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The Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur has the second-largest pre-modern dome in the world.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Gol Gumbaz (1656), the mausoleum of Muhammad Adil Shah in Bijapur, features a dome with a diameter of 44 meters – the second-largest pre-modern dome after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Its whispering gallery is famous. [[30]]
The Qutub Minar was started by:
- Iltutmish
- Qutb ud-Din Aibak
- Alauddin Khilji
- Firoz Shah Tughlaq
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]]
The 'Rajatarangini', a chronicle of Kashmir's kings, was written by ______.
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]]
Amir Khusrau is credited with inventing the tabla and sitar.
- True
- False
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]]
Who wrote 'Prithviraj Raso', an epic poem on Prithviraj Chauhan?
- Chand Bardai
- Banabhatta
- Kalhana
- Bilhana
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]]
The Sun Temple at Konark was built by King ______ of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
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]]
The Ellora Caves contain monuments of three religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
- True
- False
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]]
The Ajanta Caves are famous for paintings depicting:
- Hindu epics
- Buddhist Jataka tales
- Jain Tirthankaras
- Islamic miniatures
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]]
Aryabhata calculated the value of pi (π) as 3.1416.
- True
- False
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]]
Who wrote the 'Charaka Samhita', a foundational text on Ayurveda?
- Sushruta
- Charaka
- Vagbhata
- Dhanvantari
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]]
The Chola king who built the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur was ______.
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]]
Tirukkural was written by Thiruvalluvar during the Sangam period.
- True
- False
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]]
Which of the following was NOT one of the three Sangams?
- Madurai Sangam
- Kapadapuram Sangam
- Thanjavur Sangam
- All were Sangams
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]]
Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath.
- True
- False
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]]
Which Buddhist sect believes in the concept of Bodhisattva?
- Theravada
- Mahayana
- Vajrayana
- Hinayana
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]]
Mahavira attained Nirvana at ______ in Bihar.
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]]
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under Kanishka's patronage.
- True
- False
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]]
Who was the founder of Jainism?
- Gautama Buddha
- Mahavira
- Parshvanatha
- Rishabhanatha
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]]
The Swadeshi Movement was launched in response to the partition of Bengal in 1905.
- True
- False
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]]
Who founded the Home Rule League in India?
- Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru
- Subhash Chandra Bose and Sardar Patel
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Surendranath Banerjee
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]]