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Who built the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri?
- Babur
- Akbar
- Jahangir
- Shah Jahan
Answer: Akbar
Akbar built the Buland Darwaza (Gate of Magnificence) in 1601 to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. It is the world's highest gateway and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. [[30]]
Aurangzeb reimposed the Jizya tax in 1679.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Aurangzeb reimposed Jizya on non-Muslims in 1679, reversing Akbar's policy. This decision caused resentment among Rajputs, Marathas, and other communities, weakening Mughal unity. [[30]]
The ______ dynasty was the first to rule the Delhi Sultanate.
- Slave
- Gupta
- Vijayanagara
- Indo-Greek
Answer: Slave
The Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty (1206-1290 CE) was the first of five dynasties of Delhi Sultanate. Its rulers were former slaves who rose to power through military merit. [[30]]
Which Sultan introduced market control regulations to maintain a large standing army?
- Balban
- Alauddin Khilji
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: Alauddin Khilji
Alauddin Khilji implemented strict price controls, rationing, and market reforms (Diwan-i-Riyasat) to ensure affordable supplies for his army and prevent hoarding. [[30]]
Which Chinese traveler visited India during Chandragupta II's reign?
- Fa-Hien
- Hiuen Tsang
- I-Tsing
- Xuanzang
Answer: Fa-Hien
Fa-Hien (Faxian) visited India during Chandragupta II's reign (c. 399-414 CE). His travelogue 'Fo-Kuo-Chi' provides valuable insights into Gupta administration, society, and Buddhism. [[30]]
The concept of zero and the decimal system were developed during the Gupta period.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Mathematicians like Aryabhata and Varahamihira flourished during the Gupta era. Aryabhata's work included place-value system and approximation of pi; zero's conceptualization advanced significantly. [[30]]
Ashoka sent his son ______ and daughter Sanghamitra to spread Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
- Mahendra
- Rajaraja I
- William Bentinck
- Abhinav Bindra
Answer: Mahendra
Prince Mahendra (Mahinda) and Princess Sanghamitra carried a sapling of the Bodhi Tree to Sri Lanka during Ashoka's reign, establishing Buddhism on the island. [[30]]
Ashoka's edicts were primarily written in which script?
- Kharosthi
- Brahmi
- Devanagari
- Tamil-Brahmi
Answer: Brahmi
Most of Ashoka's inscriptions were written in Brahmi script. Kharosthi was used in northwestern regions (modern Pakistan/Afghanistan). Brahmi is the ancestor of most Indian scripts. [[30]]
Who is the author of the Gayatri Mantra?
- Vashishtha
- Vishwamitra
- Atri
- Bharadvaja
Answer: Vishwamitra
The Gayatri Mantra (Rigveda 3.62.10) was composed by Sage Vishwamitra. It is dedicated to Savitr (Sun God) and is one of the most revered Vedic hymns. [[30]]
The river Saraswati is most frequently mentioned in the Rigveda.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Saraswati is praised as the greatest and holiest river in Rigveda. Its identification with the modern Ghaggar-Hakra river system is debated by scholars. [[30]]
The Indus Valley Civilization flourished around the banks of the ______ River.
- Ajmer
- Indus
- Rajagriha
- Bengal
Answer: Indus
The civilization developed along the Indus River and its tributaries. Major sites include Harappa (Ravi), Mohenjo-Daro (Indus), and Lothal (Sabarmati). [[30]]
The Great Bath, a remarkable structure of the Indus Valley Civilization, was discovered at:
- Harappa
- Mohenjo-Daro
- Lothal
- Dholavira
Answer: Mohenjo-Daro
The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro was likely used for ritual purification. It showcases advanced engineering with waterproof lining and drainage systems. [[30]]
The _______ is the largest national park in Delhi.
- Sanjay Van
- Asola Bhatti
- Deer Park
- Najafgarh
Answer: Asola Bhatti
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in Delhi is the largest protected area in the national capital (32 sq km). Located on the Delhi-Haryana border, it supports leopards, nilgai, and diverse bird species. The sanctuary is part of the Northern Aravalli leopard corridor.
The Repetti discontinuity is named after an Italian seismologist.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Repetti discontinuity is named after Italian-American seismologist Luigi Repetti. It marks a boundary within Earth's mantle at about 660 km depth, separating the upper and lower mantle based on mineral phase changes.
Which Indian state is the largest producer of groundnut oil?
- Gujarat
- Andhra Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu
- Rajasthan
Answer: Gujarat
Gujarat is the largest producer of groundnut oil in India, contributing about 40% of national production. Major groundnut-growing districts are Junagadh, Rajkot, and Amreli. Groundnut oil is a key cooking oil in Western India.
Which river is known as the 'River of Peace' in South Asia?
- Indus
- Ganga
- Brahmaputra
- Mekong
Answer: Indus
The Indus River is called the 'River of Peace' due to the Indus Water Treaty (1960) between India and Pakistan, which has survived multiple conflicts. The treaty allocates waters of the Indus system and is considered a model of water diplomacy.
The Mizo Hills are located in Mizoram.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Mizo Hills are located in Mizoram, forming part of the Patkai Range extension. They are covered by tropical evergreen forests and support diverse tribal communities. The hills receive heavy rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon.
Which sanctuary is famous for the Indian softshell turtle?
- National Chambal
- Bhitarkanika
- Chilika
- All of these
Answer: All of these
All three—National Chambal, Bhitarkanika, and Chilika—are important habitats for the Indian softshell turtle. This freshwater turtle is found in rivers, lakes, and wetlands across India. Conservation focuses on reducing bycatch and habitat protection.
The _______ is the largest lake in the United Kingdom.
- Loch Ness
- Lough Neagh
- Windermere
- Loch Lomond
Answer: Lough Neagh
Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland is the largest lake in the United Kingdom (392 sq km). It is the largest lake in the British Isles by surface area. The lake supports fishing, tourism, and is an important wetland for migratory birds.
Which is India's first commercial battery energy storage system project location?
- Andhra Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- Gujarat
Answer: Andhra Pradesh
India's first commercial battery energy storage system (BESS) project was commissioned in Andhra Pradesh by AES Corporation. BESS supports grid stability and renewable energy integration. India aims to deploy 50 GWh of battery storage by 2030.