Medium Level – GK Questions

Answer: 1793

Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha in 1793. It fixed land revenue permanently and recognized zamindars as landowners, creating a new landlord class. [[30]]

Answer: Vijayanagara

The Battle of Talikota (1565) between Vijayanagara and the Deccan Sultanates resulted in the destruction of Hampi and marked the beginning of the empire's decline. [[1]]

Answer: Harihara and Bukka

Harihara I and Bukka Raya I founded the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 CE with guidance from sage Vidyaranya. Hampi was its magnificent capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site today. [[1]]

Answer: True

Ahimsa is a core principle in both Buddhism and Jainism. Jainism emphasizes it more strictly, advocating non-violence in thought, word, and deed towards all living beings. [[30]]

Answer: Rajagriha

The First Buddhist Council was held at Rajagriha (modern Rajgir) under King Ajatashatru's patronage, presided by Mahakasyapa, to compile Buddha's teachings. [[30]]

Answer: Nalanda

Nalanda University (5th-12th century CE) in Bihar was a premier center for Buddhist learning, attracting scholars from China, Korea, and Central Asia. It was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193. [[30]]

Answer: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published 'The Communist Manifesto' in 1848. It outlined class struggle and called for proletarian revolution, influencing global socialist movements. [[30]]

Answer: True

The Industrial Revolution began in Britain around 1760 with mechanization of textiles, steam power, and the factory system. It transformed economies and societies globally. [[30]]

Answer: True

The 42nd Amendment added the words 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' to the Preamble. It also emphasized the unity and integrity of the nation during the Emergency period. [[30]]

Answer: Lord Mountbatten

Lord Mountbatten served as the first Governor-General of independent India (August 1947 – June 1948). C. Rajagopalachari was the first and last Indian Governor-General (1948-1950). [[30]]

Answer: Soviet (USSR)

Fundamental Duties (Part IVA, Article 51A) were added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, inspired by the USSR Constitution. They emphasize citizens' responsibilities towards the nation. [[1]]

Answer: True

The Constituent Assembly first met on December 9, 1946. The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, and enforced on January 26, 1950 – totaling 2 years, 11 months, 18 days. [[30]]

Answer: A.O. Hume

Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, founded the Indian National Congress in December 1885 in Bombay. W.C. Banerjee was its first president. [[1]]

Answer: True

Rash Behari Bose initially organized the INA in 1942. Subhash Chandra Bose later took command in 1943, reorganized it, and proclaimed the Provisional Government of Free India. [[1]]

Answer: Lord Chelmsford

Lord Chelmsford was Viceroy during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (April 13, 1919). General Dyer ordered troops to fire on unarmed civilians in Amritsar, killing hundreds. [[30]]

Answer: True

Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920 to protest the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and Rowlatt Act. It was withdrawn in 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident. [[30]]

Answer: Treaty of Seringapatam

Treaty of Seringapatam (1792) ended the Third Anglo-Mysore War. Tipu Sultan ceded half his territory to the British and their allies and paid a large indemnity. [[30]]

Answer: True

Lord Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse (1848-1856) allowed annexation of princely states without a natural male heir. It caused resentment and contributed to the 1857 Revolt. [[30]]

Answer: Tulsidas

Goswami Tulsidas composed Ramcharitmanas (16th century), an Awadhi version of the Ramayana. It popularized Rama bhakti across North India and remains widely recited. [[30]]

Answer: True

Kabir, a weaver-poet of Varanasi, was influenced by Ramananda and preached nirguna bhakti (devotion to a formless God), criticizing ritualism and caste discrimination. [[30]]