GK Questions

Gandhi's Constructive Programme emphasized khadi spinning, village industries, Hindu-Muslim unity, removal of untouchability, prohibition, and basic education (Nai Talim) as means of social transformation. [[30]]

Gandhi fasted against the Communal Award's provision for separate electorates for Depressed Classes. The fast led to the Poona Pact with Ambedkar, ensuring reserved seats within joint electorates. [[1]]

The 'No Tax' campaign was particularly successful in Gujarat during the Civil Disobedience Movement. Peasants refused to pay land revenue, and the movement gained strong support from Patidars and other communities. [[30]]

Tilak used Ganapati Festival and Shivaji Jayanti celebrations to foster national pride and unity against British rule. These cultural events became platforms for political mobilization in Maharashtra. [[1]]

The Surat Session (1907) witnessed a split between Moderates and Extremists over methods and goals. The division weakened the Congress until the Lucknow Pact (1916) reunited the factions. [[30]]

Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a Moderate leader who believed in constitutional methods. Tilak, Pal, and Lajpat Rai (Lal-Bal-Pal) were Extremists advocating mass agitation and self-reliance. [[1]]

The Indian National Congress was founded in December 1885 at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay. W.C. Banerjee was its first president, and 72 delegates attended the inaugural session. [[30]]

During the Moderate phase, Congress sought reforms within the British framework, not complete independence. The demand for 'Swaraj' was formally adopted only at the Lahore Session in 1929 under Nehru's presidency. [[1]]

Moderate leaders like Gokhale and Banerjee believed in constitutional methods: Prayer (appeals to British justice), Petition (submitting memoranda), and Protest (peaceful agitation) to achieve reforms. [[30]]

Pitt's India Act (1784) created a Board of Control in London to oversee the Company's political affairs, while the Court of Directors managed commercial matters. This established dual control over Indian administration. [[1]]

The Indian Councils Act 1892 introduced indirect election to legislative councils, though members were still officially 'nominated'. It marked the beginning of representative institutions in India. [[30]]

The Indian Councils Act 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms) introduced separate electorates for Muslims, expanding legislative councils and allowing limited Indian participation in governance. [[1]]

The Government of India Act 1935 abolished dyarchy in provinces and introduced provincial autonomy, allowing elected ministers to control provincial subjects. However, governors retained special powers. [[30]]

The Regulating Act of 1773 created the office of Governor-General of Bengal (Warren Hastings was first) and a four-member Executive Council. It was the first step toward parliamentary control over the Company. [[1]]

Ganimi Kava (guerrilla warfare) was Shivaji's military strategy using terrain knowledge, surprise attacks, and quick retreats. It enabled the Marathas to effectively challenge larger Mughal forces. [[1]]

The Peshwa was initially the prime minister appointed by the Chhatrapati. After Shahu's reign, Peshwas became hereditary de facto rulers, with the Chhatrapati reduced to a figurehead. [[30]]

Chauth (25% of revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (10% extra) were taxes levied by Marathas on neighboring Mughal territories in exchange for protection from raids. This system funded Maratha expansion. [[1]]

Aurangzeb reimposed Jizya on non-Muslims in 1679, reversing Akbar's policy of religious tolerance. This decision alienated Rajputs, Marathas, and other communities, contributing to imperial decline. [[30]]

Akbar promulgated Din-i-Ilahi (Divine Faith) in 1582, a syncretic religion blending elements of Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity. It had few followers and declined after Akbar's death. [[1]]

The Zabt system, implemented by Raja Todar Mal under Akbar, assessed revenue based on land measurement and average produce of 10 years. It brought uniformity and fairness to revenue collection. [[30]]