History – MCQ – GK Questions

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]]

Answer: Chandragupta II

Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) issued gold coins with the legend 'Vikramaditya' and titles like 'Parama-bhagavata'. His coins depict him as an archer, lion-slayer, and patron of arts. [[30]]

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]]

Answer: Lothal

Lothal (Gujarat) had the world's earliest known dockyard (c. 2400 BCE), connected to the Sabarmati river. It facilitated maritime trade with Mesopotamia and demonstrates advanced hydraulic engineering. [[1]]

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]]

Answer: Soviet Union

The Soviet Union supported India during the 1971 War through the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship (August 1971). This deterred US-China intervention and ensured India's strategic advantage in the conflict. [[30]]

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]]

Answer: True

The Janata Party, a coalition of opposition parties, formed the first non-Congress government after the 1977 elections. Morarji Desai became Prime Minister, but internal conflicts led to its collapse in 1979. [[1]]

Answer: One-party dominance with internal factions

The 'Congress System' (1947-1967) featured Congress party dominance at the center, with diverse factions representing different interests. Opposition parties existed but were fragmented, allowing Congress to accommodate dissent internally. [[30]]

Answer: Swaran Singh Committee

The Swaran Singh Committee (1976) recommended adding Fundamental Duties to emphasize citizens' obligations. These were incorporated via the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, as Part IVA (Article 51A). [[30]]

Answer: True

Jawaharlal Nehru moved the Objective Resolution on December 13, 1946, outlining principles like sovereignty, democracy, justice, and minority rights. It later formed the basis of the Constitution's Preamble. [[1]]

Answer: Battle of Saraighat

The Battle of Saraighat (1671) on the Brahmaputra River saw Ahom forces under Lachit Borphukan defeat the Mughal navy. It is considered one of the greatest naval battles in Indian history and preserved Ahom independence. [[1]]

Answer: Assam

The Ahom dynasty ruled Assam from 1228 to 1826 CE. They successfully resisted Mughal invasions (notably at Saraighat, 1671) and developed a unique administrative system called the Paik system. [[30]]

Answer: Famine Commission (1880)

The Famine Commission under Richard Strachey (1880) investigated the Great Famine of 1876-78. It recommended famine codes, relief works, and irrigation projects, though implementation remained inadequate. [[30]]

Answer: Growth of cash crops for export

British policies promoted cash crops like indigo, cotton, and jute for export, reducing food grain cultivation. This made Indian agriculture vulnerable to global price fluctuations and contributed to famines. [[1]]

Answer: Humayun

Humayun brought Persian painters Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad from Tabriz during his exile, establishing the imperial atelier. Akbar expanded it significantly, employing over 100 artists for manuscript illustrations. [[1]]

Answer: All of the above

Mughal painting blended Persian miniature traditions with Indian themes, Chinese landscape techniques, and later European perspective and shading. Akbar's atelier produced illustrated manuscripts like Hamzanama and Akbarnama. [[30]]

Answer: Manigramam

Manigramam and Ainnurruvar were powerful merchant guilds in ancient South India that controlled maritime trade with Southeast Asia. They had settlements in Sri Lanka, Sumatra, and other regions. [[30]]

Answer: Muziris

Muziris (modern Kodungallur, Kerala) was the most important port for Indo-Roman trade in ancient times. Roman coins, amphorae, and artifacts found here confirm extensive maritime commerce with the Mediterranean world. [[1]]

Answer: Venkatamakhin

Venkatamakhin (17th century) systematized Carnatic music through the Melakarta scheme of 72 parent ragas in his work 'Chaturdandi Prakasika'. This framework remains foundational to Carnatic music theory. [[1]]