Medium Level – GK Questions

Gupta gold coins (Dinara) were of high purity and featured elegant designs of kings performing rituals, hunting, or playing instruments. They reflect the prosperity and cultural achievements of the Gupta age. [[1]]

Punch-marked coins (6th-2nd century BCE) were issued by Mahajanapadas like Magadha, Kosala, and Avanti. They were made of silver and bore symbols like sun, moon, and animals, representing early state authority. [[1]]

Adichanallur (Tamil Nadu) is a megalithic site with urn burials containing iron tools, pottery, and gold artifacts. It provides insights into early historic South Indian societies and trade networks. [[30]]

Sirkap, near Taxila (Pakistan), was built by Indo-Greek rulers in the 2nd century BCE. It features a grid plan, Hellenistic architecture, and artifacts showing fusion of Greek and Indian cultures. [[30]]

Dholavira (Indus Valley Civilization) features sophisticated water conservation systems including reservoirs, channels, and stepwells. It demonstrates advanced urban planning and adaptation to arid conditions. [[30]]

India's first nuclear test, 'Smiling Buddha', was conducted on May 18, 1974, at Pokhran. It was described as a 'peaceful nuclear explosion' but significantly altered South Asia's strategic balance. [[1]]

The Tashkent Agreement (January 1966) was signed by Lal Bahadur Shastri and Ayub Khan under Soviet mediation. It restored pre-war boundaries but Shastri died hours after signing, adding mystery to the event. [[1]]

Non-Alignment, championed by Nehru, meant India would not join military blocs led by the USA or USSR. However, India maintained strategic autonomy and engaged with both sides based on national interests. [[1]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]

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]]