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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]]
The first general elections in India (1951-52) were conducted under universal adult franchise.
- True
- False
Answer: True
India's first general elections (1951-52) were conducted with universal adult franchise, making it the world's largest democracy. Over 173 million people were eligible to vote, with a turnout of about 45%. [[1]]
The 'Basic Structure Doctrine' was propounded by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
- True
- False
Answer: True
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]]
The Constituent Assembly had 299 members when it adopted the Constitution.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Constituent Assembly had 389 members initially (292 from provinces, 93 from princely states, 4 from Chief Commissioners' provinces). After Partition, it had 299 members who adopted the Constitution on November 26, 1949. [[30]]
Manipur was a princely state that acceded to India after independence.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Manipur was a princely state under British suzerainty. After independence, it acceded to India in 1949 and later became a full-fledged state in 1972. It has a rich history of monarchy and cultural traditions. [[30]]
The Treaty of Yandabo (1826) ended the First Anglo-Burmese War and brought Assam under British control.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Treaty of Yandabo (1826) ended the First Anglo-Burmese War. Burma ceded Assam, Manipur, and Arakan to the British, marking the beginning of colonial rule in North-East India. [[1]]
The construction of railways in India primarily served to transport raw materials to ports for export.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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 'Permanent Settlement' created a class of absentee landlords in Bengal.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Permanent Settlement (1793) recognized zamindars as landowners who paid fixed revenue to the British. Many zamindars lived in cities, collecting rent without investing in agriculture, leading to rural impoverishment. [[30]]
The Deccan school of painting shows influences from Persian, Turkish, and local Indian traditions.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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]]
The Pahari school of painting flourished in the Himalayan foothills of North India.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Pahari school (17th-19th century) developed in hill states like Basohli, Guler, and Kangra. It is known for delicate brushwork, vibrant colors, and themes from Krishna bhakti and Ragamala series. [[1]]
The discovery of Roman gold coins in South India indicates extensive trade with the Roman Empire.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Large hoards of Roman gold and silver coins found in Tamil Nadu and Kerala confirm flourishing trade between South India and the Roman Empire. Pliny the Elder complained about the drain of Roman gold to India for spices. [[1]]
The 'Periplus of the Erythraean Sea' provides information about ancient Indian ports and trade.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (1st century CE) is a Greek navigation guide describing trade routes, ports, and commodities of the Indian Ocean, including Indian ports like Barbaricum, Barygaza, and Muziris. [[30]]
Purandara Dasa is known as the 'Father of Carnatic Music'.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Purandara Dasa (1484-1564) is called the 'Father of Carnatic Music' for systematizing music education through graded exercises (sarali varisai, jantai varisai). He composed thousands of devotional songs in Kannada. [[30]]
Tansen was one of the 'Navaratnas' in Akbar's court.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Tansen, the legendary Hindustani classical musician, was one of Akbar's Navaratnas (nine gems). He is credited with creating ragas like Miyan ki Todi and Deepak, and his tomb is in Gwalior. [[1]]
India became a republic on January 26, 1950.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950, making India a sovereign democratic republic. This date was chosen to commemorate the 1930 Purna Swaraj declaration. [[1]]
The Chinese Communist Revolution succeeded in 1949 under Mao Zedong.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Chinese Communist Revolution culminated in 1949 with Mao Zedong proclaiming the People's Republic of China. The Nationalist government retreated to Taiwan, ending decades of civil war. [[1]]
The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 was led by Vladimir Lenin.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Vladimir Lenin led the Bolshevik Party in the October Revolution of 1917, overthrowing the provisional government and establishing the world's first communist state in Russia. [[30]]
Aryabhata proposed that the Earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Aryabhata (476-550 CE) proposed in Aryabhatiya that Earth rotates on its axis causing day-night cycle and that planets revolve around the Sun. His heliocentric insights predated Copernicus by centuries. [[30]]
Sushruta is known as the 'Father of Surgery' for his contributions to ancient Indian medicine.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Sushruta (c. 6th century BCE) authored Sushruta Samhita, detailing surgical procedures, instruments, and anatomy. He described rhinoplasty and cataract surgery, earning recognition as a pioneer of surgery. [[1]]
Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain advocated for women's education in Bengal.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Begum Rokeya (1880-1932) was a pioneering feminist writer and educator in Bengal. She founded the Sakhawat Memorial Girls' School and wrote 'Sultana's Dream', envisioning a women-led society. [[1]]