History – GK Questions

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: Indo-Greek

Sirkap, near Taxila (Pakistan), was built by Indo-Greek rulers in the 2nd century BCE. It features a grid plan, Hellenistic architecture, and artifacts showing fusion of Greek and Indian cultures. [[30]]

Answer: True

Bhimbetka rock shelters (UNESCO World Heritage Site) contain cave paintings dating from the Paleolithic to medieval periods. They depict hunting, dancing, and daily life of early humans in India. [[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: True

India's first nuclear test, 'Smiling Buddha', was conducted on May 18, 1974, at Pokhran. It was described as a 'peaceful nuclear explosion' but significantly altered South Asia's strategic balance. [[1]]

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: Pakistan

The Tashkent Agreement (January 1966) was signed by Lal Bahadur Shastri and Ayub Khan under Soviet mediation. It restored pre-war boundaries but Shastri died hours after signing, adding mystery to the event. [[1]]

Answer: True

India, along with Yugoslavia, Egypt, Indonesia, and Ghana, was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement at the Belgrade Conference (1961). NAM aimed to promote peace and independence from superpower rivalry. [[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 Mandal Commission (1980) recommended 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes in government jobs. Prime Minister V.P. Singh implemented these recommendations in 1990, sparking widespread protests and political realignment. [[30]]

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: Garibi Hatao

Indira Gandhi's Congress (R) won the 1971 elections with the slogan 'Garibi Hatao' (Remove Poverty). The victory strengthened her position and led to major policies like bank nationalization and the Bangladesh War. [[30]]

Answer: True

India's first general elections (1951-52) were conducted with universal adult franchise, making it the world's largest democracy. Over 173 million people were eligible to vote, with a turnout of about 45%. [[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: True

In Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), the Supreme Court held that Parliament cannot amend the 'basic structure' of the Constitution. This doctrine limits constitutional amendments and protects core democratic values. [[1]]

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: Irish

Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) were inspired by the Irish Constitution. They are non-justiciable guidelines for the state to establish social and economic democracy. [[1]]

Answer: True

The Constituent Assembly had 389 members initially (292 from provinces, 93 from princely states, 4 from Chief Commissioners' provinces). After Partition, it had 299 members who adopted the Constitution on November 26, 1949. [[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: True

Manipur was a princely state under British suzerainty. After independence, it acceded to India in 1949 and later became a full-fledged state in 1972. It has a rich history of monarchy and cultural traditions. [[30]]