History – GK Questions

Answer: All of the above

Bhangra (men), Giddha (women), and Jhumar are Punjabi folk dances celebrating harvest (Vaisakhi). They feature energetic movements, traditional music, and vibrant costumes, reflecting agrarian culture. [[1]]

Answer: West Bengal

Pattachitra is a traditional scroll painting from West Bengal and Odisha, depicting Hindu epics and folk tales. Artists use natural colors on cloth or palm leaves, continuing centuries-old techniques. [[30]]

Answer: True

Madhubani (Mithila) painting from Bihar uses natural colors and depicts mythology, nature, and social events. Traditionally done by women on walls and floors, it is now recognized globally as a folk art. [[1]]

Answer: Maharashtra

Warli painting is a tribal art form from Maharashtra, created by the Warli community. It uses geometric shapes and natural pigments to depict daily life, rituals, and nature worship. [[30]]

Answer: True

The Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon (April 30, 1975) to North Vietnamese forces. Vietnam was reunified in 1976 as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, marking a significant Cold War outcome. [[1]]

Answer: Ghana

Ghana (formerly Gold Coast) became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule on March 6, 1957, under Kwame Nkrumah. It inspired liberation movements across Africa. [[30]]

Answer: apartheid

The African National Congress (ANC), founded in 1912, led the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela became its iconic leader and South Africa's first black president in 1994. [[1]]

Answer: True

India became independent on August 15, 1947, ending nearly 200 years of British colonial rule. The transfer of power was accompanied by Partition, creating the dominions of India and Pakistan. [[30]]

Answer: Asia and Africa

The Bandung Conference (1955) brought together 29 Asian and African nations to promote economic cooperation and oppose colonialism. It laid groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement and South-South cooperation. [[1]]

Answer: True

Zij-i-Muhammadi and other astronomical tables were compiled in medieval India, blending Indian, Persian, and Greek knowledge. They facilitated accurate calendar calculations and navigation. [[30]]

Answer: Bhaskara II

Bhaskara II's Lilavati (12th century) is a comprehensive mathematics text covering arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Named after his daughter, it uses poetic verses to explain mathematical concepts. [[1]]

Answer: Bhaskara II

Bhaskara II (12th century) wrote Siddhanta Shiromani, covering arithmetic, algebra, and astronomy. He calculated planetary positions, discussed gravity concepts, and contributed to calculus foundations. [[30]]

Answer: True

The Delhi Iron Pillar (c. 4th-5th century CE) has resisted rusting for over 1,600 years due to its high phosphorus content and protective passive film. It showcases ancient Indian metallurgical expertise. [[1]]

Answer: Sharngadhara Samhita

Sharngadhara Samhita (13th-14th century) is a medieval Ayurvedic text that introduced pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha) and detailed formulations. It reflects the evolution of Indian medical knowledge. [[30]]

Answer: True

Indira Gandhi nationalized 14 major banks in 1969 and 6 more in 1980. This aimed to extend banking to rural areas, support agriculture, and reduce concentration of economic power. [[1]]

Answer: Fifth Plan

The Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-79) emphasized 'Garibi Hatao' (Remove Poverty) and growth with social justice. It focused on employment generation, minimum needs program, and self-reliance. [[30]]

Answer: wheat and rice

The Green Revolution (mid-1960s) introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, along with irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides. It transformed India from a food-deficient to a self-sufficient nation. [[1]]

Answer: True

The 1991 economic reforms, led by Finance Minister Manmohan Singh under PM P.V. Narasimha Rao, liberalized trade, reduced licenses, and opened India to foreign investment, transforming the economy. [[30]]

Answer: Extensive government control over industry

The License Raj (1947-1991) required businesses to obtain numerous government licenses for production, expansion, and imports. It aimed at planned development but led to inefficiency and corruption, reformed after 1991. [[1]]

Answer: True

After the Anglo-Nepalese War, the British were impressed by Gurkha bravery and began recruiting them into the British Indian Army. Gurkhas continue to serve in the Indian and British armies with distinction. [[30]]