History – GK Questions

Answer: Bhutan

Bhutan is known as 'Druk Yul' (Land of the Thunder Dragon) in Dzongkha. The dragon symbol appears on its flag and represents the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism, which is central to Bhutanese identity. [[1]]

Answer: Nepal

The Treaty of Sugauli (1816) ended the Anglo-Nepalese War and defined Nepal's boundaries. Nepal ceded territories like Kumaon and Garhwal but retained independence, and the Gurkha recruitment tradition began. [[30]]

Answer: True

Bhutan maintained independence during British rule, though it signed the Treaty of Punakha (1910) accepting British guidance in external affairs. Post-1947, it signed a Treaty of Friendship with India (1949, revised 2007). [[1]]

Answer: Sikkim

The Namgyal dynasty ruled Sikkim from 1642 to 1975. It was founded by Phuntsog Namgyal, and the kingdom became a protectorate of India before merging with the Indian Union in 1975. [[30]]

Answer: True

The Ramayana and Mahabharata are integral to Southeast Asian cultures, adapted in local languages and performance arts like Wayang Kulit (Indonesia), Khon (Thailand), and Ramakien (Cambodia). [[1]]

Answer: Pallava

The Pallava script (South India) influenced the development of scripts in Southeast Asia, including Thai, Khmer, and Javanese scripts. This reflects the spread of Indian culture through trade and religious missions. [[30]]

Answer: Mahayana

Srivijaya (7th-13th century), based in Sumatra, was a major maritime empire and center for Mahayana Buddhism. Indian scholars like Atisha studied there, and it facilitated cultural exchange between India and Southeast Asia. [[1]]

Answer: True

Angkor Wat (12th century), built by Suryavarman II, was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. It later became a Buddhist temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Cambodia. [[30]]

Answer: All of the above

Indian cultural influence in Southeast Asia (Greater India) is seen in temple architecture (Angkor Wat), scripts (Pallava-derived), epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), and Hindu-Buddhist religious practices. [[1]]

Answer: True

SAARC was founded in 1985 with seven members: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives. Afghanistan joined later in 2007. SAARC aims to promote regional cooperation in South Asia. [[30]]

Answer: World Bank-mediated treaty

The Indus Waters Treaty (1960), mediated by the World Bank, allocated the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan. [[1]]

Answer: 1971

The Simla Agreement (July 1972) was signed by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto after the 1971 War. It established the Line of Control in Kashmir and committed both nations to bilateral resolution of disputes. [[30]]

Answer: True

India hosted the Asian Relations Conference in New Delhi (March-April 1947), bringing together Asian nations to discuss cooperation and decolonization. It reflected India's leadership role in post-colonial Asia. [[1]]

Answer: China

The Panchsheel Agreement (1954) between India and China outlined five principles of peaceful coexistence: mutual respect, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful coexistence. [[30]]

Answer: True

The Battle of Assaye (1803) saw Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) defeat the Maratha confederacy. It was a key victory in the Second Anglo-Maratha War, expanding British control in Central India. [[1]]

Answer: Third Battle of Panipat

The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) saw Maratha forces defeated by Ahmad Shah Abdali. It halted Maratha expansion northward, weakened their confederacy, and created a power vacuum the British later filled. [[30]]

Answer: Akbar

The Battle of Haldighati (1576) was fought between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and Akbar's forces led by Man Singh. Though tactically inconclusive, Pratap continued guerrilla warfare to defend Mewar's independence. [[1]]

Answer: True

The First Battle of Panipat (1526) saw Babur defeat Ibrahim Lodi using gunpowder and cavalry tactics. It marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India, which lasted for over three centuries. [[30]]

Answer: Porus

The Battle of Hydaspes (326 BCE) was fought between Alexander the Great and King Porus on the Jhelum River. Despite defeat, Porus impressed Alexander with his bravery and was reinstated as a satrap. [[1]]

Answer: True

The Nathpanthi tradition, founded by Gorakhnath, emphasized yoga, meditation, and rejection of ritualism. Their ideas influenced Bhakti saints like Kabir and Sufi poets, promoting syncretic spiritual practices. [[30]]