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The 'Iqta' system in the Delhi Sultanate was a form of ______ assignment.
Answer: land revenue
The Iqta system assigned land revenue collection rights to military officers (Iqtadars) in lieu of salary. Iqtadars maintained troops and remitted surplus revenue to the central treasury. [[30]]
The famous bronze Nataraja statue represents Lord Shiva as the cosmic ______.
Answer: dancer
The Chola bronze Nataraja depicts Shiva as the cosmic dancer performing the Tandava, symbolizing creation, preservation, and destruction. These sculptures are masterpieces of Chola art and metallurgy. [[1]]
The Chola king who led naval expeditions to Southeast Asia was:
- Rajaraja I
- Rajendra I
- Kulottunga I
- Vikrama Chola
Answer: Rajendra I
Rajendra Chola I (1014-1044 CE) led naval expeditions to Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Southeast Asia (Srivijaya Empire). He assumed the title 'Gangaikonda Chola' after conquering the Ganga region. [[1]]
Harsha convened a religious assembly at Prayag every five years.
- True
- False
Answer: True
According to Hiuen Tsang, Harsha convened a grand religious assembly at Prayag (Allahabad) every five years, distributing wealth to people of all religions. This reflected his policy of religious tolerance. [[30]]
The land grant system during the Gupta period was known as ______.
Answer: Agrahara
Agrahara grants were land donations to Brahmins and temples during the Gupta period. These grants were tax-free and hereditary, leading to the growth of self-sufficient village economies. [[30]]
The 'Uparika' in Gupta administration was responsible for:
- Village administration
- Provincial governance
- Tax collection
- Military command
Answer: Provincial governance
In Gupta administration, 'Uparika' was the governor of a province (Bhukti). Below him were 'Vishayapati' (district officer) and 'Gramika' (village headman), forming a hierarchical administrative structure. [[30]]
The famous Gandhara school of art flourished under the patronage of the ______.
Answer: Kushanas
The Gandhara school of art (1st-3rd century CE) flourished under Kushana patronage, blending Greco-Roman and Indian styles. It produced the first anthropomorphic images of Buddha. [[1]]
Which dynasty issued the first gold coins in India with royal portraits?
- Mauryas
- Indo-Greeks
- Kushanas
- Guptas
Answer: Indo-Greeks
The Indo-Greek rulers (2nd-1st century BCE) were the first to issue gold coins in India featuring royal portraits and bilingual inscriptions in Greek and Kharosthi/Prakrit. [[1]]
The classical dance form ______ originated in Andhra Pradesh and is known for its fast footwork and sculpturesque poses.
Answer: Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi originated in the village of Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh. It combines dance and drama, with performers often singing while dancing. It is known for quick footwork and expressive abhinaya. [[30]]
Which classical dance form originated in Tamil Nadu?
- Kathak
- Bharatanatyam
- Odissi
- Kuchipudi
Answer: Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam originated in Tamil Nadu's temples, with roots in the Natya Shastra. It combines dance, music, and abhinaya (expression) to depict Hindu mythology and spiritual themes. [[30]]
Who was the first woman President of the Indian National Congress?
- Sarojini Naidu
- Annie Besant
- Indira Gandhi
- Sucheta Kripalani
Answer: Annie Besant
Annie Besant became the first woman President of the Indian National Congress in 1917. A theosophist and social reformer, she also founded the Home Rule League and started the newspaper 'New India'. [[30]]
Rabindranath Tagore was the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection 'Gitanjali'. He was the first non-European to receive this honor, bringing global recognition to Indian literature. [[30]]
The United Nations was founded in which year?
- 1919
- 1945
- 1950
- 1960
Answer: 1945
The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945, after World War II, to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. Its headquarters is in New York City. [[30]]
The Russian Revolution of 1917 led to the establishment of the world's first communist state.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Bolshevik Revolution (October 1917) led by Vladimir Lenin overthrew the provisional government and established the world's first communist state, the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, later part of the USSR. [[30]]
The integration of princely states was primarily handled by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, led the integration of over 560 princely states into the Indian Union. V.P. Menon was his key administrator in this monumental task. [[30]]
The Radcliffe Line demarcated the boundary between India and ______.
Answer: Pakistan
The Radcliffe Line, named after Cyril Radcliffe, demarcated the boundary between India and Pakistan during Partition in 1947. Its hurried drawing caused massive displacement and communal violence. [[30]]
The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) proposed:
- Partition of India
- A united India with a weak center and grouped provinces
- Complete independence immediately
- Dominion status for India
Answer: A united India with a weak center and grouped provinces
The Cabinet Mission (1946) proposed a united India with a weak central government handling defense, foreign affairs, and communications, while provinces were grouped into three sections with significant autonomy. [[30]]
The Rani of Jhansi Regiment of the INA was led by:
- Usha Mehta
- Lakshmi Sehgal
- Sarojini Naidu
- Kamala Nehru
Answer: Lakshmi Sehgal
Captain Lakshmi Sehgal (née Swaminathan) led the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, the women's wing of the Indian National Army. She was a doctor and a key figure in the Azad Hind government. [[30]]
The INA trials at the Red Fort in 1945-46 united Indians across religious lines.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The INA trials (1945-46) of Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Sahgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon sparked nationwide protests. Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs united in support, weakening British legitimacy and accelerating independence. [[30]]
The Kakori Conspiracy Case (1925) was related to:
- Bomb attack in Assembly
- Train robbery near Lucknow
- Assassination of Saunders
- Chittagong Armoury Raid
Answer: Train robbery near Lucknow
The Kakori Conspiracy (August 9, 1925) involved HRA members robbing a government treasury on a train near Kakori, Lucknow. Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and others were executed for their role. [[30]]