GK Questions

Answer: P.V. Narasimha Rao

The Look East Policy was initiated by PM P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1991 to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia. It was later upgraded to 'Act East Policy' under PM Narendra Modi. [[30]]

Answer: Non-Aligned Movement

India, under Nehru's leadership, was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (1961) to promote Afro-Asian solidarity and independence from Cold War blocs. The Bandung Conference (1955) laid its groundwork. [[30]]

Answer: Germany

After escaping India in 1941, Subhash Chandra Bose reached Germany via Afghanistan and the Soviet Union. He sought Axis support for India's independence before moving to Southeast Asia in 1943. [[1]]

Answer: Dinabandhu Mitra

Dinabandhu Mitra wrote 'Nil Darpan' (1860), a Bengali play exposing the exploitation of indigo farmers by European planters. It sparked public outrage and contributed to the Indigo Commission. [[1]]

Answer: Premchand

Munshi Premchand wrote 'Godaan' (1936), a landmark Hindi novel depicting peasant life, exploitation, and social realities. He is considered the greatest novelist of modern Hindi literature. [[30]]

Answer: Ziauddin Barani

Ziauddin Barani wrote 'Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi' (c. 1357), covering the Delhi Sultanate from Balban to Firoz Shah Tughlaq. It reflects the political ideology and administrative practices of the period. [[30]]

Answer: Minhaj-i-Siraj

Minhaj-i-Siraj Juzjani wrote 'Tabaqat-i-Nasiri' (1260 CE), a Persian chronicle covering Islamic dynasties including the Delhi Sultanate up to 1260. It is a key source for early Sultanate history. [[1]]

Answer: Mudrarakshasa

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]]

Answer: Shudraka

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]]

Answer: United Arab Emirates

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]]

Answer: Caribbean and Africa

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]]

Answer: Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar

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]]

Answer: Junagadh

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]]

Answer: Chakra Bisoi

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]]

Answer: United Provinces

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]]

Answer: Golconda

The Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda (1518-1687) was famous for the Golconda Fort and the Kollur diamond mines, which produced the Kohinoor and Hope diamonds. [[1]]

Answer: 1347

The Bahmani Sultanate was founded in 1347 by Alauddin Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu) in the Deccan, breaking away from the Delhi Sultanate. It later fragmented into the five Deccan Sultanates. [[30]]

Answer: Mayurasharma

Mayurasharma (c. 345-365 CE) founded the Kadamba dynasty and established Banavasi (in present-day Karnataka) as the capital. The Kadambas were among the earliest native kingdoms of Karnataka. [[30]]

Answer: Shungas

The Shunga dynasty (c. 185-73 BCE) succeeded the Mauryas in Magadha. Pushyamitra Shunga, a Brahmin commander, assassinated the last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha and established Shunga rule, patronizing Brahmanism. [[1]]

Answer: All of the above

Bhangra (men), Giddha (women), and Jhumar are Punjabi folk dances celebrating harvest (Vaisakhi). They feature energetic movements, traditional music, and vibrant costumes, reflecting agrarian culture. [[1]]