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Which folk dance of Punjab is performed to celebrate the harvest season?
- Giddha
- Bhangra
- Jhumar
- All of the above
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]]
The 'Pattachitra' scroll painting tradition is prominent in ______ and Odisha.
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]]
The 'Madhubani' painting style originates from the Mithila region of Bihar.
- True
- False
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]]
The 'Warli' painting tradition originates from which Indian state?
- Rajasthan
- Maharashtra
- Odisha
- West Bengal
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]]
The 'Vietnam War' ended with the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the reunification of Vietnam.
- True
- False
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]]
Which country was the first in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from colonial rule?
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Tanzania
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]]
The 'African National Congress' (ANC) led the struggle against ______ in South Africa.
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]]
India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
- True
- False
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]]
The 'Bandung Conference' (1955) was attended by newly independent nations from:
- Europe
- Asia and Africa
- Latin America
- North America
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]]
The 'Zij-i-Muhammadi' was an astronomical table compiled in medieval India under Islamic patronage.
- True
- False
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]]
Which medieval Indian scholar wrote 'Lilavati', a treatise on mathematics?
- Aryabhata
- Brahmagupta
- Bhaskara II
- Varahamihira
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]]
The 'Siddhanta Shiromani' was written by the mathematician-astronomer ______.
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]]
The 'Delhi Iron Pillar' is notable for its rust-resistant composition.
- True
- False
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]]
Which medieval Indian text on medicine was written by Sharngadhara?
- Charaka Samhita
- Sushruta Samhita
- Sharngadhara Samhita
- Ashtanga Hridaya
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]]
The 'Nationalization of Banks' in India occurred in two phases: 1969 and 1980.
- True
- False
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]]
Which Five-Year Plan emphasized 'Growth with Social Justice and Equity'?
- Fourth Plan
- Fifth Plan
- Sixth Plan
- Seventh Plan
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]]
The 'Green Revolution' in India was primarily focused on increasing production of ______.
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]]
India's economic liberalization began in 1991 under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.
- True
- False
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]]
The 'License Raj' in India referred to:
- British colonial administration
- Extensive government control over industry
- Land revenue system
- Foreign trade policy
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]]
The 'Gurkha' soldiers were recruited by the British after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-16).
- True
- False
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]]