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The 'Battle of Hydaspes' (326 BCE) was fought between Alexander and:
- Porus
- Ambhi
- Chandragupta Maurya
- Darius III
Answer: Porus
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 'Nathpanthis' were ascetic yogis who influenced both Hindu and Sufi traditions.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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 is also known as the ______ movement.
Answer: Lingayat
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]]
The 'Lingayat' movement in Karnataka was founded by:
- Basavanna
- Ramanuja
- Madhva
- Nimbarka
Answer: Basavanna
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 visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II and documented Buddhist sites.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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]]
The Moroccan traveler ______ visited India during Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign and wrote 'Rihla'.
Answer: Ibn Battuta
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]]
Which Chinese traveler visited India during Harsha's reign and wrote 'Si-yu-ki'?
- Fa-Hien
- Hiuen Tsang
- I-Tsing
- Xuanzang
Answer: Hiuen Tsang
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' of Rudradaman I is in Sanskrit and praises his achievements.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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' of Gautami Balashri records the achievements of the Satavahana king ______.
Answer: Gautamiputra Satakarni
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' eulogizes which Gupta emperor?
- Chandragupta I
- Samudragupta
- Chandragupta II
- Skandagupta
Answer: Samudragupta
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]]
The Satavahanas issued lead and potin coins with bilingual legends in Prakrit and Tamil.
- True
- False
Answer: False
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]]
The Gupta gold coins were known as ______ and were noted for their artistic excellence.
Answer: Dinara
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]]
The first punch-marked coins in India were issued by:
- Mauryas
- Janapadas
- Indo-Greeks
- Guptas
Answer: Janapadas
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]]
The 'Adichanallur' site in Tamil Nadu provided evidence of megalithic burial practices.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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]]
The ancient city of 'Sirkap' near Taxila was built by the ______ rulers.
Answer: Indo-Greek
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]]
The site of 'Dholavira' in Gujarat is notable for its:
- Rock-cut caves
- Water management system
- Buddhist stupas
- Medieval forts
Answer: Water management system
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 conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, codenamed 'Smiling Buddha'.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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' (1966) was signed between India and ______ to end the 1965 war.
Answer: Pakistan
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]]
India's policy of 'Non-Alignment' during the Cold War meant:
- Neutrality in all international conflicts
- Not joining military alliances of superpowers
- Isolation from global politics
- Supporting only developing nations
Answer: Not joining military alliances of superpowers
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' recommendations for OBC reservations were implemented in 1990.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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]]