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The Bahmani Sultanate was founded in which year?
- 1336
- 1347
- 1398
- 1450
Answer: 1347
The Bahmani Sultanate was founded in 1347 by Alauddin Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu) in the Deccan, breaking away from the Delhi Sultanate. It later fragmented into the five Deccan Sultanates. [[30]]
The ______ dynasty ruled Karnataka and Andhra after the decline of the Satavahanas.
Answer: Ikshvaku
The Ikshvaku dynasty (c. 3rd-4th century CE) succeeded the Satavahanas in the Krishna-Guntur region. They patronized Buddhism and built notable stupas at Nagarjunakonda. [[1]]
Which dynasty succeeded the Mauryas in Magadha?
- Kushanas
- Shungas
- Satavahanas
- Vakatakas
Answer: Shungas
The Shunga dynasty (c. 185-73 BCE) succeeded the Mauryas in Magadha. Pushyamitra Shunga, a Brahmin commander, assassinated the last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha and established Shunga rule, patronizing Brahmanism. [[1]]
The 'Pattachitra' scroll painting tradition is prominent in ______ and Odisha.
Answer: West Bengal
Pattachitra is a traditional scroll painting from West Bengal and Odisha, depicting Hindu epics and folk tales. Artists use natural colors on cloth or palm leaves, continuing centuries-old techniques. [[30]]
The 'Warli' painting tradition originates from which Indian state?
- Rajasthan
- Maharashtra
- Odisha
- West Bengal
Answer: Maharashtra
Warli painting is a tribal art form from Maharashtra, created by the Warli community. It uses geometric shapes and natural pigments to depict daily life, rituals, and nature worship. [[30]]
The 'Vietnam War' ended with the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the reunification of Vietnam.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon (April 30, 1975) to North Vietnamese forces. Vietnam was reunified in 1976 as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, marking a significant Cold War outcome. [[1]]
The 'African National Congress' (ANC) led the struggle against ______ in South Africa.
Answer: apartheid
The African National Congress (ANC), founded in 1912, led the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela became its iconic leader and South Africa's first black president in 1994. [[1]]
The 'Bandung Conference' (1955) was attended by newly independent nations from:
- Europe
- Asia and Africa
- Latin America
- North America
Answer: Asia and Africa
The Bandung Conference (1955) brought together 29 Asian and African nations to promote economic cooperation and oppose colonialism. It laid groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement and South-South cooperation. [[1]]
The 'Zij-i-Muhammadi' was an astronomical table compiled in medieval India under Islamic patronage.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Zij-i-Muhammadi and other astronomical tables were compiled in medieval India, blending Indian, Persian, and Greek knowledge. They facilitated accurate calendar calculations and navigation. [[30]]
The 'Siddhanta Shiromani' was written by the mathematician-astronomer ______.
Answer: Bhaskara II
Bhaskara II (12th century) wrote Siddhanta Shiromani, covering arithmetic, algebra, and astronomy. He calculated planetary positions, discussed gravity concepts, and contributed to calculus foundations. [[30]]
Which medieval Indian text on medicine was written by Sharngadhara?
- Charaka Samhita
- Sushruta Samhita
- Sharngadhara Samhita
- Ashtanga Hridaya
Answer: Sharngadhara Samhita
Sharngadhara Samhita (13th-14th century) is a medieval Ayurvedic text that introduced pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha) and detailed formulations. It reflects the evolution of Indian medical knowledge. [[30]]
The 'Nationalization of Banks' in India occurred in two phases: 1969 and 1980.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Indira Gandhi nationalized 14 major banks in 1969 and 6 more in 1980. This aimed to extend banking to rural areas, support agriculture, and reduce concentration of economic power. [[1]]
The 'Green Revolution' in India was primarily focused on increasing production of ______.
Answer: wheat and rice
The Green Revolution (mid-1960s) introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, along with irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides. It transformed India from a food-deficient to a self-sufficient nation. [[1]]
The 'License Raj' in India referred to:
- British colonial administration
- Extensive government control over industry
- Land revenue system
- Foreign trade policy
Answer: Extensive government control over industry
The License Raj (1947-1991) required businesses to obtain numerous government licenses for production, expansion, and imports. It aimed at planned development but led to inefficiency and corruption, reformed after 1991. [[1]]
The 'Gurkha' soldiers were recruited by the British after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-16).
- True
- False
Answer: True
After the Anglo-Nepalese War, the British were impressed by Gurkha bravery and began recruiting them into the British Indian Army. Gurkhas continue to serve in the Indian and British armies with distinction. [[30]]
The 'Treaty of Sugauli' (1816) defined the boundaries between British India and ______.
Answer: Nepal
The Treaty of Sugauli (1816) ended the Anglo-Nepalese War and defined Nepal's boundaries. Nepal ceded territories like Kumaon and Garhwal but retained independence, and the Gurkha recruitment tradition began. [[30]]
The 'Namgyal dynasty' ruled which Himalayan kingdom?
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Sikkim
- Ladakh
Answer: Sikkim
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 widely known and performed in traditional arts across Southeast Asia.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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]]
The ancient kingdom of 'Srivijaya' in Southeast Asia was a major center for ______ Buddhism.
Answer: Mahayana
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]]
The ancient Indian influence on Southeast Asia is evident in:
- Temple architecture
- Script and literature
- Religious practices
- All of the above
Answer: All of the above
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]]