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The 'Warli' painting tradition originates from which Indian state?
- Rajasthan
- Maharashtra
- Odisha
- West Bengal
Answer: Maharashtra
Warli painting is a tribal art form from Maharashtra, created by the Warli community. It uses geometric shapes and natural pigments to depict daily life, rituals, and nature worship. [[30]]
Which country was the first in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from colonial rule?
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Tanzania
Answer: Ghana
Ghana (formerly Gold Coast) became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule on March 6, 1957, under Kwame Nkrumah. It inspired liberation movements across Africa. [[30]]
The 'Bandung Conference' (1955) was attended by newly independent nations from:
- Europe
- Asia and Africa
- Latin America
- North America
Answer: Asia and Africa
The Bandung Conference (1955) brought together 29 Asian and African nations to promote economic cooperation and oppose colonialism. It laid groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement and South-South cooperation. [[1]]
Which medieval Indian scholar wrote 'Lilavati', a treatise on mathematics?
- Aryabhata
- Brahmagupta
- Bhaskara II
- Varahamihira
Answer: Bhaskara II
Bhaskara II's Lilavati (12th century) is a comprehensive mathematics text covering arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Named after his daughter, it uses poetic verses to explain mathematical concepts. [[1]]
Which medieval Indian text on medicine was written by Sharngadhara?
- Charaka Samhita
- Sushruta Samhita
- Sharngadhara Samhita
- Ashtanga Hridaya
Answer: Sharngadhara Samhita
Sharngadhara Samhita (13th-14th century) is a medieval Ayurvedic text that introduced pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha) and detailed formulations. It reflects the evolution of Indian medical knowledge. [[30]]
Which Five-Year Plan emphasized 'Growth with Social Justice and Equity'?
- Fourth Plan
- Fifth Plan
- Sixth Plan
- Seventh Plan
Answer: Fifth Plan
The Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-79) emphasized 'Garibi Hatao' (Remove Poverty) and growth with social justice. It focused on employment generation, minimum needs program, and self-reliance. [[30]]
The 'License Raj' in India referred to:
- British colonial administration
- Extensive government control over industry
- Land revenue system
- Foreign trade policy
Answer: Extensive government control over industry
The License Raj (1947-1991) required businesses to obtain numerous government licenses for production, expansion, and imports. It aimed at planned development but led to inefficiency and corruption, reformed after 1991. [[1]]
Which Himalayan kingdom was known as 'Druk Yul' (Land of the Thunder Dragon)?
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Sikkim
- Tibet
Answer: Bhutan
Bhutan is known as 'Druk Yul' (Land of the Thunder Dragon) in Dzongkha. The dragon symbol appears on its flag and represents the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism, which is central to Bhutanese identity. [[1]]
The 'Namgyal dynasty' ruled which Himalayan kingdom?
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Sikkim
- Ladakh
Answer: Sikkim
The Namgyal dynasty ruled Sikkim from 1642 to 1975. It was founded by Phuntsog Namgyal, and the kingdom became a protectorate of India before merging with the Indian Union in 1975. [[30]]
Which Indian script influenced the development of scripts in Thailand, Cambodia, and Java?
- Brahmi
- Kharosthi
- Pallava
- Nagari
Answer: Pallava
The Pallava script (South India) influenced the development of scripts in Southeast Asia, including Thai, Khmer, and Javanese scripts. This reflects the spread of Indian culture through trade and religious missions. [[30]]
The ancient Indian influence on Southeast Asia is evident in:
- Temple architecture
- Script and literature
- Religious practices
- All of the above
Answer: All of the above
Indian cultural influence in Southeast Asia (Greater India) is seen in temple architecture (Angkor Wat), scripts (Pallava-derived), epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), and Hindu-Buddhist religious practices. [[1]]
Which treaty established the 'Indus Waters Treaty' between India and Pakistan?
- Tashkent Agreement
- Simla Agreement
- World Bank-mediated treaty
- Lahore Declaration
Answer: World Bank-mediated treaty
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 'Panchsheel Agreement' (1954) was signed between India and:
- Pakistan
- China
- Soviet Union
- United States
Answer: China
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]]
Which battle is considered the turning point that ended Maratha power and paved the way for British supremacy?
- Battle of Plassey
- Battle of Buxar
- Third Battle of Panipat
- Battle of Assaye
Answer: Third Battle of Panipat
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 Hydaspes' (326 BCE) was fought between Alexander and:
- Porus
- Ambhi
- Chandragupta Maurya
- Darius III
Answer: Porus
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]]
Which Bhakti saint preached the philosophy of 'Achintya Bheda Abheda'?
- Ramanuja
- Madhva
- Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
- Vallabhacharya
Answer: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
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 'Lingayat' movement in Karnataka was founded by:
- Basavanna
- Ramanuja
- Madhva
- Nimbarka
Answer: Basavanna
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]]
Which Portuguese traveler wrote 'Travels in the Mughal Empire' during Jahangir's reign?
- Duarte Barbosa
- Fernao Nuniz
- Antonio Monserrate
- Niccolao Manucci
Answer: Antonio Monserrate
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]]
Which Chinese traveler visited India during Harsha's reign and wrote 'Si-yu-ki'?
- Fa-Hien
- Hiuen Tsang
- I-Tsing
- Xuanzang
Answer: Hiuen Tsang
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]]
Which inscription provides details about the administrative system of the Cholas?
- Aihole Inscription
- Uttiramerur Inscription
- Junagadh Rock Inscription
- Eran Inscription
Answer: Uttiramerur Inscription
The Uttiramerur Inscription (10th century CE) details the Chola village administration, including qualifications for assembly members, election procedures, and committees for various functions. [[1]]