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Who is known as the 'Napoleon of India'?
- Chandragupta I
- Samudragupta
- Chandragupta II
- Skandagupta
Answer: Samudragupta
Samudragupta (c. 335-380 CE) earned the title 'Napoleon of India' from historian V.A. Smith due to his extensive military conquests across the Indian subcontinent. [[1]]
Which Mauryan emperor is credited with establishing the first centralized administration in India?
- Bindusara
- Chandragupta Maurya
- Ashoka
- Dasharatha
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya
Chandragupta Maurya (c. 321-297 BCE), guided by Chanakya, established India's first pan-Indian empire with a sophisticated bureaucracy, espionage system, and provincial administration. [[1]]
Ashoka's edicts were primarily written in which script?
- Kharosthi
- Brahmi
- Devanagari
- Tamil-Brahmi
Answer: Brahmi
Most of Ashoka's inscriptions were written in Brahmi script. Kharosthi was used in northwestern regions (modern Pakistan/Afghanistan). Brahmi is the ancestor of most Indian scripts. [[30]]
Who wrote the Arthashastra?
- Panini
- Kalidasa
- Chanakya
- Banabhatta
Answer: Chanakya
Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta) authored Arthashastra, a comprehensive treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy during Chandragupta Maurya's reign. [[1]]
Who is the author of the Gayatri Mantra?
- Vashishtha
- Vishwamitra
- Atri
- Bharadvaja
Answer: Vishwamitra
The Gayatri Mantra (Rigveda 3.62.10) was composed by Sage Vishwamitra. It is dedicated to Savitr (Sun God) and is one of the most revered Vedic hymns. [[30]]
Which is the oldest Veda?
- Samaveda
- Yajurveda
- Atharvaveda
- Rigveda
Answer: Rigveda
Rigveda is the oldest Veda (c. 1500-1000 BCE), containing 1,028 hymns dedicated to various deities like Agni, Indra, and Varuna. [[1]]
Which of the following Indus sites is located in present-day Haryana?
- Ropar
- Rakhigarhi
- Banawali
- Both B and C
Answer: Both B and C
Rakhigarhi (largest IVC site) and Banawali are both located in Haryana. Ropar is in Punjab, while Kalibangan is in Rajasthan. [[1]]
The Great Bath, a remarkable structure of the Indus Valley Civilization, was discovered at:
- Harappa
- Mohenjo-Daro
- Lothal
- Dholavira
Answer: Mohenjo-Daro
The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro was likely used for ritual purification. It showcases advanced engineering with waterproof lining and drainage systems. [[30]]
Which Indus Valley site is famous for its dockyard?
- Harappa
- Mohenjo-Daro
- Lothal
- Kalibangan
Answer: Lothal
Lothal, located in Gujarat, had the world's earliest known dockyard, indicating advanced maritime trade and urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilization. [[1]]
Which is the capital of Slovenia?
- Zagreb
- Ljubljana
- Sarajevo
- Belgrade
Answer: Ljubljana
Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia, located on the Ljubljanica River. Known for its green spaces, baroque architecture, and pedestrian-friendly center, Ljubljana is a cultural and educational hub in Central Europe.
Which Indian state is the largest producer of groundnut oil?
- Gujarat
- Andhra Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu
- Rajasthan
Answer: Gujarat
Gujarat is the largest producer of groundnut oil in India, contributing about 40% of national production. Major groundnut-growing districts are Junagadh, Rajkot, and Amreli. Groundnut oil is a key cooking oil in Western India.
Which river is known as the 'River of Peace' in South Asia?
- Indus
- Ganga
- Brahmaputra
- Mekong
Answer: Indus
The Indus River is called the 'River of Peace' due to the Indus Water Treaty (1960) between India and Pakistan, which has survived multiple conflicts. The treaty allocates waters of the Indus system and is considered a model of water diplomacy.
Which sanctuary is famous for the Indian softshell turtle?
- National Chambal
- Bhitarkanika
- Chilika
- All of these
Answer: All of these
All three—National Chambal, Bhitarkanika, and Chilika—are important habitats for the Indian softshell turtle. This freshwater turtle is found in rivers, lakes, and wetlands across India. Conservation focuses on reducing bycatch and habitat protection.
Which phenomenon causes 'Coffee Blossom Showers' in Karnataka?
- Northeast Monsoon
- Pre-monsoon showers
- Western Disturbances
- Retreating Monsoon
Answer: Pre-monsoon showers
Coffee Blossom Showers are pre-monsoon rainfall in Karnataka during March-April that help in coffee flowering. These showers are caused by convective activity and moisture from the Arabian Sea. They are crucial for Karnataka's coffee industry, which produces about 70% of India's coffee.
Which is India's first commercial battery energy storage system project location?
- Andhra Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- Gujarat
Answer: Andhra Pradesh
India's first commercial battery energy storage system (BESS) project was commissioned in Andhra Pradesh by AES Corporation. BESS supports grid stability and renewable energy integration. India aims to deploy 50 GWh of battery storage by 2030.
Which is the capital of Slovakia?
- Prague
- Bratislava
- Budapest
- Ljubljana
Answer: Bratislava
Bratislava is the capital and largest city of Slovakia, located on the Danube River near the borders with Austria and Hungary. It is one of Europe's smallest capitals by population but a major economic hub in Central Europe.
Which process forms an 'esker'?
- River deposition
- Glacial deposition
- Wind deposition
- Coastal deposition
Answer: Glacial deposition
Eskers are long, winding ridges of sand and gravel deposited by meltwater streams flowing within or under glaciers. They indicate former ice flow directions. Eskers are common in Scandinavia, Canada, and parts of North America.
Which is the world's largest geyser?
- Old Faithful
- Steamboat Geyser
- Grand Geyser
- Castle Geyser
Answer: Steamboat Geyser
Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone National Park, USA, is the world's tallest active geyser, with eruptions reaching 90-120 meters. Though unpredictable, it has been erupting frequently since 2018. Old Faithful is more regular but shorter.
Which river is known as the 'Lifeline of Haryana'?
- Yamuna
- Ghaggar
- Sutlej
- Markanda
Answer: Yamuna
The Yamuna River is called the 'Lifeline of Haryana' as it provides water for irrigation, drinking, and industry through the Western Yamuna Canal. The river supports agriculture in the fertile plains of Haryana and Delhi.
Which is the capital of Croatia?
- Ljubljana
- Zagreb
- Sarajevo
- Belgrade
Answer: Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia, located on the Sava River. Known for its Austro-Hungarian architecture, museums, and cultural festivals, Zagreb is a major economic and educational hub in Southeastern Europe.