Medium Level – GK Questions

Answer: True

Amir Khusrau (1253-1325) blended Persian and Indian musical traditions, developing qawwali as a form of Sufi devotional music. He also contributed to the evolution of Hindustani classical music. [[1]]

Answer: Chagatai Turkish

Babur wrote his memoirs 'Baburnama' in Chagatai Turkish, later translated to Persian. It provides vivid accounts of his life, Central Asian culture, and early Mughal India. [[1]]

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: True

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]]

Answer: Vatsyayana

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]]

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: True

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]]

Answer: Canada

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]]

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: True

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]]

Answer: Indian Union

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]]

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: Tipu Shah

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]]

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: True

The Ahom kingdom of Assam resisted Mughal invasions for over a century, notably defeating them at the Battle of Saraighat (1671). They maintained independence until British conquest in 1826. [[30]]

Answer: Sisodia

The Sisodia clan of Rajputs ruled Mewar from Chittorgarh and later Udaipur. Notable rulers include Rana Sanga, Rana Pratap, who resisted Mughal expansion valiantly. [[30]]

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: Ikshvaku

The Ikshvaku dynasty (c. 3rd-4th century CE) succeeded the Satavahanas in the Krishna-Guntur region. They patronized Buddhism and built notable stupas at Nagarjunakonda. [[1]]

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: West Bengal

Pattachitra is a traditional scroll painting from West Bengal and Odisha, depicting Hindu epics and folk tales. Artists use natural colors on cloth or palm leaves, continuing centuries-old techniques. [[30]]