Medium Level – GK Questions

The Gujral Doctrine (1996), articulated by PM I.K. Gujral, emphasized non-reciprocal generosity towards smaller South Asian neighbors to build trust and regional cooperation, particularly with Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. [[30]]

The Look East Policy was initiated by PM P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1991 to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia. It was later upgraded to 'Act East Policy' under PM Narendra Modi. [[30]]

Annie Besant established the Home Rule League in Madras in September 1916, demanding self-government for India. It complemented Tilak's league and mobilized mass support for Home Rule. [[1]]

The Berlin Committee (1915) was formed by Indian revolutionaries in Germany during WWI, seeking German support for India's independence. It coordinated with the Ghadar Party for anti-British activities. [[1]]

After escaping India in 1941, Subhash Chandra Bose reached Germany via Afghanistan and the Soviet Union. He sought Axis support for India's independence before moving to Southeast Asia in 1943. [[1]]

Subramania Bharati (1882-1921) was a Tamil poet, journalist, and freedom fighter. His poetry advocated social reform, women's emancipation, and Indian nationalism, influencing Tamil literature profoundly. [[30]]

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote 'Anandamath' (1882), featuring the song 'Vande Mataram'. The novel inspired nationalist sentiment and became a rallying cry during India's freedom struggle. [[30]]

Munshi Premchand wrote 'Godaan' (1936), a landmark Hindi novel depicting peasant life, exploitation, and social realities. He is considered the greatest novelist of modern Hindi literature. [[30]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]