History – GK Questions

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]]

Answer: Lucknow

Thumri, a semi-classical vocal form emphasizing emotion and romance, originated in the Lucknow court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. It is often performed in lighter ragas and talas. [[30]]

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]]

Answer: Kirana Gharana

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi belonged to the Kirana Gharana, known for its emphasis on melody, intricate taans, and devotional renditions. He popularized Hindustani classical music globally. [[30]]

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]]

Answer: August 8, 1942

The Quit India Movement was launched by Gandhi on August 8, 1942, at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee. The slogan 'Do or Die' inspired mass participation despite immediate arrests of leaders. [[30]]

Answer: 1930

The Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) began on March 12, 1930, with Gandhi walking from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi. He broke the salt law on April 6, 1930, launching the Civil Disobedience Movement. [[1]]

Answer: 1915

Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. He spent a year traveling across India to understand the people's conditions before launching his first satyagraha in Champaran (1917). [[1]]

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]]

Answer: French Revolution

The Reign of Terror (1793-94) was a violent phase of the French Revolution led by the Committee of Public Safety under Robespierre. Thousands were executed by guillotine for alleged counter-revolutionary activities. [[30]]

Answer: Paris

The Treaty of Paris (1783) ended the American Revolutionary War, recognizing the independence of the United States from Great Britain and establishing its boundaries. [[1]]

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]]

Answer: 1789

The French Revolution began in 1789 with the storming of the Bastille. It overthrew the monarchy, established a republic, and promoted ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that influenced global politics. [[1]]

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]]

Answer: Samarangana Sutradhara

Samarangana Sutradhara (11th century CE) by Bhoja describes mechanical devices including 'Vimanas' (flying machines). While largely mythological, it reflects ancient Indian interest in aeronautics and engineering. [[1]]

Answer: India

Ancient Indian mathematicians developed the decimal place-value system and the concept of zero as a number. These innovations were transmitted to the Islamic world and Europe, revolutionizing mathematics. [[30]]

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]]

Answer: Unknown author

Surya Siddhanta is an ancient Sanskrit text on astronomy of unknown authorship (c. 4th-5th century CE). It describes planetary motions, eclipses, and time measurement, influencing Indian and Islamic astronomy. [[30]]

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]]

Answer: Pandita Ramabai

Pandita Ramabai founded Seva Sadan in Pune (1889) to educate and empower widows and destitute women. She also established Mukti Mission for women's rehabilitation and vocational training. [[30]]