Medium Level – GK Questions

Answer: True

The Mandal Commission (1980) recommended 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes in government jobs. Prime Minister V.P. Singh implemented these recommendations in 1990, sparking widespread protests and political realignment. [[30]]

Answer: Garibi Hatao

Indira Gandhi's Congress (R) won the 1971 elections with the slogan 'Garibi Hatao' (Remove Poverty). The victory strengthened her position and led to major policies like bank nationalization and the Bangladesh War. [[30]]

Answer: One-party dominance with internal factions

The 'Congress System' (1947-1967) featured Congress party dominance at the center, with diverse factions representing different interests. Opposition parties existed but were fragmented, allowing Congress to accommodate dissent internally. [[30]]

Answer: True

In Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), the Supreme Court held that Parliament cannot amend the 'basic structure' of the Constitution. This doctrine limits constitutional amendments and protects core democratic values. [[1]]

Answer: Irish

Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) were inspired by the Irish Constitution. They are non-justiciable guidelines for the state to establish social and economic democracy. [[1]]

Answer: True

Jawaharlal Nehru moved the Objective Resolution on December 13, 1946, outlining principles like sovereignty, democracy, justice, and minority rights. It later formed the basis of the Constitution's Preamble. [[1]]

Answer: Paik

The Paik system was the backbone of Ahom administration. Every able-bodied male (Paik) owed labor or military service to the state in rotation, ensuring both revenue collection and defense readiness. [[30]]

Answer: Assam

The Ahom dynasty ruled Assam from 1228 to 1826 CE. They successfully resisted Mughal invasions (notably at Saraighat, 1671) and developed a unique administrative system called the Paik system. [[30]]

Answer: True

While railways facilitated internal connectivity, their primary purpose was economic exploitation: transporting cotton, jute, and minerals to ports for export to Britain, and distributing British manufactured goods inland. [[1]]

Answer: 1879

The Deccan Agriculturists' Relief Act 1879 was enacted after peasant riots against moneylenders. It aimed to regulate moneylending practices and protect cultivators from exploitative interest rates. [[1]]

Answer: Growth of cash crops for export

British policies promoted cash crops like indigo, cotton, and jute for export, reducing food grain cultivation. This made Indian agriculture vulnerable to global price fluctuations and contributed to famines. [[1]]

Answer: True

Deccan painting (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar) blended Persian elegance with vibrant Indian colors and local themes. It is known for rich landscapes, romantic themes, and distinctive facial types. [[30]]

Answer: Rajput

Rajput painting (16th-19th century) flourished in Rajput kingdoms like Mewar, Marwar, and Bundi. It depicts royal portraits, hunting scenes, and Hindu epics with vibrant colors and flat perspective. [[30]]

Answer: All of the above

Mughal painting blended Persian miniature traditions with Indian themes, Chinese landscape techniques, and later European perspective and shading. Akbar's atelier produced illustrated manuscripts like Hamzanama and Akbarnama. [[30]]

Answer: Silk Road

The Silk Road facilitated trade and cultural exchange between India, Central Asia, China, and the Mediterranean. Indian spices, textiles, and ivory were exchanged for Chinese silk, Central Asian horses, and Roman gold. [[1]]

Answer: Muziris

Muziris (modern Kodungallur, Kerala) was the most important port for Indo-Roman trade in ancient times. Roman coins, amphorae, and artifacts found here confirm extensive maritime commerce with the Mediterranean world. [[1]]

Answer: Lucknow

Thumri, a semi-classical vocal form emphasizing emotion and romance, originated in the Lucknow court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. It is often performed in lighter ragas and talas. [[30]]

Answer: Kirana Gharana

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi belonged to the Kirana Gharana, known for its emphasis on melody, intricate taans, and devotional renditions. He popularized Hindustani classical music globally. [[30]]

Answer: August 8, 1942

The Quit India Movement was launched by Gandhi on August 8, 1942, at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee. The slogan 'Do or Die' inspired mass participation despite immediate arrests of leaders. [[30]]

Answer: French Revolution

The Reign of Terror (1793-94) was a violent phase of the French Revolution led by the Committee of Public Safety under Robespierre. Thousands were executed by guillotine for alleged counter-revolutionary activities. [[30]]