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Which site yielded evidence of the world's earliest known dockyard?
- Harappa
- Mohenjo-Daro
- Lothal
- Kalibangan
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]]
The ancient city of 'Sirkap' near Taxila was built by the ______ rulers.
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]]
The 'Bhimbetka' rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh contain prehistoric cave paintings.
- True
- False
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]]
The site of 'Dholavira' in Gujarat is notable for its:
- Rock-cut caves
- Water management system
- Buddhist stupas
- Medieval forts
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]]
India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, codenamed 'Smiling Buddha'.
- True
- False
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]]
Which superpower supported India during the 1971 Indo-Pak War?
- United States
- Soviet Union
- China
- United Kingdom
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]]
The 'Tashkent Agreement' (1966) was signed between India and ______ to end the 1965 war.
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]]
India was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961.
- True
- False
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]]
India's policy of 'Non-Alignment' during the Cold War meant:
- Neutrality in all international conflicts
- Not joining military alliances of superpowers
- Isolation from global politics
- Supporting only developing nations
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]]
The 'Mandal Commission' recommendations for OBC reservations were implemented in 1990.
- True
- False
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]]
The 'Janata Party' government (1977-79) was India's first non-Congress government at the center.
- True
- False
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]]
The 'Mid-Term Poll' of 1971 was fought on the slogan '______' by Indira Gandhi.
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]]
The first general elections in India (1951-52) were conducted under universal adult franchise.
- True
- False
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]]
The 'Congress System' described by political scientist Rajni Kothari refers to:
- One-party dominance with internal factions
- Coalition governments
- Military rule
- Presidential system
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]]
The 'Basic Structure Doctrine' was propounded by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
- True
- False
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]]
Which committee recommended the inclusion of Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution?
- Sarkaria Commission
- Swaran Singh Committee
- Balwantrai Mehta Committee
- Ashok Mehta Committee
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]]
The concept of 'Directive Principles of State Policy' in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from the ______ Constitution.
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]]
The Constituent Assembly had 299 members when it adopted the Constitution.
- True
- False
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]]
The 'Objective Resolution' moved by Nehru in 1946 outlined the basic principles of the Indian Constitution.
- True
- False
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]]
Manipur was a princely state that acceded to India after independence.
- True
- False
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]]