccan region with capitals at Pratishthana (Paithan) and Amaravati. They issued lead and potin coins and patronized Prakrit literature. [[1]]

Kushana emperor Kanishka (c. 127-150 CE) patronized Mahayana Buddhism, convened the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir, and supported the spread of Buddhism to Central Asia and China. [[30]]

Sattriya, originating from Assam's Vaishnavite monasteries (sattras), was recognized as the eighth classical dance form by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000. It combines dance, music, and drama. [[30]]

Kathakali, from Kerala, is known for its vibrant makeup, elaborate costumes, and facial expressions. It depicts stories from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata through dance, music, and acting. [[1]]