Medium Level – GK Questions

The Namgyal dynasty ruled Sikkim from 1642 to 1975. It was founded by Phuntsog Namgyal, and the kingdom became a protectorate of India before merging with the Indian Union in 1975. [[30]]

The Ramayana and Mahabharata are integral to Southeast Asian cultures, adapted in local languages and performance arts like Wayang Kulit (Indonesia), Khon (Thailand), and Ramakien (Cambodia). [[1]]

Srivijaya (7th-13th century), based in Sumatra, was a major maritime empire and center for Mahayana Buddhism. Indian scholars like Atisha studied there, and it facilitated cultural exchange between India and Southeast Asia. [[1]]

Indian cultural influence in Southeast Asia (Greater India) is seen in temple architecture (Angkor Wat), scripts (Pallava-derived), epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), and Hindu-Buddhist religious practices. [[1]]

SAARC was founded in 1985 with seven members: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives. Afghanistan joined later in 2007. SAARC aims to promote regional cooperation in South Asia. [[30]]

The Simla Agreement (July 1972) was signed by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto after the 1971 War. It established the Line of Control in Kashmir and committed both nations to bilateral resolution of disputes. [[30]]

The Panchsheel Agreement (1954) between India and China outlined five principles of peaceful coexistence: mutual respect, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful coexistence. [[30]]

The Battle of Assaye (1803) saw Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) defeat the Maratha confederacy. It was a key victory in the Second Anglo-Maratha War, expanding British control in Central India. [[1]]

The Battle of Haldighati (1576) was fought between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and Akbar's forces led by Man Singh. Though tactically inconclusive, Pratap continued guerrilla warfare to defend Mewar's independence. [[1]]

The Battle of Hydaspes (326 BCE) was fought between Alexander the Great and King Porus on the Jhelum River. Despite defeat, Porus impressed Alexander with his bravery and was reinstated as a satrap. [[1]]

The Nathpanthi tradition, founded by Gorakhnath, emphasized yoga, meditation, and rejection of ritualism. Their ideas influenced Bhakti saints like Kabir and Sufi poets, promoting syncretic spiritual practices. [[30]]

The Virashaiva movement, founded by Basavanna, is also called Lingayat. Followers worship Shiva in the form of a personal linga worn on the body and reject Brahmanical rituals and caste hierarchy. [[30]]

Basavanna (12th century) founded the Lingayat movement in Karnataka, emphasizing personal devotion to Shiva through the Ishtalinga. It rejected caste discrimination and ritualism, promoting social equality. [[30]]

Fa-Hien (Faxian) visited India (399-414 CE) during Chandragupta II's reign. His travelogue 'Fo-Kuo-Chi' describes Buddhist monasteries, practices, and the prosperous Gupta administration. [[1]]

Ibn Battuta visited India (1333-1342) during Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign. His travelogue 'Rihla' provides vivid accounts of Delhi Sultanate administration, society, and the Sultan's eccentric policies. [[1]]

Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) visited India during Harsha's reign (630-645 CE). His travelogue 'Si-yu-ki' provides detailed accounts of Indian society, Buddhism, administration, and geography. [[1]]

The Junagadh Rock Inscription (150 CE) of Shaka ruler Rudradaman I is one of the earliest long Sanskrit inscriptions. It records the repair of Sudarshana Lake and praises Rudradaman's military and administrative skills. [[30]]

The Nasik Inscription (c. 2nd century CE) by Gautami Balashri records her son Gautamiputra Satakarni's victories over Shakas, Pahlavas, and Yavanas. It highlights Satavahana power in the Deccan. [[30]]

The Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prashasti), composed by Harisena, eulogizes Samudragupta's military conquests, generosity, and patronage of arts. It is a key source for Gupta history. [[30]]

Satavahana coins had bilingual legends in Prakrit (using Brahmi script) and sometimes Greek, but not Tamil. They featured symbols like elephant, lion, and ship, indicating trade and royal authority. [[1]]