History – GK Questions

Answer: Qutb ud-Din Aibak

Qutb ud-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Qutub Minar in 1192. Iltutmish completed three more storeys, and Firoz Shah Tughlaq added the fifth after lightning damage. It is the world's tallest brick minaret. [[1]]

Answer: Kalhana

Kalhana wrote Rajatarangini in Sanskrit during the 12th century. It is considered one of the earliest historical chronicles in Indian literature, covering Kashmir's history from mythical times to his era. [[30]]

Answer: True

Amir Khusrau (1253-1325), a Sufi poet and musician in the Delhi Sultanate, is traditionally credited with developing the tabla, sitar, and qawwali, blending Persian and Indian musical traditions. [[1]]

Answer: Chand Bardai

Chand Bardai, court poet of Prithviraj Chauhan, composed Prithviraj Raso in Brajbhasha. Though its historical accuracy is debated, it remains an important source for medieval Rajput history. [[30]]

Answer: Narasimhadeva I

King Narasimhadeva I (1238-1264 CE) built the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha. Designed as a colossal chariot of the Sun God, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate stone carvings. [[1]]

Answer: True

Ellora Caves (6th-10th century CE) showcase religious harmony with 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and 5 Jain caves carved from a single basalt cliff. The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) is the world's largest monolithic structure. [[30]]

Answer: Buddhist Jataka tales

Ajanta Caves (2nd century BCE-6th century CE) in Maharashtra contain exquisite frescoes depicting Jataka tales (stories of Buddha's previous births) and scenes from Buddhist life. [[1]]

Answer: True

Aryabhata (476-550 CE) calculated pi as 3.1416 in his work Aryabhatiya. He also proposed that Earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun, centuries before Copernicus. [[30]]

Answer: Charaka

Charaka Samhita (c. 2nd century CE) is one of the two foundational texts of Ayurveda. It deals with internal medicine, diagnosis, and treatment methods. Sushruta Samhita focuses on surgery. [[1]]

Answer: Rajaraja I

Rajaraja Chola I (985-1014 CE) built the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Dravidian architecture and Chola artistic excellence. [[30]]

Answer: True

Tirukkural, a classic Tamil text on ethics, politics, and love, was composed by Thiruvalluvar during the Sangam period (c. 1st-4th century CE). It consists of 1,330 couplets. [[1]]

Answer: Thanjavur Sangam

According to Tamil tradition, three Sangams were held: First at Madurai (mythical), Second at Kapadapuram, and Third at Madurai. Thanjavur was not a Sangam venue but later became a Chola capital. [[30]]

Answer: True

After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta) at Sarnath near Varanasi, setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma. [[1]]

Answer: Mahayana

Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal – enlightened beings who postpone their own Nirvana to help others achieve liberation. This contrasts with Hinayana's focus on individual salvation. [[30]]

Answer: Pavapuri

Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, attained Nirvana at Pavapuri (near Rajgir) in 527 BCE. The Jal Mandir temple now stands at this sacred site. [[1]]

Answer: True

The Fourth Buddhist Council (c. 72 CE) was held at Kundalavana in Kashmir under Kushana emperor Kanishka. It was presided by Vasumitra and led to the division of Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana sects. [[30]]

Answer: Rishabhanatha

According to Jain tradition, Rishabhanatha (Adinatha) was the first Tirthankara. Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara who reorganized and propagated Jainism in its current form. [[1]]

Answer: True

The Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908) promoted indigenous goods and boycotted British products in protest against Bengal's partition. It marked the beginning of mass participation in India's freedom struggle. [[30]]

Answer: Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Annie Besant founded the Home Rule League in Madras (September 1916), and Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded another in Poona (April 1916). Both demanded self-government for India within the British Empire. [[1]]

Answer: 1911

The partition of Bengal (1905) sparked the Swadeshi Movement. Due to widespread protests, Lord Hardinge annulled the partition in 1911 and shifted the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. [[30]]